ATLANTA — Eight years ago, Florida coach Steve Spurrier blindsided all of college football with his resignation.
Florida’s loss was Tennessee’s gain. And the gain appeared to be huge.
Not only did UT’s arch-nemesis lose one of the best coaches in college football history. It replaced him with Ron Zook, a first-time head coach.
At the time, the Vols were coming off an 11-2 season, and seemingly were about to take charge in the SEC East. It didn’t work out that way.
As expected, Florida dropped off, with three consecutive 8-5 seasons. But Georgia, not UT, filled the power void, winning 34 of 40 games while Zook was stumbling around at Florida.
Now, the rest of the SEC East has another opportunity to close the gap with Florida. The circumstances aren’t as obviously favorable, because there’s so much uncertainty. Will Urban Meyer return as Florida’s head coach? Will he be as effective as he was in the past when he won two national titles in four years and made a strong run at a third championship in Year 5?
No matter how it plays out, the Gators aren’t as formidable as they were before Meyer tendered his resignation for health reasons, then opted for a leave of absence instead.
That puts first-year head coach Lane Kiffin in position to gain ground on the program he has been chasing since he was hired. But don’t expect the gains to be immediate.
UT won’t have the assets Richt did in his second season at Georgia. Thanks, in part to the recruiting of Richt’s predecessor, Jim Donnan, Georgia went 13-1 in 2002.
Kiffin won’t have that kind of talent next season. He and his staff already have assembled one good recruiting class and are well on their way to a second. They will still need another one.
The Vols will have one advantage they didn’t have during the Spurrier-Zook transition at Florida. Georgia isn’t as imposing now as it was then.
Never mind Richt’s great run of success this decade. There’s something currently amiss with that program, and I question whether the firing of three defensive coaches will resolve the dilemma.
The Bulldogs have had too many bad Saturdays the last few years. And they repeatedly have made too many mistakes. Only nine teams have been penalized more yards per game than this Bulldogs team and only 15 have more turnovers.
Although the Bulldogs will return 10 starters on offense, that doesn’t have me anticipating an offensive juggernaut in 2010, despite a 44-20 victory over Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. In fact, the margin of victory had more to do with the Aggies’ special-teams blunders than Georgia’s offensive proficiency against one of the nation’s worst defenses.
The Vols will have plenty of challenges, too, breaking in a new quarterback; rebuilding their offensive line; and replacing their three best players on defense.
Personnel issues aside, they still look like a more viable candidate than Georgia to capitalize on the uncertainty at Florida.
But I thought that in 2001, too.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 55
volaboard writes:
Huh. First time head coach in his second head coaching job.????
rockytopatl writes:
I think Adams' point is a valid one. The East is ours for the taking. I say we take it!
NorthwestVol writes:
Let UF stew in their own juices while the Vols start 2010 with a win over VT. But it won't be easy...
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Too bad we play in 2009, NWvol, but I get your point.
VOLinCO writes:
maybe he got his directions mixed up and he meant to be far east Vol, where it would already be 2010...
Nah, that's crazy
dvhill100 writes:
We lose a lot of talent. I have been impressed with the staff so far for both recruiting and player development. I expect the SEC East to be wide open next year. I don't think anyone will be able to accurately predict who will finish where (except Vandy of course).
panties4tebow writes:
Nothing new here.....I once thought John Adams would make a good sports editor...................... but I WAS WRONG!
crimsonviper writes:
I agree with you about next year dv.
I understand the Vols lose a lot of talent,but after the job CLK and staff did this year,I for one won't underestimate the Vols next year.
Regardless of what others around the SEC may say,I don't think anyone else will either.
TommyJack writes:
Adams made some decent comments. You can't expect a newspaper to compete with blogs. Just can't happen. At least not under the newspaper's banner. JMO.
VolWalker writes:
"It replaced him with Ron Zook, a first-time head coach, who, in his second head-coaching job, was still an unproven head coach."
Proof Reading Is Your Friend
KJVol writes:
"It replaced him with Ron Zook, a first-time head coach (AT FLORIDA), who, in his second head-coaching job (AT ILLINOIS), was still an unproven head coach ('cuz he was unproven AT FLORIDA)."
I know it's not great gramatically, but it does kinda make sense.
LaneTrain writes:
All three powers in the east (putting us back in there) will be breaking in a new QB but FLA has one with some experience and UGA has a RS guy that was only behind Barkley in rankings last year. We need to steal a top tier QB (SCROGGINS ARE YOU LISTENING?) in this year's class.
Every freshman qb that starts has growing pains and we shouldn't expect whoever the qb is to be 'the man' at the start. Patience guys, patience because it's not a good thing to break in a new qb AND a new OL. At least we are competitive again and who knows with a couple breaks it may happen next year.
Saban went 12-2, Richt 13-1, and Meyer went 13-1 in their second season of what is called the 'magical season'. The growth from year one to year two is the largest in any coaches tenure. Do I expect 13-1 next year? Naw, but I wouldn't rule it out either.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
He probably meant that he was a head coach only once, with the second time just coming up.
murrayvol writes:
Points taken John. But regardless of what happens in the SEC East Saban/Bama will be a tough nut to crack in the SECCG for awhile.
flashbone writes:
yawn.another florida article.
