Audio slide show
Stats
Tennessee Stat Book
Quarterbacks B+
For those who forgot that Jonathan Crompton was a good deep-ball thrower, he offered a reminder via a 63-yarder. Makes one wonder how such plays got lost in UT's playbook. Crompton was efficient and avoided big mistakes. Gerald Jones broke a 55-yard run out of the G-Gun. Eric Berry also had a 23-yard run.
Running Backs B+
It almost seemed like the ole' "Pound the Rock" days as UT's running game wore Kentucky down. Arian Foster and Lennon Creer ran well against a defense determined to stop the run.
Receivers C+
Denarius Moore reeled in a 63-yard touchdown pass. That's the kind of explosion UT's offense has been missing for most of the season. Only two wide receivers (Moore and Jones) caught passes (four for 78 yards).
Offensive Line B
The Vols struggled in pass protection early then punched it in for a touchdown just before halftime. The Vols provided a push in the running game in the second half that secured the game.
Defensive Line B+
The Vols struggled to stop the run early, especially inside, but recovered well in the second half. End Robert Ayers and tackle Walter Fisher both had a tackle for a loss.
Linebackers B+
Nevin McKenzie registered two tackles for a loss (including a sack) and Rico McCoy had one. McCoy was active with eight tackles. Ellix Wilson led UT with nine tackles.
Secondary B+
Berry had five tackles, two for a loss. There weren't any game-changing plays from UT's vaunted secondary but the coverage was strong.
SPECIAL TEAMS C-
Daniel Lincoln missed a 31-yard field goal. No mistakes, but no big plays either.
COACHING A
UT's coaches kept their players' minds on football - no small feat given the situation.
OVERALL PF
For Phillip Fulmer, who cemented his place in SEC lore as one of the two greatest coaches in UT history. He should be remembered for such and his legacy shouldn't be tarnished by his final season.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 66
MANVOL writes:
A little high on the QB grading, but the streak continues!!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
They finally learned to win. UCLA was ours, Wyoming, and Auburn. This team was and is rightly an 8 and 4 team.
BillVol writes:
Looks like Hooker got swept up in the emotion of the evening. That was more of an editorial than an objective analysis of the game. Didn't hurt that we were playing Kensucky, I guess. It was much more than the "final season" that tarnished Fulmer, by the way.
BlakeyWakey writes:
Where has that been all year?
tenuscvol writes:
Coaching A
Coach A++
I hope the best for UT's future and the very best for Coach Fulmer.
He is a class act.
GoVols!
Triton1 writes:
It's really ashamed that some of the (fans) posters haven't learned a thing from THE classiest coach in College Footbal. Thanks coach, this Vol fan loves you.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Seemed like a differant Fulmer, going for the first down in field goal range and differant formations, Crompton running, G-gunn Jones runs left with a biggun bunch of blockers in front and a receiver got open for the bomb. Fun game to watch. I think Coach will show up somewhere coaching next year. I think Fulmer sacrificed winning to being papa bear to the players. Just to close to them and they took advantage of him. New coach may having problems waking some of them up.
hooverd283#563729 writes:
Have we Hired someone better than coach Fulmer? I think Hamilton panicked when no one(qualified and proven coaches) would talk to him. Truth is we hired someone who was out of a job and looking.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
This one, too, Triton.
Thanks, Coach Fulmer, for what you've done and what you'll always mean to Tennessee.
God's richest blessings upon you and your family.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
shipperman#280095 writes:
Sorry to disappoint you dipwad, but this is a 5-7 team
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
Overall PF?
Agree! Rare class on the KNS's part.
seaplane#216536 writes:
Lot of great wins, lot of great memories; but it was time.
vance2002#327500 writes:
Both teams looked like sand-lot football.
The division between the better SEC teams and the non-competitve SEC teams is as wide and greater now than at any time.
Now that we have hugged all the right ones, and wiped all the tears away, it time to salvage the program...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True, the run is over, the chapter is closed, the kudoes have been given.
The page has been turned and the sun will come up on a new era, hopefully of competitive SEC football again.
