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Big man on campus
Vols' strong safety Eric Berry ignited his team and Neyland Stadium with a 72-yard TD interception return with 10:37 left to play that gave Tennessee a 20-3 lead.
State quarterback Tyson Lee tried to force a throw into a tight space. Vols' linebacker Ellix Wilson of Melrose dove and tipped the ball up where Berry grabbed it, stumbled momentarily and then found his wall of blockers.
"I've never seen anybody like Eric Berry," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. "It's amazing what he does with a football in his hands."
When Berry ran off the field, the crowd chanted his name over and over.
"That's like a dream come true," Berry said. "I couldn't imagine that happening. I had to pinch myself to see if it was really happening."
The game changer
On fourth-and-2 at the Mississippi State 30 and the Vols trying to extend a 6-3 halftime lead, Tennessee quarterback Nick Stephens zipped a 9-yard completion to Lucas Taylor on a slant pattern. It set up Montario Hardesty's 1-yard touchdown dive with 10 minutes left in the third quarter to give the Vols some breathing room.
"When our defense is playing the way it did and when we run the ball like that, all I have to do is make plays when I'm asked to," said Stephens, who completed 10-of-20 passes for 136 yards and no interceptions in his third college start. "I don't need to try to fit throws into small spaces."
Odds and ends
On Tennessee's final scoring drive of the night, running back Lennon Creer carried on 12 plays, including his 1-yard TD plunge.
"It feels good that the coaches showed they have enough confidence in me to make all the plays (in the drive)," said Creer, who finished with 68 yards rushing on 17 carries. "Before the game, (offensive coordinator Dave) Clawsen challenged the offensive line to go have a good game. They did. They got a good push on every play."
Almost every Tennessee player available to the media after Saturday's game credited the Vols' physical practices during the week for improving their play.
"Our practices this week had a whole lot to do with our performance," Berry said. "We had physical practices, but it was fun."
Lee, despite his fourth-quarter interceptions returned for touchdowns, played a valiant game.
He shook off what appeared to be a nasty knee sprain in the first quarter, came back and kept his team in the game until the final quarter. Though he was sacked five times and completed 12-of-23 passes for 114 yards and three interceptions, his scrambling kept the Vols off-balance.
"I made some bad decisions and tried to force the ball when I shouldn't have," Lee said. "I hadn't been doing that. I guess I was trying to make something happen."
Wilson, the SEC's leading tackler, was voted by teammates one of Tennessee's six permanent team captains on Friday. The others are seniors Ramon Foster, Robert Ayers and Taylor, junior Hardesty and sophomore Berry, thought to be the first sophomore in school history elected as a team captain.
The streak of all streaks ended Saturday when former Tennessee sports information director Haywood Harris, who handles the Neyland Stadium internal public address system in the press box, missed his first home game in 48 years. Harris, 79, was hospitalized just more than a week ago after a couple of health episodes. Doctors ordered him to not attend Saturday's game, but said he could return for next Saturday's game against Alabama. David Grim took Harris' place, but Vols' sports information director Bud Ford said, "Haywood already called Grim and told he'd be out of a job next week."
Audible
"This is what we've been doing since we're little kids. If this isn't fun, what really is?"
- Vols' strong safety Eric Berry on the joy of playing a football game and winning
Go figure
78
Percent of 17,404 voters in a Knoxville News-Sentinel online poll (as of the end of Saturday's game) who wouldn't rehire Phillip Fulmer as the Vols' coach.
150
Career coaching victories for Fulmer, the second Vols' coach after Gen. Robert Neyland to reach that plateau.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 57
xvolx writes:
Fire Fulmer!
elsinoresam writes:
Fire Fulmer? You Maroon, go cheer for Alabama.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Do both. Fire Fulmer and cheer on the tide. One game does NOT vindicate Fulmer's lackluster last 8-10 years, especially the game against the celler dweller of the SEC west
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
Almost every Tennessee player available to the media after Saturday's game credited the Vols' physical practices during the week for improving their play.
"Our practices this week had a whole lot to do with our performance," Berry said. "We had physical practices, but it was fun."
