KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Montario Hardesty had only two yards to rush to help Tennessee to a dramatic come-from-behind win over UCLA.
The senior made it only a yard Saturday and with that the Vols appeared to take a major step backward.
"I'd like to think any time you have two plays, you should be able to run the ball with the mentality we'd like to have and we would score," Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin said. "That was very discouraging to see. You'd like to think when you have 1-yard to go to win the game that we'd be able to do it."
Tennessee couldn't do it last year, losing to the Bruins in overtime. That loss sent the Vols into a tailspin that they couldn't overcome, and they finished the season 5-7 and searching for a new coach.
Kiffin took the job and appeared to have set Tennessee straight with a physical fall camp and a 63-7 win in the opener against Western Kentucky.
But with a game in Gainesville against No. 1 Florida looming, the Vols (1-1) have a lot of work to do. That starts with each player taking a look at himself, safety Eric Berry said.
"We might do some soul searching," the team captain said. "We don't need to do any finger pointing. We're not going to do any finger pointing. I'm not going to allow it."
Kiffin forced the Vols to compete for playing time. He awarded the starting quarterback job to senior Jonathan Crompton, who had his own share of problems in 2008.
On Saturday, Crompton again found himself at the heart of Tennessee's struggles.
After Hardesty was stopped, Tennessee got a safety when Dennis Rogan sacked Kevin Prince and the ball back in the offense's hands. Crompton couldn't do anything with the last-minute opportunity, taking a sack and throwing three incomplete passes — one of which nearly turned into his fourth interception of the game.
Crompton, who completed 13 of 26 passes for 93 yards, threw interceptions on back-to-back drives.
Still, Kiffin never considered pulling Crompton in favor of Nick Stephens — he's pledged to not shuffle quarterbacks in the middle of games. He also wouldn't let Crompton shoulder the blame.
"Maybe we played some players who hadn't practiced enough because of injuries," Kiffin said. "We were hoping because they were veteran guys they would go make plays. That really makes Jonathan suffer."
To be fair, it wasn't just Crompton who struggled. Center Cody Sullins initiated a snap too early, and Crompton fumbled at the Tennessee 36. UCLA recovered, and a few plays later, Prince found Chane Moline in the end zone on a 12-yard pass, tying the score at 10 with 7:09 before halftime.
But it's mistakes like that that Tennessee cannot afford to commit against a team like the Gators (2-0) next Saturday.
"We would have liked to go into (Southeastern Conference) play 2-0, but this is something we have to learn from," Kiffin said. "We have to learn to stay together and rally after a loss to get ready for SEC play."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 38
Wilsonctyvol writes:
I agree no more nay-saying. But if we are learning from mistakes, then why does Crompton keep making the same ones.......I will support UT until they bury me 6' under - but don't ask me to keep supporting a QB that should never have been there in the first place. And NO, I was not doing back flips when Crompton was throwing 5 touchdowns yadda yadda yadda against WKU. I was ecstactic for our running game and our Receivers who could actually get their hands on the bounce passes Crompton keeps throwing.
RespectTradition writes:
The Vols are a team. They win as a team, they lose as a team.
Each member of the team has a part to play. The guys on the field have theirs. Those of us in the stands have ours.
Theirs is to play. Ours is to support them.
Be a part of the team, or ... ?
Go Vols! All of them!
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
With Crompton under center, Florida will hang 50 on us. Not because of a lack of effort defensively- the defense is stout. They'll just be on the field for so long they'll get gassed. Charlie Strong is waiting. Trust me-he's waiting for his chance to dial one up against the Vols offense. Here's hoping that the QB competition opens up in a big way this week and Crompton winds up mixing Powerade over near the big fans...
spvol writes:
As long as we are a one-dimensional team (no pass threat), any defensive coordinator can stick eight in the box and shut us down. It doesn't take a Charlie Strong.
