Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
Tennessee offensive tackle William Brimfield holds a sign that tributes Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer after the 20-10 win over Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville on Saturday.
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Slide show
Audio
- Vol Network analyst/record-setting defensive back Tim Priest offers some insight on S Eric Berry
- Phillip Fulmer talks about the emotions of the past three weeks since UT decided to make a coaching change
- Phillip Fulmer talks about the changes coming in UT's program
- Phillip Fulmer talks about the Vandy game
- B.J. Coleman talks to the media
- Defensive coordinator John Chavis talks about his future
- An emotional John Chavis talks about Phillip Fulmer's pending departure
- S Eric Berry talks to the media
- DE Robert Ayers talks to the media
Box Score
Vol Vent Line
Bloggers
NASHVILLE - For one afternoon at least, the status quo survived.
Tennessee's football program has been rocked and rattled to its core in 2008, but the Vols found a refreshing blast of familiarity Saturday.
They walked off the field at Vanderbilt Stadium to the cheers of orange-clad UT fans ringing the end-zone deck above the locker room.
"We're still Tennessee,'' said Phillip Fulmer after his next-to-last game as coach at his alma mater.
"We feel like most of the time we have better players and should win these games.''
The Vols won this one, 20-10, before a bipartisan crowd of 38,725 to send Fulmer into his final week as head coach with at least a measure of satisfaction.
UT (4-7, 2-5 SEC) beat Vanderbilt in Nashville for the 13th consecutive time, dating to 1982.
The Vols, who were three-point underdogs, also avoided an eighth loss that would have been a first in the history of the program.
It was a good thing Vanderbilt (6-5, 4-4) got bowl eligible last week against Kentucky because the Commodores never seriously threatened Saturday.
"The energy level from last week to this week was nowhere near comparable,'' said disappointed Vandy receiver George Smith.
That goes for Tennessee, too.
The Vols were considerably more animated than in their previous outing, a shocking 13-7 loss to Wyoming on Nov. 8, less than a week after learning Fulmer wouldn't be invited back.
They built a 20-0 lead in the first half Saturday and preserved it in the second.
"We needed that time (an open date) to get our minds clear and get our minds on football and nothing else,'' said UT safety Eric Berry.
Berry added to his amazing 2008 highlight video with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter.
That, in fact, is when the Vols bunched all 20 of their points.
They won the game with a mere 243 yards of total offense and only one sustained touchdown drive.
With 222 of those yards coming on the ground, everyone was left wondering when was the last time UT passed for only 21 yards in a game.
Montario Hardesty's 8-yard touchdown capped a nine-run, 65-yard drive and put the Vols up 7-0.
After an 18-yard Vandy punt, Hardesty ripped off a 27-yard run that set up a 25-yard Daniel Lincoln field goal and a 10-0 lead.
Four plays later, Berry picked off a Chris Nickson pass and raced 45 yards to the end zone.
Two Vanderbilt possessions later, seldom-seen Brent Vinson intercepted a deflected Mackenzi Adams pass and returned it 69 yards to the Commodores' 7.
With only 14 seconds left in the half, UT fired one incomplete pass then left it to Lincoln to kick a 24-yard field goal for a 20-0 lead.
The Vols never threatened to score in the second half, but they didn't need to - Vanderbilt is one of the few offenses in the nation worse than Tennessee's.
UT defensive coordinator John Chavis admitted later he knew there would be no winning Vanderbilt rally forthcoming.
"You won't find me saying that too many times,'' said Chavis. "But our kids were on today.
"They were into what we were doing and executing.''
Vanderbilt managed only 213 yards of offense.
The 'Dores drove to the UT 14 in the third quarter but settled for a 31-yard Bryant Hahnfeldt field goal.
Their only touchdown came via a route all too familiar to Tennessee. Reshard Langford intercepted a B.J. Coleman pass and waltzed 41 yards for a touchdown with 4:20 left in the third quarter.
That's the fourth touchdown opponents have scored off UT offensive turnovers and the third in as many games.
