Tennessee was already down a linebacker, then it lost its most consistent one.
The Vols were shorthanded on the defensive line, then its best playmaker so far this season had to leave the game as well.
There was a suspension in the secondary, a banged up offensive line, a running back who looks like he could use a break putting the team on his shoulders and more than enough reasons to justify a 34-23 win over Ohio that didn't exactly thrill UT on Saturday night. Most of those issues aren't going away anytime soon, but first-year coach Lane Kiffin made one thing clear as he started looking to Auburn (4-0, 1-0 SEC) on Saturday (TV: ESPN, 7:45 p.m.) - none of them will be used as a crutch for the wounded Vols.
"We don't accept any excuses about not having enough reps or a guy playing at a spot he's never played at before," Kiffin said. "Whoever is in there needs to play at a championship level for us.
"It was a tough day for us as you saw with injuries, and I think I looked out there on the last series and we only had five starters from the defense that we played with last week. We need guys to step up. We talk about it all the time with preparation and everyone has to prepare like a starter because there is no excuse about not having enough reps or not being in there."
The Vols (2-2, 0-1) had to send more than a few new faces out there against the Bobcats (2-2) on both sides of the ball, and the inexperience showed in an effort Kiffin repeatedly called inconsistent.
A missed block on a late third down in the fourth quarter had him visibly frustrated. Blown coverages in the secondary made the fifth-ranked defense in the country coming into the weekend look ordinary, and the special teams played worse than that.
Now UT has to improve a struggling passing game with receiver Quintin Hancock still out with a broken jaw and freshman Marsalis Teague nursing some new injuries. Its steady rushing attack looked fine in Saturday's second half, but the piecemeal offensive line also needs to get healthier. Every level of the defense is now dealing with some type of pain - including a potentially devastating loss of middle linebacker and former Farragut star Nick Reveiz for the season with a knee injury.
The Vols might not use those concerns as an excuse as they prepare for the Tigers, but the injury bug is certainly going to be an irritant.
"We're pretty beat up over there, but we've got to get better," Kiffin said. "We've got to improve our depth, that's why we have competition so that our depth feels like it's improving throughout the year and our backups aren't just sitting there. We've got to play better, it doesn't matter who's in there. We've got to play better.
"We've tried from the day that we got here to develop depth so that when these things happen, football is about adversity, championship teams fight through it and guys go and make plays."
The Vols made enough of them to get an important win to start their three-game stretch at home heading into the bye week, and whether it was impressive or not, the outcome was exactly what they needed.
It may have come with a price, but the offensive line and senior running back Montario Hardesty at least provided one example of what UT can do even while operating at less than 100 percent.
"We've had a lot of guys banged up," Hardesty said. "(On the offensive line), Jacques (McClendon) was down, we had (Jarrod) Shaw flip-flopping, we had the Sullins twins (Cory and Cody) playing in there for Vlad (Richard), and those guys stepped up and played great for us. We're just developing depth and going out there and playing good.
"I'm fine. I'll ice up on Sunday and be back to practice (today). We've got other guys on the team that are banged up that we have to get back healthy, but I'm fine."
By comparison, Hardesty might be in better shape than a few other starters.
But no matter how many could end up missing some time, Kiffin clearly won't tolerate a drop-off or any excuses.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 118
Big_Orange_Country writes:
Keep your heads up and beat Auburn !!!
Go Big Orange !!!
oldvolsfan writes:
when will the quaterback position show the compotiton surely stephens deserves a chance or are they holding the fulmer grudge against him
Volnauburn writes:
Auburn's pretty good but UT can beat em! We need some new guys to step up and make plays, this is Tennessee! Go Big Orange!!!
govols7462 writes:
Auburn is THE key game. if we win, i think we can go 7-5 or maybe 8-4, if we lose, the bottom will out and we will go 4-8.
1Big_Orange_Fan writes:
We win that game by 28 if Stephens played. JC consistently overthrew open wide receivers and could have easily had 4 interceptions. CLK is either the worst talent evaluator in history (not likely) or intentionally not playing another QB so he can start wonderboy next fall. At least Fulmer had the guts to make a change. I think CLK knows he is at no risk of getting fired by JC's poor performance.
