HOOVER, Ala — On Nov. 27, Tennessee coach Derek Dooley called a calamitous 10-7 loss at Kentucky, "A really hard ending to a really hard season."
Both Kentucky and Tennessee finished the season 5-7 and ineligible for bowl games. The difference? Kentucky tore down its goal posts in celebration of a season-ending win over UT that snapped a 26-game losing streak to the hated Vols.
"I remember old ladies and old men in their 70s saying thank you because they'd never seen anything like that before," Kentucky defensive end Collins Ukwu said Wednesday at SEC Media Days.
Arguably, no one had ever seen a win like that before, either. With Kentucky coach Joker Phillips' job potentially hanging in the balance, the Wildcats beat the Vols with 15 passing yards, 217 total yards, 10 first downs and four third-down conversions. Matt Roark, a Wildcat wide receiver turned quarterback for the day, was the hero.
Back in Knoxville, Dooley was the goat. As much as Kentucky's win over Tennessee cooled Phillips' hot seat, it turned up the flame under Dooley's.
When the UT coach steps to the podium for today's final session of SEC Media Days, the lingering effects will be felt. Just as media members asked Phillips about the win on Wednesday, they will ask Dooley about the loss today.
Remembering back to the game, Kentucky center Matt Smith, a Bluegrass State native, described the redemption that came with the streak-snapping win. He said it lifted "such a burden" off the program.
The Vols were playing for a bowl bid. The Wildcats had the nation's longest losing streak to a single opponent darkening the sky over Commonwealth Stadium. The Vols were trying to avoid back-to-back losing seasons for the first time 1910-11.
And with all that, Kentucky won the day.
"We had the whole state behind us," Smith said.
Tennessee and Kentucky will meet again in the 2012 season finale. This time at Neyland Stadium on Nov. 27.
Both coaches' seats may still be warm, but the streak won't be the storyline. Instead, the Wildcats are hoping a rivalry is brewing.
"The more hyped the game, the better," Ukwu said.
Here Come The Vols: Two days and thousands of interviews later, Tennessee is ready to take center stage at the Wynfrey Hotel.
In his third appearance at the league's public relations circus, Dooley will face hundreds of media members and countless questions related to his job security this morning. He'll step up to the podium at 9:40 a.m. (TV: ESPNU) after meeting with Knoxville-based media outlets early in the morning.
Quarterback Tyler Bray, linebacker Herman Lathers and offensive lineman Ja'Wuan James will represent the Vols. Like Dooley, all three will run the gauntlet of interviews with print, online, television and radio reporters from national and local media outlets for nearly three hours.
Dooley's time in the main media ballroom will begin immediately following Alabama's time on the clock.
Watching Bray: Bray will speak to the media as a member of three national award watch lists. The junior added the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback of the Year Award to his collection of preseason accolades.
Bray, who was left off all three of the preseason All-SEC coaches' teams, has been named to the Manning Award Watch and Maxwell Award watch lists. He's one of 34 quarterbacks on the Davey O'Brien watch list.
Brendan F. Quinn covers Tennessee basketball. Follow him at http://twitter.com/BFQuinn
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Comments » 77
Rumblefish writes:
We lost to Kentucky last year??? Can't believe I have never read that on this site before!!!!
Cracker Jack reporting KNS!!!!!!
VolinCalif writes:
Go for it!
Vols 10-2 plus a bowl
Vols 28 NCS 14
Rumblefish writes:
Your man-crush on Bray is creepy. But, keep talkin about him and show everyone how much you have to comment on him!
MightyVOL writes:
I guess the Kentucky game is still being mentioned because it would be another 20+ years before that will come close to happening again.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
You sure sound like a punk; Not some man in his late 50's?? Grow up emotionally, zz.
