After becoming the second team in school history to lose as many as seven games, Tennessee players maintain they haven't given up on their season.
"When I hear that, I don't pay any attention to it," safety Eric Berry said during a visit to East Tennessee Children's Hospital with teammates Monday.
The Vols (3-7, 1-5 SEC) have the week off before traveling to face Vanderbilt (5-4, 3-3 SEC) on Nov. 22. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. (TV: WVLT).
Berry said players, who return to practice today and Wednesday before taking the weekend off, can use the time away from football to refocus for their final two games after losing to Wyoming on Saturday.
"Nobody has quit," Berry said. "I think there's a lot of things on everybody's mind that makes it hard to focus on some of the things going on on the field. We've just got to get everything in perspective, and we'll be all right."
Following Saturday's loss, a game in which the Vols were favored by more than three touchdowns, offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said players must decide on their own not to throw in the towel.
"That's a decision that every player in the program has to make individually," Clawson said. "You make a commitment to do something. The commitment is through good and bad. We have a lot of good character guys on our team that are still committed to the team and are going to keep playing hard. I'm sure there's guys that it's tough on them. It's tough on everybody associated with the program, players and coaches. But you've just got to step up and work through it. There's no other choice."
Another defeat would give Tennessee eight losses in a season for the first time in school history. Offensive tackle Ramon Foster said the Vols are still working toward finishing with victories over Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
"We're trying to win these last two," Foster said. "It's been a tough, tough season for us. We've underachieved this year, and it's something that we just got to keep on churning, can't give up on. That's our mind-set right now."
Berry said this week gives players a chance to relax and take a break from the stress of this season.
Monday even helped a little bit, too.
UT players and staff visited three other area hospitals besides Children's - UT Medical Center, St. Mary's and Fort Sanders - as they have done in the past during open dates.
"It makes you appreciate the situation that you're in," Foster said. "They're very excited to see us today, and it actually brings a bright light to our day and our year so far, coming here and seeing them smile and having a good time with them."
Said Berry: "It takes our mind off of just being on the football field. Things really aren't going our way as you can see, but it just gives us that sense that we are truly blessed and we shouldn't take that for granted no matter what our record is."
Gruden Happy: Add Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden's name to the list of possible replacements for ousted UT coach Phillip Fulmer who say they're happy in their current job.
"I've said it from the beginning, this is the only job I've really ever wanted," Gruden said, according to the St. Petersburg Times. "As long as the Glazers (the Buccaneers' owners) will have me, I'll be here. I've got a lot of respect for Tennessee. I grew up there a little bit. My wife is from there. But this where I want to be and I can only make myself that clear."
Gruden, who was a graduate assistant at Tennessee under Johnny Majors 1986-87, wouldn't discuss his interest in possibly coaching at the college level.
"I don't even want to start that," Gruden said. "I've wanted to be in the NFL my whole life and this is something I'm really excited to do. This is where I want to be and I'll leave it at that."
Gruden, who is 91-77 in 11 seasons as an NFL head coach, spent three seasons in college as an assistant before moving to the NFL full-time in 1991.
He became head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 1998 before leaving for Tampa Bay, where he won the Super Bowl his first season (2002).
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Memorable moments in Pat Summitt's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 73
ncvol17 writes:
We hope that they have thrown in the towel because if not, the answer is lack of talent...I hope our starting QB next year is having a good HS season now.
blitzshoot writes:
You get this performance from a team when you have a lame duck coach still on board. Big mistake in keeping Fulmer around.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
1977 and 2008 is the only two years that we have lost 7...info for all who keep questioning that it should be 2 or 3...
kjvols writes:
How the HE** did we get beat by a team sponsored by NEW BALANCE!
tapeworm writes:
The only thing these last two games will determine is whether or not there's enough talent and heart at Tennessee for the next coach to build upon in order to have a moderately successful season in 2009.
IMO, the talent is there and needs nurturing by a competent coaching staff to bring out their abilities and confidence. With the right hire - should translate into the 8-win standard established by the AD for Fulmer.
volfan4life25#231291 writes:
You would think that high seniors that wanted to start as freshmen would love UT. The only position we are set at is Strong safety. We need to upgrade every other position on the team. Well almost, should be OK at RB, TE, and DB. Every other position is W I D E open. We need to look toward home grown kids that have heart and desire to play for THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE no matter who the coach should/could be.