"They got me there on that roll-out,'' Coleman said. "I tried to force one in there.''
It was Vanderbilt's second interception of the day. Jonathan Crompton threw the other on the second play of the game.
Fulmer and offensive coordinator Dave Clawson had seen enough.
"We didn't want to have a turnover and let Vanderbilt back in the game,'' Clawson said. "That was our only goal and they still did it.''
UT did not attempt another pass the rest of the way. The final tally was 51 runs, nine pass attempts.
"They (Vandy) have a very experienced secondary and a nice blitz package,'' said Fulmer. "B.J. was not ready for either of them.
"Jonathan and Nick (Stephens) haven't been the best at taking care of the football. As long as our defense was playing as well as it was, there was no reason to put the lead we had earned at risk.''
Said Coleman, "We put it on the shoulders of the offensive line and they did a heck of a job of opening holes.''
Lennon Creer (80 yards) averaged 6.2 per carry, Hardesty (41 yards) averaged 5.9 and Arian Foster (53 yards) 4.8.
Receiver Gerald Jones rushed six times, Berry four and Coleman seven.
"To run it when the other team and everyone in the stadium knows you're going to run it is not easy,'' said Clawson.
Not that anything has been easy in this tormented season. At least Fulmer and the Vols feel better about themselves heading into one last week and a final date with Kentucky.
"I'm the proud owner of a game ball,'' Fulmer said. "I gave it to Eric and he gave it back to me.''
"It feels lots better,'' said Chavis. "It's not good enough just to play well.
"At least when you win you can smile a little bit and that makes it worth it.''
When the Vols come to Nashville, they always leave with a smile.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.
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Comments » 485
Grim1 writes:
Wow
volnknox writes:
Interceptions and Fulmer still clapping his hands on the sideline, Can't wait till your gone fat buddy!!!!
hmhawk writes:
How about them Vols!!!!Eric Berry was awesome.Still don't understand why we left the passing game in the 2nd half.GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jobrando#216494 writes:
Butch Davis WHO???????? NC STATE 41 - NC 10
volsbandit writes:
a win is a win, but the quarterback situation is pathetic. just when i thought it couldn't be any worse, it was. that was the poorest excuse behind center that i have seen this year. all i know is our new coach has definitely got his hands full with this bunch. kudos to the defense though.
rockitwithrespect writes:
shows little faith in all qb's
cltvol writes:
Our worst team possibly in history beats the commode doors on their little field with their best team since '82. Some things just won't change. Wonder when the singing group will be favored again? 2050? Way to go D and a little bit of running. QB's = ugh. VolJkelley, what's with the weight commentary?
hotrodvol writes:
As bad as we are, it's still same ol' Vandy.
dfreeman writes:
voljkelley - can you go with him?
ETownVol writes:
At halftime I told my wife, "I hope they don't play to not lose in the 2nd half." And guess what.... they did. Looked pretty good in the first half and like the Keystone Cops in the 2nd half (offensively, that is). At least it still counts as a win.
gohawks1 writes:
Great to win, but the dingleberry package is lacking. Pleeeze beat KY next week.
TNisPeerless writes:
My hope is UNC loses out; and Davis realizes he can't win there and changes his mind about coming to UT. He's the ONLY non-pro coach on the radar that would excite recruits.
Jeremy7679 writes:
Thanks Phil. I hate Vanderbilt so very very much. This is a special win for me.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Guess what - we not lose.
volsbandit writes:
i'm still gagging over the qb situation...:+(
orangebloodgmc writes:
I can only remember us throwing 1 pass to a tight end. Did we throw any at all to Briscoe, Hancock or L.Taylor?
blitzshoot writes:
Rutgers HC Schiano would be a great selection.
Go4Two writes:
Remember coach Fulmer is the Head coach of the defense also. The QB's have played terrible this year and the new OC has not been effective. The SEC is tough if you have problem at QB you cannot hide. Look at Auburn we know Tommy is a good coach but he made a mistake in his OC hire. My guess is Auburn will not fire him
john#208876 writes:
It's always good to beat Vandy! Offense was pitiful yet again except that the O-line got some push and the run game showed up finally. You can't lay it all on the players, our offensive coaching is just lacking.
