Alabama Stats
Tennessee Stat Book
Event Details
- What: Tennesee vs. Alabama
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
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There’s a Heisman Trophy campaign on its last legs and another that has just found its footing.
The race could become clearer with a literal head-to-head comparison.
There are candidates for major awards at virtually every position.
A top-flight left tackle will be trying to slow down a powerful defensive line and one of the most athletic linebackers in the country. An emerging defensive end has a chance to really make his name, and one of the best receivers in the country has been waiting for the opportunity to prove it.
A storied rivalry, a coaching change, the national championship race and a jersey flap all make for compelling storylines when No. 1 Alabama hosts Tennessee on Saturday (TV: CBS, 3:30 p.m.). But an impressive collection of individual talent will sort those issues out, and perhaps where a lot of hardware winds up at the end of the season.
“I really don’t think too much about the awards,” UT junior Chris Walker said. “I mean, if they come, they come. But it’s amazing just to watch film, and I know just looking at their offense and looking at our defense, it’s amazing to think how many guys have the potential to play in the NFL.
“It’s just ridiculous, and I think it really shows just how great the game is going to be. Just the talent that’s going to be out there going against each other, it’s going to be a great game.”
The Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0 SEC) and Vols (3-3, 1-2) have played more than a few of those in their long history together. And while the latter has struggled at times in the first half of the season, they’re certainly capable of creating something memorable with a second chance at a top-ranked rival this season.
Safety Eric Berry hasn’t done much with his highly publicized bid for the Heisman, but a huge performance in an upset could start a second-half push.
Walker has been one of the biggest defensive surprises in the league, safety Janzen Jackson ranks among the country’s best freshmen, Montario Hardesty is challenging for the conference rushing title and all could cement status as award candidates of some sort.
The Vols would likely need all their stars to align to knock off the Crimson Tide though, and they haven’t been outshone yet this year.
“Well, I don’t know that I’d say (award candidates are) everywhere,” UT coach Lane Kiffin said. “There is on one side of the ball. They’ve got a ton of them. We’re not there yet, we’ve got a long ways to go before we’re at that talent level. They do (have it), and they’re extremely explosive.
“Even players that don’t have big stats like Julio (Jones), he may be the best player at his position in the country. The thing about them is, it’s not like if a guy goes down a bad guy is coming in. You look at their depth chart and they have a lot of five-star freshmen sitting down there on third-team and waiting their turn.”
The Vols clearly can’t match up that far down the roster yet, though at the top Kiffin at least is close to having his full complement of players.
UT will still be without starting linebacker Nick Reveiz and might not have leading receiver Quintin Hancock available, but coming off a bye week it’s about as healthy as it can be for what also figures to be it’s most brutal test of the season.
“It’s a heated rivalry, we have a lot of respect for those guys, they have a lot of respect for us, and you’re going to see a good competitive nature come out in everybody when this game comes,” Walker said. “Obviously when we had a bye week we had a chance to look at their game, and they just have a lot of really, really good guys on their team. Rolando McClain, he’s just an amazing linebacker — really big, can run and do it all. Terrence Cody down there — Javy Arenas, we know they have a lot of really good players.
“It’s kind of fun to see where we stack up with other defenses in our league. But my main focus is getting out there and helping my team, making plays for my team so we can win the game.”
To the victor goes the spoils now — and maybe some individual awards later.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 44
movol77 writes:
Berry will show up BIG!
West_TN_VOL77 writes:
We can do it guys. I realize the odds are against us, but i believe. GO VOLS!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I hope that both QB's play like they did their last outing.
chrisw2967 writes:
vols win if crompton puts the effort in like he did against ga.
volsfan74 writes:
I'm sick of hearing that "Berry hasn't done much this year", the opposing teams coaches tell the QB keep the ball away from Berry! He changes the game and the way the other teams calls plays by his presence alone.
RollTideJoe writes:
Cute with the probation, Thug U. And, I'd love to see how much money you would be willing to put up on that score. None, I'd bet; talk comes cheap. Alabama will have six pts within 6-8 minutes of the start, probably from Crompton fumbling or throwing an interception.
chad_t31 writes:
Are u saying the PAT will be missed because you can't use tape as a marker anymore or are the 6 points coming via 2 FGs? Curious minds wanna know. By the way, you're right, the earlier probation comment made by my fellow vol fan was way out of line. Parole tide is much more accurate.
