The University of Tennessee is trying to soften a tough stretch of early games.
It might stand to make a little money in the process.
No contracts are official at this point, but Vols athletic director Mike Hamilton is looking to cancel a home-and-away series with the University of North Carolina starting next year in favor of a home date with the University of Buffalo. The proposed swap would give UT an easier draw in coach Derek Dooley's second season, break up a schedule front-loaded with tough opponents - and offer another profitable home game.
At the expense now of paying North Carolina $750,000 to break the deal with the Tar Heels, UT could host another date at Neyland Stadium worth around $3 million on average to play the Mid-American Conference team.
"It's been verbal communication to this point and in these situations there still has to be formality to any contract, and so we've let Carolina know that we're going to go a different direction since they were not able to move the game and the series to a later date in the decade," Hamilton said. "Personally, it's kind of a downer for me because I was looking forward to playing Carolina as a North Carolina native, but without the ability to move it later in the decade, we felt like we needed to break that six-game stretch up and put a non-BCS team in there.
"We'll buy out of the series and do that and move ahead."
The Vols will do so with a new 2011 schedule that should be less challenging than originally planned, which is certainly part of the appeal. UT is currently well under the limits on scholarships and therefore low on depth, and that problem isn't likely to fixed for a couple seasons under Dooley.
Dropping a road trip to North Carolina also allows Hamilton to add another game at Neyland Stadium, which on average is worth about $3 million to UT - more than enough to cover the buyout for the Tar Heels and potentially pay to bring in Buffalo.
Aside from that, UT has also been exploring the possibility of dropping or moving the series under each of its last three coaches.
"Actually, we talked about it even when coach (Phillip) Fulmer was here," Hamilton said. "Then Lane (Kiffin) visited about this series as well, and Derek and I, as we were looking at our numbers being down and then a stretch of difficulty (in the SEC), we asked if we needed to look at it and modify it, and we decided that we would.
"We actually have talked to Carolina about this for months. So, we're already at a point where we've got an opponent ready to play us, and there's been some shifting around because of different things around the country in scheduling, and we were able to locate a non-BCS opponent without too much trouble."
Obviously one hope in finding an opponent like Buffalo is that it doesn't give much trouble when it arrives either, though that's not the sole motivation for the move.
Dooley didn't address the swap specifically after practice on Tuesday, but he seemed to subtly suggested he signed off on it.
"Mike handles the scheduling, and he doesn't do anything without at least getting my thoughts on it," Dooley said. "He has a real good understanding of what's important to our fans and the program, and I've got a lot of trust in how he's managing the schedule. I think he's doing a great job on it, but that's pretty much stuff I defer to him.
"Obviously, if I was in big disagreement with what he wanted to do, I would express that. He would probably respect it. I defer to him unless I adamantly oppose."
Meanwhile, North Carolina senior associate AD Larry Gallo told the Associated Press the final outcome hasn't been decided and the Tar Heels would prefer to play the series.
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Comments » 252
tnsportsman writes:
My comments from the first story on this crazy mess!
Mike Hamilton you are running scared dude! I love the University of Tennessee and have supported you throughout this crazy 24 months of UT Football. But you have caused the media across TN and the Nation to be laughing at YOU and UT! C'MON ON MAN!
You said the schedule wouldn't allow Tennessee to play USC and THE LAIR SURFER DUDE to open 2011, but later you got rid of the first 2011 game with North Texas State??? Now you are paying off NC not to play them in 2011 & 2012 and replace them with Buffalo??? WTF!!!
TENNESSEE needs EVERYONE in UTAD to be ready, willing and able to play ANYONE, ANYWHERE! TENNESSEE IS NOT SCARED OF ANY TEAM, YOU ARE! Great Athletes want to play the best teams all the time! That's why they come to the SEC and throughout our history to TENNESSEE!
BE A MAN AD! Who is in charge of PR at UT, whomever it is they are really bad!
