Gerald Jones took full blame for Tennessee’s 19-15 loss to UCLA in his first public comments since last Saturday’s game.
“As far as I’m concerned, I put the game on my shoulders,” the junior receiver said following Wednesday’s practice. “I feel like it was my fault. I never told anybody that.”
Jones said he was at fault for two plays in particular. The most noticeable resulted in an incomplete pass on UT’s final offensive play, which allowed the Bruins to run out the clock. Senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton was demonstrative in his disapproval of Jones following the play.
“It kills me and not because he pointed at me,” Jones said. “I’m mad at myself because I made the mistake. That’s just what type of player I am. It sucks when a quarterback overthrows you and some stuff like that happens. We’re taught to put that play behind us, especially if there’s more game left.”
Jones blamed a lack of chemistry for another miscue, an interception in the second quarter. Jones, who has been limited in practice since suffering a high ankle sprain midway through preseason camp, said he didn’t run the route like his replacement, freshman Marsalis Teague, did during Jones’ injury.
“I did what I normally do; He’s so used to throwing it to 10 since I’ve been out,” Jones said referring to Teague, who wears jersey No. 10. “10 keeps it (the route) a little higher than I do. I think that’s how he threw it and that’s why he overthrew me.”
Jones said UT’s coaches said he should have run the route deeper. Jones said he prefers to flatten the route to stay away from both safeties. Jones said he was sure that he would have scored on the play had he and Crompton connected.
“I’m going to run the route different than 10,” Jones said. “10 is faster than me. 10 might run a route quicker or faster than I do. I’m more of a savvy-type guy. I’m smarter. I don’t have the blazin’ speed like they do but I find ways to get open.”
Jones is now a full participant in practice. He said his ankle is 100 percent for Saturday’s game (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) at No. 1 Florida (2-0) and he has his legs back to game shape. There are, however, other minor issues he’s dealing with, including a sore left wrist.
“I’m all banged up to tell you the truth,” said Jones, who admitted his legs bothered him against UCLA and that he didn’t expect to play as much as he did against the Bruins.
Jones claimed that he and Crompton never exchanged words in the locker room, as had been speculated on message boards after coach Lane Kiffin said there was some finger pointing following the game.
“I’ve heard of that,” Jones said of the speculation. “I forgot who asked me. I never took shots at Crompton. I’ve never said anything towards him. He’s never said anything negative towards me. We’re always positive.”
Jones said no member of the team is blaming Crompton, who had three passes intercepted.
“Nobody is really putting it on Crompton,” Jones said. “I’m tired of hearing so many people talk about ‘Ya’ll need to change your quarterback.’ No. You’re not in the film room. You don’t know the play. You don’t know the route. It’s my fault.
“I made a mistake. He made some mistakes. The linemen made some mistakes. Everybody made mistakes. As a team we lost the game. I don’t put it on one person and I haven’t heard anybody on the team put it on anybody specifically.”
Jones, however, understands the spotlight shines brighter on the quarterback when a mistake is made, especially an interception.
“Nine times out of 10 if you see something like that they normally blame it on the quarterback,” Jones said. “It’s a totally different world when you’re looking on the outside looking in and you’re going into the film room and you know exactly what play and what route the person had.”
Jones and Crompton stayed late Monday and Tuesday following practice to work on their chemistry. Jones said it’s hard not to allow last year’s 5-7 season to affect UT’s mindset on offense when something goes bad.
“When things go wrong it is imperative that we keep each other up and motivated,” Jones said. “We had so many things go wrong last year that if one thing goes wrong — if we fumble or we throw an interception — we hate to see somebody be like ‘Aw, here we go again.’ No. We’re not going down that road again.”
Jones pointed to two positives: 13- and 17-play drives in the second half last week. UT wasn’t able to punch the ball in the end zone on those drives but Jones saw a silver lining.
“We didn’t cap off on them but we’re getting there,” Jones said. “That’s a good sign. Last year I don’t think we would have came close to a 17-play drive to be honest with you.”
