The records alone show change. But not much.
To understand the depth of change, a closer inspection is required.
Tennessee's football team stands 3-3 and 1-2 in the SEC at the midway point of the season. After six games in 2008, the Vols were 2-4 and 0-3 in the SEC, a start that would eventually lead to the Vols' third coaching change in just over three decades.
The Vols are clearly a different program under Lane Kiffin than they were in Phillip Fulmer's final season.
Here's a comparison of both seasons at the midway point:
Kiffin Can Pound the Rock
The Vols are a much-improved running team in 2009. Tailback Montario Hardesty is averaging 112 yards per game this season compared to last year's leading rusher, Arian Foster, who averaged 56.8.
UT is averaging 183.7 yards on the ground, which ranks sixth-best in the SEC and 34th in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Last year, the Vols ranked 89th in the FBS and ninth in the SEC with 122.2 rushing yards per game.
Hardesty's improvement and added opportunities as a full-time starter have upped his 2008 average of 3.9 yards per carry to 5.4 this season.
Kiffin vs. Clawson
Kiffin's offense has been limited with a struggling passing attack for most of the season but is still averaging 32 points per game, which is fifth in the SEC and 29th in FBS.
The Vols were 108th in the FBS and 11th in the SEC with 17.3 points per game after six games under former coordinator Dave Clawson in 2008. Overall, UT's scoring is up from 104 points in 2008 to 192 in 2009.
Points aren't the only telling stat. UT is averaging 392.7 yards per game (sixth in the SEC, 48th in the FBS) this season after averaging 299.5 yards per game (10th in the SEC, 104th in FBS) in 2008.
As a team, UT's pass efficiency this season is 129.7, which is 59th best in the FBS. Last season, the Vols' rating was 106.2, which ranked 101st in the FBS.
One-Man Show
The Vols are much more settled at quarterback than they were a year ago.
Still, that was a bone of contention among fans before Jonathan Crompton's standout SEC performance against Georgia last week. Now at least, it seems UT's coaches knew what they were talking about when they vehemently defended their struggling quarterback.
UT's 2009 quarterback debate hasn't led to a switch despite weeks of fan consternation.
In October 2008, the Vols were in the middle of a full-fledge quarterback controversy. Crompton had started the first four games, then Nick Stephens started six. And there was a fan favorite, B.J. Coleman, waiting in the wings.
Coleman eliminated that debate for 2009 when he transferred to Chattanooga following spring practice.
Crompton's passer rating at the midway point of 2008 was 95.8. This year his rating is 129.1.
Monte vs. Chief
UT was allowing 18.2 points and 280 yards per game under former defensive coordinator John Chavis. Both statistics ranked seventh in the SEC and 29th and 21st in the FBS, respectively.
Under Monte Kiffin, the Vols are allowing 19.5 points and 272 yards per game. The points allowed ranks seventh in the SEC and 34th in the FBS. The allowed yardage ranks third in the SEC and 12th in the FBS.
Both defenses have had their struggles getting key stops in the fourth quarter. Both have faced times when a more successful offense would have helped.
Berry Different
Eric Berry's role has changed. The All-American safety was more often a roaming defensive back under Chavis. He had four interceptions for 103 return yards after six games in 2008. This season, Berry has one diving interception.
Berry has played closer to the line of scrimmage in 2009, especially against foes who run a non-traditional offense, such as the spread option. Berry's tackles are up. He has 50 compared to 34 after six games in 2008.
Ready Volunteers
UT had 13 recruiting commitments after six games in 2008, an admirable feat considering the Vols were struggling so much on the field and Fulmer was so heavily scrutinized.
This year, the Vols have 20 commitments and are rated as the seventh-best class in the nation. That ranking will likely rise as the Vols fill out their class. A top-five class nationally is within reach.
Take Off the Cuffs
As most would have expected of a new hire, Kiffin cleaned house when he arrived. Some players were asked to leave and some left on their own. Receiver Brandon Warren, who was dismissed from the team this month, was the latest casualty.
However, there haven't been any public incidents involving local law enforcement since Kiffin took over in December. That certainly wasn't the case under Fulmer, whose team had plenty of highly publicized, off-field incidents.
The Vols also are showing more discipline on the field. UT had 65.3 penalty yards per game (11th in the SEC, 101st in the FBS) at this point last season compared to 31.8 (first in the SEC, fourth in the FBS) in 2009.