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT!
armyvol22 writes:
Chicken sh** move.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Ironcity writes:
Hate to say this but Hamilton is falling on the sword for Dooley. This falls squarely on Dooley. I hate it. What has ALWAYS separated UT from the rest of the conference is our desire to play anyone anywhere. In two months time we have backed out of one big game and said no thanks to another. At least our basketball coach is still seeking to play top notch competition even after he lost most of his team. Maybe our coach and Mr Hamilton will rethink this mistake before its to late.
vol45 writes:
Have you ever taken the trouble to look at the schedule when Neyland won his National Championship.
196SVol writes:
You mean everyone but North Carolina.
alwaysVol writes:
I understood the decision to not play USC it just didn't have any benefit to it, but this decision I don't like. I think we can beat north carolina next year.
volbike writes:
Most people don't seem to understand that it is all about entertainment, not winning, though winning is the biggest element.
Only one team is going to win the National championship and only two will play for it. Only about 10 teams will win conference championships. The rest of us have to bank on getting the most entertainment for our $$.
Now would you rather be entertained beating up on a patsy or playing much more competitive nationally respected opponent with very good chance of losing.
Personally I vote for the latter even if I weren't a season ticket holder. I can't wait to try to unload the buffalo tickets............
volcycle writes:
Really?!?
I mean it's the ACC....it's North Carolina. They might be as strong as Kentucky or Mississippi St.....maybe. What's tough about that (or are we really that bad?) I live in North Carolina, there's nothing to fear over here. If you've ever watched the ACC game of the week, you would understand. The only ACC teams to worry about are Clemson, Virginia Tech, Miami, and Florida St. The latter two have gotten worse since they joined the conference.
This is not a Tennessee move!!
Tau_of_Tennessee writes:
The info provided in the article would indicate a potential $2,250,000 financial upshot. Looks like a sound business decision to me; although there will be a passing tarnish (hard to quantify) to the brand. That is more than we have made from a bowl game in quite some time.
rockytopatl writes:
We might as well change our nickname from the Volunteers to the Cowardly Lions. I have supported UT to the hilt all my life, but this move reeks and I hate it with a passion. I have North Carolina friends and relatives, and I'm already hearing from them about being a no-show in Chapel Hill next year.
Someone on the other thread pointed out that Majors and Co. didn't shy away from Southern Cal or Notre Dame when the program was down before. Yes, we took some beatings, but we surprised some people as well. At least we took some pride about taking on all comers. Now I guess we do our best to stack the future schedule with the likes of UT Martin, Buffafo, Wofford, Georgia State and Knoxville College.
We might as well be the tin man as well as the Cowardly Lions because when you have no guts, you also have no heart.
orangeman1 writes:
You think Buffalo will be up for this game? How much more of a slap in the face could it be to admit they are being scheduled for an easy win? I think Dooley an MH know that Dooley will need to improve his record in 2011,12 or they both will be on the hot seat. They are just covering their *. At least MH is being truthful here unlike the reason he gave for not scheduling USC in 11. I hate to see them back out, but they will still play some good teams. WD must've cast a spell on me cause I got home from work and am trying to be positive.
stevefrommemphis writes:
Well, my schedule has also been adjusted for September 24, 2011: Georgia Tech at Middle Tennessee replaces Tennessee at North Carolina on schedule of games to attend. steve to pay UTAD $200 buyout (cost of 4 worthless tickets to Buffalo game in UT season ticket package). Steve to adjust donation to University of Tennessee accordingly.
Interesting tidbit, perhaps relevant, or maybe not: UNC does not yet know the dates for most of its games in 2011. ACC doesn't release the conference schedule until sometime in the spring each year. I don't know if certain weeks are reserved solely for conference games or not.
I hope this is all about money, and not about changing the scheduling philosophy to crowd the schedule with weak opponents. My guess is that trying to turn Neyland Stadium into the Taj Mahal, then not selling all of the Tennessee Terrace seats, has something to do with this.
196SVol writes:
The new HC for Buffalo was the OC at Cincinatti. They were 12-0 before they ran into the Gators, and their head coach had left for ND. I guess on the positive side, Hamilton didn't schedule Wyoming.....
196SVol writes:
Correction..Cincinnati...