Remember, if you can't say something good about UT say something bad about Vandy, Coach Cafego would want it that way! GO VOLS!!!
rabidvol1998 writes:
Do you know anything about football. They only way we lose in the second half is to pass. As a matter of fact, we would have beat Wyoming if we didn't pass.
George Bush would call it strategery.
orangebloodgmc writes:
I hope next week we do not announce who will start at qb; let KY guess who to prepare for. Then start Stephens or Coleman and alternate the other.
arkvol writes:
I'd like to see a couple of stats.
1. How many passing attempts downfield.
2. How many passing attempts downfield and down the middle.
I can't remember seeing one post pattern all year. A long interception on 3rd down can be as good as a punt in many situations. It's like this offensive system is just plain "offensive".
hillsborovol writes:
I guess we shouldn't complain too much with a win, given how we've played in the other games this year. But... If you are playing a freshman QB (or any QB for that matter), you have to throw on first down once in awhile. It can't always be on 2nd or 3rd and long and let a good defense know what is coming.
arkvol writes:
Another idea.... Couldn't we just line the defense up on offense and have a much better chance of having an offense???
CoverOrange writes:
Not sure but I think Taylor was the intended on both ints. Rogers caught one and turned into a first down (how about that Naffy?).
CoverOrange writes:
Interesting stat: 4 different QBs only one of them completes a pass to his own team.
DennisVols writes:
Ran a gimick game. Changing the qb every sanp with Jones, Berry, BJ and even Crompton really messed up any flow. A win is a win but this was no way to see if BJ could be the better qb. Then again maybe that was the plan. If Coleman showed up Crompton & Stephens then even more questions about the decisions that where made this year.
LakeMaryFLVol writes:
Thank you very much Vols for a nice afternoon and enjoyable win.
volsbandit writes:
agree...the whole defense actually looks like an offense on an interception return.
CoverOrange writes:
Anybody else think Brent Vinson ran out gas at about the 30 yard line?
echapin writes:
BJ Coleman threw a nice pass to Lucas Taylor in the 1st? 2nd? ... but it was called back for illegal formation.
Go4Two writes:
Amen LSU QB just threw his 7th int for a touchdown...Sometimes new QB's play bad even on the defending NC..
DennisVols writes:
As my coaches used to say "the bear jumped on your back". That sudden feeling that your legs just gain about 50 lbs each.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
You got what you want, so it's time to show a little class by showing some respect during a difficult time.
(BTW, I don't know what the big deal you all are making out of the clapping. It's not always done out of approval, but as a "c'mon let's go" encouragement. It's stupid to complain and misread that action.)
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
U R AN I-D-I-O-T
MidTennVol writes:
You obviously enjoy displaying your ignorance about coaching and motivating a college football team.
And I would pay good money to see you call Coach Fulmer childish names in front of just one of his players.
In a few years, you will realize just how good we've had it at Tennessee under Coach Fulmer.
BTW, I was calling for Coach Fulmer to leave way back in 2005. But I did it with respect.
gohawks1 writes:
Passes? We don't need no stinkin' passes.
djohnnyg writes:
You know I'm glad that Phil is stepping down, but I am sick and tired of the "Fat Phil" jokes, and the "go eat another donut" lines, and all the personal attacks against this guy. As UT fans, you should be ashamed.
Fulmer will go down as a legend in UT lore. The reason you have such high expectations of the Vols in the first place is because of what Phil has helped to create the past 17 years.
I have been saying that it is time for a change for a while now. Always losing to Fla. and Ga. and Bama (recently), shows that we needed new blood, but the personal attacks about his weight etc. are completely uncalled for in regard to Fulmer. Years down the line, his contribution to Tennessee football will be used as a benchmark for every coach that comes down the pike at UT.
