After another special-teams breakdown Saturday in a 30-6 loss to Florida, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said he would consider other options at punter besides sophomore Chad Cunningham.
The Vols rank 118th out of 119 Division I Bowl Subdivision teams in net punting for the second week in a row.
A 78-yard punt return for a touchdown by Florida return specialist Brandon James didn't help those numbers, which include a blocked punt for a touchdown against UCLA.
In all, Tennessee is averaging a net of just 22 yards per punt. South Carolina, the 11th-ranked team in the SEC, is averaging 31.6 yards.
"We're going to look at all of our possibilities there," Fulmer said, adding that UT's walk-on punters would get an extended look in practice as Tennessee prepares for its trip to No. 15 Auburn (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) this week.
Junior Steven Hensley would be the most viable option if Fulmer chose to bench Cunningham, who has started all three game this season while All-SEC punter Britton Colquitt serves a five-game suspension for an offseason DUI.
Cunningham is averaging 37.8 yards per punt, however he has struggled at times with placement of his kicks. On James' touchdown return Saturday, he fielded the ball near the hash mark.
"You want it as close to the sidline as you can get it," Cunningham said following Saturday's game. "I could have definitely done a lot better punt than I gave our coverage team. I take credit for that."
In fairness, James and Cal's DeSean Jackson both returned punts for touchdowns last season when Colquitt was starting. The Vols, however, rallied to finish the 2007 season 34th in the nation with a net punting average of 36.7 yards.
Cunningham was disappointed in UT's inability to prevent James from getting loose again.
"I've had a great week punting," he said Saturday. "I just hate that we come out and have one returned on us. The main goal of the punt is exchange of field for 40 yards and cover it and not have a return for a touchdown."
Career Low Tebow: Tennessee's defense made a little history against the Gators on Saturday. In a good way.
Quarterback Tim Tebow, last year's Heisman Trophy winner as a sophomore, had just 96 yards passing against the Vols, a career low in his 16 games as a starter. Tebow's 26 rushing yards were the second lowest total of his career since becoming UF's starter in 2007, second only to his minus-15 yards last year in a loss to Georgia.
Tebow's 122 yards of total offense are the lowest total of his career as a starter and about 111 yards fewer than his 233-yard average in his four losses.
No QB Controversy: Asked on his teleconference Sunday if Tennessee would consider looking at another quarterback besides starter Jonathan Crompton, Fulmer said, "Jon's our quarterback."
After three games, Crompton ranks 13th in the SEC in passing efficiency and 89th in the nation with a rating of 104.24. Only Mississippi State's Wesley Carroll rates lower among SEC quarterbacks who average at least 10 attempts a game.
Streaks: Saturday's loss snapped Tennessee's eight-game winning streak in Neyland Stadium. LSU's 28-24 victory over Tennessee on Nov. 4, 2006, was UT's last home loss. . . . Tennessee has lost its last three road games against ranked opponents (Cal 2007, Florida 2007, Arkansas 2006) heading into Saturday's game at Auburn. UT's last win over a ranked opponent on the road was a 51-33 victory over No. 10 Georgia in 2006.
Injury Report: Tennessee offensive lineman Vladimir Richard (sprained right knee) did not practice Sunday night. However, Fulmer said he expects Richard to be ready for Saturday's game at Auburn. Richard spent Sunday's hour-long practice inside Neyland-Thompson Center receiving treatment and was walking on crutches following practice. . . . Safety Demetrice Morley missed practice to finish a paper for a class.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Volscars 2012
Bruce Pearl through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 227
a10acfan1 writes:
Switch Punters???? Try Switching stategies. Coach to punter, "Kick the datgum ball out of bounds. Also try what every other successful SP Teams do, put your best athletic players on the field, period. If that don't work, just get a @#$#$%# first down.
JMP_Vols writes:
Easy solution to all this--kick the stupid ball out of bounds. Mark my words, Arenas returns one on us again this year too. We'll kick it straight to him.
CoverOrange writes:
A bad punt was not the reason James was able to run through the swiss cheese coverage team.
Urban_Weiner writes:
Good idea Coach, the only way we have a chance to beat UF is to win the special teams and turnover battles! We won neither of them and looks like we tried to lose the special teams one, by kicking it to the most dangerous kick/punt returner we will face 3+ times! I mean seriously just think about what we are doing!
Get things together for AU, its gonna be a defensive battle!
GO VOLS!
JMP_Vols writes:
One more thing-remember coach Cut being a fan of B.J. Coleman before he left for Duke. If Cut liked what he saw from B.J., we may want to give him a closer look.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Spot on, Turbo.
