FIVE BIG THINGS
1. Manage Emotions: Rivalry games always have something extra. This year's Alabama game has even more. The Vols desperately need a win to rebound from a 2-4 start. UT coach Phillip Fulmer needs a win over a top-tier SEC program to reassure decision-makers that he and his staff can guide the Vols to another championship. Tennessee has to walk the fine line between harness that emotion today and letting it get the better of them.
2. Play Keep Away: The best way to combat Alabama's clock-chewing offense is to play keep away with the football. That means converting on third down, keeping the down and distance normal and running the ball. It also means limiting turnovers, which the Vols have done the last two weeks. They'll have to be turnover-free again today to have a chance.
3. Let Berry Lose: Super sophomore Eric Berry has been breathtaking with the ball in his hands. That's why he should get a few snaps on offense. UT has done it before with players like Carl Pickens, and Berry might be the offensive spark this team needs in a game like this. Of course that's if he gets his hands on the ball.
4. Man Up: Alabama is perhaps the most physical team in the SEC on both lines of scrimmage. The Vols must find a way to reach that level today, especially on defense, where they'll face three of the SEC's best linemen tackle Andre Smith, center Antoine Caldwell and guard Mike Johnson.
5. Be Special: Punter Britton Colquitt has provided a lift in the kicking game since returning to the lineup two weeks ago. UT's other specialists need follow suit. Whether it's limiting the Tide's dynamic return man, junior Javier Arenas, making a play of their own in the return game or kicker Daniel Lincoln returning to form, the Vols can't afford to neglect the kicking game today.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 79
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
ONe thing more important than all.....Score more .....that simple
Homermoosevols writes:
Ya think?
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
#3 is let Berry loose...not lose....
Saban_Palin writes:
6. Fulmer needs to out-smart, out-coach Nick Saban
TommyJack writes:
bwahahahaha
GoVol writes:
Five Things:
1) New Coach
2) New Coach
3) New Coach
4) New Coach
5) Use Fulmer's best strategy - HOPE things will change.
I also disagree with the 'manage emotions' suggestion in the article. TN hasn't played with passion & emotion in any game yet. Let it out boys. Go after it. Play with more heart and emotion than bama and then we may have a chance if Fulmer stays in the locker room.
KENVOL writes:
We need to turn our play makers loose. I know this sounds crazy but we will win this game. I know Bama is better and we should not win but we will. Just a gut feeling. The same one I had when I picked Ole Miss over Florida. So don't ask me why but I'm not even worried about this game. I already have it maked as a win.
invisiblekid writes:
7.Find about 20lbs of magic dust, street value between 6-7 million dollars. Apply liberally on field before the game.
GerryOP writes:
In Summary: Show some Tennessee Pride and play some Tennessee Football.
Colliervol writes:
8. Weld shut the doors to the Bama team buses so they can't get off.
invisiblekid writes:
8. Bring in Tweeder, "Mox" Moxon, and Billy Bob from Varsity Blues; Paul "Wrecking" Crewe and Samson aka Richard Kiel from the original Longest Yard; Julian Washington, Luther Lavay, and Willie Beaman from Any Given Sunday, and hire Coach Herman Boone for this game.
dirtdobber1 writes:
9. Mustang Package. We must avoid this scheme at all cost. The Mustang has a strange way of making below average qb's look like heisman candidates. This defense can snatch a sure victory away from the Vols everytime. This defense also has a menacing way of taking the enthusiasm away from 109,000 screaming fans. The indian word for Mustang Package is momentum killer. In greek it is often referred to as the Jack Asse Package!
invisiblekid writes:
Not sure of the route nowadays, but maybe I'll get the chance to flip off Saban riding in on the bus like I did Gene Stallings way back when.
invisiblekid writes:
Seriously, this is the season for the Vols. Forget bowl eligibility, forget speculation on the coaches, forget everything else that has happened this year and just go play some damned ball.
dirtdobber1 writes:
maybe get Paul Crue for qb and Rudy Rudeger for special teams.
blitzshoot writes:
Offer cash to some of the Bama players to switch jerseys...
Especially the offensive lineman.
99gator writes:
10. paint the whole field checkerboard to confuse alabama as to where the endzone is.
dirtdobber1 writes:
hey kid-
for good measure get Rudy Ruteger on one side and Vince Papale on the other side.
stormblast writes:
Five Things:
1. Not play Berry on offense. He's too valuable on defense. Our best player needs to play on the most important side of the ball. It's what he knows, what he's best at, and the last line of defense, as it were, before the opposing player can score. Imagine if he were to get hurt on an offensive play. He will have a bulls-eye on him if he runs routes (especially inside and if he gets the ball in the backfield).
2. Stay with the run. Don't give up on it. We ran it successfully, but as has been the case for many years...we abandoned it. We were successful at UCLA, gave it up (this helped contribute to the Icarus-like fall of Crompton...no way should he have had to throw the ball 41 times against that poor of a team)...and now look what has happened to our offense.
3. Defensive line and linebackers will get their fill of Coffee. Bama will run to open up the pass. John Parker Wilson has had a solid season. He's confident. If the ground game gets going...his confidence will too. Front seven needs to stay on the Bama line and backfield. Man-up boys.
