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Dave Hooker's post-game audio
OXFORD, Miss. - For just one day, perhaps it's time to change the speed limit on the Ole Miss campus.
Let Archie Manning have the 18 mph traffic signs that adorn the Oxford campus next week. For now, Dexter McCluster's No. 22 seems more appropriate.
There was no limiting the speedy tailback Saturday as McCluster led Ole Miss to a 42-17 win against Tennessee.
McCluster ran for 282 yards, an Ole Miss school record and the most in school history given up by the Vols.
Add in 42 yards receiving yards and McCluster gained 324 combined yards - also an Ole Miss record.
"We probably set the school record for missed tackles today," UT coach Lane Kiffin said.
McCluster found the end zone four times and averaged 11 yards each time he touched the ball.
"That's not what we're about, what happened today," UT defensive tackle Wes Brown said. "We couldn't tackle. We were lined up wrong several times. Just a combination of things that were set up for disaster.
"We didn't put ourselves in the right position and when we did we couldn't tackle him."
The middle of UT's defense has essentially been rebuilt this month. Middle linebacker Herman Lathers, who is responsible for calling UT's defensive plays and setting its alignments, started his second game after filling in for Savion Frazier, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against South Carolina.
UT's players and coaches refused to criticize Lathers, but Kiffin conceded there were alignment issues. Those issues, especially in the first half, allowed McCluster to break UT's defensive containment with ease.
"When you get a player like him, you can't let him get anywhere near the sidelines or he's going to turn it into a big gain," defensive end Chris Walker said.
Defensive tackle Dan Williams hasn't seen many like McCluster.
"I haven't seen anybody that fast since LaMarcus Coker," said Williams, referring to the former UT tailback who was dismissed in 2007.
Off-field issues cost the Vols another player. Freshman safety Janzen Jackson did not make the trip after being charged with attempted armed robbery on Thursday.
Redshirt freshman Prentiss Waggner got the start in place of Jackson. The Vols have become so thin in the secondary that walk-on Tyler Wolf got some snaps in UT's dime package.
"I don't care who you play, if you've got a guy who's on pace to be a freshman All-American and a great player, you're going to miss him," Kiffin said, "especially in your first year when you haven't had a chance to put together three or four classes to have depth like what we played against today.
"That's not an excuse. Whoever is in there has got to play well. But if the question is 'Did we miss him?' Well, sure. He's a great player."
Kiffin said he had no update on Jackson and the two other freshmen arrested - receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and defensive back Mike Edwards. Kiffin said he was still gathering information on the incident.
Kiffin said the Vols came into the game determined to limit McCluster's production and make inconsistent quarterback Jevan Snead beat them. Snead was average, completing 13 of 20 passes for 133 yards and an interception.
Yet that didn't matter as long as McCluster was on the field.
"We let one guy beat us and definitely that's not what we look for on defense," Walker said. "We didn't tackle very well. We didn't play very well. They came out and outplayed us."
Walker said he was especially frustrated that the Vols couldn't beat Ole Miss for coach Ed Orgeron, who was the Rebels' head coach from 2005 to 2007. Orgeron declined comment after the game.
The setting had to be odd for Orgeron, who is largely credited with assembling the talent that dropped UT to 5-5. There wasn't much he could do as he watched McCluster, one of his prized recruits, run wild against UT's defense.
"We pretty much didn't have anybody that could tackle him all day," Kiffin said.
Kiffin hopes Orgeron can change that.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 101
TotalPackage1 writes:
enough said.
gillblog writes:
Any Vols fan who watched this game is wondering why Eric Berry seemed to disappear today. Was that an 'alignment' problem?
floridavolsfan writes:
This is liberal left-wing analysis! We played like a group of weenies!
listentothemusic writes:
Yep, he's aligned with a bunch of bozo's for coaches. Put on some more rap and get jiggy widit.