Wild_Berry_14 writes:
haha Thug U? Our lb's aren't selling cocaine around campus are they? Last I checked zero players arrested since kif came in.. Can't say the same for Miami's favorite Saban..
bearbull95#206250 writes:
This smells like a classic UT/Bama upset in the making. Given how kickers are such head cases, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bama's Tiffin crack in the clutch on a potential game changing field goal since he doesn't have his piece of tape to spot the ball. 2 or 3 big (special teams?)plays in the entire game will make the difference. Berry will greet Ingram like he did Georgia's Moreno last year and Tebow this year. Here's hoping "good" Crompton shows up and that our D rattles McElroy. Sic'em Vol's!
GreeneVol writes:
What a difference a year and head coach make. Sad to say, but I was hardly interested in this game last year. This year - can't wait!
Wild_Berry_14 writes:
You're talking to a fan base that had Peyton Manning lose to Charles Woodson for heisman...
AVolVoice writes:
I believe Tennessee can do it, and that's a whole lot more than I would have guessed last year. That in itself is saying something, and more importantly, you can tell that the team believes in themselves.
The Vols will have to play a flawless game to pull off an upset this big, though. No special teams mistakes, no interceptions going back for touchdowns, and as little penalties as possible.
murrayvol writes:
That coupled with a massive attack of overconfidence on Bama's part is the only scenario I envision that gives us a fighting chance.....let the game begin.
6MillionDollarPumpkin writes:
ESPN gave out the Heisman in 97 or Manning would have won. Yes, Woodson had a good year, no debating that but, Manning had a GREAT year and should have won. Would Woodson have had that kind of year playing in the SEC rather than the Big Slow/10? Probably not. Would Manning have had a better year playing in the Big Slow/10 that year? He would have probably put up better numbers than he did in the SEC. The talent level is just not the same in the Big Slow/10 as it is in the SEC, just ask Ohio State.
ArealVolFan writes:
Stop being ridiculous. Its true Berry never really had a shot at being a Heisman trophy winner, but he is as legit a defensive candidate for the award as anyone else in the season. It was and still is the right thing for UT to promote him for Heisman, and lets be honest. It is way more the Universities decision to promote a player for Heisman than it is a coaches. Though I'm sure in this case neither ones leg had to be pulled.
As far as Tebow and Ingram go. It should realistically be a one man show and that is Ingrams. Believe me I hate giving Bama players any sort of credit, and I'm not taking away from Tebows body of work. Let us compare:
Tebow has:
Passed for 1,032 yds good for 84th in the NCAA
Thrown 8 TDs two only 2 Ints...T-62 in NCAA
(Another interesting side note Tebow has only thrown more than one TD in a game once this season...4 vs Troy)
Completion % is 65.5 which is great
Rushed for 378 yds on 99 attempts and 5 TDs...not great,but not bad
Ingram:
Rushed for 905yds
avg.6.7 yds per carry
and 8TDs no fumbles...good for 3rd in the NCCAA rushing
Side note..he has rushed for 140 plus yards in 4 games and scored in every game.
Recieving 19 catches
186 yds
3 TDs
Lets be honest...Tebows stats are not that good. He does will his team to wins, but statistically he is not Heisman worthy. Ingram is, and if this trend keeps up Ingram should win. If Tebow wins and his stats stay comparable...the award is an outright sham.
abnermc writes:
I have a granddaughter who @ 14 had never lived a day when Ala wasn't on probation. Pa-role tide Pa-role
chad_t31 writes:
You're right. Why should we be happy for a former vol who succeeds in the NFL? That's insanely moronic of us. C'mon man, you had emmitt...at least you had one that did well. Although tebow will be the next great fullback in the NFL.
MidTennVol writes:
"You look at their depth chart and they have a lot of five-star freshmen sitting down there on third-team and waiting their turn.”