LaneTrain writes:
Isn't that ironic? For years it was either us or FLA...now it's anyone's taking. I think UGA will probably be the favorite next year if they get a good DC (Foster going there scared the phooey out of me). But the media will still love FLA even tho they lose at LEAST 4, IMO. I hope we are the sleeper that can snatch the east and I hope urban is the coach on the sidelines at fla to watch it.
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Gotta disagree with one thing you said. Florida DOES NOT have a more experienced QB than us. Need I remind you that Nick Stephens has started 6 games already? Brantley has zero starts under his belt. Georgia will start a QB with zero starts. We've got that edge in both games. The SEC East game that scares me next year is South Carolina. Their offense is gonna be experienced and talented. Garcia and Jeffrey are gonna be something else next season.
crimsonviper writes:
Why don't you suggest a story then,goofball.
I know one...Ky. hasn't beaten the Vols in a quarter century...Now there is your story.
LaneTrain writes:
I don't think Stephens is the starter for the entire season next year. I think he should be for the opening game until we can get one of the young guns ready but don't think he will be there the entire season. Plus, I don't think Brantley is that good (contrary to stupid fla fans wanting him to start over tebow) and I'm waiting on Garcia to implode again (don't park near him)
clvolfan writes:
2010 for VOLS will be like last 2 years for Fla and Bama,lot of freshmen and sophmores playing.
mdvol writes:
Fulmer to Texas Tech.
ahillen writes:
Messed-up copy editing repaired. Thanks.
UrbanFavre writes:
I wouldnt expect a whole lot next year. With the killer schedule we have I think 7 or 8 wins is about right. I believe we are playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation with Oregon, Florida, Bama, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Georgia. I think we beat USC, GA, Oregon, and Ole Miss with a chance to beat Florida if they move to a more Pro Style offense because Brantley cannot run it like Tebow.
USMCVOL4LIF writes:
IMO, whoever is the starter week 1 will remain the starter throughout the entire season.(w/no injuries) CLK stated he doesn't like to switch qb's, and that proved to be true. If I recall, almost everyone was wanting him to yank J.C. after the U.C.L.A. game and sticking with him worked out well. If N.S. gets protection & healthy receivers, I think he can do well especially being his 2nd year in the system.
VOLoom writes:
I don't know Kiffen showed with Crompton once he chooses his QB he sticks with them.
Thad123 writes:
Not a chance, if Loisville doesnt want him Texas Tech doesn't. Loisville was even in his recruitng area. Fulmer is done as a head coach of major college football.
MiserableFloridaVol writes:
Spurrier made Fulmer better. Whe he left, so did Phil.
CoverOrange writes:
Did you think the same about Pete Carroll a few years ago? Bob Stoops? Jim Tressel back in 2002? Mike Leach last year? 10 years is a long time in college football and things change every year.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
One good point in this article is that TN needs this year AND next recruiting classes to compete for the SEC title.....like I have always said, 2010 will be like this year 7-8 wins, the next should be better, but Kiff should REALLY be judged in 2012 (maybe 2011 if they can get to 10 wins) by then it will be mostly his recruits and his system will be in place long enough...
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Is it me or does Randy Shannon (Miami coach) look like a Wayan brother?
Huttdawg100 writes:
When I first heard the news about Meyer stepping down, I was skeptical. With my Big Orange Shades off, I think he has one of the best jobs in the country in the most fertile recruiting states in the nation. I just couldn't see him walking away.
Like Adams, my next immediate thought was that Meyer's acid reflux gives Tennessee a chance to close the gap between us and Florida. Kiffin is younger and stronger than Meyer, and, with Coach O, we will out recruit him. Add in the fact that they've lost a ton of players and Charlie Strong, and I expect to match and surpass their talent within another year barring any significant incident. From this point on, Florida recruits will have to ask themselves: "will Meyer be there next year or will he be forced into retirement"? I'm pretty sure Kiffin will bring it up.
VolFanFtl writes:
Not only will Kiffin bring it up - so will Saban, Miles, Fisher, Shannon, Richt, Miles and everyone else that recruits in Florida. They will all be talking about "Unstable Urban" for years....
PoochPuntOn3rdDown writes:
His name is KIFFIN!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
With a murderous schedule, I think 7-5 would be very good. Expect NS to start entire yr. unless he is hurt. Kiffin will stick with his qb through thick and thin. We should have a good lineup, but probable losses to Ore.,Ala., possibly Fla.. Hope I am wrong.
TobiasVol writes:
I totally disagree with you on this one. We all saw what this staff did with Crompton. How can you not think they will do the same with Stephens? Just think about what this staff has done with almost every player on this team. Listen to how the players talk about how they go about their business. Just sayin
CrankE writes:
KNS replaced (insert previous sports editor here) with John Adams, a first time sports editor who in his second sports editor job is still an unproven sports editor.
A little proofreading would be great, but where's the fun in that? Besides, it's not rocket surgery.
