There's only one football.
So it's been a common refrain from Tennessee's coaches when it comes to sharing carries in a crowded backfield this season.
But after UT's tailbacks got just 25 carries in a 13-9 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday, the tune has changed.
"We just didn't have many plays," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said when asked during his weekly teleconference Sunday about a dearth of carries for tailbacks Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer.
Hardesty finished with seven carries for 20 yards. Creer, who saw the most extensive playing time of his career against an SEC opponent two weeks ago at Auburn, did not have a carry Saturday.
The culprit, Fulmer said, was that Tennessee (2-3, 0-2 SEC) ran just 50 offensive plays against the Huskies.
"The clock is playing a big factor into that, particularly when the other team has the ball 10 plays, nine plays and nine plays," Fulmer said. "We've got to get off the field and get the offense the ball back, and we've got to keep the ball on offense and not have penalties that put us second-and-15 and so on."
Heading into Saturday's game (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) at No. 10 Georgia (4-1, 1-1 SEC), the plan remains to try and play Hardesty and Creer as well as starter Arian Foster, who had 75 yards on 18 carries Saturday. Who gets the most carries depends on who is most productive - and not just carrying the ball.
"As we've done in the past, the hot player will play, the guy that's running, protecting, doing all those things the best," Fulmer said. "But they'll all play."
Soft Shield: Saturday's blocked punt - the second surrendered by UT in five games - was a result of Chad Cunningham stepping outside protection, Fulmer said.
Auburn nearly blocked a punt on Sept. 27, and UCLA returned a blocked punt for a touchdown Sept. 1.
All those plays came out of UT's spread formation, which features a three-man shield directly in front of the punter. Cunningham was non-committal when asked about the formation.
"It's good for coverage," he said. "I don't know. I like base punt, too. I can't really say anything about it."
Colquitt Back: Britton Colquitt will resume the starting role as punter after serving a five-game suspension stemming from a February arrest for DUI. He also could take over for Cunningham on kickoffs.
"He'll likely do both, but we'll see how it goes," Fulmer said of Colquitt. "In practice, he's kicked the ball off well. He is the best punter."
Vinson Explained: Sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson was limited to special teams action Saturday after showing up late for a team meeting Friday.
"He needs to be where he's supposed to be," Fulmer said. "It's a constant battle. He just needs to be where he's supposed to be."
Vinson, one of UT's most athletic defenders, did not travel to UCLA for UT's opener because of academics.
Injury Update: Ellix Wilson (shoulder) and wide receiver Lucas Taylor (shoulder) should both be available for Saturday's game, Fulmer said.
Offensive lineman Vladimir Richard's status is uncertain. Richard, UT's top reserve at guard, did not dress against Northern Illinois because of a knee injury.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Tennessee Lady Vols 82, Auburn Tigers 64
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 272
jimmy71#237592 writes:
disagree with platoon, the RB needs rythem, creer should start and Foster should be 3rd down back, Hardesty goal line
JMP_Vols writes:
Doesn't matter who starts or finishes at running back. This is an O-line problem.
If we can't run against N. Illinois, we won't run on UGA.
VolFan1012 writes:
I don't understand why we are waisting a red-shirt season for Poole, and then not using him in the games??
Creer should be our back with Hardesty should get about 10-12 carries, and Foster should remin on the sideline!
rockytopjeff writes:
Somebody better get in a groove pretty early Saturday, The Dawgs opened as a 13 point favorite, Who would have thunk it?
CampVol writes:
Right on VolFan. Our 2nd and 3rd string RB's are just more productive than and not given to costly fumbles like like Foster.
CampVol writes:
Hopefully we'll get to see more Warren. I mean the kid was a Frosh All-American. Why the heck can't we do anything with him?
CampVol writes:
Oh Yea, 6th, 7th and 8th!
VolFan1012 writes:
I am sorry...did you say 13, because you must have meant 31, which sounds much, much more likely.
chrisw2967 writes:
I guess Fulmer will spend this week to watch more film to see who is more productive. you would think since he watches so much film that he would have something figured out by now.Fulmer the greatest film watcher of all time
Ga-42
UT-6
CampVol writes:
One more thing and I am out. I saw that Stephens took blame for Briscoe's fumble for not throwing a good pass to him. Have we ever heard Crompton take any blame for ANYTHING that he has done this season? I think it show a lot of charachter on our new starter and not much in our old one (who hopefully will be relegated to the annals of UT Football history beginning last week!).
