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Tennessee wide receiver Lucas Taylor (12) is taken down by Florida safety Major Wright Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
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
For the second consecutive Saturday, Neyland Stadium was the scene of a mass exodus early in the fourth quarter.
Last week it was insufferable heat. This time, an insufferable performance.
Fourth-ranked Florida took Tennessee to the woodshed for the second year in a row, hammering the mistake-prone Vols 30-6 in the SEC opener for both teams.
When Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow took a knee in the "victory formation" a crowd that began at 106,138 was down to a few glum orange diehards and a jubilant throng of Gator fans, chomping and singing.
"That loss is on me,'' said UT coach Phillip Fulmer. "I'm a big boy with broad shoulders. I can handle it.''
He's been getting more practice at it than he'd like. Fulmer is 5-12 against Florida and for the first time in the history of the series, Florida has evened the ledger at 19-19.
After Al Wilson, the inspirational leader of the 1998 national champions, whipped up the crowd before kickoff, the Gators (3-0, 1-0 SEC) deflated the Vols (1-2, 0-1) by storming to a 17-0 lead with 4:42 left in the first quarter.
By that point, the Vols had:
n Watched Florida return the opening kickoff 52 yards and drive for a touchdown, a 2-yard jump pass from Tebow to Aaron Hernandez.
n Nullified a first down with a personal foul, then fumbled at their own 22 on the next play to set up a Florida field goal.
n Allowed Brandon James to return a punt for a TD for the second year in a row, this one a 78-yarder.
Last year in Gainesville, James triggered a 59-20 Florida rout with a first-quarter punt-return score. Saturday, he left UT reeling again.
"Our team was uptight, or something,'' said Fulmer, "because that wasn't us.
"Florida is a very good team. I give them credit. But that wasn't us.''
Despite the 24-point margin, Tennessee was about 1 yard from making a real game of it - twice.
Two of the Vols' three first-half turnovers came at the Gators' 1-yard line.
Quarterback Jonathan Crompton fumbled on the 14th play of a drive when he collided with fullback Kevin Cooper before he could get the handoff to his tailback.
"That's one of our base goal-line plays,'' said offensive coordinator Dave Clawson. "We run it in practice.''
The Gators recovered at the 3, then reeled off a 12-play drive for a field goal to go up 20-0.
The Vols came back with an 11-play drive back to the Florida 1 as time was running out in the first half.
But on the 11th play, Crompton's pass into the end zone was intercepted by Janoris Jenkins.
"When you're down there inside the 5-yard line, you're thinking touchdown,'' said center Josh McNeil.
"You come away with nothing and that's just so disappointing.''
So instead of 20-14 at the half, it was 20-0.
Which became 27-0 in the third quarter when Tebow converted a third-and-5 with a 15-yard TD pass to Percy Harvin.
Tennessee avoided the goose egg when Crompton snuck in from the 6-inch line with 14:18 to play.
Florida's Jonathan Phillips kicked his third field goal with 9:29 left to close the scoring.
Oddly enough, the final stats showed Tennessee outgained the Gators in total offense, 258 yards to 243 yards.
"Our defense played great,'' said Crompton. "If we don't shoot ourselves in the foot (on offense), they don't give up that many points.''
Tebow was a modest 8-of-15 passing for 96 yards and gained only 26 more on 12 runs.
"I think we grew up some today,'' said defensive coordinator John Chavis, "but when you don't win the game, there's not a lot you can feel good about.''
Coach Urban Meyer felt good about winning his fourth in a row over UT, regardless of the low offensive numbers.
"Our whole game plan, the way we manage the game and call plays,'' said Meyer, " is certainly not because of style points or someone touching the ball.
"It's simply that we want to play the short field. Our whole focus is that. And our special teams and defense did a very good job.''
No argument there from Fulmer.
"We never gave our defense a chance to be successful,'' he said.
"Florida's a good offensive football team and they're going to make some plays along the way. But three of their scores came on a short field.''
The first came when James returned the opening kickoff 52 yards.
"When you choose to defer (after winning the coin toss) that's not how you expect to start the game,'' said Fulmer.
Then Montario Hardesty fumbled after catching a short pass and getting clobbered by Jenkins.
Florida took over at the UT 22 but couldn't move and settled for a 39-yard Phillips goal and a 10-0 lead.
Florida's third-quarter touchdown came after a short punt and 14-yard James return to the Tennessee 47.
