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It's not often that a football team is at a crossroad in September. Yet that may well be the case for Tennessee following its 19-15 loss to UCLA on Saturday.
"This right here could make our season," UT senior defensive tackle Dan Williams said. "We can come back as a team or we can be divided. It's very important that we put this behind us."
The thing that Williams is trying to leave behind him was some finger pointing that occurred following the first loss under first-year coach Lane Kiffin.
"I saw a little bit of a mentality during the game, and I saw a little bit of it in the locker room before I talked to them that isn't what we are and isn't what we want to be," Kiffin said. "It isn't a championship mentality - a little bit of finger-pointing came out, and we have to teach them. They have to understand it's a team and you don't win that way."
Defensive end Chris Walker knows the danger is imminent.
"It's very dangerous," the junior said, knowing the Vols (1-1) are headed to defending national champion Florida next Saturday. "I've been on teams where it's happened and I really hated it when it happened.
"I don't think it's going to happen on this team. We've got too many leaders on this team. We have good kids on this team. If we sense it happening, we're going to nip it in the bud real quick because that's the quickest thing to tear a team apart."
Defensive players surely couldn't have been happy following UT's offensive performance. The Vols had four turnovers: a botched quarterback snap that center Cody Sullins took blame for and three interceptions by senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that when Crompton was at his worst, UT's defense was at its best.
"That's what the team is about," said Crompton, who had five touchdown passes in the season opener, a 63-7 win against Western Kentucky. "If we're struggling, they keep us up. If they're struggling, we keep them up. That's part of a team. They did a good job today."
UT's defense kept hope alive - often with a short field at its back.
In UCLA's drives following a UT turnover, the Vols only allowed 42 yards and 10 points. On three possessions that began in UT territory, the defense gave up only 39 yards and 10 points.
UT's defense nearly saved the game in the waning moments with a safety by defensive back Dennis Rogan. UT's defense also helped generate some points when it forced a fumble at the UCLA 18, which resulted in a touchdown.
Kiffin was pleased with his defense - to a point.
"I thought they played really well," he said. "Even at that, we still killed ourselves. … We screwed some things up by not doing things right."
Kiffin pointed to a blown pass coverage on UCLA's only touchdown as one example.
Safety Eric Berry said the Vols gave up too many third downs conversions: 3-of-14.
Most damaging, UT only recovered one of UCLA's six fumbles. One missed opportunity occurred at UCLA's goal line in the game's final moments.
"We just have to take a look at ourselves in that situation," Berry said. "Did we do everything that we could do to help this team win? You might have to do some soul searching for yourself to see.
"We don't need to do any finger pointing. We won't do that. I won't allow it."
Berry, who led the Vols with 10 tackles, said he's not frustrated that he went a second straight game without turning in one of his signature, game-changing plays. He said his efforts, albeit quiet this season, allow other Vols to make plays.
"Everyone wants to make a play but I feel like I need to play my position in this defense," said Berry, who is often lined up close to the line of scrimmage this season. "I have a role in this defense. Everyone has a role and that's what I need to focus on. Don't do anything out of the ordinary."
Walker said UT's older players have already spoken to the younger Vols about having the right attitude in tough times. Walker said UT's defense is also confident that their offensive counterparts can succeed thanks to their showings in off-season practices and the performance against Western Kentucky.
Yet it's hard for some not to think about what could happen, especially after UT's 5-7 season in 2008.
"Especially coming off the season we did last year," Williams said, "a lot of people are, I guess, just letting their frustration out."
Every player, frustrated or not, knows their challenge only gets tougher next week.
"We have a big game in Gainesville," Walker said, "so we can't dwell on this too long."
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Comments » 109
murrayvol writes:
I have something to say but it'll wait a couple of days.
1Traveler writes:
Wow. As much as this one hurts, I'm actually impressed that there is this level of candor from the team...somehow that's encouraging.
Kiffin, for better or worse, may just tell it like it is.
We'll see what he does w/ his QB situation pdq.
lomas98 writes:
Until TN gets an average at best QB, the defense will do a lot of finger pointing. I don't think our second option is that much better. I hope Bray does not change his commitment and I also hope can get another QB commit.
VolsRaysBucs writes:
I was thinking the exact same thing. The false bravado or narcicism is truly distastful. No way the staff has lost the team, but I suspect Crompton has lost the team.