Aside from Eric Berry, no one on our team can tackle 1-on-1. I counted 5 guys that whiffed Brandon James.
Face it, folks--we're fundamentally unsound.
surfmaster writes:
"After three games, Crompton ranks 13th in the SEC in passing efficiency ..."
Pretty bad, considering there are only 12 teams in the league. I guess the stat includes schools that are using multiple QB's, but wasn't aware there was any.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
Yeah....right....the punter is the reason the team is bad this year. If Cunningham could complete a pass (to someone IN orange), or if he could hand the ball directly to a RB (without setting it on the ground first), or if he didn't hold the ball too long in the pocket, or if he didn't stare down his receivers, or if he called timeout instead of letting the clock run down and limiting his options, then everything would be alright. Good job coach, find the person really responsible for offensive ineptness. I guess when you don't expect your QB to be able to execute the offense, then you MUST have a great punter, because he is going to see the field a lot!
cobbwebb writes:
ok with all the problems i have seen from this team early on , and our solution is to open up the punter competition!how about the qb position, the rb position, the def. tackle position, the off. line position, the offensive playcaller position, the motivator of the team position, the special teams coordinator position,the secondary coach position,the strength and conditioning coach position, the speed coach position, the disciplinarian position, any more please feel free to comment! GO VOLS!!!!!
vtvol#210290 writes:
Tennessee needs a full-time special teams coach. The division of special teams coaching duties, with each individual coach in charge of a certain special teams aspect, is not working. If UT cannot afford a full-time position then sack TE's coach Jason Michael since his charges are underperforming anyway. Successful special teams squads are comprised of starting offensive and defensive stars and are seen as a priviledge to be part of. No longer should Tennesse view special teams as a place to put deserving walk-on and scout team personnel as a reward for that week's hard practice. If you want to be the best, play your best.
FedUpVolFan writes:
Man. Coleman must really suck.This is unreal.
The jokes flowing feeely on CBS,ESPN,and friends calling wanting to know what the heck is wrong with Crompton.
And all this posting is useless.But at least we can vent.
They are not gonna eat the almighty dollar and Phil isn't moving on his own.
Was CBS correct in stating the student section was nearly empty at the start of the game???
Have they given up or just pissed about the ticket prices???
And Auburn found an offense Saturday Night.
Sad.
BillsBrother writes:
I would be more impressed if the headline read, "Vols might try a new Athletics Director"!
BillsBrother writes:
The really sad thing about our special teams is that TN has used starters in these positions for many years.
servinggrant writes:
Now thats 3 million dollars worth ! Thank Goodness ole coach has a plan to right the ship! LMAO! This stuff is better than raw dog on sirius
bobbarbilly writes:
If the plane is flying erratically and off course...replace the stewardess.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
Couldn't agree more. Aside from Berry and maybe Rogan nobody seems to be able to tackle one on one.
As far as changing punter... Punting is the least of our problems. We need to be able to tackle who we are punting to. Shouldn't this be more of a concern?
servinggrant writes:
LOL awesome bobbarbilly!
FedUpVolFan writes:
LMAO!
Thank you.I so needed that!!!!
To funny!
jclowers writes:
The lower level student seating was full, the upper level wasn't.
This team reminds me a lot of the Chicago Bears..good defense, terrible QB. And the coach has to keep answering with "Rex is our QB." Well now we get "Jon is our QB." I counted 6 different interceptions that Florida should have had in this game. We had one for sure, one called back on a penalty, and four plays where Crompton threw it right into the White jersey of a Gator. I understand why you would not want to go with a new QB going in to play in a SEC game, however if Crompton doesn't get it done, why not try Nick Stephens or B.J. Coleman in the Northern Illinois game.
Tennessee has a history of really just handing the ball to one QB and not trying to shake things up. CBS had the best shot of the outside of our stadium in the middle of the 3rd quarter as the fans went to hide from this horrible reality.
If Fulmer really cares so much about UT he should go out gracefully and "resign on his own" just like Randy Sanders.
servinggrant writes:
Are we allowed to boo the new punter or only starters? Im getting confused.....
FedUpVolFan writes:
The replay is on Sports South.Kessling talking about how the crowd was so into it.I knew we were in trouble when we chose to kick the ball to the Gators.
Cromptons first pass should have been intercepted.
Wow.It's as ugly this time as the first time I watched it....
Cherokee writes:
Well thank goodness we are going to drill deep to fix this team's problems by changing...punters?