Colliervol writes:
""The clock is playing a big factor into that, particularly when the other team has the ball 10 plays, nine plays and nine plays," Fulmer said. "We've got to get off the field and get the offense the ball back, and we've got to keep the ball on offense and not have penalties that put us second-and-15 and so on."
Well, duh. If the defense didn't perenially give up every 3rd and long they are faced with, maybe we could get off the field.
So many excuses. Why do we even bother listening? Is this what we've been reduced to?
Voltillyafall writes:
NOTE TO COACH:
Phil, if you go with the "hot" back, that's pretty tough when Creer when he gets zero carries.
We need his speed and elusiveness since your offensive line doesn't block anyone. This is supposed to be your area of "expertise"; however, Tennessee--during your tenure as head coach--has NEVER ran the ball consistently well against good teams. Too bad its your way or the highway...the only offensive line coach to ever disagree with you--Mike Barry--was fired.
rockitwithrespect writes:
the most productive player plays......... what is that? coming over the hill, is it? could it be? oh my god its COMMON SENSE!!! look out, phil's onto something!
whistlinwingman writes:
Good point! Since the QB situation has took a positive step forward the biggest problem is the o-line now!
Colliervol writes:
Ding, ding ding. We have a winner.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
"it was the clock's fault"...omg
I_Sweat_Orange writes:
WHO CARES AT THIS POINT !!!! I FOUND MYSELF LAUGHING AT THE GAME ON SATURDAY BECAUSE WE WERE HAVING TROUBLE WITH FREAKIN NORTHERN ILLINOIS !!! WHAT IN THE LLEH IS THE MALFUNCTION !?!? I WAS LOOKING FOR TICKETS TO THE GEORGIA GAME TODAY AND THEN DECIDED TO SAVE MY MONEY AND BE HUMILIATED IN MY HOME AND NOT IN PUBLIC !!
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
Hardesty is the hardest runner on the team. He should be starting. He sees the hole and hits it. Creer should be spelling Hardesty and Foster should be 3rd string. Crompton should never sniff the field again unless he takes a job with the grounds crew. (As a side note, I will say Foster has the best stiff arm I have ever seen on a college running back).
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
But then again, there is a reason I am a Health Inspector and not a football coach.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
Tennessee has been picked by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook as the favorite to win the 2008-09 Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title, and the publication tabbed Volunteers junior Tyler Smith as the Preseason SEC Player of the Year.
Pearl will rescue Volunteer Sport on Nov. 3
Colliervol writes:
I agree I_Sweat. Saturday night, I found myself literally laughing at the situation we are in. We were in a dogfight with Northern Freaking Illinois. Amazing how far this program has dropped.
And we've still got some Pollyanna fans who continue to stagger around crowing about what a great program we have and that Phil will straighten everything out. I said in 2005 that Phil deserved a chance to resurrect the program. That chance has come and gone. As it stands now, even if we make a change, it will take several YEARS to straighten out the mess we're in.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
As I sit here and read all the articles on this site, I find myself thinking rather frequently that Fulmer has forgotten more about football than I will ever know. However, that is not really a compliment because as each game passes I think he has fogotten A LOT about football. What do ya'll think?
FedUpVolFan writes:
It's official!
55th in the nation.
Still 33 spots ahead of UCLA!
Just trying to ease the tension here.
Stay the course!
Oh.My son called to tell me Mr Crompton is now writing a weekly article in his hometown paper.
Jon said he doesn't understand the critics of coach Fulmer.
And that he welcomed the QB competition.
Yeah,right.
What was the old country tune???
Oh.Got it.THESE ROSE COLORED GLASSES!
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
Fulmer is full of excuses. He is to blame for not getting Creer more involved.
jt1369w writes:
I still like Hardesty. This run in particular.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVq6mo...
FedUpVolFan writes:
Wow!
Watching Fulmer's pre-game pep talk and it's so obvious the team doesn't have a clue.