Joevolsxtra writes:
How did Fulmer let the cupboard get this bare? I'm so glad he's gone. I only wish he'd have taken his mini-me QB with him. This kid is terrible and he knows it. He's too cocky to ask to be pulled out. He's already been the demise of one coach. KIFFIN BETTER YANK HIM BEFORE HE BRINGS HIM DOWN TOO!!!!!WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!
firemancooper writes:
It is no longer a fumble or an interception. It is now referred to a "Crompton" The vols threw 4 Cromptons tonight, the QB Cromptoned a snap between himself and the center. Also UT defense only recovered one of the six UCLA Cromptons. Defense has to jump on that loose ball and take advantage of the Cromptons. I am afraid UT will throw 5 or 6 Cromptons @ UF and the defense held things up last year, those guys are mentally and physically tired after several 3 and outs and 4 Cromptons
TennRadioGeek writes:
That's it. Blame Fulmer this year and then again the next two years. Maybe four.....
Fess up. PIFFIN is no coach. HE CHOSE KROMPTON as his QB.
Last weeks win wasn't due to Fat Phil. THIS weeks LOSS isn't either.
KIFFIN is a JOKE as you said.
and
FIRE MIKE HAMILTON the cause of this mess.
roobomb writes:
"If we're struggling, they keep us up. If they're struggling, we keep them up. That's part of a team. They did a good job today."
When has this offense ever "kept up" a struggling defense? Have I missed some games in the last year? The only thing I see them doing is constantly putting our defense on the field with their backs against the wall.
lomas98 writes:
For 2 completely different coaching staffs to choose Crompton proves how bad the alternative is.
DennisVols writes:
If you did not think this kind of game was going to happen this year you where either lying to you yorself or had your head in the sand.
The fact is Kiffin took over a very bad UT football team. One that for the last decade has come up short every year since the NC in '98 just like the 4th down play on the 1 yard line today.
It wasn't just Crompton and the 3 INT's, it was poor blocking by the O line, receivers not only dropping passes but Jones wasn't even in the same timezone on a couple of his routes.
The defense did play good but they did not play great. Too many missed tackles, reminded me of the last decade, on key downs.
Crompton, for all his problems, is the result of too many OC's, poor coaching development, and the damage from last years fallout. I don't know if anyone can correct all the issues that have been built into him following the past 4 years.
This team is a long ways from being good let alone great.
We all got too hyped up following last weeks blowout win against a team we should have blown out by even more than we did.
This team is not short on base talent but the cubbored is bare on the sidelines. In other words no replacements with experience or the skills necessary to spell the starters.
I did see a team that did not quit trying today which is an improvement over the past few years. I also saw a team that dispreately needs a couple more good recruitng classes before it will look anything like the team we long to see.
Many have already 2nd guessed the 4th down call in the 4th qtr. I say if we don't play the 2nd & 3rd qtrs like we did then we don't need to make that play anyways.
This game was a result of a team needing to play too many freshmen, lack of depth on the O line, and 10 years of decay that cannot be changed in Kiffin's first 10 months.
This was going to happen this year and maybe it happening now instead of later will be a good thing. It looked like the team did not take UCLA as seriously as they should. Maybe they read too many of their own praises from last week game in the papaer or on blogs.
Crompton did not lose this game, the team lost it. There was too many mistakes to blame just one man.
We can hope they learned from their mistakes this go around and time will tell.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
olozbal#646632 writes:
I blame Crompton like the rest of the world should. He sucks, and he fooled Kiffin into believing in him. He's a cancer, I hope we move on and punt this guy to the curb.
Our defense played more than enough football today to win the game. NOBODY should win with 4 INT's.
schymtz writes:
Major's is back. He was still blaming Battle five or six years later. Everthing will be Phil's fault for the next season or two.
jsm67vol writes:
It will be interesting to see what Kiffin does in the swamp if JC makes some more poor decisions about where to throw. If those ints were thrown to our most open receiver, then we are in trouble because our receivers have to get more separation than that. JC really seemed to stare down his primary when pressure was on. I agree strongly that they can't dwell on this one. Time to pull together for a fight with #1.
wayoutwill writes:
How can this guy call himself a gutsy decision making headcoach when he allows a Q.B. to stay in the game when it was very clear to every single member of my friends(myself included);that Crompton should have been replaced at halftime!The guy is pitiful;he will continue to ruin any chance we have of winning as long as they let him start;I say we won't make .500 this year without taking him out and never letting him back on the field again!
stormblast writes:
To point any finger at the defense is obviously the words of an idiot. Like last year, the defense made the games as close as they were. Like last year, the defense put us in position to win games that our offense lost for us (UCLA, Auburn, Wyoming).
