Knowledge is power. At least Lane Kiffin hopes so.
Tennessee’s coach said learning more about his players as the season rolls on should help UT’s coaches improve their woeful special teams. Better personnel knowledge, Kiffin said, should lead to more effective personnel changes.
“We’re not very good in special teams,” he said. “I don’t think that’s a surprise to anybody and it’s killing us.”
Kiffin said that part of the problem comes from not having a deep roster of talent.
“You can’t miss on many (in recruiting),” he said. “If you start missing on five, six guys every year . . . that’s 24 guys right there that can’t play at this level. Special teams will always have to do with the bottom of your recruiting class.”
Mobile Man: South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia is the type of quarterback that has given the Vols trouble this season.
“We’re going to have our hands full,” said Kiffin, whose team plays Garcia-led South Carolina 7:45 p.m. Saturday (TV: ESPN) at Neyland Stadium.
Kiffin said most of the significant plays UT has yielded in the passing game came as a result of a mobile quarterback using his athleticism.
Defensive tackle Wes Brown said it’s up to UT’s linemen to stay in their lanes.
“The two inside guys are supposed to stop the step-up and (ends) Chris (Walker) and Ben (Martin) on the edges are supposed to make him step up,” Brown said. “If we get out of our lanes, he can hit us for a run like (Alabama quarterback Greg) McElroy did against us.”
McElroy rushed three times for 22 yards and completed a handful of passes after breaking out of the pocket last Saturday.
Road Warriors: Kiffin said he’s unsure why the Vols have played two of their best games — losses against Florida and Alabama — on the road.
“I can’t figure that out, really,” Kiffin said. “Maybe when you have so many young guys, there’s so much excitement around our home games . . . maybe it’s distracting. When we go on the road, there really aren’t many distractions. It’s just us.”
Front Fodder: Offensive tackle Aaron Douglas will be happy to see South Carolina’s 4-3 defense. He admitted the Vols struggled to run the ball at times against Alabama’s 3-4 last week.
“It’s real different,” the freshman from Maryville High School said. “I’d say a 3-4 is a big changeup. I think 4-3 is easier with our type of scheme.”
D Is Up: Douglas said he can see a difference in UT’s defense now that the Vols have improved offensively.
“They’re definitely a little bit more fresh because at the start of the season they were on the field a lot,” Douglas said. “I can see a big difference.”
Monte Moment: Brown lauded defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, then offered a humorous anecdote.
“We were laughing in meetings the week we played Georgia,” Brown said. “He referred to them as Atlanta a couple of times. He was thinking about the Falcons.”
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Comments » 44
Cldvols1 writes:
Vols are a diffferent team than they were a month ago! UT-31, SC-14
Go Vols!!!
colt writes:
The line has gone up from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 TN over SC. Give the points. This may be the best bet of the year. Trust me. I haven't missed on TN this year.
KCHS63 writes:
Guys, South Carolina hasn't been hamburger this season. They've got a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, too.
Atuss writes:
UT has definitely played better as an underdog than a favorite this year. That may change this week but they have taken on the "us against the world" attitude at UF and UA.It is easier when expectations are lower. They seemed to play tight when they were the favorite and the better team against UCLA and Auburn.
VoL4LiFe86 writes:
UT will have a big day like they did vs Georgia.
UT 34
SC 20
We will have our hands full with Garcia. That's why I say 20 for SC. Big day for Hardesty! SC has shown their vulnerability to giving up yards on the ground and you know thats going to be part of CLK's game plan.
AceVentura writes:
I guess you're forgetting the Georgia game? We were favored.
VOL03_NC writes:
"Renew your mind daily..."
Lane Train is on the tracks!
GO VOLS!!!
VoL4LiFe86 writes:
This would also be a very good game for Brown to show what he can do.
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
We've all been wondering what kind of team we have this year. Like Coach said, we've had our ups and downs. There are so many individual stories. Looks to me like they got it together and are fixed for the fight. Our players work so hard. Beating South Carolina means that we could win out. I hope that there is no over-confidence or let down. This game is crucial for the success of the season.
OrangeJuice writes:
Hi guys , I have read the comments for a couple years but have never commented. I have to now.
I do not care for 98% of Alabama football fans. They are classless, fair weather fans that just do not get it. I have always heard you can tell a person by seeing if they cheat at golf and the condition they keep there footware. I think you can tell about a person if they are alabama football fans...NC ( no class )
Danno81 writes:
Like Monte said, "there isn't a preseason in college" We have stepped it up and continue to progress. Crompton is on track, special teams have improved, and our D is still wrecking shop. Kiffin has been calm and collect and has proven himself to all of the players. He has taken full responsibility when it wasn't his fault. He doesn't care about the other coaches or slive and I don't either. Screw a reprimand. He cares about winning, recruiting, and TN, like the fans. If he doesn't like a coach like Meyer, he's not afraid to say it. If he likes a coach, he'll say it. He isn't a bs'er or a tool. We needed change and we got it. GO VOLS! Kiffin's da man.
