Georgia Bulldogs
It's an old adage that quarterbacks improve most from their first game to their second.
For Tennessee sophomore Nick Stephens, the same is true for the competition when the Vols travel to No. 10 Georgia on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.).
Saturday will also mark Stephens' first playing time against an SEC opponent and his first action away from Neyland Stadium. But Stephens, who enters this week as the unquestioned starter after taking over for Jonathan Crompton last week, isn't worried about all that.
"That's seven days ahead," Stephens said. "I've got to take care of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday first and get ready for Saturday. That's the only way we're going to be prepared enough for Saturday. When the time comes, then I'll worry about that."
While Tennessee (2-3, 0-2 SEC) still struggled on offense, Stephens at least assuaged some concerns about the Vols' quarterback play.
Making his first career start in a 13-9 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday, Stephens was 10-for-17 for 156 yards and a touchdown.
It wasn't overwhelming, but it was a step in the right direction, UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.
"Nick did a good job getting the ball out quick," Fulmer said. "He did a good job for the most part - obviously a lot of room for improvement - of managing the offense. There's still points we left on the field. I think we took a step in the right direction."
Stephens said he felt comfortable and confident on the field Saturday, both with himself and his teammates.
"I know where (receiver Josh) Briscoe and Gerald (Jones) are going to be," Stephens said. "They expect me to put the ball where it should be. When we take care of each other on the field, we're going to make plays and move the ball."
And despite the fact that Tennessee had an underwhelming 225 yards of total offense, running backs coach Stan Drayton said Stephens' play gave UT a boost on offense.
"We've been looking for a spark somewhere," Drayton said. "Nick provided a spark in a few areas on Saturday."
RB Rotation: Drayton said UT's 50 offensive plays made playing three tailbacks difficult against Northern Illinois.
"It's almost impossible," Drayton said. "We have three dynamic runners in the backfield. (Fifty) reps, you tell me. If you got the solution, I'm all ears."
Sophomore Lennon Creer did not get a carry against the Huskies after getting four carries for 19 yards and playing significant time against Auburn.
Junior Montario Hardesty had seven carries against NIU, while Arian Foster had 18 for 75 yards. Still, Drayton said his backs understand the rotation.
"If all of a sudden we get people in that group going against the grain or expressing some negative energy because of it, it could ruin this football team," Drayton said. "It's that fragile.
"These guys know I've never once, from the day I stepped on this campus, have I ever lied to them. They know that I have their best interests in mind. As long as we've got that understanding, we'll be able to fight through anything."
Crompton OK: Despite losing the starting job, Fulmer said Crompton has handled himself well.
"I think he's had a good attitude about it," Fulmer said. "I wouldn't expect anything less. If he had a poor attitude, it would not benefit him whatsoever. He's a good young man. He's worked hard for this program. Who knows, his opportunity may come around again at some point, and that's what he's got to continue to prepare for."
Texas Two Step: Despite growing up in the Dallas area, Stephens said he's never met Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford.
Stephens played high school football at Flower Mound, about 20 minutes away from Stafford at Highland Park High School and both began college in 2006.
"I did go and watch him in a playoff game, I think," said Stephens. "I was pretty impressed. He's doing a pretty good job right now at Georgia, so we'll see what happens."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 61
orangecountry21 writes:
Georgia's secondary might eat him up alive. Like Pac-Man.
CoverOrange writes:
"Drayton said UT's 50 offensive plays made playing three tailbacks difficult against Northern Illinois"
NIU had 60 offensive plays. Make a first down and you get more opportunities.
thsvolfan15 writes:
crompton shouldnt even be back up qb, it should be bj coleman. i hear that he is a stud
as for foster, i know he has had a great career at ut, but we need to quit worring about him breaking the school rushing record and give the ball to hardesty and creer. im not so sure that foster is even a better runner than tauren poole. besides if we are gonna lose, lets at least give game expereince to the players that will be next year.
and another thing,
WHERE IS THIS AMAZING BRANDON WARREN???!!!
hes a dang all american!!! GIVE HIM THE BALL!!!
and maybe putting eric berry on offense is that spark we need!! we might as well try it!! we got nothing to lose!!