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
In today's world, preception is the reality. And the preception of our football program is not a good one. 3 coaches in 3 years, attempted armed robbery, barroom brawls, hostessgate, NCAA investigstions..players that refuse to play but we won't grant releases, AD saying that our schedule is set for the next couple of years, then making changes anyway....Come on guy's, if you are for or against this move, you must realize that it doesn't look good. UT could sure use a boost in image right about now.
And now the image takes a $3/4 million hit.
BleedsOrangeinMO writes:
North Carolina maybe on NCAA probation by then. But that makes no difference; to get better you gotta play the better teams. Ray Mears (for you young ones he's a previous UT BB Head Coach)used to say we will play anybody, any time, any where. It should be no different now. If we had a rough patch in our schedule; looks like Hamilton did not do his job to start with if he does all the scheduling as the article states.
196SVol writes:
If you believe the press, Fulmer and Kiffin were trying to get out of this game too, and Dooley supported the move. I think there is a cash-crunch going on right now and they have decided they need the team to stay home.
finn writes:
Do you really think national media gives a damn if UT (not anywhere near a top 25 team) makes a schedule change with another sub 25 team? The only reason this might get any traction is the moronic response by our brilliant fan base. This is a non-issue on a national scale and has been blown completely out of proportion.
chrisw2967 writes:
Dont worry MH has just about worn his welcome out here at UT.All this guy has done is dress up neyland and raise the ticket prices and screw up contracts.He has just about ran out of his 9 lives.
Oh just think Buffalo will be on PPV because he will do well to get 75k fans to come out for that game.
DandyVol writes:
Sure glad I'm a basketball fan first. This is so sad. Even if we lost, I would still enjoy an NC series. What's a buffalo anyway? Why don't we book a game with Carson Newman? Oh we might lose. So sad.
volzcrushm writes:
WE GET SOME REALLY STRONG PLAYER OUT OF N.C. SINCE WE ARE IN REBUILDING MODE... IT WOULD PROBABLY BE BETTER AT THIS POINT NOT TO RISK LOSING THOSE PLAYER FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. PLUS.. HAMILTON KNOWS WE NEED A WINNING RECORD TO GET IN TO POST SEASON.(THE MONEY WILL OFFSET THE BUYOUT)
tnsportsman writes:
Your statement is apples and oranges dude (No Pun Intended) I bet if Neyland WAS HERE and already had a team on the schedule he would NEVER run from playing the game! The point is, 'You Never Go Back' and remove good teams because when you do it's like the 6 PM News here in Nashville lead with tonight: 'Tennessee and Hamilton are raising the White Flag'.
Someone needs to know Great PR and the reaction of every move UT makes. No way to spin this story into good PR, NO WAY!
BUT, I still believe in CDD and this TENNESSEE FOOTBALL TEAM! IMO 8 wins at least this year, BOOK IT!
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT!
jt1369w writes:
Wipe the sand out and play UNC...
tnsportsman writes:
Well let's see, the story has been on ESPN ALL DAY! Every 6 PM News in Tennessee has lead sports with the story.
Wonder if any RECRUITS watch ESPN and the News?
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT!
DennisVols writes:
Sounds like damage control. The damage done by several years of subpar recruiting by CPF coupled with defections by players who didn’t want to stick around during the coaching carrousel has depleted the roster greatly. It is going to take several years to fill all the holes given the NCAA restrictions on the # of signees each year.
I hate seeing UT back away from anyone at anytime but facts are facts. When you add the depleted scholarship level with at least 3 injuries every team could count on the talent level currently at UT is not in the upper tier level of the SEC.
The damage is done, nothing can change that. CDD has a major task in rebuilding the talent level depth at almost every position. I know what we would all love to see but since Harry Potter isn’t available so I don’t foresee any magic wand that will make this a quick fix. Stability has to be regain in this program for the elite recruits to once again come in bunches to UT. You can bet every coach in the conference is using that along with the impending NCAA investigation in their conversations with any high level recruit considering UT.
So don’t blame ADMH for having to make this decision look no further than the previous coaches and the damage they did.
Keeping it Real
GoVols!!!
