Player interview
Tennessee Stat Book
Georgia Bulldogs
For those of you that think first-year Tennessee offensive coordinator Dave Clawson is in over his head, think again.
Despite the fact that the Vols (2-3, 0-2 SEC) are ranked 97th in the nation in total offense and 106th in the nation in scoring offense, Clawson maintains that X’s and O’s are not his main challenge.
“I have not found the game-planning or preparation or play-calling to be any more difficult,” said Clawson, who was the head coach at Richmond (2004-07) and Fordham (1999-2003) and an assistant at Villanova (1996-98), Lehigh (1993-95), Buffalo (1991-92) and Albany (1989-90). “If anything, I’ve found overall the defenses do less.”
“I find this to be less of a schematic challenge and more of a match up challenge.”
That means losing one-on-one battles is the primary reason that the Vols have dropped their first two SEC games. The Vols play at No. 10 Georgia (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday.
“Probably the three SEC defenses I’ve coached against so far — Florida, Auburn and now Georgia — are probably schematically as basic and simple as I’ve seen in eight years, but it’s the most talented,” Clawson said.
Clawson isn’t criticizing UT’s opponents and their defensive philosophies. He’s just describing the differences he’s seen previously in his career.
“They are extremely well coached,” Clawson said of SEC defenses. “They do what they do; they’re good at it. You know where they’re going to be, you know where the match-ups are, and you need to win ’em.”
That hasn’t been the case so far this season.
The Vols lost to Florida 30-6 thanks in part to offensive mistakes and turnovers. UT dropped its second SEC game to Auburn 14-12 despite plenty of second half chances near midfield to take the lead.
“I think the challenge has been finding ways of creating mismatches and consistently winning them,” Clawson said. “In that regard we’re still working hard and trying to find the best way to exploit those
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Comments » 125
bfowler1161#262198 writes:
So are we not getting the atheletes we used to get compared to the other schools? Are we not as physically strong?
BTW, First
bfowler1161#262198 writes:
VolNFlorida got me.
vol2211insc writes:
Well Xs and Os might not be the problem but the vols have gotta get more plays like the D. Moore TD. I think its time to give some of the reserves a chance to shine. Stephens will have a big challenge, but at some point you have to play the big game.
gaVOLman writes:
Obviously we aren't getting the Joey Kent, Marcus Nash, Robert Meachem types if we can't win the one on one battles. How many players the last 4 years have we had drafted in the first 2 rounds? Anyone know?
Whose fault is it for not getting the talent here and coaching them??? - Fulmer's
vol2211insc writes:
I don't know about the talent level...I mean just last year the pass distribution was great between lucas taylor's 1000 yards...2-400 between Rogers and brisco and late push by Mr. Jones. I mean its the same players from last year on the outside so I guess its mostly at the QB position...We might be missing Erik Ainge more than people know
ncvol writes:
Let's get it together men and win some games......
Go Vols !
FlaVol2 writes:
Good luck Offensive Coach Clawson. We fans have not had much to be happy about so far. Maybe the Vols will jell this game. It would sure be a welcome event. Go Vols!
utclassof1992 writes:
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/con...
Notice anything missing? FIRE FULMER NOW!!!!!!!!
kbart4033#247331 writes:
Coach Clawson is right on. There is nothing "schematic"
about 4th and short. McNeil, Parker and friends have been
blown up time after time in short-yardage and goal-line
situations. Actually, I thought the O-Line play vs. Florida
was decent at times, but was absolutely gonad-less vs.
UCLA, Auburn and Northern Illinois. Now we know why
Coach Cut had Ainge throwing in those situations last year.
Unfortunately for Coach Clawson, Ainge is gone and this O-Line
appears to be very comfortable being less-than-mediocre!
utclassof1992 writes:
We are definitely missing Ainge. I am willing to bet that if you gave Erik Ainge the offensive line that Peyton played behind, and gave him Peerless Price, Joey Keny, Andy McCullough, and Marcus Nash to throw to, many of our memories of Ainge would be different.
GerryOP writes:
Well Coach Clawson, it's your call big guy. Are you going to show "your stuff" this weekend or are you going to continue to follow the lead of the Dean of SEC Coaches? We're betting on you Dave, do your thing!
utclassof1992 writes:
oops, Joey Kent.
amstelman writes:
Admittedly, I've been a lurker. This called me out.
Someone had better start worrying execution ... Blocking assignments - Hand-offs - Route running - Looking off receivers????
I miss the days when the Vols lined up and said, "Here's what we do. Stop us if you think you can!" - and most couldn't do it.
The mismatch was the entire TEAM.