NoogaVol55 writes:
Sorry fellas...if Bama scored 12, UGA scored 3 (against the defense), and UF scored 23....I have a hard time believing USCjr. scores more than 10. It will be a slugfest, but we should win by 2 TDs if we run effectively and limit turnovers.
mspatskitchen writes:
I am tired of all this football talk and anticipation for the next game. We need more analysis of the bad officiating and whining. Just kidding, South Carolina is tougher than people give credit. GORNGE!
Docrok writes:
I actually agree with you on this one! This game really will determine which bowl we go to! A victory here and at Ole Miss and we wind up as the #2 team in the East and no worse than the # 4 team in the conference! Be good enough for a New Years Day Bowl!
Docrok writes:
I am not sure if they still are but SC was ranked like number 23 and they are a pretty good team sporting only losses to AL and GA! Plus being the Ole Ball Coach he may not be saying it but I GUARANTEE he wants this win more than ever before! He always liked beating UT cause they didn't offer him a scholarship but now that UT has someone not afraid zing a few at him, you can rest assured he wants this win! So this game will not be easy! I think or hope UT wins, and the only reason I feel it will be such a close tight game is I truly believe SC will be playing lights out Saturday night!
leedsvol2007 writes:
Yes and there is a good spot catching us after a great effort against Bama. I would take a 1 point win and go away happy right now.
They went through the motions against Vandy they are a good football team and we will have to summon a high level of play to win.
Crowd support is going to be big Saturday night to get the adrenaline flowing.
GoVols!
TommyJack writes:
Make no mistake. This is a HUGE game.
mspatskitchen writes:
I love all the excitement and potential of recruiting that we have going. We need a solid win this weekend at home. Hopefully, J.C. keeps getting better. I am literally shocked at how far he has come. If he finishes strong, he can erase a lot of bad memories. I do not think there are many people that could go take the criticism that we have given him.
volsfan74 writes:
This is definitely a big game, it is a make it or break it game. I eard a rumor that Mark Sanchez gave Crompton some pointers on his pre-game meal, so I'm expecting a solid game from JC.
kevin151 writes:
off topic but is Bray enrolling early? I just don't see UT starting a true freshman anyways......
Cldvols1 writes:
I agree with you ms pat, JC has taken alot of criticism from the UT fanbase me included. I know it's not at him as a person bc I've heard a lot of good things about him, but his play is criticized bc Vol fans are so passionate about their team. His play deserved it somewhat but he's made a 180 and is playing some really good ball. I wish the kid the best of luck and Go Vols!!!
Docrok writes:
I agree that Crompton has had some tough games but as Kiffin said that can't all be attributed to Crompton, some of it has to fall on the recievers, who have really come into their own!! I am very impressed with Denarius Moore btw! I think Crompton has taken more than what he should have been given. I agree when a guy struggles we as fans should be able to express our displeasure! However I think too much blame was place on Crompton! In the first few games he had some errant passes but he had some on target passes that were just dropped! People still blamed Crompton! Right now Crompton is performing better than any other QB is the conference except maybe Tebow, and only cause Tebow's run factor in to his equation! (He had two pick 6's against Miss St!! Too Bad he didnt throw more against our secondary!!)
commonsense32 writes:
This team, this team is just that; a TEAM. It is well documented that we don't have a ton of talent but CLK and his staff is showing what many people have said but never think about. How many of you have said give me a 3 star guy with a ton of heart instead of a 5 star Julio jones that has no heart?
That's what we have and it's all gravy baby. Now I believe this and some will disagree, but the last 3 minutes of the Auburn game were truly an monumental turning point in the history of this program. I say that because that is when this TEAM turned, that is when they became a team and started to truly believe in one another and it's an awesome transformation. I truly see the swagger with which Tennessee teams have always had until 2005, and that is when it was lost and has just this year been regained. Make no mistake it is a huge thing not only for this years team, but for years to come and their teams as well. Now we all know the trolls will be on this saying blah blah blah, but I say whatever. I know the fan base is feeling it and seeing it also as the comments on here and the attitudes have CHANGED over the last 3 to 4 weeks and it's exciting, and I could care less what fans from other teams think.
Don't let them get you down by their constant drivel of how terrible we are and how great they are because the truth is they feel it and see it also and are not scared but do know that oh shirt here them big mean VOLS come and they want us to stay down.
This is a great time in our programs history. It's not when we will be back, it is WE ARE BACK.
GO VOLS AND I HATE THAT SHIRTHOLE THEY CALL A STATE THEIR FANS AND THAT DUMP THEY CALL A STADIUM(al). NOW BEAT THE HE LL OUTTA THE GAMECOCKS.
pps. SC has a good team and the guys will need Neyland to be ROWDY AND ROCKIN. I will be there screamin my fool head off just like I did down in tuscaloser last week, so join me and B LOUD!
mspatskitchen writes:
I heard Raynoch Thompson got issued an extra year of eligibility and can play this weekend.
chargervol writes:
Halloween Nights are usually scary. I remember Tee Martin having a helluva performance in s. carolina in98. Hopefully, Jonathan Crompton can have a similar game. If he does, the Vols will roll by 45. I just see some strange things happening in this game. Its going to be a nail biter, Vols by 4. GO VOLS!!!
tennrich1 writes:
Unless something unreal happens he's no where close to being ready to start in the SEC...Great arm strenght but he will be broken like a pretzel until he gains at least 30 lbs.....and most should be muscle...Dont count on Bray for next year...could be wrong but doubt it...
