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Tennessee gave Jonathan Crompton a chance and put the game in his hands early.
Ultimately the Vols had to take it away and hand it back to Montario Hardesty.
Weather wasn't an issue, the offense wasn't exactly conservative and Ohio clearly was overmatched in talent, but that combination still didn't amount to much for UT in the passing game. After letting its senior quarterback air the ball out more on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium, it had to turn it over to a tailback to close out the Bobcats in a 34-23 win that reinforced UT's best offensive option.
"You always want to get back to kind of 50-50 in the run game and the pass game because that's our style," UT coach Lane Kiffin said. "I think you saw a different game plan, you saw us try to throw it around. We kind of went back to what we do and what we've done and only threw the ball eight times in the second half.
"The plan was to throw it around early and come back and pound the ball at them late, and we did well at that at times and other times our inconsistency showed up."
Mostly they popped up when UT tried to establish Crompton and its stagnant aerial attack, which it did by design against a team that was suspect in the secondary.
That was understandable if not surprising, though, particularly since the Vols had seemingly made clear they would be focusing on a power rushing attack with Crompton struggling with his accuracy and protecting the football. But Kiffin only called 12 runs in the first half while letting Crompton attempt 28 passes in a performance that was every bit as uneven as the ratio.
There was a beautiful strike to Brandon Warren in the right corner of the end zone for a score, but there also was a ball forced into coverage and picked off.
Crompton hit Bryce Brown in the numbers on a route along the sideline, and he wasn't to blame for the drop by the freshman running back. But there was nobody to share it with earlier in the quarter when the rest of the offense went left and Crompton rolled right to fake a handoff to nobody.
Kiffin effectively shut him down in the second half and went back to the well with Hardesty, making up for a light load for the senior early by giving him 17 of his 20 carries after intermission.
"That's what we do well right now," Hardesty said. "We went into halftime and Coach said we were going to start grinding and getting back to what we've been doing.
"The guys up front definitely responded and opened up big holes for me. I just tried to hit the holes."
He did, and he usually didn't stop for a while once he was through them.
Hardesty finished with 140 yards and a touchdown, and Brown provided some help with 56 more yards on 13 carries.
Both of them exploited the overmatched Bobcats behind great blocking along the right side of the offensive line, which included an impressive debut for redshirt freshman Aaron Douglas at tackle. The Vols still weren't able to convert long drives into many points though, but some of the problem was abandoning what was working once it crossed midfield.
Either way, it's becoming increasingly more clear that the best way to the end zone is on the ground, but even that path isn't perfect.
"I wasn't going to let the second half go the way the first half went even though we had some success at times," Kiffin said. "At times it was (successful), the touchdown drive was a big one. I was pleased with the way we responded at times. It's a consistency issue.
"I go back to, there's no way you have a team in your place, as much of favorites as we are and you have a chance to put them away with an 11-point lead and you have the ball with two minutes left, your defense should never have to go back on the field. It's ridiculous. That's consistency and that's growing as a team."
There's obviously more to do in every phase. But UT made clear again which area is further along.
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Comments » 72
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Seriously, can Nick Stephens be THAT bad??? I mean, the coaches say that Crompton is the best in practice, but then he comes out and plays inept. Isn't that a reason to throw out the QB-practice-measuring stick?
VOLKING writes:
Yes, Stephens is that bad. See last year.
UTVOLSFAN4LIFE writes:
I thought Crompton did well overall tonight. He made some mistakes but he did seem poised on the field. It is hard to tell playing Ohio. I hope this game will help him build some confidence going into the Auburn game.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Have you ever watched Crompton at a post-game interview? He has confidence. He's got so much confidence that he doesn't realize he's a mediocre QB on his best days. I mean, the kid tries, and you can't fault him for that. He's got confidence and effort oozing out of him. What he doesn't have are the elite skill abilities to: 1) view the field and find open receivers, 2) adjust the speed and direction of his passes to make them catch-able, and 3) the instinctive ability NOT to stare down his receivers.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
What benefit would come of giving the "honest answer"???
If he's gonna stick with Crompton the whole way, he might as well take the heat off of him, as he's been doing.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
If that's true and Stephens is worse than Crompton, how impressive is it that Fulmer was able to so completely screw the both of them up?
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Maybe Kiffin taking the heat off Crompton is exactly the WRONG thing to do. Maybe Kiffin needs to come out and badmouth the kid a bit and put his feet to the fire... of course I'm kidding (but I'm kind of not). If something doesn't work for you (as keeping "the heat" off of Crompton clearly has not) then you need to try something different.
jack_2222#231746 writes:
As I watch Lane's predictable playcalling and substitutions I keep reminding myself he's a great recruiter.