TurboFan writes:
Was it ever explained how Hancock got his jaw broken?
Did any reporter think to ask why Kiffin ran a play instead of taking a knee with 30 seconds left in the game? Is Kiffin hold enough to remember Giants vs Eagles and Larry Csonka?
Big_Orange_Country writes:
I think we all know what we got and Stephens is no better or MAYBE no worse but let the coaches be the deciders. They want to win !!!
Go Big Orange !!!
GahLee writes:
How can you say that?
At what point last year did Nick play lights out?
I certainly don't remember it, he has not done anything to warrant this much love from fans other than just being the back-up to inadequate quarterback.
We have played 4 games and he seen virtually no playing time, likely not going to happen this year, accept it.
Crompton also threw some good balls that were dropped, Brown's wide open drop comes to mind, would have been about 30 yards or so. There were several others too.
Don't get me wrong, he made several bad throws as well, I find it insane that he throws behind on one of the most basic plays in all of football ( slant ).
Heard so much about this being a recruiting ploy. We have a commit, no need to continually cater the playing time pitch. I believe that Nick will be the starter next year, he will get his chance to prove himself, just not likely this year.
GahLee writes:
Indeed. By the way, saying that Fulmer had the guts to make the switch is far-fetched, he was desperate and fighting for his job, can't blame him, but Kiffin isn't in the same boat.
Ironcity writes:
Kiffin made a promise to the QB's before practice that he would not jerk the QB's around. Colemen took this as he would never get in. Stephens and Crompton took it meaning they would get chances even after they screwed up if they were named the starter. Unfortunately, I don't think Kiffin realized how bad it can get when things aren't going right for JC. I truly wish JC was better because we all know he really puts the effort in and the team respects that, but the reality is when the lights go on, he struggles at the first sign of adversity. The bigger the moment the more glaring the mistake he tends to make. I hope JC suddenly relaxes but if it hasn't happened in 41/2 years I doubt its going to suddenly happen now.
DennisVols writes:
Enough of the "If Stephens was our QB" BS. I saw Nick play last year and by no measure was he better than Crompton. It is obvious he is still not better than JC otherwise he would be our QB. It may be a tough pill to swallow but this year we do not have a QB that is one pass better than the other one. Wanting a change at QB does not make it a better option it only makes it a change.
I do like the no excuses attitude with Kiffin. Got really tired of the "we need to look at the film first" approach we had to endure for too long. Kiffin somehow manages to watch the game while coaching and knows what blocks were missed, routes not run correctly, assignments blown on both sides of the ball even before he gets into the film room. Rogan getting supended for not folowing the rules is another enlighting approach of accountability which has been missing for some time.
Kiffin wants this team to win but is not willing to bend the team rules to accomplish that.
If nothing else the foundation is being laid for long term success at UT. You can see it in how competitive the players approach each game. It will not always equal success this year. There has to be a rebuilding of the talent at several key positions, most noteability along the OL and some skill position such as QB.
It would be great if there was a magic wand that could be waved or a mid season trade to be had like in the NFL but it isn't going to happen.
We have what we have and the players, that we do have, need to step up in order for this season to be successful.
Better days are ahead with the continued improvements in the recruiting classes. Until then we have to do the best we can with what we have.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
ctownvol writes:
I'm as big of a fan as anybody, but from what I saw where I was sitting we're in trouble. I'm certainly an optimist when it comes to UT but I am also a realist. It's not pretty. It will get there eventually, but we're not in good shape. I don't care how good our defense is, or how good our stable of running backs is, without a threat of a passing game we are not going very far. I'm sorry if that makes folks mad, but it's just the basic facts of football.
chad_t31 writes:
Crompton also replaced stephens after the Wyoming debacle. Point is, neither one of them are going to set the world on fire.
tdvol1989 writes:
Well, Stephens MIGHT be better than JC on a given play or drive or night, but he would not have made the Ohio game a blowout. I would like to have seen Kiffin play Stephens a little against Ohio just to see. I know he wants to stand by his man, but I do not think there is anything wrong with giving Nick some snaps along the way. I would like to at least see what he's got.
