Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley (14) hands the ball off in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Stat Book
Derek Dooley ran out of ways to say it.
Outside of saying the offense stinks, the Tennessee coach was left repeating himself about the unit's myriad woes after the Vols' fourth consecutive loss and fourth consecutive season-low point output.
There's still one step left between the Vols' three-point effort in the 14-3 loss to No. 14 South Carolina and rock bottom, but Saturday's 186-yard, mistake-laden performance certainly felt that way.
"We're a different football team right now on offense," Dooley said. "Very different."
And now, perhaps, the Vols (3-5, 0-5 SEC) could have a different starting quarterback than the previous week for the fourth time in the last five games when they take on Middle Tennessee State in a potential pick-me-up homecoming at Neyland Stadium.
True freshman Justin Worley, who was not only making his first career start Saturday, but had yet to attempt a pass at the collegiate level before his wayward first toss in the first quarter, was benched in the fourth quarter after his second costly interception. Senior Matt Simms, who lost his job after struggling against No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama, wasn't much better, but finished the game.
Dooley declined to discuss the competition at quarterback during his post-game press conference. He was too busy discussing all that could have been and all that went wrong after the Vols' fifth straight SEC loss.
"Gosh, guys, we just got to play better on offense," Dooley said. "We had a lot of opportunities.
Only one golden opportunity — a fumble recovered inside the red zone during the first quarter — was capitalized upon, and that only resulted in a 22-yard Michael Palardy field goal.
Worley, who was on pace to redshirt the season until Tyler Bray broke his thumb, was understandably jumpy during his first few series. Wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett said players were joking that he might have called the wrong play on the Vols' first drive.
But once he completed his first career pass — a 7-yard pass to Da'Rick Rogers — Worley settled down. He completed two long passes to Arnett during the second quarter and had the Vols in South Carolina territory on what turned out to be a game-changing drive. On third-and-1, Worley faked a hand off to Tauren Poole and threw his best pass of the night, hitting Rogers with a 44-yard pass in stride just outside the end zone.
Rogers dropped it.
"That was a touchdown," Dooley said.
Two potential touchdown opportunities in the second half were swiftly ruined by the first two interceptions of Worley's career.
The first came two plays after a long-awaited big play from the Vols' defense, a 54-yard interception return by Prentiss Waggner, when Worley tried to force a pass into double coverage. His second, which immediately succeeded a recovered fumble inside Gamecocks territory early in the fourth quarter, prompted Dooley's decision to go back to Simms.
"He did some good things and he struggled at some things, which I expected it to happen," Dooley said of Worley. "Man, the guy, it's his first time. He just hasn't had the work. He's been a three, that's what we forget. For eight months, he's been a three. For two weeks he was a two.
"It's just tough, it's tough. I don't know what else to say. He's going to be fine. He'll learn from it, be all right and get better. He did some good things."
Worley's struggles went beyond the interceptions and wayward throws that resulted in his 10-of-26 for 105 yards performance. Players commended Worley's command of the huddle but Dooley said there were administration problems throughout the game, which resulted in a number of early timeouts.
Dooley said it was a "disaster" when Worley worked on his hard count during Friday's walk-through.
"It's hard to know what's getting said," Dooley said. "It's not all getting said, we're in there a long time and you're going 'what's going on?'"
What's going on with the Vols' quarterback situation will likely be determined in the days to come. What's already happened, though, has Dooley and the Vols looking for even more answers after yet another offensively challenged performance.
"It always gets a little frustrating at times, but that's what we have coaches for to push us on and push us forward," tight end Mychal Rivera said. "That's what we need to do for the rest of the season, just look forward and not look back and just know that we have stuff to continue to play for."
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Comments » 116
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Could we see progress in any phase of the game?
OrangePsyched writes:
For the moment my opinion of Worley has changed. I thought that he would do better. So much for the QB controversy that I thought might get started.
