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First-year Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin knows what he's up against.
As his team opened preseason football camp Tuesday, his challenge is rebuilding a program that has incurred two losing seasons in the last four years. But his job isn't all about UT. It's also about Florida.
Fortunately for UT, he understands that.
In his first press conference, Kiffin joked about celebrating a victory over the Gators. Later, he bragged about converting a couple of big-time recruits from Gators to Vols. Then came the UT billboards on Florida soil last week.
Kiffin obviously gets it. He knows winning a bunch of games isn't the ultimate goal. He knows at some point he must overcome the Florida dynasty.
And "dynasty" isn't hyperbole.
Florida can't match Alabama's 25-year run under coach Bear Bryant or Tennessee's winning percentage in the early years of General Neyland, who took the Vols from the old Southern Conference into the SEC.
But consider the increased competition, the extended schedule and the challenge of an SEC championship game.That magnifies what Florida has accomplished in the last 19 years - first under Steve Spurrier, and currently under Urban Meyer. During that period, the Gators have won three national titles, eight SEC championships, finished in the top 10 on 12 occasions, produced 28 first-team All-Americans and weathered three years of Ron Zook.
That's what Kiffin is up against.
Not even the most relentless optimist among UT fans should expect the Vols to be competitive with Florida this season. In year 20 of the Gators' golden era, they are a consensus pick to win the national championship. In year one of the Kiffin era, the new coach is just trying to turn the 5-7 losers of last season into winners.
But eventually, just winning won't be enough.
Never mind how many games former UT coach Phillip Fulmer's teams won from 1993 through 1997. Or their top-10 national rankings (as high as second in 1995). All that winning didn't make up for all the losing against what has become UT's greatest rival. The pressure was mounting - on the Vols and especially the coach - to beat the Gators.
Once they did, they won a national championship.
That's the advantage of having an opposing dynasty in your neighborhood. If you could beat Florida in 1998, you were good enough to win a national championship. Eleven years later, as a new era of UT football begins, that hasn't changed.
However, beating Florida under Meyer might be even more difficult than beating it under Spurrier. Meyer and his staff recruit with the same intensity they coach, and one national championship didn't change that. Following Meyer's second national title, the gap between UT and Florida has never been more apparent.
How do you close that gap?
One recruit at a time.
That's why the first-year recruiting of Kiffin and his staff has been so significant. They aren't getting highly recruited players. They're getting them away from Florida.
Two of those takeaways - wide receivers Nu'Keese Richardson and Marsalis Teague - could contribute right away. The better they are, the more crucial for UT that they didn't go to Florida.
A couple of recruits won't alter the course of the rivalry. Nor will they turn The Swamp topsy-turvy in UT's favor on Sept. 19, a game that is attracting national attention because of Kiffin's off-season potshots at the Gators and Meyer.
You can't judge UT's program by what happens on the upcoming trip to Gainesville. Instead, reserve your judgment for the next trip to The Swamp, when this staff has two more recruiting classes behind it.
Kiffin is just getting started. He's implementing a new system and trying to instill a new attitude as he attempts to steer a once-successful program back on course.
This preseason is all about getting better. But the long-range goal is to get better than Florida.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 57
RJ_Vol writes:
I expect the Vols to be competitive this season. We are the Tennessee Volunteers!
TommyJack writes:
I agree with Adams.
TSNSD4UT writes:
Why doesn't J Adams move to Florida and crawl up Urby.s but.
Lean_and_Hungry writes:
maybe bryant was right: once fla. got a coach, everyone else was playing for second...
then again, a physical team that can control tempo, run the ball, and not turn the ball over will always have a chance. there may be a sept. surprise...
belayvol writes:
Volunteers! Prepare for glory!
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
Sounds like he has already done 1 of those 2...now all he has to do is move to FL.
RJ_Vol writes:
When we put some "W's" in the win column this year, recruiting is going to go crazy. The difference between the Bear and Urbie, is that Bear would recruit players to sit on the bench...so they couldn't play on your team. Eighty-five scholarships prevents that. Ole Miss proved that UF can be beaten...on their home field. I bet that new contract is raising a big stink during massive layoffs at the UF.
Hounddog writes:
Let's play football. Hounddog
tndrum#214683 writes:
I'm just saying; real football stories. Actual stories about this football team and this season! I have no idea what it will turn out to be, but I'm dang excited that we're here. Now back to your regularly scheduled ripping of John Adams.
bluetick writes:
Who knows. Maybe we surprise them this year. We seem to do the best when our backs are against the wall and not expected to win.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
In the SEC, you can't be the best just by beating any one team, including UF. Even though UF is top dog now, it will remain a battle every week. With UGA, UA, LSU, Ole MIss and the others, you can't afford to take a breather in any game. 1 conference loss can ruin your season and 2 losses is close to the death penalty.
No offense to UF, you aren't the only good team in this league and JA kissing gator butt will not change the outcome of the game one way or the other.
GO VOLS
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Fifty years from now all they'll care about 2009 is how UT did against Alabama.
