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Tennessee sophmore Zack Wells watches the final minutes of Tennessee's 30-6 loss to Florida in Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
Vol vent
Audio slide show
Stats
Stories
- 'That loss is on me'
- Report Card: UT vs. Florida
- Adams: Series gap more gaping than ever
- Fans deliver boos; Crompton says 'we play for our football family, that's each other'
- Turnovers, missed chances hurt offense
- Short-yardage failures soured defense
- It's all business for Florida and it shows
- Florida has easy time with stumbling Vols, 30-6
As the Tennessee band cranked up a final round of "Rocky Top" Saturday afternoon, the few remaining UT fans at Neyland Stadium might have been recalling the good old days - back when Steve Spurrier was the Florida coach.
Never mind how Florida dominated the series when Spurrier was flinging his visor and Danny Wuerffel was throwing the football. The difference between UT and Florida is more apparent now than ever.
And that starts with Florida's Urban Meyer, who is 5-0 against the Vols in his fourth season as the Gators head coach.
Yes, I mean "5-0." I'm beating the rush and crediting the Gators with a victory next September in The Swamp.
If a 30-6 loss at Neyland Stadium is the best UT could do Saturday, is there anything that could happen between now and next September to make you think this series would turn UT's way?
Florida has now outscored UT 89-26 in back-to-back games. The Gators couldn't even match that when Spurrier's guys were passing UT silly in the mid-1990s.
Florida passed UT silly last year in a 59-20 victory. That was more like a circus than a football game. This was different.
This wasn't about a fancy Florida offense running and passing circles around a bewildered UT defense. This was more rock 'em, sock 'em than razzle-dazzle.
UT held Florida to 243 yards and was never in the game. What does that tell you?
The Gators aren't just faster. They're tougher and more resourceful. They're also better coached and better prepared.
That was evident from the opening kickoff.
What does Florida's Brandon James have to do for UT to stop kicking him the ball? Score twice on one play?
James didn't score on the opening kickoff. He just returned it 52 yards to the UT 42.
With that return, he did more than give Florida favorable field position. He set the tone for the game. It would be one long Gator chomp from start to finish.
James was just getting warmed up. And so was the UT brain trust, which somehow has deluded itself into believing it can kick the ball to Florida's 5-foot-7, 186-pound package of dynamite and not get blown to smithereens.
It didn't work Saturday. It didn't work last year. And the only reason it worked two years ago was that a Gator blocked somebody in the back while James was running for a touchdown.
James, who had an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown last season against UT, returned one 78 yards for a touchdown Saturday. That gave Florida a 17-0 lead, which is insurmountable when you're stumbling around on offense the way the Vols are through three games.
It's worth noting that the Vols had James covered on his most recent touchdown. It's not a matter of coverage. It's a matter of tackling.
Just for the record, UT went 0-for-4 on that punt return. Four guys had a shot at him, and all they managed to do was make Florida's highlight video.
UT didn't have to kick the ball to James to create a highlight. There was quarterback Tim Tebow's jump pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez for a touchdown. Tebow also pulled off an underhanded, falling-down pass to Kestahn Moore, whose 9-yard gain set up Jonathan Phillips' 39-yard field goal.
But Florida's defense was so good, and James was so dynamic on returns, the Gators didn't need Tebow. He might as well have spent the afternoon propped up on the Heisman Trophy that UT helped him win last year.
Compared to last season, UT's defense was sensational against the Gators. However, as in the opening-season loss to UCLA, it couldn't make crucial plays when a first down was hanging in the balance. The Gators were 8-for-13 on third-down conversions.
UT's offense was the antithesis of that. It's also one of the reasons fans booed so fervently as the Vols made their halftime exit on the heels of a botched final series, during which UT failed to score in three downs from the Florida 1-yard line.
UT's 1-2 start might remind you of last season when the Vols bounced back to win the SEC East and finish 10-4. Its offense reminds me of 2005 when the Vols went 5-6.
But at least the Vols showed improvement on special teams during the course of the game. On his last punt, Chad Cunningham kicked the ball out of bounds - and safely away from You Know Who - with 1:07 to play.
