Tennessee Stat Book
Dave Clawson would rather not talk about it, but thanks for asking.
Bring up sophomore quarterback Nick Stephens' 69 consecutive passes without an interception, and Tennessee's offensive coordinator won't bite.
"I'm not talking about that," Clawson said, grinning. "That's off limits."
Clawson and his quarterback hope to make the football off limits to Alabama defenders Saturday night when the second-ranked Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0SEC) comes to Knoxville for a 7:45 kickoff (TV: ESPN).
Through his first three games as a starter, taking care of the ball has been one of Stephens' best qualities.
In UT's first four games, Jonathan Crompton threw four interceptions in 123 passing attempts. Since then, Stephens' only turnover was a fumble against Northern Illinois that came when he was sacked.
That's not to say Stephens hasn't made a few dangerous throws for the Vols (3-4, 1-3). By Clawson's count, his quarterback could have thrown three interceptions in his last two games alone.
"Georgia, there's probably two balls that should have been picked," Clawson said. "And there was one ball against Mississippi State they got their hands on that easily could have been an interception. But for the most part, he's taken care of the ball and thrown it away when it's appropriate."
Still, against Georgia's defense, which ranks 12th in the nation in yards allowed, Stephens and the Vols were turnover free in a 26-14 loss. They did it again last Saturday with better results in a 34-3 victory over Mississippi State.
"I need to continue to do that if we're going to have a chance to win," Stephens said. "Throwing interceptions is a bad thing, but it happens. It's going to happen sometime. I know that, and I'm prepared for that. I just need to continue to try and play smart."
UT coach Phillip Fulmer has been pleased with Stephens' performance thus far, albeit with a caveat.
"I've been pleased with Nick for a first-time starter," Fulmer said. "He's had enough games now under his belt. His game management has been good, but there's another step, there's another level. And that's not to press him into forcing balls or anything like that. Just another step that he can make. And you see progress being made that way."
Perhaps the biggest progression Stephens has made is his ability to turn a busted play into positive yards.
Against Georgia, he bought time when the pocket broke down and found Lucas Taylor in the end zone for a score. Last week, he scrambled for 18 yards after fullback Kevin Cooper missed a block on a passing play.
"Nick's not a guy that I would say is nifty or super-quick, but he showed enough awareness and used his feet when it was appropriate," Clawson said. "I don't think anyone's looking at him saying, 'Man, we don't want to get him running on the perimeter.' But you want a quarterback to have awareness."
So far, that awareness has been better on Saturday than it's been from Sunday through Friday, Clawson said.
"Nick has actually made better decisions in games than he does in practice," he said. "There's throws that he'll make in practice that you just shake your head and go, 'What were you thinking?'"
Stephens doesn't like the practice miscues any more than Clawson, he said, but it does provide a learning opportunity that doesn't cost the Vols points.
"If you make a mistake in practice, it's not going to hurt the team. It's going to let you know what you can and can't do," he said. "It's not one of those things were you go out and try to fit a ball through a tight window on every play. I don't try to do that. Just in certain plays and certain situations, I'll try and make a play. If it doesn't work out, I know not to carry that over into Saturday. If it does work out, I know what I can do with that play."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 95
utwick writes:
Can't afford to turn it over against Bama
blitzshoot writes:
Hold your thoughts and your words until after game-day.
mdvol writes:
Given the lack or separation our receivers get from the DB's he is fortunate to have zero picks.
Sure would like to to see our best players on offense. Give me Berry, Rogan, Vinson, Jones, Warren, Creer and Moore. Mix these guys in on offense and use them Percy Harvin style. It would be impossible to cover.
Speed kills but our fastest players are either on the bench or playing defense.
wkjq#213863 writes:
so far, so good. time to really step up now.
Ironcity writes:
Stephens has a lot of work to do but he seems to have that proper mentality that is necessary to be successful. I am not sure he has the proper skill level but he doesn't seem overwhelmed by the whole thing.