Although the Vols had more yards than the Gators, Florida won the turnover battle, 3-0. Each team was whistled for nine penalties but Tennessee's seemed to be more damaging.
And in the fateful first quarter, Florida had only 44 yards of offense but 130 yards on kick returns.
"We've got to eliminate the things that are beating us,'' Fulmer said, "the penalties, turnovers and chunks of yards in the kicking game."
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Comments » 298
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Hire Jim Grobe away from Wake Forest.
Phowell23 writes:
Big boy with big shoulders.
Word has it that we got 2 big basketball recruit commitments today...Josh Selby and Jordan McRae. Two possibly top 30 recruits for 2010.
mdvol writes:
The buzzards are circling.
pkoentertainment writes:
The difference between the Vols and Florida, is Florida NEVER had any doubt they were going to win. Tennessee and I hate to say it, NOBODY thought we would win and that includes Fulmer.
We have NO discipline. We had NO preperation, the G Gun or whatever you call it is just ridiculous, NO special teams, should I continue.
The commentators said Tennessee had the highest recruiting budget in the country. Where are the players?
Today is a real sad day in Big Orange Country!
Auburn - Loss
Georgia - Loss
Alabama - Loss
Vanderbilt - Loss ?
Folks, it is only getting worse. Crompton makes you wonder how horrible the second string quarterback must be. Crompton will go down in history as one of, if not the worse, quarterback in the modern era.
Wherever Dave Clausen came from, can we give him back. Thanks, but no thanks. The Vols offense is HORRIBLE, the play calling is HORRIBLE and the special teams play is HORRIBLE.
We got beat by a HORRIBLE UCLA team. Need I go on. Man, things have gone straight to phooey since Doug Dickey retired.
DRW writes:
Pitiful. The Vols are mediocre at best. The special teams were just dreadful. Oh well there is always the year after Fulmer leaves...
BigVolinCarolina writes:
And why are we always having to wait until the season begins "to eliminate things that are beating us", especially when we keep making the SAME MISTAKES over and over?
I thought that's what the offseason was for.
chucker6 writes:
How much intelligence does it take to kick away from James? What does it mean when we do it two years in a row and it is a big part of our loss? Duh! Broad shoulders are no substitute for good coaching, and why leave Crompton in there? He has a strong arm, period. So we have both a head coach, secondary coach and quarterback who are not capable of coaching/playing at this level anymore. Looks like we have an AD who can't cut it at this level anymore either. UT could easily have a 3 win season unless some major changes occur.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Top 10 reasons to really like Auburn:
1. They can beat Florida Consistently (5 Stars)
2. They can beat LSU
3. They can beat Alabama
4. Nice field
5. Their fans are loud and involved
6. They don't give up
7. They look better on TV
8. Nice colors
9. They are fighters no matter had bad they really are
10. Academics
volaboard writes:
I cannot remember a time when the difference in talent was so extreme. We are far too slow to compete in this conference.
jmsbolt writes:
Coach Fulmer has given me more memories than I could begin to say. With that said I do not think he is a bad coach. I do think it has got stale! It is time to go man! Thank you so much!!! You have millions of dollars, your own street! and a new grandbaby! and VANDY IS BEATING OLE MISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY MOLY!!!!!
eb502us#225637 writes:
I would rather hear Fulmer say that "this firing is on me" because that's what really needs to happen. The man and his new offensive coordinator haven't a clue!!!!!
mattlock writes:
"When you choose to defer (after winning the coin toss) that's not how you expect to start the game,'' said Fulmer.
No %&*% coach, that's why you take the ball or kick it away from him.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Think mabye we should hire a Special Teams coach now Phil!
Oh and great job picking a new Offense, Its really offensive!
I live in Alabama and catch enough hell for all the Orange I wear, getting your tail spanked and out coached by Florida, year after year, only makes my life worse! I've allready gotten 12 calls from all the Bammer fans I know. I can handle loosing, If you get beat by a better team, while fighting and clawing till the end. But, to get out coached, out classed, and out worked. Thats not Tennessee Football!
govols26 writes:
Even though I think he's well past his prime I still give him credit for just cutting straight to the chase and putting it on himself. I don't think many coaches would put it so blatently so he has my respect for that. That being said I hope there is a major turnaround in the upcoming weeks or else he needs to step down after the season.