Not Being Bullied
The Vols were handled easily by their two biggest rivals in the first half of the 2008 season. Florida and Georgia beat the Vols by a combined score of 56-20. This year the Vols kept Florida in range, 23-13, and blasted Georgia 45-19 for a combined score of 58-32 in UT's favor.
Orange-Clad Honeymooners
The Vols had a strong crowd for the Georgia game despite home losses to UCLA and Auburn. UT fans are clearly willing to wait for Kiffin to implement his plan, which could take two more years.
Via talk shows, message boards and some vocal fans in Neyland Stadium, Crompton has received much of the criticism when the Vols struggle. Yet it was nothing like last year.
The 2008 season was much about Fulmer and his job security - or lack thereof - even at the midway point. Clawson took some heat but he wasn't the main target.
Time will tell if changing coaches was the right decision. It's clear, however, that fans were ready for something different.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 102
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor say what about penalties/players getting in trouble and fear/loathing by others. Witch Doctor say Kiffin take the intangible category.
Bones never lie
Vols033 writes:
Good read Hook. Nice to see our rushing yardage being up like it is. Last year, we couldn't run the football on anyone, especially teams that mattered. GO VOLS and beat Bama!!!
the10sevol writes:
nice job hook, thanks
GBO
portlandTENNESSEEfan writes:
I think its a good staff,just not as sold on it as many vol fans are.So far i give Kiffin and his staff a C+.I hope by years end i can raise my grade to an A.
hilltopper writes:
please dont make fun of bubbas most of us that are life long UT fans are considered hillbillies and bubbas by a buch of wannabe elitists. I'd rather be a bubba and a redneck hillbilly than a jerk yankee any day
rootin4volz writes:
Two biggest rivals, Florida and GEORGIA????? Geez, Dave...you grew up in Knoxville. I hardly think Georgia ranks as one of the TWO biggest rivals. Dude...that would be ALABAMA and Florida. Ding-a-ling.
Pullingguard writes:
Everyone must have patience, for it's moving in the right direction, and come 2011 season you will have a team in running for national championship... 2010 will be another building year with weakness at QB and offensive line.. Keep the faith...
rocketcityvol writes:
For those of you wondering what a Yellow Hammer is, it's the state bird of Alabama.
This is a first for me. Normally I sit here and read some of your comments with much amusement, but I figured I'd throw my two cents into the fray as well.
As a Vol who's lived in Alabama for almost 25 years, I can't tell you how wonderful it would feel if the Vols would beat the Tide just to shut up all of these 'bammers' (as many of you call them). If this team plays up to their potential and eliminates mistakes, I think they can stem the Tide.
GBO
lraby#227214 writes:
The Yellow Hammer Woodpecker is the Alabama state bird.
ShaversChoice writes:
Three stats that stand out to me. When things went south after CDC went to Ole Miss and Bubba Sanders took over our points went from 36 down to 26 and our per game rushing went way down. Its good to see hte points back up over 30. Pounding the rock is how you control the clock.
The third stat that should have everyone pleased is penalties. It is a reflection of the discipling CLK is stressing. On the field and off our Vols are doing the right things, so far.
Go Vols - Beat Bummer!
VolsFan1981 writes:
According to my wife, who is an Alabama fan, God bless her, Yellow Hammer is the state bird of Alabama.
KingP writes:
yes...also an invaluable category. GO VOLS!
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
it is used to explain their dental problems... the hammer knocked some teeth out, and the ones that stayed in had the yellow discolor on them.
volaholic45 writes:
Pretty much already met my expectations for the first year - improved play and a win against someone we weren't supposed to beat. The GA game does it for me, although I realize TN was favored somehow. Maybe a more bonafide win may come yet this year?
tennezz writes:
Alabama is very deserving of a bird!
GahLee writes:
Pretty easy to see that this staff has vastly improved from last year.
All these dopes who still don't believe need only read this article.
Stats don't lie, we are on our way to 7-5 or 8-4, I believe.
I think we will split between Alabama and Ole Miss.
Then we will win out against Memphis, Vandy Kentucky.
Go Vols!!!
GahLee writes:
Forgot about S.Carolina, we will win that one too.
ArealVolsFan writes:
Oh shut up, you're just a worthless whiny little nothing that has to do whatever he can to try and make people feel worse about them. It is pathetic. Seriously, its not about sports or Kiffin and UT or anything else. Its about how you are as a person. Frankly, your not worth writing home about and I know I'm wasting my time because it won't change you, but still try not to be so worthless in the future.