MemphoVol writes:
Most of the folks on this site love the Vols. Having said that there is reality and there is fantasy.
Stranger things have happened, but does anyone really give us a snow ball's chance this year when Florida returns all 11 starters on defense and 7 on offense? And those 4 that didn't start on offense probably got plenty of playing time last year.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
The way I see it, we have only 2 options, win or lose. That gives us a 50% chance, much better than the snowball you refer too.
FLAVOLS writes:
Good article JA.
PoochPuntOn3rdDown writes:
Count me in as a "relentless optimist"...
Who's with me?
Go Vols!!!
Greer_Vol_22 writes:
please tell me that an award winning columnist didn't just write that...surely you can beat that...
seventysevenvol writes:
Again, why the continued focus on Florida? The most important game is September 5 against WKU. Half the pressure- maybe more- on the Vols is self-imposed by the media and the Gator-hater fans who continue to talk smack against UF when we haven't beaten them since 2004. In fact, even enduring Zook (2 UF losses) UF is 6-3 in the 2000's against UT. Instead of piling on the pressure to beat Florida on day one of fall ball Adams, why not write an article about the pressure leading up to the first game? Make it fun...
Florida will be there waiting September 19. Let the big dog lay. Take time to recruit well again and again...the difference will begin to show on the field if Kiffin and our $$$$ staff are as good as they claim to be.
The most important game- the only game anyone needs to be writing or talking about- is WKU on September 5.
dkdkdk writes:
it is sad that jhon adams dont respect the hard work kiffin has invested in the vols players who had work there buts off trying 2 learn a new scheme HARD WORK ALWAYS PAY OFF I PREDICT THE FINAL SCORE WILL BE 28-17 (GATORS). THE GAME WILL B CLOSE BUT THE GATORS TALENT AND CHAMPION PROUD WILL TAKE OVER LATE IN THE GAME.IM A REAL VOL FAN NOT JHNON ADAMS AKA MR ROGAINE
JDBVOLS1 writes:
win or loose it will be a great year to watchem grip up this year...long time since I been this exited about the thrid week in Oct!
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
Good post....the most important game of the year has always been and always will be: the next game on the schedule.
dkdkdk writes:
WHEN ITS GAME TYME ONLY THING UT IS GOING TO WOR RY ABOUT IS WINNING. NO COMMENTS, NO THRASH TALK FROM THE MEDIA AND FANS IS GOING TO MEAN ANY THING THIS A HEATED RIVALRY.NOTHING MATTERS BUT HURTIN TEBOW
lowman4vols writes:
finally a decent article from adams, not great but decent!
the10sevol writes:
the kns proofreaders are still in shorts and helmets, too. hope they burned up the conditioning drills this off-season, 'cause this board's gonna light up once the games begin...
GBO
Voluvr writes:
One thing that most of the cynical sports writers and prognosticators forget is that there's a reason they go ahead and play the game.
To say that no one could expect them to be competitive with Florida is the mark of a non athlete.
Mr. Adams, I am calling for you to put your job on the line for that game. Publish that if Tennessee wins you will resign. Prove that even a relentless pesimist towards Tennessee's chances will lay it on the line and back up those words.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
EXPAT..I know what you are saying, but after Wyoming and UCLA last year and even Memphis in the past, "keeping it real" to me is done 1 week at a time. It is time to worry abou WKU, Then on 09/06 we can start to think about UCLA. The UF game is not important until 09/13 and then on 09/20 it is history. We all want the same results, I will take them 1 week at a time.
MemphoVol writes:
ClemsonVol, I only have five words for you..."Boss, Za Plane, Za Plane!"
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
Agreed...I see your point and I have been converted.
GO VOLS
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
Sorry that a different opinion brings out the child in you, but if you want to go ahead and count 9/19 as a loss, then I am glad you are not a player or a coach on this team.
The way you look at it, I guess App State never had a chance in the Big House either did they?
Ole Miss never had a chance against UF last year.
Wyoming never had a chance against UT last year.
Sorry, but accepting a loss before it happens is not something that I or any VOL fan should tolerate.
MemphoVol writes:
ClemsonVol, in the immortal words of Sergeant Hulka (Stripes), "Lighten up, Frances"
Pullingguard writes:
That's Butt... Ah, but probably most got the point.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
Care to discuss football instead of tv programs and movies? If not, then end of discussion.
ThaiVolFan writes:
for all the JA bashers out there, I have to say, his writing has become more palateable. I've actually enjoyed his perspective the last few times.
dvols writes:
tim tebow to urban is chris lofton to pearl!
what u say
tennezz writes:
Lostyourballsinhighweeds what are you going to do when Kiffin starts getting all those florida recruits?
TWhite11 writes:
You obviously do not know who Flordia has returning this year, from last years championship team. Im thinking UT will be blown out of this game, but dont worry there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone is seeing the groundwork being laid at UT for a future dynasty maybe.
99gator writes:
for a team that went 5-7, take it one game at a time.
WKU is important just to put a game under their belt where they look like a football team instead of whatever it was they were playing last season.
don't overlook UCLA.....again.
then, you can look forward to singing rocky top all night long after beating florida.....a tradition at tennessee.