Just in the nick of time, huh?
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
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Comments » 97
TommyJack writes:
Adams is telling the painful truth.
GoVols77 writes:
Hey everybody. Let's give this team and Coach Fulmer a chance.
99gator writes:
wanted to say this before the season.....
didn't have guts.
know the response would have been fl beat tenn who beat ga who beat fl.
and who won the east?
the greatest insult and i'm really not trying to make one......
is that after this game i have no clue how good florida is because tennessee is no real measuring stick. not anymore.
florida fans thought last year's 59-20 win meant something in terms of how good they were. we thought we were national title material again.
not close. can't tell anything from beating tennessee anymore.
xd9x19 writes:
I gave up at halftime and took my wife and daughters out to do some shopping that they would have normally done without me or at another time. First time I can ever remember not watching part of such a big game. Just glad I didn't waste my weekend driving from Memphis to Knoxville and back.
TommyJack writes:
Too true. Sad to see such a great rivalry go away.
budd#207344 writes:
If you are still rambling about why johnny got canned give it up it was 16 yrs ago and has nothing to do with today. And he deserved firing because he was a nasty drunk who I personally witnessed sh**faced after two games.
Even fulmer never lost to freakin Duke
CoverOrange writes:
Thing is, 99, Tebow isn't having a Heisman type year just yet, but it is possible to believe that Florida will go undefeated. Will the winner of the Florida/Georgia game decide the Heisman?
I feel like I'm reliving the late 70's again where I hope Tennessee just makes a good showing against whoever.
CoverOrange writes:
Is it me or does JA actually sound P/O'd about UT?
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
not as bad as Vanderbilt or Kentucky, it's just what fans come to expect, and then we take our teams for granted, and go up and down with them. we played hard, enough to get close to them. Just shows you how sweet winning is. One year we played Florida at the end of the season, ad we beat them by 2 points, thus ending the Steve Spurrier era. We've got some pretty good athletes and very very good coaches too, compared to the competition we face year in and year out. If Fulmer won the ones we though he should, he be mightier than Knute Rockne. He's be one of the best coaches ever.John Adams probably talks a good game, but when was the last time he voted for a president that played football.????
99gator writes:
turbofan
tebow won't win the heisman. he's not putting up heisman numbers.
i really don't care about the heisman. i want an sec title.
i think florida left a lot in the bag today. i really do. don't focus on the yardage either. they only punted once.
florida ran it 38 times and threw it 15. that game was the most ho-hum, going through the motions, game i have ever seen in a game that was supposed to be of great significance.
they had a 17-0 lead and everyone, including the tenn team, knew the game was over.
RomeoSullivan writes:
JA is PO'd
how can you blamehim?
FlowingAway writes:
Dang Mr. Adams! I wish you wouldn't hold back!
caudlelk#541777 writes:
The difference between the first tier teams and the second tier teams is discipline or lack of. UT is a terribly undisciplined offensive football team. Also, I don't really see anything different with this offense and last years. Perhaps Trooper Taylor should have been given a shot, couldn't be any worse. Also, what in the world has Crompton been doing for the past two years? No wonder Cutcliff had a problem with him. It was interesting to hear one of the CBS commentators say he didn't believe we could be the Ole Miss's or Vanderbilt's with the way we played today. I have a lot of respect for Fulmer and what he has accomplished, but perhaps the game has passed him by and it time for a change. We should allow the season to finish out and permit Fulmer to complete the season and go after Butch Davis or the Wake Forest coach.
DodgeRT writes:
As opposed to Fulmer losing to Memphis?
budrhon writes:
99 - the Mizzou QB is probably the odds on right now for the Heisman. But it's early. Tebow is interested in winning the big one. Not sure if the Gators are better than USC though. Time will tell though. Be nice to see the Gators venture out west sometimes. On another note it will be interesting to see how this loss gets spent over the next few days. Not looking forward to next weekend.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Our coaches are stupid. Stupid doesn't even begin to describe our pathetic coaches. I absolutely despise Fulmer. The man makes me sick to my stomach. Remember the losses to Maryland and Clemson? I knew then the program was gone. It amazes me the stupid idiots that still support Fulmer.
murrayvol writes:
Turbo: John, being the KNS Sports Editor, would like to cover a relevant football program. He has no interest in train wrecks.