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 176
senracjr writes:
We all know who's fault it was and it wasn't G Jones
senracjr writes:
Now if the real person at fault could be a man and stand up and say it was his fault!
jsm67vol writes:
Way to man up Gerald. The sign of a leader is accepting responsibility for one's mistakes. But every Vol fan ahould know that one player didn't cost us that game, it was the collective mistakes of the offense and defense. Defense played decent but only a shutout can even be slightly considered as a mistake free game on that side of the ball. Go Vols! Fight with all that you have in you!
heyitsme writes:
This will be interesting.....
jcoop9909 writes:
The person I think your talkin bout isnt aloud to talk to the media...however i dont blame jus him, the offense as a whole sucked
The1 writes:
I think it's ironic that someone hiding behind an anonymous name (senracjr, for example) would have the nerve to talk about being a man and stepping up.
Loud_Proud writes:
i agree with all the comments, but does anyone esle think that Gerlad Jones has more or less been injured since his opening game in a ut JERSEY?
VOL1SG writes:
Kudos to G. Jones. BUT, they win as a team and lose as a team. No "ONE" persopn lost this game. Bottomline, you make mistakes, learn from them and move on. Those personnel who are able to do that are usually playing at the next level before it is all said and done.
GO VOLS!!!
SEAL_9821 writes:
What happened to this so called 24hr rule that Kiffin has adopted. IT'S OVER, IT'S HISTORY, WE CANNOT TAKE IT BACK. MOVE ON AND BUILD FROM IT. Leaders are not made from winning, they are made when things are at there worst and the team needs something or someone to look to for answers. We'll see who the leader is now.
Big_Orange_Country writes:
GO BIG ORANGE !!!
doubledown writes:
Ah phooey, Jones only ran two passing routes wrong, one resulted in an interception where he should have been.. that could have been 14 points there alone.. so 15+14=29 and UCLA 19.. yep that would have done it.
Hey Jones, even if you're hurt and can't run, mind getting your head inside practices and at least be ready to perform even though your little ankle won't let you?
CRY ME A RIVER.. dang you, you better get after Florida this Sat!!!!!
Big_Orange_Country writes:
How would Xcpf comment on that in ur op ?
Thermopyle writes:
10 is greater than 4
letshave1more writes:
This is CPF's fault! Give CLK three years and then we can point fingers. Until then everyone just please stfu!
erwinvol writes:
i was born and raised an east tennessean and a vol. i'm sick of hearing about who's fault the ucla game was. everybody was lovin' clk and supportin' crompton (even myself) til we got beat..does that sound familiar? i was and still somewhat am as pissed off about saturdays loss as the rest of you, but right now is not the time to point fingers. it doesn't matter if crompton is booed, cursed, or made fun of. this is what we have and this is what we WILL win with. i can already point out the kiffin haters, well if you don't like it then go be a gd gator or dawg. i like what clk has done and i think we should be more focused on tryin' to support our vols beating the Gators than what happened last week. stop the dang negative comments and lets get ready to beat the dang gators!!!
TommyJack writes:
Jones is first class in my book.
Joevolsxtra writes:
Sounds like Jones is trying to get the heat off of his QB. When the receiver isn't there, you make adjustments. Jones was 15 yds downfield of where that ball bounced. Did Crompton really think that he could comeback and catch it?? He saw that Jones missed his route and started to panic, and we all know what happens when Crompton panics. He threw the ball in the dirt because he didn't know what else to do with it and that was better,in his mind, than taking a chance at another INT. He's now more worried about NOT throwing int's rather than throwing TD's. I hope I'm wrong but I think he's rattled for the year. Stephens better get ready for Ohio.
pammyvol1000 writes:
Kiffen put Jones in and he should have been on the sideline. His ankle was not ready to be back on the field. But.. with that said. Crompton did sail the ball over him.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The pass into the end zone with a wide open TE shrugged off and chose to throw behind a falling backward triple covered WR who could not have caught it with a butterfly net sticks for a long, long time.
