Post-game audio
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
Tennessee Stat Book
AP Top 25 College Football
Blog react
Quarterbacks B
Jonathan Crompton's interception was woefully off-target and into coverage. But that was his one major mistake. The senior played well, completing 21 of 36 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown.
Running Backs B-
Montario Hardesty proved a dangerous receiver with four catches for 66 yards. Rushing yards were tough to come by. Hardesty had 48 yards on 18 carries. Bryce Brown had 35 yards on 11 attempts.
Receivers B
Gerald Jones had seven catches for 72 yards and a key touchdown. Denarius Moore caught four passes for 73 yards. Marsalis Teague caught two passes for 17 yards. Tight end Luke Stocker caught three passes for 33 yards. That equates to a nice day, especially against defensive back guru Nick Saban.
Offensive Line D
The Vols struggled to open holes up front. UT's top two tailbacks, Hardesty and Brown, averaged 2.7 and 3.2 yards per carry, respectively. Pass protection was a frequent issue. Guard Cory Sullins was called for a key holding penalty in the fourth quarter.
Defensive line B
The Vols couldn't get much pressure on the quarterback without blitzing, but held their own on the ground against a talented offensive line. Tackle Wes Brown gritted through pain to chip in four tackles. End Chris Walker added five - including a highlight reel play from behind on a sweep away from him.
Linebackers A
Rico McCoy finished with a team-high 12 tackles. Savion Frazier survived his loudest test in the middle of the defense and added seven tackles. LaMarcus Thompson made his only tackle of the day in the backfield. The Vols gave up a few plays in the middle of the field, but nothing major.
Secondary A
Alabama's passing game was nonexistent. Cornerback Dennis Rogan played one of his best games in coverage, breaking up two passes and finishing with six tackles, including a spectacular play in the backfield. Safety Eric Berry swung the momentum with a late forced fumble.
Special Teams F+
The return game was improved, the coverage was passable and Chad Cunningham had one great punt, but the Vols were done in by either terrible protection or low-kicking from Daniel Lincoln - or both. UT had a chance to spring an all-time classic upset, but Lincoln was blocked for the second time in the game in the closing seconds to end the comeback bid. The plus is for the onside kick recovery which gave the Vols a chance.
Coaching B
UT's defense kept Alabama's offense one-dimensional and afraid to pass. The Vols moved the ball offensively despite being outmanned up front.
Overall C
An 'A' for the all-around effort. An 'F' for special teams. The bumbling kicking game is way past the point of being excusable.
- News Sentinel staff
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 85
one4black writes:
Damn ... the loss is setting in more and more. I am tired of those Cody clips and that running line at the bottom of ESPN every few minutes about it!
SouthALVol writes:
I can't help but think George Cafego is spinning. Here I am in Alabama, and I thought we were going to pull it off and bring the Bammers down to earth.
DennisVols writes:
Major improvements from years past except Special Teams.
This coaching staff has turned this program around in the right direction.
The major improvements so far are:
Heart
Competitive
Discipline
UT had none of this over the past 5 years.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
olozbal#646632 writes:
I'm in for the long haul. Disheartened yes, but who on here thought Kiffin could coach up Crompton like he has last two games?
The loss hurts, but we're finally a team on the rise to the elite ranks again. Frankly for the long haul I'd rather be UT than most other teams in the SEC right now.
You deserve the critique Kiffin because you lost the game, but I still love the direction this team is going.
newtonrail writes:
This makes no sense. Back in the day when the late Gary Lundy did these, I didn't always agree with him, but I knew who wrote it. D for offensive line who helped out gain Bama's average by 100 yards, against one of the best front DLs in country. At least they get a C. Special Teams was better than F+. Sure Lincoln and OL on Field Goals stunk, but I would never have gotten my degree if one area grade could pull the others down that far. Kickoffs and punts and coverage were at least a C+. An overall C in a game that had Bammar lovers sweating bullets at the end? Come on. My grand kids could grade better than this.
SmokeyHound writes:
I think eric berry should defenetly be the very very first pick in the nfl draft. sam bradford is hurt, tim tebow would not be a good nfl quarterback due to his inability to quickly release the football and much more, eric berry last year was used in a coverage way. and he dominated. this year he was used as a "linebacker" and he is dominating. Eric Berry has about 60 total tackles versus gerald mccoys 13 tackles. even though gerald sat out for two games so far he isnt as much of a presence and eric berry. berry just dominates berry has 216 total tackles, 1.5 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, and a few fumble recoveries, in his carrer versus, gerald mccoy's 50 total tackles and one interception. ndamucong suh has about 112 total tackles in his carreer. berry already has at least 100 more tackles AND HE IS A SENIOR!!! BERRY IS A JUNIOR!!! berry can play, quarterback, punt return, kick return, cornerback, safety, linebacker, blitz, cover, punt coverage, kick coverage, and for Tennessee he is on field goal blocking! Berry should unquestionably go in the first round to the titans who are getting KILLED in the secondary. the secondary is the titans weakness. if you dont think eric berry should go first pick in the NFL then your very crazy. help berry go first round!
