Tennessee Stat Book
Dave Hooker audio
If this is Phillip Fulmer’s last stand as Tennessee’s football coach, he’s at least got history on his side. In his 15 seasons at head coach, Fulmer is 64-10-1 in the last five games of the regular season.
The schedule has figured prominently in that record. And the schedule isn’t that much different from usual.
It includes the same fare that Fulmer has devoured with regularity.
Obviously, the biggest challenge is Saturday’s game against unbeaten Alabama, which routed UT 41-17 last season. But in 15 games against the Tide, Fulmer is 10-4-1.
The rest of the schedule is much more inviting. Wyoming is the only non-regular, but it’s welcome nonetheless. The Cowboys are 2-5 and are averaging nine points per game.
Fulmer has dominated the other three SEC opponents — South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Against those three teams, he is a combined 43-2.
His only losses came in 2005 when the Gamecocks and Commodores pulled off last-minute victories at Neyland Stadium. Playing on the road this season at South Carolina and Vanderbilt shouldn’t make him any less confident. His teams have never lost in Columbia or Nashville.
None of those opponents presents the challenge or opportunity that Alabama will Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
This is UT’s one chance to exceed expectations this season. It already has lost to Florida, Auburn and Georgia. Alabama is the only nationally ranked opponent left on UT’s schedule.
Never mind that Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Kentucky all should have non-losing seasons. Or that they have better records than UT.
The Vols at their worst are supposed to beat Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Kentucky at their best. Beating those teams won’t turn anyone’s head.
But beating Alabama would be a national story. It also would revive some of the finest moments of the Fulmer era.
Longtime UT fans appreciate the most what Fulmer has accomplished against the Tide. They remember when Alabama, not Florida, was UT’s most dreaded nemesis.
And they remember the streaks of futility.
From 1986 through 1992, UT lost seven consecutive games to Alabama. From 1971 through 1981, it lost 11.
Fulmer changed the course of the Alabama series. And he did it with a flourish.
UT’s 41-14 victory over Alabama in 1995 at Legion Field was one of the biggest victories of the Fulmer era. One victory led to another, and the next thing you knew, UT had a seven-game winning streak in its most storied rivalry.
As big as the 1995 victory was, a victory Saturday night would be even bigger.
Alabama was 8-3 in 1995. Now, it’s unbeaten and in the running for the national championship, just as it was in 1979 when it won its ninth consecutive game in the series on the way to a national title, and in 1992 when its seventh consecutive victory against UT was part of another unbeaten, national championship season.
You also can’t ignore the Saban factor. Last year, in his first season at Alabama, coach Nick Saban provided compelling evidence that he, too, would change the course of this series. Not only did his mediocre team embarrass UT, Saban proved he could recruit the best players in Tennessee to Alabama.
Saban already had put a prominent dent in UT football. In 2001, the Vols were one victory away from winning the SEC championship and playing for the national title. All they had to do was hold a first-half lead against Saban’s underdog LSU team, which had lost its starting quarterback and best running back to first-half injuries.
Instead, LSU rallied in the second half for an upset victory. UT football hasn’t been the same since.
Fulmer can’t win another championship. He can’t transform a 3-4 start into a successful season or match the program Saban is building at Alabama. But this Saturday night, he can provide UT fans with another sweet, everlasting Alabama memory.
And history is on his side.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 97
tnbigg writes:
No doubt about it...do or die...
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
Regardless of how well they perform, the VOLS will not be permitted to win this game. First, because it is Alabama and second, because of the AL standing in the bcs. AL is the only team to make the sec kowtow and penalize one of their crews of refs because of a mistake the refs made. Then the next game the same refs called was the VOLS' game against AL and you can guess how it turned out.
rockytopjeff writes:
Bama is a 5.5 point favorite. That is a strange number, I thought it would be 7.5 or 8. If we can come out with incredible intensity, we have a good chance. If we come out flat, it'll be a wood shed beating. GO VOLS!!
