Tennessee running back Tauren Poole (28) breaks through the line in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee running back Tauren Poole admits thinking about how differently a few of the Volunteers' games might have turned out if they still had quarterback Tyler Bray and top wide receiver Justin Hunter in the lineup.
The senior also knows dwelling on their absence won't do anything to help the Vols (3-5) as they try to regroup against Middle Tennessee State on Saturday and salvage their chances to become bowl eligible.
"Of course I could sit here and say, 'Oh no, we don't think about it,' but that's unrealistic," Poole said. "We need those guys, and you know we need those guys as well and the fans see it, the parents see it, little kids see it. We need everybody we can get. We don't have any depth right now and we're not going to get any depth. We have what we have, so we've got to rally the troops and continue to fight and play the best football that we can."
Tennessee's October schedule seemed brutal enough with three straight games against opponents ranked among the top 15 teams in the nation, but the Vols ended up facing those teams without its top two offensive playmakers. Bray broke the thumb on his throwing hand Oct. 8 and isn't expected back until the last week or two of the season, and Hunter is out for the season after tearing his ACL on Sept. 17.
Coach Derek Dooley opted to start third-string freshman quarterback Justin Worley in Bray's place against South Carolina on Saturday after senior backup quarterback Matt Simms struggled against No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama. Worley, who was 10 for 26 with 105 yards passing launched several long accurate passes — some of which were dropped by receivers — but threw two costly turnovers deep in the Gamecocks' territory in the 14-3 loss.
A last-ditch effort to score with Simms in at quarterback resulted in the Vols turning the ball over on downs just outside the red zone. Simms was 5-of-12 for 46 yards on his lone drive, and Tennessee's streak of quarters without a touchdown extended to 10.
"I feel like we've improved in a lot of areas, but the last three weeks we took a step backward because we can't throw and catch," Dooley said. "It's very difficult when you're 0-5 in the SEC to feel good. It's hard. It hurts. The players hurt. I hurt. You can't sleep at night trying to figure solutions, but you've got to keep your perspective on where you are and where you need to go."
Dooley's solution for now is to stick with Worley but give the freshman a simpler game plan. He also expects the wide receivers to play better after dropping or flat-out missing so many of Worley's accurate passes.
"I think there were a lot of nerves out there that affected him, especially early on," he said. "I don't think anybody really played well around him, and that was the disappointing part. So everybody has to do their part and play better around him and I think we'll be fine."
The Vols' bad luck with injuries continued against No. 12 South Carolina as starting strong safety Brent Brewer tore the ACL in his left knee, ending his season too. Depth at safety has been a concern all season for Tennessee, and Brewer's absence means Prentiss Waggner will move to free safety from cornerback, and Brian Randolph will move from free safety to strong safety, a spot that will be new to him.
Waggner played safety early in the season as Randolph worked to develop his role, but the junior is more comfortable at cornerback, where he has six career interceptions, including one against South Carolina on Saturday.
"We really don't have many options," Dooley said. "We wanted Prentiss at corner all year. We finally got him there and we finally got Randolph ready. We move (Waggner) to corner and he gets a pick, he's playing good and we have to move him back now."
After so many tough games and so much tough luck, Tennessee hopes to catch a breather against the Blue Raiders (2-5). The Vols have won 80 percent of their November games in the past 11 years, and they'll need to win at least of three of four games this month for a third straight shot at playing in the postseason.
But Dooley thinks Middle Tennessee has had a few bad breaks of its own and won't be an easy foe.
"I know this: they are good enough to beat us, every bit," he said. "If we don't figure out a way to score some points, we will be in next week not feeling too good either."
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Comments » 39
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
Dooley's continued throwing the players under the bus has them second guessing themselves, even against lowly MTSU. They won't win more than 2 in November, and maybe not that many. A possible MTSU victory could end Dooley's reign of ineptitude for true Vol fans. Hate to say it, but lets hope so.
