Box Score
Tennessee Stat Book
All the questions hanging over a new era of Tennessee football weren't answered Saturday evening at Neyland Stadium. But they were at least put on hold.
That's as good as UT fans could have hoped for in the season opener against an undermanned FCS opponent.
Anything other than a one-sided victory against UT Martin would have been cause for grave concern - if not full-fledged panic - among UT fans.
The Vols delivered just that.
Their defense, which held the Skyhawks to three first downs, was dominant from the outset. And their offense produced four touchdowns of 24 yards or longer in the first 35 minutes en route to a 50-0 victory over UT Martin in Derek Dooley's first game as UT's head coach.
In fact, the first game of the Dooley era didn't look much different than the first game of the short-lived Lane Kiffin era.
The Vols opened Kiffin's one season as their head coach with a 63-7 rout of Western Kentucky. UT Martin is coming off a 5-6 season in a lower NCAA classification, but it still looked like an upgrade over the Hilltoppers, which might have been the worst team to stumble into Neyland Stadium in the last quarter century.
But if you want to feel better about the Vols, don't measure them by last year's opener. Just check out a couple of future opponents.
Florida fumbled repeatedly and turned the center-quarterback exchange into a full-blown adventure in a lackluster 34-12 victory over Miami of Ohio, which won only one game last season. Until Jeff Demps ran 72 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, Florida had totaled a mere 28 yards of offense.
At least, Florida won. Ole Miss suffered a 49-48 loss in double overtime to FCS opponent Jacksonville State.
UT had no embarrassing moments against the Skyhawks, although you could sense a collective yawn building at Neyland Stadium in the second quarter during which the teams combined for six punts.
But a yawn beats what was going on with the home fans in Gainesville, Fla., and Oxford, Miss.
UT broke in a new quarterback ( Matt Simms) and new center (Cody Pope) without any glaring mishaps. Pope was part of an all-new offensive line that negated the Skyhawks' pass rush with ease and cleared the way for running backs Tauren Poole, and David Oku - as well as wide receiver Denarius Moore - to break long runs.
A couple of long passes were just as significant. Simms demonstrated a nice touch on deep passes in spring and preseason practices.
He showed the same touch on a 42-yard touchdown pass to Moore and a 37-yard completion to Gerald Jones.
That helped answer one preseason question: Do the Vols have enough playmakers?
Against UT Martin, they did.
The defense was even more impressive against the Skyhawks, who labored just to reach the line of scrimmage.
The lack of lapses was among the most notable accomplishments of the defense.
In the course of a 50-0 victory, it's a challenge for the most hardened, focused defense to maintain its edge.
For example, even Western Kentucky scored a touchdown in the 2009 season opener.
The nearly flawless defensive performance reflected more than the talent disparity between the Vols and Skyhawks. It also might have spoken to the resolve of a team that has been picked to finish as low as fifth in the SEC East.
Throughout the off-season, the Vols said repeatedly they had something to prove. They brought those words to life in the opener.
Even when the game was in hand, the defense played as though a yard's worth of offense might decide the outcome. And the offense bounced back from a sluggish second quarter to put the game away with two, quick second-half touchdowns.
You can't prove your critics wrong against an opponent as inferior as UT Martin. But you can prove them right.
The Vols didn't give the critics or the Skyhawks a chance.
John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 57
Orangeblood13 writes:
good ole Adams, always tryin to find a dig always.
"But they were at least put on hold."
just settin in wait huh?
britt writes:
my main question is how did nukeese sneak into g jones's uniform for that first punt? otherwise i was pretty content with todays results
SATCHMOE writes:
An opponent is an opponent never look over anyone.A victory is a victory,they don't come free
Bigger_Al writes:
Adams still inhales briskly with his mouth.