jowemedo writes:
Okay, I’ve been waiting for the right time to put in my 2 cents worth so here goes. I’m mostly a reader of the comments on here and only an occasional poster. I’ve read a lot of comments on here from the naysayers and how this year’s team can only win 4, 5, or 6 games at best. I’ve also read a few comments from folks that may be just a tad overly optimistic. However, I think the overly optimistic are a lot closer to the truth than all the naysayers. The naysayers are not taking into consideration the injuries and the huge dismissal from last year’s team. I know injuries are part of it and good teams overcome them, ie; teams that have some depth. The Vols did not have the depth last year to overcome losses in personnel. Most folks, when they are looking at why the Vols floundered last year seem to only focus on Hunter’s and Bray’s injuries but fail to remember that last year’s team also lost a potential all-SEC linebacker and possibly an all-American safety before the season even began and that’s not to mention the loss of Brewer the last 3rd or so of the season. Add the losses of Hunter & Bray and the fact that Bray was not 100% when he came back and what do you expect from a team with little to no depth? I’ll answer that later. Even with those preseason losses, if Hunter doesn’t go down then the Florida game (at Florida by the way) is a win. I don’t care what anyone says, the Gators were not going to cover Hunter and Rogers both in that game. To me it was obvious, even in the little amount of time that Hunter played. Okay, now I’ll answer that question. You don’t expect to lose to Kentucky with a wide receiver at QB even with the losses in personnel. In my opinion that loss points directly at a coaching staff that may have approached the game as lackadaisical as did the players. That’s enough about last year. Now on to this year, is CDD on the hot seat? Just Hart stating that the Kentucky loss was unacceptable told me Dooley is on the hot seat. Couple that with the turnover in coaches and a current class commitment ranking (according to Rivals) of 9th in the SEC, I would say there is not too many seats any hotter. Now, with all that said, all you folks wanting Dooley gone¬¬¬--ain’t gonna happen this year. Depth is back (for now), the stars are in place at the right positions (don’t take my word for it, look at all the preseason nominations for awards) and with just a little luck, the Vols will have to be reckoned with. Although I think the 12-0, 11-1, and maybe even the 10-2 predictions are a little optimistic, I think 10-2 is closer to reality than 5-7, 6-6, or 7-5. No, the offensive line still hasn’t proven that they can run block and the backs haven’t proven that they can hit a hole when there is one but I think there will be enough improvement there to get 90-100 yds/gm and if that happens 9-3 is a very real possibility. Now, I’m far from being an expert, maybe I’m too optimistic, but anyway that’s my 2 cents worth...for what it’s worth.
mdvol writes:
Yep, seriously doubt there's anything "blue" in the Dooley household. No shirts, pants, ties, toilet water or balls. Can't confirm that last one. My guess is the Dooleys don't own a "cat".
Won't matter after the VOLS drop 40 on NC State.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Good post, and not simply because I agree with it.Very well thought out.
secondcreek writes:
6-6 finish for the Vols in 2012 and Dooley's contract is bought out after a loss in a second tier bowl game.
I hope I am wrong.
Bigger_Al writes:
jowemedo - Good post. I think that dismissing Montori Hughes, our biggest DL, hurt as well as the others you mentioned. Also, I believe that having your most talented players also being your youngest players has not been beneficial for the program the past couple of seasons. My concern is that this year's Jrs. weren't mentored by successful, influential upperclassmen because of the chasm caused by back-to-back coaching changes and substantial attrition. I'm worried that they don't know what it takes to win at this level, and they don't have a coaching staff that has won here before to show them the way. Of course, some early success will be powerful for the program, from recruiting to establishing credibility from top to bottom.
Bigger_Al writes:
We'd thank you for doing the same. Seriously, are their no Gay-tor sites that will have you? OK, keep posting here and we'll keep ignoring you.
Bigger_Al writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
rockypop writes:
Just like the NCAA hopes against all odds that it won't have to consider the death penalty for Penn State, I'm sure Dave Hart wants compelling evidence one way or another on what Derek Dooley's future should be at Tennessee.
When Dooley was hired, he indicated in his initial presser that he intended to rebuild the UT program for the long term. That meant recruiting good character guys, who could be four year players, who had a passion to play for Tennessee. And, based on the posts on this site, there was general agreement.
Now, just three years into Dooley's tenure, he's already on one of the hottest seats in all of college football. I have repeatedly argued for a minimum of four years for him to get things headed in the right direction. Three years, given what he faced - not only in lack of talent and depth, but also key injuries, is not enough time.
Last season was a disaster. And, I'm one who believes it was an aberration - fueled by injuries, lack of confidence, maturity, and leadership. This year should be a big leap forward, but even that may not be enough for the paying fans.
While recruiting has been good, it still hasn't caught up with the big boys, and that will hurt. So, while the Vols may dramatically improve this year, they still may come up short in the W-L column. And, that will be Hart's dilemma.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Which loser are ewe?? Former aliases please.
Rumblefish writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
voloffaith writes:
Also "occasionally" he spells "occaisionally" incorrectly as his slobber posting gets messy and he can't help hisself.....
On topic, the hotseat is there regardless of our lil 'pinions...so play and win more and seat gets cooler.... ta da!
Huttdawg100 writes:
Charles Davis said this: "The loss to Kentucky accelerated Dooleys time table."