Laydbakvol writes:
How bout them TITANS!
invisiblekid writes:
I agree.
With the depth problems we have had at DT for three years and the program's history of putting guys in the NFL, I can't understand why they haven't had some kids beating down the door to come play for the Orange.
As bad as the offensive line and QB's have looked, I think the same can be said for them as well.
rickhillal#577233 writes:
I'm glad the student-athletes have kept this season in perspective -- many folks sick or dying in hospitals need prayers and attention to get better. The visits by smiling young men of the UT football team provide healing that no medicine can provide: unselfish attitudes and hope.
Thank you, guys, for your devotion to the community during this difficult football season!!
Colliervol writes:
I'm certain Eric hasn't quit but I couldn't vouch for some of the rest of them. Sure looked like a bunch of quit to me.
DaddyO writes:
Amen. If they didn't quit... then we really are worse than Wyoming... Yippie Ki Yikes if that's the case.
DaddyO writes:
You, sir, mean the Oilers. Now if you'll kindly return the team you stole from Houston, we will gladly give you the Texans in a not so fair trade.
utwick writes:
IMO these children may have directly influenced the players to keep this season in perspective. I'm sure some of these kids could be fighting for their lives, and despite their suffering, they are not "giving up". Lessons to be learned for those willing to listen.
utkell65 writes:
You can keep the Texans and we'll even throw in Bud Adams.
thevoice writes:
In honor of all the Gruden rumors, why not start one about Jimmy Johnson? I'll go first:
A friend of my brother's ex-fiance's dog sitter saw him at the Cabella's store in Philly trying on an orange (hunting) vest.
magnum44_37763#269861 writes:
keeping up with the team this year would drive anyone to drink. i applaud your restraint for not downing anymore than ten.
diamond_dave35#235769 writes:
Im a man...Im 40..lol..the last time Kentucky beat us I was in the 9th grade..Unfortunatly the streak finally ends this year. UK 30 UT 7
diamond_dave35#235769 writes:
One more thing..Vandy becomes bowl eligible after beating us also VU 17 UT 7
blitzshoot writes:
Butch Davis will be the new HC.....
18 DAYS
newtonrail writes:
Even if he does, he'll stay to coach them in Bowl game. They haven't been in a Coon's Age.
gnm53108 writes:
Nope,we bought and paid for em.
They are the TITANS,and we are keeping them.
Well...as long as we can afford em.
txsvol#372416 writes:
Heard a local talk sports radio throat today saying that there are more Dallas Cowboys fans in Houston than there are Texan fans! One guy spent Sunday in San Marcos, and the cable TV outlet there for San Antonio showed the Texans, but the CBS outlet from Austin showed the Titans/Bears game (possibly because of the Vince Young-UT Longhorn connection, but he wasn't playing!) So, I'll pull for the Oilers (er, Titans) if you guys will acknowledge that Bud Adams is a carpetbagger! SAVol
glockjockey writes:
Tell it to the hand Berry.Ya'll are a bunch of losers
HallowedHill writes:
I'll tell you who is the loser - any couch-potato that talks like this anonymously on the chat to a group of kids who work all year long just to play a game. GET A LIFE LOSER!
If you think you're so tough, I'll be happy to show you where the athletic dorm is so you can tell a player this in person. GET A LIFE LOSER!
With fans like you, who needs Alabama?!
lomas98 writes:
Boy, that's a classy post. I don't care if the team goes 0-12 for the next 5 years, they will never be in worse shape than the kids in the hospital. What a stupid thing to say.
Volgrad777 writes:
NCVOL- Our starting QB next year is actually having a great season right now , undefeated , already tossed for over 1000 having played sparingly in blowouts. Running a solid 4.6, he will be ready to go next year. Cant wait to see Tajh don the Big Orange Jersey , i think some people will be amazed how effective this kid will be right off the bat. And yes for those doubters , as long as we dont can Scott and hire freakin Rush Probst or someone then he will still be here next year. That coming directly from him. The only hire we make where i could see him stepping back would be Leach , however he said he thinks that O would be fun to run.
jimr07 writes:
i see posts that say we lack talent and others that say we do have talent. if we do not have talent, then the recruiting services must be way off. if we do have talent, where did it go. you know the answer to that one.
jimr07 writes:
and, the university plane was seen in the area.
jimr07 writes:
i hope you are attending the MORON CONVENTION. you should so you can pick up tips on how to be childish and immature.