Grantham_Vol writes:
A right toss sweep and its six points. Why he chose to run to the short side of the field is beyond me. Play calling could've been better. Like Crompton or not they're going with him and if Kiff can call the right game we can win with Chad Cunningham under center. I dont think we should expect much from either of our QB's. Our O-line is not good enough. The recievers aren't getting open. Again play calling makes a world of difference. Short routs by the recievers make for quick, easy completions and take a lot of the pressure off the O-line. Cromton is no Peyton but he is serviceable. He has a good arm and can make any throw on the field. He's just a headcase. Once he's rattled its over.
volzcrushm writes:
I'm praying for a passing game...otherwise, UF will have too much fun. Go Vols!
tennrich1 writes:
I'm not sure which Stephens you were watching last year but he struggled just like Crompton...Obviously Crompton hasnt performed well but it ALL starts up front...no pass blocking at all... and we wont be much better in the passing game until we are able to sustain blocks on 5 or 6 from the box...we dont have the NFLers we had in the 90's....we'll need some to achieve the level we want to be at....dont care if Joe Montana in his prime is our qb...
rickytopvol writes:
I agree you have got to give Stevens a shot, but if he stinks it up, then you have to give Lamaison a shot. And if Lamaison stinks it up, have open tryout. Or we can just stink and not do anything about it. QB,RB, WR, OL, etc. if a player isn't getting it done try somebody else, that's all I'm asking
newtonrail writes:
Booing and your insidious name calling solve nothing. And with the heavy front loaded buyout Hammy gave Kiffin, Kiffin isn't going anywhere. Probably Coleman should have been starting, but apparently Crompton looks better in practice. Kiffin should have held on to Taj Boyd before getting three years of Lamaison, who will never play a down at Tennessee. In this economic climate when you can't sell out UCLA, coaches aren't going anywhere. I'll admit I was wishing Johnny could put the headset back on over on the sideline.
volwest writes:
mindless insanity
chrisw2967 writes:
I dont blame the OL on cromptons ints. he was looking the recvs. down from the snap to the throw and his throws were right on target with the DBs.missing wide open recv. 20 yds down field and missing the tight end in the end zone wide open and throws to a recv. with 3 men on him.this is a 5th idiot we have as a QB.
UTByrd writes:
CK needs to throw his "scripted plays" away. Why did we go away from the running game. We've got 4 great backs and they were abandoned for a passing game that wasn't there. Frankly, I think the offensive play calling is what cost us this game...not Crompton or any other player.
tensie2004 writes:
Our best quarterback choice is now at ut chattanooga because he felt he was not getting a fair chance to compete of this qb position. I bet he was laughing yesterday at our problems and I don't see a solution to it this year. I don't know but maybe Crompton is a great practice player but goes snow blind when we put him in the game.
Go Vols
SoFlaVol writes:
You don't actually think we can run the ball on every down and succeed do you? It was the passing game that was abandoned for the run which allowed UCLA to stack the box and shut down our running game at the end. If we don't have both, a balanced attack, then we will lose 7-9 games this year.
We were minus three in turnovers and Crompton was involved in allfour turnovers. That's what lost the game so how can you not put the blame there? The same play that resulted in an eleven yard TD run from Hardesty early on was executed well before UCLA started stacking the box to stop the run. That same play didn't work after the passing game was abandoned and UCLA focused on stopping the run.
oldsmokey67 writes:
Until we get a Quarterback that has confidence,swagger,and leadership skills that will take command of a huddle we are in for a long season.We can only hope that Tyler Bray has those Qualities.I don't have a problem with the defense they were put in bad situations all day and keep the game close for us.Just my opinion GO VOLS!!!!!!!!
SoFlaVol writes:
True. I see more swagger in Nick Stevens than in Jonathon Crompton. Crompton hanging his head on the bench spoke volumes about his swagger yesterday. Let's hope Bray's commitment holds.
