GAINESVILLE, Fla. - After Tennessee's loss to 10-point underdog UCLA last week, a big-picture review might be in order.
n First-year coach Lane Kiffin hired the heralded assistant coaches he wanted.
n He and his staff recruited better than anyone could have imagined in the first couple of months on the job. And the recruiting has carried over into the next class.
n He brought much-needed discipline and accountability to a program that lacked both.
n He shook up a stale depth chart and stressed performance over seniority.
n He gained national attention for his program by making unflattering comments about other programs, particularly Florida's.
The plan is working, especially the part about gaining national attention.
USA Today had two articles on the Tennessee-Florida game in Wednesday's paper. And fans of both teams, especially Florida's, haven't lost interest despite the 28 1/2-point betting line in favor of the Gators.
Florida fans ask: "Can we win by 100?"
Answer: No way the Gators score 100 points on UT's defense.
UT fans ask: "Have we ever been that big of an underdog?"
Answer: Probably.
My guess is one of Danny Sheridan's odds-making ancestors favored Alabama between 35 and 40 points in the 1906 game.
That's based on UT's 15 total points in its previous eight games (and you thought the offense was lacking against UCLA?). That's also based on the final score: Alabama 51, UT 0.
But that's history, which has nothing to do with the plan, as evidenced by Kiffin's decision to keep quarterback Jonathan Crompton in the UCLA game although interceptions were piling up like cars in an interstate crash. History buffs educated in the Great UT Football Disaster of 2008 know Crompton's performance wasn't an aberration.
Nonetheless, nothing that happened last week changed my opinion. The plan will work. Kiffin and his staff will improve UT's football program. But the improvement will take years, not weeks, as Kiffin reminded everyone at Tuesday's press conference.
The best-laid plans aside, the current dilemma is more about crisis management. You can't plan for that.
Kiffin has adamantly defended his quarterback, and there's nothing wrong with that - to a point. You bolster your quarterback's confidence and provide him with a game plan that plays to his strengths.
But you can't execute the plan for him. And you can't throw the ball for him.
Kiffin should have tried backup Nick Stephens last week against UCLA, just as last year's staff should have tried another quarterback when the offense was stuck in neutral for the entire second half against Auburn.
That said, I wouldn't make a change for Florida. If Crompton doesn't play better, make the change afterwards.
In Kiffin's preseason announcement that Crompton had beaten out Stephens, he emphasized how close the competition was. The difference, he said, was that Crompton was a little more accurate.
There's another difference. Crompton has a greater proclivity for disaster.
You couldn't tell that in preseason. You had to see last season.
A couple of valid questions: What if Kiffin pulled Crompton and Stephens played poorly in his place? Could you still salvage something from Crompton?
Consider the track record. Last year, UT started with Crompton before turning to Stephens and B.J. Coleman. After all that, UT went back to Crompton, who completed six of eight passes and didn't commit a turnover in a 28-10 victory over Kentucky.
Switching quarterbacks might not be part of Kiffin's plan. But you can't always plan your way through an offensive crisis.
Sometimes, you have to change.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 64
sothernohiovol writes:
i hope we hit them right out of the gate,right in the mouth! so what if we are an under dog! "Did we give up when the germans bombed pearl harbor! hell no!!" Anamal House! lets get mad and show some vol pride and go gater bashin! go big orange!!!
SEC__Headgear writes:
Wish UT had a savior at QB. There just ain't one. With the O-Line in the shape it is in, the QB must be mobile. Play calling could have helped last week. Crompton is better on the move so Coach, try playing to the strengths.
tuckepk writes:
Since you're apparently into revisionist history, maybe you could help KNS write the game story for Sunday's paper. Your version might be easier to read.
TDTN writes:
Crompton is a pretty big boy. Let him roll out, if he cant find an open receiver he can tuck it and run. And deliver a hit or two on the smaller DB's. Also, lets air a couple out way down the field. Remember Meacham's catch vs LSU? The guy has a strong arm, stretch the D out a few times and run a few times to keep them from stacking the line so much.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
Ummm....sothern, ummm...I believe it was the Japanese who bombed Pear harbor. Could be wrong, but don't think so.
Anyway...
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
Vols20 writes:
I like the tenacity, but here are a couple hints for you. The "Japanese" attacked Pearl Harbor. The Germans were too busy over in Europe. Second of all, anamal is spelled "animal". Anyway, GO VOLS!!!