Like last year it's the same old reason we lose - not staying with the run game, poor coaching moves, not substitutions - especially in the quarterback. Like last year, Crompton.
Like last year - this year.
VOLKING writes:
O-line and quarterback play cost us. Don't get too down because we are playing with last year's players and freshmen. Give him time to get some linemen and a QB. I think we are headed in the right direction, but it would be wishful thinking to expect too much too soon. Defense is in pretty good shape. 7-5 this year....hopefully. GO VOLS!!
lomas98 writes:
Not staying with the run game? What game were you watching. Almost twice as many runs as passes and 4 straight runs inside the 10 yard line with the game on the line. They just couldn't get it done and Kiffin did not trust the game in Crompton's hands.
MOVOL314 writes:
I agree. I have been readingg this blog for a few years and this game was so bad I felt like I had to respond. I am totally embarassed. I live in St Louis and all I here around here is big 12 and big 10. The vols were not just bad they were pethetic.
stormblast writes:
I watched the game where Crompton threw two interceptions on consecutive drives & three for the game. You must have been watching the other one.
They abandoned the run at the wrong time. Crompton showed his ability to be Crompton. Then when they went back to the run, it was too late. If they had stayed with it in the late second & third quarters, then maybe they wouldn't have lost to yet another subpar team.
bigtimevol writes:
First, after a horrible display of O-line and qb play, and lack of receiver play making or getting open, contrary to the former staff, I would expect a punitive practice on Monday. This team is good enough to at least hang in there with most teams, when they execute without mistakes. We are no where good enough to make mistakes and hope to win. We didn't throw the deep ball once.
Chomp writes:
The blame game. It's all Fulmer's fault. You're forgetting a few things. UCLA beat you worse this year than they did under Fulmer. They beat you on your own turf. I remember Kiffin telling his players that when the opposing team arrived at Neyland they would not leave until the Vols opened the gate.
No, this was not Fulmer's fault. All the rest of the SEC has heard is how great your freshmen were and how Kiffin had assembled the very best coaching staff in the nation. The Vols were going to be the way to the NFL.
Al Davis, are you laughing?
Come on UT fans, put the blame where the blame belongs ... Lane Kiffin!
bigpapa writes:
O.k., here we go. This needs to be said, but no one is going to like it. I am more ashamed of our fans than our team. I have been attending UT games for decades and every year the collective IQ of many UT fans continues to spiral downward, and that is before you factor in the alcohol induced stupidity which runs ramant throughout the stadium. The first missed pass today brought out some idiot screaming, "You suck. Put in Stephens!" I tell you what, if you think Crompton sucks then go do his job you morons. I don't see any critics knocking down Kiffin's door to offer their outstanding quarterback talents.
After the game, some bimbo who was probably swimming in Jim Beam, yelled out, "How can you be that bad if you have been doing this for two years. How hard can it be to throw a pass?" I replied, "If its that easy, go do it. Here is a football, show me what you can do." As expected, she huffed and puffed and stuck her nose in the air (I still don't know if she can throw).
As always, most UT fans overreact to wins and then the next week overreact to loses. How about trying to enjoy the experience, take the wins and loses as they come, and quit proving my point that UT should require a minimum intelligence level before allowing people to attend games. No, not all fans are like this, but the numbers are quickly growing.
Those of us who can watch a game from a player's and coach's point of view, are outnumbered and are growing more frustrated with the "everytime I open my mouth, I prove how little I know" fans. I asked a fan who always wears a radio headset if he does so because he enjoys the Vol Network broadcasts. He replied, "No, but have you heard some of the idiots who are about seven rows back? I wear the headsets so I don't have to be subjected to their mindless comments." Well said sir.
drgoofy#432342 writes:
Speaking of blame...I blame CLK for rejecting Trevor Pryor. Dang, he's good enough to start for OSU as a freshman!
wtvol writes:
Amen!
thomaseusin#345352 writes:
Thankfully after today, the bar has been set to a realistic level. Try to keep it close next week guys!