57TexasVol writes:
All this game showed is how shallow the team is at every position. That's on the previous staff that failed in recruiting the last several years and could not develop players. This was Lathers second start and FIRST against a decent ball team. Losing Reviez and Frasier was major. This group will bounce back. Next year will still be rebuilding and developing, the following year I think we compete and maybe win the East 2011 and by 2012 we win SEC outright and be a top five team. Nobody should be getting all shook up.
hillbillyvol writes:
no play makers today,no trick plays,no defence see ut going backwards not forward
AZvolFan writes:
Just remember other really good coaches have had bad first years at new schools....Pete Carroll at USC comes to mind I think he went 6-6....
Pullingguard writes:
Don't blame all the alignment problems on the linebacker for with the inexperience that UT has presently at the position the coaching staff should have made adjustements with the defensive alignment to help stop McCluster's running success,.
hillbillyvol writes:
will take time but still hurts lets take the next two still have hope GO VOLS.
gillblog writes:
For the long term team development, you're probably right, but today we saw more than just lack of depth. Speed, reaction, and hitting were obviously off. And, most of the day EB appeared to be in a different game. Maybe he was "distracted". Maybe he was out-right tackled by the Ole Miss OL and the refs let it go. Whatever it was, it lasted the entire game and it should be a serious concern for MK.
lomas98 writes:
Hopefully a decision on the 3 players will made on Monday. I am tired of hearing about it. I said on Thursday morning that I wish there were some comments on the game coming up on on Saturday. Total distraction, I don't care what anyone says. Make the decision so the players know what to expect and win these next 2 games. I think 7-5 a Peach Bowl berth against a decent ACC team on New years eve is possible.
gillblog writes:
There is an amazingly hopeful sign to all the posts on this site today; almost no negatives about Crompton. It's like a breath of fresh air to be able to have some confidence in the qb no matter what other problems we might have.
VolFaninFlorida writes:
when you line up against another SEC opponent, you have to be at the top of your game mentally and physically. We have obviously lost some key guys physically, but this loss can be blamed on the 3 pellet gun armed robbers and the distraction it caused. The teams are all so close talent wise, and if you're not focused, at your very best on Saturday, you saw today what happens. How long does it take to gather information on a pretty simple crime? Let's all hope this sad situation is positive in the long run for our team. Go Vols!
latinvol writes:
amen to this. we are rebuilding. i'm not making any excuses, it's just the truth. most of us on this site need to chill, because we are more up and down than a yo-yo about our team from week to week.
let's drop this game like McCluster dropped us, and move on to vandy and uk. We will be fine.
gillblog writes:
We now have our own "Lavender Hill Gang", except they're called the "Pellet Gun Gang". (or, if you have to have acronyms, the PGG)
rclarkfork#639958 writes:
There are so many fair weather fans on here. It's a joke. Anyone who knows football can see that the depth is just not there. The staff has done a wonderful job despite this fact. The last 3 weeks the fans are on the band wagon, rah, rah, rah. Our depth was finally exposed and one bad game and now the fans are saying, I don't know about the coaches. There are only a few people on this site that have a clue as to what is going on. It has become a joke reading the comments from our fans. If you don't see the difference in how far this team has improved over last year, then continue to say rah when they win and question the coaches when they lose. You talk about the lopers coming on here and making fools of themselves. A lot of you need to take a look in the mirror because you certainly show your lack of knowledge week after week.
People are yelling make a decision on the three players. How? Yes it appears that they are all guilty and should go but the police haven't even sorted things out yet. How can the university make a decision on what to do? Seems like Jesus got strung up to a cross by a mob just like you.
In a few years, when we are back at the top year after year, everyone will be saying, rah, rah, rah. I knew Kiffin was the man. Yeah, you are the man. You knew all along.
oldvolsfan writes:
if you can not see the future starting to show you are not much of a real fan kieein had nothing to work with the former staff had let the well run dry so get your azz back with your pee wee team numnuts
RJ_Vol writes:
I truly wish I had thought of that first! LOL
Txvol57 writes:
All of you STFU!!!! I didnt hear any of you bitc*ing and moaning when we waxed Georgia and South Carolina (who was ranked in the top 25) Bottom line is that Ole Miss had more talent (thanks to Orgeron) and they were ranked number 4 at the begging of the year for a reason and we played bad!! It happens!!!....all of you saying "oh we are going to be a mid tier team for a long time" make me sick!! Kiffin is doing a great job with the talent that was left here by fat phil. I dont hear any of you bitc*ing about Crompton anymore!!! I cant stand you stupid a** fans that think you know what it takes to win. Saban went 6-6 is first year and lost to LA Monroe. We will go 7-5 and have a good bowl which is better than last year. Now STFU!!!!!!!!!!
