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UT players take the field against Florida in "The Swamp" on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Tennessee didn't spend all night singing "Rocky Top," as new coach Lane Kiffin predicted last winter.
On the other hand Florida didn't spend all night celebrating an anticipated rout, either. Because it never happened.
The No. 1-ranked Gators earned their victory, 23-13. But they didn't get the pound of orange flesh from the 29-point-underdog Vols they wanted as well.
"A lot of people said they were supposed to put 62 on us, or whatever else, but we weren't having too much of that,'' said UT defensive end Chris Walker.
"I think a lot of people saw Tennessee for what they really are today.''
That the Vols (1-2, 0-1 SEC) managed to forego the predicted embarrassment disappointed a Florida Field record throng of 90,894 eager to see the Gators (3-0, 1-0) retaliate for several inflammatory remarks from Kiffin in the first months of his tenure at UT.
Instead, the crowd and a national CBS audience saw a pretty competitive game.
"I'm proud of how we played,'' said Kiffin, "very tough, very physical and very smart.
"But all that said, we lost a game that we had a very good chance to win.
"I didn't come down here to cover the spread or have a moral victory.''
Florida's victory was real, not moral.
"I think we could have played better,'' said coach Urban Meyer.
"I don't want to take anything away or disrespect our opponent. They have some talented athletes and this is SEC football.
"But . . . we missed a lot of tackles.''
The Gators never trailed but managed only 323 yards of offense. UT countered with a modest 210 yards.
When Florida appeared to be poised to tack on a comfort-margin score in the fourth quarter, the Vols produced a huge momentum swing.
With the Gators up 23-6 and the crowd sensing the rout might finally be building after all, quarterback Tim Tebow fumbled at the UT 2 when he tried to stretch toward the goal line.
"That was me being selfish,'' he said.
And that was UT's Dennis Rogan being resourceful.
Rogan scooped up the fumble and ripped off a 35-yard return that jump-started Tennessee's stagnant offense.
The Vols had managed only a pair of Daniel Lincoln field goals in the first half and then went flat-line in the second half, scratching out only 9 yards in the third quarter.
But after Rogan's heads-up play, Montario Hardesty capped a 63-yard drive with a hard-charging 17-yard touchdown run.
That left it a very un-routish 23-13 with 8:11 left.
Tennessee's defense then forced Florida's only punt of the day after a three-and-out possession. The Vols took over with 6:01 to play.
But they weren't up to any miracles.
Gator safety Ahmad Black intercepted a Jonathan Crompton pass with 1:51 to play, after which Meyer was content to let the clock run out.
Tebow, who accounted for 115 yards passing and 76 rushing, scored on a 1-yard run in the first half. Jeff Demps got Florida's other TD on a 7-yard dash in the third quarter.
Tebow had nothing but praise for the Vols, who came in with the third-ranked defense in the nation.
"They did so many different things and did them well,'' Tebow said. "Lane did a good job and (defensive coordinator) Monte (Kiffin) did a good job of scheming up the things we do.''
Part of Lane's scheming, he offered, was taking the heat off his team. For sure, he and his infamous oratory were the target of virtually all the media attention.
"I think it worked perfect,'' Kiffin said. "You come in and play the number-one team in the country in your third game together, you don't want the pressure on your players.
"Put the pressure on me.''
If the media had been happy to oblige, so was a hostile crowd.
"There were a lot of 'F' words that weren't 'Florida' being yelled at me on the ride in,'' Kiffin said.
Once the game kicked off, Florida took a 3-0 lead on the first of three Caleb Sturgis field goals.
The Vols answered with an impressive 15-play drive that died at the Florida 7. Lincoln's 24-yard boot tied the score.
Tebow turned battering ram on Florida's next drive, carrying four consecutive times to finish a 72-yard drive with a TD for a 10-3 lead.
The Vols soon caught - or made, rather - a break.
Eric Berry's diving interception off Tebow handed UT a first down at the Florida 20. Hardesty ran it for first-and-goal at the 4.
But, shades of UCLA last week, the Vols couldn't get in the end zone and settled for a second Lincoln field goal.
Sturgis made it 13-6 with another field goal just before the half ended.
UT's third-quarter problems began with a Crompton interception on the third play. Joe Haden picked off the underthrown ball and the Gators drove for another Sturgis field goal.
At that point it seemed the projected beat-down might be fizzling into a kick-down.
But the Gators gave their fans something to chomp about with a 13-play drive that climaxed with Demps' touchdown for a 23-6 lead.