4. Stephens needs to have a package he's confortable with. He's been mistake free so far. Nick Saban is a secondary coach more than he is a head coach. He is going to implement some confusing packages in the secondary and quite possibly bring in a few safety blitzes. Stephens needs to be comfortable with a passing game plan meant for him.
5. Throw the kitchen sink at them. This means more to us than them. I understand that a national championship is in the works for Bama if they win. But this is a program changing moment for us...coaching staff, fan apathy, recruiting priorities, boosters, etc. I'm not saying our program depends on a win. I am saying that this game represents a crossroads for us as Tennessee fans, alumn, players, coaches, boosters, etc. We are at a crossroads. This game is square in the middle. It's our biggest game each year. No championship implication for us...but sometimes there are moments that are more important than championships. I'm not saying "let's win so Fulmer can keep his job." But...the game is significant on where this program is heading. No matter what...it's one game. It's the moment where we get to see if this team has what it takes to throw every piece of junk they have during a very trying season. The 1988 team pulled it together. This team could do the same and make this game the moment the turn around happened. Leave no stone unturned against the Tide.
invisiblekid writes:
Nope, no Rudy, we are already getting killed on special teams.
Forgot to add Jo Bob Priddy aka Bo Svenson from North Dallas Forty to my list earlier.
invisiblekid writes:
Papale would work as a gunner but Rudy needs to learn his blocking assignments and show more consistency in practice.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
FIVE BIG THINGS
1. Manage Emotions: Rivalry games always have something extra. This year's Alabama game has even more. The Vols desperately need a win to rebound from a **2-4 start.**
Um, we're having trouble winning as it is, please do not rob us of our third victory KNS, (hint) that little SEC game we played last weekend.
Colliervol writes:
I agree with that. Said last week that Bama can be had and I still believe that, IF the defense continues to show up and IF we don't make too many mistakes.
According to Greg Roberts,the point spread started at 5 1/2, went to 7 and is now back to 4 1/2. Meaning that everybody loaded up on Bama at first and the "smart money" is now all over UT. He picked UT straight up which worries me because he is rarely right about the Vols.
SemperVol writes:
You can't forget Captain Insano's protege...........Mr. Bobby Boucher.
He show's no mercy.
dirtdobber1 writes:
maybe we can get John Milner and Gator McCluskey to escort coach Herman Boone on and off the field/
may want to give the "hot shot punk" from California a look to- Kelly Leek- he was all world for the jr. league cal bears.
invisiblekid writes:
volmoc, I disagree with you (as many will) on #1. Berry is the only player on this team that frightens the other team in the open field IMO. He can get hurt stepping off the bus, so I just don't see the point of worrying about a football player getting hurt playing football. I am not saying play him both ways the entire game, but if they are worried about the number of snaps he plays, there is a simple solution: play more efficiently on 3rd down. Another idea would have been to try and develop some of the younger players behind him on the depth chart.
99gator writes:
completely agree with this invisible kid.
eric berry is so vastly superior as a pure athlete compared to everyone else on that squad it's scary. he really sticks out.
playing him on offense may fail. but, they started crompton for four games. how much worse can playing your best athlete on that side of the field for a few plays be.
dirtdobber1 writes:
If you run Berry on the offense- get him some space...dont run the cap-gun deal where everybody and their mama knows whats going to happen. Put him at receiver- force someone to actually cover him instead of popping Nick Stephens at receiver where everybody knows he is out of the play.
In regard to the guy who posted try to stick with the running game longer...I agree,but if the other team has 11 in the box- dont just keep running up the middle! that is Bull!
auttat writes:
25. Watch for onside kicks. (Just putting this one where Fulmer might actually think about it happening)
smokyredbone writes:
1-100. JUST BEAT THOSE CHEATIN REDNECKS!!!!!!!!!! It would destroy their season!!!!!!!!!! And make ours more bearable!
dirtdobber1 writes:
good one redbone- its bad that Vol Football has resorted to Vanderbilt tactics of spoiler to make a season. At least with a basketball team it makes your scenario something we can live with for this season!
ctexorange writes:
The best game of the season...... Play with your heart young men wearing Orange and White.
I became a Volunteer Fan on the 3rd Saturday in October listening to John Ward on the radio. I mimicked every play in the front yard while the adults huddled round the radio. play with emotion, bleed Orange on this day!!!
Tradition...... my favorite words...
"GIVE EM 6 TOUCHDOWN TENNESSEE"
GO VOLS
dirtdobber1 writes:
Kick em in the Vols!
stormblast writes:
(As many will)?
Perhaps. Perhaps not. I stand by what I believe. Berry is our best player by far. I don't believe he should play on offense at all. Offensive players with the ball are the ones who receive the hits. If he has the ball and he will...any idiot will know this should he be on any offensive play...then the bulls-eye is on him. This is a golden opportunity to take him out...even if it is a legal play. Offensive players who don't have the ball are generally blocking. When the ball is converted by the player going down field...then the offensive players are mainly blocking down field. So when he's on defense...he's delivering the blows...not taking them. Any idiot knows this. I would rather see our best player, playing on the most important side of the ball (defense) leading one of the nation's strongest defense against the number two team in the nation and our biggest rival than to see him play (even if it is a conservative 3 or 4 plays) on offense, doing something he is unfamiliar with.