No response to the Fulmer's challenge.
Every true fan should watch the sports south replay!
I said nothing else about this team and season could shock me.
I was so wrong!
Sad!
Crompton looking around while Fulmer trying to pump them up.
I bleed orange, but this almost makes me sick.
BNR10 writes:
Fulmer is saying he will start to play the most productive back??...THATS WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO ... this isn't a popularity contest of the running backs.. who ever is better should start that is common sense!! 2-3 and Fulmer is just now thinking of this... this team has NO speed and thats what we need.. this isn't the pro's speed is HUGE in college football and Creer and Hardesty have it!! like Jimmy71 said Foster is more like a 3rd down back not a 1st & 10 back.. he will only gain 1-2 yards without speed and no O-line!!
GO VOLS GO!!!!!!!!
ibleedorange writes:
I think that Coach Majors had it right, Chavis' defense saved Fulmer's hind end again. I got to take my girls, 10 & 5, to their very first game. The Vols won and both girls decided Saturday night that Knoxville is where they want to go to school. Anybody want to buy a spare body part in about 8 yrs ;)
ibleedorange writes:
Now for the not so nice. Who in the blue haired monkey back side calls a time out before halftime then site on the ball instead of at least trying one play to the end zone? Only one answer for that. Also, did anyone else that was at the game wonder why Hamilton didn't get a better fan response during halftime?
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
IF WE WOULD, COULD TURN THE 40SECOND CLOCK IN OUR FAVOR, AND HAVE OUR PUNTER SHINE, THEN MAYBE WE COULD WIN A FEW GAMES. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. AND I LIKE HAPPY ENDINGS. I DON'T WANT TO DISSAPPOINT THE PUNDANTS OR PRAISE THE FULMER HATERS, BUT NOTWITHSTANDING VICTORY WOULD BE SWEET, AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR OPPONENTS OF COURSE.
Grim1 writes:
and you know Georgia is praying to god and so is the Vols.....so who is God going to listen to?
fredrickb writes:
Did you just start watching College Football last week?
debaser11 writes:
YAWN!
Better worry about O-line, D-line and QB. Why are we even talking are running back?
newtonrail writes:
I see a 50-50 ratio in pass/rush, but it is not coming at the right times. I still believe Clawson is too endeared to "getting the ball to Play makers VIA the Pass". Most of the " Spread" teams I see except Florida, are spending a good bit of time under center, handing off to tailback. We need to do more of it on first down instead of second, then forced to pass on 3rd. I said in another post the G-Gun needs to be unloaded or run on first down for at least 2 plays. Not coming in on 2nd, go nowhere. Jones doesn't have the power to run into the middle of a pile. As far as backs, Foster is the steadiest, and gives the best pass protection. Hardesty should get more time, and he runs North and South, something Foster forgets at times. Creer has breakaway speed, but hard to get him in there the way downs are falling right now. For those at the game, I hope you noticed how Richards was out there in every time out cheer leading the O Linemen. Looked like Al Wilson, when he was hurt, cajoling the Defense in '98.
Fireman writes:
What I don't get, is what happened on the drive where Foster racked up 40 plus yards and was running really strong? We were running a quick sweeps to the outside and was gaining atleast 5 plus yards everytime. Than we get 8 or 9 yards on first down and run it twice straight up center and end up losing a yard. DO SOMETHING! G-Gun, more sweeps, quick screen, SOMETHING... especially if you run it on 2nd and 1 and get stuffed behind the line of scrimmage. Horrible end to a nicely played series.
chrisw2967 writes:
this is funny , I found this on a web site....enjoy
Fulmer's House Vandalized
By Moondog October 2,2008
Police are investigating an early Sunday morning vandalism incident in the Blount County subdivision where the University of Tennessee Coach resides.
The police report states the vandalism incident consisted of two dozen eggs being thrown at the Fulmer residence and other nearby homes.
In addition to the eggs being thrown at the homes,two discarded egg cartons were found in Fulmer's front yard.
Anonymous sources close to the University of Tennessee Athletic Department have confirmed that the starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton has been named a "person of interest"by the Knoxville Police Department.