TheMagician writes:
If the GA back had not dropped the ball in the first qtr, he would have thrown an int. Not the only one either. His luck will run out soon. Hope it's not against Bama!
VOLorado writes:
THANKS A LOT, JINXY!!!!!
now you KNOW he's gonna throw a pickle.
dvols writes:
in the bowl, down the hole, roll tide roll
govolsfan#214750 writes:
I.E. We would have won the UCLA and Alburn games if the coaching staff was doing thier job and playing the best QB!
dqnapier#225584 writes:
Rich, I agree on the Creer fumble against MSU. I think Hardesty is by FAR the best tailback we have. I know he has been injury-prone, but why hasn't he gotten more carries? He hits the hole more aggressively than Creer or Foster and has been able to hold onto the ball.
leedsvol2007 writes:
While you don't want any turnovers unless they are returned for scores for some reason it seems fumbles are more damaging than interceptions.
The key thing for Stephens is when he throws one he needs to forget about it and play the next series. Cutcliffe told Andy Kelley that just like in golf the next attempt is the most important.
Sooner or later Stephens is going to have to make more throws like he did to Warren against UAB. 15 + yard intermediate throws lead to more scoring.
One thing you have to like about Stephens he has shown terrific touch on deep throws.
Here's hoping he makes a big step this weekend.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
His practice philosophy is right on. Take the chances in practice, even if it looks sloppy so you begin to know your limitations on gameday. Unfortunately, Crompton may have been the opposite but who knows?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
It's hard to say, but he has a bunch of slow receivers to throw to, compared to the speed of the enemy CBs.
Other than the rare Moore strike, we are less than average.
You will see a jewel in FRESHMAN Jones for Bama. How he does, we'll see agin the 2-9 pecking bird.
Come to think of it, we are a very average to slightly below average college football team overall. Recruiting plus coaching lack has got us exactly where we are.
The roar of the crowd is fading fast. Memories of past glory will mean little to Bama Saturday.
It is hard to even hope, anymore.
On we go.
volintexas writes:
Ladies, yes he has had a couple of close calls, but he is a young guy that has started three games, including GA on the road, a team that was far superior in coaching and talent. Let's give the young guy a chance. I like his attitude to take some chances in practice to see where he can really push it in games. Besides, you can't make an omelette without cracking a few eggs, per General MacArthur.
ncvol writes:
I'm with you on this one...
You are exactly right to say we should use them all.
Go Vols !!
woodwr#217203 writes:
Funny. It might be just a coincidence....
Foster has not fumbled a Stephens hand-off.
No one else has fumbled a Stephens hand-off.
Stephens is no Terrelle Pryor but a 50% passer (who sees the second or third receiver) would have been enough to beat UCLA and would have beaten Auburn.
A 50% passer with Britton Colquitt punting and kicking off, might have taken Florida as late in the game as Georgia was before they pulled away.
Without a bad pass interference call and a bad personal foul call, Georgia would have been playing defense with a one score lead in the fourth quarter.
TommyJack writes:
Boys, it's time to sharpen the saber and gird your loins.
Bama's flyin in on a DC-3.
BIGEJ writes:
Neither QBs numbers are stellar, or comparable to our opponents. These two cannot make the line block, the receivers catch and the running backs run. It must be a team effort.
PASSING GP Effic Cmp-Att-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
Crompton 4 95.83 64-123-4 52.0 658 2 48 164.5
Stephens 4 129.61 34-69-0 49.3 542 3 60 135.5
Opponents 7 99.16 122-213-14 57.3 1199 5 37 171.3
I understand the IFs. I coach a team that is 7-2; if the IFs change, my team would be 9-0 or 5-4, easily. I cannot say what is the change in 3-4 to 5-2 or 6-1 and I coach. The intangibles are difficult to coach and more difficult for the player to grasp. It is what it is. If a bullfrog had wings, he would not bust his hump every time he hops……GO VOLS….
tr617 writes:
Stephens still is not the answer. He has been lucky on those throws that were not intercepted. I say change the game plan, get away from the sucky spread and open it up and let Crompton and Stephens battle it out, running the power I or the option. Crompton can run and scramble better than Stephens and now that the O line has woke up, we would see different results with Crompton.