I'll say! Why haven't they been doing this all year? Train like you fight, fight like you train--duh! Also they need to practice in game day conditions and not inside the climate controlled indoor practice facility. It is no wonder the team always seem to roll over dead and give up in the warmer part of the season.
knoxtenor writes:
I think part of the whole practice thing is that Clawson is neither accustomed to the speed nor the ferocity of Div. I ball. I'm sure that if the QB at his former employer had been sacked like Nick Stephens was in practice this past week, Clawson would have been absolutely appalled. In the SEC? It's par for the course! It's expected! As someone said above, train like you fight, fight like you train. Welcome to the big time, Mr. Clawson. Nice of you to figure things out six games into the season.
bigtimevol writes:
How great would it be to rain on Bama's parade?
ravensearay writes:
It would be the greatest thing to happen around here in years....
DigUptheGeneral writes:
I'm with the folks above...this ranks only barely above narrow victories over UAB and NIU. This does NOT suddenly redeem this awful season...or erase the last several.
Good for the players...good for the fans.
Still, change is necessary and inevitable. I love the Vols...always have. I hope we beat Bama...that would be great, but if beating Bama causes this regime to linger around for another season, I'm afraid I'm not for it at all. Surely our memories aren't that short...are they?
scvols writes:
I watched the film on the MSU game and saw why TN offense is not doing well. Our QB missed WR's over and over and our RB's missed cutback lanes. Our QB went 10 for 20, but had two catchable balls go incomplete. The QB is just not findng the open WR's. If we had a good QB we would be 5-2 or 6-1.
GerryOP writes:
Ummmm, wewhite, I believe your comments are misdirected. I seem to remember Coach Clawson criticizing Fulmer's "no contact" policy, starting very early in fall camp. Coach Fulmer mandated the green jerseys, not Clawson.
oldbasshead writes:
Fulmer either can't or won't coach until his back is against the wall. Complacency and being a fat-cat will do it everything. The program needs new leadership. You will find that out this weekend and in the remaining games. UT is not done losing this year.
mtnsvol44 writes:
It's great to beat the worst team (other than Vols) in the division, isn't it?
mtnsvol44 writes:
You can tell that Fulmer is still running the offense as he left Stephens in as QB even after we were up 5 td's, instead of letting Crompton get some reps. IMO this is plain stupid! What happens if Stephens gets hurt and crompton has not touched the ball in 3 weeks???
Fulmer has done this his entire coaching career.
SKO_Vol82 writes:
Good effort boys! Lord, I wished we'd have started the season like this!
hallsguy writes:
Until the defense took over the game,MSU was still in it.When you get behind 17 points in two minutes,it does change your game plan and force you to pass and the defense can load up on that.
Beyond that,it was all set to be a 6-3 or 9-6 game.
Believe this,Saban will light a fire under Bama this week for letting Ole Miss get back in the game.You cannot let up against a Houston Nutt team.Trust me that Saban will have Bama in a foul mood on Saturday and Phil will think the heat on his seat is turned down a little,not.
The offense is still a little two one dimensional.We really did not run the ball that well and still looked out physicalled against MSU.Did anyone notice the MSU tackle shoving one of our DE's up the field about 15 yards looking like a dozer pushing a light pile at full speed.That was off the ball but going on during the play.
dirtdobber1 writes:
maybe we will see some MUSTANG PACKAGE against Alabama. I cant wait! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
mrallvols writes:
I agree with digupthegeneral if beating alabama this weekend means cpf gets to hang around another season coaching then I want alabama to not only beats us I want them to run the score up on us so high that we have a u-haul truck in cpf driveway at halftime it is time for a change
dirtdobber1 writes:
Good point! if we can figure out a way to play Miss. State every week...we might be ablt to go all the way and get back to the championship game in Atlanta!
shipperman#280095 writes:
Look for losses in the Bama and SC games at the very least
BubbaVol44 writes:
Crompton is DONE at UT! Coleman should get every 2nd team snap and be Stephens' replacement. Enough is enough of a guy who couldn't get it done.
ktemaque1 writes:
mrallvols - I cannot believe anyone who calls himself a vols fan would hope for a loss, ESPECIALLY to Ala. You must have hopped on the bandwagon in 1998 if you don't realize that the Tenn-Alabama game is the biggest game every year! I can't imagine hating a coach so much that I would want OUR team to lose!
richvol writes:
Remember... Stephens still needs a lot of work but I certainly get your point.
