Tennessee isn’t seeing red yet.
But the Vols can hardly wait until they do.
As physical as they’ve been in fall camp, for as much competition as has taken place and even with new coach Lane Kiffin’s preseason games allowing more outlets for aggression, it barely compares with the live action coming Saturday against Western Kentucky (TV: MyVLT2, 12:21 p.m.).
Though, really, all the excitement might come from just how tired UT is of hitting people in orange.
“It probably gets that way after the second or third week in camp,” defensive end Chris Walker said. “You get to the point where you know the person you’re going against so well because you’ve been going against them so long.
“Then it’s like, you know you have to do it and the game’s not for another month or so — but you really need to hit somebody else.”
The Vols are finally closing in on that chance, and the Hilltoppers, in their red and white uniforms, will be a welcome sight after the grind of camp along with the anticipation of a new era under Kiffin.
His approach seems to have been well received on the practice field, and just about everybody on the team has made reference to the results it has produced. But all UT really knows at this point is how well it can play against itself.
“To figure out exactly how good we are, yeah, we have to play other people because we really don’t know,” Kiffin said. “But it’s going to be really challenging because (Western Kentucky) is not like what we have faced. The techniques up front are completely different on the defensive line than we face, and the schemes on offense are completely different, so it is a challenge.
“We go against an offense and defense that is more NFL-style every day for all of camp, and now we have to switch and go against an offense and a defense that is nothing like we do.”
In some ways, that will be a relief for the Vols because it will break up some of the monotony. It also figures to be an important measuring stick for a team still sorting through the depth chart to see how players respond in different situations.
Neither of those issues were quite as pressing for Kiffin heading into his opener last year with the Oakland Raiders thanks to a true preseason schedule and the presence of long-time veterans on his roster. UT has tried to simulate the former to speed up the process, but there’s still plenty uncertainty left at this point.
“There is a lot of guessing to this as far as how good are we going to be and how good is this guy going to play,” Kiffin said. “We’ve done everything we can to figure it out as far as making it a game-day atmosphere in our preseason games, but we really will never know until Saturday how they’re going to be.”
Obviously Kiffin is ready to find out.
Just like the Vols are looking forward to a bit of variety.
“Coach has made it a competitive environment, we love each other as a team and everything and we’re practicing hard, but we’re tired of hitting each other,” left guard Vladimir Richard said. “We’re just excited to hit some other guys.
“It’s got to the point where, if you smack somebody real hard, there’s not even a real point to talk. I mean, we just did this yesterday, you know? We’re just tired of hitting each other.”
Some fresh targets are on the way.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 67
Pdiddy10 writes:
Vote for Eric Berry! Taylor Mays is winning! VOTE! SPREAD THE WORD! http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/ballo...
berry can hit!
rockytop_pop writes:
bringing my 3 yr old grandson to the game.... his very 1st UT game.... he's almost as excited as i am
rich182x writes:
Berry's is in the lead now by 1%.
crimsonviper writes:
GO VOLS! Show them why the SEC is King!
dvhill100 writes:
I am SO looking forward to the season beginning. I am pumped about the USC game on Thursday. I am beside myself for the TN game. GBO.
SHAWVOL writes:
i voted berry because he is b-d -ss
doubledown writes:
Our Defense will have the biggest challange, as they haven't met a Spread Offense at all since Kiffin. Would be nice if they can warm up on WKU since Florida is in 2 weeks after UCLA. Since very flew college teams use the Pro Offense scheme, I think our offense will have the advantage and our Defense will be on their heels the entire season. I just hope WKU or UCLA don't outscore us before the Florida game.
rab63 writes:
does anyone know if the game is going to be televised.......I just assumed it would be but I can't find out for sure
Major_Magilicutty writes:
http://www.secsports.com/news/espn-re...
AceVentura writes:
Some users consider this comment inappropriate. Reveal this comment.
You know that's great, too bad I don't care. We need the place to be loud not full of old people and kids. All you guys do is sit on your hands and give people who actually cheer weird looks for being loud. The only time you get up is to go get your hot dog and $7 coke for your grandson who can't stop whining and saying "can we go home now i'm bored."
AceVentura writes:
Its on MYVLT2
TennesseeTuxedo writes:
Welcome to UT football Austin! Great job!
teampenny#658108 writes:
If the goal is to get guys ready for the Pros the Pro style is the way to go. If you want to win NC's in this era the spread will be more successful. Funny though, we were about the last to change from the single wing.
rab63 writes:
Thanks......oh for the good ole days when someone would tell you channel 6 or 10........I usually miss the kickoff cause I'm going through all the channels searching.....Fox..MYVLT...MYVLT2...ESPN...ESPN2...
CBS...
Pdiddy10 writes:
oh yeah eb!
AceVentura writes:
Just telling the truth baby. Tell me where I'm wrong?
hueypilot writes:
Better yet blow it out your Ace, Ventura. All Vol fans, all ages, all colors, all sizes, all sexes are welcome. I just hope the old ballpark is full to overflowing for the new coach's opener.
StroVol writes:
You my friend are an azz!!!! You must be that Donny spilling beer after every first down. Scream for the D, control yourself for the O.
AceVentura writes:
I stay wild and hype all game, like those soccer hooligans. I wish they'd let us carry flares into the games. Now that would be exciting.
