The evidence was presented Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Now the jury has retired to study the tape and render a verdict.
Coach Lane Kiffin said Tennessee’s third preseason scrimmage would go a long way toward sorting out the depth chart for the Sept. 5 opener against Western Kentucky.
All eyes were on quarterbacks Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens and Kiffin said both “did well.’’
“Jonathan ended up with more plays,’’ Kiffin said. “That’s just how it worked out. It wasn’t on purpose.’’
Crompton had a decisive statistical edge, completing 17 of 31 passes for 265 yards. He was at the helm for all three touchdown drives and was also intercepted by Art Evans.
Stephens was 9 of 17 passing for 90 yards, with no scores and only a near-interception.
A pair of freshman backs scored touchdowns.
Quintin Hancock took a short Crompton pass and evaded cornerback C.J. Fleming for a 20-yard score.
Bryce Brown scored on a 5-yard run, bouncing outside when the middle was clogged and racing to the corner of the end zone.
Crompton also found Brandon Warren for a 5-yard TD pass.
Daniel Lincoln was true on all three field-goal tries, from 23, 40 and 47 yards.
The defense, however, won on the scoreboard, 37-30, getting points for stopping drives and turnovers.
Aside from Evans’ interception there were two other turnovers. Montario Hardesty lost a fumble and third-team quarterback Nick Lamaison was picked off by Nyshier Oliver.
“In general I thought the energy level was pretty good,’’ Kiffin said. “I thought it died down in the second half for whatever reason, so we’re going to have to work on continuing to finish.’’
Cody Sullins opened at center with Crompton and the No. 1 offensive line in the first half. Josh McNeil snapped to Stephens with the No. 1 line in the second half.
Montori Hughes opened at tackle ahead of Dan Williams with the No. 1 defensive line. Assistant coach Ed Orgeron said it was a reward for a good week of practice.
Tauren Poole started at tailback, the result of Hardesty oversleeping and reporting late Saturday morning.
Dennis Rogan worked briefly at cornerback but will play primarily at safety, Kiffin said.
True freshman Mike Edwards nearly went the distance on a kickoff return and broke up a couple of passes.
Although Crompton had better stats and results, Stephens looked more accurate at times.
Kiffin was encouraged that Crompton completed some throws on the run.
“He made some plays on the move which was good to see,’’ Kiffin said. “Sometimes that doesn’t happen in practice because the rush stops.’’
More later online and in Sunday's News Sentinel.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 46
bcbobcat82 writes:
Set your alarm Hardesty! Have your mommy call or something! I love the DISCIPLINE!!! Who cares if your a senior??????
1BigOrangeVol writes:
Bring on the Hilltoppers!
Volsnfl writes:
Well all this is good to hear & looking like Crompton has the job,Edwards sounding pretty good.G Vols!
utwick writes:
Freshmen contributing. Refreshing.
Fossilfiction writes:
Well to me it sounds like a pretty good day. I would love to see Crompton with those stats in games this year. It will be a great year!
Volsnfl writes:
#1 Defense in the Nation,I hope.
buxavol writes:
Two words that have been impossible to keep separate during the Spring & Fall-"Crompton" & "interception". One seems to always follow the other...
Curious how limited the defense was during this scrimmage? I would think they opened things up more as they near the season opener.
That said, it appears we are going to be strong in the run game. Hardesty overslept?! Hardly the Senior leadership you need on a rebuilding team-or any team for that matter.
utwick writes:
Over on VolNation, one poster who witnessed the scrimmage said our pass protection was "mediocre to awful",that Crompton stared down his receivers and that the fact that Crompton will start says more about Stephens (poor play) than Crompton's (having performed better). Any of you guys/gals see the scrimmage? Your takes would be appreciated to a Vol fan in Austin.
UTVolsFan7 writes:
Have to agree with you buxavol on the statement about Jonathan and interceptions. I am anxious to see if he is going to throw at least one interception every game this season. I hope I am wrong but the facts don't lie. Anyways I have faith in our new coaching staff and our players. I know that it will all work out on a positive note. Go Vols!!!
micbrooks#212023 writes:
After all the talk about BB"s hip injury, it is great to hear that he played, but what was the problem ???? soft tissue injury ? ligament sprain ? bone bruise ? INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW
RockinTop writes:
I was there!! Bryce Brown... appears to be a very special back....the TD was also the result of being hit at about the 3 and 3rd effort got it in! He also made an impressive 3rd and long 2nd and 3rd effort that got the 1st down of about 9yds.....hope his situation gets cleared soon....the constant rotation of our backs was awesome to see.... They all have very different run styles..... Which should be tough on D's IMO....
Personally, I think Stephens looks better than Crompton....appears more relaxed and in control....and it appeared to me he threw more in the first half than JC. All that said I am not the coach, but Stephens looks better....and JC seems to stare immediately at his intended receiver as soon as the ball is snapped....never really checks anywhere else.....perhaps that's by design ....again, just my observations and I am not the coach ..... Overall, I think we look pretty good but we play some tough talent ahead.
Go Big Orange!
