Tennessee Stat Book
Dave Hooker audio
Two offensive starters are questionable for Saturday’s game against No. 2 Alabama, while key defensive tackle Walter Fisher is probable.
The availability of guard Anthony Parker and wide receiver Gerald Jones is uncertain after each sustained a high-ankle sprain in the first quarter of UT’s 34-3 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday night.
Parker, a preseason All-SEC and All-American selection by several publications, has started the last 20 games in which he has played and 33 games overall.
“We’ve got to get Cory Sullins and Jarrod Shaw and everybody else up to speed to get those guys ready,” UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Sunday night. “Right now, we’ve played with five or six guys — most people do, actually, six or seven — cross your fingers and hope nobody gets hurt in the ballgame.”
Without Parker, junior Jacques McClendon stepped in at guard after Vladimir Richard earned his first career start at guard.
UT stayed with the same five players on the line from the time of Parker’s injury until its final two offensive plays of the game.
Fulmer also said the Vols will continue with more contact work in practice this week, much like it did to prepare for the Bulldogs.
“I think that’s how you need to practice,” offensive coordinator Clawson said following the game Saturday. “I really think that if you’re going to be a physical football team, at times your practice has to be physical.”
Jones, meanwhile, has started all seven games this season and became UT’s punt returner after the season-opener at UCLA. He was injured returning a punt.
Entering Saturday’s game, Jones was UT’s leading receiver with 19 catches for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He also occassionaly lines up at quarterback in the G-Gun package.
Fulmer said, “A couple of other guys” have run the same package in practice, including safety Eric Berry.
“Anytime you lose a good player, whether it’s him (Jones) or Parker or not having Walter Fisher out there, it makes a difference,” Fulmer said. “But those guys stepped up and did a good job in his absence. We’re hopeful he’ll (Jones) be back for this weekend, but we’ll see.”
Fisher missed Saturday’s game after sustaining a toe injury the week before against Georgia.
His absence meant more snaps for Dan Williams and Demonte’ Bolden at defensive tackle. Converted end Andre Mathis played early and made a career-high four tackles against the Bulldogs.
No Cody: Alabama’s mammoth nose tackle — 6-foot-5, 365-pound Terrence Cody — is expected to miss Saturday’s game after suffering a knee injury in the Crimson Tide’s victory over Ole Miss.
Fulmer said he didn’t think Alabama would drop off much defensively without its run-stopping tackle.
“I don’t know how much it would change them, if at all,” Fulmer said. “He’s certainly a guy that you have to worry about if he’s in there. But they’ve got a bunch of those guys.”
Redshirt freshman Josh Chapman, who has rotated with Cody all season, will likely start at nose tackle.
Moore Like a Starter: Sophomore receiver Denarius Moore has caught a pass for 45 yards or longer in each of UT’s last three games.
Despite coming off the bench, Fulmer said he considers Moore, who ranks third on the team with 195 receiving yards, a starter.
“He’s playing with great energy and confidence right now,” Fulmer said. “We’re awful proud of how he’s approached the game.”
Foster ‘Just Fine’: Fulmer praised tailback Arian Foster, who rushed for 40 yards on 11 carries against Mississippi State, including UT’s long rush of 19 yards.
“Arian had some nice plays in the ballgame,” Fulmer said. “A couple nice runs and he did did a really good job route-running and pass-protecting. I think Arian’s doing just fine.”
Fulmer also said UT’s tailback rotation — with Foster starting followed by Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer entering the game on successive series — would remain the plan this week against Alabama.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 96
threehundredbowler writes:
with or without the two offensive starters for Alabama,we will be hard pressed to just make a good showing against the hated Tide.Alabama 27 Tennessee10.
bubbanator21 writes:
I'm glad we're finally having more physical practices after about 10 years of fan complaints. Creer should get the start at tailback tho'. I don't think getting someone a career rushing record should come before the best player getting the start. This is another 'Must Win' for Fulmer. Saturday gave the UT program a good win it hasn't seen since last year. A loss to Alabama would make everyone realize we were only playing Mississippi State.
bubbanator21 writes:
Barring more defensive TD's I'd say your close. I'm afraid it may be more embarrassing than last year. If that's possible.
tnbigg writes:
Agree.
hotrodvol writes:
Last years game was the straw that broke the camels back, I quit defending Coach Fulmer, after that beat down. Another embarassing loss will not go over to well in BIG ORANGE COUNTRY.
