Tennessee sent out a center who couldn't snap in practice.
On his left was a guard who spent time on the sideline in a walking boot and on the right was another who injured his ankle in the first half against UCLA.
The injuries were lined up in the heart of the UT offensive line in front of a surefire pro on the other side of the ball, and the Vols were nearly helpless to slow him down - and that was just one star.
UT really isn't much healthier up front now, but it could use some rapid healing with about 10 more NFL prospects looming Saturday at No. 1 Florida (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.).
"It's a big concern," Vols coach Lane Kiffin said. "We're going to push our guys through practice and find out who can make it and not wait until Saturday to find out, but we're pretty banged up there.
"As you guys have known, we're not very deep up there and there are not a lot of answers to go to. We've got to get better with what we have."
At the moment, the Vols can't be entirely sure what exactly they do have heading to The Swamp.
Center Cody Sullins was limited last week in practice, then took a pregame shot and played through the pain of a hand injury. Left guard Vladimir Richard was held out of nearly every drill to protect his aching Achilles' tendon, though he also tried to play before giving way to Cory Sullins.
Throw in Jacques McClendon's early ankle sprain and all the defenders packed at the line of scrimmage to stop the run and it wasn't much of a surprise the Vols couldn't get the critical yards it needed or protect the quarterback. UT obviously needs its starters at full speed against a far more talented Florida defense, but it might have to use them even if they aren't.
"There's not a lot of options," Kiffin said. "The other Sullins (Cory) is there and he played late in the game for us after Vlad just couldn't go anymore. Cody Pope is in there as well, but there aren't a lot of answers to go to. We've just got to continue to work with what he have.
"We were tired up front (late in the game), and a championship team understands drives like that are going to happen and you have to win them."
The Vols were at least able to sustain their second-half drives, even if they didn't finish them the way they wanted.
On consecutive possessions UT ran 30 plays, controlled the ball for more than 14 minutes and gained 122 yards despite its well-documented struggles in the passing game - a product of the gritty performance by the offensive line. But the first drive only yielded a field goal, and the second ended near the goal line after the Vols couldn't get 3 yards with two chances on the ground.
"You do take it personal," Cody Sullins said. "It's a pride thing, and we're disappointed. We should have put the ball in the end zone right there, and it's a tough one to swallow.
"I think we all communicated well out there, we all played well and I don't think there was any confusion for us. It was just one of those things when you're battling injuries you have to work your butt off in the training room to get back, and I think everything was calm out there on the field and there wasn't any confusion on our part. We did our job and I think executed pretty well."
Their job is only going to get more difficult, and the Vols will have to execute even better against the Gators.
It would clearly help if they could get everybody between the tackles healthy.
"All three guys were banged up inside and that showed during the game," Kiffin said. " . . . The offensive line played fabulous in the first game - second game, we did not play very well up front.
"I said the best position group the first week was the offensive line. (Last) week it was the worst position group."
Now UT just has to figure out who exactly will be in that group this week.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
UT vs UT Martin, Sept. 4, 2010
Charlie Daniel draws Tennesse…
Allison Dooley and her kids i…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 53
NoSirRee writes:
The OL is the only concern I still have concerning our recruiting. Anyone heard anything good?
AceVentura writes:
7-5 or 6-6 and I will consider it a good 1st year for Kiff. Can't turn a 5-7 team into champs. Florida will beat up, I don't think they'll just murk us like everyone else. In three years we can be back to where we were till then we are rebuilding while Florida is just reloading every year.
tennezz writes:
If we don`t get some OL commits it will be worse next year!
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
I tell you what.
You show up and give your all for Tennessee this week and I'll just say "Thank you, scarew Florida, scarew ESPN, scarew the score,scarew the trolls, and mostly scarew the fake fans who could care less about you, your effort,or your pain as long as they don't have to face a Florida fan at the water cooler on Monday."
always4davols writes:
Sometimes the best life has to offer comes in the mist of a tough situation. I hear the sounds of a team with heart and pride. It is our job as UT FANS to hold up our team when they need us the most. Make some noise and let the the BIG ORANGE BLOOD in our hearts to be heard saturday. If we can piss and moan about a UCLA loss, We can and must be able to let our PRIDE BE HEARD.
MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!!! AND
ITS A GREAT DAY TO BE A TENNESSE VOL....
Volnupstate writes:
Agreed! We'd better get James Stone, T.J. Leifheit, and O.C Brown.
utvol2485 writes:
Well said, Amen!, and all the rest of that stuff. You hit the nail on the head. Great post.
