After scoring 63 points in three quarters on opening day and then only 28 in the subsequent two games, Tennessee's goal tonight against Ohio University is no secret.
Aside from the obvious - winning the game - the Vols want to get their offense back on track.
"We need to play extremely well and get some juice and some confidence on offense,'' head coach Lane Kiffin said this week.
Whether it's converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, uncorking big plays, or even getting a bonus score from defense or special teams, Tennessee hopes to find the Ohio end zone with some frequency.
UT has scored 11 touchdowns in its first three games, but only one each in losses to UCLA (19-15) and Florida (23-13).
The offense has churned out some long drives - 17, 15 and two of 13 plays - but has struggled to finish inside the 20.
Big plays have been rare. The only gains of 30-plus yards were on three runs and all were against Western Kentucky.
The longest pass play of the year is 28 yards.
Kiffin has been conservative with his play selection since halftime of the UCLA game. That's because quarterback Jonathan Crompton has thrown seven interceptions (at least two in each game).
Tonight could be an opportunity to spread some wings and see what happens.
"We have to do whatever it takes to win the game,'' Kiffin said. "We'll win 3-nothing or 50-47, it doesn't matter.
"Every week (the game plan) is going to change, depending on not just the defense that we play but the offense we play and the special teams that we play.''
First Meeting: UT and Ohio have never met. UT is 2-0 vs. current Mid-American Conference teams. Ohio is 2-8 vs. the SEC, both wins coming against Kentucky.
Ohio coach Frank Solich is 1-0 against the Vols, leading Nebraska to a 31-21 victory in the Fiesta Bowl after the 1999 season.
Solich was 58-19 in six years as head coach a Nebraska. He is 24-27 in his fifth year at Ohio.
Finishing Strong: UT's defense has not allowed a fourth-quarter point to any of its 2009 opponents.
Western Kentucky had 1 yard and UCLA was held to minus-5 yards. Florida gained 74 yards but fumbled.
Quirky Stats: The Bobcats have yet to rush for a touchdown in 2009. They have, however, returned interceptions for TDs in their past two games.
Last week Ohio held Cal Poly to one pass completion in 11 attempts.
'69 Legends: The 1969 team and coach Doug Dickey will be honored as UT's Legends of the Game on the 40th anniversary season of their SEC championship.
Patti Page Sings: Patti Page will join The Pride of the Southland Band to sing "The Tennessee Waltz.''
Ms. Page, 81, had a No. 1 hit with the song in 1950. It was written in 1947 by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King.
Danielson on Kiffin: CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson thought the Vols gained a lot from last week's loss at Florida.
"I don't know if I've ever seen a team lose a game and gain more out it,'' Danielson said in a CBS release. "Lane Kiffin, in one game, has gained the respect of his players, the fans and the coaches around this conference that he is the guy that will turn Tennessee around.
"That team was almost down on themselves. They now look at themselves in the mirror and actually see something good.''
Ohio Thin at Guard: Two of Ohio's back-up guards are not expected to play. The absence of Dustin Laudermilch and John Flowers means more snaps for starters Vince Carlotta and Eric Herman, both of whom are redshirt freshmen.
Pay-Per-View: Tonight is UT's only pay-per-view game of the season. Handling the VideoSeat telecast will be Randy Smith with ex-Vols Jeff Francis and Terry Fair.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 56
Ironcity writes:
It would be nice if JC could progress to the 3rd or 4th receiver and then deliver a strike. IF that doesn't happen I would be happy for JC to deliver one long ball to an open receiver n target.
vol49 writes:
Go Vols!
tngivem6 writes:
Can JC even count to 3 ?!?..maybe thats the problem...
vol49 writes:
I'd be willing to settle for a few completed passes during a long drive to a TD for a confidence builder.
Hardrocknox writes:
yep , sounds about wright.
tngivem6 writes:
Its ashame that somebody that had so much talent coming out of high school, waste away on the beach for 3 years and now, as a 5th year senior, can't seem to figure out defenses.
Cldvols1 writes:
Since this is basically another FCS school(analysis) I think JC will have a good game. He needs a confidence boost before welcoming Auburn next weekend. I hope they win cuz I like sporting my Vols stuff down here! LOL
Hounddog writes:
Hounddog would be happy if JC delivers strikes to guys with a T on their helment.
Let's play football. Hounddog
Cldvols1 writes:
Wrong, watch and see the Vols will win!
reidtownriverrat writes:
We can pass for 600 yards against Ohio, but that want help a thing. All the yards and points against Western Kentucky Elementry didnt help not one bit when we faced UCLA and UF. Gotta have production at the most important position (QB). Crompton may have a decent game 2maro but what happens when we play AU, UG and the others? I'll answer that 4 u, INT CITY.
VolinCalif writes:
Hounddog. You are bright.
orangepridenation writes:
how many picks did stephens throw last year?