BigOrangeSlim writes:
It was a good evening for the Orange and White. Looking forward to the future under Coach Dooley. Oregon will be tough. They put up 72 tonight so the Vols will have their work cut out for them but we all know it is possible. GBO!
volmanohio writes:
Once again, the PPV production was like a high school production, the play by play announcer got started right away with mistakes; "There's Phil Simms, I mean Matt Simms" or when David Oku was running for a touchdown Randy (what's his last name?? I guess I'm mistaken..) kept saying Tauren Poole even when Oku was in the end zone with his back to the camera with the name on the jersey in plain sight. This went on all night long...Can't we get a better quality announcer crew than this?? The video graphics is outdated & incomplete, you don't know down & distance, play clock, end zone camera behind the goal post on ground level?? Gimme a break!
volengr#233707 writes:
Dudes, quit whining that Adams isn't being Mommy and telling you everything is great....PLEASE! Grow a set of nads and realize that while this win was encouraging, the opponent was small compared to what is coming....it really is that simple. Relax. It's so unfortunate that so many of you need constant feminine re-assurance that you're always going to be the winner. MAN-UP!
utclassof1992 writes:
Just tell the guys that they are playing "Orgeron" next week instead of Oregon. Should result in Nike clad body parts all over the field.
oskie_score writes:
In this day and age holding any team to 3 (1 through 3.25 quarters) first dns and 0 pts is quite an accomplishment in it's own right.
There's an ol' saying, "It's always darkest just before the dawn".
Inevitably, there will be difficult times and losses to come BUT IMO, Tennessee has the right man/coach in place at the right time. Patience Vol Nation, patience.
Cardinal54 writes:
I agree Oskie, I was really impressed with the 1st down stats. Its 1 thing to hold a team scoreless, but only giving up 3 1st downs is a major accomplishment.
I'm not sure what will happen next week with the Ducks, but I love this team's heart and determination. If we continue to play with heart, we may have a shot at going to Baton Rouge 4-0. GBO!
bawgyman writes:
Edxactly!
volfanincarolina writes:
I am just wondering where is the #1 kicker at? If he did not win over Lincoln, than I thought he could do the kick off's. Is he not suppose to be the one that can kick the ball in the endzone every time? Just wondering if all that changed during training camp and he did not produce. Can someone share some light on this for me.
Thanks.
SpiralBound writes:
Nice post. Seeing the look of agony on Meyer's face was priceless.
TLepage writes:
they constantly got the names wrong.... they thought Justin Hunter had the 58 (?) yard TD run, when it was Denarious Moore... They constantly confused OKU and POOle and moore and Gerald Jones.... It was actually funny... Did you hear the part when he was talking about James Stone's hometown???? "ummm, ummm, ummm, I know i remember it, I just can't think of it"..... Then he ended up saying the wrong town instead of Nashville... Don't remember exactly what he said, but it was stupid.....My report card for them is: F........
halloffamebowler writes:
Truth is the truth.Why don't you take what is and move on? Adams is right and you will find that to be true next Saturday.
txvolsfan writes:
I watched it on ESPN3 for free and hooked my laptop through my big screen and all was good!!!
vols45 writes:
Glad for the confidence building first win. PPV is terrible. Technical blackouts changing cameras, poor (really more like high school) announcing. Suresly the Vol Network can do better than that. Seeing the game was great but not a $40 bargain. Check it out Hamilton!!!!!!!!!
VolSkins writes:
I do understand the competition we were playing, but so was Florida and Oregon. Yes, I will give you Oregon spanked them, but I haven't looked at the stats, hell for all we know they could have fumled 5 times in Ducks Territory. As for the Gator game...GUH, that was bad, Meyer was not lying when he said they were bad. If we can win one of these next two, watch out, things may be looking up on the hill
khelton657 writes:
Very accurate on the part of Adams....we don't need someone to blow smoke up our collective axxex, our boys looked fine, we have bigger challegnes ahead
VOLliven2it writes:
We have a long way to go to make it to bowl land this year but by golly the JOURNEY HAS BEGUN!