JWilly writes:
I am not yet convinced that CLK is going to save us, but one thing is for absolute certain...I, for one, do not want Phil back under ANY circumstances.
VOLFAN5307 writes:
I pray that you are trying to get a laugh out of everybody on here?! There is no way that Fulmer would even be at this point right now. He would have probably lost to WKU last week. Not to mention we probably wouldnt have the players here that we do now and we most definitely wouldnt have the recruits coming in for next years class. Oh, and look at Chavis's LSU defense...not doing so hot is it? Lane brought in Monte and Orgeron. Who did Fulmer bring in? Clawson and the clawfense is what his answer was to all the woes we were having. So before you let your thoughts type themselves on this site again, please stop them so you wont look so remedial to the rest of us who know what were talking about.
bigtimevol writes:
Ok, so here's how next week will go. Crompton will start, unless Stephens gets all first team snaps this week in practice. He will be on a short leash, and unless he performs more like WKU, he'll get pulled. At that point, after getting drilled by FL, it will be time to get Stephens ready to win as many as we can this year, and ready to compete with Bray for next year.
bigtimevol writes:
Also, Kiffin's got to find a way not to have 8 in the box. I'd expect alot of one back sets with WR's spread out, so hopefully we can create some running lanes. Need to throw deep at least a few times to keep them honest. Everyone says that is Crompton's strength, yet we didn't do it once Sat. Also, need some screens or slants to get the ball in Teague's and Reeses' hands. Also, not enough play action to TE on Sat. Bootleg on the goaline would have been nice vs ucla.
GREATVOLSAFIRE writes:
I'll be 53 in Oct. and Crompton is the worst QB I can remember! Give Nick S a chance what can we lose? GO VOLS!!!!
ellerbee123 writes:
Fulmer left the stable bear DA. THINK, THINK, THINK if you are capable.
ellerbee123 writes:
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!1
KINGKONG writes:
I APPRECIATE SOME OF THESE POSITIVE POSTS.WE ARE REBUILDING THERE ARE GOING TO BE SOME BUMPS ALONG THE WAY.
SIMSVOL writes:
Get lost all you naysayers - patience??!!
You call two games patience. Guess you need to get lost Vols Rock 54 - until the Vols start winning. Typical bandwagon fan. Kiffin is our man for the long haul - book it.
bjpatter writes:
Random thoughts after 24 hours of heart/gut wrenching soul-searching:
1. CLK: You have been quoted as saying that everyone must learn and grow from the UCLA loss. What have you, as our new/exciting/creative/innovative/motivational coach learned from this experience?
2. CLK: You promised the team that only the BEST competitive players would see playing time. Are you going to break that promise by keeping JC in as quarterback, thereby negating your promise and simultaneously losing your respect/credibility/WORD with your TEAM and VOL NATION?
3. CLK: It is perfectly permissible to make a mistake, but it is totally unacceptable to duplicate that mistake.Humbleness and humility go a long way to impressionable young men and older people alike. Marketing and BS are transparent, even to youth. DO NOT allow this game to define you in a negative light. The players deserve better, and so do the fans.
4. CLK: I am on the Lane Train, but the ENGINEER from yesterday created doubt/agitation/frustration for his team which they did not deserve! All of your TEAM must be on that train, or it will derail!! Please do not tell the fans that the finger-pointing started and then miraculously stopped. The players are more intelligent than you give them credit for. For the media and the sake of future playing time, the players will
spout what YOU WANT TO HEAR, not how they are really feeling.
5. CLK: You have a young group of pups who have bought into YOU and YOUR PROGRAM. They, along with your fan base, are still on the Lane Train. Which ENGINEER will lead the Train on Sept. 19?
Coach JUDY
steelersman42 writes:
Whether you believe you can, or believe you can't, you're right, GO VOLS!!!
flashbone writes:
how about this for a positive post. we got 3 4star commitments today. rivals has us ranked as the #3 recruiting class in the nation and #1 in the sec. by the way, we arent even done yet. hold on vol fans....help is on the way. say what u want about our coaches, but they can recruit their butts off.
