KNOXVILLE -- Lane Kiffin said Monday the University of Tennessee offense could make several significant changes this week, following deficient performances against UCLA and Florida.
A quarterback move didn't seem a priority, though.
Kiffin reiterated after Monday's practice that the Volunteers simply need to play better around senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton, who completed 24 of 55 passes the past two games for 186 yards, zero touchdowns and five interceptions.
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Comments » 151
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
I really like Coach Kiffin, but his stubborn insistance to play Crompton baffles me.
UrbanCryer writes:
i hope thier not "workin' like heck" lol
CRFVols writes:
I respect Kiffin's reasoning for keeping Crompton in....if you watched the press conference you know what I'm talking about. Also, the rest of the team around him needs to play better...i.e. receivers and O line.
Don't get me wrong, I want Crompton out and Stephens to get a chance as much as anyone.
playtowin writes:
why stick with crompton. That guy is done. it is no surprise the leading receiver at UT is teague. He is a converted corner and we all know that cornerbacks are john crompton favorite targets.
I am also upset about this notion of MORAL VICTORY against florida. U PLAY TO WIN GAME. We lost. Florida is as likely to reload next year as we are. There is no guarantee we are going to be better. They loose tebow, we loose berry.
mdvol writes:
I think Aaron Douglas is going to be a force on the O-Line for several years. Good....we're going to need him.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Kiffin doesn't sound to me like a coach who wants to rest on the praise of not getting blown out at Florida. Doesn't sound to me like a coach who is satisfied with a close win. Sounds to me like he continues to try to get better. You go, Coach.
Waldorf writes:
"Jonathan needs to have a very good game this week, and we need to do a good job around him."
-----------------------
That says all to me I need to know.....something tells me Stephens will be the signal-caller against Auburn.
Vol86 writes:
it is a moral victory only if you accept it to be
michealgibson21#260794 writes:
If Coach K chooses not to play Nick it is because he "knows" what that result would be, and it wouldn't be favorable. He does not have the luxury of putting a player in and "hoping" and "praying" it works out well. He has to know and we, as fans, have to trust that judgement.
MG
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Here's why: Lane has stated he's got a 3 year plan. That means he will have an experienced QB in 2011, year 3. If Stephens comes in and performs, he will be solid #1 QB going into spring. In which case it's highly unlikey a frosh could unseat him. If however, Stephens goes into spring a "pencilled in" #1, it's very possible for him to be beaten out.
So even if Stephens starts 2010, he will be supplanted during the season by Bray or some other QB with 2011 elgibility.
Then Lane doesn't go into 2011 with an inexperienced QB.
playtowin writes:
As the great herm edwards said: " U PLAY TO WIN THE GAME" it's the only think that matters. Washington beat USC with a first year coach. We don't know what next year is going to give us. I would have more respect for kiffin if he had actually tried to win that game rather trying not to get embarrassed. U PLAY TO WIN THE GAME !!!!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
I agree, totally! If you can't throw, put another playmaker in the backfield.
GO VOLS!!
xliveitup writes:
Who would replace Crompton? Nick Stephens? The idea sounds good, but Nick Stephens never showed he was a better quarterback than Crompton. He never once showed last year he could make big plays. Get real. We were able to move the ball against Florida, and it will be the best defense we play all year. And as the year progresses, and our recievers get more time to correct mistakes in route running, etc, the passing game will pick up.
Also, 3 of Cromptons last 5 interceptions were actually great throws, the recievers just didnt help him out by making a play on the ball.
Give Crompton more support. I think he is going to have a MUCH better year this year than last year.
playtowin writes:
micheal, there cannot be a worse QB than #8 in the entire country. I would put in the third string for ohio before I play crompton. If u are going to have competition, 7 interceptions in 3 games deserves to be on the bench. We are waisting one of great defenses in TN history. stephens can throw the deep ball and we have a running game + his interceptions last year were receiver mistakes.
Orangeblood13 writes:
We can't overlook Ohio. I agree Cromp needs to pick it up or we need to bench his tired old "we" story. We will never know how good the recievers are until they actually get a ball throw their way to catch. Warren, I am not sure he is ready to step up his game, but we need someone reliable to step up if Hancock is gone.
Orangeblood13 writes:
my thoughts exactly, good post
Waldorf writes:
Marc -
Can Stephens not give a little more threat of throwing the ball down the field? I'm not expecting the second coming of Manning, but I just find it unfathomable that neither of these guys can consistently NOT be a threat to throw a ball more than 10 yards down the field.
xliveitup writes:
I guess you haven't actually watched a single UT game this year.
2 batted balls resulted in interceptions vs. WKU.
3 interceptions against ucla, one was a straight up bad pass. The only one I hold against him. The other two were well thrown, catchable balls in which both the defender made a good play, and the UT reciever either ran the wrong route or didn't help make the play.
2 INTs against UF....one was a reasonably well thrown ball (on 4th down) that was just a jump ball. With no other options available, how can you hold that against crompton? The other was slightly underthrown, but the defender baited crompton into throwing it.