SO, GO VOLS, BEAT BAMA! My heart says, UT21-Bama17, my head says, Bama31-UT13...
Ironcity writes:
When I first read the article I thought it was Alabama's QB Parker and UA's WR Jones that were hurt. If that had been the case I would have felt a lot better about the game.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Agreed, that FRESHMAN WR is sensational. Man, we can't go to sleep on him.
Coffee is a good back, but fumbles some. Never heard of that.
My aprehension stems from the fact both their D and O lines are terrific.
We cannot turn the ball over or let them hang on Stephens like Christmas ornaments.
This is without a doubt the best team we will play.
Thank goodness Colquitt is kicking the air out of the ball.
On we go. This may not be purty.
Volsfan75 writes:
Cody is a very important cog in the middle of the defense. The game will be close without him in the ballgame.
britt writes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xWv8t...
codys backups
tenuscvol writes:
I can't beleive its here already...
Just fight with all you have and NO PENALTIES!!!
(Unless your burnt by Jones then grab him and don't let go...also, please make sure JPW's last trip to Neyland is one he'll never forget and there is sufficient quantity of grass stain on his backside.)
Please win this one and you will be endeared into UT football lore and legend forever....just get goosebumps thinkin about it....
Good Luck!! We could sure use this one...
GoVols!
CoverOrange writes:
Foster had 40 yards on 11 carries. One carry was 19 yards. Do the math. That's 10 carries for 21 yards. Yeah, Arian's doing just fine.
Like you, hotrod, last year's debacle in Tuscaloosa snapped that camel clean in half for me.
TommyJack writes:
I'm hoping, but realistically, I can't see us generating enough offense to beat these guys. They will put up mucho points.
volbald writes:
Have no fear. Now that the boys know how hard they have to play to win an SEC game, we'll surprise Ala. It's too bad that we have to start every season, including next year, with 2-4 losses. We should be able to close out this ruination of a season with successive wins so the coaches will get the automatic contract extension and start the mediocre merry-go around again next year. UF has our number every season and UGA every other year. After he gets another superstar recruiting class, Sabin will have our number.
TommyJack writes:
Well Bald, I hope you're right about the game. But 8 wins?
hotrodvol writes:
Chucky's team sealed another win tonight, and he still doesn't look happy. LOL
If the 5 million dollar rumor is true he will be in Knoxville next year, who knows...
BillsBrother writes:
We will need 24 points.
I think a score from the D or special teams are a must for us to win.
newtonrail writes:
I personally saw my first Bama game in '56. They will always be our biggest rival to me. I don't like Florida, and hate to lose to Georgia. But Bama still is special. Lived in the state 3 different times, and listened to their phooey, when they weren't attacking Auburn fans. Fulmer will have them up for this one. Having never been fully in Fulmer's corner account of Majors, I have vacillated on the haters wanting his dismissal.. Being a season ticket holder for the 4 decades I've been back in the State, I think my opinion is valid. At this point he should be allowed to come back for at least one more year. To give Clawson a chance for this offense to Gel. Frankly Fulmer's loyalty to Crompton, whose inexplicable meltdown caused the tailspin of this season, got us where we are. Our Offense is about where we would normally be at the first game had Stephens been the starter in Fall camp. With at least the 7th ranked recruiting class, that we can't hold with Fulmer gone, we need to wait through 2009. I wish Fulmer would negotiate down the buyout in exchange for that, but I guess that's wishful thinking. In this economic climate dollars count, and the same towel dispenser in Rest Room Section Q hasn't worked in 7 years. I'd rather see things fixed than pay Fulmer to sit in Wyoming, if there's a reasonble chance of coming out of this hole. Joe Pa was in much worse hole than this, and he's sitting up in a booth watching Assistants pad his wins.
xvolx writes:
this team is in deeper than ankle deep.