DennisVols writes:
Lets see a big step in the offense this week. It's not just a qb problem we've been having. Got to get push from the O-line so that the running game can control the clock. Stafford has been known to through plenty of INT's when a little presure is put on him so our DB's need to create some opportunties for our offense.
T Martin stated today that UT will come away with a win this weekend otherwise he will bark like a dawg.
GA can be beat so bring some excitement to UT football and win.
DennisVols writes:
I heard a representitive from Coldwell Banker tell people to "stay the course" in regards to the economy.
We are doomed.
Jshoop writes:
Good Luck Vols. Beat the dawgs.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
How many yards do you think we'll throw for at Jawga?
Foster will have 21 carries for 53 yds. Hardesty 5 for 30.
Creer will sit.
utwick writes:
"...it could ruin this football team," Drayton said. "It's that fragile." (Coach Drayton)
There is definitely a clue in that quote as to what is ailing the Vols. If the team dynamics are that fragile, then the team is on the brink of not being a team. I find it hard to believe that all the players are giving their all for Tennessee. Eric Berry does. Maybe the brilliant UTDOC could find a way to clone him.
bfowler1161#262198 writes:
Of the first 3 tailbacks, Creer is the only one who can take it to the checkerboard anytime he touches it. If you want one care for 60 he's the man. If you want 12 carries for 60, give it to Foster, provided the blocking is there.
tenuscvol writes:
Berry, Rivez (sp?) and Stepehns and Wilson and Greer can lead this team....someone there needs to make sure these young men are being taught to be leaders. These guys have the genes or the swagger to get it done...Al Wilson needs to take them boys to dinner and have chat or two....alas in the end some say leaders are born and not made...I see leadership in all of the above....There is a great deal to like about this team...
GoVols!
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Why Montario Hardesty is not getting more carries is beyond me. He is our best combination of size and speed--and, aside from him being injury-prone, it's been obvious the past 2 years.
Foster has neither the speed nor the hands. Creer is a burst of energy, too, and provides excitement; however, Hardesty would have more productive numbers if they'd allow him to get into a rhythm during a game.
rep88 writes:
give the ball to 2 and let him do work. The kid has alot of talent and now that hes healthy we need to give him the football and not to the 260 pound runnin back with no speed that tn has
byobbio writes:
I'll tell you what. They have to change that rule. All those College Football Liberals brought us the Instant Replay and thus fewer plays. They have got to change that rule back. They've taken part of football away from the game. It ridiculous. If we let these liberals change the way the game is played football will not be as fun anymore. The games are just too short.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
ok, after that first run of 90, what about run 2,3,4,5, etc-------thats not being neg on Creer cause I'd suspect hes going to be quite good when given PT but quit acting like 5 yds/carry avg isnt satisfactory--that moves the chains good when you protect the ball and penalties arent taking you backwards-----i prefer north-south running myself but his yards per carry generally works out ok in the end and he gets more criticism on this board than he deserves (just bad luck that his fumbles have been at such bad times)
PreventUT writes:
From Rocky-Bottom Times:
“Hamilton invested in a mediocracy backed security, but deregulation of subprime practices, later compounded by incrompetent play calls, has led to few points, unexpected turnovers, and all time low receptions. Record breaking losses are anticipated.
Hamilton fears the program will lose its support. Internet boards are already crashing and fans are growing increasingly concerned about another ungrateful depression. Fans are blaming coaches, coaches are blaming players, and the players are criticizing unqualified fans. High ranking future prospects are backing off their pledges to Fulmer. Disenfranchised students, now skipping games to paint rocks, have forced a reduction in game-day attendance rates. Ticket sales are down and it seems wealthy contributers are beginning to freeze their donations.
Hamilton worries a multi-million dollar bailout is needed to buy back his depreciated debts, which experts deem will become phooey by the end of this year. Attempts to trade Fulmer to another program at a reduced market price has been unsuccessful. A fund raising committee led by Jim Haslam of the Haslam Family Foundation is recommending that the taxes raised from increased ticket prices be used to pay for the seven-year debt's rescue plan. Haslam also offers a plan to illegally fund a new head football coach once the debt is settled. Unfortunately, this proposal failed to gain traction in the locker room as a huge Phil-i-buster stood in its way. Hamilton's office released this statement today:
'Mr. Hamilton refuses to comment on the nonexistent yet ongoing search for a new coach that he's tirelessly working like heck not to find.'
