Post-game audio
AP Top 25 College Football
Tennessee Stat Book
Florida and Alabama are stalking a national championship. Georgia, on the other hand, just slipped out of the polls for the first time in three seasons.
No matter. Lane Kiffin said he couldn’t have picked a more meaningful opponent to get his first SEC victory as Tennessee’s coach against than the Bulldogs.
“Powerful.’’
That was Kiffin’s one-word summation of watching his Vols hammer Georgia 45-19 on Saturday before a crowd of 103,261 at Neyland Stadium.
UT (3-3, 1-2 SEC) meshed an offensive and defensive show of force that minimized some horrendous special-teams play.
And when Georgia used a weapon all too familiar to the Vols — an interception return for a touchdown — to cut UT’s lead to 24-19 in the third quarter, the Vols responded with a pair of big-play scores to restore order.
Tennessee on top of Georgia — that’s the order Kiffin envisions off the field as well.
“I told the guys last night,’’ Kiffin said, “I don’t know all the Tennessee history and tradition, nor do I pretend to. I know there are a lot of great teams in this conference.
“But I told ’em to me, this is the biggest matchup, Georgia. Because of what we do recruiting, for this staff this is the biggest matchup.’’
Tennessee’s defense, led by Georgia native Eric Berry, did its part, yielding a mere three points on a 52-yard Blair Walsh field goal.
Georgia’s other scores came on Brandon Boykin’s 100-yard kickoff return, Baccari Rambo’s 28-yard interception return and a safety resulting from blocking a punt.
“The storyline of the day is the defense, even though the score doesn’t show it,’’ said Kiffin.
The Bulldogs (2-2, 3-3), outgained 472 yards to 241, fell to their worst six-game start in Mark Richt’s nine-year tenure.
Richt said this week he recruited Jonathan Crompton as hard as any quarterback prospect he’s ever pursued.
On this day Crompton showed why. He was 20-of-27 passing for 310 yards and four touchdowns.
“He played well today,’’ said Kiffin. “But why did he play well?
“Guys made plays for him.’’
Gerald Jones had TD catches of 6 yards in the first half and 51 in the second.
Denarius Moore broke a tackle, turning a short reception into a 33-yard TD during a 21-point second quarter.
Freshman Marsalis Teague reappeared with a 5-yard TD catch.
Tight end Luke Stocker had four catches for 68 yards.
Crompton’s only bad moment was the ball Rambo intercepted to tighten the score to 24-19 with 8:21 left in the third quarter.
Tennessee had an answer. Two of them, in fact.
Montario Hardesty broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run to make it a 31-19 game.
After the Vols’ defense forced a three-and-out, Crompton went deep to Jones for a 51-yard touchdown and a 38-19 cushion with 59 seconds left in the third quarter.
The final score was a 1-yard Bryce Brown run after Berry snatched a Georgia fumble out of mid-air and weaved 46 yards to the Georgia 14.
“It was especially nice to respond,’’ said Kiffin. “Sometimes when adversity has happened we haven’t had that.
“That creates a ton of momentum, especially going into a bye week. We’ll be out recruiting all week. We’re going to find the best players in the country.’’
Some of them in Georgia, no doubt.
The Vols have 12 Georgians on the roster now, including four starters, plus more commitments on the way.
“We never talk about a must-win,’’ Kiffin said. “But it’s the biggest rivalry because of the recruiting and location.’’
Berry said there was a special gleam in Kiffin’s eye this week.
“He made a promise to us, we wouldn’t lose to (Georgia) any more,’’ said Berry.
Richt, of course, doesn’t intend to let Kiffin keep that promise. However, he had to admit Saturday was all Tennessee.
“They played better,’’ Richt said. “They coached better.
“It was very obvious their team was better by a long shot.’’
It wasn’t obvious before kickoff. The Vols were a one-point favorite.
After a scoreless first quarter, things heated up.
Crompton’s first TD pass to Jones put the Vols on top - for a few seconds.
Boykin became the second opponent in three games to return a kickoff for a touchdown against the Vols. Auburn almost broke one all the way last week.
“I don’t have an answer there,’’ Kiffin said.
Georgia added a safety by blocking Chad Cunningham’s punt out of the end zone just before the half ended, reducing UT’s halftime margin to 21-12.
