Orgeron: Favoritism a reality

Lane Kiffin isn't the only Tennessee coach miffed by what the Vols perceived as questionable officiating in Saturday's Alabama game.

Assistant head coach Ed Orgeron, who was the head coach at Ole Miss 2005-07, knows the feeling.

"Seems like some people get the calls and some people don't," Orgeron said while speaking to the Knoxville Quarterback Club on Monday. "I've been in this league and I've been a part of that. Whether that's true or not, you can never prove that.

"I do know this: there were some very questionable calls in that game that could have went either way and they went Alabama's side. There were very questionable calls throughout the season and it seems they go for the better team. Whether that's true or not, we can never prove that but that's what it seems like."

Orgeron, however, refused to blame the officials for 12-10 loss.

"You cannot make excuses to your team," the defensive line coach said. "You've got to beat them all. The better team you have, the less you're going to complain about the officials."

Orgeron hinted that there might be a backlash to head coach Lane Kiffin's public, provocative comments made during the off-season.

"He may have rubbed some people wrong a little bit and maybe they want to get back at you a little bit," Orgeron said. "I think that's human nature but I think it's also human nature that there's some favorites."

The SEC reprimanded Kiffin on Monday for questioning the officiating in the UT-Alabama game.

D-Line Breakdown: Orgeron said he was disappointed that the Vols' defensive line doesn't have more sacks this year. Orgeron said he believes that teams are throwing the ball quicker to overcome UT's pass rush. UT's defensive linemen have eight sacks this season.

However, there is no disappointment in tackle Dan Williams' play. The senior has 35 tackles, two for a loss and six quarterback hurries.

"When we got here I thought Dan would be a free agent (in the NFL)," Orgeron said. "The guy is coming around. He may be an early round - first-, second-, third-rounder."

Opponent Preview: Orgeron said he believes South Carolina's offense is "O.K." despite being ranked 67th in total offense.

"Stephen Garcia is hot and cold," Orgeron said. "He's a scrambling quarterback. They have a great receiver in Alshon Jeffrey. They play really well."

Jeffrey considered UT before signing with South Carolina in February. South Carolina plays at Tennessee on Saturday.

Jesse Smithey contributed to this report.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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