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
Whoever CLK starts at qb I just want them to lead the offense and keep moving the chains. While a 40 yard completion is always nice, it doesn't mean much if we can't get points. Its the execution that will keep drives alive and win games for us. Throwing behind an open receiver, dropping a well thrown ball and screwing up a hand-off won't win games in the SEC. In 2 weeks most of us will be at Neyland Stadium and hope the team is a big improvement from last season. Wow, he started Cody Sullins, guess he really meant what he said about an open camp and competing for playing time. Both qb's have some weak areas so it isn't an obvious choice for either. While most folks think NS is more accurate (and that's very important), he must have some liabilities that CLK and Gran are concerned with or he would already be the starter. I really don't remember him coming in last season and directing many TD drives (at least Crompton had a few). I'm ok either direction CLK decides to take with the qb. Because I don't root for JC or NS but for UT. Same can be said about head coaches. I wasn't a fan of UT because of CPF, he just happened to be the head coach. Same is true about CLK. I hope he can lead us to an SEC championship, many as a matter of fact. He isn't lazy, I will definitely say that about him. He did not guarantee how many games he would win just that he would work harder than anyone to achieve results and he has done that the last 8 months. So GO VOLS I'm looking for the hard work to result in 8-9 wins and a New Years Day bowl (Citrus I hope)
SEC__Headgear writes:
Sullins takes over and Crompton seems to look better in a game situation. Those positions appear to be set.
Nice job Oku. Wake up Hardesty.
Nice to see the defense win and the offence score enough to win against most teams in the SEC.
Orangeblood13 writes:
I think if this is the only time I have heard Hardesty having done something wrong all year so far, so leadership isn't a problem.
As far as Crompton staring down recievers, was the first time Kiffin called plays from the sidelines, probably a little adjustment, so I feel he probably had to make sure, the kinks will work themselves out.
We are all armchair QB's, I like talking about it, but will save judgement till we go live.
Keep it up guys, just keep improving!
volfan2002 writes:
If our secondary could go up against Crompton they would all be All Americans. Still looks like he did a good job today with his usual interception. All I can say is throw it to the orange and white Guys as we don't play Syracuse this year so maybe with different colored uniforms he will hit our offensive guys more than the defense.
hutch103 writes:
How did the special teams look? I hope we can tackle better than we did against Florida last year or anybody else.
graphpro#231211 writes:
265 yards of passing offense beats the first half of last season's production.
The sky is clearing...
The humidity is down...
its almost what time...
.... FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE
YAFRICKIN" WHOY... Man its been too long
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, I wasn't there and I certainly don't have any inside info, but I will take a 3-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio all season long. Sorry to hear that JC still seems to be staring at primary receivers, but maybe they can coach him to throw it into the stands if the primary is covered. Face it, guys, we don't seem to have an All-SEC candidate at QB on the squad right now. We'll just have to hope that when the inevitable turnovers and mistakes happen, the defense can hold and the team doesn't lose heart.
hotrodvol writes:
It is what it is, CLK will have to play the hand he is dealt with. Hopefully he and Chaney will make the best of the offense. We all know Monte and Coach O will have the defense at the top of their game.
Here is a good read.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009...
VOL1SG writes:
I am heading to the WKU game. Looking for a decent place to say with a pool. Wife and kid are going to hang out there. Would like it to be close and if not, a shuttle. Also, what are other must see's in the ktown area. Thanks for the advice and info in advance.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!
Vol_FAN_atic writes:
The offense seems decent. If they can score 30 points against what appears to be a top 10 defense, i'm happy!!
dvols writes:
hmmm kiffin has to "look at the tape"...hardesty????
KINGKONG writes:
crompton needs a big win during the season r a come behind victory.he threw for 300yds passing agaisnt LSU as a freshmen lsu had a good d it was ranked 3rd in the nation.the scheme he is in now is better than cutclife scheme.jc needs confidence just manage the gm all we ask of him
richvol writes:
Thanks for the link...god read.
bclay1012 writes:
I was at the scrimmage today, and neither QB looked great, or good for that matter. Crompton cannot see the field at all. He knows exactly who he is going to throw it to before the snap. He only looks at one receiver. There was one play where crompton was hurried a little bit so he just dished it off to the fullback for a 4 yard gain, while gerald jones was wide open 30 yards down field. After the play gerald threw his hands up in disgust and was staring straight at c-daddy. If crompton can learn to look at someone other than his primary receiver, we might be okay. But for now, as soon as the ball is snapped, his head is locked on one guy, and one guy only.
On a good note, bryce brown looked outstanding today. It's been a while since Tennessee has seen speed like this kid has. Not only does he have speed, but he has the strength. There were several plays were he made 2nd and 3rd efforts to continue the play and was very successful. Hopefully his suspension is not long. Judging by how many reps he got today, I'd say he'll be in there soon.
