Tennessee Stat Book
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The human mountain Terrence Cody stood atop Bryant-Denny Stadium's field early Saturday evening, salty tears streaming down his face, his 354-pound body shaking with both joy and relief.
"If (Tennessee) had made that field goal, our season would have been over," Cody said of the UT kick he blocked on the last play of top-ranked Alabama's 12-10 win. "We had to stop that kick."
This is the memory that will depress Big Orange fans and delight Crimson Tide loyalists for years, if not decades, to come.
Continue reading at the Chattannoga Times Free-Press.
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Comments » 74
croweman writes:
The Vols played a very good game and I agree that this game will be talked about for atleast a year. Bama comes to K-Town next year so I can see this picture sitting in everyones locker to look at. It's just hard to see that we won the war on the field but not the score. Can't see any reason by the way the Vols played we can't win out this year and finish 8-4. GO BIG ORANGE.. GO TO BE A TENNESSEE FAN.....
CRFVols writes:
If they'll play as hard against everyone else as they did against bama......then we have a chance to finish strong. We need to finish strong and pull in some more recruits. Let's get Lincoln off the field.
VolinCalif writes:
It was a BAma game. I cried also, with each missed kick I wanted to throw my coffee cup at the TV. But I will not bad mouth Lincoln. We did enough of that to JC. The kid tried and did the best he could, it's tough to beat the heroics that took place. Go Vol Now that we are out Run The Table.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
There is nothing to be ashamed about playing two teams ranked number 1 on the road and only losing by a combined 12 points.
TN will finish with a better record than AL did in Saban's first year and will go to a bowl game.
Even though this was a tough loss, it is obvious to everyone that this program is headed in the right direction. The rest of this season will be fun...GBO!!!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
For all of you railing against Lincoln.
1. coach should have passed once more to get 5-6 yds. closer because Lincoln's range has been 35 yds and in since his injury.
2. 4 yrs ago, we were just as high on Lincoln then as we are on Palardy now. Lincoln was the best kicker in the south, having a 60 yarder in his high school resume. How do you know Palardy will be any better in pressure situation?
We will still be 7-5, which is much better than we thought we would be. We could lose to S.C. because of the emotion factor, or lose to Ole Miss. let's hope coach can get the team back up.
VolinCalif writes:
They are up. This staff know how to coach. But we still have the games to play, just like you are saying. Old Miss looked pretty good yesterday and USCs has Steve, and like him or not he can coach and put a team on the field. I love this season, it shows just how hard it is to recover a program. This staff will go down as the Great o
Ones.
golfballs03 writes:
they were tired
uttcut writes:
they had the whine flu
Wilhelm16 writes:
give me a break. Cody did nothing more than happen to be in the middle of the d line when lincoln kicked the ball so low that it was going to hit someone on the line of scrimmage regardless. That was the case for both blocks.
bigOutfan writes:
Here's the facts. Tn always chokes in big games. Always have, always will, it's just the way it is. I've seen it happen over and over again. Tn is a middle of the pack team, at best. Next year they're going to have a freshman QB. Another 8-4 year, at best. Just learn to live with it. I'm not trying to get somebody's blood pressure up here. The facts speak for themselves, TN does not have the heart to be a championship caliber team. They're mediocre, at best. Now go ahead, call me names, that's what you all do best. Just take off the orange glasses and see the truth. I'm just saying things that you don't want to admit, but know are true. Look at the bright side, you'll always be better than Vandy and Kentucky. And if you are real lucky, maybe GA and SC. Championship teams like FL, Ala and LSU find ways to win. Always have, always will...
VolunteerLifer writes:
Actually, I will have forgotten about this game after we beat Alabama one year from now. Given the way Kiffin is succeeding to turn this program around, I anticipate many victories over Alabama in the coming years. I will remember THOSE games alot more than this one. I'll remember this game for how it shows the remarkable progress that Kiffin is making.
rockytopatl writes:
Exactly right. Read the kid's quotes -- he says he pushed our guy back, didn't even jump and the ball hit him. Even if he penetrated two yards, the ball HAS GOT to be higher than 8 feet by then. The first kick hit him in the armpits.