His secretary informed the media that Hamilton is reviewing any irrelevant film to purport a source responsible for this current problem. High gas prices are suspected. He also wants coaches, players, and fans to know that he plans to take every other step necessary to insure this potential coaching crisis does not jeopardize his job security.”
volthrunthru#658770 writes:
Nick Stephens and teammates have an opportunity to be great, one game at a time. And the way that happens is doing Tuesday's work Tuesday, Wednesdays on Wednesday, Thursday's on Thursday, Friday's on Friday, Saturday's on Saturday, Sunday's on Sunday and...you guessed it...Monday's on Monday.
That is the way to gain the confidence and earn the trust of the rest of his teammates. And the positive folks wll eventually win out, because positive always overcomes negative, if positive is persistent, one day at a time.
A new season began with NIU. Fresh start for everybody. The OL's now have an opportunity to do what OL's are supposed to do, because the opponents cannot crowd 8 in a box, without giving up the big play...or a lot of little ones via passing.
The WR's get to be WR's, instead of watch passes go astray...get to be guys who catch the ball, secure it, and get YAC.
The TE's get to block and use the blocks as the basis to get open for big gains.
And the RB's get to go for more than they have been, so far this year, as they realize that they will have more open field, because nobody can afford to crowd the box anymore.
Get ready. A new season is in progress. And the Vols are 1 and 0. Keep the string alive, guys. You can do it if you want it badly enough.
GO VOLS!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Stafford will come out throwing. OUr running may actually pull this game out. Georgia has nothing else to lose, this is their season. Anything we can muster up on offense will be to our favor. That's Stephens' throwing the ball , stretching out to his receivers matching Stafford throw for throw, making a man out of him. It's there for the taking, like McCain in the election, but will they take it?
FedUpVolFan writes:
After watching the replay of Saturdays game and the agony it caused me.
Noooooooooooo Way!!!!!!!!
Ga-41 Tn-6
Unless Ga has to go to a redshirt freshman at QB !
Then we win. 13-9
gnm53108 writes:
Our defense should keep this manageable.
This Clawfense is going to have to hit it's stride.
Like I said on another post,Vandy is winning with less.They just aren't making mistakes.
Beat Georgia!
Go VOLS!
Vol_N_Texas writes:
Just play ball.
MustangPackage101 writes:
If we can't beat UCLA after getting 4 first half turnovers... don't kid yourselves we won't beat UGA. I live in GA and it kills me to admit this, but somewhere deep inside we all know that it is true.
blhvols#536551 writes:
Did you not watch the last game!!! He dropped 2 passes. He got the ball but could not execute. Say something that makes since and quit running your mouth!!!!!!!!!!!
mpm80#1357758 writes:
IF WE STAY WITH FOSTER HE MIGHT BREAK THE RUSHING RECORN AND THE FUMBLE RECORD TOO IM SURE HE HOLDS THE RECORD FOR FUMBLES INSIDE THE 5 YARD LINE ID BET ON IT
GreerVol22 writes:
it's hard to get ahead of yourself when your playing from behind...
Volgrad777 writes:
Hey fellas , saturday i read an interview with former Vol Coach Matthews. I dont know where my brother found it but itd be worth everyones time to try and google or find it. He lays it out just like we all see it. Said he doesnt understand why the competition would be between Crompton and Stephens , should be btw Stpehens and Coleman. He said its a simple decision and one that obviously should have been made before it was. Also said he darn sure wouldnt have 27 in the game around the goal line and couldnt understand why Creer wasnt getting carries. Also thought the personel management was awful. Everyone should check it out , for all those guys who think the fans are crazy and coaches are brilliant this is a view that is identical to most of the UT fans right now coming from an obviously very intelligent Coach.
