Dave Hooker audio
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Related stories
Seven games into the football season, it's obvious Tennessee finally has a plan.
It goes like this: play solid defense, don't turn the ball over and hope the opposing quarterback gets the ball to your best playmaker.
The plan worked to perfection Saturday evening at Neyland Stadium as the Vols won their first SEC game of the season in - dare I say - convincing fashion.
Granted, the 34-3 score was a bit misleading. It's not as though UT's lethargic offense suddenly began clicking at a Big 12 pace. But at least, it didn't remind you of what you saw a week earlier at Sanford Stadium.
Better yet, it didn't remind you of Mississippi State's offense.
Imagine UT's offense at its very worst this season. Then imagine a drop-off.
That's Mississippi State's offense.
Once the UT defense sensed its opponent's shortcomings, its confidence soared with almost every possession en route to its most dominant performance of the season.
It shut down Mississippi State's running game, wore out quarterback Tyson Lee and took the pressure off UT's fragile offense in the first three quarters. Then, it went on the offensive.
Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley each returned interceptions for touchdowns in a 21-point fourth quarter during which you almost could have forgotten this was a matchup of 2-4 teams. The uncharacteristic scoring outburst reminded me of how offensive coordinator Dave Clawson synopsized his offensive philosophy in the off-season. His goal: Get the ball to his playmakers.
Unfortunately for UT, its best playmaker is on defense. You're reminded of that when Berry intercepts a pass and takes off running like Reggie Bush.
Berry, who scored on a 72-yard interception return against the Bulldogs, might be the best defensive back in the country. But every time he gets the football, I want to see him on offense.
Never mind the position. Just get him the ball, even if you have to deflect it to him. That's what linebacker Ellix Wilson did on the touchdown.
Berry took it from there.
But this wasn't all about Berry. It wasn't even all about defense.
UT quarterback Nick Stephens didn't throw an interception. Nobody fumbled. The offense didn't lose a yard to penalties. The line actually knocked defenders off the line, and the running backs broke tackles.
That's heady stuff for a group that was so inadequate in the first half of the season. And the crowd noticed. It vigorously applauded first downs and cheered when the Vols resorted to trickery, a pass from running back Arian Foster. So what if the pass fell incomplete, creative effort goes a long way these days.
The physical effort was noteworthy as well.
No one should have been shocked if the Vols had played with the listlessness worthy of a last-place team. Yet they didn't play as though their preseason goal list had been obliterated. Instead, they played like a team determined to salvage their season.
And when Berry had the football, anything seemed possible.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Memorable moments in Pat Summitt's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 28
volengr#233707 writes:
Berry is simply insane. Nice game to watch for once. Let's hope confidence was given to the offense to Kick Bama's arse.
tenuscvol writes:
Great Game....
Especially the No fouls!....great improvment and the whole team should be proud...keep up the good work and oh, by the way....
GoVols...Beat BAMA!
vut56#231073 writes:
We won; let's take this for what it is: a win. We have complained rather strongly after each pitiful loss, claiming our birthright of 11 (or 13) win seasons. To be fair and balanced, let's praise this win and hope for more. To expect it to come next week is a push; if we play well...and keep it reasonable...give a cheer. If we were number 11...or so...we would be surprised at a win. So, we should not set ourselves up to expect much. If it is close..that is a win.
At least for tonight...go Vols!
tenuscvol writes:
Also,...good article....
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Dang right to everything John Boy!
FedUpVolFan writes:
Amen John!
TheVolMan writes:
"Insane" - Good word for EB. I watched his TD return twice a both slow motion speeds on my DVR. Really sick.
And, excellent article. It was a convincing win the ball finally got into the hands of our playmakers!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
I know it was ugly , John, but guess what, I'll take it! As for a game plan, it works better with no turnovers and no penalties. And a superior defensive effort helps also. Solid officiating doesn't hurt also. Too bad, John, are you scared we'll win , somehow now against the Big Tide? Your buddies!! If we do someone please remove all sharp objects from the home of Mr. John Adams. Will someone please paint this man's front door Orange! And tell him to quit calling his parakeet, Phil!
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Good article.
Anyone know how many folks actually showed up at Neyland to watch the game? I'm curious to hear....
tnbigg writes:
I predict an incindiary column this week that completely takes the focus off this win...
Can I get a second on that notion????
Colliervol writes:
According to Ron Higgins this morning, press box veterans said it was in the "low 80's".
TommyJack writes:
Great article. Support GVX sponsors.
MillisaAnn writes:
Great Article Mr. Adams!!!
DennisVols writes:
Improvments yes and I am happy with a win but before we become all giddy lets look at some sobering facts.
In the 1st half the defense continued to fail to get a stop on 3rd downs.
The offense still fails to capitalize on opportunties to score TD's and instead settles for FG opportunties.
Where is Branden Waren? We hear this past week that there are packages for him, that there were not enough plays run against GA to use him, and on and on. What is the truth here?
id UT really improve this week or was this more of a we were more talented than MSU and by the 4th qtr we just wore them down?
Again too many opportunties while on offense lead to 3 points or less. Drives in the 1st half were few and far betweent.
Good win don't want to take that away but I did not see the kind of play I would expect from a team that would expect to beat the top teams in this conference.
jobrando#216494 writes:
The good news is Bama is ready to be beat.. Rebels came close..IF the VOLS win Saturday then they win out and fulmer gets his extension and raise. We need the EG GUN this week. It is time jones and berry teamed up in some plays like the Wild Rebel Ole Miss was using. Bama was very confused with that play.
CoverOrange writes:
Bring on the Berry-Gerry!!!!
goeltzd#649642 writes:
John Adams' article has changed my life.
Tweedy writes:
John Adam's I used to hate to read you stuff, I always felt you were always a negative jerk. Sorry!!! Alot of us fans see things in rose colored glasses. Tennessee can't be as bad as you would report. We were wrong! You were right! Tennessee football looked better than normal for this year Saturday. But bottom line Tennessee just can't play with the big boys anymore. Change is needed from top to bottom to be able compete in this East 6. Better players and better coachs are needed. Beat Bama I pray, But would like to see a better win loss record.
adamsck#591720 writes:
Nice article John. I like you. Next time I'm in Knoxville I'll buy you a vinegar and water.
shipperman#280095 writes:
You need not worry about beating Bama with our offense
shipperman#280095 writes:
Even if, and that is a big IF, we beat Bama, there is no way we win out. Our offense is not that good.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
you remain an idiot---get over it
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
The most dynamic player on this team is by far Eric Berry. The only time he needs to be on the sideline is to get a drink of water and even then I would call a time out!!
JayTee writes:
This is really a big win beating the bottom feeder in the SEC. All is forgiven and everything is hunky dorey. Fulmer finally found someone who is a worse coach than he is.
All you Fulmer lovers savor it the entire week because it's about to get real ugly. No one dislikes BAMA more than I do but they are for real don't let anyone kid you. They are solid on both sides of the ball and they will show no quarter.
Ask yourself this question are you still going to feel all warm and fuzzy at the end of the season with one maybe two more wins at most?
FlaVol2 writes:
Hats off to the Vols and the coaches. I hope we can stay away from the divisiveness and all become supporting fans again.
TommyJack writes:
Sounds about right.
spvol writes:
Hack
pax_americana writes:
try about 76-78,000.
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.