However, I would like to see B J Coleman get some gametime. Crompton had his chance...too many chances.
BubbaVol44 writes:
Okay...I was wrong. I picked MSU to beat us 14-10! Wow, it shows the depths the program has fallen to when we get giddy about beating the only team in the league that is worse than us, but can still beat Vandy.
As much as I want UT to beat Bama and knock them down off their high horse--I want Fulmer and his entire staff gone more (keep Drayton). I love the Vols and will always pull for them--but can't stomach Fulmer, his cronies, and their excuses any more! Maybe a huge 'Bama win will get Fulmer to announce his retirement so the Program can move forward to greatness. 'Bama 56 UT 7 for all the right reasons!
djstatik writes:
Beat Bama and I'll forget about the first half of the Season. Heck, beat Bama and Fulmer can lose the rest of the season as far as I care. JUST BEAT BAMA!!!
mrallvols writes:
I know how big this game is but a win over no. 2 ranked alabama would probley save fulmer job and that's something no one want's here in tn
Stumps writes:
I enjoyed that game. I go to one game a year (I live 8 hours away now) and we were at Neyland. What impressed me the most was it was the first time in what seemed like years our offense made half-time adjustments. Going for it on 4th, trying out a few different plays, letting Stephens pass more - even if he did make some bad throws. Let's be honest, Ainge made some retarded throws each game, so mistakes will happen, but he was allowed to take some chances. Hopefully this is a sign of a turning point, whoever is actually calling the plays. And for the defense, first time in how long we got pressure on the QB? awesome.
My only let down was that we apparently only had 98K in attendence. I say "only" because, yeah that's a lot, but when you're in that stadium you expect a full house, and you really notice the empty seats, though I understand why they were empty :(. ON THE UPSIDE, this was the first time I was able to get lower level seats, and I wish I knew who owned the seats (got them on stubhub) because I'd like to say thanks! 11 rows up + seat-backs. wow!
Go VOLS!
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
It's funny that MS was such a formidable opponent when they beat the mitey commode doors, but when the VOLS laid the wood to them, they were insignificant, but that is a reflection of the basic character of the bloggers on this site. Just anything to denigrate the VOLS.
The sec will not let AL lose this game because it is alabama, the only team to ever make the sec penalize a crew for making a bad call against them; and because of their position in the bcs debacle. If Tennessee had that clout in the sec administration, a crew of sec officials would be penalized after every game.
I would like to learn what Tennessee did between 1971 and 1984 to get on the sec s*** list. We got an even break on the bad calls everywhere except at legiron field in birmingham where bear used a flexible sideline chain and other goodies. When he had the ball, the chain was 28 feet long, but when other team had the ball, the chain was 32 feet long.
rickhillal#577233 writes:
Good comment, hallsguy: "Did anyone notice the MSU tackle shoving one of our DE's up the field about 15 yards looking like a dozer pushing a light pile at full speed.That was off the ball but going on during the play." We saw the same thing at the game, repeatedly. We're happy for the individual efforts of folks like Eric Berry but that does not mean the defense has gelled as a team. Is this the result of off-season conditioning? Are the players still spending time hitting the books instead of weights in the workout room? As my wife noted, Tim Kerin's absence can still be felt.
I savored the win Saturday evening and Sunday at church even though I realize it was the "cellar dweller" game of the year in the SEC.
Listening to Fulmer's post-game interview with Bob Kesling, I heard what seemed like ultimate defeat (or just plain tiredness) from Fulmer, despite the win. Did Hamilton's game ball for the 150th win signify to Fulmer the end may be near? What a year for Fulmer to have another lousy season -- bad economy, low student ticket sales due to charging them, and general malaise among the "fair weather" fans.
I don't hate Fulmer nor want him personally gone but if he can't get this team turned in the right direction, then this year might be the year to give him a cheerful sendoff and put someone new in his place. I just hope the fans will be ready to face a bad football season next year in the way that Michigan is suffering through Rodriguez's first full season. Perhaps Clawson will be the go-to man, since he will have been here one year as OC and can make the transition as smooth as possible?