TommyJack writes:
You guys that see JC as making progress are exactly the reasons eye-witness testimony is usually bad.
Loud_Proud writes:
all of you guys that are stating that CLK's play calling is predictable...are idiots. what n the H E L L do u guys not understand about the fact that when u have a bad QB, u cant mix it up and do play action passes and things..god, go freakin learn the game of football. its so predictable b/c he can not throw the ball..u freakin idiots p i s s me off so d a m n bad.
Oenoboy writes:
If a RB turned the ball over as much as JC has, he would be riding the bench. It is time to see if Stephens has a better gamebrain because Cromton most definitely does not.
There is just no way to excuse his poor decision making and lack of accuracy. Pull the plug.
bigaldaddy writes:
Why were they recruited in the first place.
chrisw2967 writes:
you will have to ask phil that, im not so sure he would even know the answer.
volfan7 writes:
volsrock54
You are indeed a comedian. You could write an amusing article for the Knoxville paper. Got any more?
volfan17 writes:
Stephens was just a sophomore last year with very little playing time to establish any kind of rhythm or feel for the receivers. Crompton is a fifth year senior and stinking up the place. The difference between the two is that Stephens doesn't get rattled as easily as Crompton.
mytrifecta writes:
This is old news...But I'll keep posting my comments until some type of change is made. Lane, give another QB a shot! I don't care if it's Stephens, the JC kid or a local high school kid. How can they possibly be worse? JC is a great kid and I really hate to make this personal...he's just terrible. Any momentum Kiffen has gained in recruiting he's losing by this hard-headed stance in continuing to play a QB that's completly overwhelmed in game situations. We will not win another SEC game with JC at QB...unless the defense is fortunate enough to bail us out again. Do the right thing for this program and not what supports your ego.
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
===================Quote===================
Loud_Proud writes:
all of you guys that are stating that CLK's play calling is predictable...are idiots. what n the H E L L do u guys not understand about the fact that when u have a bad QB, u cant mix it up and do play action passes and things..god, go freakin learn the game of football. its so predictable b/c he can not throw the ball..u freakin idiots p i s s me off so d a m n bad.
====================End quote==================
Unfortunately, your comments are all too true in regard to the QB situation. As for the second-guessing fans on the forum, please consider the definition of "fair weather friend." And the fact that magic like instant gratification relating to things like turning a football program around tends to be in the realm of mythology. Instead time and effort is what gets it done. Effort also means fans who exercise a reasonable degree of common sense.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Apparently the govols staff didn't think it was that funny, they removed my post...really wish I knew why.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Here's an edit of my earlier post (hope the govols staff will give me an explanation if they remove this one):
Also, I think that Kiffin is easily the master of college coaching "bovine feces". Last week he tried to convince everyone that ticking off the rest of the SEC was just part of his master plan to take the pressure off the team for the Florida game. About tonight's game play he said this:
"The plan was to throw it around early and come back and pound the ball at them late..."
Really?? The honest answer here would be: "I thought that Crompton might be able to throw against a team with a (insert derogatory adjective) secondary, but after that first interception I decided that Crompton's ego wasn't as important as the win and so we gave the ball to the running backs."
You gotta love CLK, he could (rhymes with "slang") your sister and then convince you that you owe him money... I'm just glad I don't have a sister.
vol98champ writes:
A loss is a win against Florida. A win is a loss against Ohio. Let's face facts. This team is at least 2 years away from being able to compete without giving us heart burn. We are starting walk ons. We are playing an awful lot of freshmen. The back up quarterback many of you lust for lost to Wyoming when he defense played great. I loved Fulmer, but what in the world was he doing the last 3 or 4 years? Finally, the wide receivers aren't getting open and please someone tell Kessling that he is on radio and not TV. You never know where in the world the ball is even after the play is over and you have no idea what is going on during the play.
98reax writes:
We will not be a winning team with JC under center. Duh, understatement of the century...I thought we learned this last season. Four games into another season looks like rerun of bad nightmare. He's still fumbling, stumbling crucial plays. Opposition knows coaches have no confidence in his passing. "Come on and get me, 'cause coach won't let me throw it," is his cadence. It won't be pretty when some team squashes him like a bug.
xvolx writes:
You're wrong about several things. Crompton did not throw into coverage to Jones on the INT. Jones was open and blew the catch. Douglas was pushed all over the field by the def. end. All the rushing yardage was gained off left tackle behind Scott. Crompton did roll the wrong way on the almost fumble loss.
