Too much credit and too much blame. That's a quarterback's lot in life.
With two losses in his first three games as Tennessee's full-time starter, it's been a lot of blame for Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton.
A botched handoff and an interception took potential points off the board for Tennessee in a 30-6 loss to No. 4 Florida on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. They resulted in boos from the stands and plenty of finger-pointing in Crompton's direction from fans.
But despite early mistakes and inconsistent play from Crompton, coaches and players remain confident in Crompton heading into Saturday's game at No. 15 Auburn (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.).
"I got a lot of confidence in Jonathan," wide receiver Gerald Jones says. "I know he's the best man to do the job."
Defensive end Wes Brown expressed similar confidence in Crompton, his roommate and close friend.
"He's the starting quarterback," Brown said. "Whoever is lined up back there, no matter who it is, we're going to have full confidence in. Because obviously if they're out there, the coaches have confidence in them. Our confidence is high in Jonathan."
Under Crompton's guidance, UT's offense ranks fifth in the SEC with an average of 390.7 yards a game. The Vols' 211 passing yards a game also rank fifth.
Still, Crompton ranks 13th in the SEC in passing efficiency - behind a quarterback from every other team and two from LSU - and the Vols are 10th in scoring offense with an average of 20 points a game.
Crompton also has made some costly mistakes. Perhaps none was more costly - or frustrating to coaches - than that mishandled handoff in the second quarter Saturday.
On second-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Crompton extended the ball too early, and it struck fullback Kevin Cooper, who was on his way out of the backfield to block. Florida's Carlos Dunlap pounced on it, and Tennessee lost a chance to cut into the Gators' 17-0 lead.
Offensive coordinator Dave Clawson called it a fundamental mistake, however Clawson and UT coach Phillip Fulmer said coaches are also accountable for miscues like that.
"That shouldn't happen," Fulmer said. "We have to look at it as a staff and make sure that we've done all we can to help him get ready. So I don't just put it all on Jon. It has to be something that we're all accountable for."
After the game Saturday, Clawson recalled stopping a practice after the second-team offense fumbled on a similar play and lecturing about the importance of quarterbacks seating the football.
"It's a base fundamental mistake, but it's my job to coach that and make sure it doesn't happen," Clawson said Saturday.
Fulmer also wants to see Crompton improve his vision on the field.
"He needs to see better more often," Fulmer said. "At times, he's good. He can't get locked in on a receiver. It's something you go to the practice field and get better on if you're intent on getting better. And obviously we'll look at every way we can to simplify it and make it as good for him as we possibly can."
Still, Fulmer says the blame for UT's offensive struggles and inconsistencies aren't all on Crompton.
"If it was just Jonathan it would be one thing," he said. "I don't think there's a leadership problem coming from Jonathan. Jonathan's shown his toughness and his ability to make plays."
He's also made plenty of mistakes in the early going.
Aside from the handoff against Florida, he threw an interception in the end zone at the end of the first half. In the five games in which Crompton has taken the majority of snaps, he's thrown at least one interception. The Vols are 1-4 in those games, which include losses to No. 8 LSU and No. 11 Arkansas in 2006.
"It's always got to be somebody," said Crompton, who is 56-of-100 passing for 591 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions this season. "If it's me, I know I can handle it. I've got to put it in the back of my mind and move on. You've got to have a short-term memory. Forget it and drive on. That's what I do. I know what this team's capable of, and that's all I care about."
Crompton's drive and willingness to work give Brown confidence that Crompton will turn things around.
"He's a competitor, and it hurts him," Brown said. "He's hurting from a physical standpoint, but he's out here practicing every day and giving it all he's got. He's in the film room 24/7. He's in there watching film, he's learning from his mistakes. I see him. He's going to improve because he's such a competitor, and he wants to do well, so he's going to be fine."
In the meantime, Crompton is dealing with the negative attention the only way he knows how.