And keep the finger pointers on the sidelines. We have enough of those around - see Govolsxtra comments section.
Go Vols!
1Traveler writes:
Agreed - 100%
tek3388 writes:
I really hope you're joking.
TERRELLE Pryor is a Sophomore for OSU so he was never recruited by CLK.
flashbone writes:
shouldnt you be on a gator board celebrating your win over that powerhouse troy???
VolWoman writes:
Huh? Do you mean sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor?
richvol writes:
Kiffin and Crompton lost this game any way you cut it. When the coach is too stubborn to realize that Crompton was a bad choice then the blame has to lay at his feet. Crompton does the best he can I'm sure but he is just not a good GAME QB. He may have the physical skill in practice but that is wholly different from high level competition in a game. When he came out and threw another interception first thing to start the second half I could not believe Kiffin didn't pull him. It's no surprise to me now why B J Coleman quit the team...I hate to say it but Crompton is the worst QB I have ever seen play for UT in 54 years of being a fan. GOD bless him he tries but...
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
While I agree with you that UT fans are showing a lack of class with their impatience, I have to disagree with the idea that only those with superior quarterbacking skills have a right to criticize the play of Crompton. I would bet that maybe one person out of the 102,000 in attendance at the game could have put in a better qb performance than Crompton...but then, 101,999 fans didn't show up to see Tennessee play the second best quarterback in the stadium. It was plainly apparent that Crompton was making bad decisions throwing into coverage, that he unnecessarily stared down his intended receivers, and that he flustered under pressure, over/under throwing his receivers. I think that the Jim Beam girl's question "how can you be that bad if you've been doing this for two years" is a valid one. UT Athletic has spent a great deal of time and money in Crompton's development as a QB and he has very little to show for it. As for you watching from a "player's or coach's point of view," what does that mean exactly? Does that mean that you are able to watch a mediocre performance from athletes who have millions of dollars invested in their development and feel that everyone else should just shut up? If I owned $62 worth of stock in a corporation and the corporation made bad financial decisions... no one would question my right to criticize management. But if I buy a $62 ticket to a UT football game where the team performs poorly, then I should just be quiet unless I could do a better job at QB? I don't know how much of a player's or coach's point of view you need to understand that the team let themselves and their fans down today, but my non-player/coach's a** only needs to look at the score.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
I gotta agree, for some reason Crompton just isn't "wired" to be a QB. He has all of the physical attributes and he understands the academics of the game, but during the game he seems to break down. I guess that's what the sports writers call "intangibles."
beatfla2009 writes:
the fans are the joke for the vols as they are mostley made up of alcoholics,lol and they are the one's that are always pointing a finger i am just curious once you sober up and maybe watch the replay do you ever see what really took place and why the vols really lost, i can tell you why but why bother nobody cares about the truth on this site they just like to point pointless fingers
beatfla2009 writes:
and since it is early in the a.m. maybe the ? police are sleeping as they will not let me post this ? who hired dave clawson fulmer or hamilton
beatfla2009 writes:
i praise you for wasting your time on your blog as it is the closest one to the truth that i have seen but people on this site do not want to hear the truth they are to cheap to go to therapy so they do their venting online cutting down the coches, players and even sometimes each other just so they can make theirselves fell better for a lttle, good post so i challenge you to look hard one more time and see what you may have left out, and go vols beat florida.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
I wish the staff would go back, look at the last 14 games, and realize that Crompton CANNOT GET THE JOB DONE in game situations! Pressure bust pipes and Crompton has a faulty fitting. He may be the greatest PRACTICE QB on the planet, but the guy sucks when the cameras come on. After WKU, I had hope that Crompton may have turned a corner with the new staff, but it looks like that was just a product of how horrible WKU is. It is time to start Stephens and stick with him. I don't care if he struggles. He can't be worse than Crompton and he will need the experience next year when he will have to be the one to lead the team.
al2476 writes:
This is the most ridiculous quarterbacking exibition I have ever seen. If he starts one more game somebody needs their head checked. He is hurting the whole team and it is getting embaracing for fans to watch this offensive mess from him. Put him on the bench and forget him.
OldNumber7 writes:
Emotional: should have benched Crompton and never looked back.
Rational: ..and put who in? Better to run plays that compliment Crompton's abilities. Granted, Crompton missed more wide open orange jerseys yesterday than I could count....hmm...bench'em.