GO VOLS!!!
always4davols writes:
how about Nick Lamaison is he up and running with the program yet?????????
volfanforlife writes:
I fully agree you can have the best qb, and backfield in the country and a banged up oline and ur in trouble! It all starts up front with the big uglyes, i thimk Leifheit will be in orange next year we have to address our depth on the oline in this class!!!
bloodrunsorange writes:
IMO any 3 - 4 of these would do the trick. Damien Robinson (5, MS), Chaz Green (4, FL), JaWuan James (4, GA), T.J. Leifheit (4, NC), James Stone (4, TN), John Cullen (JC3, CA), Chuckie Curry (JC3, MS), Dalvin Glass (3, TX), or Arie Kouandjio (3, MD).
rich182x writes:
We need the 3 James'!!
Matt James OT #11
Juwaun James OT #12
James stone OT #14
Let's put that on the Rock and get'em Kiffin!!! Go Vols
Volnauburn writes:
Well I had high expectations after the WKU game, as I'm sure many of you did. However, after UCLA they were drastically reduced but not totally absent. I thought for sure a 9-3 season wasn't out of the question and now I'm content with a .500 season and a bowl game. It's an improvement over last year which shows we'll be heading in the right direction. Another 2-3 years and we'll be competing for chamionships again! Can't wait Go Vols!!
jandrew5 writes:
Stop blaming the o-line....there is one thing wrong with this team and that is crompton every person in the state of tennessee knows it...i would be pissed if i was on the line and got any flack for losses that should be blamed on mr. 4 picks crompton....dont blame the big boys, they are blocking for the worste collegiate QB in decades..
vol1 writes:
It scares me that we're this banged up after two weeks into the season....doesn't this usually happen in mid to late October?
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Usually happens to me between the bathroom and the coffee pot.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
A lot of truth in your post.
I guess hope springs eternal because I will try to will them on Sat afternoon.
He may not be the worst collegian in the NCAA but one thing is for sure.
He will be playing at the home of the worst and most classless fans in history.
Book it Danno!
jobrando#216494 writes:
Got some more bad news> Fat Phil the doughnut king will be the CBS analyst for the game Saturday. This is one game I wish I was attending instead of on CBS listening to Phil correct Kif's play calling and bashing the team.
CRFVols writes:
Banged up O-line that's not deep....already after the second game of the season?? This doesn't help my already dwindling motivation of pulling one out Saturday and having a decent season.
volfanNPa writes:
when you have some depth you rotate players. we do not. our starting linemen are playing the whole game so they are going to get bangs and bumps. Dont give up on these boys yet they are playing as hard as I have seen a Tennessee team play in years.
xvolx writes:
Even if they were healthy, they can't block.
SmokeyBallStank writes:
Wow great take very insightful.
tennman65 writes:
I'm with you brother. Vol to the death. I'm in this thing for the long haul. All the other fair-weather cry babies on this site can cruise on down to the marital aide shop, buy a toy and F themselves. GBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TommyJack writes:
You're kidding, right? Will Vickie be roaming the sidelines with a microphone?
UrbanCryer writes:
to all the foolmore lovers. look at the shape he left this team in. NO QB's. NO O-LINE(from a former lineman at that). NO DT's. and NO LB's
thanks coach, now go trash kiffin on cbs this weekend. 1 other thing, get behind this team, leave the new staff and players alone. if youre not behind this team UT doesnt want/need ya. go be a UF fan turncoats.
VolFanInAtl writes:
Sooo, on a more constructive note...
We can get more help in the middle from (FB) Cooper. We can also run the tackles toward the middle in trap plays. Ends can trap too, and our ends are pretty good blockers.
Trap plays baby, go Vols!
dvsvol writes:
I would think any REAL VOL fans would support the kids who are working as hard as they can with as little backup as we have against teams with superior depth. I for one will not read these comments anymore - they sicken me. I only came here for WITCH DOCTOR's comments anyway... You fair-weather "fans" embarrass those of us who will support our beloved VOLS thru bad times as well as the good times, which by the way, are on the way. I'm sure you'll be back on the bandwagon when times are good. I only hope potential recruits don't see your "comments". The negativity is just tooooooo much!