Sovol writes:
Well said.
Txvol57 writes:
Oh!! when did you get your coach of the year award?? Personally I listen to the guy that's going to be in the NFL Hall of Fame for the greatest defensive mind ever! But thanks for your wonderful insight...I'm sure its under consideration!
great2batnvol writes:
WOW! Best thing I've heard on here in some time. You just hit that out of the park. This team got smoked in the trenches and we have a long way to go: WE ARE HEADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION in spite of this beat down today. Patience guys Rome wasn't built in a day. GO VOLS!!!
jsm67vol writes:
Alignment issues + very poor tackling + tired looking legs on this Vol team today = humbling loss. I said on rebels first drive today that the Vols legs looked heavy and slow. It got worse as the game went on. When UT hired this staff all I expected this year was to see this team be competitive every game. Until today they have been. The future still looks bright to this Vol fan. Go Vols!!!!
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Capslock for emphasis:
I JUST WANT TO SAY, I DON'T ENJOY LOSING ANY MORE THAN THE NEXT GUY. IN FACT, I TEND TO TAKE IT VERY HARD. IN THE END, I LOVE OUR VOLS AND I SUPPORT THIS TEAM AND THIS STAFF, AND I APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO SUITS UP ON SATURDAYS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tapeworm writes:
After watching what Monte did against the Auburn and Ole Miss offenses, in comparison to what other DCs are doing against them, I think UT needs to request a huge refund. He may have been oversold.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
I'd like to think you are wrong...but the tape is telling on this one. We'll see if he can adjust.
gainesville_vol writes:
Everyone be honest, what was your prediction on our record this year before the season started. My, I felt that 9-3 was the absolute best we could hope for with losses to UF, Ala, and Ole Miss. I felt that 8-4 or 7-5 would be more reaslistic with losses to UGA and Aub/USC being in the works. SO, with wins over UK and Vandy, we are at 7-5, in a bowl to get our young guys a an extra month of work, and we are right where most folks thought we would be with a second top 5 or better recruiting class coming in. In contrast to recent history, things are looking much better in Big Orange Country!
And Notre Dame is losing again, Weiss is gone, and Charlie Strong will be leaving UF for a new head coaching job!
balloonman writes:
pathetic....blame the player and previous staff.....go home to your wife!
PEARLIFIC writes:
speaking of backwards....go back to the hills idiot. what is a defence by the way?
hulahigirl writes:
Eric Berry probably lost a few million dollars today, he better hope not many scouts were watching.Super stars are supposed to step up in big games!
PEARLIFIC writes:
go back to watching girls softball or something. you obviously are not a talent evaluator.
chrisw2967 writes:
amen
kabulvol writes:
Rebuilding takes time. We'll be okay.
newtonrail writes:
May have been, he was around the ball. He was trying to help them get lined up several times that I could see. That's why I go to games. TV follows the ball. There are 10 other guys on defense. Berry can't do it all.
Pullingguard writes:
Just telling it like it is, no sugar coating, no kuddos for past accompolishments, for today the adjustments were not made...
Skullz_VOL writes:
Why are 95% of Vol fans idiots? Why? Do all teams have this many idiots as fans? I dont get it! We are a he11 of a lot better than anyone thought we would be. Have one bad game and most of you turn on the team. Do us all a favor and become Vandy fans! They could use a few
tennezz writes:
You need to shut up and stay out of this, It is none of your business!
57TexasVol writes:
Saban 2007 6-6 (4-4)SEC with a loss to UL Monroe and escaped a loss to Colorado by 6 in Independence Bowl, Caroll 2001 USC 6-6, in 2005 Meyer was 9-3 (5-3)SEC, but inherited a talent rich pool of players, beat Iowa in Outback Bowl. We don't have the talent level that Saban and Meyer had in their second year. This will take another two good recruiting classes to play at that level. 2010 may be the same, or just slightly better than 2009 as far as W's. We may be starting a freshman QB next year.