196SVol writes:
OHHH...Now I see! Dooley is "getting attention" like Kiffin did! He is just trying to get UT noticed. Wow, what a great idea!!
MikeTheTiger writes:
hahahahahahahhahahahahhahhahahhahhhahahahahhahaa!
GerryOP writes:
Hey lil' zzgataboy, would you have Foley call Hamilton and share some telephone numbers? Hamilton's particularly interested in the #s for Charleston Southern, Troy, and FIU. Should be easy, Foley has them on speed dial.
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
Dumb move Hambone...you screwed the pooch on this one. We are the laughing stock of the SEC...too afraid to play an ACC school. Never ever thought this day would come.
maddawg writes:
Wooohoooo, James Wilder is gonna be a dawg!!
finn writes:
Wow, I bet the sole reason the national media has gotten wind of this is your prolific use of CAPS LOCK when trying to make a point! UT has been trying to shift this date for sometime and UNC is not willing. Schools change scheduling dates for a variety of reasons (see UT accommodating N Tx's schedule request to open their season at home) and it typically does not result in the utter collapse of their program. Instead, here at UT we make this an exercise in chest beating and start calling for our AD's head. Nice.
Velo_Vol writes:
I never thought I'd see the day that we ran from playing North freaking Carolina.
It boggles the mind.
RIP Tennessee Football
GerryOP writes:
Yup, a bit dense aren't you? And if this doesn't work, Dooley has already contacted lil'Urbie to get the name of his scriptwriter. That was quite a schtick lil' Urbie put on a few months ago. Certainly did draw some attention ... right up to the point when lil' Urbie challenged a sports writer to a throw down. Quite a show.
You heard it here 1st ... you and UF are sitting on a ticking time bomb!
Orangeatang writes:
Smart move. This is one of the main reasons Florida dominates. They get two or three warm up games at the beginning of the season to get the engine running and confidence levels up. So by the time they play a good team, they are rockin' and rollin' already. I approve.
TommyJack writes:
Good move. Buy time. We will be back.
mwhla writes:
This is BS. Mike Hamilton is a disgrace. EVERYone in the country is laughing at UT now.
maddawg writes:
I would consider NCarolina to be a warm up game.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
who cares if its a non-issue on a national scare. its a valid and significant issue with the tenn fan base, the assortment of creampuffs pattie idicated above is down right embarrassing---Knoxville College????????------ fans should boycott such opponents in droves to express disaapproval over our now cowardly intentions---
GerryOP writes:
Yup, we will be ... and soon.
Orangeatang writes:
Wrong. They are usually top 25. Not a warm up game.
mwhla writes:
"utadmike - No change in philosophy here as Oregon,Oklahoma,Nebraska,OhioSt coming up w another to announce soon"
So who is ChickenS Mike going to "announce" we are dropping next. He needs to go.
maddawg writes:
That we are on our way up while you guys are running from NC. BWAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Any more stupid questions??
orangeman1 writes:
Noone is saying the game change is utter collapse of the program, but cant you see how fans would oppose this. Some are season ticket holders. Some wont get to watch another game on TV. Some think it will hurt recruiting.Some think it make UT look scared. And this isnt the first thing MH has done to embarrass a once proud fanbase (Kiffin).
196SVol writes:
Uh-Oh
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/43...
AHoffman writes:
This thread is getting boring. Does anyone believe in evolution?
maddawg writes:
This just in.....TN to leave SEC and join ACC then finds out they will still have to play NC.....
maddawg writes:
don't get your panties in a wad, just having a little fun since you guys have to spend all your time on GA's websites whining.
GerryOP writes:
Yup, remember this list from '09 -- Charleston Southern, Troy, and FIU. This year they have lined up those perennial powers Miami(OH), USF, and Appy State!
Dang! Am I agreeing with Orangeatang? It looks that way. Wow!
Psychovol writes:
This just looks yellow that UT would back out of a game with an ACC team. This has got to hurt recruiting in NC and anywhere for that matter. All another coach needs to say is UT is going the wrong direction if they have to back out of games. I understand saying no to Kiffin and USC but this is just shameful. If this was DD's idea then he just lost a measure of respect in my book.
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