TommyJack writes:
VIF: You may want to examine his defenses the past 8 years a little more closely.
utclassof1992 writes:
I agree whole heartedly. Fulmer got exposed when Rodney Garner and David Cutcliffe left. Even in 1993, we could score 35 a game. Yes, the talent has dropped off, but the whole outlook of CPF has changed from those days. We used to be the fastest team in the conference. Now, we play not to lose. Attack, attack, attack used to be the mindset.
vol2211insc writes:
Yea I think Eric Ainge is remembered way too much for that horrible sophomore season, and that pick he threw against LSU last year...Overall solid career in my opinion. As far as Clawson not running his stuff because of Fumer..I don't know...I think he initially was running his multiple stuff but Crompton couldn't produce...he simplified it and now he's trying to slowly add more looks for Stephens
TommyJack writes:
Is that like a stalker?
invisiblekid writes:
It all depends on the definition of the word "challenge".
IMO, Clawson and company has been handcuffed by having a starting QB and starting RB forced on them despite not getting the job done consistently for 4 games. I also believe he has been forced to scale his offense back to a shell of what it was at Richmond, due in part to the players not picking it up and partly to the "stay the course" mentality which prevails on the Hill.
Go4Two writes:
Volnflorida
I noticed you faied to mention his coaching record or what year he won the Big 12. He coach under Hal Mummie "enough said"
Go4Two writes:
Make that failed sorry about that
gohawks1 writes:
My sentiments exactly.
GerryOP writes:
Hey dude, look as much as you want, but niether Eric Ainge nor Peyton Manning are not going to walk through the locker room door this Saturday. Likewise Price, Kent, McCullough, and Nash aren't going to dress out either.
Fulmer has shown that he can't deliver victories on Saturdays, time to get behind the only hope we have left -- Dave Clawson. Time for Fulmer to back off and let's see what Clawson can do.
Can it get any worse? Five games have gone down and all we got to show are victories over UAB and NIU. Big whoop!
Where is that legendary Tennessee Pride?
vol2211insc writes:
Yea you are right about that...those days are long gone..You know I say give d. moore a chance...I mean yea he beat a NIU corner for a TD but nothing can hurt at this point. And this probably is a stretch because of his stature but how about Ahmad Paige? Stephens needs open recievers because he's proven that he can make nice throws and a pretty good deep ball.
gohawks1 writes:
I agree, but even if he was given the freedom right now to decide which players would be starters, he would be several weeks behind, because he has lost the opportunity for those players to work with the first team for those many weeks of spring drills and summer workouts.
invisiblekid writes:
EARLY bowl projections from Rivals:
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/con...
Take a guess which SEC East team is missing.
invisiblekid writes:
I think it's more simple than that. If Sanders doesn't call a pass play from the Vols 30 against ND before halftime a few years ago, our memories would be different regarding Ainge.
thevoice writes:
Sing on brother! That's what I've been preaching as well. For some reason, I don' think Clawson is getting to pick and choose his players. Otherwise he'd find a way to get Warren, Hardesty, Creer, Jones, Berry, and his preferred QB in the GAME.
txvolsfan writes:
and he looks like Vince Gill and likes pirates!!!
if you mean for our next coach, I don't think he would sit well with Haslim and Thunder. He is a great coach but I don't know if he is a great fit.
It sucks thinking about having to find a new coach.
txvolsfan writes:
I'll take an Amstel Light if you don't stalk or lurk me!!!
xvolx writes:
thats just another way of saying( its all my fault, but I dont want to take the blame). didnt take him long to learn fulmer's excuses for losing.
tenuscvol writes:
good post....you must admit though that with each play now you are excited about what Nick might do instead of worried about what Crompton would do.
GoVols!
Beat Bama!
invisiblekid writes:
Moore has done nothing but make plays when he has gotten the chance. He was the 2nd leading receiver in the bowl game last year and has averaged nearly 16 yards a catch.
kbart4033#247331 writes:
I don't want anybody who worked for Hal Mummie...ask Tommy
Tuberville, who just got rid of his Mummie disciple after
half a season!
orangepulp writes:
Clawson has a decent offensive plan-some would say that it is similiar to Cut's, and rumor has it he won some games here. The problem has been execution (QB) and turnovers. Matter of fact, have we played a game w/o a turnover this year? well then, guess its coaching........
invisiblekid writes:
Thanks. I saw Richmond play a couple of times last year and this is NOT what Clawson was running. Biggest difference IMO was the amount of motion being used. They did have a much more mobile QB than anyone the Vols have at the position though.
volsthunder writes:
How much more Vol Nation are we going to take? Arent you tired of being the laughing stock of college football? Arent you tired of the lack of effort, motivation, and execution by this coaching staff? Dont you want to have a legitimate shot at being in the top 10 year in-year out with some credible form of championship potential? Dont you at least want to have a program that hits the field with hell in its eyes..win or lose? What this head coach and current staff are doing to this program is completely atrocious. The question as to rather or not Fulmer should be removed is not the case. Thats a given. The question is how much longer Vol Nation are you going to support Hamilton with this situation? Are you going to wait until we cant compete with D1 bottom feeders? Are you going to wait until we cant get a high profile recruit to visit Tennessee? Is it that you enjoy the lack of discipline, fortitude, and fundamentals of preparation on game day? I tell you the day is here Vol Nation...your waiting is almost over to become the sewer of college football...
john524#224897 writes:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....please se stop!!!! You're killin' me. Which is more than I can say for the so called vaunted vols. :o(
VOLnNC writes:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-1-57...