lomas98 writes:
With the way our defense is playing on third down and not getting many 3 and outs, we will not have that many offensive plays due to the clock rules. NIU had several drives over 4 minutes and we had some 3 and outs. I think we only had FOUR offensive possessions in the first half Saturday, that does not equate to getting all your backs carries. Our offensive must move the chains some and our defense has to get off the field in key situations, especially Saturday. Our offense is not good enough to be limited with four possessions.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
When you consider the drops the receivers had, Stephens threw even better than his numbers indicate... but the real test comes this week, and the o-line has to step up. I still feel like Stephens gives us a better chance than Crompton simply because he doesn't get rattled when people get after him.... but he still needs time for his receivers to get open.
saveoursaints writes:
First, Foster has been the most productive back because he's earned that position. He's a bruiser. He's been playing for UT for 4 years and manages to make our offense productive. 4 yards per carry ain't too bad. He's the starter, and he goes against the fresh defense. He wears them down, and then you'all have the nerve to criticize him for that fact and put the other RBs above him when they run against a tired, exposed defense. He can run, he can block, and yes, he does fumble on occassion (sometimes bad occassions).
Anyone catch the Reggie Bush performance last night? How many fumbles did the Heisman trophy winner have? I'm sure if Bush were on this UT team, some of you would have something negative to say about him.
I like Foster. He's smart, he's tough, and productive. You cant ask for any more than that. Is he frustrated? Sure. You would be too if you were talked into coming back your seinor season only to be blamed for mistakes that are not his fault, to be smarter than his coaches and can't do anything about it, to be criticized by unsupporting (so-called) fans, and to be demoted by his coach when the coach states his preferences of Creer and Hardesty for big play ability. You critics are just that, can't recognized a good thing when it's standing in front of you. Peace.
bobbarbilly writes:
You are going to a dawg fight on Saturday Vols, and it ain't the size of the dawg in the fight but the size of the fight that is in the dawg. Go Vols!!
"Git up, you ain't hurt!!!"
Madkels writes:
It's becoming evident why Drayton left UF without them fighting to keep him.
orangeinbama writes:
* There is truth in what you say. Foster was recruited to be what he is. A brusing ball carrier to get the tough stuff. I really dont know what to make of the fumble thing. No doubt it has cost us ballgames, but in a few of those games the team was in a situation we never should have been in to begin with. Blame him for UCLA? The TN of yesteryear would have already been up by 3 touchdowns. We still were plus 3 on the turnovers and one fumble does not erase the fact we blew opportunities. That is deeper issue than Fosters fumble. Regardless, either team here (Alabama) would take him as a running back. The Auburn and Bama people know who Foster is, and he has their respect, more so than the state of TN it appears.. You mention TN and Foster is the first name out of their mouth.
saveoursaints writes:
This is way off topic, but it's hilarious and sound's like something my mom or wife would say. Thank God for our Volunteer women. Check this out:
http://pennyheadsup.blogspot.com/2008...
leedsvol2007 writes:
Other than his issues with fumbles at critical moments I don't think the criticism of Foster is warranted.
NFL scouts rate him as one of the top backs coming out this year. In many ways he is like "Little Man" Stewart a hard runner with good hands that lacks breakaway speed.
Hardesty is a great north south inside runner and Creer reminds me of Charlie Garner. I think the problem lies not with the backs but with the offensive line which is better at pass than run blocking.
The best back we've had in recent years was Lamarcus Coker and by rights he should be a junior and playing his best football. Unfortunately he ruined his career and maybe our offense. He would have been the guy people had to scheme to stop.
All of our backs have shown the ability to make something happen if they get a seam to run through and either break or evade tackles. They just haven't got the seams often enough to be effective.
Coupled with the quarterbacking problems the offense has been poor.
However, the coaches have to take some of the blame as well. Creer can be a Coker/Garner like back. Clawson should have a few specific plays designed to use his talents and run them during the game. Sanders did that with Mark Jones.
That Mr. Drayton is how to insure Creer gets at least a little playing time and a minimum # of touches in the game without taking much time from Foster or Hardesty.
To me the pleasant surprise of this season has been the play from the defensive front and the disappointment has been the lack of consistent run blocking from the offensive line.