volintexas writes:
As Johnny used to say, it's Alabama week, and it's time to buckle down the chin strap tight. I am not with Phil, but I sense that he will have them ready to play. I don't know if that will be enough, but nobody, and I mean nobody (had to throw in a little Big Jim Hess there) thought we could win in 82. That was perhaps the sweetest victory that I ever sat through. Bear's season collapsed after that game, and he retired and was dead within a year. Let's put Creer in the backfield with Stephens and see if the Texas boys can generate a little orange magic and put one on Saban to extract a modicum of revenge for all the pain that he has inflicted on UT football over the years. Moreover, I think the Alabama people are still distracted by the Russians invading Georgia. When they heard about that every WalMart in Alabama was cleaned out of guns and ammo. Give them a good old fashioned East Tennessee dog whipping boys.
gohawks1 writes:
Historically speaking, this rivalry is made up of win streaks by UT or Bama:
UT 1995-2001
Bama 1986-1994 (except for the forfeit)
UT 1982-1985
Bama 1971-1981 (ouch)
UT 1967-1970
It's been back and forth since 2001, but I have a bad feeling the tide is about to turn (no pun intended). I hope I'm wrong, though, and I'll be hoping for a big orange victory on Sat.
GO VOLS!
murrayvol writes:
Bama minus 5 1/2. I don't get that spread at all......unless....unless the vial of magic dust has been unearthed.
A win Saturday would rank among my all time favorites....and all time surprises.
Practice hard and play harder.
fltapout writes:
They do not get much bigger than this for CPF.
tennvols1 writes:
BE THIS JERKS, I LIVE IN ALABAMA AND I WANT TO BE THE FIRST TO BEAT THEM...I WILL BE GOING TO THE GAME, FIRST TENN/ALABAMA GAME TO GO TO, SO IT WOULD BE SWEET.......ERIC BERRY WE NEED ABOUT 5 PICKS....NOT MUCH TO ASK 4?
silvertr6 writes:
Fulmer can’t win another championship. He can’t transform a 3-4 start into a successful season or match the program Saban is building at Alabama. But this Saturday night, he can provide UT fans with another sweet, everlasting Alabama memory.
Phil will be pounded again by Saban, then Phil will be asked to step down. It is time for a change!
volintexas writes:
Maybe the Bama team will go partying the night before the game with Mike Price.
CrankE writes:
If I'm not mistaken, UT still takes credit for the longest losing streak by the Tide to any one opponent (1995-2001, 7 games).
jmsbolt writes:
I am going to be honest... I will acknowledge that Florida is the " biggest rival" now. However, when its the middle of summer and I am anxiously awaiting football season, I am usually thinking about this game. The 3rd... 4th saturday in October! This is it people!! Throw the rankings, the records, stats none of that matters! This is Alabama and Tennessee! This is the SEC's winningest programs, one of the oldest rivalries in the south. This is our "big bowl game" This year! Stop whining!! don't be afraid! Cheer this team and smoke cigars when its over!!!!!
tenuscvol writes:
I was there in 95 and Peyton & Joey made sure we had a great evening. The Tide faithfull were out of Legion Field
by the 3rd quarter. IMO the best game ever played and not just because I was able to be there...
Man, what a Sunday morning if we can get this done.
It is possible, is it probably?....hmmm...30% chance I beleive.
If we play our best (Which I agree is not that great) and If Bama can fumble and stuble just one too many times and the big orange will roll....
GoVols! Beat Bama
vtvol#210290 writes:
We're 2-0 in night home games this year. Go Vols!
cltvol writes:
Correction: Fulmer's record against the Tide is 11-4, as the cheaten', thieven' bxstxrds had to forfeit the 93 tie.
utvolz#637682 writes:
Dude!
That phooey is REALLY getting old!
Frank in Manchester!
DennisVols writes:
This is our bowl game. Lose this game and the best UT can do is finish 7-5. That is bowl eligible but given the fall off in fan support, the lack luster way they have played, and the fact of how many teams in the SEC that will also be eligible UT could be left out of the picture.
This is Fulmer's swan song game. Lose this game like the GA and UF games and then the program killer (apthy) will surely do him in. Seeing all the empty seats this past weekend with a SEC opponent in town was a sign of the times. One of the big things I noticed was the drop in excitement even during the big plays of the 4th qtr.