The Vols weren’t any more efficient receiving kicks, just luckier. Both Nu’Keese Richardson and Dennis Rogan misplayed punts but UT retained possession.
“To win a game 45-19 and play pathetic on special teams, that says a ton about your defense,’’ Kiffin said.
Georgia never penetrated past UT’s 35 in the first half or the 40 in the second.
Rogan and defensive end Chris Walker had interceptions as the Vols won the turnover battle 3-1.
“We were very excited to get to this game today,’’ said Berry. “Coach made a big emphasis this whole week on how much he wanted us to beat Georgia.
“He made it very clear what he wanted us to do and you saw it today.’’
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Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 153
Kevinyaheard writes:
Wow what a game...You have to wonder what QB recruits will think if Crompton keeps up playing this well the rest of the season. Kiffin will go from questionable to freakin GURU status. What a great all around effort, but we definately better find an answer for that freakin Kicking Game. Go Vols, rest up and get healthy for Bama!!
vol98champ writes:
Wow! I'll have another helping of that, PLEASE. Instead of i out of 3 bad plays, we had 9 out of 10 good plays. Can you imagine how it would be if we went 19 out of 20?
98memories writes:
Good game VOLS! Answer to special teams-hire someone for that purpose only.
GaGATOR writes:
TENNESSEE 45 GEORGIA 19
OMG! Heads need to roll. How can so many good athletes be so poorly coached?
Two coaches summarize the game:
"I don't know that I've ever been involved in a game where the defense didn't let a team into the red zone one time," Kiffin said
"We've got a long way to go to become a good football team," Richt said.
THE UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR!
CMR needs to fire the entire staff and if he doesn’t have the guts to fire them, he can get out too!
BTW Congratulations
pammyvol1000 writes:
Alabama defense will be a different story so the offense will have to play good and special teams.. well that just may be our downfall against Ala.. none the less. Go Vols and beat those Bammer Wammers!
DSmith1669 writes:
Where are all the haters today?!?!?
Finally - a fun game to watch against an SEC opponent.
We're not out of the woods by a long shot but the improvements are everywhere (ability to run the ball effectively, Crompton actually looked good against a decent opponent and most of all I think the team is playing with more heart than I have witnessed in years).
We have a bunch of tough games left but at least we should become bowl eligible with efforts like this. We should beat Memphis and Vandy and hopefully we can get another win or two against SC/KY/OleMiss – I don’t believe there’s much hope against Bama in two weeks but the bye week comes at a great time of the season to get everyone healthy.
6-6 or 7-5?
Keep recruiting some talent and depth and this staff will have us back in the mix in a year or two. Go VOLS!
Vols4Ever writes:
I can't believe I'm actually hoping the Red Elephants win the game they are currently playing. I rationalize this insanity because I can't think of many things sweeter than taking out the then #1 Cheating Tide at their house in two weeks.
Way to thrash the 'Dawgs, go LSU and GO VOLS !!!
FWBVol writes:
Great win and I'm proud of the way the boys should up and pounded the Dawgs.
The one thing that concerns me is Kiffin's quote about not knowing everything about the Tennessee tradition and he doesn't intend to. I hope he meant "pretend to."
As the head football coach he's the caretaker of the proud Tennessee football history and tradition that dates back 115 years. Yes, I'd rather him know the NCAA rules that have kept him on the outs with the numerous secondary violations than that Bobby Dodd was UT's first All-America at QB. I'd rather that he be a great recruited than to know that George Cafego's nickname was "Bad News." But he needs to know the history and tradition to sell the program and all it has to offer.
OK, sorry for my gripe, but it just struck a nerve.
Again, great win and good job by the offensive and defensive coaching staffs of getting the team ready to play a complete game.
REVOL writes:
I think Ole Miss might be wishing they had Jon Crompton right now. I know they wish they had our o-line. Go Vols! Beat Bama!
volinlouisiana writes:
I'm proud of the team and coaches for responding the way they did today. The negative momentum could have kept building and the whole season could have very easily been disasterous, like last year. However, they showed alot of heart and give you the impression that they will always fight even in times of adversity, and whoever is not on board is thrown off(if only we could do the same with alot of the fair-weather "fans".) That gives me alot of hope for this team.