If he's P/O'd, he's got company.
ibvolman writes:
Are you out of your freakin' mind!!!! What do you call the past 8 years? How many chances should you give Fulmer? How far down does this program have to get before someone does the right thing, and sends Fulmer packing? He has had a chance, and then another, and another chance, and another chance...
Did I mention that Fulmer has had a chance?
chuck writes:
Can anybody really tell we have a new offence? I swear I think Fulmer made Clawson use the same old relic we've used the past 8 years. It puts no fear in anyone!
kantanuuv writes:
As usual I was tickled to see UT humiliated on national TV, especially in front of 100,000 fans (well…30,000 fans by halftime).
The blogs are strangely silent though, denying me my second greatest pleasure.
I attended UT back in the 80's during occasional 5- and 6-loss seasons. Back then it was easy to debunk the myth that UT fans were the best in the country and showed up through thick 'n' thin to support the team. The reality is that a home game was rarely sold out during that era.
For what it's worth, I did my part. I always used my free student ticket and rooted for UT to lose.
Oh wait, the tickets aren't free anymore. Even though UT fans are always bragging about how rich the program is, the AD still feels the need to squeeze students for another $15, in addition to the roughly $200 in hidden "activity" fees they charge each student per semester, regardless of whether they use the facilities or not.
So many student “fans” have chosen to boycot home games this year that huge swaths of seats in the upper deck were vacant during the UAB game. That should make for some excellent photo ops during the homecoming game against Wyoming.
No doubt the UT football program will rebound…eventually. And sellouts will become common again. And not one of you will ever admit that when the team needed you most you bailed out. When you had the chance to prove what you’re made of, your priority was to run for the exits so you could watch the Georgia game.
So much for "tradition."
lfrittzy16#222804 writes:
i agree about the offense...i would rather have cutcliffes 5 yard outs all day then formations that look like a kids out them togehter and that stinkin WR screen. (that only works if you ahve a percy harvin/early doucett kid that can run faster than a fat kid chasing a donut truck) so stop running it
....i am not saying we need to go to the spread offense. Look at USC and OU, they dont run the spread and they kick tail all over the field...we just need someone who knows what he is doing....Clawson go back to richmond or wherever you came frum...
Any new head coaching thoughts? I like the young DEF Cor. at Texas....or Jo-Pa's son
Bigger_Al writes:
Smile your grinchly smile, Adams. You have got to be on top of the world right now.
FedUpVolFan writes:
"You test someone's maturity level when you go on the road,'' Gators coach Urban Meyer said. "I made the comment to the guys at the hotel last night, I want them to conduct themselves as a professional athlete.
Do our coaches and QB sound like professionals????????
Jabbu55 writes:
WOW What a game. NOW I see why we gave "THE GREAT PUMPKIN" and "Charley Brown" huge raises AGAIN for their coaching abilities!! Was it was not for them to put together a team that can compete and win in the SEC ? If memory serve's me correct Johnny Majors was run out on a rail for losing alot less. I believe it's time we put the cast from "PEANUTS" on the same train BEFORE some "die hard UT fan" decides we should give them another raise when they beat PARAPLEGIC U !!!
onevolfan99 writes:
A very sad day in big orange country when we are manhandled by Florida 2 straight years we need some sort of change. I will still be sitting in section S on saturdays but now I don't expect to win I just hope maybe we can play someone close. all well, at least the Titans look good this year.
Jabbu55 writes:
I TOTALLY agree with you ! !WOW What a game. NOW I see why we gave "THE GREAT PUMPKIN" and "Charley Brown" huge raises AGAIN for their coaching abilities!! Was it was not for them to put together a team that can compete and win in the SEC ? If memory serve's me correct Johnny Majors was run out on a rail for losing alot less. I believe it's time we put the cast from "PEANUTS" on the same train BEFORE some "die hard UT fan" decides we should give them another raise when they beat PARAPLEGIC U !!!
babyhuey writes:
John hit the nail on the head with that one. I wish he would rerun the February article in the Monday edition. Keep it up John. You have the clearest viewpoint from the center of the storm.
