Tennessee Stat Book
Former NFL quarterback turned CBS commentator Gary Danielson couldn't take his eyes off Tyler Bray while watching Tennessee practice a year ago, even before the rifle-armed quarterback ascended to the starting position.
"I knew Matt Simms was going to be the starting quarterback,'' said Danielson, who will be calling his sixth UT-Florida game Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.). "But my eyes were constantly being drawn over to Tyler and just his raw ability."
Danielson followed up with Vols offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who proceeded to tell him why Bray wasn't ready to start last season's Florida game.
According to Danielson, Chaney said: "He (Bray) has no idea what he's doing yet. We gotta break him down a little bit, because he's so darn cocky, he thinks he knows it all.''
Danielson, who played quarterback in the NFL for 13 years for the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, said that's not necessarily a bad thing.
"Part of that stuff of a stallion like Tyler, you don't take it all out of him, and you can still tell he has that wild side to him, and that's good,'' Danielson said on a Tuesday conference call. "He thinks he can fit the ball in anywhere. I have been touting him for a year and a half. He was my breakout/sleeper player of the SEC this year.''
Bray, on the heels of a record-breaking performance against Cincinnati on Saturday, is expected to face his stiffest test against the Gators at The Swamp.
"I think he's going to be a tough one for Florida to handle,'' Danielson said. "You can't tilt the field from one side to the other, they have receivers on both sides. I like their passing game chances.''
Bray, a gaudy 51-of-65 passing for 698 yards with seven touchdowns and no interceptions this season, eclipsed UT marks previously held by Peyton Manning by throwing for two TDs or more for an eighth consecutive game and completing 82.9 percent (34-of-41) of his passes in the 45-23 win over the Bearcats on Saturday.
Spencer Tillman, a CBS studio analyst who earned All-America honors as a running back at Oklahoma before an eight-year NFL career with the Houston Oilers and San Francisco 49ers, said he believes Bray can handle the Gators, too.
"I think he'll be able to take advantage of an underclass back end (secondary) at Florida,'' Tillman said. "I'm really going to give Tennessee an edge in this contest. Based on the multiple skill set they have at receiver and (Tauren) Poole at running back. They are more balanced and more prepared to come away with a victory than Florida.''
Danielson said both teams enter the contest with much to prove.
"They both have to prove they are worthy of mention as contenders for the SEC,'' he said. "They are clearly not in the upper echelon of teams at the beginning of the season.
"A year ago, all the star players were in blue. This year you can see the difference makers on the field on offense, although Florida has many, so does Tennessee, and it's the first time in my six years (broadcasting this game) I can say it's equal talent on offenses.''
Verne Lundquist, who will call the game beside Danielson, said it's an important game in the budding career of Tennessee second-year coach Derek Dooley.
"(Dooley) is going to become a really significant coach in the SEC; he has got credentials, he worked for Nick Saban's staff, he worked alongside (Florida coach Will) Muschamp, with Kirby Smart as well. I get the idea this (job) is not too big for him.
"This game is, 'OK, you've beaten Montana, you've beaten Cincinnati, you had the heartbreak against LSU, and timing issue and substitution issues last year,' this would be potentially one of the bigger wins of the year were they able to go into The Swamp and win it.''
Danielson said as big of a victory as it would be for Dooley, he believes it could be more important for Muschamp.
"This is a game (Florida) has to win ... to me, it's a must-win for Will Muschamp,'' Danielson said. " If you don't win this game, your October (schedule) could be an oh-fer: Alabama (Oct. 1), at LSU (Oct. 8), at Auburn (Oct. 15), Georgia (Oct. 29). It could get crazy there. Everyone wants to see progress, and when the previous coach has beaten Tennessee six times in a row, you don't want to lose at home.''
Follow Mike Griffith at http://twitter.com/MikeGriffith32
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Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 101
StockerFan writes:
Third!!
VolBlitz writes:
Can hardly wait for Sat.
Go Vols
apostolicman writes:
First again. Can't believe it. I concurr with this article.
rockypop writes:
Speaking of weapons, does anybody know what the status of the Arnett kid from Michigan is? He was touted as a receiver who could make an impact as a freshman.
BodeaneVol writes:
Let's see...Danielson is calling the game, and he wants viewers...so, he should phooey all over the vols to get an audience?
My guess is, tomorrow in the Gainesville Sun there will be a story how Danielson and the same blubber-brains pick the Gators and that this game is a "must win" for Derek Goff.