GtotheGrizzle writes:
Can we quite the crying about CPF...he's not going anywhere anytime soon unless he decides to do so. The man put the vols back on the map(nationally) in the 90's...something that hasn't been done since the 50's. It's more of a d@mn if you do and d@mned don't. The only "kool-aid" drinkers here are the fire foolmore fanatics who should realise that he's coming off a shared title in the East last year and Hamilton wont take such a gamble on replacing him. This isn't a Pearl replacing Peterson type deal. Your replacing one of the best CFC in history...like it or not. And the world keeps spinning!!
ONUV writes:
Please stop living in the 90s. A lot of UT fans are like Alabama fans in the 90s, living in the past. How much equity do those few years create?
A shared divisional "title" means NOTHING except for a chance to play in the SEC title game. This is a typical sheep cliche to prop up their dear leader Fulmer.
What "gamble" is there in getting a new coach? we're not going to win championships with Fulmer anymore. this is not the SEC of the 90s.
Fulmer is not one of the best coaches in college football history. Only a snaggletooth backwoods sheep would think that.
Many people are to blame for allowing this program to turn into a laughing stock. You deserve exactly what you got. I hope you are very happy.
tennecwingrider writes:
Alabama this year is a lot like Florida. They turn it on when it matters the most and gets the most attention and exposure. You can see what Bama did to Georgia and Clemson as opposed to how they played against Tulane, Ole Miss, etc. Same comparison with Florida versus us and LSU as opposed to Ole Miss. Point is, they want to do to us what they did last year and then some. We're at home, so they beat us 34-7. We won't be able to score on these guys.
Jshoop writes:
4-1 the rest of the way. The one is coming this week end.
Good Luck VOls. Stay healthy
adimatteo#261830 writes:
good luck Vols, were behind you, win or lose, "Its great to be a Tennessee Vol"
We have the easy part, just watching,youre the ones working,
RemembertheAlamo writes:
I cannot believe he continues to start Foster with the production that Creer gave in MSU game. Unbelievable.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Perhaps we're finally starting to see Clawson's influence on the team with his comments on physical practices. His comments imply that this would have been the way he would have practiced all along which implies and history shows that Fulmer prefers less physical practices and camps to avoid injuries. I also think Fulmer has become too much a 'player's coach' and makes life a little to comfy for these boys. That may work in the NFL, but you've got to chew some butt with HS and college players.
Maybe as Fulmer's back is against the wall he'll let Clawson have his way in other things as well. I thought the play calling in the MSU game was much better. Either Clawson is ramping up the learning curve both with his team, as well as, the SEC and D1 and/or Fulmer is finally backing off and giving Clawson more rope.
There's rumors that Fulmer and Hamilton had some heated exchanges last week; I wonder if Hamilton told Fulmer to butt out of the offense and let the OC run it.
ravensearay writes:
Alabama can be beat - Ole Miss, Tulane, and Kentucky would like to have another shot at them. All three of those close wins came at home. If the moon and the stars align with the talent of this team, we can win this game.
Eric Berry in the Gun alot. If we put the ball in his hands at least 10 times in this game we will win. He is the best football player I have seen in a long time. He can make more things happen than any other player on this team
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Newtonrail,
That's pretty much how I see it as well. I'm no blind Fulmer loyalist, but doing a pros/cons analyis and trying to put myself in Hamilton's shoes given how critical the football program is to the athletic department, I think the prudent thing to do is ride it out at least one more year. Protect this recruiting class and give the Clawfense one more year. I'd still like to see some other adjustments like a new, more aggressive dback coach and a special teams coach. At this point, I think the downside risk of wholesale change is greater than the upside potential of a change. That equation could totally change next year or reward the patience...we'll see.
Regardless...GO VOLS!!!!
TheVolMan writes:
hotrodvol & turbovol - I'm in total agreement regarding last year's Bama game. I also think Creer should start. I cringe everytime I see Foster play, especially when he's in the game when the Vols are in the red zone.
GoVol writes:
Foster must have some dirt on Fulmer is it that Fulmer just continues to prove he's the most idiot HC ever? Starting Foster over Hardesty or Creer is pure and simple stupidity!
Foster hits the line of scrimmage like he's scared he going to get hurt. He plays to not get hurt. What total disappointment he is this year!
oldbasshead writes:
Is Fulmer gone if UT loses to Bama?