"You've got to block it out," he said. "We (quarterbacks) get too much credit and too much blame. If you play quarterback, that's what you expect. You've got to put it all back in your mind, don't even pay attention to it. You know who you're playing for. We're playing for our team and our coaches - our family. That's what we're doing here."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 236
bigtimevol writes:
Crompton CAN be the guy w/ simple offensive plan, don't put him in bad positions, play good defense, don't beat ourselves w/ penalties and turnovers!
smashmouth98 writes:
we need to run the G Gun to get some productivity from the offense. Crompton has put us in BAD situations. Fumble / INTs
BSweet writes:
You don't forget it, you learn from it. So far, it doesn't seem he has. I hope he does or we're in for a world of trouble this season.
Waldorf writes:
Bench Crompton.
Fire Fulmer.
Fire Hamilton.
4114 writes:
If this is all CPF and staff can do after "working like heck" for the Florida week, the change that needs to be made is not at questerback.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
I don't think Crompton's ineptness is due to a lack of desire or work ethic. I think he is just not an SEC caliber QB. He has been here for 3 years. I don't care if he hasn't played much or not, he plays like he is still in High School. There is no excuse for a junior QB, regardless of playing time, to stare down his receivers and not be able to hand the ball off to the RB without hitting the FB. Every time he drops back to pass I know exactly where he is going (usually to the other team). If he hasn't learned this after 3 years, he never will. Football is still football no matter what offense you run or what terminology you use. You still have to execute the fundamentals, and he doesn't. I don't claim to be more knowledgable than the coaches, but even a neophyte like me can see his shortcomings. Give the other guys a chance to prove they are worse. I don't think it matters at this point, my beloved Vols are staring 2 and 4 right in the face. I have no confidence at this point that this team will improve. If there has been none through spring and fall practice and 3 games, I don't know if there ever will be. Sorry for the long post. Just have to vent.
Reasonavol writes:
"It's always got to be somebody," said Crompton, who is 56-of-100 passing for 591 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions this season. "If it's me, I know I can handle it.
This is our QB, why does it have to be somebody messing up, on our team? Why not, I really have not played like I had hoped. I let the team, fans and myself down. I will work and get better and represent the U of T the way QB have represented us in the past. No, no, we get it has to be somebody. Reminds me of Iverson diatribe on practice. We need help.
MustangPackage101 writes:
Crompton is STILL awful at qb. He hasn't gotten better through the first three games. He threw not one, but two picks against the worst defense in the country (UAB). On top of that, he has thrown twice as many picks as td's through three games. It is easy to see he has no skills managing the offense, and doesn't run through his progressions. He locks on to a receiver and throws even if he is in double coverage. Our team says he's "the guy" but all of us know they are being polite. If he throws more than 25 passes against Auburn we will get beat just as bad or worse.
Reasonavol writes:
I have never seen a SEC QB stare down recievers the way he does. What scared me or BJ and Nick that bad that it is not even a question for Fulmer. Maybe he remembers 05 and what a QB controversy did for us then.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
And furthermore, you better be playing for the fans as well as your teammates and coaches, because it is the fans money that allows you to be here for free. If the fans leave and don't come back, there is no football program at UT. It just pisses me off to hear him say he doesn't care what the fans think. His attitude sucks. Quite frankly, he has done NOTHING to gain the support or respect of the fans (as a football player).
govols22231 writes:
if you play to win dont play crompton,
i bet one of the o linemen would be a better qb
Reasonavol writes:
I agree with Displaced, shutting out the fans like we are the enemy. He has a bad attitude. Cut knew the score with Crompton. How about Crompton say, I can see why they are booing me I've stunk it up so far.
MustangPackage101 writes:
Displaced- I AGREE 100%
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Were we supposed to be close enough to Florida to beat them? NO. Were we supposed to be blown out by them? YES. So why not praise our team and our quarterback for their positive efforts. Gosh i sure would like to follow you smart alecs who critisize us so much around for a while in your person lives. And then i'd start running you down to your bosses, your wives, your loved ones, your friends. I'd like to see JUST HOW GREAT YOU CRITICS ARE IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES. BOY WOULDN'T THAT BE CREAM~!!!