VolinCalif writes:
Come on guys. UT has a very talented group of players. Things aren't going well thats for sure, but it's not really lack of talent. For sure we could use more speed, who couldn't. WE have a new system and that takes a little time. Just maybe we will have it together Sat. Then we can all crow.
Go Vols
VolinCalif
murrayvol writes:
You're not standing near a cliff are you?
FlaVol2 writes:
This team can do what it takes. You naysayers out there are no help. Get on board - believe - and boost the team. Quit being negative and poor Vol fans. Go Vols!!!!
murrayvol writes:
I thought they might take the bus and wear their throwback jersies. Oh yeah, they don't have throwbacks.
Volomatic writes:
You must be watching a different team than we are. Crapton doesn't need to ever step back on the field. We might do even better if he stays in the locker room during the game.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
No cliff, just a cold reality shower.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
That reminds me, your share of the levy for the coach's C-5A to get to Athens comes to, hmmm, about $11,569.00.
BillsBrother writes:
PDHUFF - there is always hope against Bama.
October 16, 1982
Knoxville, TN
Attendance: 95,342
The Vols had not beaten Bama in 11 years and tickets were difficult to find.
The Tide rolled into Neyland Stadium ranked #2 in the nation having just beaten traditional power Penn State.
Tennessee came out in their all orange uniforms.
The Tide jumped out early but a 52 yard TD pass from Alan Cockrell to Willie Gault fired up the Vols.
Chuck Coleman’s 34 yard touchdown run put the Vols up 14 with 7:21 to play in the game.
The Crimson Tide came back. Only down seven points, they had a fourth down pass into the endzone with 17 seconds remaining in the game but it was intercepted by Mike Terry.
Final Score, Vols 35 Bama 28
The fans rushed the field and the goal posts came down.
You can see the evidence of this victory in the Old College Inn on the Cumberland strip. A portion of the goal posts from that game are still there.
The VOLS can beat Bama this Saturday.
jmsbolt writes:
2 more days 3rd ...4th Saturday in October!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get goose bumps thinking about it! GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!
CalPoly_Vol_Fan writes:
What are you smoking...seriously? Stephens is BY FAR a better QB than Crompton. With a little more time, I believe Stephens could be equal or even better than both Clausens and Ainge.
You have to admit that Crompton lost his edge, if he had any to begin with. Looking at highlights of the 2006 UT-LSU game, Crompton was LUCKY when he hit that 50+ yarder to Meachem.
SouthALVol writes:
I was on the field after that game and almost was run over by the goal post carriers going down the field and out. I was going to go see Leon Redbone at the World's Fair that night but skipped it in favor of The Strip. I loved it having grown up in AL! It was a great day, and I hope it can happen again.
You know Bama will try to stop the run like UGA did. If they can, we're hosed.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
At all costs... WIN!
jsm67vol writes:
Yea, now that we are finally showing some improvement as a team ,lets change the plan .Great idea, not!Crompton had his chance and he blew it! He needs to watch from the bench. I wonder if he still thinks he is the man.
GreerVol22 writes:
He had his shot, its a lot more than many kids will ever have. If you want to feel bad feel bad for BJ who may be the best of the bunch but we'll never know.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True TT, we have put some effort into reaching this situation we are in.
I'll put on my orange/white cap Saturday, take a deep breath and an ever deeper slug of Makers.
I guess its selfish to want to be where you at least think we can compete.
volsthunder writes:
Have you really watched Crompton play? Why do you think he stayed in Cut's doghouse? Because the guy never prepared either on the field or in the film room. Who really cares if his confidence is shattered? Happens everyday in the business world. This is about winning and being competitive, period!