Munsterlander writes:
dum @$$ man strikes again.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
Hooker, you seem to have amnesia for every year except Fulmer's last year? And Kiffin is like Obama, you give him the Nobel prize without end of season proof that he deserves it. How about a little wait and see??
DenmarkVol writes:
Personally, I was expecting 10 wins this year. So was Eric Berry (check it out, he said it). But with the mo we have in recruiting, the Orange Mojo can't be far behind -- next fall and the next.
And think defenses will try to stop the play-action and JC from rolling out? See what Saban does to stop that. I hope we have an answer.
Seven or eight wins this year seems realistic. Something to build on.
NoogaVol55 writes:
He was referring to the two biggest rivals during the 1st half of the season. We play Bama in the 2nd half.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Certainly hoping we "play" Bama Saturday.
Crompton must read fast and unload the pig.
Bama brings the house on pass rush.
GBO.
GreensboroVol writes:
Great article and it reaffirms my belief that the program is moving in the right direction. We as fans and alumni will have to be patient. I don't think this turn around is a one or even two year deal. I do believe if everyone will let CLK execute his plan, we will reap big rewards in 4-5 years. One thing that I really appreciate him bringing to Knoxville is discipline. I was so tired of hearing in the news about which UT player was arrested or had a run in with law enforcement this week. It's embarrasing as a UT alum to hear about players getting arrested or not qualifing in the classroom. So far so good with that. I don't believe CLK has the tolerance for player nonsense that CPF did. I believe it was the 2007 season when UT had 8 players arrested in the offseason and a 40% football graduation rate it was a sad time to be a UT fan. When Bryce Brown signed with UT I read some internet stories that this guy was going to be a real problem for UT because he had a personal advisor and a gigantic ego. So far at UT, all the guy has done is produce on and off the field. I haven't heard a negative word in the media about him. He shows up every Saturday and plays hard and apparently maintains a high GPA in the classroom. I hope CLK can find more character guys like this to build this team on. CLK is building a solid football program on and off the field and I applaud him for it. Let's go down and show the Tide who's boss on Saturday. Go Vols! Beat Bama!
TommyJack writes:
I think it has something to do with a bag of hammers...
leedsvol2007 writes:
I right there with you.
We have to do 3 things to have a chance. Give Crompton some opportunities to throw the ball with adequate time, play vastly better on special teams, and slow Ingram down.
If we can we have a chance if not its going to be a long day (and year).
GoVols!
GreerVol22 writes:
not much to argue with, quoting the obvious is easy. Will the real UT please stand up Saturday?
BuckFama writes:
I think the Vols are doing well. They players who remain from last year are playing with spirit, and seem to be more focused than those who manned last year's team. But we need to remember that 2008 and 2009 are different years with different personnel and different opponents. And by the way, didn't John Adams write what amounted to the same column as this within the past couple of weeks? Is that what this paper has evolved into?
For an informed article that may shed some light on how the Vols are doing, look to Mike Strange's column from same date as this article.
tennesseebee writes:
Good article. I was surprised at the defensive comparison. Chavis was good, but I would have thought Monte was significantly better. I still think he will be.
Volnauburn writes:
Strap that helmet on tight Vols and get ready to lay the wood to some Tide! The UGA game was a totally diff team with a great opening act, I'm ready for scene 2! Go Big Orange...wooohoooo!!!
marinevol writes:
When comparing Monte Kiffin to John Chavis regarding opponents' scoring, do you take into account all the points scored against us this year due to bad special teams and quarterback play? For example, only 3 of Georgia's 19 points were scored against our defense.
txvolsfan writes:
You are correct!!!
Go Vols, beat the bammers
TXVOLSFAN
Volnauburn writes:
Good analogy marinevol!
arkyvol writes:
convinced on all but one point. crompton. i'm more impressed by his entire body of work than i am by one game against the worst defense in the conference.
but, i hope the writer is right.
im4davols writes:
Any word on potential recruits?
gnm53108 writes:
Hahaha
BolivarBob writes:
The only thing that matters is we are 3-3 and should be 5-1. Was Crompton's performance against Geargia a blind squirrel finding a nut or has he turned the corner. IMO Kiffin gave the UCLA and Auburn games away by not yanking the one player playing miserably and dragging the entire team down with him. This Tennessee team can beat Alabama. I hope the new Crompton shows up.
Give'em Hell Tennessee!
Beat Bama!