Vay_Owe_Ale_Ace writes:
Glad I'm not the only one. Even my wife commented about the terrible commentary. Actually, right before a commercial break in the 3rd qtr, the score graphic said 48-0 when it was 43-0. Sad really. Good thing I paid $21.95 for $hitty commentary and graphics. You'd think with all that money the athletics department could afford some decent quality cameras: perhaps something a little better than a Sony Handicam in the upper deck.
VOLliven2it writes:
Vay_Owe...I agree it was sad and I live in an area where one of the broadcasters formerly did sports and did it well. I had to pay 24 bucks and was disappointed in a lot of things except for the outcome of the Vols' play. GO BIG ORANGE!
Mule_Days_King writes:
Now I know why Pat Ryan was dropped from the radio broadcast of the Titans. He is horrible.
w4tey#282182 writes:
Totally with you on this ! Plus the ppv event cost about 35 bucks and all you got was a crappy picture with crappy resolution and drop outs to a black screen constantly. Very poor delivery in all facets of broadcasting !
leedsvol2007 writes:
The thing I took away from this game is that Dooley can coach.
We had a good game plan and the team looked and acted like they were organized. And there were no special teams breakdowns resulting in huge plays for an overwhelmed opponent.
The question now is do we have enough talent on the lines of scrimmage to compete against the real teams on our schedule.
The answers will start coming next Saturday.
GoVols!
movol77 writes:
Like 50-0, 72-0 is relative. Lobos were 1-11 in 2009. Who knows? UTM may be better than NM.
Thankfully we have Oregon in Neyland.
Jetvol writes:
This is coming from the same guy that stated Floridas QB was the best in the East Division. Great prediction!!! After what I saw the FL QB may be riding the bench!
Bogus writes:
More importantly, we have Justin Wilcox in Neyland. He'll have the D ready for Nike's darlings.
west_GA_Volsfan writes:
Now that's funny, I don't care who you are. GBO
kman29 writes:
What an idiotic statement. What exactly did you see that shows Brantley may be riding the bench? Pouncey snapping the ball on the ground was his fault? Players being careless with the ball and fumbling were his fault? Deonte Thompson droping a perfect pass in the endzone was his fault? While the Gator offense looked pretty pathetic, most because of a reshuffled oline a center who couldnt snap and players being careless carrying the ball. None of that was Brantley's fault who went 17-25 for about 120 yards 2 TD passes and 0 INTs. He did his job.
EMBuckles writes:
I've always wanted to put these football commentators in equipment and pink uniforms and put them up against the teams that they are criticizing. Put 'em out on the field and say, "OH! So YOU know better how to do all this! Well, put your body where your mouth or writing is!" I don't necessarily find Adams all that offensive, however, I'd like to see how he and other commentators, written or verbal, could do as a player or coach.
therightstuff writes:
LOL!! Good stuff !! There are lingering questions
and I am one that has a positive feeling about Coach Dooley and this football team.
Jetvol writes:
My point in the post is that Adams prediction is WRONG! Brantley is NOT the best QB in the EAST. He looked uncomfortable the whole game. I believe that you are upset about the fact that the Gators will struggle this year, they have an average QB at best!
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Never thought of that, but it sounds good to me!!!
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
I'm sure certain people will be along shortly to explain why Florida looked so bad!!!
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Who else do they have besides Brantley??Anyone know??.....because they may need him this year.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
AND plus, Justin Wilcox has better athletes to work with..Imagine what he can possibly do for that very reason!!