Get off cromptons back and accept the fact he is getting NO HELP from his wide recievers.
TommyJack writes:
"give Crompton more support"......Are you kidding? No QB is our history has been given more chances than this guy. Sheesh.
xliveitup writes:
One more thing- You all say you like Kiffin, and Kiffin is saying he is going to give some younger reciever's more chances at play time since the older guys are not getting open or making plays on the ball. Take that into consideration please before you just bash crompton.
Marshall31 writes:
What's the story on the Juco kid (Lamison)?
tennesseebee writes:
I think there are three reasons: 1) There isn't much alternative. 2) Crompton has been pulled in so many directions, he deserves the chance to settle in. He does have talent even if it hides under pressure sometimes. 3) Kiff is showing future QB's that you will have his support. If you have what it takes to play at this level and you win the spot, you will have a chance to establish yourself. I'm impatient, too, but let's let the coaches buld this machine, roger?
xliveitup writes:
That may be true. And his chances are being given out of necessity because there is no proven backup.
And no one has enough fingers to count all the TALENTED and PRODUCTIVE wid recievers UT has had over the last 10 years. Price, meachem, washington, wilson are just a few. As has been stated MULTIPLE times, there are no big threat wide recievers that are going to produce on this time. But instead of just accepting that, and being glad we have some bad a** running backs to carry the load, you are crying because our quarterback has no help from the WR corp. Sheesh that.
xliveitup writes:
I think tommyjack should go walkon at UT since he has all the answers.
cooper65#432178 writes:
You are right. I think Kiff will get the Vols to the promise land, but it appears he is playing for moral victories this year. The defense is outstanding and we have quality running backs. The Oline and QB positions need serious strenthening; hopefully we can land some quality recruits.
Crompton is not going to get it done this year and he won't be back next year. Let Nick play a few games and see what he can do and he will be back next year. If Nick is no better let the number 3 guy play. The only certainty at QB is that Jon is not going to win games for us.
99gator writes:
i don't understand not giving stephens a shot. is he that bad?
let me point out a play in the florida game that not many people have mentioned, but to me just show how lost crompton is.
the play where gator fans screamed for intentional grounding. on that play, if crompton takes off and runs he has nothing but green grass on the side of the field where he threw the ball.
another play was the first interception. in short, cromptom had his man. he underthrew the ball by five yards and haden made the pick.
i assume stephens is not very good either. i also assume the staff knows what it's doing.
but, i would also assume that stephens is just as capable of completing the passes that they are limiting crompton to.
maybe it's a captain or senior leadership thing. i don't know.
VOLKING writes:
Does everyone here have amnesia? Lasr year we begged for Stephens. He stank worse than Crompton. Then we begged for Crompton to come back. Face it, Crompton is the best we have. It's gonna be frustrasting this year, but give the staff some time to recruit. They are gonna get it done. Just not this year. But watch out in 2011!
xliveitup writes:
Wow, lol. The mysterious "number 3 guy". Great call, coach madden. You dont even know who the number 3 guy is, and he hasn't been talked about by any of the coaches or anyone else. So there is no viable "number 3 guy"
Docrok writes:
THAT'S THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER READ!!!!! For starters with even average play out the QB then this team is 3-0 and in a position to be the number 1 team THIS YEAR!! So why would he put off his quest two years just to get it done in 3 years!! Really think about that for a minute or two if you need it!
xliveitup writes:
Plus, Kiffin has been talking since he got hired about recruiting a hot shot QB and getting him ready to play immiediatly. I like that idea better than letting Nick "washout" stephens play because he was really bad last year.
playtowin writes:
I actually don't think much about tim tebow. he is a great runner and that helps fl when the play breaks down but i don't think he is a great passer and brantley is a better passer. Florida's offense is not based on tebow, it is based on speed. they loose players, we are going to loose eric berry and monterio hardesty and most of our offensive line and will be starting a freshman QB. HMMMMM Dude !!!!! Hello
thevoice writes:
Bingo. Can you post this every 3 minutes please, and on every article? I think you and I are the only ones who understand it like this. It really has nothing to do with performance and ability. It's more about timing, recruiting, and to a lesser degree Crompton's $$$ donating parents.
playtowin writes:
hey man, Stephens played him aayed well last year. They pulled him after two interceptions to go back to crompton. #8 has 7 ints this year. I am sick and tired of people defending crompton. stephens IS BETTER that crompton.... stevey wonder and ray charles are better than crompton. come on last year he connected a few time in deep balls and right now we only need a QB that can make 2, 3 throws a game
Bloodrunzorange writes:
I watchend CLK's old work mate in Washington put it to USC (his former boss) on Saturday. Look what his QB is doing! He makes plays and hits his target. Locker is the man! Just comparing the QB's Coack Sark and CLK inherited as rookie head coaches with similar backgrounds. I guess Sark's receivers are running the right routes? Go Vols!
