Quarterbacks B-
Jonathan Crompton was sacked only once and didn't throw an interception, but the senior made a few dangerous throws reminiscent of his early-season struggles that helped kill drives. He still completed more than half of his attempts and accounted for both touchdowns with strikes to Denarius Moore and Jeff Cottam.
Running backs C+
There was only so much Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown could do with so many Rebels joining them in the backfield. Hardesty finished with 55 yards thanks to 16 in losses throughout the game, and Brown added 34 on six carries.
Wide receivers B
Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones each had productive games again, combining for 10 grabs, 117 yards and a touchdown. Quintin Hancock chipped in with four as the Vols tried to spread the ball around, and drops weren't among UT's many offensive issues.
Offensive line D
The Vols somewhat held their own in pass protection and Crompton wasn't hit much in the pocket, but the Rebels owned the battle in the trenches. UT finished with just 99 yards on the ground thanks to nine tackles for a loss by Ole Miss.
Defensive Line C-
The Vols struggled to contain Dexter McCluster but did make some nice individual plays. Tackle Wes Brown intercepted a pass that could have turned the game and had a tackle for a loss. Tackle Dan Williams led the Vols with nine tackles - two for a loss. Ben Martin forced a sack he shared with fellow end Chris Walker.
Linebackers F
The Vols didn't handle Ole Miss' misdirection well. UT's linebackers were often out of position, which led to long runs by Ole Miss' speedster McCluster. Rico McCoy, however, had nine tackles. Herman Lathers had seven and LaMarcus Thompson had four.
Secondary C
Safety Eric Berry registered eight tackles and the Vols held Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead in check. But like their front seven counterparts, there were plenty of missed tackles. UT clearly missed Janzen Jackson.
Special teams D
David Oku solidified himself as a dangerous return man with another productive performance on kickoffs, and Dennis Rogan picked up 17 yards on his only punt return. But that was about all the positives for the beleaguered unit, which had a kickoff go out of bounds to start the game and yet another field goal blocked.
Coaching C-
UT's defense was often out of position, especially in the first half. There were some good offensive schemes and play calls but the Vols are just limited athletically.
Overall D
The Vols said Thursday's three arrests didn't affect their focus. It sure looked like it.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 88
Pdiddy10 writes:
dont give up. this is a rebuilding year. we improved from last year - we will ikely destroy vanderbilt and idk about kentucky. fan base, THIS IS A REBUILDING YEAR. dont be discouraged. if you say that we are losing alot of our players, true, but bryce brown will be experienced sophomore. gerald and quinton are juniors, along with reveis and stocker. you never know about berry, and for the last time it is a rebuilding year. we will land some top recruits, and get back into it in a couple years. give clk a couple years. DO NOT GIVE UP. we are better then last year. REBUILDING YEAR. dont cry and hate vols. you cant win everything. just keep rooting and remember that we are building from a horrid 5-7 team. we are killed with injuries too. just dont give up go vols!
tnbanker_govols writes:
When you have two walk-on starters on the O-Line this is what happens. Today is a reminder of just how bad Fulmer had ran this team in the ground.
Pdiddy10 writes:
we were underdogs... so dont cry too hard.
bryce brown is gonna be a heisman candidate in one or two years... book it.
Pdiddy10 writes:
exactly, we were killed with fulmers players, and mainly injuries. probably affected by the robbery and janzens missing.
i thought it was funny that when ole miss missed the field goal they shot the cannon lol and they announced janzen jackson as a starter. lol
Pdiddy10 writes:
fair weather fans... dont be one
newtonrail writes:
I believe Oku should be in backfield more often as slot back to give him a chance to get touches in space. He and Brown in our version of old Single Wing Wild Rebel. Doesn't look like Nukeese will be back ther again.
Pdiddy10 writes:
im watching oregon.... remembering that we have to play them next year i think...
oh god
DennisVols writes:
This was the worst game of the year and in a year where this team has over achieved more often than not it was a bit of a shock. UT was exposed this week and not just on the field.