chargervol writes:
Good point! You have to look no further than Oklahoma to see what a solid OL means to an offense. Last year, they probably had the best OL in college football. This year they have a bunch of new guys on their line, and, they just about got Bradford killed. That was against BYU, not SEC defenses. I new the sooners were overrated with all the new OL's. Their defense is good, but not great. They are going to lose at least two more games this year. The Vols are thin on the OL, that is a given, we just have to hope they give their all every play. I honestly think they will. Good coaches make good players, and, good players make good coaches. Kiffin hasn't had time to stock the shelves with talent, yet. In time, I believe he'll get the right players with the right coaching, and then watch the bandwagon fans. The very ones yelling fire Kiffin will be talking about how he is the best coach in the country. Stay on board and enjoy the climb to the top of the mountain. GO VOLS!!!
fhulpia16 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Psychovol writes:
Another QB or two and a bunch of big uglies for the OL is on my Christmas list.
fhulpia16 writes:
I absolutely agree with you dvsvol. You are so right. These fair weather fans are disgusting to say the least. I have been a real Vol fan for 40 years. I was in grad school there in 82 when we broke the Bears Jinx and we have beaten Georgia 9 years in a roll a few years back, not so few at that. This group of young men have the making of a great team. Give coach time and he will be a winner. Go Vols
I love the witch doctor too!!
tdforvols writes:
Of course the final score doesn't matter. The vols could win by one point and I would still be happy!
Go Big Orange!
VolunteerLifer writes:
You are correct. It is folly to think that true freshman recruits are going to help next year. We will need JUCOS, transfers from the DL, coaches focus on improving the returning OL's, a freak of a freshman to come in and help, etc. and we will need all of that to happen successfully to have a decent OL in 2010 - looking now like a low probablility outcome.
This year - we are in deep yogurt, and there's no way out of it. The linemen we have are experienced though not particularly talented, and the depth chart is very thin, and now they are getting the injuries that we all feared they would get. This isn't pretty and it could get real ugly this season. Hopefully, we'll be able to muddle through and get to a bowl this year.
In the meantime, I am moved by these O linemen trying to play through pain for our Volunteers, and I wish them the best and give them my thanks. I've been very critical of their play last week, and I think I'll start toning that down. I didn't realize they were so banged up. I know they're doing their best, and that's all we can ask.
Go, Volunteers!
bigorange101582 writes:
I agree. When my sister and I were leaving the game Saturday, we were both putting all of the blame on Crompton. However, after watching the game on TV I realized that it definitely wasn't all his fault. If Jones didn't have a high ankle sprain and was able to jump more than 4 inches off of the ground I think he would have caught Crompton's pass that was intercepted. Yes it was high but receivers have to make plays too. Also, I read where a UCLA player said he intercepted one pass because "the tight end (Stocker) ran a lazy route". Moore dropped a pass in 4th quarter that would have been a first and goal on 4 but instead we had to settle for a field goal. Yes Crompton made some bad throws, but Kiffen is right when he says other players didn't help. Also the OL did not play great either. There were a few times that Hardesty should have gotten 0 yards because the OL didn't open up a hole but Hardesty made yardage all on his own.
tennesseeike writes:
I refuse to believe fans did not see this comming early last year.We do not have depth on the Oline and it is a killer.
I refuse to give up and bad mouth anyone,even the QB. We will play with what we have and that is the best we can do.
I do see an improvement in the physical and mental attitude of players.
As much as I like to win,I will just learn to take what we have and take whatever lumps we have to take. WE will get better but it may not be this year.
Whatever happens,happens and true fans will just have to hurt and live with it until it gets better...OUR TIME WILL COME..Hang in ther and support what we have.
Go vols.
john1998 writes:
Cody Sullins has shoulder separation (1st or 2nd degree), not a wrist sprain.
Even with HIPAA, you can't lie about injuries in the SEC. You have to either give no information or correct information.
Hey Mikey, did you know about this discrepancy? What about Kevin Avery?
gnm53108 writes:
Sweet home alabuba...
Where the trailers are on blocks...
Sweet home alabuba...
Lord were all a bunch of ____s
VolFanInAtl writes:
Hardesty ran quite well in my opinion.
Brown looked OK out in space.
The o-line looked OK in the fourth quarter, regardless of all the injuries.
