Tennessee has its hands full with Mark Ingram.
But at least the Vols are used to having them on a running back like the Alabama star.
There might not be any perfect way to prepare for the elusiveness Ingram has with the football or the pounding he might dish out at the end of runs on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) in Tuscaloosa. But UT has one method that might be close, and its defense has been practicing with it for quite some time.
"It's really good to see the running back that we're facing because he reminds me a lot of Montario (Hardesty)," UT junior safety Eric Berry said Wednesday. "The good thing about it is, we've been facing Montario - well, this will be my third year of going against him every day in practice. We know what kind of physical back Montario is, and Ingram's running style is just the same.
"So, I mean, we've just got to make sure that we realize that we've faced good backs too, and they're both great backs in my eyes."
The Vols (3-3, 1-2 SEC) will obviously have their sights set on Ingram this weekend, much like the rest of the nation.
The sophomore has bullied and burst his way into the conference lead in rushing and the Heisman Trophy race, and shutting Ingram down is clearly UT's top priority against the No. 1 Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0). Nobody has really had much success actually doing it yet, but after going up against Hardesty so much and seeing just as many defenses struggle to bring him down, the Vols know what they're in for.
"Well, I hope so because that's what we try to build our program on," Kiffin said. "Ones playing against ones, no matter how late we are in the season we always end with speed and with our guys having to block really fast rushers and our guys have to face really good backs.
"That's always worked for us carrying over, and I anticipate that being the case. I would say the one thing about them is they're both extremely physical.
"I don't really see them looking like the same runners, but I see them running with the same mentality and the same attitude."
Though they might not exactly be carbon-copies, that doesn't diminish the value of working out against a tailback every bit as tireless as Ingram throughout the week.
Both backs seek out contact more than the sideline. Both can deliver hits as well as shrug them off. And they're equally violent and valuable in the backfield.
They clearly aren't all that similar physically and Alabama doesn't always use Ingram in the same way UT does Hardesty, but the difference between practice and the game should be less for the Vols than most teams.
"Their running attack, they try to get corners to make a lot of plays," Berry said. "They kind of seal off everyone else and get the running back one-on-one with the corners, and that's the one thing I've noticed on film.
"We've got to make sure we're in the right places at the right time, everyone's got to be fitting their gaps and when the corner does have a chance to tackle the running back, we've got to make sure we're rallying to the ball to help there along with everybody else.
"I feel like we've had a lot of practice of that with Montario."
That doesn't mean the Vols will be perfect against Ingram.
But they have a head start.
"Mark is good, he's one of the better backs in the SEC," UT freshman safety Janzen Jackson said. "A lot of times people make the mistake of going up high because he's small, but he's really strong. You've got to take him out at his legs like he was a big guy.
"Mark Ingram, he's going to be hard. I don't really know his stats, but (he and Hardesty) look pretty much like they're in the same race."
Ingram is leading it so far. But Hardesty has given the Vols some idea what it will take to balance it out.
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Tennessee 73, Georgia 62 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 47
utvolfan16 writes:
We should put some tape on the bottom of Ingram's shoes to slow him down. Go get 'em Vols! Fifth?
utvolfan16 writes:
Or maybe first!
Expat_Orange writes:
All the talk is about Ingram. I think Montario comes into this game with a huge chip on his shoulder.
No disrespect to Ingram, he's a workhorse. But we've got one wearing Orange, too.
Nobody's talking about Montario and that's just the way I like it. Look for a career game from #2. If Monte can stem their running game, we've got a real chance.
Pdiddy10 writes:
ha ha..tape... i get it.. like the bama field goal kicker who cheated avs southcarlolina. yeah.. just look into it u probably have already heard about it. alabama cheats... beat them...go vols..
beatlecakes writes:
Ingram got banged up in the South Carolina game. I don't want to see him get hurt Saturday but he may already be hurting more than any of the Tide have let on. Three or four good pops by Berry, McCoy, and others may have him taking himself out. Remember the Georgia back last year?
InertGas writes:
They're going to break a few runs. We have to make sure 20 yard runs don't become 70 yard runs. I believe our safeties can cheat up a little. Their QB can't beat us. I believe this one goes down to the wire. GO VOLS.