Chartervol writes:
Refocus? When were they ever focused?
shane6#638715 writes:
What's the d stand for? dumbazz?
blitzshoot writes:
HAPPY VETERANS DAY!
Support our troops!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Thank you sir, we appreciate it.
For a good look at the mentoring body of work for 2008, I would suggest - tennessean.com/article/20081111/COLUMNIST0201...
thevoice writes:
41st.
jobrando#216494 writes:
I thought the original thought was to go after a younger coach. Now many want the 57 year old Davis a proven butterfly.(NFL,MIAMI,NC) His main problem is still his age. A man this age should be either settled or retired. UT is very very high pressure and would be best served with a younger coach like Leach or Kelly. I also get worried when I hear UT rivals pushing Davis as Mr Wonderful.
shane6#638715 writes:
Thank you blitz... I'm sure dvol would disapprove. Here is what he said to me after posting a birthday message to Marines last night. Of course his writing ability proves he's not as smart as he thinks he is...
dvol - "Please your pro-military rantings to another forum."
What a putz...
thevoice writes:
Funny. How many people actually get close enough to see the writing on the side of an airplane. They're usually 6,000 ft above sea level and traveling at about 450 knots. Of that vast majority, one of them has to be a UT guy. And the plane has to be seen in Philly, most likely at a secondary airport. And during a time the plane is on the ground and in plain view while during on-the-clock service. Then they have to be in favor of a new coach. But, like Jim Courier said on those 1990's Nike commercials, "It's possible."
shane6#638715 writes:
Anybody know the tail number for the UT plane? There is a website where you can track when and where planes are using the tail number.
SemperVol writes:
HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
MAY GOD BLESS THE TROOPS...HOME AND ABROAD.
Happy Veteran's Day...
Agee_Vols_82 writes:
My thoughts on this exactly. This man would bring alot of discipline to this University.
Docrok writes:
The answer to that one is simple! We have talent, however the somewhat decreased from years past in some positions but still there. However they have lacked discipline and good coaching. Additionally Fulmer is loyal to his seniors giving them practice time over freshmen that are obviously more talented and then after sitting for a couple years without good coaching they are rusty and underachieve
VolnPickwick writes:
111UT
blitzshoot writes:
Amazing...freedom of speech, even for those that do not matter. Shame. He should get a chance to speak to a few face to face that lost limbs and loved ones so he could have that right.
jobrando#216494 writes:
After reading the article in Sporting News about Fulmer looking to play BJ but has concerns about his foot work I assume he has been told to play BJ over his loyals. The other two dont even have feet. I remember back when Rohan Davies beat the stuffings out of the VOLS with a broken leg. Lets hope we see BJ before he goes to Duke.
volsthunder writes:
I like that and I will help...a guy thats a VP of a bank here in Knoxville says he talked to an old fraternity friend who has a girl friend who is the daughter of the SID for the Pittsburgh Steelers...who told her that Cowher had booked a flight to Nashville next week to see an old friend who is a Vandy grad..word is that he will be at the game on Saturday
jasonn1970 writes:
He would be awesome in Leach's offense......
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
I'd challenge you find a hunting vest that's NOT orange. They're orange so the hunter can be easily seen and not get shot, and it's even required in some states. So that means nothing...except that he's going hunting.
Hearing the hospital story gives us all a good reminder and perspective...on this football season and on life. I need to be more thankful. pj
khelton657 writes:
Same to you SemperVol, KiloVol, Blitzshoot and others.
If I were in the beautiful State of Tennessee today, I would buy all of ya a burger and beverage.
Many thanks.
Laydbakvol writes:
No, the Titans belong to Tennessee. Payback from when we lent you Davy Crockett and you never gave him back. Remember the Alamo!
thevoice writes:
The orange hunting vest? That was the point. Remember, it's just a "rumor" though. I really can't name the source.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.