Txvol57 writes:
What do think that all of ya'lls crying and whinning is gonna do?...make Crompton play better?...NO! Hope that Kiffin goes with Stephen?...NOT HAPPENING!!!.....Just stop being little bitc*es!! There is no hope for Crompton there is no changing that...get over it!! it is what it is!! We have what we have!!! Stephens is no better (2 coaching staffs have decided that) So all of your crying does nobody any good! Just go out and support what we have...things will get better but until then quit your F-ING crying about Crompton!!!!
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Folks need to get off Crompton and publicly jabbing him. It's not going to make matters any better. More than anyone else, Crompton knows that his performance hasn't been up to his standards or the coaches' standards; however, the public beating he has taken is unwarranted.
It's a game, people. All UT fans want to see the Vols win. What fan doesn't want to see their team get a "W"? But, the Vols winning or losing shouldn't be made bigger than life.
No one deserves the threats, boos or personal criticism that Crompton's had to take.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
I would for once like to read an article and the posts without seeing 50% of them cutting Crompton. You guys doing this are the same ones that are still criticizing Fulmer. Can't you just let it rest and go with what we've got?
dvols writes:
well.....he's the coach!
the10sevol writes:
here's what i hope for: we come out of the ohio game healthy, and with a win. i want g jones, d moore, and b warren at full speed (finally) for the rest of the season. i want j crompton's psyche to heal. i want to give j mcneil or d williams my knees, but at my age they're better off with their own, lol!
work on the basics, run the ball, and play with pride and poise - take that, al davis, yeah, i'm stealin' it - . we have a bunch of tough sec games coming up, so focus. one game at a time.
GBO
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Pretty good read here boys...
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/...
mytrifecta writes:
Kiffen says Stephens and Crompton are "very close" in practice. We know how Crompton performs in games. We have no idea what Stephens will do (in this offense) in a game situation. Assuming they are "very close" why wouldn't we give Stephens a chance? It makes no sense. If they do give him a chance and he craps the bed worse than Crompton then we truly know what we're dealing with. Until then you will continue to see frustated fans make post about Crompton. High expectations come with being the QB at UT. If you can't handle it go to UTC.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
"Quirky Stats: The Bobcats have yet to rush for a touchdown in 2009. They have, however, returned interceptions for TDs in their past two games."
That's a bit scary...
rockytopatl writes:
Funny you would mention the long ball, IronCity. I've thought since the first time I saw Crompton play that the long ball was the best throw in his arsenal. Yeah, I know, arsenal is a funny word to use regarding Crompton. All that said, I don't think we've tried one all year. Surely we have somebody who can get deep and let ole dead eye uncork one. Moore's out, maybe Jones? Or Nu'Keese?
rockytopatl writes:
Chill. At that rate, you are going to run flat out of exclamation points!
rockytopatl writes:
OK guys, after me. The coach's name is Kiffin. That's K-I-F-F-I-N. Vol fans have never been real good at spelin'.
volsoutlaw writes:
I have a word of advice for C.L.K, if Crompton struggles early, go ahead and get Stephens ready. This is my opinion, Crompton has tried to lead the team, yet he has struggled. For better or worse he may be a loss cause at this point. I really feel for him, but all the pressure and continued complaints of his performances may be taking a toll. Look at it like this, he is a 20 something adult looking to save a team from disrepair. When you place Stephens in, you give someone with nothing to lose a chance to make something happen. Stephens at this point probably has a more clear mind set, and can provide a bit of calmness to the huddle Crompton may not be providing come game time. Kiffin should know better than anyone practice field is a bit different than game-day atmosphere and pressure.
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
I couldn't agree with ya more...besides, it doesn't soley lie on JC's shoulders....any football fan that somewhat studies the game can see that.
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
Same number as Crompton did...nuff said
chad_t31 writes:
Showing 100% chance of rain tomorrow. We will be running the ball the entire game.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Hey Carolina Blue, it is not a matter of disliking JC it is a matter of his inability to play the quarterback position at UT. People make personal comments because he crumbles in tough situations. The reason I like Stephens is because there is a lot more reward than risk. JC for two straight years has taken offensives and caused them to be so dumbied up that a high school defensive coordinator can put a scheme together. Again this is not personal it is striclty business.
PS: Actually stands for Play Stephens
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Well if Nick did not know this offense very well he would not be able to execute...4-4 with a QB rating of 192 does not matter if it was WKU 2nd team, he did deliver the passes exactly where they needed to go after sitting for 3 quarters and leading UT to 2 drives and a third on the 1 yard thanks to a kid Taurean Poole who is gettign just screwed over by Kiffin...proof is in the pudding..Stephens should be given his opportunity, Kiffin is rotating other " skilled positions" if the WR are as skilled as he says then try a new QB and see...if Stephens goes in and Crompton had to play because Stephens failed or god forbid got hurt the fact is he would be needed. Saturday game against OU should be a scrimmage, Kiffin using The Ohio State University game as a reference, those kids that played at OU that was their BCS bowl game, no comparison.