In any case, winning the Bama game is still important (or at least looking like the UT players belong in the same league as Bama), regardless of Fulmer's status.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Oh boo Hoo you poor little thing. Fulmer has denigrated the Vols himself, we haven't. The SEC will not have to let us lose this game, we will do it nicely and decisively for them.
Bama- 45 UT 13
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
I agree ggriggs.....People here want Fulmer gone so bad, they dont care about the team. Yeah it was Miss St. It was a win though. Positive thinking. MUCH better to have a win going in against Bama than not huh? Fulmer will get his, I beleive. In the meantime, get behind our guys. Even if we win out, that doesnt excuse Fulmer.
So, lets cheer and support as if that feat is attainable. Not to save his job, but for UT to win. To watch Saban have that stupid look on his face. To see Spurrier slinging his visor. Thats what football is about. What ya do when its not going your way. Back part of the schedule has started with a W. Get behind our guys, and show em we love em...Go Vols
TommyJack writes:
Your thinking is bass ackward. Clawson has been quoted several times as being against the green shirt. Blame the Large Oval.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Tommy Jack..
In the immortal words of Ed Mcmahon....YOU ARE CORRECT SIR
BubbaVol44 writes:
It's sad that anyone considers the WORST team in the SEC to be a formidable opponent...only formidable because we are terrible.
Are you insulting folks' character because they know the truth and you can't see it thru your orange-colored glasses? Go drink so more of the Fulmer Kool-aid and you'll be okay.
TommyJack writes:
Half-time adjustments, huh? What a concept. Maybe CPF just read "Football for Dummies".
BubbaVol44 writes:
Fulmer gone is the best way to support the players who deserve much better coaches for committing to 4-5 yrs of wearing the Big Orange--just like the BB players deserved someone better than Buzz. Good Grief!
SewaneeTiger writes:
The only thing I can say with certainty is that it was uplifting to hear the eruption from the crowd all around my son and me when Berry shot under that tipped ball, kept his balance and made his way behind the wall and around defenders to the end zone.
Regardless of the TN fans' feelings about the current coaching staff, such great play by the defense and Berry in particular seemed to awaken the echos of glory from years gone by and manifested in me another reason for being proud to be VOL.
It was my son's first game at Neyland stadium (down for the game from St. Louis), and I could see the joy in his eyes as he jumped up and down to cheer on our TN Volunteeers. He wore and fingered his orange jersey the entire 7.5 hour drive home.
I for one can only pray for a victory against Alabama (and any of the remaining teams we have left) just as I could only cheer with my boy Saturday night for the efforts the boys on the field were making even to the last play.
It's hard for me to believe our record since '91 (I heard on RIVALS radio that it's something like 100 more wins than losses in that time) can be seen to reflect the complete incompetence many folks in the media and on places like these msg boards, have been ascribing to Coach Fulmer. It seems to be a little over-the-top.
That said, I do have concerns with Coach Fulmer and his staff that I must acknowledge. My dissatisfaction arises from the shoot-ourselves-in-the-foot ways we have lost many of the big games over the years against our biggest rivals - AL, FL, LSU, and GA. Most of them seem to come from a failure at fundamentals (tackling, blocking, holding on to the ball, dropped catchable passes, and taking the sack rather than forcing the throws) rather than the lack of kowledge of or ability in utilizing newer, modern play-calling.
Physical practices are the only ways to instill good fundamentals. Good fundamentals alone do not win games, but they lose them by allowing unearned points for the other team, which in turn cause the worst of damage: breaking the spirit of the team and (at home games) that of the 12th man - the fans.
I hope Coach Fulmer hits the funndamentals hard this week and the next and on through to the end of the season. If we play low-to-no penalty and low-to-no turnover games here on out, I think we give ourselves a chance (very slim mind you, but a chance one play & one game at a time) to win each time we take the field.
VolinCalif writes:
gg-ggs
You got it right. Ala,ND, and So Cal. have been pets for many years. Not only getting the close calls but some that insult anyone watching.
VolinCalif
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Bubba....
Good Grief????
