AP Top 25 College Football
KNOXVILLE -- It might be more than mere coincidence that Jonathan Crompton's best career performance against a Southeastern Conference opponent came shortly after Tennessee's top two wide receivers lost their limps.
Crompton and coach Lane Kiffin admitted moments after the 45-19 win over Georgia that junior wideouts Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore were two of the biggest reasons the Volunteers blew out the Bulldogs.
Jones, whose wrist injury required offseason surgery, found his form early in preseason camp but suffered a high ankle sprain in mid-August. He still wore a brace against Georgia, but he made five catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
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Comments » 44
bmcreynolds#558786 writes:
The reason Tennessee played so well against Georgia has NOTHING to do with the health of these two outstanding receivers and EVERYTHING to do with the removal of the CANCER (Brandon Warren) the week before. Warren had the entire team divided and was a horrible influence on the entire receiving corps. Cudos to Kiffin for recognizing it and dealing with it for the benefit of the team as a whole. Fulmer's "Its all about the kids" is what brought his regine to a crumbling end. If Warren had stayed at FSU, Fulmer would probably still be a successful head coach. Now maybe we can see what "could have been" for the rest of the season.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Large task in front of the Vols. Bama's D is for real.
Crompton must read fast.
volsmith writes:
I hope we don't wear those awful orange pants any more.
beachvol1 writes:
Got to defense Ingram and play much better on special teams....appears the Bama secondary may be suspect...hopefully Jonathan can roll out and buy enough time to find them...
ROCKYTOP10ECVOL writes:
Bama is the best team, that I have seen play, this year. Great D,Big Time Running Game, well coached, sound on Special Teams...
All that being said the Vols will give the Tide it's first loss 23-19. SCREW THE BAMMER WITH THE YELLER HAMMER, TENNESSEE'S GONNA WIN AT ALABAMER.
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dw0731 writes:
Alabama is a very talented team. They are sound in every phase of the game. We will have to get 300-350 yards passing, and thats tough against the best defense in the country. Don't see a game where we can rush for over 100 yards, they are just too talented up front. Get 3 turnovers and throw for over 300 yards and we win against the best team in the country. GO VOLS!!!!!
elbtenn#502977 writes:
I live 50 miles from T-town,my son is a student there, and all my in-laws are bammers, so come on Vols---MAKE MY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rockytopatl writes:
Good piece. I have no problem with the orange pants; in fact I like them. But I will concede that maybe we don't play well in them.
We have no chance to throw for 300 yards against Bama. This ain't Willie Martinez's no-cover secondary we're going up against. Bama's defense is rugged. I'd settle for 200, two TDs and no INTs. Put that alongside about 180 on the ground, solid shutdown defense and much better special teams play and we've got a chance for an upset.
DragonSlayer123 writes:
I dont know what you guys saw that impressed you so much about Alabama. Here is what I saw:
- South Carolina made some silly mistakes that cost them
- Alabama's offense was kept in check for much of the game
- Alabama came into the game knowing they needed a blowout win to leap past a weak Florida to get to #1, and they still couldnt find that next gear.
Hopefully, Alabama is ranked #1 when we play them (and if they remain #2, so be it), because our defense not only has the ability to hold Alabama to less than 20 points, our offense has shown the ability to score if we play at a high level.
Crompton does NOT have to throw for 300 yards for us to win this game. If we limit our turnovers, and Crompton goes (for example) 20 for 30, 200 yards, and a TD, we win the game. Our running game will add another TD, and we will have at least a couple of field goals.
This game against Alabama is a VERY winnable one for us, regardless of our record. It is great that Alabama was not upset by SC, or that the game wasnt a nailbiter like Florida's was...this will keep Alabama complacent (to a certain extent).
Go Vols!
cc623 writes:
I agree Bama is the #2 in the nation but,for the #2 to struggle so much to "put away" South Carolina it adds fuel to the Big Orange Fire...
Ingram is a great player but,I think we find a way to hold him to 100 or less...
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Bama is not sound in the red zone. They have only scored 2 offensive tds in the last 2 games. They are beatable. If we dont give them any free points via turnovers and special teams we can win. Just remember that SC would have been tied in the 4th if not for Garcia's int for 6.
Pdiddy10 writes:
please taylor mays and ndamakung suh are overrated
I have just one problem though that I think you might agree with.
Ndamukong suh is being considered for heisman and defensive player of the year.
Eric Berry was considered but know he isnt.
My case is simple...look at their stats
Eric Berry has FIFTY total tackles, THIRTY FIVE solo tackles, and fifteen assissted tackles. Eric Berry also has an interception on TIM TEBOW and a fumble recovery for fourty yards or so. Also, Berry is in the toughest conference and to prove that he will have to play 2 number one teams this year..FLorida and Alabama. Alabama and FLorida also have one of the best rushing and passing attacks in the nation.
Ndamukong (whatever) only has a total of thirty five tackles, twenty solo, and fourteen assissted tackles versus a very wimnpy conference. He only got four tackles vs Texas Tech while Berry got nine tackles against florida.