The vol nation will always appreciate what he's given us but there comes a time and the time seems to be coming.
kevin151 writes:
the guy that said "Crompton will go down as the worst QB of the modern era" has me rolling, as i completely agree. He has horrible footwork, accuracy, and completely eyes his receivers... not to mention a very POOR decision maker. If Jim Bob Cooter were still around he'd probably start. man oh man, is it basketball season yet??
BGVOL writes:
Why would we want a coach from the ACC?? If we were to replace Fulmer it would be someone from the Vol family.
auttat writes:
What's that geoff?
mattlock writes:
If Fulmer really care about the program like he says he does, he has to quit. Go to some national boards, like Sportsline. . .he is the court jester for the rest of the SEC. Coach, do the right thing and ride off into the sunset. If you have any class, you won't hold UT to that ridiculous buyout clause that Hamilton should have never put in your contract.
TommyJack writes:
Geoff: What story line?
Waldorf writes:
Fire Fulmer.
Fire Hamilton.
Volunteerfan writes:
are we still playing football in the state of tennessee? yes we are ....vandy has a decent team don't they?
MrBamSeydu writes:
Dave Clawson can go back to Div II for all I care. He is a horrible play caller and his entire offensive strategy is garbage.
Phil Fulmer is as out dated as a neon purple wind breaker jump suit. How does he still have a job?? OOOOH yeah, because he won a national championship 10 years ago. Let's see, since then: 0 BCS games, 0 SEC championships, 4 straight losses to Florida, a losing season, and that winning % among active head coaches that he hung his hat on in the late 90's has been cut by nearly 10%.... If Johnny Majors got the boot, Fulmer should too.
And finally, Jon Crompton. My goodness. I found myself pondering this thought today: "Would I rather have J. Crompton or Rick Clausen at QB?" I mean, how pathetic is that? Quite possibly the two worst starting QB's Tennessee has had over the past 20 years of football. Get him OFF the field and play one of the backups. I don't care if we run the ball 70 times a game. I just cannot stand seeing him bounce around in the pocket on down and distance. I cringe everytime just WAITING to see which guy in the wrong jersey he throws the ball to.
To sum up my day: completely embarrassed and ashamed.
FIRE FULMER. OFFER THE HC JOB TO BUTCH DAVIS and MAJOR APPLEWHITE. HIRE AL WILSON AS LB COACH. AND PLEASE SIT CROMPTON'S 5* OVER-RATED BEHIND ON THE PINE!!!!
philfan writes:
Shocking. Unbelievable. We will have to have a monumental performance to even come close to defeating Auburn next week. Maybe we can regroup for a SEC East win again like last year when we had Ainge as quarterback.
ssgdebity writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
rootin4volz writes:
So how about DOING something about it coach...You should YANK that QB, and give one of the kids a chance. Take a freakin' risk for once, for at this point, it doesn't appear we have a whole lot to lose!
DarthVol writes:
"We are being buried beneath the avalanche of your inadequacies." - Sutler
rootin4volz writes:
Oh, and THANKS AGAIN, BRITTON COLQUITT!
BigVolOnBoard writes:
The Vols were ridiculed on national TV, and it wasn't ESPN this time. Fulmer needs to own up and resign for the good of the team and university. It is obvious Hamilton will not fire him.
auttat writes:
That's all fine and dandy, but he is the coach now. Writing an article about that 16 years after the fact isn't going to win ball games today. I hate it for the guy. Even though I was the idiot standing up yelling at him the whole game. I've honestly never been this disappointed in something I LOVE!!!
Tennessee is a basketball school, OFFICIALLY!!
MANVOL writes:
you think Warren will transfer again. Maryville College has a good offense.
Rockytop4life writes:
I don't know what to say besides we are horrible. The way our team looks and the way auburn and lsu look we can't compete with them. For petes sake Vanderbilt looks way way better than us. Phil u put in your time, but please resign for the fans sake. Phil can't compete with the other coaches. If you disagree, losing record to urban meyer .000 ,Steve spurrier, nick Saban,tommy tubberville, and les miles need I say more. Right now thank goodness for miss. st, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. We might not win those to keep it real. One more I forgot mark richt, good grief. Stinks being a ut fan right now. Ima still yell rockytop on Saturdays but want feel to good about until some changes happen.
TommyJack writes:
The coaching is lousy sports fans. But make no mistake...Our talent level is down. No one wants to admit it, but we're simply not on FL, GA or LSU's level. Probably not AL or AU either. It's just a fact. Combine that with sub-par coaching and you get what you've been seeing.