Today we really saw the effects of not having much depth and what it can do to a team late in the season. UT had no answer to UM’s rushing attack and were truly gassed by the 4th qtr. when no fresh legs were available to come in.
The events of this week also had harmful effects on this team. They might claim it was not a distraction but you know it was. Teams are like family and if someone close in your family did something stupid like that it would affect your mindset. Kiffin has done a really good job of containing the off field incidents but in today’s society I’m not sure if any coach is capable of total elimination of such mindless decisions.
Kiffin’s biggest challenge of this season lies in front of him now. This team cannot dwell on the outcome of today’s game or the events of this past week. There is still a lot to play for in this season. One more win and UT is bowl eligible, two more and they probably go to the Chick-fil-A bowl. Win the bowl game and maybe a top 25 season is in reach.
This team has shown more pride, character, competitiveness and fight all season than we have seen in the past. The top recruits are again coming to UT and it is just a matter of time that the depth will be rebuilt. Being a true fan is a lot like a marriage “for better or worse” and this year has had more pluses than minuses.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
No fair weather fan here. I'm looking at the positives for the next few years.
1. Tons of experience at LB.
2. Incoming depth at DL from JUCO's and freshmen.
3. Loaded receiver corps for next year.
4. Kiffin can coach up QB's. Bring on Bray!
5. Palardy. No more kicks into the line.
6. Janzen's absence means more experience for Waggoner and Myles.
7. No more Tebow.
8. See #7.
9. JUCO's, Bray, Juwan James will learn the system in the spring and be ready to roll.
10. Top five recruiting class on the way.
If the OL freshmen can play, we'll be in business.
Herm09 writes:
I'm not a supestitious person...but does anyone have any idea what our winning percentage is in the orange pants? In the last ten years or so, I can only think of one victory when we wore them. Halloween with the black jerseys. I vote we go back to the white on white. Just a thought..Go Vols!
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Is it Oregon or Cincinnati?
MrWaffles writes:
I think the bandwagon fans have it right, Kiffin is a joke and we need to get rid of him. Then next year when we get a new coaching staff and they don't do good we can get rid of them. And we'll just keep going through coaches until one comes in and can win a national championship in their first year :) Me personally, I'm enjoying watching this team improve and know that they are much better this year than they have been in awhile. Crompton and Hardesty are a testament to the future of tennessee football. Go Vols
volfan7 writes:
I've heard that same tired line over and over and over:just wait till next year, just wait till next year, ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Don't blame fans for getting so easily discouraged. We seem to be going backwards fast.
volnation200973 writes:
As far as orange pants are concerned go to Memphis 1999. UT won 24-17 I think. I do know for a fact that it was a Vols victory. That game holds a special place in my heart as well, it was my first game. What a thrill!!! That truly ignited my passion. I was 9 years old and on top of the world for 3 hours because I was inside of NEYLAND STADIUM!!! From that day on for better or worse I have stuck by my Vols, I was baptised into the tradition and have since grown into the most diehard fan in my family. NO matter what IM ALL VOL!!!! "WHEN WE PLAY AT HOME, THIS IS OUR HOUSE. THEY GET OUT WHEN WE ARE READY TO LET EM OUT!!!!" -LANE KIFFIN. Gotta love it!!!GO VOLS!!!!
Pdiddy10 writes:
i didnt say wiat until next year. we are gonna suck next year. i mean in like two or three years. can you read idiot?
memphis_vol_fan writes:
Exactly. One of the Sullins was being blasted 2 yards into the backfield every time they tried to run the ball.
zigvol writes:
You really believe we are worse than last year. You are nuts if u think that...
Pdiddy10 writes:
you pretty much said the same thing 10 times in different ways. we are not gonna start bray, none of our recruits so far are gonna have an immediate impact. my only hope is bryce brown.