Pullingguard writes:
Remember back in August most posters were predicting 7/8/9 victories, now some of those 95% you refer to predicted 10/11 victories. So 95% of all Vol fans are disappointed according to your calculations'..
tennrich1 writes:
Why, i ask, WHY would anyone on here respond to the obvious post that is only meant to garner a response...WHY? Just do what i do and skim right past those childish remarks and DONT respond, for pete sakes....
57TexasVol writes:
Good post. I thought 7-5 or 6-6 would be a good season. I don't think alot of people realize how low the program had fallen. It didn't just happen. This started in the second half of the 2001 Championship game and started to really unravel from 2002 forward.
mercuryvol writes:
Pretty obvious from these posts who played any organized sport or not.The Vols are going to be fine.I'd rather lose every game with them than be with any another school.
TommyJack writes:
Give it a rest, man. Seriously.
et_vol_fan writes:
You're dead on. Ole Miss has been hot and cold all season long. We caught them on a hot day. People need to pipe down a little and let Kiffin get this team to at least 2 deep at every position and then see what he can do. I'll sure take 7-5 and a so so bowl compared to last years fiasco. Give him a year or two. We all knew this would be a rebuilding year.
allVolinGA writes:
Anyone watching the last several games (even the ones UT won) without Orange colored glasses should have seen today coming. Monte's defense gave up 400 yards to Memphis. We held on against SC--only won due to the early turnovers and points. So I feel the same as you about this defense.
By the way, why can't Monte signal the defense to Lathers who then relays it to others? Should be no difference than what has been done in the past for the offense--namely come to the line of scrimmage and look to the sideline to see if you should check off. That would take the pressure off Lathers.
If we don't play better than we did against Memphis in the second half and Ole Miss all game, don't bet on a bowl.
jsm67vol writes:
Agree. And of the talent that was left, half couldn't hack the discipline this new staff is instilling back into the program, so they left. It makes a little puke come up in my throat when I think of where we were last year at this time. The Vols had a let down today and we're not good enough to win sec games this year when that happens. Glad that JC isn't taking all the heat for this one.
et_vol_fan writes:
They had an already thin defense that has been decimated by injuries and arrests. You can't make chicken salad out of chicken $@$!
chihuahua80 writes:
What about what he's done vs. every other team on the schedule - especially Florida and Alabama, as much as it pains me to say it, the two best. Man, Monte Kiffin is not the problem. If not for him be would not be hoping ot get in a bowl game this year. Such fair-weather fans on here. Anyway, today's game has nothing to do with your professed team - Flordia. Why are you on this site running down UT's coaching staff when your team played a pretty big game today. too?
jsm67vol writes:
Does anyone know who will be in line to replace Thompson if he can't go next Sat? We were thin at LB to start the year and we have been hit hard with injuries there. Who is left on the depth chart at LB?
rclarkfork#639958 writes:
The defense was fantastic against Memphis until we put in the second and third teams. Don't you get it? The cupboard was left bare. We have no depth. When the defense is on the field for an enormous amount of time and we have to use reserves, there are very few that are SEC caliber players. The defense has been very good despite the fact that we have lost a number of players to injury and other things. College football is an offensive game. Teams are going to score points. Look around the country, it happens everywhere. Did our defense play good today? No, but it happens to every team at some point during the season. Did our first team defense play good last week? Yes. You want to see how big a drop off we have from the first defense to the second. Last week is a perfect example. Memphis could not move the ball against the first team defense, but look what happened when they were removed. Is that defensive scheme? Hell no. The scheme worked great for the first team. Just another reminder as to how dry the cupboard was. I'm not trying to bash Fulmer. Heck the guy won a national championship. But that doesn't change the facts. There were not a lot of SEC championship type players left from last year's squad. Those questioning Monte are a joke. You are just making fools of yourself when you even suggest it.
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