That's where the fourth quarter began. But the Vols would still be heard from.
"A lot of teams,'' said Kiffin, "come in this stadium and eventually the talent gets to you.
"You get to the fourth quarter and they wear you down. Our guys didn't do that.''
"At the end of the day,'' said Florida defensive back Haden, "we got the win.
"They played a lot better than they played on film.''
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 280
mdvol writes:
We'll see 'em next year. Nuff said.
kiffownsfla writes:
Great job guys now we can start the season today was a good day. we may get some recruits out of that ! GO VOLZZZ!
chbradshaw writes:
They didn't seem to have much after Tebow. We have a lot of great recruiting to look forward to. Another great class this year and the tables will turn in Neyland next year.
I like our next 5 years better than Florida's.
Hounddog writes:
The Houndddog does not have to hide under the front porch this week, he is very proud of the VOLS effort. Players and coaches. The future looks good. Witch Doctor, what do the bones say about prospects coming on board?
Let's play football. Hounddog
JohnsonCity_George writes:
I saved this one from this past spring, the guy said to write it down, so I did.
------------
in response to volsgatorbait:
he should be concerned about big plays on September 19th!!!!
UF - 63
UT - 6
Plays over 25 yards: UF - 8, UT - 1
...write it down
-----------
You were sooo, wrong.
VolAlum2003 writes:
Kiffin definitely won the recruiting victory. By doing more with less, he proved that his system and his coaching staff are primed to do great things in the SEC. I also hope that the recruits realize that without Tebow, Florida isn't the perennial juggernaut that the media has made it out to be. If Urban Meyer stays at UF (and you have to wonder if he will w/out Tebow) he will definitely keep the program competitive, but UT will be competitive AND running a pro-style offense and defense. I also thought it was funny that Florida had an almost capacity crowd of a little over 90,000 fans for an important game. UT had 92,000 just to watch little ol' WKU.
dma38256#264746 writes:
I thought they were great....will take an effort like that any day....
kentuckyorange writes:
Defense played a great game. I'm happy Brandon James won't be back next year, he is a game changer. They played hard and competed against the #1 team in the nation on the road. I'm just waiting on the passing game to catch up with the defense and running game. When that happens, in a year or two, we will be tough to beat.
dvols writes:
urban took the gas off early..............geez. cbs paid him to keep t/v land intrest
DennisVols writes:
The off-season conditioning showed today. With a lack of depth at many position and the heat of FL UT still was in this game in the end.
Better things to come as Kiffin rebuilds this team.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
DennisVols writes:
You are an idoit. UT took the gas out of UF. Even Meyer had to admit how talented UT was.
Go to bed now. Children like you should already be in bed.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
ShaversChoice writes:
Too bad you aren't good enough to be on the sideline so you could have helped Urbie keep that pedal to the metal.
I'm very proud of the Vols - no quit like years past. Few penalties (got lucky on a couple no calls) and some hard hitting. Montario deserved the last 4 yards to hit 100.
Thanks, coaches! GBO!
VolAlum2003 writes:
You're an idiot. At no point in time did Meyer take "the gas off early." I suspect that you are either: a) FORMER coach fulmer, or b) a Florida/Bama fan trying to spread negativity. In either case, your opinion obviously lacks the common sense of a lemming.
TommyJack writes:
What must Nick Stephens have done to get this deep in the doghouse?
tennezz writes:
Yeah, Thats why Meyer kept Tebow and 1`st team in all of the game!!!
RollTideJoe writes:
I thought the Vols played an inspired game and kept it much closer than anyone expected. Once again, if you had a better QB this might have been a different final result. Crompton was limited and Florida recognized it, and yet they didn't do a very good job of stopping the run. I really thought Tennessee played hard and proved some things in the game.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor say repeat three times while clicking heels together......Witch Doctor say still wake up in "dissatisfied land". Witch Doctor say no feel good gator articles being written tonight...ahh
Bones never lie
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor say crow taste good in Florida tonight..
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/spor...
Bones never lie
MD_Vol writes:
One thing I'm liking about this team is much better discipline - not nearly as many stupid penalties or lapses in focus as on the later Fulmer-coached teams.
govols57 writes:
I thought they played a great game!! I was very very proud of them and look forward to stomping Florida in the face next year. Just need a QB, receivers, and more linebackers like LaMarcus Thompson...he was every where and made some huge plays!!