98reax writes:
When does hoop season start???????
KonaVol writes:
Amen sir and well stated.....
BuckFama writes:
Fair assessment, Chomp.
tennrich1 writes:
We ALL seem to forget those offensive lines we had in the 90's that had folks who played on Sundays in the league ....until we get some of those folks in there we arent going to be very productive on offense..lets remember we have a couple of walk-on's starting....it ALL starts right there...always has...alway will...
BuckFama writes:
Well-stated, bigpapa. Thank you.
The fritterati are morons.
CarolinaVolunteer writes:
When, exactly, has the offense ever kept the defense up when Crompton was at the helm? He makes it sound like our offense has had to come in and pick up the defense with him at QB. I know it is a team sport, bu a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I will not say I want Stephens or Fulmer or any of the old back. I believe we recruited poorly the last few years and it is going to take time to correct that.
bigpapa writes:
No youngster, go ahead and say your peace, but I love how quickly everyone jumps to the conclusion that the second string QB is always better. I'm not defending Crompton, but I do have faith that our coaches will make the right decision for reasons that are not clear to me - its called trust.
By the way, have you been to meetings and practices to find evidence in support of your theory that Stephens is the better QB? I doubt it. But you can probably just look at a few plays and tell Stephens is better. Wow, you have a very insightful football mind. I wonder why you are in the stands and not on the sidelines.
Back to the bimbo. I would have guessed her to be at least a junior. I should have asked since she has been in college for two years, is she making all A's. You know, anything thing you do for two years is supposed to become very easy. By that assumption, there would be no need for minor league baseball. Once a hitter plays for two years, he should be able to have a batting average of at least .450. Right? I would also assume that after drinking alcohol for two years, one could very easily do it without looking like a complete bafoon. Eric Berry has been playing for two years and he doesn't even have the NCAA career interception return yards record. Maybe we should bench his underperforming butt because playing safety should be very easy now and if its so easy, why doesn't he hold all the NCAA records and make every tackle for a loss?
I'm not saying you can't complain. Speak your mind, but please do so in a way that shows you have some understanding of the game as well as what it takes to coach and play. To reply to your last heated comment, I wish more of us would do more than just look at the score. That is exactly my point - before lobbing insults at the team and coaches (and into the ears of those around you) please analyze more than just the score. You made my point for me.
kd45music writes:
And you think last year was a downer....? Crompton should have gone to Lamar Tech, Georgia Southern, or Left Armpit U, somewhere, anywhere but the SEC. Don't fault the kid, but let's face it, he's not major college caliber. And Kiffin? This guy's a joke as a head coach. He'll run this program into the ground and have us all yearning for the return of the "Great Pumpkin." He's a punk, as my dentist calls him. Don't be surprised to see some transfers after this joke of a season. There were really good coaches out there and look what Hamilton picked. While cleaning house last year, he should have gotten the broom, too. Look at the rest of the schedule and circle the win. How's a two-win season sound to you? Next week's game could reach triple digits and Alabama could put the entire football program out of commission. Bryce Brown, leave while you can, Eric Berry, how's a first round draft pick sound to you after this debacle? The program is headed in the wrong direction.
tenneesseeman62 writes:
CLK wasn't even the coach when Pryor came out.this post just goes to show how STUPID you as a vol fan are.go root for some other team.
we the vol fans doesn't need idoits like you makeing comments about our coach and team.
DaveVol writes:
My guess is that FL will be Crompton's last start...unless we win (doubtful). We simply must have a QB that can make some plays. I haven't seen anything any Crompton that leads me to believe that he can. He has all of the physical tools, but something is missing. I don't know if Stephens is the answer. If not we will struggle until this position is filled.
DaveVol writes:
agree
asleep#212036 writes:
One thing I did see yesterday that was encouraging was the effort from start to finish. I think most of our past few teams would have quit at 19-10. Also, the commentators mentioned several times that Crompton was throwing to a spot and our receivers didn't get there or ran the wrong route. Not excusing Jonathon, but that really isn't his fault. The interceptions however...Stephens must look really bad in practice not to get a shot but Kiffin says he won't shuffle QB's during a game. Not sure I understand why but he's the coach. If the QB play doesn't pick up considerably, another disappointing season looks to be coming up fast. The Auburn and South Carolina games don't look so promising any more. Go Vols!!!
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