MustangPackage101 writes:
Are any of you guys tired of seeing Branden Warren block yet? He is a mismatch for any linebacker in the conference and I really haven't figured out why we don't try to get him the ball. Is this another example of Fulmer not utilizing the talent that he has been given?
Rockytop4life writes:
Well we see what there excuses are after Saturday. Cromptons horrible and he hasn't shown no signs that he's not. When he gets in this hostile enviorment and a mad team it's goin 2 be ugly real ugly for crapton. Maybe after he stinks it up out there Saturday we might get lucky and see a new face behind center. I'm usually always excited for a game but not this week. Maybe crapton will step up for the n ill game when he can play against competiton to his level. Keep ya head up ut fans there is a brighter day ahead for us.
GreerVol22 writes:
Sorry JC, 3 strikes and your out.....no matter what Phil promised you momma.
MustangPackage101 writes:
WeLoveTennesseeVols- Has anyone made any cracks against Crompton as a person? I haven't seen any. We are talking about his football ability, or lack there of. You obviously aren't looking at his skills as a qb. Oh, and what positive efforts did you see from Crompton? He didn't even attempt to recover the fumble on the UF goaline. Are you referring to him talking trash to the MUCH undersized cornerback that sat him down like a kindergardener in time out?
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
WeLove - The last time I checked, Phil Fulmer or Mike Hamilton hasn't been on this site. This is not someone running anything down. This is an OPINION forum and that is what people are doing is stating opinions. That is great that you can be positive, however, I have not seen anything positive about this season or believe me I would say it. I don't think the coaching staff, Crompton or anyone on the team are bad people, my problem is with their play and coaching. I will be the first to tell you I am not the best at my job, but when I mess up, I am the first to admit. I don't say I don't care what anyone thinks, I inspect restaurants for my family. I take responsibility for my shortcomings and I improve them. When I find I am unable to do so, then I will find a less challenging field of endeavor. And yes, I expected them to be close to or even beat Fl. I've said before and I will say again, I don't believe they have more talent than UT, except at QB.
4114 writes:
Somebody please tell me when basketball season starts. That way we can see some coaching going on.
vtvol#210290 writes:
Actually, I thought Tennessee had a good chance to beat Florida if the team limited its mistakes and ran the ball effectively. The Vols accomplished half the feat and got beat. I am a finance manager at a auto dealership and I am scrutined every day. It is an industry where production is everything and effort without results gets you fired. I wish that all I would get is booed if I mess up.
bigtimevol writes:
Mustang, amen. Even when Witten was here, we really didn't utilize him like we can. Warren evidently has the skills! And, we threw to him, what, maybe two times Sat? What happened to getting the balls into playmakers hands-Clawson. (Hardesty, Jones, Warren, Creer seems like they may have had maybe 10 touches total on Saturday). I just don't get it...Run the ball, then run play action going to Warren across the middle...just like the Cowboys do. And, do we know what screens and reverses are?
orange_n_blood writes:
Crompton can't do the job. He looks like a deer in the headlights every time we get near the endzone. I think he is afraid of the checkerboard or something. He must think it is a bad thing to actually score points.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
And by the way WE LOVE, if you want to come follow me around at work for a while and criticise me, you are more than welcome to because your life must really suck. But last I checked, my profession is not that exciting.
MustangPackage101 writes:
I think we scared WELOVE off the site
Rockytop4life writes:
We scored SIX points. They put up 30 that's pretty much a blow out. That's 4 scores and you show me some positive and I'll stop critizing. Where is the positive when were 1-2 more than likely about to be 1-3. Stop trying to take up for garbage. When the trash gets full what do you do? Take it out. That's the only way we going to be able to see some better days.
MustangPackage101 writes:
AMEN Rockytop!
4114 writes:
42 days until the exhibition opener....Can't wait for basketball season. My how things have changed on Rocky Top.