JohnnyU writes:
kantanuuv,
I suppose you consider yourself morally and intellectually superior to those fans whom you accuse of "bailing". While I can't disagree with you that there are many fair weather fans who don't stick with the team, there are quite a few more who care passionately for the program (however misguided it may be to devote such emotional energy to a game) who may decide to do something else on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon rather than frustrate themselves. And it is also true that there is a lot of unhappiness evident in these posts, and the negativity expressed often gets tiresome. But I prefer justifiable frustration and heartfelt disappointment in something people care for to the glibness and snobbery of those who revel in the misery of others, and then brag about it.
kantanuuv writes:
Thank you for the compliment, JohnnyU. But honestly, for you to consider me morally and intellectually superior to UT fans isn't that difficult an an accomplishment.
And even though you're sucking up to me, I revel in your misery more than anyone else's.
JohnnyU writes:
Sorry to disappoint you kantanuuv, but I am not miserable, merely frustrated. I have seen way too many football games to not have some sense of perspective on all this.
kantanuuv writes:
Take heart, JohnnyU. In a few weeks you'll have your chance to continue your own version of "glibness and snobbery" towards others when you beat the November Creampuffs.
Now THAT'S a UT tradition!
easttnvol21 writes:
The storm that is this season is only approaching folks. We are only seeing the edge of the storm----the eye of the storm will be over Knoxville soon. I had hoped it could be diverted----maybe miss us. But no, it's coming. But wait, I see a program that doesn't seem to know it's raining even harder. It's taking on water at an alarming rate----the hole in the boat is growing wider and we have an athletic director who has found himself over his head and is now drowning. Folks, the boat is sinking. And, sadly there isn't a bucket big enough to bail out.
JohnnyU writes:
Gosh, I really got under your skin there didn't I, kantanuuv? But again, as I said, I've seen too many games for any November run (a doubtful prospect this year) to make me feel anywhere close to feeling glib or snobbish. I think we're on a downhill slide that will last awhile, so you've got that to look forward to. Anyway, it's been fun, but I have to get up and hit the road tomorrow, so as John Ward used to say many years ago, Good Night Telco.
cooperF2 writes:
You do know that this is an editorial, right? It's an OPINION piece, not a straight news article.
kantanuuv writes:
Nice try, JohnnyU. I understand you and the others are psychologically and emotionally crippled after a UT loss, so I'll give you a pass.
While you recover, I suggest you distract yourself with the other rich cultural activities Knoxville has to offer. Like...ummmm...uhhh...hmm.
Oh well. Maybe you can beat Auburn.
kantanuuv writes:
Dear Lostballwhilesmokingweed,
So let me get this straight. You consider the addition of a $200 fee a REDUCTION in tuition?
If you read the paper (or have someone read it to you), you know that UTK has raised tuition an average of 16% every year for the past 8 years. Apparently the AD is as good at reducing tuition as it is at beating the Gators.
Your math skills indicate you are a product of the Tennessee state education system, whose motto is: "At least we're not Mississippi!"
Unlike you and your Socialist friends, I object to a fee that I can neither reject nor take advantage of, since I worked full time while I was a student and had little opportunity to use the pitiful, overheated “sports bubble” (that’s all student’s had back in the day). If you want to be taxed without representation by the education elite for the benefit of rich boosters and pampered athletes, you should move to Massachusetts.
As for me being “overeducated”: When people ask if I have a college education I normally respond, “No. I graduated from UT.”
la_vol writes:
Dear kantanuuv, why didn't you just leave and go to another school? I'm curious about someone that would enter into a situation they find so distasteful, then proclaim themselves a kind sentient - rising above those around you. You don't appear smarter than those you attack, but like a jester that wants to be petted by those outside the UT community.
BigVolOnBoard writes:
Let's connect the dots...
Florida defender says UT quit in last years game, Fulmer says he must have heard this from his coaches. Fulmer believes the players are like children who only know what they hear from their parents (coaches in this instance).