One thing that scares me (besides crompton) is our punting game. It takes forever for any of our punters to get the ball off their foot. A high school team could block our punts. Every Tennessee practice I've been to this fall, theres been multiple punts blocked. So that could be a big problem...
jsm67vol writes:
Crompton staring down his primary receiver. That sounds familiar and reason for concern. UCLA picked up quickly on Crompton staring down receivers and took advantage of it last season. The worst of it was that it never got better through the season. Its got to be tough learning a new offense again, but JC has got to progress past this tendency or UT will be in trouble in SEC play. It sounds like JC is still pressing too hard and like NS is learning to calm down. I'm sure both will play as CLK has already said as much. I'll be rooting for which ever one is on the field. Congrats to all the players for a strong effort this preseason camp. Hopefully what the vols lack in talent can be made up in effort with anger! Go Vols!!!
rockytop#413695 writes:
I'm staying at the Holiday Inn on Henley, next to the World's fair grounds. They have a football weekend deal for $85 per night plus tax. The normal rate is $114. The Big Orange Blast is at the fairgrounds on Friday night, featuring Sarah Evans. UT band and cheerleaders will be there. It's like a huge pep rally.
On Sunday night the Boomsday Festival is held in downtown, culminating in a huge fireworks display on Henley Street Bridge. Here's the links: http://www.boomsday-knoxville.com/
http://utbigorangeblast2009.eventbrit...
The Holday Inn is 1/2 mi. from Neyland. It has an indoor swimming pool. Have fun.
volcycle writes:
The same probably could have been said about Peyton. I remember 4 ints in the 96 game against FL in he 1st half. Look at it this way...Crompton drove the offense for 3 touchdowns!
Kevinyaheard writes:
Wow, that's sayin a lot that we haven't played a game yet and CLK's offensive scheme is better than Coach Cut's scheme. I think CDC is one of the most under-rated coordinators in recent memory and do I even have to say anything about how he can coach quarterback's?? (Shuler, Both Manning's, and Eric Ainge's turn around from his sophmore to junior years??) Yeah, I rest my case...We'll just see...GO VOLS!!!
utwick writes:
Rockin, how did the O line perform?
utwick writes:
Kiffen and the whole staff appear to work way harder than the previous regime.
utwick writes:
Don't mistake this for a Fulmerism. Kiff was on the sidelines. Hard to see everything from that vantage point. He and the other coaches need to review the "tape" in order to decide who will be starters. Looking at film in this instance is a necessity, not an excuse.
ThurmondEppy writes:
There is a pretty nice restaurant called "The Mouse's Ear." Don't mind the name; the food is pretty good.
imw8n4u writes:
what are those helmut rain caps??
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I'm ready to get this thing underway.
New memories awaiting in the wings.
VOL1SG writes:
Rockytop, thanks for the info. I appreciate it. It seems others would rather suggest a non-family friendly place. Looking forward to my first experience of Neyland Stadium.
GO VOLS!! and GO Army!!
pdb73216#339474 writes:
Does anyone know where to find any video of the scrimmage?
ddbirdvol writes:
Good Sushi at least.
teampenny#658108 writes:
True True, arm chair QB's is the reason for this site. This is the SEC it is about winning-NOW.
RockinTop writes:
Understand that I was battling a little excitement,,,,but it seemed to me that our QB's had ample time to get rid of the ball. Seems one poster said they didnt have alot of time....but I thought the blocking on the pass was decent....I thought JC seemed comfortable that he could trust that he had time.....he did get shuffled out of the pocket a few times....and one pass on the scramble went for more than 4 yds (regardless of what the one poster said)....
As for the run....I thought the blocking was fairly solid. In my opinion, we moved the ball very well. Was it blocking or was it just that we have some good backs....I have to say it's both.
This Nukeese package they have is also very intersting....and that little fella is very fast/quick......he froze the defense and had them leaning on a dive play (I think) towards the hand off....and he kept it and went the opposite direction and nearly scored (it was inside the 10)....but the D's speed caught him....but had he had more room to turn the corner...well, it was exciting to see!
I thought the O-line and blocking in general was sound. For some reason I got the feeling that this wasnt all we have....I am encouraged overall and really excited to see how we do. But after seeing them, it will be an uphill climb...
I will say....it is interesting watching these coaches too.....it really is ran like a pro team...you can just see it. And their enthusiam is fun to watch. I like Daddy K in particular....what a ball of fire he is!
Go Big Orange!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Very good SI article. Did anyone notice the topic of one of the other stories appearing in this SI issue? The topic was "Tebow held out of contract drills". That sounds very appropriate for UF.
blitzshoot writes:
14 days....
Orangeblood13 writes:
like Sushi off the barber shop floor
mmm mmmm good
ChrisM30TN writes:
Not sure if either of you have ever been, but Ye Olde Steakhouse and/or Bayou Bay are both musts. They are both about 5-7 mins down 441 South from Henley Street, Ye olde Steak House is first on the left side of the road and Bayou Bay is about 1/8 of a mile further on your right. Bayou Bay is better for the FLA game with their Gator meat and a bowl of gumbo.
ncvol17 writes:
If you live long enough, you will see and hear everything. Crompton being favorably compared to Peyton...sign of the Apocalypse?? Comparing Cromps every game play to Peyton against UF Gayters....whew....
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True enough.
If Kiff makes a halfway decent QB out of JC, then he is the 2nd Neyland.
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