LMAO. Anybody think that wasn't directed at recruits??
bnakk#240693 writes:
The thing that still chaps my Butt even after all these years in the Manning/Woodson Heisman is not that a defensive player finally wins: its that that particular one wins against as good a heisman candidate (Manning) as there ever was. The following defensive players were not "good enough" to win. Dick Butkus, Bubba Smith, Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, Randy White, Reggie White, Hugh Green (better in college than anyone listed above), I could go on an on. This is compounded by the Big10 bias in this thing that also determined the following SEC players were not good enough to get the Heisman: Herschel Walker (freshman year), Jamal Lewis, Fran Tarkenton, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr,Peyton Manning, Archie Manning, Eli Manning, John Majors, George Blanda, etc.....
ThurmondEppy writes:
I BELIEVE (in coyotes and time as an abstract - explain the change the difference between what you want and what you need - there's the key...)
shipperman#280095 writes:
I would place money on that one Don Idiot. Neither of those will win the Heisman, neither will Berry. Someone in the Weak 10 will probably take it
shipperman#280095 writes:
Until Motor mouth Spurrier arrived in the '90's, Nobody in the country even knew Florida had a football team. You were irrevelant for a long time and soon shall be again
notoriousBIGorange writes:
An interesting scenerio develops if UT does pull off the upset tomorrow...AL with one loss probably still makes it to the SECCG against UF.
WHEN AL beats UF it could essentially knock any SEC team out of the BCS Championship game.
That is, of course, if UF survives their trip to Columbia against Spurrier.
paul5170 writes:
Not much confidence for a Ali-Bambi team thats suppose too be so good. Come on,going to take 6 min. to get a score...........GBO
stroker writes:
Right on!
we3vols#281863 writes:
Yep talk is cheap...You are the cheapest coward on this site. Once again, you posted Bammer 38 and Vols 6....All you can afford Biatch...Put up or shut up...Go Vols!
6MillionDollarPumpkin writes:
RollTideJoe & Don Corleone can s--k it!! Stupid people should be banned from this sight, but then again ignorance is what keeps the world interesting. All hail probation nation and the Crimson Turd's. Roll turd's roll!!
murrayvol writes:
Lets be honest....this award has been a sham for a very long time.
Exhibit A: 1956 - Hornung plays on a 2-8 team and wins over Majors who played both ways on a 10-0 team.
Exhibit B: 1997 - 92 Heisman voters leave Peyton Manning off their ballots......completely off.
volcycle writes:
Sorry to butt into this conversation, but I can't find Woodson leading ANY statistical category from '97. I believe the Heisman award is nothing more than a "homecoming queen" award. It's given to whoever the media pumps up to be popular.
the10sevol writes:
great link, marcus, thanks!
GBO
the10sevol writes:
uf is "used to success"? y'all settle in and adjust pretty quickly in 15 years.
i, personally, don't think tebow will go the nfl route. i think he hears a higher calling, and will apply the passion he's shown for football to greater goals. he's a phenomenal player, and i, quite frankly, will be glad to see him graduate, lol. he's a winner, and i wish him well, whatever path he chooses.
GBO
the10sevol writes:
don't....bogart...that...
lol.
GBO
dowhatsright writes:
I'm not a football expert but does Bama have a great offensive line? One thing I've noticed with running backs and quarterbacks is that a great offensive line makes a big difference. I think that might be why Matt Leinart looked better in college that Jay Cutler, but Cutler turned out to be the better Pro Quarterback. Also, we can see how important Tebow is - he wins games for Florida. Replace Tebow with an average quarterback and how many games would Florida have lost already? Two? Replace Ingram with an average running back and how many games would Bama have lost? (Seriously, I don't know the answer - this is a real question). I don't think you can compare the importance of the 2 by just looking at their statistics.
brokebackvol writes:
I agree, and that is why so few defensive players can win the Heistman - they are depending on the opponent to make the mistakes that provide all the big plays and highlights. Teams sure do play away from Berry but that doesn't usually determine the outcome of a game.