BIGORANGEDOG writes:
Hey guys, what if this whole commitment to JC at QB is the ongoing behind the scenes recruitment of that top pro style QB we have heard so much about and so obviously need. Opening the door for him to step right in and run the offense like other major programs have done this year, ie. Michigan and USC, to name a couple. Could be CLK knows exactly what he is doing!
volsfannsc writes:
"Kiffin has proved to me he is an idiot by the way he runs his mouth and cannot back up anything he says. He let the best quarterback go in BJ Coleman (who by the way is playing great for the Mocs). I can understand that he has no other choice than Crompton at QB (Stevens really is just as bad) but he could at least own up to the fact that the guy just can't pass. He continues to allow Crompton to throw interceptions, fumble and overall be a lost ball in high weeds on the field."--dd1179
Kiffin's 'mouth' or bravado is what is bringing in recruits to UT. This is something PF wouldn't and couldn't do. I feel certain Kiffin felt as though if there were a game where he was allowed to see if playing confidence could be built in JC, Ohio was to be the team. I am also sure Kiffin has realized that this isn't ever going to happen with JC. So now what? Stephens is as bad or worse, Laimison(sp?) can't read the playbook and understand it. We're destined to run the ball and hope the defense can keep us in the game. I get so absolutely frustrated every time JC drops back in the pocket - but what now? What would any coach do? I guess talking the smack and bringing in the recruits is the best option. I knew and I hope most of you knew this was to be a rebuilding year. No coach turns a team around that is this discombobbulated in one season. I will admit that I too bought into the fact that UT could have possibly gone 7-5 this year, because that's what I wanted to believe. As an adult who is able to look at the logical side of things, deep down I knew this was impossible. Fulmer, in his ultimate wisdom to turn this team into a spread type offense was the worst thing that could have ever happened at UT. Its going to take players with the same bravado as Kiffin to turn this thing around. JC talks the talk, but can't walk at all. Until his replacement is recruited and on the field- it is what it is.
Give_Him_6_Holloway writes:
The stupid drivel that most of you are posting today is sad. Kiffin is playing the cards that are dealt to him. He has to throw the ball, so his recruits will trust that he will let them play catch when they arrive. Stephens will not start, this year, or next. A freshman or JUCO will start next year. Anyone thinking that this is going to be a quick fix needs to quit smoking dope and start living in the now.
Funny thing, how we score 24 in the first half with a crappy passing game, and only score 10 pounding the ball in the second half. I am not going to second guess this coaching staff. This is pretty much the same Ohio team that played Ohio State close last year. Teams like that, you don't ever blow out.
Auburn week is upon us. Stop yer belly ackin, and get on the Lane Train.
paul5170 writes:
You guys have nothing better to do @ 1 thirty in morning,I'm fanning some covers @ that time and I'm over seventy.....
volsfannsc writes:
1. BJ Coleman was not willing to put forth the work ethic to earn his spot. He thought the position should have been handed to him due to last years performance records.
2.Upon arriving at Clemson, Boyd was not allowed to practice and underwent surgery to a shoulder that was in the coaches and medical staffs terms 'a can of noodles'.
3. Recruiting a five star player is tough when you are battling a previous 5-7 season, wouldn't you think?
4. Was there someone else left at that point? This kid had rave reviews after summer camps.
5. The players and the recruits love the fact that he doesn't take any 'guff' from other coaches. Do you really want him to roll over and play dead....and then fulfill your wishes and recruit top names?
If Kiffin is guilty of anything, it is the fact that he doesn't have a magic wand, and the fan base expects intant results from a team that was left in a total shambles last year.
CHS52VOL writes:
Memo to Coach Lane Kiffin: "It's Time!"
smokyredbone writes:
Another complete Idiot!!!!
OrangePride writes:
Watching JC tonight, we saw some good things and, as usual, some horrific things. The latter is the part that makes you nervous. That fumble to nearly turn the game around was about as bad a play as you can have. Not sure who gets the blame for the handoff to no one, but he looked bad there also. My complaint is that there were people very open on four or five plays that JC just never saw OR totally overthrew....AND he had time. The line was excellent. CLK and staff?.....you folks have a lot on your hands to QB-proof these next two games. GO VOLS!
CHS52VOL writes:
Can only imagine the frustration felt by the running backs, offensive line. defensive line and linebackers. With rare exception, they have played well enough to be 4-0. It takes someone very special to make Coach Monte Kiffin look bad, but Coach Lane Kiffin succeeded last night.
What is the old adage, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got." Ain't looking for perfection, but a little improvement would be nice. GBO!
hillsborovol writes:
Are you kidding? Under Fulmer I could correctly guess the play simply based upon their formation. Kiffin is much more difficult to predict. Just because we start running the ball when the QB play isn't getting the job done, doesn't make it predictable...this just means Kiffin is doing what is working.