CrankE writes:
Whether this is true or not, the results undeniably agree with you. You said a mouthful right there.
_______
I thought the same thing about Spurrier's departure in 2002; The SEC East was all Tennessee's for the taking. Instead the Vols muddled through the remainder of the decade making the trip to the fabled "next level" not a one way journey, but an inexplicable, inexcusable round trip back to mediocrity.
Richt lost the handle at UGA in 2007. Meyer may have lost his mind or his health. Either way, so long as he's on the fence, FL-U is screwed-Stay on the fence, coach. Spurrier is one more good whipping away from being gone at USC. Brooks is gone at UK. Kiffin and Tennessee must capitalize on this.
paul5170 writes:
Not so sure about that.You got to remember we had only 2 QB's this season.If JC or NS had got down on their self and then the other one got hurt,then we would have been up the creek without a paddle.2010 we will have 4+ QB's(not so sure couple of them ever get on the playing field though)which gives LK a little room to play around with the QB's. GBO
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Your name is misleading. You are a Fulmer fan. Not a Vol fan. Get over it. Coach Fulmer is gone and is NOT coming back. You are one of those that would hate whoever was our new coach just because he is not Fulmer. I will type this next part slowly so maybe it will sink through. Coach Kiffin did not get Coach Fulmer fired. Coach Fulmer did that all by himself with a decade long poor job performance. Coach Kiffin just happens to be the swingin' pair that was hired AFTER Fulmer was fired. I just wish you people would grow up and realise that God did not create Tennessee football for you and Coach Fulmer alone.
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
You guys badmouthing Stephens probably the same who badmouthed Crompton. Stephens is going to shock the heck out of you all. The few times I've seen him this season, he looked sharp and has more mobility than Jonathan. And his face has that determined "I'm going to kick your @%^ and make you like it" look. Just wait and see. This guy, if he gets even half way decent OL protection is going have you doubters dining on crow every weekend of next season.
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
I agree with your assessment. Also, if the line doesn't protect, it sure won't be anyplace for freshmen.
Couchdummy writes:
Had not thought of that, but it would probably be a reasonable fit.
OldNumber7 writes:
Bingo...someone finally nailed it. When SS left, Phil kicked his feet up and took a sabatical.
Ringside writes:
Is UT better off than this time last year...without a doubt. GBO!!!!
BEAT HOKIES!!!!
halloffamebowler writes:
Saban,Richt,and Meyer were left with a box car load of talent.Kiffin's talent would barely fill the bed of a s-10 pickup.Kiffin needs a couple more years to bring us back.We need to live with reality,not Orange Kool Aid.Sure hope I am wrong.
Brillovol writes:
You bring up what I was wondering. If Fla is in a rebuilding year, GA is undisciplined, and we lose alot to the draft, who is going to be there to step in? As much as I hate to say it, SC has their best shot at the east title as they ever have. We better hope we have some great offseason practices, 'cause I really don't see us winning more than 9 games next year.
Here's the schedule:
09/04/10 vs. Tennessee-Martin Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
09/11/10 vs. Oregon Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
09/18/10 vs. Florida * Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
09/25/10 vs. UAB Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
10/02/10 at LSU * Baton Rouge, La. TBA
10/09/10 at Georgia * Athens, Ga. TBA
10/23/10 vs. Alabama * Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
10/30/10 at South Carolina * Columbia, S.C. TBA
11/06/10 at Memphis Memphis, Tenn. TBA
11/13/10 vs. Mississippi * Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
11/20/10 at Vanderbilt * Nashville, Tenn. TBA
11/27/10 vs. Kentucky * Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
navarrebeachvol writes:
Hey Ferret-gut, I see that your skank wife is back to running around town and leaving you time to surf the Vol's web site. Do us a favor and put your foot down on her shenanigans and try spending more time with her than us. I know she's butt ugly and all, but there has got to be something you two have in common. Maybe you two could do a makeover of the back bedroom of the trailer.
navarrebeachvol writes:
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t that Stevens who got in the receiver’s grill last year after a drop or sloppy route? And Fulmer benched Stevens instead of the reciver?
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
Stevens, Stephens, whatever. The mess under Fulmer's last season doesn't count. The whole darn team imploded. Kiffin has put some pride back in those uniforms and NS is ready to showcase it. you may dwell on the past, I look to the future and the future says NS one confident %$$#@&*(&. Just give him a halfway decent OL and you're going see this guy make you forget whatever it is you remember about the Fulmer year of misfortune.
UTByrd writes:
It seems most of you have forgotten all the players who left UT or were let go. Discipline was installed back into the program and UT had to rely on freshmen and walk-ons to field a decent team. Look at the results. Personally, I believe CLK and staff did one helluva job and would not be surprised for them to win 9 games in 2010.
Kippy Brown and the new ST's coach are great additions in problem areas, especially ST's.
The reason trolls are carping is they are envious of the job being done at UT, hence the accusation from other programs who suspect wrong doing by UT's staff. Success breeds contempt and I see UT becoming even more contemptable next year. So, all of you NY Times Fla alums and the like can write all you want to. It won't change CLK's game plan one bit.
Go VOLS!!!!!
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