AceVentura writes:
All colors yes, all ages no. If you are not gonna make any noise then stay at home and watch it on TV. There are plenty of REAL fans who would love to have your seats and would be more than willing to make a little noise.
marinevol writes:
Good for you, sir. Hope you both have a great time.
behuman13 writes:
Come on man, not cool.
Not cool.
marinevol writes:
You know man, even if you feel that way (which is pretty sad), some things are best left unsaid.
StroVol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Hounddog writes:
The Hounddog is grateful for that chance to vote for one of our own. Eric Berry certainly the best choice.
How about all the other SEC fans that get on this site and YAKYAKYAK! and then,YAKYAKYAK..vote for him also! The Hounddog scratched SEC guys at the other positions, so can you. Do something for your conference, besdies try to get in with the VOLS!
Then go back to your team, in case you haven't noticed...you can't make ours.
Let's play football. Hounddog
behuman13 writes:
But there will be a lot of fans in the future that remember their first game that we beat Western Kentucky by 50, and in a few years they'll cheer louder. You can't get the true Vol experience without being to a game.
voltan writes:
Is anything going on Fri night before game. Coming up early cause I cant wait
Go Vols
AceVentura writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
xvolx writes:
must be terrible to be you. hope you remember what you said when you have a grandson.
volrush17#609372 writes:
rockytop_pop
Have a wonderful time-wear the ORANGE-took my son to his 1st one at this age-he's a U.S. Sailor now-my grandson(3 mo's old) is in Italy w/Mom & Dad-U.S. Army Airborne
They're wearing the ORANGE- IT'S TIME!!!!!!!!!
Yell louder-all VOL-Class of 72'
AceVentura writes:
When he's able to carry a beer in one hand and throw a punch with the other then he'll able to go to the games.
chad_t31 writes:
Maybe you'll be the first one he punches.
thevoice writes:
Welcome Mr. Ward. Glad to have you and keep up the good work.
jeremyinitalia writes:
Wow...that's really horrible. What a terrible comment to make.
PlaidinOrangeandWhite writes:
Can we have this guy permanently removed from this website? Maybe he can spend some time on IDIOTS.com
CHS52VOL writes:
Your post would have me believe you are a self-centered, immature, 24-carat jerk. Show a little respect...or do you not know what that means?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Where did yo get that Purple Pounder's ancient helmet Dupree had on when he came by the house today?
The back shed?
AceVentura writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Likearose writes:
Thanks CHS52VOL! I agree with you. And who wants to sit anywhere near that jerk! He obviously has no respect for others.
Have a great time rockytop_pop! You're making memories!
watchdog writes:
C'mon now, any self-respecting fan should know a game's a place for young and old. I'll see your Red Star Belgrade vid and raise you a young Feyenoord fan:
http://argville.com/images/funny-pict...
rockytop_pop writes:
My 3 yr old grandson and i will be at the game as i said earier... dont worry about us just sitting on our hands... im 46... he's 3... guaratee we'll be as loud and vocal as anybody there...and by the way ace....i promise you hes only 3 and hes already more of a vols fan than you'll ever be... some people just cant live a day without complaining or downing somebody else... we.will be there.. and hopefully we will be right beside you so we can make your day...
rockytop_pop writes:
i want to thank everyone for their support of me and my grandson... thats what TRUE FANS are like... it is sad that there are people like ace out there... enjoy the victory and the new beginning everyone
AllVol1 writes:
I attended my first home game when I was about 5 years old, now I am 37. I will never forget the absolute awe I felt seeing the whole stadium full of fans--and that was before they had finished the entire upper deck loop. It fills my heart with gladness to know that each week there are more young girls and boys attending their first UT games. Those are indelible memories that keep The Big Orange in their hearts for life. They grow up to be Volunteer faithful. And yeah, sometimes kids whine, sometimes they cry, sometimes they laugh, and sometimes they cheer. Thing is, "ACE", I can more easily tolerate a child whining than listen to you do it. I hope you are just being a brash young kid and you can actually see through that stuff to develop some tolerance and appreciation of those little Vol fans of the future and even those older Vol fans who may just be seeing their last UT games. Go Vols!
marinevol writes:
I hope everyone has a great time at the game, especially you and your grandson. Wish I could be there--maybe next year. I'll certainly be checking on the score every chance I get.
rockytop_pop writes:
Thank You from both of us!
smyrnavol writes:
Where are you located? hope you ain't so far away you can't watch it on the tube. By the way, i hope me and my son get to sit next to ROCKYTOP_POP and GRANDSON come gametime! I'm so fired up! It is football time in TENNESSEE! GO VOLS!!!
chrisw2967 writes:
azzventura , when did the university put your dumbazz in charge of who should be allowed and not allowed ? you probably never even been to a game,you watch the highlights on your local sports and thats probably as close as you ever been to neyland.
oh, and being dropped off at the stadium with no money by your parents doesnt count neither.
VolNWA writes:
Please. I think that is special. Why can't kids show up? Besides, he might be a future Vol anyways!
belayvol writes:
About the time you opened your mouth. Keep your drunk, punch throwing rear in a bar before somebody makes a mudhole out of you and your PBR. You want to act like a gator fan? Get your pee cup and wander South.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
what a real loser. your son will be the next Columbine dud with someone like you raising him.
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