I'm still behind the program, players, and CDD but am starting to waver somewhat. I think it's good to be known as a gambler but he gambles almost predictably now. We're still seeing some penalties and missed assignments that I hoped would have gotten sorted out. Sorry long winded. GBO! C'mon Dooley give me some hope.
govols1234567 writes:
I'm so sick of excuses. South Carolina is a game we should have won being at home and with Carolina plagued with injuries. Plus, Simms was supposed to be the starter in the first place so whats the problem? It makes me wonder if the coaches are coming short on offense as far as coaching Simms and Worley, or if Bray is just an increadible player naturally and our coaches were getting credit that wasn't due to them. Kiffin saw something in Simms when he could have easily signed Cam Newton and I dont think it was just his name. Kiffin's staff even improved Crompton to be a really decent (and I would go as far to say "good") in 2009. Maybe this coaching staff just doesn't have it. I don't know. So far they have yet to do anything impressive. At least in Kiffin's first "rebuildling" year we managed blowouts against Georgia and South Carolina who both happened to be ranked. We also came a blocked field goal away from beating Bama on the road, and kept up with Florida in a 23-13 loss on the road when Florida was still living their glorious Tebow days.
Not trying to kiss Kiffin's a** or anything, all I'm saying is this coaching staff should be doing more. The 2009 vols had plenty of injuries as well, especially defense. But look what they accomplished in just a season. This is year 2 for Dooley. We are nowhere.
I'm done with my rant, hopefully Dooley can get it together. I really want to support him and have so far, but tonight has aggrivated some emotions. If he doesn't start getting some wins next season, he's gonna feel the heat... GBO
ACWLY writes:
Our football program is all but gone and we are getting worse game after game. We are the laughing stock of the SEC and as a faithful fan it's devastating. How long is our new millionaire Athletic Director going to allow our program to deteriorate?
VolFaninDC writes:
Well, when you know the guy before you quit because he decimated football, baseball, and basketball and was handed $1.7 million as thanks, how much pressure do you think the new AD feels?
eaglehim2 writes:
One area of improvement is the snap from center. Don't you agree we have much improvement in that tiny area?
eaglehim2 writes:
One thing you have to say about Kiffin is that he stuck with a QB for a long time and gave him a chance to learn and to grow. Even when we fans were yelling for Crompton's head, Kiffin stood behind him and showed patience. Eventually Cromption settled down and made some progress.
Maybe Dooley needs to back Simms and just hang in there with him no matter what. Simms does have more game experience than any of the others. Surely he can be coached to not take so many risks and throw into double and triple coverage.
Volwalker16 writes:
I have to say I've never seen a player treated with as much disrespect as Dooley has treated Simms. Talk about throwing a talented kid under the bus! Here are some interesting facts and figures: In two seasons, Simms started a total of ten games for the Vols. Of the ten teams he faced, SEVEN ranked in the top-25 in the country. Even more incredible, FIVE were against teams ranked in the top 10 in the country, including his only two starts this season against #1 (LSU) and #2 (Alabama) in consecutive weeks.
Not coincidentally, in his own ten starts, Tyler Bray has played against ONE top-25 opponent, #16 Florida, this year, a game that Tennessee lost.
Bray’s stats against Florida: 26/48 (54%) 288 yards 3TDs 2INTs
The year before, Florida was ranked #10 in the country with a defense that ranked higher than this year’s squad.
Simms’ stats against Florida: 19/31 (61%) 259 yards 2TDs 2INTs
But just to be transparent, and as long as the media is going to highlight Bray’s 14 TDs and only 2 interceptions against nearly all unranked opponents this season, let’s compare it to Matt Simms’ stats in games against the only three unranked opponents he has ever faced: 5 TOUCHDOWNS AND 1 INTERCEPTION. If only Simms got to play against Montana, Memphis, Ole Miss, Buffalo and Kentucky on a regular basis. Bray’s only two interceptions this season? You guessed it...both against #16 Florida. Indeed, something smells rotten in Knoxville.