BIGEJ writes:
Blah, Blah, Blah, etc....Lame; blame, more of the same game. All I can say is go VOLs.
NO_DIGGITY writes:
We are going to kick Oliva Newton John David Sarah Jessica Parker Wilson Phillips Milk of Magnesia's country bumpkin tail with his circa 1965 Beatle haircut back to Mulletloosa. Come on Vol fans hate Fulmer or not, go to this game (load up on Ciroc, Grey Goose, Kicken Chicken, or preferred hooch) and yell for 3.5 hours. Do not scalp your ticket to Bama fans. Remember how they treated you in Tuscaloosa the last 2 years. Make our stadium a home field advantage for one more game, then hate Fulmer the rest of the year. We have got to beat these Sabanites.
posivol writes:
finally some sanity on these boards.i as well would not sacrifice the awesome incoming recruiting class.we all know change is around the corner,better to make those changes w/ the cupboard full.our biggest problem has bit us in the butt,a dependable game manager and not the one on the sidelines,the one under center.i had my doubts about jon this spring when his best game was 12 for 20 passing.i figured that would translate into 8 for 20 come live action.nick has managed the game better live then he did in spring,if he had fought harder for the job last spring i dont think the coaches would have hesitated as long to pull the trigger.i still have not seen acurate short passes by either q.b. and until we are able to hit the 5 and 10 yarders consistantly,this offense will continue to stall.anybody else miss the dink and dunk,sure did open up other possibilities we havent seen this year.funny coach cut thought b.j. was our future dink and dunker (game manager) but he sits on the bench watching his fellow q.b.s miss short routes down after down.i never railed against erik last year as most on here did and i would still not trade that one or two deep balls for moving the chains.oh for the days of p.m.,short/short/deep-tdtn.
Go4Two writes:
No_
I love it lets beat them like a rented mule. I was at the 1982 game when we retired the Bear. Nothing would be better than knocking the tide out of the NC race. Oh yea in 1982 the tide was ranked #2 they had just beated Penn State I think we had 2 or 3 losses. GOVOLS.
beef4davols writes:
VERY happy with the win. Don't forget that excluding the last drive with MSU's d-line tanked and given up, it was UT defense 14, UT offense 13 (1 TD, 2 FG's, 1 Missed FG), MSU 3. We got a LONG way to go on offense. Our running game wasn't there and still the same ole' bad personell decisions.
I understand the concerns about getting Berry hurt on Offense, but he continues to prove he is our best player on both sides anytime he gets the ball in his hands. And IMO, every game that passes that Moore and Warren do not play the majority of snaps is just another knock against this coaching staff's ability to put our team in the best position to win.
KENVOL writes:
I know this is crazy but we will beat Alabama. I know that they are a better team than us and we should not win, but we will. Alabama will be over confident and will be ripe for an upset.
Lofton4Three writes:
Yes....
jsm67vol writes:
How do you "gamble " hiring a new coach? Do you really not se the answer to your own question.
UT has a top 10 class coming in next year. If Fulmer is outed and anyone besides an in house promotion is hired, it would be nearly impossible to hang on to some of the stars in that class. Also, any player that was eligible would leave early and take their chances in the draft. A new hire means another new off. scheme to learn in the off-season. Judging from this year UT would be looking at another 2-4 start. Although I do believe Nick picks up on new off. much quicker than Crompton.
I support the need for a change. Talent at UT has not achieved up to potential. There is a smart way to go about change, and IMHO Clawson may be "the guy" we need. Clawson is a much easier sell to vol nation once team is running his offense effectively (next year) than he is now as first yr. OC from Div. 2. If UT gets hammered this weekend I would not be surprised to see Fulmer announce his resignation effective season end. Clawson takes over HC responsibilities for remainder of season with Fulmer doing his usual headset on-heasdset off, clap hands thing on the sideline. Vol nation gets a chance to see Clawsons offense with the best athletes on the field and the vols finish strong. Now its easier for Hammy to promote Clawson, and he becomes UT HC. Recruiting class is held intact since its the new staff that is responsible for it. And change has left vol program in better shape than now and with a younger more energetic excited coaching staff that will have players over-achieving on the field, underachievers watch from sideline. Sorry for the monologue, just one opinion of how change should occur.
richvol writes:
You are exactly right on each point. It sure looks to me that Clawson has been handcuffed by Fulmer since he's been here.