TommyJack writes:
But alas, boys, you won't see the same gator team stroll into Knoxvegas. Mores the pity.
majscuba writes:
So true. Don't forget what App State did to the Blue in the Big House.
kman29 writes:
If Peyton Manning had to chase a ball down 30 yards every 10 plays he would look uncomfortable too. lol! And even with that, he was throwing sharp passes to his WRs when he had a decent snap to him. But hey, Im sure you are quite a QB expert arent ya?
kman29 writes:
True freshmen Trey Burton and Tyler Murphy are the backups. With redshirt freshman Jordan Reed as another option, but they want to keep him at TE. So yes of course like almost any team, keeping the starting QB healthy is a big key. Burton and Murphy are more runners than passing QBs right now.
kman29 writes:
first off all lets not forget, it was basically one phase of the team that looked bad. The defense played better than most expected getting I believe 3 INTs, 1 returned for a TD. Special teams were "ok" they did return a kickoff for 55 yards. The offense was the only real bad phase. And nobody needs to explain why they were bad because it was pretty clear why, turnovers and bad snaps.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
kman,
Thank you for not making excuses as to why the Gators looked bad in one phase of the game and ALSO thank you for answering my question about the QB situation...I just hadn't heard about anyone other than Brantley..Anyway, thanks for being straight with me.
ProwlinSmokey
asleep#212036 writes:
Agree 100%!!! A well-executed game plan full of focus and energy can do amazing things. Yes UTM is awful. But, plenty of awful teams have kept me sweating in the stands way too long the past few seasons (Ohio last year) and way too many marginal teams have left Neyland with a "W" (Auburn and UCLA in 2009). I just don't see that happening this year. If we lose, we will go down swinging. If we are in a tight game, we will make the plays we need. And if we are clearly superior, we will leave no doubt. Reminds me of Fulmer's early days and if I recall, those times were considerably better than our current situation. Adams is right. We played a bad team and killed them, fair enough. But at least we killed them and left no doubt, something fairly rare the past 5 years. The next few weeks may be ugly, maybe not, but at least I feel that finally there is light at the end of the tunnel. The length of the tunnel however is unknown so patience will have to be the word of the day. Go Vols!!!
pauln500#205995 writes:
I agree that the PPV Program was "P Poorly" done. Why can't they use the commentary of Kesling et al.............anyone know ???
asleep#212036 writes:
I agreed about Lane, too bad most Vols didn't until his true colors became obvious! I don't hate Urban Meyer at all and yes, I do hate losing to him year in and year out. But this is, after all, a UT message board intended to be used by UT fans. If another team's fans log in, I'm not sure why they are (1) shocked at what's said and (2) care what's said. If I were to log on to a UF site, which I never have, I doubt that there would be many good things said about UT, UGA, Bama, or FSU or for that matter, their coaches and fans. And I would expect it and laugh it off as fans. I would not care, cry, whine, or worry about what a Gator said about me, our coach, or our team. To me, that's why the SEC is the greatest conference - the passion is unmatched anywhere. Let it go dude, it's demeaning to both you and your team to let it bother you. And while we're talking, Mr. Meyer (is that better?) had better shore up your Gators or Saban is going to kick the poo out of you in a few weeks. You Gator fans are probably better served to worry about that than what some over-eager UT fans are saying on a Vol message board. Go Vols!!!
kman29 writes:
Lets see...
Last year it was Meyer wasnt going to be able to handle Kiffin because Kiffin was in his head too much.
2008: Tennessee was going to surprised Florida because all they were doing was running their mouths and talking trash (Brandon Spikes comment regarding UT quitting)
2007: Tebow was in for a rude awakening in his first game as a starter in the SEC.
2006: Meyer cant win SEC road games and his first visit to Neyland is going to be a painful one.
2005: Tennessee is going to introduce Meyer to SEC football. This isnt the Mountain West.
Hey...At least you all had the Zook years!
kman29 writes:
oh right sorry! forgot about the blind ref who thought Jeremy Brown was out of bounds that had to be reversed. Another example of why they need to stop hiring these old guys to ref games.
Jetvol writes:
It would not take an expert to see that FL will struggle this year. The QB position is shaky. Even when under center Brantley struggled. Replay the commentary from the announcers.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Let's keep our powder dry folks...TN. Martin may have been as John Adams said the worst team to ever play in Neyland stadium in the past twenty five years. I would go further and say they may have been the worst ever. This game was like you and me being invited to a black-tie dinner and served twinkies. Hold off..we'll know this coming saturday when they clash with Oregon.
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