Five Big Things: To beat Ohio.
1. Win (Duh!): Tennessee is a three-touchdown favorite, so the bottom line shouldn't even be on this list. However, Neyland Stadium isn't the impregnable fortress of yore. The Vols are only 5-4 on their hallowed home turf since the 2008 season kicked off. UCLA, a 10-point underdog, won here. So did Wyoming - Wyoming! - last November. And Northern Illinois was one big play away.
2. Crompton: Jonathan Crompton is locked in as a weekly fixture. The Vols have to get better quarterback play to avoid a losing season. Crompton has thrown seven interceptions in three games; only SMU has more. This should be a game where the receivers get a furlough from the Witness Protection Program.
3. Six, Not Three: It's nice to see kicker Daniel Lincoln back on track (4-of-4) in 2009. But does the offense have to give him so many chip-shot field goals? If the Vols could have finished in the red zone the past two weeks, they'd at least be 2-1 and, maybe, just maybe, 3-0.
4. No Return Burns: UT's kickoff- and punt-coverage units have generally performed well. Today would be a bad day for a lapse. Ohio has four players on its roster who returned kicks for touchdowns in 2008. The one to watch is Chris Garrett, who has returned either a punt or kickoff for a TD in each of his three prior seasons. He's due in 2009.
5. Chart the Depth Chart: Especially on defense. Practice this week suggested some movement on the depth chart at several positions. Will there be a new starter? Or two or three?
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 49
Volsnfl writes:
LOL<just_show_up&_play.
GahLee writes:
Just hand the ball off 45 times, that should do it.
CRFVols writes:
Let's do this. Let's get another confidence builder and roll-on. I hope J Crompton has a decent game...and if not....It's Time...time to bring in someone else.
Don't lose focus on Ohio, but let's play strong, smart football.....then on to Auburn. If we remember....last year was a game that JC shouldn't have started...and should have gotten benched in.
VolunteerLifer writes:
The key to this game, like the others before it, is to physically whip the opponent at the line of scrimmage......and beyond. We have more talent and depth than this team, and we may also be in better condition (Do you realize we outperformed both UCLA and florida in the fourth quarter?). so use all of that to wear them down. Overpower them. That's our advantage. Use it.
chargervol writes:
O-tay buh-wheat! GO VOLS!!!
Hounddog writes:
Friday. 26 hours before the game and we have an article about the game. The Hounddog sure hope the VOLS have on their game face.
Let's play football. Hounddog.
vol_chaz writes:
#6 Return the offense from the WKU game. We'll need every bit of confidence going into the next two games against Aubie and UGA, before we get a much needed week off.
SignalMtnVol writes:
Heck, from the lack of coverage, I thought the Vols had an off week (sarcasm)
asleep#212036 writes:
Agree. If I were Kiffin, I would pound them into submission in the first half, which we SHOULD be able to do, then open it up a bit in the second and let Crompton take some downfield shots. A win is imperative but we need some offensive momentum going into the Auburn-Georgia-Alabama-South Carolina gauntlet. The receivers and qb have to step it up so we can have some positives from those positions going forward. We will NOT be able to win any of our next four games running the ball 45 times and throwing 20. Go Vols!!!
Hounddog writes:
The Hounddog wants to see more of TEAGUE. He needs to touch the ball at least once a possession.
Let's play football. Hounddog
SignalMtnVol writes:
Agree. I mean, the guy threw 2 picks against Western Kentucky. WESTERN KENTUCKY for cryin' out loud! Those 2 picks were much more telling than 5 TD's. There are very very very few QB's that can't throw 5 TD's against them. It takes a special FBS QB to throw 2 picks against 'em though.
What's his stat line in the last two games?
186 yards passing - 0 TD's - 5 FIVE picks.
WTF?
VolFanInAtl writes:
less schizophrenic would be good
kaplan#211944 writes:
In case you didn't see stories this week about the game.
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/football/
givehim6 writes:
I just hope we have been preparing for this game, seems like were doing the same thing we did getting ready for UCLA doing a lot of talking and reminiscing about what we did last game. UT is 1-2 people lets play the game, change what needs changed, and play to win not not to lose.
orangepridenation writes:
for tennessee it's simple, run the ball down their throat until we wear them down. then wipe the dust off the old playbook and throw in some play action passes. as for crompton, just don't throw to the team that isn't wearing orange and you'll be just fine. we're more physical, fast, and better coached than the other team, so just go out and execute the game plan and this should be an easy win for the vols.
GO BIG ORANGE!!!! swarm!!
TrueVolFan writes:
You sir are a douche-bag! He didn't "throw" two picks in the WK game. He had two inteceptions. It is much different to throw in no mans land and have a defender pick it off than it is to hit a lineman standing 6' 2" with his arms straight up in the air because your OL did a poor job of pass blocking. Both picks were tipped balls that weren't all that bad of throws. They were short passes that "have" to be thrown low, they can't be "floated" in order to get over unblocked D-linemans arms. I think these "All Star" coaches know more than you do, Douche-bag!