Expat_Orange writes:
Sorry to steal this link from another site but you guys and gals have to have a look at this. Thanks to Wood4Vols.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKhzml...
colt writes:
The line is now down to 14 from 15.5. Take TN. plus 14 before it goes down to 12. Trust me. I haven't missed all year. The TIDE is in trouble in this one.
cloudodust writes:
This is news..? Alabama hasn't brought JJ into the forefront and Saban hasn't had to because Ingram and Bama's run game is primarily getting the job done and chewing clock at the same time. Our DB's are gonna get some shots on the Alabama RB's and I for one don't want to see Ingram muster a bunch of yards after initial contact...Put some hats on this guy early and often. Body blows will take a toll...
Halls3 writes:
If UT shuts down Ingram & makes McElroy beat them UT can win this game, if their special teams holds up that is.
wayoutwill writes:
Did you guys read where the SEC has suspended the whole crew of refs that worked the Fla. vs Hogs game last week over that bogus call on the arkansas guy for unsportsmanlike conduct which made two times this year that they had been involved in bogus calls to get a team beat--the refs in all sports are so crooked that I don't even know why we watch anymore--Freaking WWF wrestling ain't as rigged!
UTVOLSFAN4LIFE writes:
I can't wait to see Ingram get hit in the mouth by Berry and McCoy. Don't forget about Jackson either. This true freshman knows how to hit somebody. I hope this team lays it on Alabama and gives them a taste of Tennessee football.
Denvervol4life writes:
Crompton can convert some 3rd downs and let the defense rest we will be in the game.
asleep#212036 writes:
If we don't keep our defense rested, all the schemes in the world are not going to help us in the 4th quarter. Ingram, Richardson, and the Bama O-line are big, bruising, and well-coached. They will make plays all game long, no doubt. But if we can give our defensive guys just a little rest we may stand a chance. If Crompton and company play like they did against Auburn and UCLA, we will be down a good bit by half and it will get ugly from there. Monte will have his guys ready but they can only hold up in spurts. This game is on Lane and his charges. Go Vols!!!
jcherrie#219531 writes:
Ingram is a great back but we've got a rookie called Witch Doctor. Witchy D. will put a curse on Ingram that will give him the knickname 'butter fingers'. Bones never lie.
Vol14 writes:
Yea man, that's some big BS. It's good that they made an example out of them before it got out of hand. I really don't think I will stop watching football and start watching WWF any time soon, I love my VOLS BABY!!!!!
Hardesty is as good as ingram he just doesn't have the support because of fat PF lack of recruiting. Put em in the mud #2
volsfannsc writes:
The UT O-line gives away over 100 lbs. to Bama's D-line. Still, I believe we will out scheme them and be okay. The UT D-line gives away 140 lbs. to Bama but I feel Monte will have the D ready. Long story short, I'm okay with the battle in the trenches. I'm even okay with Crompton's roller coaster performances. What really bothers me is our not-so-special special teams. Field position will be critical in this game. Our defense needs an edge in field position. Our offense also needs that edge. My bet is that the entire game will rest on the play of ST. I for one, hope there will be improvement in our kicking and kick coverage squads. Should they play stand up football and we win the field position battle, we win this thing. If not......
HallowedHill writes:
Ingram is definitey good and worthy of Heisman talk, but I think they can be beat if we can get pressure on their qb, force some bad decisions and slow Ingram down. I'd love to see EB break the record Saturday!
GO VOLS!!!
waynexersize writes:
Alabama's defense has not had a running back go for a hundred yards in the past 27 games. That leaves the game in J.C.'s hands. We have no shot. I've got it 32-3 Bama.
AtlantaTide writes:
Roll Tide boys....31 - 13 Bama.
Will any of you make it to the game? I'll be there to greet with another 92,000.
beaus27 writes:
Yeah, this is good news for us.
I had this deep feeling that ref crew would be assigned to the UT-AL game this weekend.
With that crew not being at our game, Tennessee has a chance.
AtlantaTide writes:
Agreed. The best way to beat Bama over the years hase been to load 8 in the box and dare the QB to beat you. Blitz often and take some chances because Bama's screens are not exactly frightening, GMAC must have time to set his feet and the playcalling reminds us too much of Randy Sanders. In other words, very predictable. Hope I'm wrong but I see a very tight game if GMAC is still in his funk.
On the other side, Crompton is not facing GA's defense this week so his Heisman-esque numbers will not be repeated. I'm not afraid of Boy Blunder but I certainly respect Monte who is definitely the man.
madmax1247 writes:
Hardesty hits the holes quicker than Ingram.
im4davols writes:
Has Tyler Bray always been the #6 rated pro-style quaterback and 4-star rated for Scout? I thought I read somewhere that he was still a 3-star and #20 something, waiting to be ranked higher. Maybe they(Scout) have finally changed and now have him higher.