Chomp writes:
Last year UCLA had to go into overtime AT UCLA to win. This year they beat you at what is known to be one of the toughest venues in the nation in regulation time. You laughingly said Fulmer would not have beaten WKU, but we both know he would have.
Kiffin used the same QB that ripped the UT fans to shreds in the press last year. I'm not even sure he tried to recruit a good QB. We know Freshmen QB's can win, look at Michigan.
All of you sang John Chavis' praises just a few short years ago, now he too is a vilian and John Majors is a hero. Somehow it seems to me, an outsider, that you have things pretty screwed up. Maybe the altitude is affecting your brain and ability to process information.
Good night, I have an early tee time.
merlin0152 writes:
You've got to be kidding me...Let's be honest. It's painfully apparent looking back at history that Fulmer's best years were first and foremost a result of David Cutcliffe and secondly Chavis. Funny how the team is good when Cut is there, goes to phooey when he leaves, gets good again when he comes back, then goes to phooey again when he leaves. Fulmer was just the face of TN never the coaching brains.
On a side note, I would have liked to have seen Stephens too at some point in that UCLA game.
mcever writes:
1. He told the players at the start, he's got their backs. After the game, he took blame for all of Crompton's mishaps because he didn't put him in the "right situations." Crompton will pay for this at practice and really work his butt off to keep that job, trust me.
2. Who are you to say Stephens is better than Crompton? Kiffin has this, he chose the better QB in his opinion. This may change next week based on practice, but as he said, he won't be changing out QBs during games.
kentuckyorange writes:
I'm not so sure it was a step back unless you are judging based on the results of the Western game which doesn't give you much. If you compare to last season it was no worse in the passing game with improvements in the running game. You have to struggle at times to get better. Like it or not this is a rebuilding project and we are going to take some lumps this year and next. The coaches are getting recruits to fit their system. Be patient and give them a couple of seasons, I'm thinking 2011. The future is bright. Go Vols!!
softball writes:
I agree we need to take this one step at a time, and our coach needs to learn how to call plays as well, learning curve for everybody
anythinGOrange writes:
Wait-a-minute here! Reading through these comments made me feel like I did last year. You remember, the year we went 5-7 with a stagnant coaching crew, miserable players, and a group of fans picking on EVERY negative yard. Where did that get us as a whole? As a team? As a coaching staff? As fans?
Someone's post said we could get Phil back with a sincere apology. Isn't that like saying we could each marry our ex-wives if we didn't mind giving up EVERYTHING?!
Crompton isn't solely at fault. Yes, he threw 3 INTs. Yes, he put many'a wrenches in our spokes. BUT, we still almost won...RIGHT?
What I'm trying to say here is that we, as fans, needed WKU for a punching bag. We had to release some steam, but ask yourself this...Did I really expect them to play like that EVERY game?
Madkels writes:
He's already rattled and the team hasn't even boarded the plane to Gaynsville. (Yeah, I know how it's spelled)
Madkels writes:
Listen, get off the crack. If Fulmer hadn't let the program slip to middle of the SEC and had beaten Florida every other year, he would still be the coach. I'm sick and tired of you people living in the '90's. IF Florida didn't spank our butt's by huge margins..like they will again Sat, he's still be coach. Kiffin has 3 years to right this ship or the heat will be on him. Fulmer is gone, never to coach again. give it a rest.
Madkels writes:
What game did you watch? Kiffin did not throw the INT's and miss a wide open tight end in the endzone, right in front of him. That's why we gave up on the passing game. DUH!
Madkels writes:
Hey Wrecks,
You wrote:
"What I'm trying to say here is that we, as fans, needed WKU for a punching bag. We had to release some steam, but ask yourself this...Did I really expect them to play like that EVERY game?"
No, but I didn't expect a senior QB to play like it was his first game either.
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