99gator writes:
congrats to all.
that was a butt whoopin.
janjim2#521687 writes:
We just smacked the Georgia Bullfrogs up side the head and stepped on their face with their hob-nailed boot. Great job Vols.
volinlouisiana writes:
"We're going to go find the best player's in the country." I like that this staff is ALWAYS recruiting.
On a side, I do agree with you FWBVol, Kiffin does have a responsibility to know the history and tradition of the great program that he has been entrusted with, as the "face" of the team.
Brillovol writes:
'Em boys looked all right today!
jmr68ut writes:
I want to know what those aliens did with Crompton's inner being? Wherever he is, I hope he stays!!! :)
vols21 writes:
in the words of Ron Wright, it was a "good ol fashioned Tennessee Dog Whuppin"!!!
BigVolinCarolina writes:
It takes a team to win games. Individual players don't win or lose games. Today was a team effort.
Go Vols! Great game against UGA. Beat BAMA after the bye week.
Pdiddy10 writes:
lets go and beat alabama and nick satan! beat bama! GO VOLS!
volfan1971 writes:
If the offense and defense play like this against Bamy and special teams wakes up, we have a chance in their house to make a heck of a game of it!!!
GBO!
mattnchatt writes:
WOW! Where has that been all year? It was great to see a game like this at home. Fix the special teams and we can give Bama all they want and then some.
Wherethe____isBrandonWarren writes:
Boo! Boo! Put Nick Stephens in! Pull Crapton's scholly! Monte Kiffin is washed up! Fire Kiffin! He's only 8-18 as a head coach!
Sincerely,
Tennessee Fan, signed 10/3/09
Pdiddy10 writes:
BEAT BAMA! LETS FOCUS ON BAMA!
Laydbakvol writes:
Fire CLK! When is he going to replace Crompton with Nick Stephens? How long will.... Oh wait, that was supposed to be last week's post. Cancel that. Make that, Crompton for Heisman. Kiffen for President.
Good job guys! Gives Alabama something to think about in a couple of weeks.
crimsonviper writes:
Congratulations Vol fans,That game is why SEC football is KING.That was truly a butt-stomping and name takin' event.I don't think i have enjoyed watching a game so much in quite a while.
Kick back and enjoy it. Vol fans deserve it.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
mOst feel good win in a long long time--let rocky top play all nite long
so very, very happy that JC endured and played thru all the condemnation he brought upon himself, must feel that the world has been lifted off his shoulders and that relief should fuel his play going forward-------we now know hes better play action than pocket but can throw a bomb------recievers caught the ball today and the playmakers made plays--------determined TDS by Moore and Jones and Hardesty running all year like a first round pick
great D, great win, its good to feel good about the orange again---Kiffin will turn this around, he wasnt even joyous at game end as if he had never won a game before-----getting a gatoraide bath beating a non-ranked team shows what it meant to the player----definitely a great win to build on---GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!
volinlouisiana writes:
Oh, well that totally changes the meaning then and Strange should and probably will correct that ASAP.
huntined#565710 writes:
Thanks 99 wish you well tonight,I think you win this game as your defense should hold LSU to 10-14 points
Brillovol writes:
Flippin' hilarious! Agree, and again, agree. GBO!
RespectTradition writes:
I am a very happy Volfan.
Keep it rolling guys!
To Crompton: I have been very proud of you for your hard work, efforts and dedication. It all paid off today. Keep on keeping on!
Go Vols!
Pdiddy10 writes:
wtf
Pdiddy10 writes:
marlon brown was booed when the announcer said "marlon brown with the catch" it was hilarious. all of our fans boooed him for not coming to Tennessee! lets go ut recruit and beat bama!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Excellent game JC. Now we see why JC has been the starter. He has improved 3 games in a row. Keep it going! I will not be the idiot who says we will beat Bama, however!!
Pdiddy10 writes:
we need to recruit jackson jeffcoat
757vol_fanatic writes:
where are all the trolls? can't seem to find a single one of them....hahaha. ok now half my my prediction came true (not that i saw the score that bad just had UT winning). now we need LSU to beat UF.....if you really think about it and pray just hard enough that could give us an outside shot at winning the east (and yes i know i said it's an outside shot)...but i never give up..