You could have seen this coming as early as the Auburn game. Lincoln shanked an easy kick in the first quarter that could have put us in command, and later had an extra point that was way too low blocked.
I know he's doing his best, and I feel for him, but you can't blame this on the O line. Kicks have got to clear the line of scrimmage by plenty.
Txvol57 writes:
What game were you watching tard?! Did you miss the fact that Cory Sullins got blown up both times and ended up laying by the holder. Once again another dumba** fan that doesnt know anthing about football. From that far away the ball has to be kicked low or it wont make it. Retard!!!
diamond_dave35#235769 writes:
Trolls can say whatever they want for the next year..we scared the hell out of them yesterday
VolunteerLifer writes:
Lincoln has shown us that he doesn't have the strongest leg even when he's healthy. All bets are off when he's not healthy, but when he is healthy he is a dependable kicker from short and mid-range. But even when he is healthy, not from long range. The fact that he doesn't kick for kick-offs tells you that his leg strength is not big-league.
As for Palardy, we DON'T know for sure that he will be better, but there is reason to hope - he is considered the top kicker in the country by many experts, and they say he has a very strong leg. Even if that leg-strength doesn't pan out, it will still be good to have two kickers in case one of them gets hurt. Too bad we didn't have a good alternative to go to yesterday instead of continuing to ask Lincoln to do something he may be too hurt to accomplish.
This could be a big deal in coming games if we don't have a dependable field goal kicker, obviously.
Ringside writes:
I love the way this team keeps fighting. No shame in that. Better to die on your feet than live on your knees. Good fight Vols!
usnavyvol writes:
Gary..No ill words just have to disagree with u. We have plenty of bowl wins that lets me know that we can and have won the big one(s). Championship teams(UF/Bama) have what we don't. Excellent players all over the filed in every position. When we can get play makers on our roster then we will see who can or cannot win the big games. We have proven this year we have heart and desire to succeed. Even in the jaws of defeat we fight and never give up. That's what defines good teams from great teams. No excuses no moral victories. We lack talent and depth. When we have the players lets just see what happens. Vols class of 93. GO BIG ORANGE!!
FWBVol writes:
Always is a long time boy. Florida hasn't ALWAYS had championship teams. If you go back 20 years Florida hadn't won anything...nada...not a SEC title, no national championships...nothing. LSU has had a few good years, but before Saban arrived in Baton Rouge the Tigers had a stretch of about 10 years when they had a hard time finding a bowl game, much less a BCS bowl game.
Yes, historically...going back 70 years, Alabama, for the most part has set the bar high for other SEC teams to follow, but Tennessee's last NC is more recent than Bama's last title.
You dream when you say we choked. Tennessee was playing the No. 1 team with the No. 1 defense in the country on their field. We had two walkons the Sullins brothers starting on the offensive line, and a third kid, Aaron Douglas, who is is a converted tight end that never played the offensive line before spring practice, and except for the field goals, we still won the line of scrimmage most of the day.
As for the field goals, yes, the Alabama defense blew things up, but when you are blocking for a place kick such as a PAT or a field goal you try to wall of rather than fire out. It's almost like the old children's game of Red Rover when 11 people are coming over at once. Having the big kid on your side always helped in Red Rover and it sure helped Alabama yesterday.
Yes, we will have a new starter at QB next year, but he might not be a freshman. It could be Nick Stephens, Nick Lamaison, a junior college transfer, and yes, as you pointed out, it could be a true freshman. Kiffin, Reeves and Chaney have shown they can coach QBs and I'm confident whoever starts under center for the Vols next fall will get the job done.
Those are just some of the facts that you happened to overlook. Of course a lot of fans from other teams want to overlook those things because they are quickly being overcome with Volun-FEAR!
scott_m99 writes:
Gary...I can think a lot of big games that Tennessee has won over the years. What about the Florida game in 98 that we won in overtime, or the national championship later that year against Fl. St. How about the Florida game in 2003 in gainesville, or the LSU game in Baton Rouge in 2005 that we won in OT. My god, you could go on and on. Hell there were atleast 4 huge wins in the 98 season alone if you count the SEC championship win.