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Linebacking, placekicking and punting are in real need of being upgraded talentwise.
Brillovol writes:
Generally agree, but with a few exceptions. I would grade the offense slightly better as a whole based on the level of competition. If Crompton had the opponent's best game of the year against that D, I would give him an A-.
Though the blocks were costly, the ST play was graded waaaay to tough. No big returns, good starting field position, no penalties, and an offisdes kick recovery! 2 bad plays and you give an F?!?! Granted, they were costly, but the offsides kick recovery is RARE! Without it, no chance at a FG. My grade: C.
See previous paragraph for the coaching. My grade: B+.
mlsoft#228820 writes:
Tough grading, KNS.
I thought you were a little unfair on some of them, especially the receiving corps, QB and coaching.
For our guys in orange -- great game overall. We showed a lot of heart and probably played above out heads talent wise, especially considering our lack of quality depth at many positions.
I am very impressed with the job the coaching staff has done, with the exception of the kicking game.
mlsoft
Brillovol writes:
The giggling is mesmerizing, though. Just think of the stinky sweat between that cleavage!
jhnshft writes:
i'm torn. i mean, we should have won this game it and it would have been one for the ages. maybe we should have been carrying torches to lincoln's dorm room instead of cromptons? (if lincoln makes his kicks, we win pretty much all of our games) how did we end up with kickers that have trouble getting it over the line.
west_tn_volfan writes:
I thought Crompton earned an A- for the game. He did have one pick but this was the best defense in the country playing at their place. He managed pretty much everything they threw at him and lit them up for 265 yards and a TD. He also put his team in position to win at the end.Thats good enough for an A- to me.
jman33163 writes:
I will put our defense up against anyones!! We are getting there folks! Go Big Orange!!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
Yeah, I think the O-line deserves more credit. One sack against a team averaging almost 4/game? Running against that future NFL D-line with 2 walk-ons and a freshman? We outgained them and got almost 100 yards more than their D's average in a competitive game (not playing against a prevent defense in a blowout!)? D-line deserves at least B+ considering what Bama did to SC's D-line last week. And overall C is ridiculous. You make it sound as if we were favored and then nearly blew it! Without the kicking mistakes, we win that game and that takes a full team effort much better than a C. C'mon.
LVVOLJJ writes:
Get real, an unranked team that plays the #1/2 team in the Country to the last play of the game and loses by 2, allowing no touchdowns did not play a C game. Harsh and unappreciative. A valiant effort from a team with a load of heart. These young men and their coaches almost pulled off a miracle.
leedsvol2007 writes:
I like to listen to our guys broadcast instead of listening to Lundquist and Danielson.
Priest noted before the game he was concerned about Lincoln due to the fact his kicking leg was obviously bothering him. He had kicked poorly in warm-ups.
The blocks had more to do with low trajectory than brilliant play on Bama's part.
If Lincoln is healthy he definitely makes the one that missed right before half which fell short but was in a position to split the uprights.
Instead of a torch you might want to make sure he is getting treatment. We are going to need him down the stretch.
OrangePride writes:
MOst of the time I agree with you on the majority of your grades......but you are WAY OFF on this one. Coaching a C? Are you kidding? Monte held the #1 team in the country to no touchdowns and FG's from the 50, the entire team came within a blocked FG of winning in Alabama and it's a C? O line a D??? Running backs B-? You really need to get in touch with reality!This article is an F!
steelersman42 writes:
I hope that now, no one doubts the VOLS anymore and what they have the potential to do. I don't wanna hear any more 30-point blowout loss prediction on these boards ever again. I am so tired of it. This team can hang with ANYONE. LET'S GO VOLS!!!
mytrifecta writes:
Hindsight is 20/20, but if you told me we would have had a chance to beat this Bama team with a last second kick I would have asked you for some of the same mind altering drug you were taking. This effort was an easy A. We beat the best team in the country in every statistical category. There are no moral victories...but this game established a huge foundation for this program to grow.
mytrifecta writes:
BTW, I hope Jonathan Crompton begins reading press clippings. This kid has shown courage unlike any I've ever seen. The day of the Georgia game a national pre-game show listed him as the worst QB in the country. Honestly, like many Vol fans, I did not disagree. Jon, you proved everyone wrong and I hope you relish every snap you take the rest of this year. You went into one of the most hostile environments, against the best defense in college football and made the plays that put us in position to win. Brother, no matter what happens from here, I will remember you as one of the best personal successes in my 25 years following UT football.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
I totally agree. You can't give the whole team an "A" for effort and then knock that down to a "C" simply because the kicking game was off. The kicking game was why we lost...but the rest of the team actually made it a freaking game! I can't help but drink the orange flavored kool-aid that Kiffin & Co. are serving.
kabulvol writes:
The kicks were low and the line allowed penetration. But, is it me or did it look like Lincoln was in slow motion as he kicked today? He seemed to be taking a leisurely approach to the ball. I even noticed it in the other kicks, too.