BigVolFaninSC writes:
Ole Mo' got the best of them in the second half! McCluster ran right through the D! I don't think Monte & Co. have figured out the Spread formation yet! I have confidence that they will find a way as we continue to rebuild!
Pdiddy10 writes:
oh cr@p we have to play oregon next year and cincinatti in two years. then we start playing USC and oklahoma. WHAT ARE WE THINKING???
just recruit.
Pdiddy10 writes:
mccluster ran right through our defense????
no way...
tenuscvol writes:
I am very impressed with CLK and how he handled the press with the freshman and I am very excited with the coaching staff in hand but I do just have one question:
Why out of three freshman were none of them scared to death of being caught out after midnight a few days before a game starting at 11:00 CST?
I would think bed check to ensure the guys were moving their clocks ahead as necessary to be ready to play in the morning.
Especially Freshman...?
Anyway, just Ole Miss's day and ours will come...
Gotta win one of these...
GoVols!
Pdiddy10 writes:
your a clown - invading our website. why do you come on our website anyway if your not a vol fan anyway??? what are admirals too?
All_Vol_in_GA writes:
This game was a shi**y way to end a shi**y week. I'm glad this one is over. Now, let's get ready to manhandle Vandy next week.
Go Vols!
pastorlee#372395 writes:
Enjoy living your life vicariously through a high school football team.
volpreacher writes:
One time this year I will be a Gator fan. When they play Alabubba. Also, hope that Alabubba is overlooking their friends in the state. Waaaaar Eaaaagle.
MD_Vol writes:
Anything above a D for the defense is being generous. But this is a rebuilding year and you get these kind of games sometimes. Ole Miss is a good team, our time will come!
sidwalkvol writes:
going backwards fast? Please.
This group has overachieved. Remember the way we dissed Crompton? We are just incredibly thin and had a horrible day (see USC vs. Stanford). Still the team plays with great heart and determination. Even gassed, they do not give up.
Unlike some of our posters, who when they are gassed give up WAY too easily.
Go4Two writes:
So was that Fulmer players that beat Georiga and South C. I hate dumb fans
johnlg00#206211 writes:
"No one" would be you, for sure. We know there is only one UT game you care about anyway. True fans support their team, win or lose. If that is entertaining to you, then have at it.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Didn't need the depth in those games. I hate dumb interlopers.
tennezz writes:
Lets move on...The game is over...We lost...Lets get ready for Vandy and Kentucky or we will lose to them also!
asleep#212036 writes:
And a freshman. Love the Sullins brothers' spirit but at least three times I saw an Ole Miss DT run right through them and make a play. They didn't even slow him down! Bama did the same thing. Ole Miss made us pay for the deficiencies in both our O-line and D-line. We've been doing it with smoke and mirrors all year and it all caught up with us today. Oh well, there's Vandy and Kentucky left to make a bowl and wait until next year. Go Vols!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
Good post. OL and DL will be the key. If we can get our new lines up to speed we should have a break-out year in 2010, much like Bama did in year 2 with Saban. Not saying we can win 12 games but 10 is not out of the question. Another Top 5 recruiting class later and we should be back in the national mix in 2011 after a 10 year absence. Go Vols!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
Did anyone else see some of the turf kick up behind the ball BEFORE Lincoln's leg came through on the blocked field goal? Golfers help me out here. When you've been topping the ball what do you do? You consciously try to hit down on the ball, of course. What can happen if you are a bit overzealous in your correction? You hit the ground behind the ball, the club skips off the ground into the middle of the ball and once again, it comes out too low. Same result, different mechanism. It looks to me like Lincoln was so concerned about kicking the ball low that he over-corrected and his foot hit the ground, popped up, and hit the middle of the ball. He's a head case now in addition to his physical limitations as a kicker. Can't wait for Palardy. Go Vols!!!
gulfvol963 writes:
my first game was the arkansas game of 1998
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Like what the future holds, but I'm not holding my breath for next year. Oregon, Florida, Ole Miss, and Bama come to Neyland. We gotta go to LSU, South Carolina, and UGA. Don't think we'll get ten wins with our O-line. Two years from now should be pretty good.