Evidence suggests Crompton may have been involved since 21 eggs struck houses on either side of the Fulmer residence,while only 3 hit the Fulmer residence itself.
Stay tuned to this site for further developments.
FedUpVolFan writes:
Fulmer's pre game speech:"Tonight is about respect.Tonight is about our idenity.Tonight is about TN football in 2008 and how we are going to respond.How we are going to react to adversity."(then a speech about last year's team)...
"But I'm asking you.Do you believe that you can do that ? (a pause ),(dead silence).Then coached stuttered a bit and said ,"Do you believe that you can bounce back.We pratice damn well.We know what to do.They don't respect you. They don't respect that T in the middle of the field."(not sure who the "they" is).Then another speech and finally. "You are a damn good football team.You are really close.Really,really close."
No comment needed.
We now know our idenity I suppose.
But.Let me go back and watch the tape to be sure!
God bless!
FedUpVolFan writes:
We have one hope Sat.and one only!
That Ga has to go to a red shirt freshman as QB.
That's the only reason we won this game.
Sad!
MidTennVol writes:
Totally agree that it's an O-line problem. But take exception to "it doesn't matter who starts or finishes at tailback."
Foster produces when there are holes or cracks. But there aren't that many with this O-line.
Hardesty MAKES holes from what I've seen. He is a bull and deserves many more carries based on his performance (yards per carry).
I remember when Gerald Riggs got injured and Foster became the 1. It became very clear very quickly that Trooper Taylor had been starting the wrong tailback. Foster was better than Riggs.
In terms of productivity, all they have to do is look at the yards per carry stats to determine who gets the most carries.
By that measure, Foster should get less carries, IMO.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
This team couldn't hit Fulmer's house with a running back. The O-line would just get in his way and besides, the running back would drop the eggs.
LongtimeVol writes:
"Vinson Explained: Sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson was limited to special teams action Saturday after showing up late for a team meeting Friday."
Playing on Special Teams ought to be an honor, and not what you are left with if you don't follow the rules. I really like how Meyer handles Special Teams, making it a privilege that only the best players get to participate. They are really good at it too.
As for the running back situation, contrary to what Phil said performance is NOT how we have done it in the past. Like everything else Fulmer, it is based on seniority and entitlement.
txsvol#372416 writes:
If other teams can plug in a freshman TB successfully, why can't we play sophomore Creer and freshman Poole, and use A. Foster/Hardesty in short-yardage, obvious passing downs, etc.? Maybe Foster can set his record against Wyoming! SAVol
rocky_topper writes:
That's it...keep stringing your few supporters along Foolmer. It will be November before you know it; however, Vandy, SC, and KY are not the pansies they once were; therefore, your record-padding will be in decline!
TVT1 writes:
Fire that bum !!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I bet they will work like heck in practice this week.
13 point dog to the Dawgs, huh. Well, in a way, I guess that's a compliment.
Donkeys and pigs flying all around Nashville with Vandy at #13!
Well, at least Phil has the SEC East division cellar covered.
Sitting alone in last place. You go big boy!
Film at 10.
FLVol writes:
Did anyone notice the picture of Foster carrying the ball? Take a close look at the seperation between the ball and his body. I'm no coach but common sense would tell you that this is a recipe for disaster. Oh and I forgot...it looks more like a "ball security" problem and not a "fumbling" problem.
khelton657 writes:
The average yards per carry stat can be very misleading.
The majority of Fosters carries go for 1 or 2 yards..if he even gets back to the line of scrimmage. Then one out of forty attempts he gets 20 yards. This exagerates his "average" yards per carry when most of the carries are actually quite low yds/carry. Average is a poor stat for measuring, the average family has 2.3 children but have you ever seen 3/10th's of a child walking around.
airship writes:
A BIG 10-4 tngeoff.
thevoice writes:
Whew! I've been watching game film all this time and have finally concluded that we barely won 13-9 over NIU. Is that right, or do I need to spend some more time in the film room?
mpm80#1357758 writes:
i hate the new clock rule and shorter games how many times have we seen the vols win on the last drive of the game ? the tv commercials spill over onto the plays ! i know we have missed a playor 2 and ive seen several 1/2 plays after a commercial
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.