TDTN writes:
Its been 24 hours. Why are we still talking about the loss to ucla? Time to look forward, and not just to this Sat. Great things are coming and worth the wait. Support the team on the field and we will all be happy with the results we will see. #10 class last year. #3 class this year (so far). One or two more years like that and our talent will be as good or better than fla or bamma. Go Vols. I remember pulling a huge upset on the road at Miami a few years ago that ended their long home game winning streak. Stranger things have happened. We may get beat but fla will be smacked in the mouth a few times before its over.
paul5170 writes:
J.jones need not blame himself 4 loss.A win is a team win same a loss is a team loss period....Watching ucla game it was pretty clear that Crompton some of his receivers were not on same page.As for at least one of Crompton's interseptions looked like did't have enough arch on it ,lucky DB at right place at right time in front of intented rec. 20 yds. down field.
Big_Orange_Country writes:
If your a true Volunteer Fan then you know that these young men deserve our unconditional support.
GO BIG ORANGE !!!
the10sevol writes:
says the1. lol.
GBO
AceVentura writes:
"Jones and Crompton stayed late Monday and Tuesday following practice to work on their chemistry"
Go home and do your chemistry homework, while you're at practice worry about practice. If we'd spend more time on the field instead of the books we might beat our rival. Just ask Rich Rod and Michigan.
Big_Orange_Country writes:
I guess the learning curve comes into play this year for all of us.
CRFVols writes:
It wasn't all his fault. Thanks for standing up and admitting messing up. Now make up for it this weekend.
Good Luck
windy writes:
why don't you go sc--w yourself. We have had enough of people like you on here. Our vols are trying to put it together, and don't need the phooey you like to spew on here. Leave and don't come back. Support our Vols or leave. Go vols
chad_t31 writes:
God knows I hate to say this but I agree with your comment. I was thinking the same thing. We are three days away from being in a dogfight from hell and we're still talking about the ucla game. I appreciate 4 for taking responsibility but why now? Monday, at the latest, wouldve been sufficient enough. Forget last Saturday, I wanna see alot of pi55ed off Vols go into the swamp looking to smack the hell out of someone! Just as you take one week at a time, once the game is over, let it go and move on.
Big_Orange_Country writes:
I apoligize WD, I remember you signed off on that subject till your ready. : )
posivol writes:
kiffin needs to bar himself from the media.spoiled brat seems more and more like the silverspooned putz i thought he was when the hire was made.
he brought in an excellent staff but its obvious he cant coach a lick.to many lane appoligist not calling this guy out.it was his job to have the above mentioned veteran players ready for the season.
but then again i guess its hard to teach something you know very little about.
we need a q.b.,a q.b. coach and let chaney call plays until lane gets a clue (if ever).
this guys ego arrives at the stadium at least 30 minutes before he does.
RespectTradition writes:
I am a Vol fan.
That means all of them. Coaches, players, water boy, etc.
I supported Coach Fulmer.
I support Coach Kiffin.
I support Crompton as much as I supported Manning.
Who is the better coach? Doesn't matter. We live in the now.
Who was the better QB? We all know the answer, but it doesn't matter. The games are being played now.
People always want to have a scapegoat. They always want to have a hero. Most of the time, neither appellation is fair.
I spent several years coaching, before I called it quits for the sake of my blood pressure. I know, as Jones said earlier, that the players know what was supposed to happen on a given play. We the fans, do not. You can delude yourself into thinking so, but I would think that if your football acumen was so high, you would be too busy prepping your team to be posting here.
To say that Jones is just covering for his QB is to call him a liar. I think that is grossly unfair.
Some people need to try respect once in a while. Respect is not just about hero worship. Berry could be the best DB to ever step foot on a football field, but that would not mean he deserved my respect. I respect him for the man he seems to be, for the example that he sets, for his work ethic and his sportsmanship.
We need to support our team, because that is who we have. Win, lose or draw.
Go Vols!
windy writes:
Posivol, don't use the term "we" when talking about the vols, because you are not one of us. You are a troll and thats it. We all love Kiffin and the Vols.
txvolsfan writes:
Glad we got our point guard!!!