jsm67vol writes:
Not that I give one flip about the heisman award because it has become such a joke, but its supposed to be a most valuable player award. If so I would have to give it to (and a little puke came up in the back of my throat just thinking it) Tebow. He is definatley the most valuable player to that program. He does will his team to victories time and again. But again, I think the award has become a joke. Go Vols!!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Bama's recruiting sure hasn't suffered much with the loss of Thompson (our gain though) Saban closes the deal by shaking the recruits hand wearing a huge national championship ring;;That is the difference..Recruits want to play in a BCS championship not the Outback bowl..Fortunately times are a changing
jayrokey writes:
everybody get some sleep.. only 14 hours till kickoff and then and only then will any of this smack talk matter! To the victor go the spoils(big orange recruits)!
kman29 writes:
I love how fans like yourself try to believe that Florida is some sort of flash in the pan program thats going to fade. Florida is not a South Florida who every so often has made it in the top 10 and then faded, or even a Virginia Tech who always teases you with being good, until losing 3 or 4 games. Florida has dominated the best conference in college football for the last 20 years. In 20 years they have won 9 SEC East titles, 8 SEC titles, 3 National championships and have the longest current bowl streak of any SEC team and the 2nd longest streak of seasons without a losing season in the nation, which might go to #1 if FSU doesn't have a winning season.
Sorry, but while it may have taken time for schools like Florida to become a national power, fact is, that is what they are now and are here to stay for quite a while, despite what you wish they would become.
ArealVolFan writes:
Bama and Florida both have great O-lines. And I think you are spot on with your assessment of how important an O-line is to a running back and QB.
Tebow is greatest asset is that he finds a way to win games regardless of his stats or whats going on. The kind of heart he brings is invaluable. If he didn't play I'd say its possible Florida might have 2 or 3 losses on the year. Of course, there is no real way of knowing just my feeling on the that scenario.
Ingram and Bama are a different story. I think if Ingram was out Bama likely could plug in a different back and still be undefeated. That being said, I think Ingram allows them to win games easily and gives them a consistently stable pr essence in the back field.
So who is more important? Tebow hands down.
That being said Ingram deserves the Heisman more. Ingram allows Bama to take over games, Tebow is just allowing FL to hang in games. What Ingram has done as a rb is unbelievable in some regards. Whats most impressive about him is he isn't flashy...he just gets yards...and he does it on a team with a limited passing threat and against teams with good defenses and know he is coming.
Of course, this is just my opinion. Honestly, I don't think this is a really strong year for Heisman candidates. Which is sad, because it looked like it would be a great one in the preseason.
And a final fyi...I'm sick I had to say anything good about a Bama player. Just gotta give the guy his due. I hope he doesn't win it though. Hate to see that group get any accolades.
Couchdummy writes:
I ain't thanking hit will happan, but wooden hit be poetic justice for Berry to win the Heistman Trophy in lite of the Peyton Manning injustice in '97?--- a defensive player stealing the show!!
SouthALVol writes:
Yes, Woodson was impressive that year, but what about Champ Bailey from Georgia the very next year? He had stats at least as good, if not better, as Woodson in everything Woodson did. I don't think I ever heard Bailey's name mentioned for Heisman. If Woodson's year was so great, why not Bailey? Also one of the arguments against Manning by the voters was it shouldn't be given because of his career since it's a year-to-year award. However that was precisely one of the reasons it was given to the Nebraska (or Oklahoma I can't remember which) QB who didn't last one preseason camp in the NFL.
SouthALVol writes:
In response to kman29, UF can't stay on top forever. Even you must recognize that. All teams are cyclical. Bama won it all in '92 then faded to some losing seasons. Now they're back on top. Nebraska was on top for a long time, struggled, and are now finding their way back to relevance. Notre Dame is down. UT is down. Michigan is down. Penn State went through it recently. Not out of spite, but enjoy it while it lasts. I certainly enjoyed from 1989 to 2007 for UT. Now I have to wait it out. Hopefully we will become relevant again soon.
chl1958 writes:
Vols,play your best and ignore the rest! Alabama is a disgrace to the spirit of college football.
All brass and no class!
the10sevol writes:
if uf is not a "flash in the pan" (your words), the way to argue the point would be a posting of uf's track record prior to 20 years ago. you just reinforced the point the other poster made.
glad you're not my attorney.
GBO
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