CRFVols writes:
That TD throw made me think this guy had great potential for us at QB. I always wanted CPF to play him more in relief of Ainge, but that was another CPF fault.
It seems the long ball is all Crompton can throw very well...he's done several of those nicely. So play 1....let's go way down field.
What have we got to lose.
CB4VOLZ writes:
Have none of you but Sothern ever see the movie "Animal House"? Watch it.. you'll know what he's talking about.....
SeaBass writes:
man i hope you were kidding when you said,when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor and when you missed spelled animal house.if it's a joke i didn't get and please forgie me i'm not trying to cut you down.
paul5170 writes:
Japan bombed Pearl Harbor......Back 2 football I'm afraid the games going to be like Pearl harbor over again....
johnlg00#206211 writes:
"Revisionist history"? The quote was from the slapstick comedy movie, "Animal House", or did you think SOV just threw that in there for no reason?
SeaBass writes:
they cant go down field and stretch the field due to the wideouts that can are bang up.g.jones and d.moore aren't fully healthy yet and besides gman got open.oh,what happens crompton over shoots him and threw a int.he was wideopen with no real pressure and if completed he probably's goes in for a most important t.d.
macman2 writes:
This game is going to be fun to watch the only question is - how long will it be fun to watch. Reading the above comments and John Adams column it seems reality has finally sunk in. You have to play with what you have - something the UT coaching staff already knows. I agree let Crompton have this game and make a change if needed after Florida. I admire Kiffin for sticking with Crompton. This team will not lay down this Saturday - they may get knocked down but Kiffin has the program headed in the right direction. My comment about the game being fun to watch is I am wondering what Monte may have up his sleeve to stop Tebow and company.
Go Vols
johnlg00#206211 writes:
All those who are so out of touch with pop cultural history need to memorize that quote, because it will no doubt come up again as it has several times in the past, uttered in false bravado by a semi-literate college party animal in a really hilarious movie.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
I know we have the commitment from Tyler Bray for next year, but do any of you guys know anything about a young man by the name of Dylan Favre? He happens to be Brett's nephew, and he tore up the record books in the state of Mississippi during his junior year of high school in 2008. He threw 48 TD passes, which was the state's single-season record, and rushed for 8 more.
He's smaller than Brett is at 5-foot-10 and 180 last year, so I guess that would probably preclude Kiffin from recruiting him, but you can't argue with the bloodline. Here's some of what his high school coach has to say about him: "Somebody is going to get a heck of a quarterback. He definitely has touch. He's very mobile in the pocket. We can move the pocket or he can sit in the pocket and make any of the throws he wants to. He has a great arm, a good release, a lot of touch and good vision."
Here's what Rivals had to say about him: "He's athletic, and he's a competitor. You can see a lot of his unlce in him in the way he improvises and the confidence he has in his arm."
He is also his team's starting free safety on defense. His coach says, "He just has a nose for the ball. On offense or defense, he just wants to be around it. He takes a licking and keeps on ticking, and he'll stick it to you." His coach also says he is an intelligent player. He routinely allows him to change plays on his own at the line of scrimmage. He is said to have Brett's accuracy and "gunslinger mentality".
Thus far, the schools that are showing the most interest are Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Southern Miss (where Brett played), and UCLA. But if he has anywhere near the season this year that he had last year, I can't believe that most of the major programs won't be taking a look at him.
Just wondered if any of you had heard anything about this kid. Whaddaya think? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
volbald writes:
Not only was it the Japanese at Pearl Harbor, we were so unprepared that it took 4 years to win the war. We're going into the 9th year of the war in Afganistan. Hopefully it won't take that long for UT to have a winning season. Go Vols!
sothernohiovol writes:
i guess you never seen that movie so dont post what you dont understand! yes the japaneese did bomb pearl harbor but in the movie john belushi get fired up and miss quotes history and says "Did we give up when the germans bombed pearl harbor! hell no!!" i'm just trying to get True VOL fans fired up! make fun of someone whos not a vol fan!
VOLuptuous writes:
seriously, he even said it was from animal house....I am sure he knows the Germans didn't bomb pearl harbor....catch up on your movies, peeps
1974Vol writes:
What we should look for and expect Saturday is a Tennessee team that plays with intensity and great effort until the echo of the whistle. This team is not as talented as the Gators; but that does not preclude them from playing as physical and as hard. If they can play hard, mistake free football this game will be closer than most think and it will be something the Vols can build on regardless of the final score.
punkin writes:
OMG!!!! The Germans have bombed Pearl Harbor?