Thanks Marc
I say we put UCLA behind us forget the blame and let's just focus on Gators!!!
TXVOLSFAN
Big_Orange_Country writes:
Remember Jamal Diving for the End Zone and making it ?
SEC__Headgear writes:
Jones did nothing wrong either time. There is that last glance before release. The stare down should lead to total accuracy and lots of INT's. Well?
the10sevol writes:
here's a news flash - vz919 is right. it's wednesday, and late wednesday at that. it's hump day, take a deep breath and forget last week.
to that end, since witch_doctor apparently already has his game face on, i'll throw this out there. stole some lines from mrsec.com and decided to add my take to each. hope you enjoy, if not, i tried. look forward, not backward, and save the game faces for saturday.
MARK RICHT TELECONFERENCE 9/16/09
From MrSEC.com
* Asked how Joe Cox is dealing with injuries and rumors of injuries. “First of all, I don’t believe he reads the internet.” “If you want to get online and start reading that stuff you can really mess yourself up, I think.”
(explains a lot of what i read on this site.)
LANE KIFFIN TELECONFERENCE 9/16/09
From MrSEC.com
* Michael Vick is the only NFL guy comparable to Tim Tebow.
(tebow has been witnessed abusing dawgs in jax, i think they even have it on film.)
LES MILES TELECONFERENCE 9/16/09
From MrSEC.com
* LSU will have an “honest respect” for Louisiana-Lafayette.
(said miles, as he stubbed out his cigarette, put his pants on, and promised to call them on sunday.)
GBO
BlakeyWakey writes:
I will always support my Tennessee Volunteers .... but this is enough.. stop makin excuses for losing....you play to win .. and well we aren't .. looks like we need to extend our practices.. cause this better not be another year of excuses!!!
RockinTop writes:
Well, it's Wednesday and the team is still talking about last week. Sure doesn't appear they have put it behind them.
Interesting....maybe all the fans being rattled by the poor performance is just the motivator they need.
We'll find out Saturday.
go big orange.
jandjhome#228397 writes:
When being interviewed in the locker room after the game, Crompton said "things happen" They sure as hell do.
the10sevol writes:
can't say books without thinkin' bama.
GBO
windy writes:
Now thats funny.
rich182x writes:
I can not believe any of you! How in Gods name can you possibly write off our team under a new coaching regime in 2 f'n games!? The ingnorance that comes from these forums is baffeling. I do not want you to be a fan of MY TEAM.
There are exceptions of stupidity and ignorance and I'll name them off.
1. You're too young to realize the trials and tribulations a team goes through and overcomes. You're too quick to name a scapegoat or "point the finger yourself". Hypocrites are we?(young stupidity)
2.You feel comfortable sitting at your computer and posting your thoughts with no fear of restitutions in person. I don't think you have the balls to say the things you say in front of a group of TRUE fans. Go ahead, jump on that wagon too!(fear)
There are some old timers on this site that I see post everyday, and they have seen 3-4 coaches in their lifetime. Never once have they disemboweled their coach in the past. You know why? Because they bleed orange! Bottom line, support, or your nothing but a troll to me. I read everything I can about my Vols, and I'm tired of the crybabies.
Jones, good on you for stepping up and protecting your QB. I love the article and it speaks volumes about our team. Don't blame one person, blame the team.... and then be a fan somewhere else. Thanks
dvols writes:
it is the coaches fault that we lost....quit hangin it on the players!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posivol writes:
clawfense = lanetrain.
identical,neither prepared for the season.you cant call the same game against ucla that you used against wku.
no plan b-no plan c just like last year!
the10sevol writes:
post of the week followed by a very close runner-up, imo.
GBO
windy writes:
Great post Rich. I couldn't have said it better. Thank you very much.
volz4evr writes:
Well said!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
LOL
WytheVol writes:
AMEN! Excellent post. Stop the blame...start the support!
posivol writes:
well then,ill tell you the same.WE do not all love lil lane.
ive been wearing orange since 66,how bout you!
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.