RichRollinz2 writes:
REALLY good point!!!! They also forgot to mention that Chavis padded his defensive stats against weak teams (UAB,NIU,KY,Vandy). Bama rushed for 366yds on our so-called #3 defense under Chavis. Don't forget about an inexperienced N.Stephens playing his tail off at Ga. only to watch Chavis give up a 98 yd. drive going into the half. Then he gives up a scoring drive to start the 2nd half, and when we were still in the game he gives up a 9 1/2 minute drive in the 4th quarter to Ga. Lets not forget the UCLA game last yr. Not trying to knock Chavis, but he dominated weak teams, but moderate to good teams spanked him. Monte's #'s might not jump out at you, but he is FAR more consistent from game to game. When it comes to mid-game adjustments, I don't see how you can even compare the 2. Give Monte the talent and depth the Chief has at LSU and I think it would further prove my point. Not trying to knock Chavis (though it may seem like it), just stating things as I see them. Go back to 2007 at Bama. If Monte is running our D, do you think John Parker Willie and D.J.Hall go bananas on us? I think not!
RichRollinz2 writes:
Good post, and it helps prove my point in my last post. The D was STOUT against UCLA, Crompton pretty much lost that game. Think back to last yr. As bad as Crompton played, it's REALLY hard for me to not look at Chavis and his LACK of halftime adjustments as the reason for losing to the Bruins, JMO. Good post BB.
gnm53108 writes:
Agree Homesick.
Best week of the year.
Go VOLS! Beat bama!
FearTheVols1252 writes:
Personally, I think he’s much better than Chavis. The stats may not always show it, but I see a much more disciplined defense on the field. One thing Chavis’s defense’s were habitual about was over pursuing. They were so focused on speed (which is not necessarily a bad thing) that they would sometimes forget fundamentals and give away the big plays. Plus, I think our defense this year lacks some depth so I think Monte is actually doing more with less talent. Last year we had a much more talented d-line and linebacking core. Give it time and I think our defense under Monte will be unbelievably dominant!
gnm53108 writes:
He's gonna have to learn the spread.
cooper65#432178 writes:
I would give him a B. The only downgrade is his insistence on playing Crompton. Jon, had a good game against GA, but this week will be the real test. If Jon can play well for the second game in a row, I will upgrade Lane to a B+ with the strong possibility of an A depending on how we finish the season.
I consider playing well for a QB more than not making mistakes. Playing well is making some key plays to help win the game and not making key mistakes.
ShreveportVol writes:
GreensboroVol, this is by far the best post i have read on here in a really long time. I read alot of what everyone writes and never feel the urge to fall into the ignorance i read on here. your post gives me hope that there are plenty of true vols fans still out there!
PMC2726 writes:
Are we really feeling good about our numbers being up from last year? We were so bad last year, that it doesn't take much to have better numbers. Get real! If Kiffin was really making a IMMEDIATE impact, we would be 5-1 right now. Auburn (yes, Auburn) and UCLA are barely going to be bowl eligible by the end of the year. We've got a LOT of games coming up after Bama' that will determine our season.
Yes, I want the Vols to abuse the Tide this weekend. However, how we do against the Gators and Tide is NOT the measuring stick for how much this team has progressed under our new coach. The true sign is whether we can BEAT Auburn and UCLA by 4 instead of losing by 4. It will be whether we can stick out wins against S.C., Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Vandy -- none will be easy. We don't go to a bowl game OR get respect by beating Alabama this weekend and then losing 2 or 3 more close games in the second half of the season.
deakinbi writes:
Comparing to CPF last season sets the bar pretty low. Why not compare to his first?...or the average of the full 15 years? All we've concluded here is that CLK is better in some areas when compared to the worst season at UT in the last 25. Perhaps we should compare to other first year coaches in the SEC over the last decade?
gnm53108 writes:
Gonna have to disagree with ya a little there PMC.
While it is very important to beat the teams you're supposed to beat,how you play bama is how most seasons are remembered.
Beat bama!
PAROLE_tide writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
johnlg00#206211 writes:
All these comparisons were for the FIRST HALF of the season. Bama was/is a SECOND half opponent both years. Florida and Georgia were the two biggest rivals we played in the first half of the season. Read, then think, THEN post.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, thank you for that! I consider myself fairly well-versed in the lore of most SEC teams, but that was a factoid I never knew. Also, I feel your pain, living in "enemy" territory, and share all your other sentiments.
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