CrankE writes:
Had UT's talent level been equal to the heart and intensity shown today, Tennessee could have fulfilled Kiffin's boast.
The game serves notice to rivals and recruits alike. Not just serve it up, if you can. Serve it up while you can.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor hear Delta adding new non-stop flight from south Florida into Tyson-McGee.....Hmmm? Wonder why?
Bones never lie
jabark1982 writes:
It's once again GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!!!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25...
usnavyvolfaninva writes:
Berry-1
Tebow-0
Yeah, Tim ran one in, but was held w/o a passing TD for the first time in a loooong while! Very impressive effort by the Vol's D. Offense was good between the 20s, but couldn't punch it in. All in all, very proud of the effort put forth by the Vols today. BTW, anyone see USC's loss to Washington?
usnavyvolfaninva writes:
Tell me you're joking.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor say this article tells how the gator nation is suffering tonight..
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/column...
Bones never lie
myfollower#555763 writes:
I predicted a 30-20 win by Florida, and said that if we keep big plays away from the special teams, it will be a dog fight. The score may not have been accurate, but the 10-pt spread was, and it was because of how disciplined we were in special teams. Our defense, running game, athletic ability, defensive line, and everything else is in place or on its way to vast improvement...our only weakness is at QB, and that will be addressed in the offseason.
Mark my words, when the gators come to Neyland next year, they will be underdogs.
I agree 100% with what chbradshaw said earlier in his/her post...Tennessee's next 5 years are going to be a lot better than Florida's.
Go Big Orange! You made us proud tonight.
Vol_in_Atl writes:
All I know is Crompton must be one helluva practice player...'cuz he is absolutely the worst QB Tennessee has had since the single-wing went out!! Nice guy, but just way over his head in the SEC...
HartfordCTvol writes:
ERIC BERRY FOR HEISTMAN!!! (no that's not a spelling error. been spelling it that way since '97)
ssmith82#219353 writes:
I think Crompton played well today. The thing that I am concerned about is his up and down preformances, hopefully he will continue on the up side.
barrym writes:
I was proud of the team and the coaching staff today. Yes, I wanted a win, but this is a young team with a new coaching staff. This is going to be a great series over the next few years...until Urban Meyer is run out of town for losing too often to TN.
82cat writes:
summary
last yrs national champs
playing at home
heisman qb
22 returning defensive starters
opponent head coach calls them out
fans media predict beat down
point spread 28 points
talk of head coach calling time outs at end to punish opposing coach
with all that said
tennesse won 13 to 23!!
Did you hear the commentator say something to the effect -"tennesse has the pieces with a great staff and recruiting class in place if you are a 5 star qb how could you not want to come there"
by the way tebow's heisman chances were probably shot today 1 fumble and 1 int no td passes and average at best stats for the day his int lead to 3 points and his fumble lead to a td.
monte had them guessing wrong on passes all day
did you see #15 light james up in the end zone/
dont remeber him doing much after that he got jacked up.
folks the good days are coming sooner than we thought one more good recruiting class 1 qb and we will be right back in the mix
thats all the beat down you florida guys have?
WinkeyVol writes:
Monte makes me proud to be an old white headed man. Go Vols
abnermc writes:
Tebow, That's MR. Kiffin & MR. Kiffin to you , not Lane & Monte.
dvols writes:
i joke ye not!
FWBVol writes:
I like what the Lundquist and Danielson said as the game was winding down about how Lane and the Vols didn't get to sing Rocky Top, but they could sing R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
I think all of us most of us knew it would take a near perfect game for us to pull off the upset, but we almost got it. Nobody likes to lose, but this is one time a moral victory does feel good.
The future does like bright in deed.
Moesart writes:
Tennessee defeated Florida 13-23.
http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootb...
Vol_USArmy_Soldier writes:
Hooray for the the Vols! The fact that few Gators are posting on the site says it all.
The boys played hard until the very end, penalties were light and squad looked well coached and disciplined in a tough environment. How refreshing. QB is questionable, but I hope that Crompton builds on this. At least he's steady, unlike last year.
This team is young, so I expect a few more eggs, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far.
Keep throwing the bones Witch Doctor.
Go Vols!!!
woodwr#217203 writes:
Close is better than blown out, but....
13 or 15 will not beat any of the remaining SEC opponents. This team needs a QB and receivers to make a few yards. If Crompton were replaced by g-gun all the time, they might have beaten UCLA, and might have won today.
orangepridenation writes:
UT had over 98,000 to watch western KY. we have one of the best home field advantages in sports, one article had UT rated as the 3rd best fanbase/homefield advantage in college football. then again our stadium does hold 102K, thats a good home field advantage for anyone.