Even an idiot could see that Crompton was in over his head...that Creer is better than Foster,etc. At least everyone but Fulmer.
I contend that Clawson would have done the things necessary to have us in the position to win from the beginning of the season if Fulmer had not interfered with his pigheaded stubborness.
I certainly hope that Hamilton has made it perfectly clear to Fulmer just how precarious his position here is...if not then Hamilton needs to go as well.
RockyTopRK writes:
Johnny Majors won a national championship and then never was very effective aftere that. Fulmer is the same way. Sometimes I wonder if certain coaches just get "lucky" by having so much talent that the players win despite the coach. Majors had Tony Dorsett and a weak schedule. Fulmer had divine intervention when that Arkansas QB just dropped the ball with a minute to play. Otherwise, we would not have played in that NC. Does the coach make the players or the players make the coach? Food for thought.
richvol writes:
If we are going to play Berry on offense then I would split him out. As a receiver he would probably draw double coverage and at the very least cause other receivers to be open.
If we did get him the ball in the open field he would be a threat to take it all the way every time.
OMike writes:
fulmer announces after bama game, even if we win
rockytop4ever writes:
Good to hear Creer is getting more carries. I would love to see berry in the Offense a little bit but we can line him out wide some. Obviously he can catch a pass. It doesnt always need to be the "wild berry package" or the "G-gun" or whatever they wanna call it. Thats another thing that makes me shake my head. Why does every team come up with a different name for that package? Why dont we just have a generic name for it? Im tired of hearing G-gun and wild rebel and wild berry package. Its stupid. Just call it the direct snap formation and be done with it.
vol88 writes:
Oh that is funny. I've called him John Parker Jingleheimer Schmidt for, what is it, 8 or 9 years now? He must be on social security.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
Foster has seniority. You guys should know this by now. You don't have to be the most talented just an upperclassman. Standard operating procedure.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
First off....
Great win guys...be it Miss State or whoever. I saw alot of fire and desire out there. Even Phil got a little animated (when his nutzz are in a vice he tends to do that).
Man oh man is Eric somethting special or what???The whole D looked really sharp. Stephens I beleive had his worst game, but no turnovers. Very very good.
I truly think that WE as fans now have to help. Weve committed to these guys...SO show up Saturday, and dont stop yelling. Its gonna be rough, but manageable. I dont give a squat anymore about Fulmer or his situation. My focus is on the guys. I hate to see em do bad, and this weekend they will need us. Great game guys, thanks for that. Now lets go whoop sum Mullet wearing, sister loving, Saban hating Bama ites!!!
Go VOLS
RockyTopRK writes:
Here's some really great news! Basketball season for UT starts in 26 days!
Tenn_Dawg writes:
Go VOLS......Bama is beatable.
Not having Mt Cody will help UT some. I think he plays most of the snaps at nose guard so I'm not sure what his replacement is like. Since Saban plays a 3-4 and the nose guard play is vital to its success. Maybe this will give UT a chance.
UT must make JPW beat them by slowing down the run but at the same time not allow the Bama WRs a 7 yard cushion as Georgia did in the 1st half. Tight in your face man to man coverage is the order with some good pressure up front. Easier said than done but it is the only way.
Offensively....UT should throw the house at Bama, or should I say throw the packages....all of them. UT has nothing to lose and Bama has everything to lose. Play Gerald Williams, play Warren and play Berry. Since it is a night game at Neyland there is plenty of time to get juiced and get loud. Good luck!!
rockytop47 writes:
FULMER is GOD!! GO VOLS!!!!!!!! This could be an outstanding Fall! Obama in the house and Phil coachin' the VOLS! GO VOLS and GO OBAMA! Can't wait till the white trash is out of the house!
givehim6 writes:
Ok, Vol fans were at bama week I remember last year phil was trying to coach the vols up for the game because we had beaten bama like 5 or 6 years in a row. The team had forgoten about the rivaly, man how a year changes things! We got are 1 st SEC win now, time for the rubber to meet the road. So GO VOLS! beat bama. ps leave Berry on D he might score more points!
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