Put this in perspective: He had TWO (2) losing seasons at UT. Say what u want, but he did win a National Championship. That championship is something that can be referenced with pride for decades to come, and his overall record is spectacular, and SHOULD be a source of pride for all of us Vol fans. Even though it has dropped the past few years, Phil Fulmer will go down in Tennessee lore as the legend he is. I think the personal attacks are totally uncalled for, for a coach with his record, and his devotion to Tenn. football.
Just my opinion.
ctownvol writes:
I noticed that too. I even pointed it out on the thread that was going on during the game. There was a play in the 4th quarter (I think) where he came off the field and was shown on the sidelines stretching. Looked like he may have had some issues with cramps.
garyfmtn writes:
He said he did during the post game interview with Priest.....
bustervols writes:
Typical.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
djohnnyg: agreed 100%. thanks.
gohawks1 writes:
djohnnyg - agree on the insults. He's a great guy, but it is time for a change. No need for the personal attacks. Let's look ahead, guys.
GO VOLS!
rab writes:
I totally agree leave the personal side out of it.
gohawks1 writes:
2nd quarter: Ole Miss 14, LSU 3.
murrayvol writes:
It won't help.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Isn't it clear by now? We just don't have a good QB or OL situation. The dents have been showing up one way or another all year.
Crompton had Cut working with him for two years. Crompton was a 5 star recruit and as far as Phil or anyone else knew he was the heir apparent to Ainge. Simply, he turned out to be a bust. Is that Clawson's fault? Is that Fulmer's fault? Blame it on not coaching em up, but maybe, just maybe this kid was a head case from the get go and no amount of coaching could save him. It happens.
I'm not excusing Fulmer, Clawson, Crompton, Stephens, or Coleman or anyone else for this season. There has to be accountability somewhere.
I just feel that we, as fans, have reacted emotionally since 2005. Many of us have had our minds made up with no intentions of looking from all angles at the situation. We've fired a coach who has put up a record of winning roughly 3 out of every 4 games he's coached. He's not getting the job done lately for certain and I won't argue that his time was up.
I just feel, at the very least, that Phil Fulmer has earned one thing from us fans...and that is a civil, respectful, celebratory divorce. I can think of no other position in this world that engenders as much hate and discontent when performance is down as coaching Tennessee football! (save perhaps President of the United States or an investment manager who's lost someone's retirement savings.)
Anyway, we're upon the last week of his career here. The KY game is next weekend. I'm gonna be in Knoxville and I'm going to clap when Phil Fulmer runs through the T. I'm going to be sad to see a chapter of UT football ending, though I know it has run its course. I truly hope the next guy that roams the sidelines is half the coach PF is/was.
murrayvol writes:
We sure as hell didn't throw any to Warren.
ps11824 writes:
To all you doubters young and old,
Those who revel in the black & gold,
Here's the tale that I'm stickin' to;
We ain't got squat, but we beat you.
Yea, we gotcha on a real cold day,
A day when things didn't go your way.
It's all you Commies I'm talkin' to.
We ain't got squat, but we beat you.
Now I ain't braggin'; we ain't got much,
Very little runnin', passin' and such.
Our coach is leavin'. Some's feeling blue.
The rest is giddy 'cause we beat you!
We won't be bowlin'. We might watch you.
Maybe we'll join in a cheer or two.
Tennessee folks are fickled at best.
Just don't ask us to pass a test...
We gotta get a QB to pass the ball.
We gotta get a coach to make a call.
Heck, we done won us a game or two.
We couldn't beat Bama, but we beat you!
But we'll give props to the black & gold,
But the '08 season, a bitter tale told
Of the game we survived on 11/22
When we didn't have squat, but we beat you!
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
The reason Phil and the deer in headights (Dave Clawson) stopped allowing Coleman to throw...is because if he would have thrown 5 more passes one of them would have been picked off and returned....Chavis saved the win today....
Imagine if Nick Stephens would have got to play with Creer in the backfield as oppased to Foster who packed it after the Wisconsin game...UT saw what a running game can do...
press Release: Crompton to transfer
Stephens still beats Coleman out in the Spring...
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