You never know, NS might do better. But, I would not classify Fulmer going back and forth as having guts. It looked and felt and was desperation and panic.
There is nothing wrong with trying though. It is obvious that JC is not going to improve quick enough to turn this into a strong year. My thought is why not give Nick the reps? He cannot be that much worse and he may improve with PT. And, that can carry into next year.
But, a huge difference maker last Saturday, no.
asleep#212036 writes:
Stephens had his chance last year and blew it. Two different staffs with three coordinators (Cutcliffe, Clawson, and now Kiffin) have all come to the same conclusion: Crompton is the best we have. And you are exactly right - Kiffin has no fear of being fired in the first two years, no matter the record. He is banking on his recruits to pull him and the Vols out of the funk in year three and following. That's why the young guys are playing so much now and why the Crompton thing is just noise to him. Unfortunately, that may cost us some wins now. No pain, no gain I suppose. Go Vols!!!
cloudodust writes:
Kiffin's attitude beats the heck out of the 'business trip' mentality of the past. Attitude goes a long toward to success. Hate it for the defense regarding Reveiz. What was Rogan's issue..? Berry get's his pick with yards soon. The way opponents offenses have avoid him has been uncanny. One thing that's 90% sure is that wherever he lines up, the balls going in another direction.
volman67 writes:
it was bad to see nick get hurt,especially because of his work ethic , he was and is a leader for the defense. looking over the roster,maybe Gerald Williams would be a good answer there,or maybe Marlen Walls, maybe sykes and shackfield also,,looks like they would bring some size to that pos.
tdvol1989 writes:
That is mostly right, but Kiffin does not have a 2 yr free pass. He did not bring a great pedigree in here. If he has 2 losing seasons in a row, I am not sure he survives. There was and is a lot of money changing hands with him.
If we repeat a no-bowl season this year, we cannot do the same next year.
But, he will be fine if we let him do his thing. He is young and cocky though, so mistakes are coming.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
I said this right after the game and I still feel it's true...HARDESTY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN THE GAME THAT LONG!
I'm all about Kiffin and what he's trying to do, but that sh-!-t was irresponsible and poor coaching.
Chomp writes:
Kiffin says none of this will be used as a crutch next Saturday? Then why bring it up? He just made it a crutch.
LibertyVolance writes:
Well said Dennis. We have to play with the team we have, true freshmen, former walk-ons, and veterans who haven't competed well at this level yet. God bless all of those putting out the effort. Rather than moan about yesterday, it is far more constructive to plan for tomorrow. We can win games like the upcoming Auburn game if the team keeps fighting through the adversity and proving the naysayers wrong. It can happen.
chad_t31 writes:
I think we all agree that JC was mentally and emotionally broken when kiffin and staff came in. They opened up the competition and apparently JC won out. Now, if kiffin makes a change now and if NS falters, what do you think we'll see from JC when he replaces NS? We are rebuilding folks. If any of you thought we'd go 10-2 or 9-3, then you're a little naive...and it doesn't mean you are any more of a fan than I am. Next year is going to be just as tough at the QB position with either a first year starter in NS or a true freshman. Give it time. Kiffin's not going anywhere anytime soon unless his mouth runs him out of town but from the sound of the recruits he has lined up, that ain't happenin' either. He'll get a few years. Btw, anyone else notice how crazy the top 25 is?! Anyone can beat anyone, including in this conference! Go Vols!! Beat aubbie!
soccervol writes:
I love how guys are bringing up the Wyoming game from last year as evidence of not putting in Stephens...The whole team was struggling with the whole Fulmer situation that week. But I'll tell you what I like about Stephens -- 0 interceptions this year and hasn't cost a game yet. I can guarantee that Stephens is much better than Crompton. I bet you Lamison is tons better. At least give him a chance and then we can all shut up.
Crompton should have had 3 picks last night. He should have been yanked after throwing 2 picks against WKU. As I said, I love what Kiffin is doing to the program but his play calling and keeping crompton in is frustrating me and it sounds like a majority of the fan base.
jcherrie#219531 writes:
I couldn't agree more. This game could well be a turning point of the season.