But, heck, look at the posts above? Danielson poured a great big pitcher of Kidney-Stone-Orange Koolaid and they are lapping it up in X-ville.
VolAlum03ISBACK (Inactive) writes:
I'm a Dooley skeptic, but after the last two games, I can't help but feel a real sense of optimism surrounding this team.
If Dooley wins in the Swamp, he will have me re-thinking my assumptions. He wins at UGA and I will admit I was wrong about him. He wins at South Carolina and I will be on his bandwagon. He wins in Atlanta and I owe my brother a flat screen t.v.
LONEWOLF-VOL writes:
LOL, Best Buy has some good ones...
GO VOLS!!!
MrDonCorleone writes:
Listening to you, surely UT is favored, right? Florida has no offense, Brantley can't throw, the Swamp is no big deal, Demps and Rainey are too small, Muschamp can't coach defense, etc..
How could the experts who have UF as a 9 point favorite be so wrong? Go ahead and hang your hat on Spencer Tilman and they guy trying to get viewers.
BodeaneVol writes:
26-6 over the last 35 years. We are here to stay, Jethroe
MrDonCorleone writes:
Hey Naval,
Is this another moral victory? When some commentator or "expert" says UT has a chance to win in the Swamp, you go off acting like you just actually won something. Unfortunately for you, they game has to be played and your scrubs have to actually win.
LONEWOLF-VOL writes:
Gainesville is sweatin it big time, even
Muschamp looked nervouse on T.V.
GO VOLS!!!
Upgrayedd writes:
Sounds like you're butt-hurt that the press aren't all bowing down to Florida anymore.
MrDonCorleone writes:
Can't wait to see this place Saturday night and Sunday. Keep disrespecting the team who owns you. When will you people ever learn?
roloyo writes:
Note to Danielson: Ray Charles could have seen Bray was a diamond in the rough. What an idiot.
GBO
GoVols1 writes:
Hey, it's Cornholio!
VolsToTheWall writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
vol4gzus writes:
Wiki said 21-19 favor of chompers. That is of 40 game history chompers are ahead by two. Accurate or are you spinning your web of deceit?
sol_way writes:
the pressure is definitely on Florida this game, but this is just an article. trolls seem a little nervous. hey Bodeane, how many food stamps did them 4 tickets run you?
Vol43 writes:
Now that's what the heck I'm talking about. Go VOLS.
chrisw2967 writes:
He cant win at Ga this year, they play in Knox
nepperso#220348 writes:
This game will not be close. Most UT fans are scared because of recent history but it is glaringly obvious that UT has too many offensive weapons for Florida to match. Unless the defense totally collapses and gives up 45 points.. we win.
UT - 42
UF - 24
Vol43 writes:
I like that.....DawnCornholio....that's funny
Hey DawnCornholio. Mr, 'T' been tearin' that up? Heeeheee
rootin4volz writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BodeaneVol writes:
The Vols couldn't put up 50 points during halftime!
BodeaneVol writes:
Bellybutton, when we lose, somewhere around 2035, I will be here.
jack_2222#231746 writes:
Goal of the bookie is to get equal money on both sides and easiest way to accomplish that is to get all that uf silly money betting on history.
BodeaneVol writes:
Read my post again, Marlene. I wasn't around in the 1800's when the Vols won the first few games.
volpreacher writes:
Same way the experts had UT winning by 6 1/2 last Saturday and they won by 22. ummmmm
rootin4volz writes:
Let's see...you are a piece of "phooey" troll, who can go eat "phooey" on a stick, so that you'll end up being even more full of "phooey" than you already are..."phooey"-head.
BodeaneVol writes:
You guys will turn on Derek Goff when the losing streak continues just like you turned on lil-Lane. Admit it. You wish lil-Lane was still head coach. At least he publicly trashed the Gators, and that is what you enjoyed the most.
BodeaneVol writes:
OK..the streak is 20-6, so if you run off 14 straight, you will have caught up. Good luck with that!
BWAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAA
hcjournals#206623 writes:
First of all I'm glad the Florida fans feel a need to wring their hands on our site. It's fine that they are here....Even entertaining, as long as they don't cross the line. Because when they do cross the line, we are more than willing to put them on the straight and narrow. There was a comment about the gators teaching us something. They thought speedos were the best uniforms to wear until Spurrier showed up. Now they are the standard bearers for excellence in this league. After 20 years of success, many of them still don't know how to act at the games. Some of them do, and that's fun. But there is still a contingency of gators who are only an hour from the meth lab on game day....I'll take moonshine over that any day....It is so much fun to be back in contention again.....Gators, get those Speedos ironed and ready to go. You will need something to brag about this fall......Go Big Orange....Go Big....Or Go Home.....
MrDonCorleone writes:
Bo,
Lane is still their man. Lane recruited Bray and Lane brought in OC Cheney. They can't win without Kiffin's leftovers.
bigpapa writes:
Owns us? What is the all time series record?
BodeaneVol writes:
BellybuttonVol..settle down. It is just a game. You have known for decades UF is a superior university, state, place to live, etc and I know it has worn on you. It is affecting your mental health now and that is not good.
You might want to go out on the pond this weekend as you know the streak is alive and will be for many years. Time off will do you well. If you don't have your health, you don't have anything.
BodeaneVol writes:
DofC...I am very concerned about BellybuttonVol. I might give Muschamp a call Friday and ask him to throttle it back a little. I don't think Bellybutton can handle another shellacking like they have received over the decades. I am now concerned about his health.
VolAlum03ISBACK (Inactive) writes:
I figure the million plus salary that we gave to a head coach with a losing record and enough time on his hands to double-down as the Athletic Director at a pathetic football school blunts the sting of my low expectations.
Huttdawg100 writes:
Wow... These gator fans spew so much garbage, I'm surprised the EPA hadn't shut this site down.
The fact of the matter: Florida is going to have to hang at least 40 to beat us. Period. Who're they going to double team? Hunter? Rogers? Pick your poison. Can you get to Bray before the play develops? Not with his quick release. Unless Brantley turns into Tom Brady by Saturday, we're going to swamp the Gators.
The streak ends.
LONEWOLF-VOL writes:
It's not disrespect, no team owns us for we are
U.T.....Keep recruiting criminals and thugs who disrespect your team and name,when will you guys ever learn?
GO VOLS!!!!
BodeaneVol writes:
Single coverage on those two will be quite simple. They are the two fastest players in Neybob and will be 9th & 10th fastest in The Swamp.
VolAlum03ISBACK (Inactive) writes:
Oh...that's right. If they aren't playing between the hedges, then there is no excuse for not beating Richt's mess of a team this year.
Down_The_Field writes:
you weren't around prior to 2006.
1965Vol writes:
Well ... big whoop to you too. Lil' Urbie couldn't win with his own leftovers. 5* recruiting classes and he comes home at 8-5? Whatta guy. Now you got leftover coaches tryin' to coach lil' Urbie's leftovers. Should be interestin'.
Packer_Park_Orange (Inactive) writes:
Read between the lines, Danielson played for the Lions and Browns...If his NFL experience means anyhing, he must mean that Bray's backside is going to be raw from constant contact with Florida Field.
VOLSGURLINCHARLOTTE writes:
Double coverage on Rogers last Saturday and he still scored...we are not worried. Let the aerial assault begin. Bray to Hunter, Rogers, Lane, Poole, heck whoever he wants. GO VOLS!!
tn_rockytop writes:
well thats why we take the field tenn 35-14 vols
orangecountyvols writes:
N O and Vol fans,
These trolls definitely are squirming aren't they?
Look Bodeane, teeny bopper. We already have you on the KNS troll top 10 list. You can relax a bit......no need to work the gums so hard. You've earned your spot with the other losers.
We can tell you're squirming.........it's obvious. Amazing how a bunch like you and your sidekick trolls are so consumed with the Vols. Just proves we own you..........win or lose.
We've seen obsession , but trolls like you take the cake.
bigpapa writes:
You still didn't address the series record. The actual totals are much different than your version, but no one would expect a loud mouth Yankee transplant to deal with facts.
chrisw2967 writes:
albert,funny you say that.Muschump will not be able to win with Urbies dream team leftovers.If Fla beats Tn and thats a big IF you better enjoy it because it will be over after that.Fla better hope Tn doesnt find a running game between now and sat.If they do the swamp will be drained.Book It
bigpapa writes:
How nice! Look everyone......Brett's mommy let him come back to the keyboard.
I know...we should get off Brett's mommy. No serious....everyone off Brett's mom...she is starting to smell.
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