GoVols!
footballfan writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
PharmDVol writes:
I had an idea last night that I thought might be a genius idea if we could execute it properly, as it would completely catch Georgia by surprise. Let's put Gerald Jones in at QB, but not in the G-gun, under center. Then put Foster/Hardesty at FB and Creer/Hardesty at HB and run the triple option. What do we have to lose?
TIDE29viles9 writes:
great season so far viles
jasonn1970 writes:
This is a great idea. The type of thing innovative coaches would come up with when their offense is struggling. Which is exactly why it will never happen as long as Fulmer is coach. Maybe next year.....
orangebloodgmc writes:
Coach Drayton, are you really "all ears" as in open to suggestion? I know you are not on this web site reading all our armchair coaching "wisdom" but surely someone has conveyed the concept of linemen not sustaining their blocks for very long nor opening holes very wide. If we have only minimal blocking, we dang sure ought to be starting the running back who will explode through the holes fastest, and not do a Gerald Riggs hop to a stop while he looks at the closing hole. Bench A. Foster and start Creer, please.
yeavols#228407 writes:
I don't care if you put Peyton Manning in at QB, no amount of QB change is going to help. The fact that the line can't block and give the QB time will result in numerous sacks. OOOO this is going to be ugly..I feel for Nick already.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Good post! They should have tribal council to see which offensive linemen are the weakest link and make replacements.
KennesawVol writes:
Truer words were never spoken. Good post.
jsm67vol writes:
If you know that it is true does that mean you will not watch the game. If you "know" TN won't beat UGA then it would be really stupid for you to put yourself through watching it. Logic would say its not likely TN could pull out a win based on our play so far, but I think this is a really great Vols team that just hasn't hit on all cylinders yet. The only thing I know is that UGA has been overrated since their bowl victory against Hawaii. Bama showed the nation that. I fully believe UT can beat UGA and with some completions under the offenses belt, I expect this to be the Vols best showing of the season thus far. GO VOLS!!!
airvols#371403 writes:
Breaking news, the Music City Bowl has extended and invitation to anyone but Tennessee.
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Foster is running sideways more than ever, trying to show the NFL scouts that he has enough speed. Time for Hardesty and Creer.
jsm67vol writes:
May have been a great idea in the spring if coaches could have foreseen the struggles of Crompton. Hair-brained to think you can instill this in a week against SEC defense.
givehim6 writes:
2007, the Vols had a lose out west, came home got a non-conference win. Then got spanked by the gators got an uninpressive win. But fired his team up with a back against the wall speech, then went out and beat the dogs. That win seemed to spark the vols. Can you do it again?
shoalcreekvol writes:
Ummm, what's a gammer?
ibvolman writes:
I have to question Foster's field vision. It seems like he stutter steps a whole lot looking for the hole, and I know for a fact there have been several times the hole was there, and he just didn't hit it fast enough.
I like Foster, and think he is a good young man, but he just doesn't seem to be running with the intensity he had in past seasons. Granted, a good deal of that may be attributed to our poor O-line play, but the O-line hasn't played poorly on every down.
Creer is without a doubt the fastest back we have. I'm not sure how fast Poole is, but there again, he hasn't received much PT at all. Creer has played a considerable amount more than Poole. Of the trio of backs in the offense, doesn't Creeer have the most yards per carry on average? If Fulmer said the best back will play, then shouldn't you consider the best back be the one who is the most productive? I suspect Fulmer is dead set on playing Foster for the simple reason of making sure he gets the all-time rushing record. That is a stupid reason to play someone. But, there again, Fulmer has demonstrated a bit of a selfish mentality. He seems to be concerned with Neyland's record, and sticking around long enough to break it instead of moving on for the better of the program. Here is a news flash...if you take care of winning, records take care of themselves.
shoalcreekvol writes:
Starring Barney Frank as Coach Phillip Fulmer...
shoalcreekvol writes:
"It's almost impossible," Drayton said. "We have three dynamic runners in the backfield. (Fifty) reps, you tell me. If you got the solution, I'm all ears."
YEAH HERE'S YOUR FREAKIN' SOLUTION, and it ain't rocket science:
Coach Drayton: "Creer! Get in there for Foster!"
(Creer runs on field, Foster runs off the field)
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