OHVOLFAN writes:
I am and always will be a Vol fan,but i am tired of the excuses! Yes.. We lost alot of talent to injuries,and have alot of young kid's. I just see no fire in the coaching staff to get these boy's hungry for a win!! I never see Dooley in a player's face when they make a stupid mistake.. IMO that drives a player more than anything! Dooley is starting to just sugar coat everything,when he need's to get these boy's up for games. Also I think UT win's with Simms at QB.He played the 2 best teams in the country(and for a half of those games our vol's was in the game)but he get's pulled S.Carolina.. COME ON MAN!! How is it Tennessee was hanging with the number 1&2 team's before half,but get's demolished in the last 2 quarters?? COACHING???
FiftyOne writes:
I will not "throw the players under the bus" but I will say that we need a running back in this signing class. I do not see a back on the team that I feel will ever scare any team on our schedule.
Go VOLS beat:
The Blue Raiders! and
The Razorbacks! and
The Commodores! and
The streak continues!
ScottEmge writes:
Please watch your language Mrs. Dooley. I don't think your husband Vince would approve.
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
How is saying the players are no good, instead of saying the coaches aren't doing their jobs, not throwing the players under the bus. That's all Dooley, does as we death spiral to 0-7 and probably 0-8 in the SEC. The worst ever.
True Vol fans are the ones that want Dooley gone.
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
How bout this article "we can't trow and catch" Last time I checked Dooley wasn't trowing and catching anthing. A real coach would have said "our staff hasn't done a good job of preparing our players to be successful." Subtle lawyerly throwing players under the bus is still dumping on the players.
VAvolfanRON writes:
you so called fans should listen to trent dilfer
jeesh, im embarrassed to have you guys a true vol fans.......fire fulmer..yea...grass is greener....fire dooley..yea grass is greener....cheese and crackers......support your vols....i notice you sunday quarterbacks arent upset when the offsides kicks worked...faked punts worked.....yall are embarrassing
VAvolfanRON writes:
stfu or get out there and do better...nuff said
VAvolfanRON writes:
frank beamer (va tech)had 6 years of losing records....what, did he just become a great coach overnight?...you arzes need to support the vols...stop acting like spoiled brats...let that go to the gators
VAvolfanRON writes:
romanroom
you are the most unloyal, worst fan in UT history. you have to be a troll.
the glass i half empty, eh?
decades_vol writes:
Maybe Sidelines Nero needs to take a colon prep kit to "loosen" his many frustrations. He could take his "joggin' in a jug" while the rest of us watch the Vols take the Blue Raiders on Saturday.
VAvolfanRON writes:
how does someone say "justin hunter, tyler bray is out" is an excuse? isnt that stating a fact?
just like a gator is destined for jail....a fact....hehe
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
Can't wait for the Dooley roaches excuses against Vanderbilt.
VAvolfanRON writes:
what excuses??
VAvolfanRON writes:
is this "cantstandsaban"?
VAvolfanRON writes:
our offense stinks....is that an excuse or a fact?
we dont have a running game...excuse or a fact?
i just know that i cant get out there and do any better....so, i have no room to talk
1963VOLS writes:
First i must apologize to cdd and our team for the comments i made sat night after the game,i was frustrated with our coaches and team,but i was not out there i'm not a coach never have been.and i don't think anyone on here is either,we will be fine. one starting senior on offense and i think two on defense,the rest soph e fres,come on people back our team it could take two more years till we are where we were awhile back.cdd is starting from scratch.only the freshnan and sohpmores are his and they are the one he kept here when kiffin bolted remember,and these talented freshmen are his and this 2012 sighing class are great,so if you love the vols we will be back if not get the heck off our site,GBO 4 EVER
WinkeyVol writes:
It's evident now that we don't have the big playmakers,the speed, or the depth that most all SEC teams have. That means we have to play smarter to win.Dooley needs to be able to drain the best energy from each player and put it on the field.Focus on the mental part of the game and make as few mistakes as possible.The responsibility is on the coaches at this point.