CRFVols writes:
Put me in coach!!!!! lol
transplantiam writes:
I think CLK should open it up this week. Don't go away from the run , but if show we can score on these guys, get a couple of touchdowns ahead, then call nothing but pass plays for a series or two, see if he can get the passing game working. If we aren't playing good, then do what you can to win, but if we have a comfortable lead, then give JC and the receivers PLENTY of chances. Then, if JC still shows the same skill as throwing to the other team, pull him out and give NS the chance to get some game snaps before Auburn. All the articles that I've read on Auburn point to them being another SEC team to take over the western division. Which means we shouldn't take them lightly. If we JUST take care of Ohio, with Auburn comming up, it does'nt look good going forward. It only gets tougher from here.
GO VOLS!!
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
Lets face it....Crompton WILL have a big game this weekend...should see lots of man-2-man coverage with Ohio loading the box to stop the run....it may not be as big as the WKU game since Ohio has a way better secondary but he will have a big game this weekend. Now about Senor Ocho....
The problem with Crompton is he second guesses himself against better teams and gets tunnel vision/locked on one target which = INT. I train in brazilian jiu-jitsu out here in L.A. The one thing Evaldo Lima and Royce Gracie ALWAYS PREACH is to be mentally stronger/confident in yourself and your skill set. Then always be fundelmentally sound in your technique regardless if your opponent looks like a pro body builder and is 6'4" tall weighing 280 lbs.
The MENTAL CONFIDENCE part of the game, football or jiu-jitsu, is dare I say 95% of being succesful....when you lose confidence or drop your guard you make mistakes and then get blown out(or choked out).
Look at the Florida game...this same team was fundamentally and mentally sound and disciplined for the whole game except for Crompton when he was asked to pass the ball past 10 yds. Under Fulmer in the swamp this team would've been down 28 pts in the first half with at least 6 penalties. This coaching staff has one hell of a blue print laid out and if Crompton or Stephens can just simply play confident and manage the game for the rest of the season....THERE IS NO REASON WHY WE DON'T WIN 8 MORE THIS YEAR WITH OUR RUN GAME AND DEFENSE BEING BEAST-O-MATIC LIKE THEY ARE!
halloffamebowler writes:
Kplan,some of these posters need for you to give them their sign.
Cldvols1 writes:
All will be better, the Vols get a much needed victory! UT 42, Ohio 14
Razzle writes:
I'm with you man. Love the running attack.
SignalMtnVol writes:
I tell it like it is, dumba.ss. TWO PICKS, INT's, whatever else you wanna calle, because his DA can't throw over the 6' tall D-lineman for Western Kentucky. DA
the10sevol writes:
yup.
tdvol1989 writes:
Whew!!! Look at the emotion. I know Kiffin said Crompton was not to blame for the picks, but I disagree at least on the 2nd one. He chunked it without looking...plain and simple like he always does. They were INT's and they were momentum killers. And, like it or not, INT's are to Crompton like fumbles inside the 5 were to Foster. They were unintended, excusable by coach speak, but common.
But, I do not agree that we go conservative here. This is the last shot we get to get to work out the kinks. We need to come out of this game with both a W and an offense. We need to throw it 30 times in the first half to get it straight. If Crompton cannot do it, put in Stephens and leave it alone the rest of the year. At least he will be back to take advantage of the experience. If you start with pounding the rock and then throw when the game is in hand, neither Auburn nor Georgia will be fooled. And, we have to win at least one of those games.
We cannot lost to Ohio or it gets hot in the press. But a big win followed by 3 straight losses won't work.
the10sevol writes:
thus the number of pay-per sites. i scan a bunch of sites and come back here for entertainment.
like your tagline LET'S PLAY FOOTBALL !!
GBO
TommyJack writes:
Nice mouth, Mr. Crompton.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
LOL I love your no spacebar havin' azz
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
td- i agree with your points, enough is enough and yes several SEC teams are licking there chops to teach Lane a lesson
the10sevol writes:
respectfully disagree. pound the ball tomorrow, limited passing. work on fundamentals. execute. those will be the keys for the au and ug games.
war eagles/plainsmen/tigers/whatever-their-name is-this-week have to deal with monte and eb. i feel very safe there. let's run the ball down their throats, too.
jawja got shamed by the usc(e) defense. see monte and eb notes above. let's run the ball down their throats, too.
our running offense is our best chance to win this year, that simple, imo.
GBO
rockytopatl writes:
Who says an onside kick recovery for a touchdown doesn't count? That definitely counts and was totally cool as well.
rockytopatl writes:
If we don't develop some kind of a passing game, we are doomed. I don't think we can run against Alabama if they stack 9 in the box. Our offensive line is not deep. Another injury, or two, and we are toast. We have to find a way to throw the ball, despite the guy we have throwing it. I don't mean a Peyton-style attack, just simple outs, screens and the tight end over the middle. It's essential to this team's ultimate success or failure.
the10sevol writes:
kapster, sir:
the point is that the overwhelming majority of articles this week looked backward. post a review story or two, and get 2999 posts if that helps us vent. i want upcoming opponent information on monday (take sunday off after a game, we can jabber for hours), and gvx has given us next to nothing this week it's approaching game day.