Does it really matter if Nick played right now it is not like UT is goign to a BCS money bowl..you saw South Carolina defense, Stephens had to go up against that last year, oh yes they were #1 in the country at the time, Crompton went in and just looked like a freshman and he got yanked, then Stephens comes out again after halftime and hit Zach for a 30 yd game, if UT had a runnign game they probaly still loose last year but it did not matter Phil was fired after the Alabama game and it went public after SC.
I just really do not understand the rationale to not at least give Stephens some playing time this week.
reidtownriverrat writes:
ARE YOU CROMPS LIL SISTER?
reidtownriverrat writes:
ARE YOU CROMPS AUNT?
reidtownriverrat writes:
riverrat say WITCH_DOCTOR weak, need mix more potion man him man back up.
reidtownriverrat writes:
if JC plays make it 3 in a row
REVOL writes:
Huh?!? Been drinkin' a little?
reidtownriverrat writes:
how much are u guys being paid to say these things? Around here you would think JC was obama.
reidtownriverrat writes:
Hope Witch_Doctor spell work this time, JC killen us VOL fans.
reidtownriverrat writes:
Riverrat say witch doctor need to quit straddling fence, him is 2 faced, believe them bones starting to decay.
reidtownriverrat writes:
bout right, but how bad it is to have a defense and running game this good and be stuck with Cromp. Gotta put it on Fulmer for not recruiting a decent QB.
orangepridenation writes:
i'm looking for a number here. i wasn't bashing crompton, i was simply asking a question you idiot.
TurboVol writes:
Roger That !!!!
bluetick writes:
I want to see some down the field pass attempts. Give 3 WR's a go route or slant or something and just toss it up there. (as long as we are at least at mid field).
KnoxTennVol writes:
Are you Cromps BITTER EX-Girlfriend??
xvolx writes:
I wonder if anyone on this board knows anything about football. Sure; Crompton threw two picks. UT's line, fullback and wide receivers also missed 16 blocks. Two that would have been for a TD. Jones and Moore hadn't practiced and ran routes that Crompton didn't have timeing with. Get off this Crompton kick. It is a team and Crompton isn't the only one screwing up. Nick Stephens didn't win the job or he would be playing. Support the man that won the job.
daniellovesutfootball writes:
Hope this helps you some Orangepride...looking at Stephens bio on utsports.com and this is what it has listed...
In 7 games he was 63-130 for 840 yards and had 4 td passes and 3 ints.
Crompton in 8 games was 86-167 for 889 yards and had 4 td passes and 5 ints. He was also a 2007 Academic All-SEC
Threw in that extra stat to show everyone that not all things Crompton does is bad. Overall Crompton has thrown 9 Td's and 9 ints in his college career. Crompton has the potential. My friend who attends church on a weekly basis, is also a manager for the Vols, he told me that Crompton looks phenomenal on the practice field but has an issue transferring it to the game field...lets hope that changes against Ohio. I'm ready to see Crompton show everyone why he was ranked so high coming out of high school.
transplantiam writes:
In the Fl. game we had almost no chance of throwing against their defense and had to run, which went very well. The one thing I question is that CLK didn't get Poole and Oku in nearly enough. I think I saw Oku in a couple of times, but I didn't see Poole at all. Could someone tell me if I'm wrong or what. Poole sometimes seems to be a lot like Hardesty in his running style. I thought last year that he had a future at TB if given a chance. I'll trust the coach but I would like to see him get a few more chances. I just have a feeling that if given the chance for an entire game to allow him to get in the flo of the game. Just a thought on my part. Any opinoins as to his talent level?
GO VOLS!!
82cat writes:
Crompton is the QB and will be every game this year.
Stephens is not better than Crompton according to Kiffin and he would have to be way better for Kiffin to make a change.
Kiffin can tell every 5 star QB in the nation come here, the plate is clean for the next great UT QB
The only caveat is --- Kiffin says all positions are open to competition if that is true there may come a point he has to open the QB position up.
The problem Kiffin doesn't want is to put in Stephens and he plays about like Crompton -- now you have really muddied up the water.
smokyredbone writes:
Ohio won't score on offense (can't run the ball and its going to be raining like crazy)It will however be a tough night to snap out of an offensive funk (raining like crazy). I think the Auburn game will be when we open up the offense (yikes)they need to hypnotize Crompton. Don Devoe had a Hypnotist work with some of his players. They said it made them feel like they were playing in an empty gym! They said it not me,but anything is worth a try! GO VOLS!!!
T4TN writes:
blah blah blah blah
chestnutglade writes:
I hear they have some 3D glasses for crapton to help him see better.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Another inbred from the Crompton family, so when UT looses to Auburn and Georgia because the worse QB in SEC throws 5 more picks you will see, Reeves has already told his brother in law 2 more and he is out..comeback in a few weeks
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