VAvolfanRON writes:
nicely said.......takes a true fan
we are all frustrated..i have faith
1963VOLS writes:
thanks VAvolfanRON,we will be ok go to rivals.com and look at our 2012 class.!!
BJ writes:
Will say it again if you ain't a true vol fan go post somewhere they care to read your sorry non supportive junk it ain't here any true vol fan knows it is still going to take another year or maybe two to get the depth and talent level across the board we need to be competitive in the SEC losing Tyler Bray and Justin Hunter on the offense is not an excuse but a fact with the depth we have at offense. The defense has performed good for the talent level and depth they have had and CDD is right Saturday if the receivers had caught all the dropped or missed balls thrown directly and accurately to them by Worley we would have won the game and would have been a boost to Worleys confidence these are facts GO VOLS GBO Win out fight on never give up all games are winnable
ClemCash writes:
Nobody should be surprised by the current state of affairs with UT football. Hamilton hired a coach who finally said "yes" after about 4 or 5 said "no." There's a reason Dooley was not being considered for any other job in America, NONE! Vol Nation held out hope that maybe Dooley would be able to turn things around despite being a nobody in the coaching ranks and having ZERO proven track record, but it hasn't happened. UT fans were hoping they had Chizik but they ended up with Derek Dooley. Derek Dooley is a smooth-talking lawyer type with a cute little sense of humor which bought him time with the media and fan base. But as he is learning, as the losses pile up, the jokes ain't quite as funny and the smooth lawyer talk starts looking like a slick car salesman talk. And his Mommy taking on a disgruntled Vol Nation ain't helping the boy either. The sooner this guy (and his mom) are ran off the better.
wallingdad writes:
fifth in the SEC?we need to be better than that to compete or we need to be able to coach up lesser talent. so far Dooley has shown that he cannot coach up lesser talent.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Relax..........don't let the rider of the Roman troll chariot get you down.
This guy is a loser, the worst sort of troll.
We have better things to do here.
tmcretired writes:
I agree last year Simms got the hook after all the good teams why should this year be different. I would like to thank Simms for handling the B.S. that goes with the coach I hope down the line Dooley gets the same just hope it's not a long line
atributetoLombardiwasbanned writes:
More likely PPO....Jeff Flowers
lemeshousomthen writes:
FIND THE STATEMENTS MADE ABOUT LAST GAME OR GAME BEFORE.. THE MORE U PUT EM DOWN THE MORE THEY PLAY THAT WAY.. THXS COACH..THIS IS THE SEC..THE TRICKERY WONT WORK LONG HERE,, THIS IS A MAN UP FOOTBALL CONFERENCE.U GOT TO HAVE A RUNNING GAME A PASSING GAME OR ONE OF THE OTHER SO THAT WHATEVER U LACK IN CAN BE THROWN IN TIME TO TIME TO MAKE A PLAY..WE LOST BRAY .. AND WE LOST HUNER..OK.. THEY LOST LATTIMORE AND GARCIA..I REALLY THOUGHT WE HAD THIS ONE TIL THEY STARTED THE GAME ..PROGRESS IS FADING AND THEYRE TRULY LOOKING WORSE..BRENT DIDNT LOOK THE SAME..BUT HERES SOMETHING IM NOT SURE ALOT OF US NOTICE..YEA WE LOST TWO REALLY TALENTED PLAYERS..BUT THERE IS NO WAY IN WE SHOULD BE FADING LIKE THIS..STOP SAYN THEY STUNK IT UP.. HELL THEY WORKIN FROM UR BLUE PRINT COACH..THAT LAWYER STUFF ALWAYS TAUGHT TO NEVER BE WRONG..WELL U MAY NOT BE WRONG COACH ... BUT SOMEBODY HAS BEEN....................
volinlouisiana writes:
All the signs of a Troll. Who is your favorite team? Are you a Bama fan? You are a decent troll, I must say, but a what a waste of time.