I'm real encouraged with what I saw yesterday...As fans, all we can ask is that our teams be competitive and provide us with a chance to win. Yesterday I saw both, but we happened to be on the short end of the stick. Good things lay ahead though
edtlonsway#639662 writes:
No name calling needed here guy, but you are missing the point. Everyone knows we are not an elite team the last few years and there is a lot we need to improve on. To say we always choke in big games but the others don't is a bit foolish. LSU didn't find a way this year and either UF or AL will fail to find a way before its over. Our kids fought hard against a better team, on the road and had a chance to win. They are learning to win and to expect it. You can see the improvement in play and the confidence growing. To say that we always have been always will be a middle of the pack team is not only myopic but foolish. Middle of the pack teams don't win championships and make it to SEC championship games year after year. In 2 years we will see who is right, but as of right now I like my chances!
notoriousBIGorange writes:
O really?? What was AL record under Shula, and Francione?? What was UF's record under Zook?? What was LSU's record BEFORE Saban?? To say that they have always found ways to win is WRONG and makes you an idiot for saying it.
This is CLK's first year and UT will finish with a BETTER record than AL did in Saban's first year. Why didn't Saban and AL find more ways to win 2 years ago?? What about against Utah??
Your ignorance is laughable
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Keep talking Sanders...KY is coming up so let's see if you are around here to take the beat down.
RTB writes:
I was going to post something normal here, but after that Witch Doctor post above, I'm staying out of this one ....
volpreacher writes:
Let me the first to apologize to Jonathan Crompton. I said I wouldn't watch any more as long as he is qb. Kiffin has made a qb out of him and I'm proud to have him on the team. Next let me say, we beat Alabubba everywhere but the scoreboard and NO one can't say they thought we were going to lose when we got that onside kick. I sure didn't.
Ringside writes:
Whatever helped JC out, it is only a shame he did not get the help sooner. I am thankful a coaching change was made. HUGE difference in the environment on the team since last winter. Seems like a solid foundation has been put into place.
Caspian writes:
Lincoln's kicks are consistently too low, there's no doubt about that. I think that it's primarily a compensation for lack of leg strength and/or coordination. But there's a couple of things I've wondered about...
1) If low kicks are an issue, why not move the spotter back an extra 2-3 yards? Not on the spur of the moment, but get the snapper and holder used to it in practice.
2) Some have mentioned that our linemen got "blown up". The blocks happened at the line of scrimmage, not in the backfield. Penetration was not the problem.
3) Regarding line blocking for kicks -- why don't the linemen block as they normally do initially, but then drop down and take the defenders legs out from under them when they jump at the point of attack? Seems like it would be an easy thing to do once the defenders' feet leave the ground.
75VOLinga writes:
So where does this Tennessee Team stand:
1. They have not quit in any of the games like they did last year.
2. They have gotten better each week and don't look back.
3. 18 points make up four losses. They lost individual games by a lot more than that last year.
4. The coaches have helped the Team to improve on a weekly basis.
5. There has NOT been any laughing on the side lines after a bad play. How many times did we see that last year.
6. The trolls have gotten quieter. They know next year and their lumps is coming and I am already getting goose bumps.
7. Recruits need to Seriously Think about what this coaching staff has been able to do. Can you imagine what will happen when the staff gets everything working.
8. Maybe not a National Championship team but SEC Championship I think is a good possibility.
cloudodust writes:
Lane Kiffin is 3-4 as our head coach and the program is on the rise, even in a loss. Working for Al Davis counts as CLK being an orderly in a looney bin...btw, Sanders can work for Al. Birds of a feather there, you know, lack of offensive minds connecting in an open field.
volatil writes:
Funniest thing I've ever read. You need to write a book, in third person of course.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
i just wonder what the alabama chat rooms are saying. They should be admitting that they were beat!
spvol writes:
I'll bet Saban's butt was so tight you couldn't drive a straight pin up it with a jackhammer.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Yep, a UT win yesterday and the Bammer fans would have been screaming to bring back Gene Stallings on Finebaum's show on Monday!!
DennisVols writes:
Let’s take a minute to look at the big picture of yesterday’s game.
Crompton threw for nearly 250 yards against the #1 ranked defense in the country.
UT’s defense shut down a Bama offense that was averaging 34.6 PPG and a running back that was averaging better than 150 yards OG to less than 100 yards.