99gator writes:
congrats on the win.
seems like (didn't see it) the offensive line decided to show up for the last two weeks.
still drying off from the monsoon.
carters_dad writes:
the Tennessean is reporting that Fulmer is not ruling out being the head coach at clemson. If fulmer goes to clemson and chavis is his DC, We are in BIG trouble. That would be his way of getting back at UT. He would sure get lots of our would be recruits and could probably sit over there and churn out 10 win seasons one after another. If bowden can start off the season ranked #10 just think what fulmer and chavis could do at clemson!!!!
hotrodvol writes:
It looks like it was Fulmer football all the way. This wasn't the Clawfense, and I'm glad of it!
carters_dad writes:
The UT coach was asked if he would be interested in the Clemson head coach position, and Fulmer did not rule it out.
"If the right place that has the same kind of passion that the Tennessee people have, and I felt like I could have the same kind of passion there that I've had here, then that's something I would look at," Fulmer said.
He was then asked if he has had any contact with Clemson.
"I'm not really at liberty to talk about any of that, nor do I choose to at this particular point," Fulmer said.
shipperman#280095 writes:
I respect Coach for all he has done, but his brand of coaching is outdated. I doubt he will ever bring another program to national prominence. I do however wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do.
It is over here, he is gone, let us all get behind our team, the Univ of tennessee
MidTennVol writes:
I've written this elsewhere but, with these new comments from Fulmer and Chavis, will write it again:
Mike Hamilton has condemned his name to infamy in the way he has handled what should have and could have been a graceful, respectful coaching change.
First, he decided to not wait until the end of the season to fire Fulmer. He leaks that news to Chris Low the Sunday after the SC game, throwing the entire program into turmoil.
Second (and utterly sleazy, in my opinion), he leaks news of Kiffin's hire on the eve of Fulmer's last day and "Philip Fulmer Day" at Neyland.
"Somebody either doesn't understand kids or it's not important to them," Fulmer said. "I was afraid of that throwing another wrench in everything." Darn right, Coach Fulmer.
Hamilton has completely disrespected Coach Fulmer and his staff in the way he has handled this. (Coach Pearl, are you paying attention?) And I am a guy who felt Coach Fulmer should have resigned after the 2005 season or at the very latest at the end of this season.
With his treatment of Fulmer, Hamilton has completely destroyed relationships with former players. Think Peyton was loyal to the program because he's an alum -- or loyal to the program because of Coach Fulmer? Don't expect Peyton to be on the sidelines of many games in the future.
Hamilton is not yet a Vol, nor is Kiffin. As Chief says: "It's been a long time since somebody sat at the end of the table that was not a Tennessee guy. People wanted change. They got change."
At least 10 wins per season and championships, Mssrs. Hamilton and Kiffin -- that's the Frankenstein expectation of excellence that this staff is handing to you. It's the Frankenstein that killed Coach Fulmer this year.
Deliver consistently and you'll perhaps start a new tradition at Tennessee -- albeit with different values, it would appear. Deliver consistently and you will start earning your way to becoming a true Vol.
Deliver consistently ... or face Frankenstein.
txvolsfan writes:
Not to change the subject 99 but you guys worried at all about Meyer replacing the Pilsbury doughboy in South Bend?
AirForceVol2786 writes:
Well considering the last few recruiting classes that fulmer has pulled in and the fact that Clemson is an ACC team. Not to mention unless we meet in a bowl game, a matchup isn't likely. So what exactly do we have to worry about?
tnbigg writes:
Plus...if he is trying to "get back" at Tennessee...please remove the "honorable" sobriquet forever. That being said...and it was introduced above...great game team and coaches! Hey Crompton...great job! After what we've seen earlier this year...this was more in keeping with what I expected from you. Good luck to Coach Fulmer and his family. Good luck to Coach Chavis and great finish by a defense that stood strong almost every game...as for Coach Clawson...sorry you didn't get the chance to truly develop the offense which you used so well in the past...good luck to you...I hate that you just moved here and this happened...as for the other coaches who don't return...good luck and thank you for your efforts...The end.