Vols033 writes:
You are very optimistic (see Wyoming last year when good old Nick threw 2 picks to give the game away). GOOD CALL
volfan17 writes:
Amen! It pains me as much as the next man to watch the Vols struggle. But, we have to be realistic. While every other staff around the country was recruiting players and using last seasons games to impress kids on their official visits, CLK was putting together a staff. This staff had a shortened recruiting season because they didn't get to start until after the season. It takes time people.
volfan17 writes:
Is it possible that CLK is going with J.C. simply because he can't go with N.S. due to the wrist fracture he suffered? Maybe he's not 100%. Neither we nor the media are privy to all the inside information. Just a thought.
AllVol1 writes:
In general, I agree with these thoughts, especially regarding some PT for Nick Stephens. True he is not that much better, but he cannot be much worse either. So, let's see him handle a few drives and then "we can all shut up". Wyoming was a year ago. Perhaps he actually could get into a rhythm and be a little more "consistent" (Kiffin's big word that his QB Crompton is absolutely NOT.) Hope we lay it on Auburn and see Nick in the 3rd or 4th. Go Vols.
bigorange0711 writes:
Amen!!!!!!!!!!!
LibertyVolance writes:
Bob-not-for-vols:
If you miss him so much, then go climb in his lap.
govols57 writes:
Auburn is 4-0 and averaging 40 points a game.....we are banged up on both sides of the ball...u miss Fulmer!?......u make me sick!!
VOLKING writes:
Someone call the bomb squad, Bob4vols is about to blow! While your love affair for a failed coach who had his chances again and again might make a great Hallmark movie of the week, it's also making you look a little foolish. Kiffin has inherited an overall bad team that Phil left him. After 4 games, no one but a fool would judge him with someone else's talent. I'm worried about your health...mentally and physically. Calm down and give him time. Kiffin is going to be here at least 3 more years, no matter what deranged Fulmer-lovers have to say. BTW, I've heard you can buy Xanax cheap from Canada.
KingP writes:
agree 100%...well stated
VolinCalif writes:
OK guys, lets just look this last game over.
1 Does our passing game need some exercise? You bet it does.
2 Did Lane work on the passing game. Yes he did.
3 Did Lane stay with his plan to use this game in every possible way to build up our team. yes he did.
4 Did Lane move players around to get experience to help the depth issue. Yes he did.
5 Did his game plan show he knew he could put away this game anytime he wanted. Yes it did.
6 Lane also showed the players he trusted them and not for them to worry because this game was a win from the start.
Not trying to take anything away from Ohio , but Lane appeared to know he was never in any real trouble. The Vosl could always run, run and run to win the game.The true object was work the QB and Rec's and see just what they could do. Soooo he now knnows he has a lot of work ahead of him. But don't think it'll be the same with an SEC opponet. We'll se Sat just how Lane is going to coach this team.
Go Vols Trust the Staff.
ogator writes:
Is it because your team has never beaten him, or because your team couldn't do it, or because you're a Vols fan with no class? Answer: All of the above! Why don't you mildly try to stay on subject with the rest of what's going on, O.K.?
RockinTop writes:
"Kiffin clearly won't tolerate a drop-off or any excuses." <---- that is complete BS and so is Kiffin's statement about everyone must play at a championship level. That CLEARLY isn't his position with Crompton nor is the "tolerance" statement true regarding Crompton. HE IS FREAKIN TERRIBLE! And CLK knows it.
It certainly is beggining to look like CLK is in fact full of crapp and I hate that!
Here's my prediction: after we get smoked in one of the next 3 games and the stands start getting bare and ticket sales begin to drop then Kiffin will finally pull Crompton.
I laughed when I read what Kiffin said in this article because that expectation isn't true for Crompton and it clearly shows since JC isn't on the bench. He really does suck.
Go big orange.
volfan17 writes:
I agree with you. There seems to be an excess of rude, classless and vulgar people on here.
melissad#230003 writes:
What a terrible thing you have said about yourself, sicemsmokey. Tebow is a gifted young man who happens to play for another team who has beaten us. If he were the Vols QB, you would be indignant at such a comment by another.