NobodyCares (Inactive) writes:
The mule died? Guess that means that there won't be any Driver's Ed classes either.
WytheVol writes:
Well said AtlantaTide. I just hope it is a traditional, back and forth, hard faught, injury free Tennessee-Alabama matchup. IMO, its solely up to the offenses to figure out how to make plays against great defeneses. AL is gonna stack up on Hardesty and TN is gonna stack up on Ingram. Then you got the Jones' (Julio and Gerald). Which QB can find a way to get the ball to the receivers?? OH!! And UT HAS TO FIX special teams.
I say if Ingram and/or Hardesty has a great game, look for their names in the Heisman runnings. Doubt either will win, but they'll finally both get some additional well-deserved praise!
GO VOLS!!!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
I think UT, and Bama will stuff the line, and each team will force the other one to pass in some form. The team that can move the ball with the passing game will win. Bama will all out blitz Crompton early and often. Hopefully he will pick it up and dump off short screen passes before he gets hammered. Special teams are critical, as I look for both teams to punt often, in a low scoring game.
UT 16 BAMA 13
GO VOLS!!!!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
On a positive note, they have reopened the Biology Lab.
murrayvol writes:
It'll take a career game and a whole lot more.
murrayvol writes:
Good take. Monte did have Tebow schemed but he still made key plays when FU had to have them. Just hope they don't get in front early.
Maybe Ingram is still smarting from SC. Maybe not.
murrayvol writes:
Luc to Tennessee.....that would be REAL good. A real head turner for Kiffin & Co. Recruiting LLC.
Maybe he realizes it can't be long before Strong lands a head coaching gig.
I think Riley's a Domer. I could be worng.
MusicCityVol writes:
list your all time favorite Vols at www.checkerboardchatter.blogspot.com
Gchild writes:
You said it all right there. Thats the key to the game, keeping the Defense fresh.
Volin68 writes:
Wait a minute, you're a BAMA fan and poor mouthin' YOUR team?...I uh,........ well........Dang, I've got no comment for this common sense TIde Boy.
Tide eeks out a close one
27-20
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I have disagreed with some of your posts in the past, but you are right on the mark on this one. The umps are really covering themselves with glory in the playoffs this year, aren't they? I saw where the NBA is rethinking its lockout of the professional refs because the replacements are stinking it up so bad in the preseason. As a former player and coach, I know the officials have a tough job, and maybe much of this criticism is just because fans have such a better view of the game than ever before, but some calls are just beyond belief and the arrogance of some officials these days is breath-taking.
WestTennVol writes:
Completely agree on the comment about Strong. If he doesn't get a HC job this year I'll be stunned......like I was last year...
13ontheway writes:
With the stadium expansion we will be there next year. And the great news is we have a great team playing in it!
Roll Tide
Bama 35
Vols 3
GahLee writes:
Your drunk with that prediction.
Just like Florida thought they were going to drop 60 on us.
This game will be no different, UT will give Bama all they can handle.
givehim6 writes:
Yes, last I heard our #2 was named SEC's #1 rusher. All the talk about Ingram would make a person think he is. I'd rather be the dark horse.
HallowedHill writes:
We just need an orange mouse to take care of a red elephant!
TennesseeJed writes:
I love how this 'Bama fan' has no clue as to the details of their own stadium. Take it from a VOL and college football fan, your stadium will reach 101,000 capacity once they add the additional 9,000 seats. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
P.S. Since you have no clue about your own stadium, I won't bother making fun of you for your ridiculous prediction.
VOLS 27
bammers 16
someofmybestfriendsarevolsfans writes:
According to the University of Tennesee Ticket Office, due to the addition of the new West Club seats, the 2009 capacity will be 100,011.
As you were saying about knowing your own stadium....
Expat_Orange writes:
Alabama can pass? That's a news flash. They're ranked eighth in the conference. Our secondary will take care of any passing threat.
If we can match their running game, we're in it till the final whistle blows.
AtlantaTide writes:
ROFL - Owned!
smoky50 writes:
I hope you are right on this one. Coach Kiffin needs this in a big way to sell the VOL WORLD to other recruits.
14_lay_tha_wood writes:
Ingram is a man/beast no doubt about it. If we can limit Ingram and make mcelroy pass the ball, we will have a shot.
GO VOLS!
1974Vol writes:
Any talk in the Tide media about what if any effect pulling McElroy out in the 4th against SC in favor of the Ingram run wild cat? Can't do alot for McElroy's confidence.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.