Do you honestly think that 5 games determine whether Fulmer goes or not? Hes walking dead right now. SO, why not cheer for our guys. Completely moronic to wish that YOUR team lose. The damage is done. Lets at least try to save some face and ruin someone elses parade...
Good Grief
Stumps writes:
tommy jack...
yes, half-time adjustments are a basic part of football, but it seems like for a long time TN has been stubborn in forcing a gameplan that doesn't work, so it was refreshing to see, regardless of how routine it may be in the sport in general.
BTW, did anyone notice Stephens get planted on the block he tried to throw in the G-gun formation? not sure if it made it on the replay or not. he's a tough kid.
blitzshoot writes:
Go Vols, Beat Bama! I would like to be in the locker room to hear this pre-game speech from Phil Fulmer.
RHARVEY writes:
Anybody noticed that Creer is a great running back. He finds the holes quick or makes them. I have been saying this since game one. Why don't they play this guy??? It took 5-games for -AT-SS to realize the quarterback is awful. How long will it take for him to realize Foster is slowwwwwwwwwwwwww and falls down when the wind blows. Damn we have such dumbbbbbbbb coaching.
Sick of it!
MajorVol writes:
Well said Sewannee Vol. I'm with ya. I drove up Saturday night by myself, eat 3 pretty good tickets in Section Z and enjoyed the game. I think a change is iminent although I've not used this site to bellyache about the current coaching situation. It's just a shame how the program has fallen out of the national scene. I don't know you but I grew up on Monteagle Mountain. Enjoyed many years up there. Been in Chattanooga for the last 16 years. Again, I appreciate your comments!
SewaneeTiger writes:
The Mountain is a beautiful place. Took undergraduate studies up there.
Pretty sure Coach Majors hails from Sewanee (even saw him in stands at a University of the South game or two).
Try to run through there whenever I get the chance (campin' at Fiery Gizzard or caving in the many locations that dot that wondrous landscape).
- - -
Change does appear to be imminent in Knoxville. May be the only way we can grow. Just hope any transition is not as painful and lengthy as that experienced in Tuscaloosa after Stallings.
BubbaVol44 writes:
volguy,
Didn't you read my post of 10:48am today--I'll always pull for the Vols. I hope that they beat Bama--but would rather have assurance that Fulmer will be gone at the end of the season than looking to several years of losing to Bama if he stays.
And, yes, I do think 5 games really matter! Let's say we lose to Bama and win out--and get to 7-5--which is not likely, but possible. Is losing 5 games enough to get Fulmer and staff gone? Would getting wins against perennial weak sisters SC, Wyoming, KY, and Vandy be good enough to give Fulmer one more year? I would hope not, but it's happened before (like maybe last year!).
I'm sick of getting embarrassed by this coaching staff (barely .500 over last 29 SEC games). We're UT dang it--THAT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE!
I don't want there to be a shred of doubt about this staff's exit at the end of the year. If that makes me a moron in your opinion, so be it.
SewaneeTiger writes:
On seeing Coach Majors up at Sewanee, I could have been mistaken.
When I was up there, Vol fan that I am, the Coach's good name came up in frequent conversations with my buddies from AL, FL, and SC as we discussed DIV I football and razzed each other good on victories and defeats.
If change is coming, I hope there is not a repeat of the debacle and poor handling of Coach Majors' departure. That kind of low browed management is not what I consider in the best interests of the University (then or now).
I studied law in Knoxville at a time when the campus, town, and region bled orange in thick or thin. That's the way I'd like it to be in the land of Big Orange.
Right now, there seems to be great division and unrest. One way or the other, I hope such lack of solidarity is resolved.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Bubba..
No brother I dont think youre a moron. No I didnt read your post at that time either. I do, however , IMO, think the damage has been done. My perfect scenario is that we win out and get a new coach. Ill just never root for my team to lose (no matter what). I just love the Vols too much for that and always pull for em
BubbaVol44 writes:
Agreed...Go Vols!
riverrat4ut writes:
Well, it looks like Coach Chavis and crew has yet again saved the "Great Pumpkin" just in time to be carved up by them Bama boys.
hufstedler02 writes:
speak for yourself!!!
Ditchdigger writes:
Does anyone know how many fans were in the stands at Neyland?
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