RollTideJoe writes:
Just for the record, Saban was undefeated his first year until the textbook matter and he sat five starters to be safe with the NCAA. They lost the rest of the season, because that makes a tremendous difference. Until that, however, he was undefeated that first year.
DukeDeLuca writes:
No. Kiffin isn't even old enough to remember Walter Payton.
colt writes:
If KY can knock out TT, what do you think AL will do to him? A running QB never lasts for long. TT has no more chance in the NFL than I do.
DukeDeLuca writes:
Here's a final score:
Navy 38
Western Kentucky 22
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
you're a classless. redneck idiot--its your kind that should drop dead and better this world
cmh318 writes:
can we get back to the subject of the article?
at least Kiffin realizes that we are lacking the DRIVE. Something Fulmer never did. Fulmer just chalked a win up as a win, and watched film, and ran through the motions in practice and never tried to improve.
Wins start from the inside. The heart. The drive. The motivation. Kiffin is trying to get our players to start playing like champions. The difference between Florida players, Texas players, USC players, and Tennessee players is, they ALL play like they ARE the best, and we play like we're playing against the best.
Every action starts from inside the body (heart and mind). He's trying to get the players to think they're champions, feel like champions, believing that they are champions, and then playing like champions. We can't win until we play to win.
Play like Champions.
GO VOLS!!!
ogator writes:
He got his tail whipped last year, as well.
aviator1 writes:
I know nobody wants another one of those, 'I know a guy close to the program" stories but here goes. A friend (UT Alum) of mine from work and his dad golf with a couple of former UT players from the Memphis area. What I am hearing about Coleman through them is basically that Coleman was to be "the man" part way through camp. Word is that CLK was riding him pretty hard because of that....I assume to make him a better/tougher leader....I mean the QB IS the team leader so CLK's treatment of him stands to reason in my book. I mean hell it's kinda like what I remember in boot camp years ago. Of course he didn't tell Coleman that. When the heat came on Coleman caved. Doesn't matter now because Coleman is gone and we're left with Crompton and that's fine. CLK and the staff know more about football and football talent than I ever will so I trust their judgement. Looks like the Vol faithful will just have to ride this storm out. Having said that if Crompton's awesome practices can't translate to the field on gameday what good are his awesome practices? The receivers need to step up and MAKE Crompton look good.......bad hand to be dealt if you're a receiver but that's the game. That's part of developing as a player at the next level. No doubt Crompton's gotta settle down, work on some things and get better but so does the rest of the team. We'll just have to hope until then because with UT's section of the SEC gauntlet approaching awfully fast I think it's too late to throw Stephens to the SEC wolves. We need to remeber a few things as UT fans and supporters:
1. This IS a rebuilding year
2. This staff is working with what was left to them
Let's support our team, staff and players and not berate them.
3. I LOVE CLK's take no prisoners, no excuses, high expectations attitude but I think we as fans need to temper those with reality in the SEC when we're in what is clearly a down year based on the facts listed in 1 and 2.
Just my $.02 and GBO!!! Beat Auburn!!!!
chrisw2967 writes:
well if your hero can land a coaching job next year , you can go where ever he is and still whorship him. I dont think nobody is stopping you.Phil isnt coming back so get over it.
If Fulmer was doing his job he would still be the coach.
mm29680#645909 writes:
I'm not a big fan of Nick Saban (Satan), but he had a terrible first year until some of his recruiting classes started moving in. Keep the faith, baby. GO VOLS.
TarheelVol writes:
Agreed. A win against Auburn sets us up
for a go at the preacher man from
Athens. I see no hope against Bama. SC,
Ole Miss will be tough. Memphis, Vandy,
Kentucky should be wins.
wags32 writes:
I think it is an ignorant comment! Nick Stephens has not had a chance to play a real game in THIS OFFENSE.! Last year no one got a grasp o the offense so last year does not matter anymore, Crompton cant play well in this offense so let Stephens give it a shot. Common horse sense.
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