I realize Cunningham isn't Ray Guy back there, but I hardly think the punter is the first thing I would give some attention to with this team. I might start with an offense that can't execute, manage the clock, protect the ball or pass effectively.
But hey, let's take it a piece at a time and see what works. Next week: the placekick holder gets a COMPLETE overhaul.
DemocratVol writes:
I encourage you to sign my petition. Enough is enough.
Over 211 signatures and counting. Keep 'em coming!
http://www.petitiononline.com/UTcoach...
MustangPackage101 writes:
Can we try a new QB? Maybe a new OC? Maybe a new Head Coach? Maybe try to hire a SPECIAL TEAMS COACH? Punting is the main concern after this AWFUL 1-2 start? We didn't even belong in the same conference as UF on saturday, let alone the same field. If going 17-23 against ranked teams since 2000 isn't good enough to Fulmer out, if going 0-4 against our division rival in the past 4 years isn't enough, I don't even want to know what will be good enough to get a much needed change in the program.
xvolx writes:
I thought this one was on you, fulmer. started looking for scapegoats already. why not blame cunningham for net punting? there's no reason why he shouldnt be held responsibe for missing five tackles. Instead of trying a new punter, lets try another head coach. the line cant block, the qb throws into double coverage, running backs run a 6.4 40, rec. cant get open, def. line weak, especially brown, elex wilson gets pancaked 3 times, mccoy looking for a pile to jump on, myers-white will never be a linebacker and you want to blame punter for something you already have said is "on you". you cant coach, but you negotiate a great contract. same lawyer get you that contract that got you out of deposition.
Sheepscape writes:
Special teams have been lousy for years. Reason enough to can this coaching staff.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
* QB is ineffective
* RB gets a stupid, stupid, stupid 15 yard penalty
* Offensive line is below par of what was advertised
* Defensive line couldn't get push on a JV Middle School Team
* Our whole offense looks dumbfounded when it comes to management of time. Be that players or coaches.
Therefore, we change punters.
utclassof1992 writes:
All these problems, and this is all Fat Boy can come up with? Fire him today!!!!!!
utclassof1992 writes:
My car has a knocking in the engine. Please put in new brake pads. Sheesh!
utclassof1992 writes:
What we need is a new guy to fill the water jugs. That'll fix 'er.
utclassof1992 writes:
It took Johnny Majors 8 years to get us out of the Battle mess. Please fire the svelte one before we are in the same mess CFPF's coach left us in.
want_2_be_a_vols_fan writes:
I wonder how many times the General turned over in his grave. Seems like he created a set of game maxims and one of them was Press the kicking game, this is where the breaks are made. This is a pathetic excuse for a football team. Fulmer really should consider resigning. He has been there too long and his philosophy of coaching football and strategies are outdated.
scootervol2001#385313 writes:
Wow. What a set of stones!!!
I could probably do a better job of quarterbacking the Vols, but instead of making running backs hold on to the football, we're going to throw our second team punter under the bus. That'll fix things. But hey, as long as whatever walk-on punter we get doesn't go out and booze it every night and has enough brains to kick the dadgum ball out of bounds on EVERY kick, I'll cheer for him. Best punter since "the other, more responsible, less drunk Colquitt". Hey, maybe if Crompton sees our kicks going out of bounds and not run back for scores, he may lose the deer-in-headlights look and complete passes to guys that actually wear orange. Remember, Chad Cunningham, loyalty, practice and hard work pays off at UT. So you just keep working your butt off and Fulmer will find you a nice spot on the pine! And why worry about replacing him or getting a walk-on?! Britton "Jack/Jim/George/whatever is flowing" Colquitt will be back for the Georgia game! Oh yeah, he'll have a little rust. Why not put Daniel Lincoln back there?! We either can't get into FG range via self-destruction or Fulmer won't let him kick another FG as long as he's at the University of Tennessee. Why don't we make Lincoln the next scapegoat, Phil?! Forget the blocked punt for a TD or Foster's fumble in the red zone at UCLA, if that g%d#@&n Lincoln could have made one of those kicks we'd have won that game, not been embarrassed on national TV, kept our recruiting edge and felt better about our chances against Florida. Thanks, Lincoln for ruining our season. (You just keep fumbling and throwing picks offense!)
utclassof1992 writes:
I signed. Thank you
utclassof1992 writes:
ROFL!!!!!!!
tenuscvol writes:
13th in the SEC?....That's pretty bad since there's only twelve (12) schools....what a great chance for a walk-on to get their dream....cool...hope it works out...GoVols!