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
The progress has been slow...game by game things showed some improvement...the run game has been huge since the first game...BUT THE 4th Qtr OF THE AUBURN GAME WAS WHEN THE LIGHT BULB CAME ON FOR THE PASSING GAME!!!
Not just Crompton but the WR's as well...and I have a feeling that the WR's kept pure focus today after Kiffin told Warren to get the H3LL out....anyone want to follow him keep it up message that was sent!
We finally get to see the U.S.C. Trojan Offensive system in FULL EFFECT! Man it is nasty when the QB play is solid. It looks like the whole team is bought in and believing what Coach Lane Kiffin has been trying to do since day one.
The CEO himself Ed Orgeron can say hey young recruit...you want to see true coaching,out X-ing & O-ing, what this Tennessee staff is about and selling to you....here is a copy of the Tennessee/Georgia game of 2009....let me know if you want to be a VOL now...don't make the same mistake Marlon Brown's Grandma did young man.
tractoronthepole writes:
I give you another reason why Crompton was effective today. When he drops back to pass without a roll out he telegraphs his passes. Today Crompton rolled out on play action and turned to throw and then fired. If he has time he looks his throws in and they get intercepted or broken up.
Vols4Ever writes:
Jonathon Crompton was honored as a Parade All-American out of high school. He had to adapt to 4 offensive co-coordinators during his 5 years, being booed by the supposed "fans" at home, crucified in message boards, replaced as the starting quarterback in the dysfunctional mess of 2008, and still showed up and gave his heart and all for our beloved Orange. Maybe, just maybe, he will get the deserved recognition for dealing with all the adversity as he developed from a kid to a man. It has nothing to do with football and everything with what should be important in life.
TXTN writes:
I think Willie Martinez is going to walk back in to his office this evening and find moving boxes waiting for him.
What a phenomenal performance by the Vols though. That's the best all around game I've seen us play against a quality opponent since we dismantled Georgia in 2007. That's some good momentum heading in to Bama in a couple weeks.
halloffamebowler writes:
With the exception of special team play,this was perhaps the best over all game we have played in several years.Good things happen to those who are patient.
volcycle writes:
9-3...if the passing game stays this focused!! With our running game and a focused passing/receivers game we become extremely hard to handle.
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Just another troll...must be a UGA fan.
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
So if Georgia is that bad and should've beat LSU last week....and if LSU beats Mr. Concussion and the Gators get tonight it tells us 2 things:
1. It is the S.E.C. and expect the unexpectable on any Saturday.
2. Stonercomedy has a small weenis.
That is all that it means.
CharlotteVol writes:
You are a good guy. Thanks for being classy.
Just heard Meyer tell CBS that Tebow is starting. I hope this is a good decision. I've been worried about his recovery this soon. Gators and Tigers will be an awesome game. Good luck.
the10sevol writes:
thanks, cv. watched the tide and rebs, congrats back atcha.
espn college gameday at 10 (all predicted a dawg win), uT-uga at noon, tide-rebs at 3, uf-lsu coming on now. saw some highlights of arky-auburn and uk-usc(e), wished i cold have squeezed those two in as well.
going to watch "death valley nights" now, lol.
life is good.
GBO
NorthwestVol writes:
Major difference. Thanks for clearing that up.
ItIsMeToo writes:
Great game, Kiffin!!!
Well called, properly executed, and minus the complete disaster of a special teams, it was truly a game to be proud of!!!
I also think his statement about not intending to learn the traditions was the one thing he's said that I don't like. This isn't Florida State or Maryland, this is Tennessee. I hope he comes to realize how important that is.
Great Victory. He sure is turning this program around.
P.S. Anybody seen or heard from Tauren Poole?
CharlotteVol writes:
Nice class to you too, crimson. Tide is showing up strong every week. I'm glad we can go into our bye week with this win because we need it before we face you guys.
HowboutdemVOLS writes:
Great effort today, hopefully after today no more questions about the overall talent level at UT. The pieces are in place, just needs to completely come together. Nice to see #8 have a good game, I have to admit I was among those last week that wanted him benched. PLENTY OF TALENT AT UT.....GO VOLS!!!
CharlotteVol writes:
TN-GA. FL-LSU. AL-MISS. AU-ARK. SC-UK.
Thank you Lord that I was born in SEC country! It doesn't get any better than this!
the10sevol writes:
too funny!!!!!!
GBO
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