1974Vol writes:
Hoping with a handle of VOLuptuous you are of the female pursuasion. Many on here may not be old enough to remember Animal House as its now 30 years old; but then again "frankly my dear I don't give a damn", or maybe since its Gator week " I love the smell of Napalm in the morning, it smells like..victory"
RebelVol writes:
We just need to go out and play 60 minutes of all out brutal, smash-mouth, vintage Vols football. Our defense has that part down. If our D plays the way it usually does, and the offense minilizes dumb mistakes(ie. dropped snaps, interceptions, blown routes, false starts) then I think we pull this thing off. The gators are good, really good. But they are nowhere near as good as the media exaggerates them to be. I expect an improved game out of Crompton this week. Will he pull a Peyton at Legion Field in 1995. By all means no. But if we can establish a solid running game early, that should take a tremendous load off of Crompton. One of Cromptons better games last year was actually against Fla. Call me crazy, but that's part of what being a Vol fan is all about. Im still angry about last week, but I've come to learn that finger pointing and complaining won't help at all. Remember Kiffin critics, all is not lost. We still have 10 more games to show these other teams why we're Tennessee, and their not. The Lane train is off and rolling, and you can either get on or be left in the dust. Ssshh, I hear it in the distance and it's thundering down the tracks. Now lets go out and shock the world saturday. Legendary Auburn coach Shug Jordan put it best:
"Remember boys, Goliath was favored also."
leedsvol2007 writes:
I think if Kiffin thought that Stephens at this point is anywhere close to Crompton he would be playing.
He could struggle with him let him get better then have next spring to further develop for 2010.
But the truth appears to be that Crompton is a lot better than Stephens at this point.
Pulling him during the UCLA game would have just made the situation worse.
Tee Martin had a better supporting cast and was a faster and better runner than Crompton those attributes helped him in our first 2 games in 98.
People forget during the 1998 season he played very poorly at Auburn and the 1st half the next week against Georgia. David Cutcliffe had a come to Jesus meeting with him at the half during the Georgia game and Tee responded.
Kiffin has showed his support publicly for Crompton maybe its time he pull him aside and tell him that he needs to play like he practices and if he does he has got his back and its his team win or lose, if not he's going to the pines.
If he responds we'll be OK.
GoVols!
snafu14u#241639 writes:
The movie was "1941". This season is going to be a complete replay of last season. Crompton is a fine young man on alot of different levels and he is doing the best he can. However,it just didn't work out as far as his development as a SEC QB was concerned. Get use to it. I do believe that this team will continue to improve as the season progress in the other positions.The Florida game will be a slaughterhouse for us. We will give a great effort but we are doomed by only playing with 10 men on offense. There is a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite than us even covering the spread. So,we use this game to grow and coach. Success will come but it will be a process. Meyer will try to run up the score because the players want to. The real reason is that from a recruiting standpoint it serves his purpose to try to limit the loss of Florida talent to UT. That is the real reason. I hope the Vols win and win big, but I've got both eyes open for this season. Our days will come. Bonzaivol
Vols033 writes:
Why is everybody wanting Stevens so bad? He did throw two picks against Wyoming that cost us the game.
Volfan1 writes:
Adams, once again, proves he is a jerk. His mode of journalism is trash talk, criticism, and negativism. He belongs on the staff of the National Enquirer. He doesn't even read the article from his own paper about G.Jones being a man and accepting blame for problems.
Adams is ready to throw Crompton under the bus, just what this team does not need.
What a loser. Is it any wonder that newspapers are going under with morons like Adams?
samuelroger4 writes:
Um....you mean the Japanese?
BrandiVol writes:
Geez, Thank you! I can't believe so many people didn't recognize a quote from a classic comedy!
Cldvols1 writes:
As much as we want it now we must be patient! Good things will come of this, 3rd nationally in recruiting, 1st in the sec...just be patient. We're on the right track to make UT an SEC powerhouse again! Go Vols!!!
tdvol1989 writes:
Yes people, Yes! RebelVol is on the right track here. Don't criticize Kiffin for getting too conservative. Notice, he is creating an identity that is historically accurate...a return to Smash Mouth Football. Do you remember back in the day, when the Tennessee/Auburn Game was characterized as "smash mouth football"? I do. Teams knew that when they played us, they were going to get muscled in the trenches. That is the antithesis of the Spread. Hell, don't put on the bell bottoms or parachute pants or get a mullett do or roll up your jeans or buy a pet rock. Those are fads. So is the Spread. It's hot now, but so was the wishbone...in 1962.