Dooley is methodical in his strategy of how and when he replaces Simms. After his embarrassing loss at LSU last year, Dooley starts giving Bray snaps against Tennessee’s next three opponents (Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina), but it’s not until Tennessee can finally breathe and see the homestretch against cream-puff opponents that Dooley decides to make a switch at QB. He makes his big announcement: “Bray will start against...Memphis.” Most of America doesn’t know that Memphis even carries a football team. In retrospect, it’s obvious that Simms is used as a battering ram in order to set Bray up for games against Memphis, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Instead of looking at the embarrassing LSU loss, media and fans will look at a change at the quarterback position and Tennessee’s ensuing four consecutive wins against far inferior opponents. This is all smoke and mirrors, of course. But Dooley knows that if the media eats it up and spits it out, the fans will probably chew on it.
BustaRhymes writes:
Dooley said it was a "disaster" when Worley worked on his hard count during Friday's walk-through.
Then why on earth did you start him coach? Oh, and by the way, way to throw your FRESHMAN QB under the bus in the press. If I'm a recruit reading YOUR quotes right now, I'm crossing UT off my list... Come to Tennessee boys, get your butts kicks, and then have your coach dump on you in the press after the game.
Why don't you try shutting the hell up - and figuring out a way to win. That, or resign, go home and pack your bags.
Stanman08 writes:
bottom line: Dooley can not coach in this league nor can he recruit great coaches.
oz_volfan writes:
It all starts with the running game, which we don't have either, I still support coach Dooley, but I used to say he's making the best he can with what he's got. Now I feel like he's throwing people in and out of qb, and calling bizarre trick plays instead of taking care of fundamentals . . Which may be the real problem.
Fall_Creek_Vols writes:
"I have to say I've never seen a player treated with as much disrespect as Dooley has treated Simms."
Remember C.J. Leak? He never got the chance he worked so hard for and deserved. Fulmer so disrespected him his kid brother went to Florida.
Now, THAT'S some disrespect.
VOLliven2it writes:
Come on Folks, many wanted Worley. He was not ready. We are facing tough tough times. It is a bitter pill but we have to swallow it. We do not have the players to compete. The ones we have who would help us compete are injured so we make the most of it. Yes it was beyond painful to watch but it is where we are. No running game, no wins until Bray comes back. I don't care about any conspiracy theories "Bray gets easy opponents" etc. I want our guys to do better. They are not doing so. That is tough but I will not cry whine and complain about the coaches. They are doing all they can right now. South Carolina is a better team than us and they proved that last night.
TommyJack writes:
Very stinkin little. And that's disturbing.
Game day coaching looks like a firedrill.
CincyOhVol writes:
Dooley's comments earlier this week:
"Worley did good, he did really well," Dooley said. "He did what he's done the last couple of weeks. He's been a different guy ever since Tyler went down. Just mentally, you can tell, he's into it. There was no difference there, which was good.
"He's throwing the ball well, which is good. He's managing the plays well, running the offense -- he's just got to prepare well this week and go out and do the best he can."
Worely was 10 for 26 for 105 yards and 2 interceptions. Those are facts.
First, it is obvious that Dooley cannot evaluate talent.
Secondly, it is obvious he should have never wasted Worely's redshirt. Had he been able to evaluate talent he would have never put Worley in there.
Dooley's recored at Tennessee 9-12. His career coaching record is 26-32.
I don't see how anyone can argue that Dooley is right for our program and we are headed in the right direction. They must ignore facts in order to do so.
SemperFiVol2 writes:
Our QB situation is nothing short than a comedy of errors...period! And in retrospect, I have to agree w/eaglehim2. I lay most of the blame at the feet of the coaches. All Dooley is doing @ this point is creating a much bigger confidence issue, not only for his 2 QB options, but the team as a whole. And what the H** are Chaney & Dooley doing putting Worley in situations to throw passes (ultimately picks) that would be challenging for QB's of a much higher caliber. Yea, yea, I know... everyone will start yapping about how simple a rollout pass for 3-5yards should be, but easier said than done on a compressed field & a jittery freshman QB. D gave the O a GIFT...first & goal inside the 5, & Poole gets stuffed behind the line of scrimmage (again?!?!?!) and we go to a predictable short pass in crowed space? Get in the grills of the dam* OL & RB's, get nasty & pound the rock. If it doesn't work (which I concede is likely given state of our run game), then take the 3pts & move on.