This is a must win for Fulmer and crew. Lose this game, on national TV and well you know......
volintexas writes:
Come on big guy. It's Bama week. "Can't we all just get along?" I am no Fulmer fan, but UT/Bama is bigger than one coach. I am telling you that if Fulmer is smart, he will bring Mike Price in from UTEP for this one and put him in Bama's hotel.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Several motels are offering a mullet discount.
DogAndPonyShow writes:
Yes, the mistake-prone Vols of 2008 will miraculously come together on Saturday and with a mighty blow smite the unclean Crimson Sabanites.
I've never seen such Kool-aid drinking in my entire life.
The only thing that is going to happen Saturday is Alabama will show up and play football, and the same 100,000 fans that show up year after year regardless of what dog and pony show wearing Orange takes the field will have to go home heads held low once again with promises of 'next year' dancing in their heads.
I say keep Fulmer 10 more years, ESPN needs some comic relief between reports of legitimate college matchups.
fltapout writes:
No Vacancy....LOL
GGun09 writes:
I honestly think we can somehow someway beat alabama..Go Vols
britt writes:
bamas secret weapon 3 leaf clovers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUa5jG...
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
After the Bama game, I'm 100% positive that I will still despise Fulmer. I bet we don't score a touchdown against Bama. I loved the trick play last night. Where was that against UCLA, Auburn, GA, FLA??????
cdonsbach writes:
GO VOLS!
ect1983 writes:
Moronic is an understatement
tenuscvol writes:
ESPN says Bama's remaining challenges: LSU and Auburn...
The Big Orange isn't even mentioned...
This needs to be posted...
Kick some A and send them back to Alabama weeping...
GoVols!
tnbigg writes:
Unfortunately...a serial moronic poster...
airvols#371403 writes:
We can't play with the Tide, sorry but true. We just don't have the players or the coaches that can make that kind of adjustments. I just hope we can hold it under 21 points.
Waldorf writes:
Let's see......
Fulmer is 1-3 versus Saban when he arguably had a better team every game, now we even think he can beat Saban with the worst UT team has fielded since 88?
Riiiiiiiiiiight.
The press conference only got postponed a week.
Boo Colquitt.
Benche Foster.
Fire Fulmer.
Fire Hamilton.
TommyJack writes:
Benche Foster? You're European, right?
utmdm writes:
Yea, I caught that also. So sad. I have not seen any mention or playback of Berry's record breaking performance. Did I miss it? Sad if our underperformance in other areas and record keeps him from getting recognition.
utorange98#256803 writes:
Its the third saturday in October... albeit a week late. Miracles happen in the SEC stop bein a whinny bandwagon fan and support your team.
jsm67vol writes:
Anything can happen the third weekend in Oct. and I think this will be a great game. The only way UT gets blown out is if bama starts the game like it did against uga. UT definitely has not shown the ability on offense to come from behind to win this year. If D-line can get consistent pressure again this week, bama qb will press to make something happen. Against UT secondary, that will set up pics. If UT defense can score 14 again this week, vols will win!
DennisVols writes:
Good train of thought but this is the 4th Sat in Oct. this year. I wish they would not mess with tradition.
TheVolMan writes:
Vols0075 = King of the Sheep Weenies
TheVolMan writes:
Vols0075: the 75 stands for his IQ (yes, he's proud of it - first in his family to crack 50.)
someofmybestfriendsarevolsfans writes:
Is 'carney' a new term for East Tennessee Hillbilly? If so, I think there will still be more carnies.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
I see the usual UT students as usual with cute comments on the internet....Don't you have anything else to do.? Gen. Neyland would not have lasted long with you guys. Students at Texas A&M destroyed their program through the internet. Former A&M coach coach who had the aggies on the verge of national title was run out out of coaching by the internet.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Vol 0075...your comments add to the prestige of the coach...are you aware that all publicity is good. I have an idea...you take the head coaching job...but you have get out of East TN and recruit top talent...Can you do it?