So Crompton says some idiotic drivel about playing only for the UT family, not the fans. Stands to reason, especially since Crompton doesn't seem the brightest bulb in the fixture, that this comment came straight from Phil Fulmer.
The man is losing his mind people. He will take the program down with him if Hamilton doesn't step in.
We need action sooner rather than later.
h_charles writes:
First, we need to stop slinging insults at the coach. Personal insults are childish.
That said, it has been painfully obvious for many years that Coach Fulmer would struggle in the SEC.
It isn't that the game has passed him by. He never was a good "x's and o's" guy.
He just had much more talent than the the rest of the conference.
That isn't the case anymore. We now face Saban, Richt, Meyer AND Spurrier -- just in the East!
These are the most elite coaches in the country. Fulmer was never in their league (and that really isn't an insult -Combine the better coaching around us with better recruiting, and our competition is just too tough for this regime.
The WORST thing that happened to UT was backing into the SEC title last year. It gave Hamilton the ability to convince himself Fulmer could still compete.
He can't.
He won't. The bar has been raised too high in the SEC. If you want legit shots at titles and national championships, you need an ultra-bright, elite coach who can recruit as well. Florida learned that having half the puzzle in Zook wouldn't cut it. UT needs to realize the same.
It is sad. Fulmer is the second best coach the program has had, and deserves gratitude and respect from the fans for his integrity and what he did in 98.
What he no longer deserves, however, is to coach this team.
I wish there was a way for this to end happily, but it won't.
Either UT makes a change, takes its medicine, and brings in a young Holtz or convinces Spurrier that with UT's offerings, he can win a title here, or we are destined for the same fate as FSU and the Bowden mediocrity.
jasonn1970 writes:
I said the day after the UCLA disaster this team would be 3-6 after nine games. I thought there might be a chance at a strong finish and a trip to a low tier bowl. Having seen Vanderbilt and Kentucky play along with the last couple of efforts from the Vols I now am sure there will be no bowl game this year. At least some much needed house cleaning is going to finally happen.
Frapples writes:
UT ball calling is predictable. If the man goes in motion, which ever side he lines up is the run side, and they will always try to run it over the guard. I was at work and could predict the play by the lineup, and 9 of 10 times was right. (And also predicted the fumble, but ole' Phil fooled me by calling an interception, I thought they would go for another fumble!)
Time to make those butterfingers carry around a ball 24 hours a day, and to buy new cans of stickum.
Coaching and play calling has not changed in the past 15 years, I feel like I am channeling Philbert when I am watching, because I am eating and grimacing.
Also, will someone please get the sunflower seeds away from the man?
What was nice about yesterdays game was the opportunity for the Florida band to get some players on the field, I believe the Florida linebacker in the fourth quarter was carrying a tuba at halftime.
Even though Urban Meyer looks like my ex brother in law, he was least energetic and yelling. I don't mind a sideline penalty if it is for a good reason.
As for Dave Clausen, is he REALLY calling any plays? I would SWEAR he hasn't added a single play to the play book, or the Great Pumpkin has not allowed him to change his plan of "Pounding the Rock".
Hey UT, why did we give Fulmer a $3 Million dollar a year paycheck? Give that money to the Speech and Pathology department, so it can do some good.
No wonder George Quarles is still at Maryville. I don't think he could put up with the restrictions he would have had to live under.
I hate to say this, but I miss Doug Dickey. Mike Hamilton has not impressed me in any way. The only thing he has achieved is hiring Bruce Pearl, and staying out of Pat's way. Oh, and spending like a drunken sailor!
So this year....as I am channelling Phil, in December we will here....
1. Multiple assistant coaches fired.
2. Mike Hamilton saying that he has all confidence in the Great Pumpkin to turn the program around.
3. No "contract extension"
4. Motor City bowl (at best)
5. Dave Clawsen fired
6. We didn't achieve our goals, but injuries, bad calls, and mistakes by players did us in.
What we should hear is
1. I have been head coach here at UT for long enough. I believe that new blood will be needed to turn this program into the national champions they could be. I have made UT predictable, and the laughing stock of the SEC east.