T_man writes:
I'm not sure why we bothered to hire a coach to replace Coach Fulmer. We should have simply coached by committee from this comment section. Who could have imagined the brilliance that comes from these words of wit and wisdom? Who knew we had such experts that were willing to coach for free? Why in the world are we wasting all this money paying Kiffin and his staff? BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND YOU DON'T!! Get on board and support the team and the coaches or line up with the Florida fans that have no business on this site. Anyone with any football sense can see the improvement of this team. Kiffin still has to work with what he has to work with. I for one feel very pleased with the progress I'm seeing.
gnm53108 writes:
Nobody is claiming Crompton isnt a good "practice qb".You're right.Two different coaching staffs have concluded he is the man judging from practice.
In gameday,pressure situations he just doesn't have it.If you're able to define and correct "it" I'm sure coach Kiffin would pay you well.
dwilds22 writes:
Bottom line... Crompton is the best QB we got, like it or not! Stephens had chances last year and in camp...he didnt produce. Stop crying about it and either get on board or get off the train! Crompton has earned his shots by going through 4 coordinators in the last few years. How would you like to have to learn 4 languages!?!? Sure it ticks me off to see an INT, but after seeing replays its not always his fault! Football is a TEAM sport and it takes 100% from every player...and fan if you ask me. So shut up, stop crying, get on board the Lane Train, AND SUPPORT YOUR TN VOLUNTEERS! GO VOLS!
ikemae#515831 writes:
I think that Coach Kiffin has a plan for 2010 that includes his team, his players, and his QB. I believe that he will still sign another high profile QB for next year. Bray could be Tennessee's QB for the next 4 yrs.
Georgia Vol (Erwin, TN)
Pompey writes:
Me to....but remember stubbornness is often the mark of a great leader!
playtowin writes:
This is my last post. don't blame it on the receivers. come on.!!! Crompton doesn't start making his reads until he finishes his dropback. These receivers are doing a great job, #8 is always a bit late at delivering the ball and he stares them down which helps the corners intercept him. We have better receivers than florida right now. gerald jones played better under eric ainge than he does with jc. I feel sorry for these receivers for having to deal with this guy.
xliveitup writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
vol_chaz writes:
USC was begging Pete Carrol to put in Mustain too this past Saturday, didn't happen did it. The apple didn't fall far from the tree for CLK.. When USC went 6-6 his first year, he stood by his qb too..Look how that turned out. Stephens would be a short term answer to a long term question. We really need to sign at least one more qb in this class, and whatever we need to attain that qb, even playing crompy, thats what this staff will commit to. CLK said he's going to stick to his plan, hopefully not to a fault.. Sometimes you concede the hill to win the war.
TommyJack writes:
Not all X, just most.
volcycle writes:
This team is improving. Crompton is improving. I know it's alot to ask, but with this being the 4th offensive system for Crompton, this is more like a freshman year for him. He will get it as the season progresses. Taking him out for Stephens will only set the offense back to the beginning of the year.
chargervol writes:
Did Miami win last night? I think the Colts had the ball about 14:30 the whole game. It is what they could do offensively in those minutes that counted. I guess Miami's defense fell asleep waiting their turn on the sidelines. We have just got to be patient with the coaching staff. I am sure they are pondering the best case scenario to help the offense. I think Stephens has alot of work to do to crack the lineup. I just don't see these coaches not giving it or the team the best chance of success. GO VOLS!!!
TommyJack writes:
Actually, BB, I know it all...just can't remember some of it. :)
shipperman#280095 writes:
All I will say is that Stephens must be really, really, really, really bad. Crompton is a joke who has shown he has NO ability. NADA
VolunteerLifer writes:
I agree. I think Kiffin needs to see that Crompton has improved since the Wky game. Needs to have reason to believe that Crompton will improve as the season goes along. If he cannot show that against Ohio, then we might as well make the change, because he will have proved that he WON't improve as the season goes along. After all, Stevens MIGHT improve if he plays each week.
The issue is: Which one of these guys is most likely to get us to a bowl game this year? If Crompton is no more likely to do that than Stevens, then we might as well play Stevens and we'll get the bonus of getting him the experience he'll need for next year's run.
On the other hand, Stevens may not have improved any since camp broke, and may have even regressed. After all, how many reps does he get? How involved is he with the offensive game plan, and putting it into play each week in practice?
It won't be an easy decision.
Vol_in_Mich writes:
TENNESSEE TRIVIA - (Nick Stephens) Began his Vols career by throwing 106 consecutive passes without an interception - best start to a UT career and tied for fifth-best on all-time Tennessee list.
I think that would be an improvement, don't you? What don't we know about Nick that keeps his on the bench.
Everyone knows that JC falls apart at the slightest mistake, he looks scared. Not at the opposition but at failing. If you have to have a "project" at QB why not have one that'll be here next year? Fans that think having Stephens ready to start next year will any affect recruiting a QB are misguided.
oh, forget Fla., don't underestimate Ohio.
GO VOLS!!!
Flyfisherman writes:
Does Jake Delhomme have any elgibility left?? He can throw interceptions with the best of them...
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