Jshoop writes:
Fulmer says this wasn't our team? After three games, this might be our team. This might be as good as it gets.
On the other hand, a few less mistakes. Get the extra yard or two and score and this was a different game. Even though the score was bad, the game wasn't as bad. We moved the ball up and down the field, we just didn't get it in the end zone.
I thought Berry, Ragen and Stocker had good games. The defense played well. We have to cut down on the mistakes. Foster's big foul certainly changed the game early. We were moving the ball and he pushes someone, then a fumble and the rout is on. Go get'em at Auburn.
MANVOL writes:
No seriously, Cheers. Good by Hamilton and Fulmer.
RomeoSullivan writes:
That's classified stuff, Geoff. Ya think the folks involved will tell the truth?
auttat writes:
jshoop, dude it's time to stop making excuses.
What's everybody's thoughts on the new posting format?
slojim writes:
Wow, just wow. Penalties, fumbles, interceptions, unprepared, out coached. Thats quite a job the coaches are doing. I hate to say this, but its starting to be the norm. Is this what 2+ million gets us? I am embarrassed for the program...
Blacksburg_Vol writes:
In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't watch today's game, but judging by what I've read, I don't believe it's fair to blame Coach Fulmer or any of the coaching staff for today's loss. (Coach Fulmer's comments notwithstanding.)
According to Mr. Strange's article, we could have made a game out of it--if we hadn't turned the ball over again and again. I'm not sure that fumbling the ball is the coaches' fault. Unlike some of the commentators, I don't know what goes on in the locker room or on the practice fields, but I doubt any of the coaches are telling the players that it's okay to fumble.
Besides, isn't Coach Fulmer the guy who coached a team to the national championship a few years back? Do you think he's forgotten how to coach? Isn't Joe Paterno, who's in his 80s, 3-0 this year?
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
BGVOL, with all due respect thats a stupid comment---I want the best man for the job without any regard where he came from----you apparently are happy with the good ole boy system of only looking within---thats nonsense IMO
budd#207344 writes:
no we don't
TommyJack writes:
Don't care for it.
tennisvol writes:
What happened to all these new offensive formations UT would be running this year under Clawson? It looks like the same ole plays since the 90s. Is Clawson out of his league or what? It's time to get another QB ready to play. Crompton just doesn't seem to have what it takes to move this team. One thing for sure about Crompton, you never know if he's going to fumble, run into someone in the backfield or throw an interception.
eduardo writes:
Please do the right thing Coach! Resign on Monday be done with it. We appreciate what you have done for the university but it has passed you by. Time to move on! Free the fan base!
MANVOL writes:
It s%cks, it's as bad as our coaching staff.
auttat writes:
Got to agree with you. Too damn complicated. That's why this site was so fun to post on, it was simple and easy to follow the thread.
Jshoop writes:
Guys, right now the team needs the support of its fans. After the season is over, you can fry the coaches. I agree that it is hard right now being a VOL but keep your head up, We will cut the mistakes down and things will look up, it just might not be this year. Go VOLS
VeroGator writes:
Hey are you vols-in-tears even the third best team in Tennesse? How 'bout them 'dores! They played rocky top so much during the Gators practice, I guess the Gators were making sure they didn't have to listen to it in k-ville. For you real true orange vol fans, take heart, you have some excellent players on defence. Maybe they can drag the rest of the team up to their level. Gators won't have a Heisman Trophy winner this year because we have a complete team with coaches & players who can plan & execute a game plan for all phases of the game. By the way, the players didn't quit this year, but the fans sure did. Bailed faster than anything I've ever seen.
SSvol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Forget the ACC thing--Grobe's roots go back to the Air Force Academy. He runs a disciplined program and he competes like crazy. He does "more with less".
If he can do that at Wake Forest, just imagine what he could do at a place like UT.
And, who does UT have "in the family" that's worthy of hiring? I sure can't think of anyone.
Rockytop4life writes:
Blacksburg,
Don't even comment on something u didn't watch. They looked pathetic out there. U talkin bout didn't he lead us to a championship a few years back. A few years is 2 or 3 maybe four but it was a DECADE ago and a 11 seasons since. They was outcoached, outplayed, and out hustled. Florida didn't even look like they was giving 100 percent. Check tebows stats and we still lose. We don't have the talent other teams got and that starts with the coaches when they recruit.
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