GreerVol22 writes:
good post gator, and your right. Fulmer and staff were just going thru the motions. I think this team will take it one at a time, get some more talent and develop them. Then its on...
VOL1SG writes:
I understand you will need assistance from our medics to help carry your guys off the field after they have been hit by EB. I am sure they would be glad to help.
Go Vols!!!!!!!
footballtime writes:
Okay here we go again another day same old BS from Adams...yeah yeah we all are aware of florida comming into the season ranked number 1 and yes we all know about the rivalry it's history and such but the way he down played Tennessee and it's great teams is just another example of this sissy reporter and his hate for Tennessee football...ya know Adams there has also been Auburn who dominated, Georgia during the eighties but you make it sound like Florida has been so dominate for so long they aRE light years ahead of the pack but hey this is typical of your writing uninformative biased and just down right boring...please leave our state
VOLinATL writes:
Please lay off the focus on the Gators this year, or we will end up losing the UCLA again!
volaholic45 writes:
Bring 'em on. There's an upside to being the hopeless underdog - your guys can play all out, focusing on winning against all odds instead of hedging against an unlikely loss. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead - and marvelous things can happen. But win or lose, let's get it on!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
That's the way I look at playing the Powerball(;-P)! To me, I'll either win it or lose it, statistics and probability be darned! I put our chances of beating Florida at the Swamp this season right up there with me winning the Powerball jackpot, though I do think the game will be closer than some think. But, you know, SOMEBODY WINS that jackpot every couple of months(;-D)!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I don't doubt there will be some big hits in the Swamp that day, I just don't think the Gators will be the only ones delivering them! We have clearly gone into the Florida game for the last several years EXPECTING to lose and then doing our best to make the expectation come true. This year the guys will go in expecting to WIN. They may be disappointed--for my money, they likely will be--but THIS time the Gators will have to earn it, and it won't come as cheap as it has lately. And it's only going to get harder as UT continues to rebuild.
vance2002#327500 writes:
Many on the inside know this has not been a rivarly for sometime. Look for this to switch in the '11 season...
RockyTopRenegade writes:
So far Kiffin's plan is working to precision. While spending the last 8 months customizing and installing a complete system geared to the strengths of his team, with the goal of winning the SEC, he has tweaked, taunted, recruited and billboarded the gatornation into a tropical egospasm. Quite frankly it's a beautiful thing to see so many people so sure of the mightygators impending win 9/19. That just makes those precious blue and orange painted faces streak even more with their disbelieving tears. Oh and while Kiffin and Co. have been watching Meyer's game tapes hooked up to intravenious Red Bull, floriduh gets to game plan on tapes of............dang they forgot about that part.
DennisVols writes:
On any given day any team can be beat. Who thought Ole Miss had a shot last year? Be honest now.
UT as bad as they were last year had the opportunties during the 1st half to at the least be in the game. But interceptions inside the 5 yard line will get you beat by anyone.
Control the ball on offense with a strong running game. Keep Tebow off the field by controling the clock which reduces the opportunites for Tebow to do what he does best, and that is win games.
The defense has to limit what the offense want to do. We do have the best defensive cordinator in the game. There will no longer be the give them a 10 yard cushion on a 3rd & 5.
Can UT win in the Swamp this year? It is a stretch but it is possible. Do I believe we will win? I believe we will be more competitive in every game, on every play (offensive & defensive) than many will be able to remember.
We are thin at some spots but the talent level that was recruited under CPF was usually a top 10 class so the talent is there. It was diffently not being coached to it potential.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
nmbr1vol writes:
Once again, Adams is the best recruiter that other teams have vs. the Vols. Is it me, or does anyone else agree that that EVERY arcticle that he writes gives recruits a reason to think twice about coming to Knoxville.
I'm beginning to believe that it's time for a change at the AJC!!! ...anyone else?
kman29 writes:
Nobody ever said the rest of the SEC were scrubs, but honestly tell me a team on Florida's schedule with better talent than them? Now the second part everyone worries about when it comes to defending a title is falling into those trap games of losing one you shouldnt have because everyone is gunning for you. Well this UF squad is in a unique situation where this will actually be the 2nd time a majority of them have had to defend a title. I honestly can't remember another situation where a majority of a teams starters were in a similar situation. (I guess maybe USC 2003-2005, but I still consider LSU the '03 champ) The UF players experienced defending a title as freshman and sophmores in 2007. There is a lot to be said for that season and what they learned.
kman29 writes:
Oh no! Tennessee staff has been studying Florida's game tapes. Man! Whatever shall Florida do. Lets see, last year Georgia had 3 years worth of game tape of Meyers offense that they personally saw (L 49-10), LSU (L 51-21), S.Carolina (L 56-6), FSU (L 45-15). You really think that anyone at UF is concerned that the Tennessee staff who has never personally faced UF has been watching their game tape for the last few months? If top staffs around the SEC can't stop them after 3 years of watching them, what makes you think the UT staff with 3 months will?
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