Dooley was gonna get 4 years up until the Kentucky loss, but now it's make or break in 2012. There's no tomorrow for Derek Dooley. We've gotta win big right now: beat NC State, Florida, UGA., someone (anyone) meaningful. Everyone knows this. No more excuses. I just want Dooley to walk up to the podium and put all his chips out on the table: "We're gonna to hang 50 on everyone. Stop us." Go Big or Go Home.
voloffaith writes:
By By after childish and insensitive and abusive post.....disagreeing is one thing...being hateful is another....BAN THIS ONE PERMANENTLY!
Rumblefish writes:
sissy
Huttdawg100 writes:
Bray is better than AJ McCarron and Tyler Wilson (a system QB). I say it's Bray then Murray.
Rumblefish writes:
But it was ok for him to tell us we are going to lynch dooley. Selective read much?
thevoice writes:
Not bad. I would add that to wins games in the SEC, I've always heard is about running the ball, a gritty defense, and a good kicking game. Those happen to be the three areas of greatest concern for the Vols this year. Still pulling for 'em, just being realistic with expectations.
CrankE writes:
Yeah, UT should be healthier, deeper, more talented, all that.
The hiring of Jay Graham (as a coach-not a player) provides excitement for the running game, but will anything change on the field?
And NOTHING indicates that special teams will be anything other than what they have been.
Show me a UT team without a running game and special teams and I'll show you a .500 team.
jobrando#216494 writes:
I think the NC State game will decide. A win then it's 10-2. A loss and the season is toast and Dooley is history.
laraccoon writes:
probably to broke to move to Florida . We get stuck with gatorgarbage . you ever notice how his belligerent post coincide with check day/food stamps . pitaful . it is the posterchild of Tennessee gator worship . they laugh about these type in Gainesville !
Stooley_Dinks writes:
I won't make any predictions. But, I said last year before the KY game that Dooley did not want to live in a world where he lost to KY. Well, he is and he deserves all of it. His bonehead comments after the game about the loss being a good thing so they don't think they are better than they are just proves he deserves all he gets.
Having said that, all of us make big mistakes. Now, he is going to pay for that loss until he wins a game that he should not. That's just the way it is and he absolutely deserves it. Once he beats a good team, that sting will begin to go away. And, with the talent we have, we can win one of those games we shouldn't if we retire stupid decisions like the Wildcat inside the 10yd line.
Dooley has proven to be a better recruiter in adverse conditions than expected. He has also proven to make stupid play calls in games. If he can stop that, he just might win. We never get too old to learn. If you think Dooley has been a good coach, you are an idiot. If you think he could become a good coach, then you might be right. As for me, I am crossing my fingers.
1volk-nowi-tall writes:
Have written this before but hey why not again? The Ky game was the worst coached game I have seen in the past 60 years of UT football. Three points.
1-- Not playing either Simms or the freshman QB(each of whom had started in much more difficult games during the year) prevented us from running the offense we had, be it what it was it was much better than the offense built around a one-handed QB who could not go under center to run the rgeular offense.
2--Trying to run that crazy offense- I'll call it Wildcat Offense because that is the team it benefited- after getting inside the KY 10 yard line, getting the bad snap from it and turning the ball over to KY some 20 yards behind the original line of scrimmage was just blowing into the wind. We gained nothing from that set all year and have gained little or nothing from that set since we allowed the much traveled Eric Locke to attempt to run it some 8-10 years ago.
3-- Allowing a team that could not pass the ball against a fair high school secondary to play keep away from us for most of 60 minutes.
These were simple coaching decisions that were poorly supported by any football logic from even a middle school coach.
But believe it or not, I do like Dooley and would love to see him get himself on stable footing so he can really lead this program. He has so much to offer but just cannot repeat these bonehead decisions in any fashion again.
eduardo writes:
Jack Crow Law should have been in effect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ambrown64 writes:
I would love for DD to get up there tomorrow and say that he likes his team, feels that they have a great commitment level, like being around each other and unlike two years ago, the guys are business-like and "know how to put work in." I would like to hear him say that he feels they have the tools, that the energy in the program and the bonding among coaches is there, and that there's a real edge, because everyone has a bad taste from last year, we know that we're better than that, and no man on this team wants to go back to that dark place.
DD - "So we're motivated, focused and we've got some weaponry. I can't wait to get the season started and see what we've got, cause with the work these guys are putting in and a few bounces going right we could have a very special season. I'll be excited to be back here as a winner next year and answer questions about that. It's Tennessee guys - we're not going to stay down for too long."
