Don't wait for Halloween to be scared. Just check out Tennessee's road record.
It's 0-3. Eeeek!
The Vols (3-5, 1-4 SEC) will try to improve on that frightful record Saturday when they travel to South Carolina.
That - along with a Nov. 22 game at Vanderbilt - is one of two opportunities to avoid becoming the first Tennessee football team to go winless on the road since 1977 when the Vols went 0-4.
Star safety Eric Berry said the key to winning on the road is focus, a mindset that might be easier to achieve away from the pressures of playing at home.
"Don't get me wrong, I do love the Vol Walk but (on the road) we don't really have to make that walk and get all antsy about things and get nervous," the sophomore said. "I just like to relax and chill before the game. I really don't like talking to people before the game.
"Away games I tend to be more relaxed and just do my thing."
Defensive Robert Ayers said at least the Vols know what to expect this week, as opposed to playing in the not-so-friendly confines of Neyland Stadium where hometown fan jeers have come almost as readily as cheers.
"When you're home you expect the crowd to be there for you," Ayers said. "As you get booed, it kind of makes you mad at home.
"You don't have to worry about that on the road. You know you're going to get booed."
Ayers, who is from Clio, S.C., knows all too well that Williams-Brice Stadium is one of the most underrated home venues in the SEC when it comes to rabid fan support.
"Those guys are going to be jacked," Ayers said. "The crowd is going to be into it."
That has Ayers taking a professional approach this weekend.
"I tell my family all the time 'I'm not coming to see you all. I'm coming to play,' " he said. "It's a business trip. It's not a field trip or a fun ride."
Crowd noise will certainly be a factor, especially for a struggling offense ranked 112th in the nation and 11th in the SEC.
"I think the offense probably has the most problem with it because on defense it's kind of quiet," Berry said. "The offense, I think they're getting used to it."
Ballin' Berry: Berry said he hasn't talked to UT's offensive coaches this week about playing more offense or returning kickoffs, which he did for the first time in his college career in Saturday's loss to Alabama.
"Hopefully it will (happen more this season) but if it doesn't, I'm fine on defense," Berry said.
Berry returned two kicks for 32 yards and caught one screen pass for three yards on his lone offensive play.
"We have worked like the dickens with him on a few plays offensively," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He's got a lot of duties, particularly this week with the passing game that he's getting ready to go against."
UT is expecting receiver Gerald Jones to return on Saturday. Jones practiced Wednesday after missing the Alabama game with a high ankle sprain.
Jones' return could limit Berry's chances of playing offense because coaches have said the two have a similar set of skills.
UT's coaches have cited a lack of depth at safety as another reason Berry's snaps on offense will be limited.
"We're doing as much as I think we can at this particular point," Fulmer said.
Berry returned punts in high school, but has struggled catching the ball in practice.
Bam Bam Berry: When asked which was his better hit this season, Berry offered some perspective on a pair of bone-jarring collisions: against Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno and Alabama's Marquis Maze.
"I think Knowshon probably got the most of it," Berry said with a chuckle. "I think I just got the top of my head in with Maze."
The Maze hit was more spectacular, as it occurred in the open field and spun the receiver backwards.
"I like the Maze hit better," Berry said.
Clawson's Case: Offensive coordinator Dave Clawson admitted that there's a solid argument to be made for playing one tailback instead of three, as UT has done regularly this season.
"I think there is some merit to if you play three, you never really let one get into a rhythm and a flow of the game," Clawson said.
However, Clawson said playing three keeps all fresh. Moreover, Clawson said all three tailbacks (Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer) deserve to play based off their performance on the practice field and academically.
Fulmer seemed to think that even taking part in the debate was a no-win situation.
"Tomorrow if one guy plays, they'll say you should be playing three guys," Fulmer said.
Schedule: South Alabama's fledgling program has signed to play at Tennessee in 2013.
The Jaguars begin play next season and will be part of the Sun Belt Conference. The contract is for a single game on Nov. 9, 2013.
Honored: Berry is one of 20 defensive players to earn a spot on the Lott Trophy quarterfinalist list.
Berry has five interceptions and has broken the SEC career record for interception return yards (397).