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
KNS needs to catch up with the rest of the sporting world. The Ole Miss team will no longer be known as the Rebels. They are now the Ole Miss Black Bears. Or they will be that after a hefty Mississippi PR effort. Rebels are like Bears, don't you see...they fight. Rebels are Bears. Rebels are Bears. Rebels are Bears. I hope that the WWII generation Mississippi graduates are not reading this. Someone should filter their TVs when their team becomes the Black Bears. They might think that they died and woke up in Mississippi hell.
volnation200973 writes:
Great game!! I have gone to 9 games since Sept. 1999 and all have been Vol victories except for one: 2002 Alabama, great atmosphere, wish it had ended better. You just can't beat that feeling of being at Neyland Stadium. I get chills just thinking about it. This is why you have to love College Football. You live and die with every game and even in defeat you still are swelled with pride because YOU ARE A TENNESSEE VOL!!! Have a good night everybody!!! GO VOLS!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
I was concerned about the defense from the Memphis game. The passes to the flats and misdirection plays were piling up in that game even with the 1st string in and a big lead. Unfortunately, Jenzen Jackson is the the athlete on the team that could have prevented some big runs by McCloskey today. I'm not sure what he did or knew about a few days ago. But, it sounds like he was suspended twice for substance abuse and was with his buds trying to score yet again. Not sure of the validity but heard CLK wanted to take JJ and Hamilton laid the law down in a heated exchange. Still, CLK needs all the facts before booting these guys. At the very least Nuke just forfeited a college education and may do some prison time. Don't really know how much trouble Edwards and JJ are in yet.
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
The Ole Miss Black Bears took a bite out of the Tennessee Volunteers. I mean the Ole Miss Brown Bears. I mean the Ole Miss but can't say it White Bears or Alibino Bears.. Does Ole Miss got any White Tail Bears, I mean Deer? Nobody wants a quail team. What kind of bird is a quail for a football player? We got Osprey way down South near the Gulf. Why can't we say that Northern Mississippi is Southern Mississippi and get us a bird for a football team? I like birds. North is South, who cares? Nobody likes bears; everybody likes birds. Everybody in favor of some kind of a dam bird is going to raise their hand when I say money. "Money."
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
kabulvol writes:
Pretty generous grading on the D-line and O-line, IMO.
volsfan4ever writes:
Anyone with any idea's about keeping these freakin florida and bama fan's off our site?I'll volunteer if they would let me start banning them somehow!You know kiffin's gotta be doin something right to get other team's fan comin on OUR site and talkin smack!It's obvious our lack of depth at LB caught up with us today.Thanx fulmer!We'll be alright.At least we are getting some guys playing time that would not have gotten to play had reveiz and frazier not gotten hurt.I'm as frustated as anyone with today's game but rebuilding takes time.We'll be much better next year watch and see!
volsfan4ever writes:
Well said my man!!!
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
Well said, Fred. I like the way you talk. Let's whip Vandy!!!
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
I kind of feel that way too. Did I say that?
kb7398#233189 writes:
LOL...now we get the IT'S A REBUILDING YEAR chatter after a loss...typical. Enjoy it sheeple. This will be the rule rather than the exception especially next year when Stephens gets his turn or Lame gets his prized freshman (maybe) on campus...
Speaking of...aren't you glad Barkley chose USC now? Holy mother!
Skibum165 writes:
I think we play Oregon in 2012 as part of a home and away series. We will be ready!
belayvol writes:
The only part of your post you got right was that Farragut is a good school. The rest Mr. Dagley, is typical bama BS. You were a flake in high school and it seems you still are. Put that in your Clabo and smoke it.
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