GBO
the10sevol writes:
would that be a new medication concocted by our witchie? just asking...
GBO
the10sevol writes:
bolivarbob's headbashing incident from a few nights ago apparently worked. thanks, bb.
GBO
the10sevol writes:
let's wait and see if witch_doctor's medication works before we go all kung fu kid on them, lol!
GBO
the10sevol writes:
it's not just about this season. with our national exposure, we get recruits, but it's also nationally known our passing game is lacking. ironically, that will bring in our guys.
if your season's outcome is based on 10/24, you might want to take a reality check. it will take a few seasons.
this season is not it. we're not going to win the nc this year. painful as it may be (i live in florida, btw), keep the faith.
we're doomed. DOOMED!
lol
GBO
tdvol1989 writes:
Well, Mr. Adams gets his 5 things to beat Ohio, so here are my 5 things to beat the "season"
1) Play the freshman (Teague/Brown/Oku/Richardson) and use them. Hardesty is the exception. His effort deserves to start. There was all that talk at the beginning of the season about "open competition". But, then it closed. We got the lame and feeble out there. "Hey, you feeling 75% with that high ankle sprain?!? Well, get in!" What the ...! Play the new guys and make good on your word. Also, some of them are playmakers. That is why they were recruited. If they miss a few plays, you have an excuse. And, you are investing in the future.
2) Throw early and often and deep. We need an offense. MAKE it happen! Send a message. Throw the dang ball without I-N-T's and catch it! If you are not part of the solution, you can be part of the cheerleading squad on the sidelines. Look, you conquer your fear of flying by getting on a plane. I loved the going for it on 4th call in the W. KY. game. Send a message to your team. We will have a passing game and get first downs and YOU will be part of it...or sit! We need a touchdown pass of 50yds. For those trivia buffs, go get Moses Collins to throw it 80 yards if you have to. No matter what the score is, throw until you have at least 300 yds in the air.
3) If Crompton fails, early play Stephens early. Yeah yeah, these recommendations are a dime a dozen and it sounds I am just another drool monkey calling for JC's head. But, just like playing the freshmen, playing Stephens gives you benefits next year. And, it shows that you will do what it takes and no one is above the law when it comes to performance.
4) Tell your QB, not the G-Gun or N-Gun or whatever gun QB, but your REAL QB to run the ball 3 or 4 times when the receivers are covered. For Pete's sake, even Peyton ran the ball a few times. This just makes the defense play honest instead of Centerfield.
5) And, above all means, get Dad (Monte) a great Christmas present, a limo, courtside seats for the guys and ladies BBall teams, free massages, or whatever. We need that Defense Baby!
Now pay me what John gets.
SEC__Headgear writes:
Well if the other guy is a DBag then you must be a DHead. A pick is a pick. 6'2" is short around the line and believe it or not they are all coached to get hands in the air on a pass if they are SUCCESSFULLY blocked. Our boy has a reputation for getting batted. No coach has ever gotten performance from this kid, and the good Lord knows there has been more than a few to try.
xvolx writes:
1. open up the offense and quit calling plays in fear. 2. start blocking better. 3. corners need to tackle better. 4. throw more to Oku. 5. let Richardson and Teague play.
OrangeBlur writes:
B.J. Coleman to Blue Cooper with 25 receptions already this season. That's number 3 in the nation right now. Oh well, at least he's getting to play somewhere.
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
The lack of big plays on special teams is disturbing. It creates points and short fields for your offense. I'm hoping Nuke returns a punt for a TD this season. He needs to field the punts more cleanly, there have been near turnovers on several occasions. Who was the last VOL to return a kickoff for a TD?
Razzle writes:
6. Hold on to a slick football on a rainy night.
tyler1 writes:
Idont know the game plan but let John throw it 30-35 times he will complete24 and throw for 260 yards and 4 tds no int this week next week he will light up auburn 22-32-240 3tds no ints
EastTNvolfan writes:
Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I think this sums up what we are doing with Crompton. Unless Stevens has recently lost both arms he should be starting. If all we are going to be doing is short easy passes every 8th play at least put in someone who will benefit from it for next season.
Shake_Bake writes:
I want to see a Kickoff Return for a TD so bad! It seems like it's been forever. Everyone else get TD's on Punt Returns or Kickoff Returns EXCEPT the Vols. I get tired of watching the TV highlights of all the other teams doing this, except us.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Players Win Games and Coaches Loose Games...Lane lost the UCLA game himseLf by not switching QB's..played ultra conservative against Florida, will beat OU but the Auburn and GA games are goinG to be recruiting games as much for those 2 programs and UT run game as solid as it is will get contained by these teams with #8 throwing balls over, under and to the opposition. My bad, I forgot to listen to the 6-17 coach it was the receivers fault.
kiffownsfla writes:
guys what time is vol walk today?
Vol_in_Mich writes:
No friggin Vol Walk, Oh, we wore orange pants last week, ect, ect. Ohio of the MAC almost kicked our azz. They figured out the Tampa 2 defense & JC is still Crompton. Bamma will kill the Vols!
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.