VOLKING writes:
Who is this?? It's got to be Coach Fulmer or his momma. Please tell me there are no more 'eternal Fulmer optimists' after the last 10 years of mediocrity and excuses...and after the ridiculous effort over the past 3 games. There are none so blind as those who will not see.
volwalk writes:
As hard as this is to say...let the season play out..maybe we beat Auburn and the season turns around. Crompton gets comfortable with the offense, the defense continues to get better and our special teams learns how to tackle. This all seems very unlikely, but Fulmer has turned it around before. Who knows???? I'm just a struggling Vol fan trying to keep the faith..(Glad my real faith isn't in these guys BUT in the Lord Jesus Christ)
GerryOP writes:
Fulmer is pulling the strings on both Clawson and Crompton. Until that stops their is no reason to criticize their performances. I still believe that Fulmer is controlling Clawson's offense and directing Crompton's performance. That is just Phil's stubborn ol' paranoid style.
BSweet writes:
WeLove- We were supposed to be blown out by Florida? Are you kidding? Are you sure you're a Vol fan? I don't see how any fan can expect to be blown out by Florida and be okay with that. So, we should expect to be beat by Auburn and Bama and Georgia and be okay with that? We should be okay with being a subpar team? I guess we should all be okay with losing to UCLA as well, seeing how great they've played in their games since? I have to think you are joking because I see no logic in your statements. And if you aren't joking, well, that is just disturbing.
volwalk writes:
I agree with you BSweet. I consider myself an optimist but WeLove is WAAYYY over the top. It sounds like a joke. Does anyone here feel we have a chance against Auburn or Fulmer pulls off another miracle finish that saves his job???
Rockytop4life writes:
I picture you behind the computer struggling to write that with your head down. I still wore my ut shirt today not with much pride but because I love my vols. I thank the lord I have my faith in Jesus too b/c if I didn't I would be in some serious trouble.
beachvol1 writes:
WHERE IS OUR BIG TIME TIGHT END, BRANDON WARREN???? OH I KNOW, SAVING HIM FOR THE BIG GAME, WELL DAMN IT, EVERY GAME IS BIG, SO USE HIM...SHOULD BE GETTING 8 TO 10 TOUCHES A GAME...ALL THIS HYPE, SO WHAT IS THE CALL FAT RAT!!!!!!
volwalk writes:
yep thats me Rockytop4life. My head hangs for the Vols.
cdonsbach writes:
Relax.
chucker6 writes:
Crompton ranks 13th in the SEC in passing efficiency - behind a quarterback from every other team and two from LSU ...and that is after playing the worst defense in the NCAA BCS and UCLA which is a good excuse for a JV team. Fulmer has always been stubbornly supportive of "his" boys, to the detriment of the team. UT is pathetic because of Fulmer and his misfit band of coaches. We will be at the bottom of the SEC this year in spite of the talent we have, because Fulmer can't stand to change his plans, not at halftime and not after he has committed to a QB. What a joke UT has become. Too, too sad.
BSweet writes:
Rockytop- Amen to that.
The more Crompton speaks, the more I question his maturity. He doesn't even own up to his poor play, he excuses it. I have to wonder just how coachable he is and if this is the problem that was rumored to exist between him and Cut?
utmdm writes:
Did Williams ever make it in at DE? Dont recall his name called.
GerryOP writes:
Posted elsewhere but worth repeating!
For all of you Fulmerites, just think. If we had cleaned house after 2005 like we should have, the pain would be gone and the scars would be almost healed by now. But, noooooo ... had to stay loyal to Good Ol' Phil. Now all of that pain and agony is still ahead of us.
newtonrail writes:
Whether you want Fulmer gone or not, it blows my mind that so called Vol fans can write time after time on here about hoping we lose so CPF will be fired. You probably didn't graduate from UT, and I'm sure you don't hold season tickets and actually go to games. I hate to give you the facts, but Florida and LSU are the only teams in the strongest conference in the country to have blowout wins against their brethren with any regularity. It's no coincidence those two states are the the recruiting hotbeds in the Southeast. The rest of us have some close wins. Now that's not to excuse the state of our offense up to this point. I'm not sure of Clawson's effectiveness, and Cutcliffe never gave Crompton any meaningful snaps last year. I know we were scrapping for our lives in some of those games, but it seems to be the MO for years.