Eventually, defenses catch up and NOBOBY is running the bone in the NFL. And, when was the last one of those Flordia QB's that had an NFL career. Eventually, players will get that. We have an identity at Tennessee...or we used to. Lane is bringing back a style of play I miss. You know when the Miami Hurricanes started losing? When they played like civilized men. What the...? I remember back in the late 80's when the Notre Dame/Miami game was a big deal. They had Notre Dame fans on ESPN talking about the Canes being evil. Miami at the pinnacle of trash talking cocky-ness were at their best. They lost their identity and lost.
Let's get back our Mojo. Play Florida tough. I honestly don't care if we lose as long as we hit 'em so hard they remember. We won't win, but we have 3 winable games after that. Who knows going into Bama at 4-2? Get on board! Embrace the recruiting! Love the coaching DEPTH! And, remember how bad it sucked losing by 30 with our heads down. Our team was jacked for the 4th Qtr last week. So we lost. We didn't give up!
The beauty of competition is not winning everytime, but overcoming the odds. Get on Board!!!
xvolx writes:
I haven't seen a deep ball thrown in the first two games. Doesn't that kind of shorten the field to 30 yards. Didn't Clawson leave.
UTVOLSFAN4LIFE writes:
Crompton is about to have a breakout game against the Gators. There is a reason 2 quality NCAA coaches have picked him over the other options. Crompton will throw O Cromptons this Saturday. Tennessee 21-17 in a defensive clinic. I have even seen comments questioning Eric Berry. Eric Berry is the best DB Tennessee has ever had and the best d@$! DB in college football period. Tebow get ready because the train is coming through. Buckle your chin strap Tebow Tennessee has broken and will be breaking jaws. Ask UCLA's QB. This class is a group of winners and will prove it Saturday. No one wants to win more than this group of coaches and kids. They have been questioned and they will answer. I look forward to singing rocky top all night long with this group of winners. Tennessee is the best team in the land. Nut up and have some faith fans. This is the team we stand by win or lose.
AllVol1 writes:
Do you even recognize that YOU ARE WRITING A CRITICISM OF JOHN ADAMS?
mlsoft#228820 writes:
C'mon guys. I normally hate going to movies, but Animal House is a classic.
The movie being referred to was Animal House and it is one of the funniest movies of all time -- but be sure to see the uncut, uncensored version and not the one they usually run on TV. The same is true for Blazing Saddles -- if you see only the version they show on TV, it has so much cut out of it that it no longer is funny.
As for Saturday, I fear the worst but hope for the best. This will be the biggest test for Monte Kiffin's defense of the entire year. It will not be easy, but I think they can slow Florida down.
The bigger question is the other side of the ball -- can the o-line slow down the Florida defense. I dunno on that one.
mlsoft
VOL1SG writes:
Take it easy on SOV, "He's on a roll" as stated during the speech of John Belushi, aka Bluto. First movie I saw showing the twin peaks.
As for Sat, I will be watching and will defend my VOLS to my dying breath. I like what I see in our defense. Remember, this is the 1st year in the implementation of CLKs offense. He stated during Fall Camp he has yet to institute the entire offense.
GO VOLS!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Every time I get ankle deep in orange koolade, Lady Reality pats me on the head.
All we can ask is leave it all on the field Saturday, Big Orange.
82cat writes:
There will be a party in gainesville saturday
lets put it this way
the defense will be grilling the gator
the special teams will be adding the side items
the offense----- just bring some chips
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Nick Stehens Spring 08
Nick Stephens Fall 08
Tyouts Spring 09- BJ Quits because he hears CLK is goinhg to just mask Crompton until he can get his QB
WKU: Stephens no interceptions and 2 TD drives 4-4...Crompton looked the same
UCLA; Lane Kiffin sees his decision go down the tubes....then he does not pull Crompton and the team starts questioning his decision making..
Oh Yes Fall 07; Al Davis called him a " Liar"
Maybe this non Vol Lane Kiffin does not walk on water...put Stephens in and shut up
GreerVol22 writes:
no recievers big enough, strong enough, or fast enough to get that deep and pull it in...