TommyJack writes:
Don't be a doofus.
tennezz writes:
I don`t believe the Gamebuzzards can score a touchdown against our defense! It will take a pick-6 or a special teams score!
Loud_Proud writes:
good post. i agree 100%. if i was jonathon crompton or his parents, i would absolutely HATEEE Tennessee fans.
OldNumber7 writes:
I know some folks disagree, but with his size and super quick release, I think he should be put into the competitive mix this spring. If we are supposed to blossom in 2011, then he better have a year of bumps and bruises behind him. We'll see. There may be plenty of others in the mix too this spring.
SanFranciscoVol writes:
I'm wondering how many quarters we can go without allowing any touchdowns... You've got to be excited with our defense...
Brillovol writes:
Your comment reminds me of Halloween-inspired games. The game in SC in '04 was a good one too. We were next to the sideline that Swain ran back the onsides kick for a TD.
I will say this about SC and their fan base. After the '04 game, a SC fan says "Trick or treat" while holding out a candy-filled jack-o-lantern. After looking at him suspiciously and him telling me "Good game," I realized he was just being friendly. There are plenty more stories from where that came from. Them boys and girls sure do know how to host a football game (nothing like tailgating in the state fairgrounds!). Their fans have always been extremely welcoming, with good football discussion. Glad I missed the travel last year, though.
I want to go this weekend, but I can't affort to be 3 hours down the road from my 9 month pregnant wife. Ya'll have fun up thar!
sizeDD writes:
Agreed. SC is a good team and we need to bring our A game.
sizeDD writes:
So if Crompton has a good game its Vols by 45. If he doesn't then Vols by 4. I don't get it. Just give me a W! I don't understand why so many people always underestimate our opponents.
Brillovol writes:
Thanks. First one, so I'm a little perplexed. Especially since it's a girl!
She will be going to games here before long, though!
abnermc writes:
I don't think it will be that close. Also, I hope to see Crompton run a little more. He's actually a pretty good runner.
DennisVols writes:
In the past 2 games UT's defense has not allowed a TD from two the the highest scoring offenses in the conference (GA & Bama)Bama averaged 34.6 PPG, GA 27 PPG Only once in the past 2 games has an offense ever entered the "Red" zone and they have not allowed a single TD
USC's offense will not score a TD this week on this defense and our offense will control the game with over 200 yards rushing and the continued improvements in the passing game.
31-9 UT wins.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
sizeDD writes:
Love the optimism and hope you are correct.
mm29680#645909 writes:
How much time has Kiffin spent with these players? How many games have we played against #1 teams and been close? Kiffin is right; no moral victories, just losses. The man has guts and so do all of the coaches he has hired. He WILL get UT back to where we belong, because I believe he has started to have his blood run orange.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
he says he will (volnation.com). He is up to 203 lbs and has passed for 20 TD's in 6 games. I really think Kiff will do what he did this yr - start Nick and stay with him all yr. Sr. qb with some experience.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Don't judge all Bama fans by some of the interlopers on here. People who come on another team's site to talk trash are pretty much self-selected for obnoxiousness. I have visited both B'ham and Tuscaloosa for football games and found most Bama fans to be fairly decent and knowledgeable, if very passionate, fans. Maybe you have had different experiences, but most people are a bit more civilized in person than even the same people may be hiding behind keyboards.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
It's been awhile, so I don't remember if UT actually OFFERED him a scholarship or not. I do know that UT was still playing the single-wing at the time and Spurrier was a pure T-formation QB. Not many remember it now, but I think Steve Sloan--from Bradley County, IIRC--was also a hot prospect about the same time and he chose Bama over UT for the same reason. When Doug Dickey adopted the T-formation at UT, he mentioned those two very cases as one of his main reasons for doing so.
I think Spurrier always twitted UT because 1) that's just the kind of guy he was/is--he talked a lot of smack at Duke, too--and 2) UT was the big dog in the SEC East when he came to Florida. He got about the same kind of flak from the media and opposing fans, too. Since everyone discounted his record at Duke, they were sure the SEC would shut his big mouth. Hmmm, kinda like CLK so far, don't you think?
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, I don't believe in hatching chickens before the eggs are laid, but the plan is for Bray to enroll in January. Kids can fill out quite a bit in almost a year at that age, especially with access to professional training and nutrition. Freshman QBs of the top rank are better than they were just a few years ago. I have no doubt he will have some growing pains, but it is not impossible that he will both start and be fairly successful as a true freshman.
eve.mitchell6#1374325 writes:
I know, that the Vols will win this game, by 1 touch down and field go! the defense has been great and JC has been FANTASTIC!throwing the ball on the dime! this team has come a very long ways and I am proud to be a Vol!! "Feel the Love"!baby "Feel the Love"
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