RebelVol writes:
I truly think we will be 4-2 heading into Tuscaloosa after what I saw today. Freshmen really came through today. Best part-They will only get better. Anyone catch the UGA game tonight? Their defense did not impress me at all. Hardesty and co. will run all over them.
orangepridenation writes:
we probly woulda beat ucla without a quarterback playing at all. but i agree, we've got to get something going in our passing game. luckily we have ohio next week, good chance for us to try some new things.
Joe23649 writes:
The game today by the Vols was absolutely fantastic!! All that's been in the news nonstop for months was how Florida was going to kill Tennessee because of what Kiffin said, and it didn't happen. Didn't happen in the least. At 6:01 in the fourth quarter, UT had the ball and was only ten points behind. A little more offense and we could have actually won this thing!!
The defense wasn't afraid of Florida in the least. They smashed their mouths time and again. The offensive line was back and Hardesty was fantastic.
The Vols looked great.
The game plan was just what it should have been to play our best game.
A little more depth, some quality at quarterback and we've got a major league team here.
Smoke writes:
What about that hit EB put on tebow....he'll feel that one tomorrow...I loved it
orangepridenation writes:
sir, if we had just decent quarterback play, i would agree with you. look i'm proud of what our guys went out and did today, i really am. they played with heart, and fought til the very end. but we cannot continue to put up 13 points a game and expect to make a bowl this year. as much as i hate to say it, even with our performance today, if our qb situation doesn't improve, we're still a carbon copy of last year record wise. i don't think we'll be getting blown out by anyone this year like we did last season simply because of this coaching staff and this new attitude they've got implimented. but we've gotta get some balance on offense before we start knocking off our sec foes. we're perfectly capable of beating anyone if we have a decent quarterback, but as it stands now, we might beat vandy, kentucky, south carolina, and maybe auburn as far as sec play goes. all in all i'm still predicting a 6 or 7 win season for us this year which is still an improvement upon last year, and thats assuming our defense and running game continue playing this well.
bobbytodd writes:
I like the looks next weeks game to get the wheels back on the team before we get back into the conference schedule. Alabama and Ole Miss have looked good and the rest of the teams have all shows weakness this season. If they let Crompton put the ball in the air a little bit to keep 8 out of the box we should do fine. He played well today. Kiffin may have protected him a little too much. Of course we all know that a mistake or two an he can fall apart mentally.
tweetdriver63#346474 writes:
This is a good read at insidetennessee.com:
http://tennessee.scout.com/2/900752.html
Good on the recruiting angle too.
Anybody got any predictions about how many kids are gonna commit between now and next game?
tweetdriver63#346474 writes:
I wonder how James is feeling tonight? I know you saw that hit Jackson put on him. Holy s.h.i.t! I'm hundreds of miles away from Gainesville, and I felt that one! I think we have some kind of "who can hit the hardest" competition going on between our safeties.
UTultimate writes:
It's always been GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL! some people just forget when the going gets tough
tweetdriver63#346474 writes:
What "no-calls" are you referring to? My mind immediately goes to Crompton's throw away on 3rd and 6 on the final drive. I've seen some Gator fans whining about that one. The bottom line on that is that for it to be intentional grounding, the quarterback has to be in the pocket, not throw the ball past the line of scrimmage, and be getting rid of it to avoid being tackled. On that play, Crompton had already avoided the immediate threat of being tackled, and could have run the ball. IMO a questionable decision, but not grounding because he was doing it to stop the clock, not to avoid a tackle.
Another no-call might be where the announcers thought maybe there should have been an unsportsmanlike call after the sack on Tebow. I disagree there too. Our boy didn't do anything after taking down Tebow that isn't done by almost every other player after a sack. He beat his chest. The Florida player did what amounted to a victory dance. There's a difference.
Another call some Gator fans think was questionable was the intentional grounding call on Tebow in the 1st quarter. Not at all. There's no question it was a good call. The problem, as is often the case, is that the TV announcers can be morons. They were saying they thought Tebow got out of the tackle box. I've replayed it several times. He got right to the edge, but it could have gone either way on that. The problem is -- and this is why is was the right call -- regardless of whether he got outside the tackles or not, he didn't get the ball past the line of scrimmage. That makes it grounding, even if he was outside the tackles. Good call. Bad analysis by the announcers.
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