Anyone notices that no Tennessee coaches are listed?
invisiblekid writes:
Since people keep putting Lane Kiffin out there, even though his experience is somewhat limited and he has NO ties to UT, I have been offering an alternative who offers just as much IMO.
Jeremy Bates
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php...
A few highlights from the Broncos website in case anyone has trouble with the link:
"Bates, who attended Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tenn., began his collegiate playing career as a quarterback at the University of Tennessee in 1995. He transferred to Rice University, where he was a two-year letterman in football from 1996-99 and was a second baseman on the school’s baseball team."
"Bates began his coaching career with Tampa Bay as an offensive quality control coach from 2002-03. Tampa Bay’s offense in 2003 was arguably the most productive in franchise history as Bates assisted a unit that set single-season records in total offense (340.8 ypg.) and passing offense (237.8 ypg.). In addition, the club ranked among the league’s top 10 in both categories in the same year for just the second time in Buccaneers annals."
"Bates was a key part of the Broncos’ offensive staff in 2007 as their wide receivers/quarterbacks coach, helping the offense rank fourth in the league in yards per play (5.7). A pair of second-year players flourished while working with Bates as Brandon Marshall totaled the third-most receptions (102 for 1,325 yds.) by a second-year player in NFL history and Jay Cutler posted the third-best completion percentage (63.6) for a season in Denver annals."
invisiblekid writes:
Just a hunch, but I bet Shane Beamer knows a little about special teams as well.
invisiblekid writes:
So you don't think the Dawgs are going to cover the spread?
invisiblekid writes:
People can dog Austin Rogers all they want but you have to give the kid A LOT of credit for his attitude:
"I went to coach (Phillip Fulmer), and I told him I don't really know what's going on with the receiver thing right now. I'm willing to help at receiver when I can, I know you all are putting the guys in that you want to play and think can make plays, but I'm not above going on special teams," said the Nashville native, whose brother, Zach, has verbally committed to the Vols. "If you need me to play special teams, go in there and make a play, I will. He put me on pretty much all the special teams, and I just try to go out there and make as many plays with special teams or at receiver as I can. Whatever I can do to help the team win."
vol2211insc writes:
Yea you're right! Do you think its just they are holding certain guys with potential back? In my opinion its true to some degree. I mean anybody can see that Hardesty is a better starting back than Foster. But you know he's closing in on the record so they wanna give him the majority of the carries. I say put the best players on the field!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
"Match-up challenge"!
Coachspeak for not enuf talent.
Knife at a gunfight.
thevoice writes:
Wow. Dude, you've lost all hope. But for good reasons. I would suggest this may the breakout game (it usually happens in the middle of the season).
UT 24
UGA 21
If you indeed are correct with anything close to that margin, IMO it's time to retain a coach search committee. I still have yet to understand the folks who suggest an NFL coach jump (actually "fall") to college. My guess is the best candidate will come from a FL or TX college, to enhance recruiting relationships. USF coach maybe?
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
I agree totally.Briscoe; Taylor and Rogers all put up respectable numbers last year: this year they are non factors; Ainge made all that happen and unfortunately it's not gonna change any time soon
invisiblekid writes:
I think it has to do with the pecking order that has long been a tradition with the Vols, going back at least as far as Jamal Lewis on through Troy Fleming and now with Foster. Insecurity from the top about putting someone in who may make a mistake.
Going back to Moore, all I can say is the guy makes some big plays when he is in the game. Not saying that is enough to start him, but he should be averaging more than 1 catch per game.
kiddtigger#228291 writes:
I'm watching the Wake Forest- Clemson game. Watching Clemson, they're having a lot of the same problems as UT; Can't get the playmakers to make plays, fumble away opportunities, offensive line not getting a push...
invisiblekid writes:
And just think, Fulmer's first choice(or at least one of his first interviews) for the new OC was Rob Spence from Clemson.
vol2211insc writes:
Yeah...Better days with Ainge...I'm really starting to feel like crompton really underdeveloped as a QB...Stephens seems focused and had a good game (Ok I know it was against NIU, but Crompton probably would have easily had a multiple interception day and under %50 passing). Hopefully stephens can continue to go through his progressions...manage the game...and make that big play when its open
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