UrbanCryer writes:
Crompton saying the fans dont matter is a mistake imo. i kind of understand where he is coming from but if the fans turn on you you are sunk. i generaly dont bash the players because these kids are barely out of high school but crompton did himself no favors with that comment. i also think he made himself look foolish after celebrating the 1st td when they were down 4 scores. he acted like it was the go ahead score, give me a break. another mistake in his actions was after he got rocked by a guy half his size. he jumped up jawing like he was earl campbell. youre down 30-6, just got blasted by a guy half your size and you jump up and and talk junk to the wrong guy. just go back the huddle and run the next play.
jcrewvol writes:
crompton - worst TN qb in modern history
volwalk writes:
If Fulmer and the Vols win at Jordan-Hare...I say the Vols will make another run for the SEC and Fulmer will keep his job. However, they pull another UCLA,UAB and FL performance...lose 20-3 or just lose period. The Fulmer haters will be happy because I predict there will be a new coach in Knoxville. This Saturday is judgement day for Fulmer and the VOLS. Book it!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
MY SOLUTION TO THE SEASON:
1) put ALL the best athletes on kick/punt coverage. every statter, such as Berry, JOnes, all the track guys. I don't give a damn about smacking the returner, just get him caught and DOWN
2) play pound it, field positon football. roll out the qb and run qb draws. Use multiple qb's to ease the pressure on just one (you do thia when you don't have a solid qb).
3) DEFENSE!@! jack those guys up, cut 'em loose, make them the key to the team.
4) take chances; fake punts, 4th down conversions, trick plays.
Know what I am describing??? LSU football under Les Miles. It is damned fun to watch, and in a way suits us. Except, of course, we don't have LSU's d-linemen. Still, it is about all we can try for.
orangesox writes:
The season will be made or broken this weekend in Auburn, for both teams. The loser is done in their division. No way a two loss team makes to the championship game in either division this year. So, all is not yet lost.If we can find some way to score some points, we can win down there.
VOLKING writes:
Volwalk...I agree totally. I actually am thinking we win this game. But I'm not too sure about UGA at their place. The only thing holding us back is quarterback play, turnovers and special teams. Wow...that's a lot holding us back. Oh yeah...and coaching. As far as Fulmer-haters...I think that's an unfair term. It's not about Fulmer anymore. It's about the program. Do we admit the obvious and get rid of him or do we stay blindly loyal to a good ol' boy from TN and accept mediocrity and complacency.
Colliervol writes:
Hotel Bill- $260.00
Gas for Trip- $150.00
Tickets- $200.00
Trip to Sevierville Outlet Malls After Being Shanghaied by Daughters- $300.00
Restaurant Bills- $300.00
Tailgate Food and Adult Beverages- $150.00
Thirty thousand Vol fans streaming out of Neyland Stadium in the 3rd quarter because they just couldn't bear to watch any longer- Priceless (and I never thought I'd live to see it). Personally, I stayed until 5 minutes were left in the game but I'm a glutton for punishment.
That, my friends, is why you heard the booing. It's simple really. If you pay that much money to go to a game, you expect to at least see an organized, cohesive effort. I was there and saw absolutely nothing that resembled that from the opening kickoff. And I agree that the folks are not booing the players. They are booing the coaching staff and the direction this thing is headed.
PharmDVol writes:
I heard a rumor today from someone that claims to have inside information about the program, but I don't know where he got his information or if he is a reliable source of information. He says that Skip Holtz will be the next coach at UT, and that it will happen "soon". Anyone know anything about this?
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