Behr1213 writes:
Florida will beat us by more than 20? Where did you get your information? Does Vegas know about this yet? Florida has surpassed TN tradition? How so? Rocky Top will never be home sweet home to you? Okay, this is some really good stuff! This is my favorite, FL 186. Ah, you should have stopped with the whole Rocky Top thing. As a VOL fan, I love to see Bama fans and Florida Fans on a Volunteer site, talking about Kiffin, Singing Rocky Top and jumping on each others bandwagons. If I were a Bama fan, and I'm far from it, I would want TN to beat Florida since we are the weaker team. But that's just not how you gals think. Keep it coming...We (I) love the attention.
Volunatic writes:
Simple solution, jobrando-- Watch the game on TV with the volume muted, and listen to the Vol Network radio broadcast.
Kesling might not be the 2nd coming of John Ward, but he's a lot better than most TV play-by-play guys, and Tim Priest is an excellent color commentator.
Behr1213 writes:
My response was for "rollinwiththetide" Sorry GNM, I was so in to it , I didn't notice until it was too late.
ChrisM30TN writes:
Hey maggot! I mean Bama fan. Why don't you go live off that dead bear for a few more decades?
GO VOLS!!!!
ChrisM30TN writes:
I remember reading an article in a pre-season football magazine about 12 years ago that said JUCO, players can be a quick fix. It actually stated that they are more like hitmen or hired guns. You bring them in a little bigger and older than high schoolers and they can hit the ground running, instead of having to learn to walk. I'd agree that we need atleast 3 JUCO OL to come in this next off-season with about 4-5 true freshmen bull dozers.
ChrisM30TN writes:
Hey Da Dumbazz, Do you mean kind of like you are this websites laughingstock, for showing your lack of intelligence on every single post you make?
kingsportvolfan writes:
Does anyone else think that the two JUCO D-linemen we got now could flip to the O-line? Its been done before and dont sound like to bad of an idea to me.
Go vols and play your heart out against the gators! If we dont turn the ball over we have a chance. Id say Ucla prob dont score ten if we could of just not turned the dang ball over!
PhullupFilmer writes:
I heard Phil Fulmer is looking for work. Maybe he could fill in for an injured OL. Just tell him that the Florida defensive linemen are doughnuts. He'll eat them alive.
VolunteerLifer writes:
We have nine DT's now. 3 will graduate, leaving six returners. We have four DT commits currently, two of them JC's. That gives us ten DT's in 2010. But two of those are HS graduates, raw freshmen, so take them out of the equation, leaves eight. How many DT's do we truly need? I say six. That leaves two possible to be sent to the O line. Those two should come from either the two JC's and/or the two returners who will be seniors but who haven't broken the DT 2-deep, Chase Nelson and Victor Thomas. So we might be able to tap two of those four DT's for as a source of help for the O line.
But there's no guarantee that will help, because they'll need to think differently and be coached up alot. I'd say its a long shot to get that to work, but it's worth a try. What's to lose? If the DT's who flip are seniors or JC transfers, we wouldn't be interrupting the development of the younger talent to fill the DT slots.
We also have a wealth of talent and depth at DE. Those guys are a little small for the OL, but one or two of them might be able to put on some pounds and flip to the offense to help. Example of this thinking: Ben Martin is a senior next year. He's a five star recruit who hasn't achieved starter on defense. So he might welcome going to OL with possibility he can get some more PT there. He's listed at 240 now. Perhaps?
The point is, the coaches are in a such a difficult position that they will have to try to think in unorthodox ways to see if they can develop a solution to the OL problem.
chargervol writes:
Its a shame Lane couldn't have ran you off. Your high water mark was the day you were born, been going downhill ever since. Get a grip with reality DumbMan. GO VOLS!!!
ChrisM30TN writes:
Here's a real funny one for you..... How long before your alumni gets caught giving gifts, buying players and gets you all on probation....again? Then back to the middle of the pack for you guys. But, hey they can always go fishing for laptops in the offseason. Only an Alabama alumni can plead ignorance for buying gifts and taking trips with football players claiming I didn't know they played football and get away with it. What does tell you about how smart everyone else in the Untied States and the NCAA knows you all really are?
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I'm pretty sure Fulmer will be a studio analyst. Also, I think he works for CBS College Sports, which is a pay-cable/internet/satellite entity, not the broadcast network. SURELY he won't be the color commentator in the booth at the game! Although I guess anything is possible....
johnlg00#206211 writes:
You're gonna have to do better than this if you want to use that screen name(;-P)! The character you reference is a hundred times funnier than you are. You're not even very smart. Just because one or two bozos lost their minds doesn't mean hundreds of other Vol fans didn't call them on it.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.