Hamilton on why only 98,205: gas shortage, hi-def

To get to 98,205 took some work Saturday.

That was the announced attendance for Tennessee's home opener against UAB.

But for anyone that was at Neyland Stadium, that number seemed as inflated as a blimp.

The announced attendance includes tickets sold and anyone that steps foot in the stadium, including stadium personnel, players and coaches.

The lower level of Neyland Stadium was mostly full, other than a smattering of empty seats in the UAB section.

The upper level was another matter. It looked little more than 50 percent full except for the upper level student section, which was almost empty.

Actual attendance was estimated to be 80,000 to 85,000.

UT athletic director Mike Hamilton disagreed with such estimates, saying he believed the crowd was close to the announced attendance.

"I thought it was a good crowd," he said.

Hamilton said he knew coming into the game there wouldn't be a capacity turnout.

Approximately 1,500 student tickets went unsold and UAB only purchased 800 tickets from its 9,500 allotment.

"Couple that with the gas shortage and the fact it's on television in hi-def now," Hamilton said. "Frankly, when I got into the stadium for pre-game, I thought 'This is a pretty good crowd.' "

Heat was also a factor as temperatures rose above 90 degrees with a heat index that was even higher.

"The heat was so bad we had people dropping out right and left," Hamilton said. "Our first-aid stations were real active."

Hamilton said he has considered installing a scanning system like the one used in Thompson-Boling Arena to determine a more exact attendance.

However, he has decided against it for now because of the $500,000 price tag. He said it could be implemented in the next two or three years.

Morley Suspended: UT coach Phillip Fulmer said junior safety Demetrice Morley was suspended for the first quarter for an unspecified violation of team rules. Fulmer declined to elaborate.

Morley entered the game in the second quarter.

With Morley out, UT slid starting sophomore cornerback Dennis Rogan to safety and played sophomore Marsalous Johnson at cornerback.

Rogan has proven to be one of UT's most versatile defensive backs, playing safety in UT's nickel and dime package as well as cornerback in its base package.

"He's probably like the Reggie Bush of defense," safety Eric Berry said. "He plays nickel back, cornerback, safety. He does it all.

All that despite a pulled abdominal muscle that sidelined Rogan for much of the opener at UCLA.

Sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson saw limited time in UT's nickel and dime package. Vinson was suspended for the opener after a violation of the class attendance policy.

Still, Vinson has been lauded by coaches for his practice intensity even as he was mired on the third team.

"Today just put the exclamation mark on everything," Vinson said of his return.

Lapsing Luke: Tight end Luke Stocker had three drops, one of which would have been good for a long gain before halftime.

Despite his other two drops, the Vols scored on both drives.

"If we would have lost and I had those drops, I'd be blaming myself," Stocker said.

Stocker admitted that once he dropped a pass, it was hard to keep from dropping another.

"It's tough to keep it out of your head, it really is," he said.

Offensive coordinator Dave Clawson wasn’t dwelling on Stocker’s drops.

“He’s as strong at his position as any player on our team,” Clawson said.

Injury Report: Offensive guard Anthony Parker was ill and needed two IV's at halftime. His snaps were limited in favor of Vladimir Richard.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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