DaveVol writes:
Good job Dave. Nice to see Crompton going for the win. By that I mean the runs to get the needed yards and first downs. I heard last night that he had ankle and shoulder injuries early in the season. I am wary of the Kiffin hire for the simple fact that I can't put a finger on any past success. Hopefully his dad will come. Eager to see who the OC will be (heard someone from the pros). Not sure about the Orgeron rumors. What exactly is his baggage.
DaveVol writes:
yep, we get or did get a lot of our D lineman and backers from there. It's been tougher the last several years with SC and Clemsons rise. Anyway, I don't see Fulmer going there. This is out there but MTSU might be a spot. Close to home, and a really nice recruiting base and close to Memphis...
carters_dad writes:
exactly what i'm trying to say!
GerryOP writes:
So?
volsthunder writes:
Agree..Hamilton is not a Vol and never will be..Hamilton hit the panic button and now we have a coach that should be on the Disney Channel. What a joke! While change needed to be made, the management of change handled by Hamilton was and still is pathetic. Are you telling me that trading Fulmer for Kiffin is the best we can manage? More trouble ahead for this program..trouble that is a prelude to Hamilton hopefully being released.
DennisVols writes:
Was a solid performance. UK shouldn't be much of a challenge and they weren't. The same could have been true a few other times this season though and UT failed. Had to be tough keeping this team focused this past week and Fulmer and company did a good job of that.
Congrats to Coach Fulmer.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Maybe the full story will come out someday
99gator writes:
i'm not.
but some people are.
i really just don't see it.
i acknowledge that notre dame would give him everything he wanted.
but, i don't think he would choose to leave florida now.....for notre dame now.
drewt writes:
Totally agree. Fire Hamilton, Hire Fulmer for AD
Let’s compare to Bama. They hired a guy that
• coached an NFL team to a 15 – 16 record
• Won a national championship coaching at an SEC school
• Won two SEC championships
• Won four SEC west championships
• Had a winning record at MSU
• Had a winning record at Toledo
• Was Defensive Coordinator for Cleveland Browns
• Had numerous assistant coaching positions
Hamilton hired a guy that was
• Was 5 – 15 as an NFL coach
• Was an offensive coordinator for two years in what was already an extremely successfully program following Norm Chow (FYI, Randy Sanders had a winning record the first couple of years following Cut)
• Has no college head coaching experience
Yes we have upgraded our program. Our bet the other coaches, players and fans are shaking in their boots.
Let’s hope he does well and we are not on a 10 year carousel of changing coaches.
TommyJack writes:
DaneMan: How can you be sure the leak came from Hammy?
TommyJack writes:
Of course you aren't. Are you confusing "not worried" with denial?
I'm not worried; hopeful is a better word.
khelton657 writes:
Hamilton is more of Tennessee man than those here who are already pulling for Coach Kiffin's demise. Hamilton was pulling for Fulmerto make itlowly , think of the pic in the KNS last year with Hamilton so excited after beating Kentucky, you would have thought we just won the national championship. People are forgetting that Fulmer was in trouble much of last year too. Guess Hamilton is doing what he is paid to do, make the tough decisions.
lindatotenn writes:
I really hate to lose our coach. UT has made a very BIG mistake. And it will take a very long time before we see another coach care and love UT the way Phil had done.I hope all of you people who (are not really fans) are happy now that you have got UT to realease the greatest coach of all time. The 3rd winnest coach of all time. Best of luck Phil I will miss ya.
99gator writes:
i'm not in denial.
look, someone trying to go after him is obviously a greater concern than no one going after him. so, if someone else is trying to hire meyer away from florida......than there is some appropriate level of concern.
i have that level of concern. do i think he will leave? no.
that's not wishful thinking or denial. that's what i believe. i may be wrong (it's been known to happen)
the list of reasons i can make for him to stay at florida (that make sense) is a lot longer than the list of things i can make for him to go to notre dame (that make sense)
time will tell.
the first thing that has to happen (and i'm not sure it will yet) is charlie weis has to no longer be the head coach at notre dame.
pammyvol1000 writes:
Does anyone know if the decommitted have come back to TN now that Kiffin is in K-town?