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
but you moron have a taste for garbage then it appears----you cant even boycott the columns
tntorbett writes:
Don't get me wrong, I Hate Bama; but Fulmer's nowhere near Nick Saban's class when it comes to coaching. There are better coaches out there if we act quickly. Lane Kiffin tops the current list, I think it's time we not only go outside the program, but as much as i hate to say it, it's time to go outside the conference as well. If Phil needs help packin' I know plenty of vols fans that would help him out. The complacency must end.
tntorbett writes:
Students @ UT aren't destoying our program, the coaching staff is destroying our program all by theirselves.
tntorbett writes:
These aren't "bandwagon" fans (as you call it) who are upset. These are true fans who are disgusted w/ the direction the current coaching staff has taken the program. By the way the term you were looking for is "fairweather fan"; unfortunately Fulmer has brought about a black cloud that doesn't appear to be leavin' till he does.
tntorbett writes:
We haven't played anybody worth saying we beat @ night this year. Norhtern Illinois & Miss. St. wow there are some major accomplishments, let's break out the champagne & celebrate the we took down those two national power houses.
mattnchatt writes:
We have to keep it close or be in the lead in the first half vs Bama to have a chance to win. They will come out hard like they did against Clemson, Georgia, & Ole Miss. We got to beat JP Wilson down with blitz after blitz and open the playbook on offense! This is the chance to ruin Bamas title hopes and a chance to get some respect! Go Vols!
tntorbett writes:
The only rolling that will be done will be if Phil falls down on the side of a hill. By the way if that happens, GET OUTTA THE WAY!!!!!!!
tntorbett writes:
Finally someone who understands what I've been trying to say. Thank you.
bonescat writes:
Lennon Creer made a great statement for being our starting running back with that last drive. With Gerald potentially out from the sprain, lets roll with B-gun. Eric knows how to run. I hope the DEs can keep rolling too this weekend.
With Cody injured and the Tide lacking focus in the second half of games, the beast is wounded. Continue to show more creativity and do not turn the ball over. We can win this.
Keep up the good work with the recruiting this year. A couple five star linemen would be nice.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
You cannot hook me, John Adams, trying to make us think Tennessee is a winner , not a loser, expect against Florida. And we could have won 3 or 4 of those games too. You'd like to think i am a "die hard UT, down in the mouth fan, just looking for something to hang my hat on for this year. Saban hasn't put that much pain on us. He has been lucky. If i am not with Fulmer, who the hell am i with?? I am for the troops , but not for the war??? Makes a lot of sense. Tennessee is not a winner, nor a loser, it is a DOMINATION OF A PROGRAM, A 700 WIN TEAM OVER THE DECADES. JUST LIKE THE OTHER BIG ONES. NOTRE DAME, BAMA, ETC. This is an opportunity for Bama, not for us, you see boys and girls, John is trying to put more pressure on us to try harder, to make something out of our season. But the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMES THROUGH KNOXVILLE. ALABAMA LOSES, GUESS WHAT NO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!! So the pressure is on them. It's up to "Brodie Croyle" throwing the ball, and our defense breaking it up. Our tackling against their running. Our ability to take it to the fourth quarter, staying strong in the second half, outplaying them, and outlasting them. No turnovers, great punting, great-good defense. This is Bama's stiffest test. We can make them, but will not break them. For they will go on into the rest of the season, and so will Saban. But nobody has to make excuses for the Big Orange. Fulmer has put the wall up. The championships still go through the Big Orange Citadel. These are the things which John Adams ought to be writing if his soul has not been bought out by the worldly powers which seek to dethrone the Big Orange. Give him no credibility, no credence. You don't need him, his advice, his stamp of approval. He is only a spineless bug riding the UT elephant along the way. And if he gets urinated on, then maybe he should climb up a little farther up the elephant . Maybe a higher position would lend new thoughts and an oxiginated enthusiasm to his writings. Be amused my classless friends. A little love, a bit of faith, and a vow of money to your favorite ministry in the name of Jesus sometimes works wonders for poor struggling football programs. Swear by Who? Swear by nothing. Certainly not JA, nor cursing CPF will do no good either. We can not serve two masters. PS I would like to beat these guys too. Number 2 in the nation coming into our house. HMMMMMMMMMMM, Yummmmm Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
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