It was a good game and you hate to see it come down to a blocked kick. Heck, two blocked kicks!
I had heard so much about the match up of the Cody's so I watched those battles on a lot of plays. Sullins did okay most of the time considering the weight disadvantage he had against the big boy.
As CLK recruits his own big dudes for the O-Line, these match ups will improve significantly.
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
Like the 4th quarter giant huddle, all the jumping around. Keep these kids fired up, we could easily win out and go 8-4. Gary Danielson commented on the first made field goal that it was too low and that could be an issue. Other than the missed/blocked field goals solid effort. UT was definitely up against superior talent and almost came away with the win. I'm concerned about the offensive line recruitment. Especially after Leifert commited to N. Carolina, doesn't seem like we are getting enough top recruits. Hope we really finish strong and pick up some dominating tackles and guards/center. Isn't it interesting at 3-4 we are still fired up about the VOLS? Thats because we have been in every game (save Auburn and we only loss by 4 points)I was really concerned about CLK when hired, but he definitely has UT going in the right direction. Get some 320 pound guards that can move and pancake nose tackles and we could be in business.
tensccon writes:
Wow! That is some rough grading. That was great coaching over the entire game that put UT in a position to win. I was also impressed with the difference in the game after Saban and Kiffin made their half-time adjustments. The RB's were impressive fighting for yards. OL gave great protection many times against a great defense. I bet had Lincoln made the kick and the Vols won all grades would have been a letter higher (except of course what is already an A). I saw great coaching, great effort for an entire game, lots of heart, lots of pride, and a will to win. Very encouraging!
vol98champ writes:
I give our coaches an A+. Last year we were a terrible team with no discipline. A team that I basically couldn't stand. Now I love this team. They are very close to being very good. The last two games Crompton has been as good as any QB in the country. The defense is amazing. With an average kicker we would have beaten the best team in the country and you give them a C. Good God man you must have been my freshman calculus teacher.
Couchdummy writes:
An overall C average????? How can a team that held the #1 team in the country to 12 points, and a team that had a chance to win the game on the last play of the game, be rated an overall C ??? I see why there is no signature to this grade card!
hillsborovol writes:
What he said!!!!
VolInIndy writes:
I thought Cunningham was supposed to be a decent field goal kicker. Coaches obviously know more than I do but one has to wonder if a healthy Cunningham is better than an injured Lincoln. I do seem to remember that accuracy from beyond 40 was shaky.
I surely hope Palardy solves the ills there and either he or some walk-on scandinavian soccer player can kickoff into the endzone for some touchbacks.
tennisvol writes:
Another moral victory? The only problem is that there are no more #1 teams on the schedule that can be declared as a moral victory. Coach Kiffin will need to show Vol fans they can get the team prepared for these teams as they will be favored or barely a underdog. Good luck coach!
ExpatVol writes:
I hate to be negative & I realize Lincoln has been good up until this game... but leaving a 47 yarder short in big time D1 football game against the #1 team is terrible... missing left or right... I can understand that... but no excuse missing short, considering Bama made 2 that were longer... other than that I was really proud to be a Vol last night... I hope they keep playing strong and get to a bowl game! GO BIG ORANGE!
tractoronthepole writes:
This is one bama game Johnny Majors would have won. He really emphasized the kicking game, and it was the kicking game that got us beat. Great effort Vols keep your heads up, great things are on the horizon.
volfan_gatorhater writes:
For the time being, CLK is a miracle worker. Crompton is playing as well as anyone in the country. Who could have seen that coming? He's not the most mobile QB ever (understatement) but, he did evade an imminent sack and, he can play from the pocket, from straight drops and, he can throw on the run. At this point, I hate to see him leave - imagine how good he would look if he had been in this system, with this coaching staff from day 1. Just think of the respect Kiffin will have on the recruiting trail with QB prospects after this turnaround and, if Crompton happens to get drafted......look out.
GerryOP writes:
The best effort I have seen out of a Tennessee football team in 5 years. An amazing effort by an amazing bunch of people ... coaches and players.
Fear The Kiffin...
vols2012 writes:
Well, this stinks, but at least we have the #1 kicker coming to Knoxville next year(Michael Palardy) which will be a big plus. One big thing Kiffin needs to look at in terms of recruting is the offensive line. Just for the record, not only did Daniel Lincoln kick it low on that GW kick, but our lineman also let Terrence Cody through the middle, which is a big mistake. Other than that, I think we will be a dangerous team down the road with the weapons we have.