I've had season tickets in Section W since the mid 1960s. We simply do not have the personnel at QB or WR that we need on offense. The WRs are neither big, nor fast (not counting freshmen). In many years, we have had those big bodies that would come down with the ball. We've not taken a single ball away all year in a jump ball situation. Kiffin just needs some time to complete a serious upgrade in talent.
wheel9468 writes:
I agree. Apparently, to post here you must be a complete idiot on the game of football.
Any person that criticizes CLK's playing calling should pick another sport to watch. You obviously don't know football.
Last year and this year can be summed up in one word....Fulmer. Fulmer's inability to recruit even a mediocre QB to compete with Crompton is why we stink. Look around college football....you must have a competent QB to win.
Also, anybody that suggests putting Nu’Keese or Marsalis Teague at QB full time should have their Internet service canceled.
tloutn writes:
Even living in Virginia I can still smell the foul stench of "Tennessee fair weather fan bullsh't".
GO VOLS!
give_him_6 writes:
CRAPton is horrible and Bama and UGA are gonna eat us alive. They know we can't pass and they will take away the run. Those games could be brutal. And since Crompton is Kiffs QB what's to keep Stevens from just transfering out. We are gonna be a real bad shape next year at the QB spot. We'll have no depth and no proven leadership. And if you think a freshman at QB is a winning option in the SEC your crazy.
tellico_bob writes:
Crompton's not helping us this year and we might as well get next year's backup some more experience. Time to start Stephens.
tellico_bob writes:
Hey staff. How long 'til I actually get to post something.
tellico_bob writes:
Hey staff. How long must I be labeled a "new commenter". I wanna play too.
tellico_bob writes:
this guy can post comments that everyone can see, but i can't? please let me play with the other guys.
tellico_bob writes:
is there anybody out there?
Elkabong1940 writes:
I don't know what some of you guys are smoking. I watch a lot of TV shows on SEC football and most sportcasters state we don't have a QB. Crompton is a nice kid and can marry my granddaughter but it is time to try Stephens.
tennisvol writes:
Now the hard part of the schedule comes for LK and the Vols. The defensive coordinators for opposing teams must be licking their chops as they know UT is a one way offense. Just put the defense on the line of scrimmage and stop the run. No need to worry about the pass. Just let ole Crompton go and do his thing which is to throw it to the opposing team.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
You are calling a spade a spade and being honest about it. Problem is, your way would demoralize the entire team and guarantee a record of4-8 as well as end your brilliant recruiting success. Glad the coach does it his way and not yours.
VolinChatt writes:
Kiffin: "We kind of went back to what we do and what we've done and only threw the ball eight times in the second half."
Hey, Coach, you should do that for the rest of the season. While a 50/50 pass-run ratio is nice, that's not going to work for 2009. If you're going to pass, short passes in the flat or screens may work best. Occasional deep ball is ok to make defenses honest. Having Crompton pass it as much as UT did on Saturday doesn't make any sense to me.
That's why it is next to impossible to know how a QB turns out at the college level. From what I have heard, much more difficult to know how a quarterback will transition from high school to college, than from college to the NFL.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
good thing most of these guys posting are the vocal minority because most of them are idiots. wish most would keep their mouths shut and give it a little time before they show how stupid they are sounding. did anyone really expect 9-3 this yr?
TommyJack writes:
NO. I said 7-5 would be a good first year for CLK. Looks doubtful, though.
Pullingguard writes:
good QB coaching can make either of them better than they are playing... If Stephens is never given a chance then we will never know if he could do better than Crompton.. For if practice equated to game then Vols might be undefeated, however, Crompton has a brain lapse in real games, and Kiffin not trying an alternative is just hard headed and gives one understanding why Al Davis gave him the walking papers..
rockytopatl writes:
You da man, TJ. Why can't they see what we see? Too much Kool-Aid? Too much orange tint in the eyeglasses?
Vol_in_Mich writes:
That's just plum mean smokey. Funny but mean, besides Bristol is in east Tennessee.
I know the Vols pretty much suck, but they won. After all it was the week after our "big game". Even good teams have let downs.
Do we really want to see a backup QB who hasn't played a meaningful down this year thrown to the Tigers this week? Wasn't that tried last year? Talk about being between a rock & a hard place!
Every team we have left except three are better than the Vols. I hope we play good enough to steal a game or two & go 6&6 and get some kind of bowl. At least this team does not quit.
I'll keep saying the same thing i've said for years "wait till next year"
GO VOLS!!!
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