Florida, Georgia, and Alabama have all made great strides in improving, but I still am living on the warm glow I received in 1998. It is time for me to take out my very lucrative buyout from UT and go sit in a recliner somewhere.
Mike Hamilton will be joining me so we can relive the old days on a daily basis.
Phil, if you need me to write your speech, I can be contacted here. I will even put in a teary eye and an emotion for you!
ibvolman writes:
It is time for Fulmer to go. In fact it has been time for him to go for about 8 years. I have been a Vol fan for over 30 years, and this is one of the worst states I have ever seen the program sink to. For all the Fulmer lovers out there, you can be a Vol football fan and not have your head up the south end of a north bound Fulmer!
Hamilton is worried about losing recruits if Fulmer is cut loose. SO STINKIN WHAT!!!! It isn't like this coaching staff is getting the full potential out of them! Fulmer fans say it would cause us to enter a time of a few bad years trying to rebuild. WHAT THE SNOT DO YOU CALL THE PAST 8 YEARS? DO YOU THINK THAT WAS CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL???? Hamilton is worried about the size of Fulmer's buy-out clause. SO!!!! Hamilton is the one who wrote the contract. Take it out of his pay. Not only that, Bama paid Saben $4M a year. But the hire of Saben brought in $50M into the Bama program. Not a bad investment, huh?
All the Fulmerites can shut-up now. There is too great an amount of evidence to pay Fulmer another year. He has truly coached this team down to a third tier team in the SEC. This team has to be even less disciplined than the 05 team. And for those who are too stupid to realize it, discipline IS a reflection of the coaching!!! Crompton's ignorant comments about playing for their selves shows he is no where near ready to be an SEC QB. That shows such a lack of discipline to not realize he is playing for something far bigger than himself and than his pathetic performances could think about representing. And Fulmer doesn't put a muzzle on him?
You hear Brandon James interviewed after the game, and everything he said was top notch, not arrogant, and to the point. The interviewer said, "You truly are Meyer's player." Where does James draw his example of discipline from? Meyer!!! The Coaching!!! The place that has been lacking at UT for the past 8 years.
Pack your bags and leave town Fulmer!!!! That could be the best decision you have made in 8 years.
Waldorf writes:
Bench Crompton.
Fire Fulmer.
Fire Hamilton.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
All is well. Gas is over $4.00 a gallon.
TommyJack writes:
Did any of you watch the LSU/A
U game? Their(LSU) #1 QB goes out injured. Back-up comes in PREPARED and confident (ON THE ROAD) and looks like Tom Brady. It's called DEPTH and preparation. We have neither. What is so hard to understand about this? Good grief.
southernson writes:
The fans stood up and turned there backs on the adminastration, as they walked out before half time sat. Just like hamiliton did to us when he gave phil his raise then, jumping ticket prices on everyone. The fans BOOOEDD a failing coaching staff, a failing AD, and a dieing program. Last year i called for Phils job now its clear HAMILITON needs to go with him.
VeroGator writes:
We Gators are prepared to go to any lengths to make sure vols-in-tears keep Phat Fulmer. GatorsforFulmer.com is a web site we need to get up and running to explain all the advantages of keeping the Great Pumpkin on the sidelines. We tried with GatorsforGoff.com and GatorsforJeffyBowden.com. Seriously, don't abandon the kids who are stuck with a situation they can do little about. Oh, except stop the fumbling, dumb interceptons, stupid penalties, poor execution of simple plays, etc. If the defence give up, vols-in-tears won't win another game.
Volsfan75 writes:
kantanuuv,
You are mad about something that happened in the frickin 1980s. Get over it!
Bass_Vol_1998 writes:
Hey 99Gator (and other UF bozos) how about you show some class and take at least a two day break from the boards. No one wants to hear from you right now, and if it were in person- I bet you wouldn't say s---.
Bass_Vol_1998 writes:
Fulmer is in trouble if we can't get better fast.
Hamilton will prob get fired too. (1. extending the contract 2. charging students)
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