Anyway, I digress. Just pick a QB, stick with him coach & try to build some confidence. Making things worst with all this back-n-forth stuff! GBO
Prostar writes:
I have supported this staff from the get-go and for the most part I still do; however, I am growing suspect of Coaches Chaney, Hinshaw and Hiestand to get the most out of this team offensively. Our offensive line is over 300 lbs. per man and we get no push. There doesn't seem to be any method to us offensively on what to do. We lack speed to turn corners, or else we're not using players that have speed. On the last interception that Worley threw, why go for it all when it was early in the 4th and we were well into SC territory. We haven't scored a TD now in over 9 quarters yet we've had our chances.
TommyJack writes:
Simplify the sneak!!
hikerdude writes:
Anybody who thinks we would have won with Simms has not been watching. Da'Rick drops a TD pass and Poole continues to run like an old lady. Peyton could not have won this this bunch.
SummittsCourt writes:
All you people down on Dooley, when he turns things around please be sure to return and eat some crow. It's hard to believe we have so many uneducated people on this board who simply don't bother or don't care to look at the facts of the situation Derek Dooley has taken on.
Fulmer fired - Players leave
Weasel boy hired - he runs off a lot of talented players fulmer recruited
Weasel boy leaves - players leave
Dooley is hired - players leave and the trouble makers are kicked off the team.
All of this leaves Dooley scrambling to fill rosters spots with bodies and unfortunately all of the talented players are playing at LSU, Bama, and other places.
Keep in mind also that this is only his second season with a depleted roster which has been crippled with injuries and unfortunately a brutal conference schedule.
Florida didn't fare much better against Bama and LSU when they played them back to back either.
I agree this season is brutal and hard to watch but better days are ahead. The recruiting is there and it will get better. Remember, this is a rebuilding project, not an overnight process.
You call them excuses, but in reality they are reasons. Back to back years UT is forced to start 16+ freshman with little or no help from inexerienced juniors and seniors. Why is it everyone else seems to get that but some unfair fair weathered ut fans?
I don't enjoy this anymore than anyone else does, but I am not going to dump all of this on Dooley. He is doing what he can and the last thing he needs is a bunch of cowards sitting behind their computer screens trying to tell him how he should coach especially since none of you have any idea what coaching a Division 1 football team is all about. Most, if not all, have no idea what coaching is all about either. You sit in judgment week after week behind your computer name that keeps your identity a secret and not one of you would do even a tenth of the job he is doing.
Time to gather some perspective and though it is frustrating, it's time to cool it and lay off Derek Dooley for awhile and give him time to rebuild this program.
Ironcity writes:
I have mixed feelings about Worely. He showed he is a freshman countless times by making ill advised passes and getting the ball out late. He also showed that he does have talent with some great throws to Arnett and the one dropped by Rogers. My biggest disappointment in his game was his lack of presence and mobility in the pocket. I really thought he would be better then that. Its not something that can be taught its something you either have or you don't. I like Chaney but he like any other coordinator is only as good as the weapons around him and right now he has zero weapons
VOL1972 writes:
The QB problem is not with Worley, it's with the coaches. The kid has an arm. He can put the ball anywhere you want him to, but you have got to tell him where to put it or not to put it.
You don't run an offense with an inexperienced third string QB the same way you would if your starter was in there. The play calling by Chaney was just horrible.
If our line is incapable of run blocking, then maybe we quit wasting plays trying to run the ball. Really, if you are going to punt after three plays anyway, why does it matter?
rootin4volz writes:
A-freakin'-men, dude.
THEKIDWISCONSIN writes:
Did Dooley inherit a mess....two years ago, yes. But he is not w/o fault here.
Do we have injuries, yes...but not only are they showing no improvement...they're regressing in areas.
And please, can we stop with the Simms love. Disrespect? Last year during this game Simms was playing horrible (which is not his fault, he's not talented, plain & simple) and he took the opportunity to throw his OL under the bus to the media after his play got him yanked in favor of Bray. So don't tell me Simms is getting disrespected.