utclassof1992 writes:
Even better, liquor up Crompton. He might throw for 400 and 5 TDS. Or at least provide some comic relief.
thetruth writes:
AP Poll Rankings
Vandy - #21
UT - Didn't even receive votes
Boy, that's gotta sting over on campus.
utclassof1992 writes:
This mess resembles 2000 Bama, when the players went after the fans at Legion Field after losing to La. Tech. I sense something similar in the works.
utclassof1992 writes:
Just read the Tennessean. All the Vandy fairies are crowing about #21. We got no votes. We have officially hit rock bottom.
pgnetmail#504649 writes:
I remember when Johnny Majors was in his final year, he also wanted to improve the punting game. He came up with a brilliant idea to "quick kick" on third down. Catch them by surprise. Does anyone remember this?
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
Democratvol: With all due respect, how can a man afford a lot with a view from the Snake River in Jackson Hole at 7 million and up without a job?
junder13 writes:
Hahahaha. Good one dude.
The petition to fire Foolmer had someone post as Britton Colquitt and it said something to the effect of "I need a drink after watching UT football." I laughed pretty hard at that.
Someone also posted as all of the SEC coaches who have owned Foolmer (Meyers, Saban, Miles, Richt, etc), saying to the effect "please don't go, Vandy's no longer a guaranteed win and we need yours!" I laughed at that one too.
Both seem to have been removed by someone in charge of the petition. It's too bad cuz we disgruntled fans need the comic relief.
BillVol writes:
A new punter. Stop the presses.
junder13 writes:
Thank you Foolmer for taking the blame after the game, only to say a day later you're going to try a new punter. While Cunningham may not be an All-SEC caliber punter at this point, I think he is much better than you are making him out to be. The walk-on you try out and that drunk driving joke of a student athlete (upon returning) will show that, once again, you are merely deflecting blame--as you did with Randy Sanders, who ironically has become very successful as QB coach at vastly improving Kentucky!
Cunningham's not the reason we got beat by UCLA. The block was not his fault as he didn't even come close to having adequate time to get it off. The lack of coverage on kickoffs and punting is as much to blame as Cunningham too. I also love how Cunningham manned up and took blame for the TD return, even though he didn't miss the five tackles! He showed me more with that statement than any other player or coach to be quoted yet this season. I hate that Foolmer gets away with using these scapegoats every season.
At the end of this season, though Foolmer, you'll need to spin more than just a punting problem!
junder13 writes:
It's very telling that Foolmer backs a QB who's one of the most inefficient in the nation, and throws his punter under the bus. This is Crompton's 4rth season at UT including his redshirt in '05. He's got no excuse to play like this after 3 seasons and 3 games. Yet Foolmer's not even going to give Nick Stephens and BJ Coleman a shot?!? If that's his mentality, than why even offer them a scholarship. If they had SEC-ability at all in high school (which I assume they had based on their ratings and what I've read about them), then there's no way they both can play worse than Chumpton! They deserve a chance to prove themselves anyway. Chumpton's earned his spot on the bench by his play and his postgame comments.
On the other hand, Cunningham is only starting b/c our senior All-SEC punter had another drinking-and-driving incident. He's also just a sophomore. He's also reliant on a coverage team that's not done a good job of tackling for.....well, as long as I can remember.
I'm not convinced Cunningham's even a problem and I feel bad for him. Even if he is a problem, he's NOT THE PROBLEM! I hope he gets a chance to redeem himself b/c I don't think he's so bad. I was hoping not to have to see Colquitt again anyway after the repeat offense.
farfromhome writes:
a suggestion or two,
if you ask me hardesty hits the line harder than anyone, feed him the ball when he gets tried send in foster, hopefully he is mad enough to finish the job, point= RUN THE BALL!!!
2. put our athletes on the special teams the kids are 18 to 24 years old, i think the can handle it, injury should not be a worry during conference games.
3.give Compton one more game thats it.
i had to take extra duty to watch these games and i was disappointed. someone help me out with this.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
He just doesn't get it. Coach for life doesn't see a big problem.
Ol' Phixable needs new charts and perhaps a special teams coach.
Wait till they hit Aubies defense. Maybe Foster can get two 15 yarders, back-to-back.
Sadly on we go with this charade.
rocky_topper writes:
How about trying a new head coach instead!
volunteer_cowboy writes:
Doug Matthews was on the radio trashing crompton and saying how he dont like foster. He said hardesty should be starter and somebody else should be playing QB!!!!!!
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