I agree with you. He could be a difference if he is on offense. However, the costs could be dearly.
Berry is a hunter...not the prey. I, this is my opinion, say keep him there.
I'm not saying that if he is on offense, that I'm going to jump around in circles hyperventilating. I'm also not saying he wouldn't be good on offense. And yes...anyone can get hurt coming off the bus...but no one is comparing that to this. All I'm saying is he dominates in the position he's in. His position as a defensive back is crucial to the team.
NO_DIGGITY writes:
Get Spicoli to total Rico McCoys car and tell Rico that John Parker Wilson did it. (a la Jefferson from Fast Times at Ridgemont High). My dad is a TV repairman and has an awsome set of tools, I can fix it.
Someone just hit John Parker hard and a lot.
dirtdobber1 writes:
Diggity- you get the prize for that one! good call on the tv repairman!
hit parker and mess up his hair. Goofy asse comb over crapola! I dont care if his momma was a cheerleader!
chrisw2967 writes:
99gator writes:
10. paint the whole field checkerboard to confuse alabama as to where the endzone is.
99 , that would backfire on Tn cause we are having problems finding the endzone ourselves.
stormblast writes:
99gator
I agree that Berry is vastly superior than anyone else on this squad. But...Bery is not a quarterback. You can't compare Crompton with Berry.
Crompton is a severe disappointment. Do you think putting Berry on offense for a few plays would have helped a quarterback who couldn't even hand the ball off, who threw the ball behind the receivers and 15 yards out of bounds?
Berry could be a difference maker yes...but he already is.
So, if what you and the invisible one are saying, we should put him at our weakest spots...then do you think we should have him return kicks & punts?
I just believe that our best player should be delivering the hits...not taking them. I believe his talents are needed on defense. That's all I'm saying.
He could be the difference in the game if he were to play on offense. If he does play, then I want him to do well.
I'm not saying the guy couldn't handle it on offense or even take the hard hits. I'm not saying that he couldn't handle stepping off the bus (Invisiblekid). I'm just saying he's extremely valuable on the defense. I wouldn't want to see that compromised.
SemperVol writes:
Still haven't fixed it, have they?
MidTennVol writes:
Volmoc, I understand what you're saying. But I agree with everyone else: play Berry wherever he can make a difference.
If not now, with the entire program hanging in the balance, then when? No player is bigger than the program.
Fulmer won't do it but I would love to see him completely turn Clawson loose and throw caution to the wind...I mean trick plays, fake punts/FGs, going for it on fourth and long, maybe even starting the game with an onsides kick...
If he did that and we still lost but made a game of it, I for one would be happy. I would interpret it as a change in Coach Fulmer's philosophy.
And I'll go to sleep tonight quite confident that it ain't gonna happen. A leopard cannot change its spots.
EyeNoEvrthng writes:
6. Leave Rogers on the bench ( we can't afford dropped balls (2 or 3 last week)).
bcm4ut writes:
Bama will remind us of how our teams used to look. The tide will roll right over fulmer and hopefully the last of the fulmer lovers. 38-10 bama.
THEKIDWISCONSIN writes:
Should we go mistake free, take advantage of their mistakes & get the lead.....DO NOT PLAY PREVENT DEFENESE!!! (read - do not give a 20 yard cushion to every eligable receiver while rushing only three)
VolEagle writes:
When did YOU get your coaching degree!
GahLee writes:
1. Start Hardesty, play Creer more.
2. Let Berry get 5-10 snaps on offense.
3. More Gerald Jones at QB, let him throw it more than once.
4. Open the playbook a little more and see what Nick can do.
5. Pray real, real hard.
stormblast writes:
touche' Denmark. touche'
You've talked me into it. Sometimes you have to show all of your cards. It's that time.
Invisiblekid, 99gator...I take back my replies to Berry not playing on offense.
I guess I should have included Berry as part of the kitchen sink to throw at Bama on my fifth point.
I agree with you and everyone. He's our best player. He needs to have the ball in is hands more.
You are correct...we're at crucial times right now. If we weren't having the kind of year we're having now...then I would definitely not play him on offense. But desparate times call for desparate measures.
I agree with you, Invisible, and 99gator now...play Berry on offense.
TommyJack writes:
Funny that you picked manage emotions.
Colliervol writes:
Only problem I see with Berry on offense is that the defense probably will notice when he's out there as well and, oh, might be keying on him. Especially, if he shows up in the G-Gun. I know I'd be shadowing him if he even thought about coming out on the field on offense. Unless he can play wide receiver and can free himself, I don't know how much difference it would make. That's where I might play him if he's practiced any at wide out. Get him the ball on some screens and see what happens.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Oh, how so?
invisiblekid writes:
Thanks 99Gator, agree that if they can experiment with Crompton for 4 games, what's a couple of snaps on offense for Berry.
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