GO VOLS!!!
tnbigg writes:
Played two Number 1 ranked teams this year down to the wire and had a serious chance of winning yesterday. This new coaching team and their desires to develop ALL talent available and with the great recruiting class last year and with whats on tap this year...D A N G. The world knows...as my great fellow poster GerryOp says, "Fear the Kiffin!" GREAT JOB VOLS! Keep it up. As for Crompton? G R E A T job! Keep it up! As for the gator blowhards...NEXT YEAR? Without Tebow? AMF! You'll get a great look at the middle of the SEC East! By the way...expect next years recruiting class to see the writing on the wall at Florida. UGLY! And! To see the writing on the wall at Tennessee! BEAUTIFUL! Tennessee is the place to be...if you're thinkin' National Championships!
tnbigg writes:
You should probably stick with tennis Serena.
tnbigg writes:
DITTO
volzcrushm writes:
WE JUST PLAYED THE NUMBER ONE TEAM IN THE NATION TO THE LAST SECOND AND ALMOST WON.....AND YOU GIVE THERE OVERALL EFFORT A 'C'?.... YOU IDIOT!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
I agree; I can't believe we are competing this well with a pieced together O LINE; Give them credit for playing beyond their physical ability..Douglas looked like the TE he is compared to the size of Bama; It hurt to watch the stadium celebrate like that; they deserved to have gone home with broken dreams
yeavols#228407 writes:
It's unreal how Kiffin can take a rag tag team of 3 stars and push florida around and nearly upset # 1 Alabama. Alabama had nothing to do with their win yesterday. They were knocked into the dirt and they were lucky to escape with their lives. Unfortunately, the kicker kicked into the Alabama line. Crompton keeps getting better and better every week. I can only imagine what the team would be like this year if Kiffin was coaching last year. Which means, that his teams will only getting better. congrats to the team and you all get an "A" except the kicking team. I think we all agree where they stand. In conclusion, I am glad we didn't get the refs from the Florida Arkansas game. It was quite refreshing to know they wont be officiating in a while since they have been suspended. Good move SEC! Finally..GO VOLS!!!
OrangeMagic writes:
You feel a little more strongly than I do but I agree. Whoever is doing the report card needs to take in consideration the talent level of the team we just played. Did I mention they were the #1 team in the country? "C" is an insult to what these guys just did. Our offensive line allowed Crompton time to throw and we still got some tough yards on the ground against the best D line nationally.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Man. this is a tough grader. You can't give the special teams an F. Except for field goal kicking, they were much improved. And the field goal kicker has a bad quad which limits him, that was obvious from the low 47 yard miss and the two low kicks that were blocked. Alabama has a great player who made two great plays. That's just part of football. When the other team makes great plays, you've got to give them credit.
golfballs03 writes:
I think the Coaching staff deserves an A-
They called a beautiful game, it was the execution that hurt us. The only cal you might second guess is not gunning for more yards at the end to try and get a closer field goal - after the low kicks from earlier. I know its Crompton and you don't want to put any undue pressure on him, but he looked great at the end and had just completed a beauty to Stocker.
MidTennVol writes:
Punting was abysmal. Cunningham clearly chose the wrong day to have an "off" day.
halloffamebowler writes:
Smokey,you make some very good points with your evaluations of Berry.However,saying someone is crazy just because they don't have the same thoughts as you, makes you the one that could be considered crazy.Post your thoughts,but leave people's intelligence out of it.
Psychovol writes:
It wasn't even special teams this game. It was just the field goal team and that's progress. Yes our kickers are not up to SEC standards and certainly not UT standards. George Cafego anyone?
Go4Two writes:
Because we lost the game. Our coach played the last 47 sec. out of fear of losing. He knew Lincoln was having problems but still shut the offense down.
halloffamebowler writes:
I would venture to guess that you have never come up short on anything in your life.You have always done every thing exactly as they should have been done,even while injured.Lincoln is not the best kicker in the country,but he is injured .At least Kiffin said he was.Don't be so hard on the guy. Unless you can do better, it would be best if you would just keep quiet.
sweetoleboy writes:
The boys played great, and we should be proud of Tennessee's squad. Crompton again played an excellent game -- I think he should be used to run more, ala Tebow, but maybe he's not that good with his feet, though he seems to be. We're on our way back to the top.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Ouch!! a tough grader for sure. I think Crompton deserves A or at least A-, same for receivers. This loss is totally on the coach. He should have seen that Lincoln was having trouble, not only in warmups but during the game. He should not have run a dive play on first down, and he had time for at least 2 pass plays to gain 8-10 additional yds. Overall play for the Vols should be B+ or A-
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