Only once was Bama inside the 10 yard line and settled for a FG
Bama escaped with a win due to a poor kicking performance, not because they out played UT on either offense or defense.
Those are the facts. 50 years from now UT fans will reflect on this game as the turning point from a decade of disappointment. They will remember how many question a young man playing QB who finally emerged and showed everyone that the game before against GA wasn’t just a fluke They will remember how a young first year coach took a team that lacked the talent level or depth to the home field of the #1 ranked teams and competed on every snap because of the level of coaching he put together.
A win would have been sweet but it was not to be on this day but there will be many memorable wins to come as UT rebuilds and transitions into this new era under coach Kiffin. UT has already learned how to compete again, even in the most hostel environments. No one gave UT a shot at winning at Bama or the Swamp this year. Many predicted UT to get beat by more than 2 touchdowns in both games, yet they competed with the kind of pride that has been missing since the ’98 championship. There have already been victories in classroom performance and discipline and the ones on the field are sure to come more often than not as the talent level is rebuilt by this staff. So let our foes say what they will because their words don’t say what they know in their hearts. This is a new day in Big Orange Country.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
Madkels writes:
Go smoke a fleshtoned cigarette.
tdvol1989 writes:
Gary, my guess is you posted this just to stir us all up. Apparently it worked. But, since you said "Here's the facts, Tn always chokes in big games. Always have, always will...", let's take a trip down memory lane.
1) Bama 1985 at Bama. Cornelious Bennett takes out T-Rob's knee and we play backup Darryl Dickey. Dale Jones makes one of the greatest plays in UT history by blocking AND intercepting a pass in the Bama backfield. Tn Wins. No choking.
2) Spanked Miami in the Sugar Bowl. Big Game. Didn't choke.
3) Sugar Bowl vs. Virginia. Greg Amsler make a great leap and bulldozed a VA defender for a MANLY play. We trail in the 4th Qtr. Tony Thompson (I believe...it was a few years ago) punches it in. Big Game. Didn't choke.
4) Miracle in South Bend. Big Game. Didn't choke.
5) SEC Championship Game against Auburn. We trail in the 4th Quarter. Big Game. Didn't choke.
6) Florida 1998. Big Game. Didn't choke.
7) Throw in the Arkansas game a few weeks later. They laid an egg, but we took advantage of it. Didn't Choke.
8) SEC Championship Game against Miss St. Trail late. Score twice. Big Game. Didn't choke.
Had enough? That was too long ago?
9) 2001 in the Swamp against the Gators. Great game. Stop a 2pt conversion. Didn't choke.
10) Miami at Miami. Ugly game. They were all world. Didn't choke.
Granted, we have had our share of disappointments. Who hasn't? Many of these games required a late game score (we hit late field goals to beat the Gators twice and GA once) or big defensive stand.
Yesterday was a disappointment and ranks as one of the Top 5 for me in the last 24yrs. But, I hardly think a late drive for a TD and an onside kick recovery constitute a full on choke. Our 4 losses this year are by a combined 17 points. We were getting hammered the past few years by the big 3 in the SEC.
Just stay tuned because we are just that close to having more Big Wins!
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Witch Doctor, you need your own column in the News Sentinel. I pretty much cried.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
As for the game...I was totally impressed. Crompton threw as well as he ever has against the top ranked defense in the country. Mark Ingram had success, but only in the middle of the field. If Hardesty didn't secure himself at least a 2nd round draft pick, then the NFL is insane. Denarius Moore was Johnny on the Spot when we needed big yards. AND OUR TEAM FREAKING HELD BAMA TO FIELD GOALS!! As for the blocked kicks, you can blame Daniel Lincoln (which is ridiculous) or you can recognize the special talent that Saban was able to recruit in Cody. That guy is a MONSTER! He blew up our special teams line TWICE and got deep penetration. He's a rare talent and he should be recognized for it. I'm not a Bama fan (spit on the ground), but I have to recognize talent when it's so obvious.
Elkabong1940 writes:
I hate field goal kickers!