We know what Simms can do...and it doesn't win games. So you want to talk about facts SummittsCourts? Riddle me this then:
I get Worley is going to struggle in his first start as a freshmen...but Dooley yanks him after 3 quarters (and goes back to what we already know...an untalented 5th yr senior on this 3rd team)...yet for a season & a half he was OK leaving in a left handed guard turned center forced to snap right handed?
And some point Dooley & his staff (don't even get me started on Wilcox...there's not way Shaw QB sneaks up a wide open middle 47 times w/o there being a problem in the scheme/alignment/defensive calls) have to shoulder some responsibility for this team's play.
I'm not off the Dooley bandwagon...but I am no longer "firmly" entrenched.
hikerdude writes:
Good post
volpreacher writes:
We also weren't depending so much on Freshmen and Sophomores.
Couchdummy writes:
TJ, this staff can't simplify the sneak because the team has too much "youth and inexperience." That is the excuse for everything else in game planning/coaching!
volpreacher writes:
I thought he moved good when those big lineman got after him, plus he threw the ball away intead of taking a sack like Simms usually does.
Ibleedorangeforlife writes:
Thank You finally someone with some sense !! I'm tired of all these fairweather VOL fans .
jobrando#216494 writes:
Wonder why a simple spread offense is not put in for Matt to finish the year. Obviously he cant function in the Channey mess. Let Matt run in a spread. Put Young back with him. Make the FB and TE block for them.
etu_vol_fan writes:
Exactly! The fan base has to give this guy time. The Fulmer/Kiffin/Dooley 3 year deal would be tough for any program. Florida has its own set up challenges at this point. Crazy boy Muschamp has about 72 players now from the what he has run off. We got a good chance now to make a move in the east if we work and recruit.
jobrando#216494 writes:
I honor your opinion but disagree in the statement all talented players are playing at LSU and Alsbama. My opinion on that is all talented players that are being coached up to be successful in the SEC are at LSU and Alabama. Vandy is doing much more with much less talent than Tennessee. I support the players and want them to have the same quality coaching as LSU and BAMA. Urban Meyer a proven SEC coach is available. I cant see Dooley continuing after a 5-7 year.
jobrando#216494 writes:
It possible they are not being coached up to SEC level competition?
slb#1351874 writes:
Truer words where never spoken my friend. I was taught many years ago that you can't regulate igronance and god knows we have lots of that on this site.
Keep the faith this too shall pass.
Trust me I'm a doctor.
kd45music writes:
That's true, but Crompton actually had some talent. Simmms, bless his heart, doesn't and Worley is years away from being a starter. Who's left? Nash Nance?
rtrchatt writes:
Ohio St and Wisconsin much better watch. The SEC
Least is mediocre.
bikervol writes:
Agree, as much as people want to blame Kiffen-he went to the job of a lifetime-for him-that's the reason he left-not to screw Tenn-the timing was bad but you really can't blame him for that-I believe we would be a much better team with Kiffen (and for all those who say NCAA infractions do you really think Saban and all the top programs don't commit infractions)? I hope Dooley can do it too but it looks doubtful.
govols1234567 writes:
Right. Just walk-ons...
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Where are all those that wanted Worley? He lost his redshirt year, that's what all his backers asked for! Dooley can't win for losing, y'all bash him for not putting Worley in earlier and then you bash him for putting him in, but not making the play calling simple for him. Poor coach can't win with most of you.
I think everyone should STF_ until next year. IMO we need to get 2 or 3 new coordinators and see if we have definite improvement next year ( as in 8-4). Until then, STF_, please!!
jobrando#216494 writes:
I'm bashing because I wanted him to play but I trusted the coaches decision to do it. It was made clear it was a very bad decision and made the kid look like a bafoon. I think Dooley spent his red shirt out of frustration with Matt in the LSU and Bama game. Shows Dooley is in panic mode. Do you really think Dooley will fire OC or DC that he just hired? Kind of makes him look like a bafoon for even hiring them.