SouCarolina has two guys at wide out that are 6-5 225+, they will eat out 5-9 corners alive...
IndianOutlaw writes:
SOV, 3/4th of the posters on this site were not alive when the movie was made, but I lived it and was already married when it came out. GO VOLS and PI K A.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Of course you are right about the age of many on here and their lack of familiarity with 30-year-old movies. Sometimes it is hard for me to realize that some of the guys and gals in Iraq and Afghanistan today had perhaps JUST been born at the time of the first Iraq war, which is like yesterday for me!
However, the quotes you provide have entered popular culture almost independently of their cinematic context. The Animal House quote has a similar, if lesser, relevance and appears in all kinds of contexts. Even so, the presence of the enclosing quotation marks should have been some kind of clue that the words were not the poster's own, and thus MAY have some meaning beyond the obvious. No wonder modern business execs constantly bemoan the declining literacy of the workforce!
dvol writes:
You smart guys kill me. The man was making a joke about Bluto's speech in the movie Animal House. Some of you need to get a life.
VolunteerLifer writes:
I don't understand why you don't get it, Adams. The coach's credibility with the players is on the line here. He told them that he had their backs. It's more important to the future of this program that players believe that than it is to go all wobbly and panic during a game and throw a quarterback in who hasn't taken the practice reps, and and throw the guy who's back you said you had under the bus. If, after the course of consistent bad play, and the realization on everyone's part that Crompton just isn't going to get the job done, Kiffin can change quarterbacks between games. It's called managing the team's morale and establishing his crdibility M.O. for the future. What part of that don't you get?
montanavolfan writes:
Its from a movie you "moron", Get it? Animal House, you are probably public schooled. Shame you have missed out on such a classic.
Give_Him_6_Holloway writes:
Look, VOl Nation, the enemy is down in the swamplands of Florida. Quit dogging each other. If you are still a Fulmer supporter, then love the program he loves. If you are a Kif supporter, put the past behind you and move forward.
Arguing over a movie quote? Really? Thought we were playing our #1 rival this weekend.
Hope Crompton throws 3 td passes to Richardson, Teague, and Jones. How about Oku returning a kick for a TD? Why not? Florida is overconfident. Hope our guys make that coach of theirs eat a big ole turd sandwich. What would that do to our recruiting for the rest of the year?
It's Time. We have nothing to lose, and they have EVERYTHING to lose.
It is funny how Bammer fans and Gator fans visit our message boards. I will never look at their crappy boards. They are the scared ones, not us. I love it.
Bearwuzacheater writes:
SOV, here's another tribute after seing the stupid over reaction by other:
Otter: "Germans?"
Boone: Forget it man, Bluto's on a roll!"
LAWVOL90 writes:
Agree play calling key--I say Shuffle Pass!!! keep defense honest--they will rush in past running back--it is interception proof--I'm not sure about Crompton???
asleep#212036 writes:
Notwithstanding the inexplicable loss to UCLA and quarterback controversies aside, there are several real positives to this season so far. They are playing the full 60 minutes with all the intensity we got from Fulmer's first five years. The defense looks like it may be even better than last year, especially on the all-important (and Chavis-inept) 3rd downs. The running game looks to be more physical - still not blocked to perfection but the off-season workouts have apparently paid off. There are freshmen, lots of them, on the field in critical game situations. There is no telling how much that will pay off down the road, both on the field and in recruiting. And none, I repeat, none of our players or coaches look the least bit scared of losing. They may do so Saturday in grand fashion in Gainsville - but you are not going to see them blink. There is no fear, no playing not to lose, no "keeping it respectable" moral victories, no excuses. Folks, that alone is enough for me to be a Kiffin fan. He is, after all, not that much different from a redshirt freshman starting his first season. Plenty of enthusiasm and talent, but lacking experience. Let's give our coach the same benefit of the doubt we give some of those young kids - remember, he's never played the head coaching game before either. Go Vols!!!
Volunatic writes:
It amazes me how many people didn't catch the reference.
I'll need to check back to the post I had yesterday on a different article with the same quote (mine also had the youtube link, so it might not have had so many "editors" piping in with a "correction").
Volunatic writes:
Pet Rocks were just a fad? Dang, I've wasted a lot of money over the years.
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.