Also, every single team UT plays, they throw the ball away from eric berry.
Ndama... is considered for heisman and eric berry isnt???? while eric berry has SIXTEEN more tackles then na... Suh has. how is this possible?!?!?!? take this into immediate consideration because I think it is completely unfair... Eric Berry has waaay better all-time stats then suh has too. Also, in the big picture, Tennessee's defense is better then Nebraskas. And who the heck does Nebraska play??? Virginia tech is the only good team that they play and VIrginia Tech just lost... UT has and will play 2 number one teams... wow - Eric Berry is getting no publicity at all.
Take this into immediate considereation because me, and many other people, are down-right P.Oed that Ndaajklsdha suh is getting more heisman votes then berry is. chris,YOU NEED TO CHANGE THIS.... NOW!!!! EVEN THOUGH YOU LOVE TAYLOR MAYS...HE IS AWFUL TOO. TAYLOR GAVE UP A HUGE TOUCHDOWN TO GOLDEN TATE. TAYLOR MAYS STINKS AND IS OVERRATED. ERIC BERRY FOR HEISMAN AND DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!
CDRKen writes:
Orange pants and white jerseys rock.
TommyJack writes:
Yeah, I was disappointed in Bama AND gators. One has mediocre(at best) QB, the other is ALL QB. Our problem is that the same tide team that beat SC will not show up against us. They will be ready.
And may I say again, the Hawgs got hosed.
VOL03_NC writes:
Dont take credit away from SC. They have a good D and rushed well. UT can do the same if not better. We must move the ball in a positive direction and NOT turn the ball over.
UT:19
UA:16
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Bama does not have a sound offense because of the qb situation. They are very much like the Big Orange, except they have a little better defense and a much better return game. Sadly to say,
Bama 17
Vols 14
VOL03_NC writes:
very true
The teams that have scored against Bammer have been pounding the rock. The stronger passing teams have been held below their averages. UT stands a good chance as Monte can scheam, our rock pounders can do their thing, and hopefully a few of those safe trows from JC go the right way. IF all the stars allign, UT could bring an upset. IF...It could happen.
hgvol writes:
I know this is not really football related, on the field hes a beast, but is Julio Jones not the ugliest thing you have ever seen. He looks like a Klingon. Great football player, but UGLY. I call him Uglio Jones. Heres to hoping Eric Berry gets a chance to knock about four layers of ugly off his Crimson Hide. Go Big Orange!
hgvol writes:
Love EB, but Mays dosent stink. No defensive player is going to win the Heisman anyway. EB is widely respected as the best Defensive player in the nation. Dont worry so much about awards, & things of that nature. EB will go first or second overall in the draft,& much like Manning will bring pride & praise to the UT faithful for years to come. God Bless. Go Big Orange!
tdforvols writes:
SC held Bama to 20 points. If the Vols can hold them to less than that - say 14-17 points they have an excellent chance to pull the upset.
Go4Two writes:
You want throw for 300 against bama. To much pressure for the QB to throw that much. However if we can run the football then we might have a chance to pick up a few yards passing. Bama would love to see us turn throw happy.
Pompey writes:
Good defense makes them better than dogs, but offense is one dimensional and that should make things interesting!
NobodyCares (Inactive) writes:
lol! The greatest football team in the history of college football is ranked #2? lol!
givehim6 writes:
I do not think it has any thing to do with the color, or the make up of the way the vols look, all that is just superstition. What matters is the way the Vols play. There is a new and fresh wind blowing in the Volnation. Untill yesterdays almost lost to UARK, UT held UF to there lowest score of the season in orange paints.
murrayvol writes:
And process faster.
Bama's O looks beatable. Not so sure about the D.
Kinda reminds me of 92'.
murrayvol writes:
You may. Truth is always welcome here.
murrayvol writes:
SC D held Bama O to 13.
When your RB gains 246 yards, you shouldn't need a late TD to put the game away.
We've got a shot if the same Bama team shows up.
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
Alabama has a great D....great run game....key to this game is the same game plan as Florida...OWN THE TIME OF POSSESSION & NO PENALTIES!
We have to run the ball with purpose...O-line should be rested as well as Hardesty and Brice Brice Baby to take the "Mental Pressure" off of Crompton. Then try to make a few big plays in the passing game. Be in the game in the 4th Qtr....we can win this if it is close at the start of the 4th...WE OWN THE 4TH!
Our D-line should be well rested and really needs to create 3rd & long to pressure McElroy to beat us not Ingram...he is the weak link in the offense IMO. Our "D" is better than the gameCOCKS....better coached....MONTE WILL HAVE SOME AWESOME SCHEMES CALLED UP IN THIS ONE! Also maybe we should just kick the ball out of bounds on kick offs....no reason to spot them points.
Last night that is what the real difference I saw in that game. Garcia pulling a Crompton and letting game nerves get him and throwing to no one wearing a gameCOCKS jersey and straight to Alabama for a 7 point spot.