govols1234567 writes:
I really hope you're right. I like Dooley a lot, but tonight is a game we should have won. Plain and simple. I dont think anyone should expect him to beat the likes of LSU and Bama, or even Florida right now on the road. But its sad we cant run the ball this year even with our returning running back and entire offesnsive line. Defense looked good, but South Carolina was gimped up going into the game anyway, and Shaw isn't that impressive at QB. You dont have to be a coach to know a good coach. Some of those calls last night were a little surprising. Year 2, 3-5 so far. It will be concerning if we finish 6-6 and lose another bowl. Heck even Vandy will probably be a game to look out for. This season is a little concerning. Build for 2012 I suppose... Thats when we were projected to start becoming decent
tmcretired writes:
I have read all the comments I still think Dooley has to go giving him another year not worth the risk. GO VOLS
VOL1972 writes:
If Simms had come in and done something, anything, I would agree, but he didn't. I realize we still have a shot at going to a bowl, but that takes getting by Vandy in November. I really don't think Sims has the arm to do it against Vandy's secondary. Worley, with some experience, just might.
So we need to get Worley ready to do it. He has the arm, he just needs to calm down and realize he can't throw into double coverage like he did in high school. Also, even if Worley doesn't turn out to be as good as hoped, he needs some experience to back up Bray next year so we are in better shape should he get hurt.
We also need an offensive coordinator who can recognize that our line simply can't run block. A 50 -50 run/pass mix would be great if our line could open some holes, but they can't, so we need go with what we do best -- throw the ball. An incomplete pass is no worse than 2 yards a carry average.
I wonder if Mike Leach would be interested in being our OC?
Pipe_Down_Otis writes:
Well, now Dooley has a mess. Are you going to just sit Worley, now that you've ruined his redshirt? Or are you going to start Simms again, who hates your guts for the way he's been treated. By the way Justin, twice you came off to the sideline and the camera caught you just saying one word...the F-bomb...classy. Wish they would hire some ex players to just roam the sideline, and jerk these kids around and explain to them how lucky they are to be a Tennessee Vol. Hey Al Wilson, you listening?
govols1234567 writes:
Its a word. A word you've been conditioned to react negatively to. He said it to himself. Get over it. I hope you have more to worry about than words people are using.
I do agree though, Dooley needs to figure this out. I hate the way Simms has been treated. He should have started the South Carolina game and then Dooley should have rotated QBs if Simms didn't produce. Simms gets the hard games, looks bad, and backups get the creampuffs. I know South Carolina wasn't a creampuff, but Worley got it way better than Simms
asleep#212036 writes:
Kiffin's 2009 team was full of juniors and seniors that Fulmer recruited - if you can't understand why that matters, I can't help you. Yes, the mistakes are getting old. What would you have Dooley do? Normally, with a spread of players across all 5 classes (redshirts), your upperclassmen play and you sub in your young guys. If someone isn't getting it done, you sub sooner. When all you have are young guys and even younger guys, what do you do then? Do you think they don't coach snap-counts, illegal shifts, and kick-off procedures? If the guys mess up, do you put in a guy who's never played a down? Kiffin walked into a program on the decline, Dooley walked into a program in distress - big difference. I'll say it again, if Kiffin or anyone else were our sidelines this season, with all the injuries and our West opponent lineup, we would be 3-5, just like we are now. We are not even close to the most penalized teams in the conference, we are not even close to the worst defense, and without Bray and Hunter, offensive comparisons are moot. I don't know if Dooley is the guy either but until he has his players in the upper classes and a season with fewer key injuries, there is just no way to tell at this point. Go Vols!!!
PHAT_VOL writes:
Exactly !! Except Mr.Hamilton didn't quit.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Even Bray has not won a big game. If he plays against Vandy, i fear that record will remain intact. Those guys are putting up some points
CincyOhVol writes:
Excellent post.
CincyOhVol writes:
What makes you think Dooley can turn this program around? In 4 years as a head coach he's had ONE winning season. You are speaking like an uninformed fool.
Lastly, you ramble on about cowards hiding behind computers. Is your real name Mr. Summit Court?
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