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy was established to recognize athletic performance and strong personal character attributes.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 55
utclassof1992 writes:
1st
utclassof1992 writes:
Just had to do that
a10acfan1 writes:
If Berry and G. Jones have the same talent level, heaven forbid having them in the game at the same time. Might confuse the defense.
a10acfan1 writes:
And I was so close
ncvol17 writes:
Winning means having more than 1 touchdown scored in a 1st half. I don't think I have seen as anemic of an offense since the 70's
mattnchatt writes:
That hit on Maze was the highlight of the game.
blitzshoot writes:
UT seems to play better on the road, good season or bad season. So much for home field advantage.
tnbigg writes:
Ugly...getting uglier...whoo hoo...
CT_VOL writes:
Turns out the only fun part of a vol game this season is watchng berry clock people, while rooting for an interception and some return yards to capture the NCAA record.
So you see, the whole season isn't lost. Also, amazing that the vols keep getting primtime TV spots when they stink!
Frank
pdhuff#552644 writes:
"Tomorrow if one guy plays, they'll say you should be playing three guys".
This from a guy who never pays attention to comments from anyone. Hmmmmmm...
Woo hoo.
blitzshoot writes:
Any news about what's going on with Fulmer. Things seem to be quiet...
khelton657 writes:
"...we been workin' like the dickens"...."I'm just a good ole country boy...don't cuss ner nuthin" .That good ole boy routine just makes him sound stupid
spvol writes:
There is no excuse for booing our team...ever...period.
ncvol writes:
I would want the Volunteers to know that not everyone "boos" them at home games. The fans are still there when UT is losing or winning. The fans are still singing Rocky Top when someone on the team makes a good play. The fans are not booing....Fans are ones that cheer their team on to victory. Win or Lose ...Their job is to cheer their team on. The ones that boo are not your fans !
As a fan, I want you to know that we want you guys to do a great job in SC and bring home a win. Keep your heads up and play tough...Go Vols !
ncvol writes:
Ditto spvol...Well said.
Go Vols !
graphpro#231211 writes:
Mike Hamilton needs to pull the plug on Fulmer ASAP. Get started on the new hire. That person, whoever it might be, will have time to meet with the current recruits and try to keep as many as possible. If TN becomes bowl eligible with 6 wins, he should turn the bowl down and work on what needs to be done for the next year.
Also, by having it known that the Kentucky game will be Fulmer's last ball game as UT's coach, fans might show up to give him a respectful send off. A couple of cheers for the 90's.
Although Hamilton has never asked my opinion, if he would have, I could have saved UT Athletic Department some money because I would have never given Fulmer that ridiculous extension last year.
I'm guessing that extension was to help Fulmer surpass Neyland's record. Plus, I believe at some point Peyton Manning might figure into Tennessee athletics. He can't have more than 5-7 years. Go figure how all of these items are closely timed.
Take care fellow volunteers we will again rise to the top. Once a coach is in place we will quickly surpass Reicht at Georgia and Florida will never again have another Tim Tiboe. I believe with a good hire the SEC WILL come down to Tennessee vs. Alabama for many SEC championships.... Go Big Orange!
The Bear and Neyland shall rise again.... All is well in the south... :)
blitzshoot writes:
Didn't UT play SC on Halloween before. I think it was Heath Shuler? I think it was a loss. Can this be correct.
No sarcasm, just too many concussions....thanks.
Seems like it was the first year SC joined the SEC?? I know Saturday is
not Halloween, but just seems a little like the age of aquarius.
TNBIGG, need some help.
tenuscvol writes:
"When you're home you expect the crowd to be there for you," Ayers said. "As you get booed, it kind of makes you mad at home.
Robert:
Please accept my apologies for the idiots who don't know to keep a lid on it. If we could just create a wail for booing the call then the guys would know were not booing them...
Otherwise these guys bust gut for our "entertainment" and we need to keep it all in perspective and try not to boo.
As can be seen its not very well received by the players and (rightfully or wrongly) it absolutely could affect the kids being recruited.
(In the defense of some, loud wailing groans of disbelief and disgust can somtimes be misinterpreted as a boo.)
We have always typically played better ball on the road...
(This season excluded.)
GoVols!
Ironcity writes:
If we only run 40 plays a game we might as well use just one back. If its necessary to use all three wouldn't it be neat if we came out in the wishbone and started all three of them with Hardesty at Fullback and Jones under center. I know one thing, it couldn't be any worse then what I have witnessed so far
CrankE writes:
We have worked like the dickens with him on a few plays offensively,"
Frickin slackers. They've even quit workin like heck. Phil, that whole dickens thing isn't on my bingo board, could you clarify? Is the dickens greater than or less than heck? (Maybe there should be a song about the whole "workin like heck" thing-sort of like the old Phil Campbell-Malfunction Junction song.)