Since now everyone outside of the VOL Nation is not giving our team...our staff...especially Crompton...any respect for the Georgia beatdown we dished out it would be nice to make this our "Signature Victory" of the season...and for such a sorry career so far for #8.
DennisVols writes:
What I saw last night against SC was a Bama passing game that was suspect at best. A tendency to turn the ball over and not enough discipline that caused a lot of penalties.
UT will have to take advantage of those areas if they want to have a chance.
SC's passing game was weak and they had to depend on the run too much. Accuracy was more of the reason for their passing issues than the defense.
Crompton will need to be on his game as he was in the GA game. Establishing the run to set up the pass will be critical.
UT's defense against the run will have to step up to stop Ingram. If they can do that and force Bama to throw then UT has a shot.
It will take a total team effort with limited mistakes in order for this to happen.
Special teams could be our down fall if things haven't changed over the past two weeks.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
FWBVol writes:
Yes, Ingram and Richardson are good running backs that must be accounted for, but our defense faces a pair of pretty good backs every day in practice in Hardesty and Brown. I think we will be ready for the Bama running game.
From what I've seen of Alabama this year Jones isn't having the kind of season he had the last two years because, while McElroy manages the game well, he doesn't seem to have the big arm that you would like for a deep game.
Georgia's WR Green and Jones are very similar receivers and our defense held Green to about 60 yards on eight carries. If we can keep Jones in tact, avoid the big play on special teams it and avoid turnovers on offense we have a chance of pulling off the upset.
jsm67vol writes:
I expect a low scoring game. Unless our offense reverts to performances of 3-4 weeks ago and our D stays on the field all day. Bama is stout especially on D and Ingram is now the top rusher in the SEC. They are beatable but it will take the vols playing their best game by far this season. This is JCs chance to rewrite how he will be remembered at UT and I wish him and the team the best of luck because that never hurts when you are playing #1. GO VOLS!!!!!!!
pope10 writes:
Not true, Lsu held them to 13.
pope10 writes:
I think we all are more than aware that tennessee will not be in the championship game unless something completely crazy happens. You dont have to rub it in our faces for us to understand that we are rebuilding a program. Bama definitely will be the favorites to win on saturday, and if they hand it to UT (which should be expected) then hats off to em. However, IF Tennessee upsets them, arent you gona feel like an idiot for this post? Thanks for putting yourself under this kind of pressure. Maybe if UT does win, you will get off this TENNESSEE website.
Nuthinbutorange writes:
Good post. You've got to wonder why a Cheatin' Tide fan posts on a "lowly" Vol website, since they've already pencilled themselves in for the SEC Championship Game. Alabubba's good, but far from the unbeatable team they seem to think they are. (And yes, I also think the Hogs got hosed!)
volfan2002 writes:
Bama by far the best run game we have faced. If we stop their running game we may win like 10 to 9.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Yep, that combo works fine. I also like the all-white look, but, like some others on here, I would just as soon never see that all-orange getup again!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Of course you are right about that. My opinion was purely aesthetic. It is pure coincidence that they have never played especially well in all-orange...or IS it? Hmmm...doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo...("Twilight Zone" theme; don't have audio on this board(;-P)!)
CoverOrange writes:
Any truth to the rumor UT will appear in Orange and Black on Halloween against SC?
xvolx writes:
this game will be determined by UT's off. line. If they can't block Bamma's def. line, it will be a long night.
HossDiesel writes:
Glad they'll be back to 100 percent for bama
235lbVol writes:
I didn't know where to post this, nothing is really talking about recruiting at the present moment, but, UT should go look to grab some of Texas A@M's recruits, they have like(4) 4-star OL verbals and there sucking it up this year, and OL is what we need. Anyone that actually see's some of our coaches should put that bug in there ear! I think A@M is ranked like 9th in recruiting for 2010, we need to dip into that! Just my thoughts, anybody agree??
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, I'm for it! I'm pretty sure the staff is still contacting everybody they think they want, no matter who they are committed to. After all, a verbal commitment these days isn't worth the paper it's printed on. NOTHING counts until the scholarship papers are signed. This is not a question of ethics on the part of either the prospect or the recruiter, it is just the way the recruiting game is played these days.
TX_VOL_FAN writes:
I don't think Bama is as good as the ESPN College Football analysts say they are. Same for the gamecocks. I think scarolina isnt as good as their record shows. They have a bad QB (probably worse than Crompton). Their defense is decent at best, and they don't have much of a run game. And they gave Bama a game on saturday. I think we are much better than South Carolina. So with that in mind, I believe that we can play Bama a lot better than the gamecocks did. Hey, we might even win the game. Actually, I think we will win the game. I think we will shock the world. If we win, I'm pulling for miss st to upset florida. Although, I would like an SEC team to represent the conference and play for the NC.
Go Vols! Beat Bama! Shock the world!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Your right they suck as usual..Go after them all!!!If their in state players from Texas that's always hard to overcome
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