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
If Manning did actually support Dooley he would be a fool just like the rest of you. Although most Do0Leave clowns are no doubt Bama, Ga., and Gator trolls who want Dooley to stay because he's an automatic win for Muschamp, Richt, and Saban.
Volumnus writes:
The underlying ugliness of this mess is that it was a mess when CDD was hired. Mike Hamilton hired him to clean up the mess. Hammy knew there was a depleted talent base, moral was low and it was a tough league in which to rebuild. Either he or the board wanted to go cheap, or wanted to buy redemption with the "Dooley" name. The problem is CDD did not have the experience to solve this problem. He did not have 10 yrs winning in a tough league with inferior talent. There were coaches available who had both rebuilding experience and second tier talent experience. They were not interviewed. The talent level did not change and folks it is not going to change any time very soon.
This is not a reflection on CDD. You don't know what you don't know. If you have not been through a fire you may intellectually know it is hot, but you may be surprised at how much it burns. I think much of the consternation and dubious decisions are a result of the surprise at how poorly this is going. I am not sure why anyone is surprised, there was nothing on his resume to equip him for this challenge.
It may be that we have a Coach whose hire did both he and the University a disservice. He needs to be given a chance, but I am not sure we can give him the time necessary to grow into the coach we needed when he was hired.
FearTheVols1252 writes:
You're right... you're you and Manning is only a Superbowl winning future Hall of Fame QB. I can't imagine why he didn't consult you or any other 'wanna be' coach on this site before stating his opinion.
Yeah, what a fool.
Stanman08 writes:
CAN WE GET AN AMEN FROM THE CONGREGATION, PLEASE? WELL SAID.
jawga writes:
You don't expect to hold the class after the miserable Oct & 2-2 at best in Nov do you? If so, who's convinced this staff can coach 'em up?
I would send the OL coach packing at season-end at a minimum. Also, better find a decent RB & I don't see one with the current commits.
volcraze writes:
Go back and watch a few of those games again. I saw Dooley quite upset and in players faces after some bad plays. The refs didnt escape his frustration either.
CMKSIDESHOW writes:
This team has talent, this coaching staff is just not experienced enough to handle the pressures of a big program. Maybe in time they will be but as of right now they are a JOKE! DD needs to go back to Georgia . Whoever wants this guy please take him buy him out im begging. He will not be here next year if we go 2-6 in the SEC after going 3-5 last year. The TALENT is their at least enough talent to beat a crappy florida team, crappy georgia team, and a crappy sc team. Not one of these teams has any offense whatsoever, i don't care if we had bray and hunter we still would have lost due to bad coaching.
snakeplissken writes:
Not sure if you're bragging or complaining about the 2012 class? LOL
secondcreek writes:
What would you say about a UT head football coach who has a losing record in his first two years? Would you fire him?
If that was the case then UT should have fired Johnny Majors who had a 9-12-1 record in his first two years as the Vols' head coach.
And guess what-Derek Dooley is 9-12 now with four games left.
In fact Majors' first four seasons as the Vols' were unsuccessful by most measures at 21-23-1.
Point is give Dooley more time. It took Majors several years to have UT back in the big time in terms of top tier bowl games and a perennial SEC contender.
volfan8#549730 writes:
Thick I think Reflux has no clue how to play football w/o a football bat;) ....I'm a girl and know more about football in my pinky than his whole entire being. GBO!
CMKSIDESHOW writes:
Name one school from the major conferencesthat would hire this guy and pay him more money based on his headcoaching experience. NOT ONE. To those who think this DD is a good coach need to have their head examined. Two losing seasons in a row and next year will be no different what possibly makes anybody think it would. To many people on here drinking to much Dool-aid. He stinks alright, 3-5 last year, your second year if you have a good coach should be better than your first. When we finish 2-6 in SEC play. If your ok with that, WOW don't expect any SEC championship game appearances with this guy. Go buy some lifetime tickets to the Music City phooey bowl. This is a bad nightmare being sold to the fans buy a caresalesman in Dooley.
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