Note to Phil; Quit working with Berry. Anyone that you "work with" usually gets worse at what they're doing. Please leave him alone-he seems to be one of the few who actually know what the...dickens he's doing.
___________
Ayers; What boos? I've been too busy cussin'. If you want a real surprise, wait until the Carolina fans cheer cheer, "4 MORE YEARS!, 4 MORE YEARS!" for Fulmer on his way back to the locker room if SC wins.
They say that South Carolina is where old coaches go to die because no coach at South Carolina ever went to coach elsewhere. For the record, Johnny Majors last loss before The Announcement was at South Carolina. Can't help but think that we're in store for a similar result and announcement next week. Trick or Treat!
khelton657 writes:
....uuhhh...whatsa "dickens" ?
FlaVol2 writes:
Robert Ayers, it makes me mad too, to hear fans boo. They should be ashamed of themselves. You guys hang in there - this too shall pass. Go Vols!!!
tenuscvol writes:
He wrote "A tale of Two Cities"...
The word was originaly used to express effort in good writing...
Write like the Dickens!...
It found its way into the mainstream up near Manchester Tenn I believe...
His brother Heck was a succesfull worker in the textile industry where everyone tried to work like Heck...
GoVols!
gobigorange writes:
These guys bust gut for a free college education(not for our entertainment). I have yet to boo a player on this team, Fulmer on the other hand deserves some boos. But the kids on the team will get more benefits from playing on this team and attending this fine university than you are I will ever get from watching them play.
tntorbett writes:
I agree w/ that (which I'm sure will sound odd to those who have read my posts before), that's why I don't boo @ games. Believe me I would love to boo the coaching staff, but they're to stupid to realize they're being booed anyways. Unfortunately, while i think alot of fans are booing the coaches (& rightfully so) the players feel they are the ones being booed. Hopefully Fulmer will be gone next year, & we'll get a good coach & not be in this spot.
tenuscvol writes:
However, the ability to provide that benifit to the student is due to the revenue provided to the institution based on the market value of the product (e.g. the amount of money the can be obtained for selling the product for entertainment purposes.)
Your simplified analysis would tend that college players are paid athletes. I guess by the strictess definition they are but I prefer not to see it that way.
ESPN (Entertainment Sports Network)
GoVols!
CoverOrange writes:
1998 won over SC 49-14
1992 lost to SC 24-23 (Moses run)
1987 lost to Boston College 20-18
1970 won over Wake Forest 41-7
Only trend is that every game was away from Neyland.
CoverOrange writes:
Sorry, Mose Phillips run in 1992.
TommyJack writes:
Normally you would never turn down a bowl simply becuase it gives you a free extra "Spring" practice. But with the staff most likely changing, who knows? Probably a moot point anyway.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
I am gonna' watch this game with the love of Jesus in my heart, and my money on the table!! And may the spoils go to the victor. Go Vols, beat the Gamecocks!
newtonrail writes:
You fire Fulmer now, and just WHO can you talk to before the end of the season? Perhaps not formally until after the bowl season? As for turning down a bowl, we can't now. You know $Millions the SEC splits up in Destin every year from Bowls, TV,etc. You have to hold up your end by going if invited nowadays. And the extra practice is worthwhile no matter who's coaching next year. Speaking on that if a change is made, I hope Mikey has better sense than to hire someone running the Spread or another gimmick formation. Even Florida doesn't stay in a true Spread.
OranjNmemphis writes:
I can't muster up enough strength to boo OUR VOLS. It just doesn't seem right. I know this and many of the past 8 seasons have been disappointing, but booing OUR VOLS is, well it's BLASPHEMY!!! (I BLEED ORANGE!!!)
Go Vols
OranjNmemphis writes:
That's good teaching Brotha! LOL!!
GO Vols!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
You know, reading this headline slowly points out a slight problem- "Content with no wins" = not Phixable.
Shades of 2008.
DadwasaVol writes:
The road trip away from Neyland may help. The difference this week is the boos will only come from South Carolina fans. That's an improvement!
panavol writes:
I don't think you would say this to Ayers "face to face".
Booing our players is uncalled for and unacceptable behavior.
Stay in KY and STICK IT!!!