TrueVol70 writes:
Tell it, brother, tell it! Amen!!
ut4me2 writes:
Hey, what about Hardesty running at full speed and catching the ball twice? He has great depth. It's just too bad for UT that he's a senior. TN showed up in Alabama with a win in their hearts. There were also some really bad calls that were NOT made. I saw two facemasks against Bama (and unfortunately a pass interference against TN), and dear Cody threw his helmet off before the play was over. Could have been taken back with an automatic 1st down. At least Bama wasn't using tape for their kicks this time. I was proud of our Vols in this game!
makelemonade writes:
How do you know Palardy will be any better in pressure situation?
While we can't be sure how Palardy will be in a pressure situation, he is deserving of his hype. Google his name and check out the videos of his kick-offs and punts. He is unbelievable. If he can't kick one field goal straight, he's every bit worth the scholarship just for his kick-off skills. We won't need to worry about kick returns next year, most of his kicks go through the end zone.
OrangePride writes:
Absolutely DennisVols! Good breakdown and analysis of where we are as opposed to where we are going. Make no mistake my friend......the trolls and other teams are noticing what's happening here and they are worrying! GO VOLS!
VoL4LiFe86 writes:
Hmmmm ok... I can't even tell what you are. FL fan? Ala, LSU? Oh you like all of them! Fact- All of these teams have had there down years. Especially Alabama! Including a 3-8 finish in 2000, 4-9 in 2003, 6-6 in 2004, and season before last was 7-6. They went from 7-6 one year to a 2 loss season and a trip to Atlanta the next. Well it looks like UT just might finish above 7-6 this year, and TN fans are going to continue to believe in their team. Thats what separates us. Bammer and FL fans crawl in a hole and disappear when they lose. UT fans are there through the good and the bad. TN does not have the heart to be a championship caliber team? All this team has is heart. How about TN doesn't have the talent? All this team has is heart and little talent. bamma has all talent and less heart. Fact- in spite of a great season last year bamma hasn't won a sec championship since 1999 and made their 1st championship appearance since then last year and choked on gators. Just saying since you wanted to point out that TN chokes in big games. Just wait until the Vols mix a little talent with all that Heart! GO VOLS! BEAT SPURRIER!
tennezz writes:
Best I can remember bama choked on it`s 2 biggest games last year and will again this year so dont come on here with this BS!
Voluholic writes:
When was the last time Alabubba won a National Championship? Idiot.. Talk about losing big games, can you say U.T.A.H? Do us a favor put your 3 brain cells to use on an Alabubba blog.
madmax1247 writes:
I think your 3-4 d is good, but Kiffin exploited you. So I ask you this. Is Vols D better than yours? Or is Vols Offense better than yours? Or is Kiffin better than Saban? One of these has to be a yes for the game we watched Saturday. Imagine what we will be with more talent. Recruits are on the way!!!!!!
VoL4LiFe86 writes:
OK first of all that talk about "heart" was about the players and garyblahblah saying that TN players have no heart. As far as fans go of course you are going to think you have the best fans and visa versa. I will say this much, Just because a Tennessee fan isn't talking mad sh** 24/7 doesn't mean he's any less of a fan. And just because bammer fans do talk mad sh** 24/7 doesn't mean you have more heart. It just means you love to trash talk which is what you are notorious for. Bad losers and terrible winners and when i say terrible winners i'm talking about fans that post comments after winning saying that the UT players had no heart after they fought so hard yesterday and played a great 4th quarter.
tennezz writes:
Enjoy this win while you can, It will be vacated after your next round of NCAA probation! If you keep messing with us we will sic Fulmer on you again!!!
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
You mean like the Tide choked in the Sugar Bowl (31-14)? Well, I suppose it takes one to know one.
VoL4LiFe86 writes:
I know you didn't say it and you are right Cody is a great player and you can see how much heart he has and no UT fan is trying to take that away from bamma. I have seen bamma fans go from nonexistent to being everywhere since last year. As far as setting behind a pc i'm in the military and its my only way and even on the west coast i have seen bamma fans appear out of nowhere since last year. Point is every school has fans that aren't really fans unless there team is winning but you don't know the fans i know. I honestly hate bamma and FL so it doesn't matter to me but i honestly think bamma has the better D. But FL has the better offensive play calling. Alabama will not run the table if they cant do any better offensively. Redzone offense is terrible in my opinion its not on the players.
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