Savage?
TommyJack writes:
Why the big deal about having a TN man coaching TN? I admit it would be coolio, but not a necessity. Did Pete Carroll go to USC? no. Did Urbee Meyer go to FL? no. Did Saban go to AL? no. Did Stoops go to OK? no. Did Mack Brown go to TX? no.
Having a home-grown is fine, but hardly a must. I'm sure all will agree.
CrankE writes:
Denmark; How about Mikenstein? Or Hamilstein?
_________________
The performance last night sure was a great way to send Fulmer out. Which only begs the question, "Where was this kind of performance for the other 12 games?" Had they played like this all season, then close upset losses could have been wins, blowout losses could have been close, competitive losses, and no one would have been worse for the wear watching UT give as good as they got enroute to an 8-4 season. The kind of mistakes and miscues they made this season earned UT those losses as well as the blowouts. Those are the things you expect a good coaching staff to coach out of the player. They didn't.
I wonder if Fulmer could have survived had he tossed Clawson under the bus back in early October?
_______________
I thought B was right on the money for the QB play. They made first downs with their feet when necessary, didn't fumble it. Didn't throw an INT. Crompton's lone TD pass reminded me of the LSU game in 2006. Where has that pass been for the last 2 years? Sigh.
GerryOP writes:
Agreed... Nice but not necessary...
Bufforange00 writes:
I think you fulmerites are nuts. Hamilton had a mess on his hands and made the best of it. Everyone is swept up in the emotion of fulmer's farewell, but once it all cools down and kiffin starts winning, you will see that ol' mikey knows what he is doing. someone had to play the bad guy and it is in mike's job description. truly, if mike didn't care about tennessee football, he never would have made the change. you should greet change with hopeful expectation, not doom and gloom. in the end, there is nothing you or i can do about it but cheer for our team.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
There's no perfect way to handle these situations. Given the profile of this program and Fulmer, Hamilton negotiated through the landmines about as good as could be expected.
Fulmer's legacy is secure.
xvolx writes:
foster, three tries from the one yard line. what a joke.
cainclifton23 writes:
Crompton is a good QB, I think he will start next year he is athletic, and has a good arm.
He was the #3 QB coming out behind Mark Sanchez and Matt Stafford.
If we would put our good WR's on the field like today,
Jones
Moore
Warren
So Glad Fulmer could go out a winner, I hope he stays on board as something here, in the office.. or Maybe Michigan.. lol
Go Vols!
Go Fulmer!
TommyJack writes:
At last, an end to CPF's promise to JC's daddy.
cainclifton23 writes:
I think Fulmer can still be a great coach.
I think if we wouldnt have hired Dave Clawson then this year would have been a lot different, Just say if Cut didn't leave. or we kept trooper taylor along bored.
IF Phil wants to coach again, he can and will... he will probably bring chavis and a big time Ocoord.
DCVolFan writes:
Sadly, there are "fans" who aren't satisfied unless their team wins 99-0 every game.
Thanks for the memories, Coach Fulmer. I was listening on the radio last night and got chills at the sound of Fulmer's voice going over the game maxims at the start of the broadcast.
DaveVol writes:
Sadly, the new coach faces the same issues that Fulmer did: lack of support before the first season is complete. Some fans never wanted FUlmer to win because they felt he did Majors wrong. Now the Fulmer supporters are dogging Kiffin before he coaches a game. I'll wait and see the product on the field. I'll praise when necessary and question when necessary. I am and will be a Fulmer supporter, but I want Tennessee to win every game regardless of who is the head coach. That means I want Kiffin to win more than Fulmer and The General.
eefor10c writes:
Khleton, I have not seen anyone "pulling for Kiffin's demise" as you stated. Vol fans are concerned that we are getting a "pig in a poke' who is bringing in some fellow family piglets and the old boar, who is the only proven entity in the deal.
You state that Hamilton is more of a Vol than those who who want Kiffin to fail. Hamilton is a Hamilton man. I would anticipate that you were one of those "fans" who hoped the Vols would lose so Fulmer would be gone.
The true Vol fans were the ones at the game last night. Were you there?
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