GO VOLS!!!!
beef4davols writes:
I didn't think there was much booing in the Alabama game. Seemed like all was right in the world for a while when we got the ball inside the 5 after our first punt. Then we went backwards 9 yards and settled for 3, and we let Bama decide where WE would return kicks by setting the wedge in front of the ball where ever it was caught and going straight up field to the 25 and crashing into the back of the pile. Then I realized it was 2008. Boo Fulmer.
jasonn1970 writes:
Back when UT was a top tier program they were all but unbeatable at home. They didn't lose a game at Neyland from 1996 to 2000. Losing at home regularly is a sure sign of mediocrity. It's time for a change. Hopefully MH is already talking to Muschamp's agent.
Docrok writes:
I believe Will Muschamps agent is Jimmy Sexton....Same as Fulmer
volguy writes:
Robert:
You won't have to listen to any booing for the rest of the season. With the amount of people who will be at the next 2 games, Clawson will be hollering down plays from the press box- no headset required.
law_vol writes:
I'm glad that because Ayers is decrying the few fans that are booing the completely lackluster product on the field, this thread becomes a soap box for who is a true vol fan and who isn't according to boos.
If you want a fan base that cares about your program, you have to put up with boos when the program is performing woefully below expectations. If not, you should have played at Vanderbilt where nobody cares when you lose and they get really excited at the prospect of a 6 win season.
In addition, as noted by the media savvy Crompton, the players play for themselves and the coaches, not the fans nor for fan entertainment. So, when fans feel left out of the loop, and PF calls every game so conservatively that they lose or win by chance, some fans make use of the direct impact mechanism of booing.
It is their right as fans and as paying customers. Can it have collateral damage, sure. But just because it isn't necessarily the best idea, doesn't mean that those who do it aren't "real vol fans."
You don't have to be a blind fan to be a real fan.
auttat writes:
Word is, they are only letting the 5% that have played football into the stadium from now on.
I played a sport in college, well I call golf a sport, and when I played bad (usually always) I heard about it. From my parents, brother, friends, etc. Did it bother me? You damn straight! Did it make me want to get better? You DAMN straight!!
I got some advice to Mr. Fulmer and the rest of those on the team that let booing hurt their feelings. If you don't like it, don't give the fans a reason to boo!
Quit making freakin excuses
auttat writes:
Great, maybe they will keep him and the team can build on all the momentum they have gained this year.
law_vol writes:
Butch - Thank you for the completely irrelevant post. Revise your stats to only take the last 10 years into account and get back to us.
Most people would think that it is fair to review someone on a decade by decade basis, especially when that someone is getting paid exceedingly well.
I'm specifically interested in the dominance over the main historical rivals and other teams over the past 10 years.
Is it safe for me to assume that you think that PF has put himself on the same level of coaches as Bowden and Paterno? That he deserves to leave on his terms whenever he chooses? That 4 years and a national championship gives a coach a free pass in perpetuity?
Most of the posters on here, including myself, recognize the accomplishments that PF has HAD at this university, and we are all appreciative of the success and enjoyment that we experienced in the past. But that has nothing to do with whether PF is the man to get it done in the future (not passing judgment on whether he can).
As almost everyone would agree, the college football landscape of the 90's is not the same one we see today. To assume that because PF has an excellent resume OVERALL that he is the best person for the job NOW is a bit off the mark.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Exactly, and did you notice that he failed to put the Florida record in there? And Fulmer is 0-4 against Meyer, 5-8 against Spurrier and so on. No SEC titiles in 10 years for a team built on tradition like Tennessee will cut it. And Phil has never been respected as a coach by anyone. As a recruiter he was first class, but if not for good assistants over the years, we would have had many more years like 2005 and now. And there are reasons that no other school tried to get him as coach, he was never respected. I appreciate what he did for UT, but it is time to move on.
Docrok writes:
Well Said Sir!
Docrok writes:
Man you are spot on Today Sir!
Docrok writes:
Conveniently you have neglected the UF record. And that is enough for me. Even in Fulmers' up years we lost to FL and usually quite convincingly!! Have we ever beat FL convincingly under Fulmer?
auttat writes:
92, not necessarily his team, but it is the last time that it happened
DaVols writes:
People Wonder why the Vols play better on the road, with all the phooey and venom spewed forth daily by the arm chair lettermen of channel surfing who think they might know exactly how Fulmer should motivate his players to use their football bats. Please, people unless you were a college athlete keep your stupid opinions to yourself and your armchair qb club
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.