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
C'mon guys...don't give up now...two more losses and FOOLmer is gone. Where is the old AF? We need some fumbles inside the 10. Where is the old O-line? We need more motion penalties. Where is the old QB? Stephens, go talk to #8 and throw some picks. Where is the old soft cover zone D? Vinson and Willingham, you are too close to the LOS. Where is the old not so special teams? We need to give up a few more returns for TD. We're really really close this time. Don't let this opportunity pass us by!
dirtdobber1 writes:
Don't mean to be negative, but he has had about 69 passes without a completion as well. Hard to intercept or catch one, when the qb throws the ball at the receivers feet, in the stands or tipped at the line.
If Bama gets a big lead in the first half, look for them to run the MUSTANG PACKAGE on defense in the second half!
Moaninglikeheck writes:
LMAO, I almost tear up when I read this dude's posts.
I'll really be concerned if he ever quits posting on this site. Severe depression can make people do desperate things. Might require intervention.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
You may have just qualified as a seer.
Neyland on Sat night. What a stage!
Pride of the Southland and shiny mullets.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
69 passes without a completion? That doesn't make a lick of sense.
JayTee writes:
Stephens is a good quality QB with a great arm and will get only get better with experience.
Two of the top quarterbacks in the SEC are Stafford and John Parker Wilson but they didn't look great their first year.
Think what could of, wouild of or might have been if Clawson had been able to run the offense with the players he wanted without Phil's interference.
But it is what it is water under the bridge.
tnvol737 writes:
Foster sucks....He's cost us several games....simply by not holding onto the football....How many games has he won for us?....not nearly as many as he has lost....
We have much better RBs....we need to use them!
blitzshoot writes:
That was an awesome day. Thanks for the post.
blitzshoot writes:
Would you recommend giving Crompton the start?
dirtdobber1 writes:
Neither does this season.
miamiVOL writes:
Chumpton is now taking snaps at LB and FB, he will never play QB for TN again.
Stephens needs to continue to develop and play as much mistake-free football as he can.
mloaks#222092 writes:
i like this kid! go vols
blitzshoot writes:
I agree. I just cannot believe someone would actually bring Crompton's name up and Tennessee football in the same sentence anymore. He had more than an opportunity. Stephens is far from perfect, but He's a step up from j Crompton.
Go4Two writes:
response to BillsBrother:
PDHUFF - there is always hope against Bama.
October 16, 1982
Knoxville, TN
Attendance: 95,342
The Vols had not beaten Bama in 11 years and tickets were difficult to find.
The Tide rolled into Neyland Stadium ranked #2 in the nation having just beaten traditional power Penn State.
Tennessee came out in their all orange uniforms.
The Tide jumped out early but a 52 yard TD pass from Alan Cockrell to Willie Gault fired up the Vols.
Chuck Coleman’s 34 yard touchdown run put the Vols up 14 with 7:21 to play in the game.
The Crimson Tide came back. Only down seven points, they had a fourth down pass into the endzone with 17 seconds remaining in the game but it was intercepted by Mike Terry.
Final Score, Vols 35 Bama 28
The fans rushed the field and the goal posts came down.
You can see the evidence of this victory in the Old College Inn on the Cumberland strip. A portion of the goal posts from that game are still there.
The VOLS can beat Bama this Saturday.
I attended that game I have a really cool picture showing the worlds fair and Neyland full of fans. I kept all of the newspapers from that game one of my friends is hanging off the goal posts. That was the Bear's last visit to Knoxville. After losing 11 in a row to the tide nothing can compare to that win which is a tough call since I was also in New Orleans in 86 and South Bend in 91. Govols
dirtdobber1 writes:
No. The offense has a deer in the headlight look about it. I dont think it matters who plays qb. I believe Peyton would struggle with scheme we have this year!
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