Yes, that is what I would love to hear. Study Coach K's interviews - he always uses that time, where he's contractually bound to stand with a mic in his face, as an opportunity to talk to his players. I will be watching to see if DD has learned anything in terms of how he addresses the press. If he is using that time to make sure that we all know about the shortcomings and challenges, I will be disappointed that he has not learned the importance of the Head Coach projecting confidence in his team.
eVOLved writes:
written from the John Adams school of commentary: focus on kentucky. now this guy just needs to mention kentucky game in every other article, and the mentorship is complete.
givehim6 writes:
Only upside to the loss is should make for a good rally call to the Vols for the 2012 season. Never again!
tanasi2 writes:
Today at the SEC Media Day, a Florida reporter who covers gator football told Jimmy Hyams that he thinks John Gruden will be U.T.'s new football coach next year! What do Florida people know that Tennessee people don't??? I think the Florida reporter might be right! Vols will go 6-6 this year. Can Dooley keep his job with only 6 wins? I don't think so!
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Time to move ahead and resolve these issues on the field. You knew when we saw the title to this one that it would be cannon fodder for the usual ones who bask in misery and/or delight at Tennessee playing games such as the one described. What is surprising is that Adams did not write it.........as usual.
Of course, it was the sort of article that our resident troll, Bodeane........the little punk kid, takes to heart. He was so giddy trying to do his little thing that he forgot how to spell anything.
As to the game again, there have been better Tennessee teams in the 'streak' that barely defeated Kentucky. We know about the injuries, lack of depth, talent, etc. Another thing is preparation. When you've beaten someone this many times in a row, it is usually fairly challenging to be "up" for a game with them. Unfortunately, the tendency is to assume too much. Sort of like here in Virginia. One of the Cavaliers best advantages for years was that no one took them seriously since they were perennial losers so long. As a result, they and Kentucky/Vandy type teams had/have a real advantage. It's hard to take such teams seriously and when you don't, well......the result is inevitable.
Bottom line,the Vols have the talent and chemistry. They have to put it together on the field, discovering how to best use that talent and how to win the game........there, and not in the newspapers or on message boards.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Tine to move ahead and resolve these issues on the field. You knew when we saw the title to this one that it would be cannon fodder for the usual ones who bask in misery and/or delight at Tennessee playing games such as the one described. What is surprising is that Adams did not write it.........as usual.
Of course, it was the sort of article that our resident troll, Bodeane........the little punk kid, takes to heart. He was so giddy trying to do his little thing that he forgot how to spell anything.
As to the game again, there have been better Tennessee teams in the 'streak' that barely defeated Kentucky. We know about the injuries, lack of depth, talent, etc. Another thing is preparation. When you've beaten someone this many times in a row, it is usually fairly challenging to be "up" for a game with them. Unfortunately, the tendency is to assume too much. Sort of like here in Virginia. One of the Cavaliers best advantages for years was that no one took them seriously since they were perennial losers so long. As a result, they and Kentucky/Vandy type teams had/have a real advantage. It's hard to take such teams seriously and when you don't, well......the result is inevitable.
Bottom line,the Vols have the talent and chemistry. They have to put it together on the field, discovering how to best use that talent and how to win the game........there, and not in the newspapers or on message boards.
orangecountyvols writes:
Sorry for the repeat friends.........surprised the computer let me do this to you !
OrangePsyched writes:
CDD is off the hotseat after this year. There were good commentaries on here except for 2 posters. That girl bodeane cracks me up and the multiple personality multiple username goob. I too wish that Dooley would step to the podium and tell them it's our job to score and your job to stop us. I want some no huddle run up the score games this year.
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
Talk about beating a dead horse.
orangeman1 writes:
I dont know about the worst coached game, but you do make some good points. We'll find out if this new staff can do any better next year with a better more experienced team. I cant help but get my hopes up because of the potential thats on the team.
10seVol85_Part_Deux writes:
Yeah, good call Stupid_Screen_Name_of_the_Week. Where you been, Jeff?
VolinCalif writes:
I think it is a very good post. But I also think most fans have tried to get that same message across from the time Hunter went down. So here I go again
Vols 10-2
Vols 35 Fl 14
Vols 28 NCS 14
10seVol85_Part_Deux writes:
I'm sorry. A bad snap was a coaching decision? Please explain that one.
Also, I think if you could find the data, it would show that yards per carry out of the wildcat was higher than any other formation last year. That is just my own opinion, based on watching the games, but I think it would prove true.
When you wrote those things before, which of your other June 5-7, 2007 names did you use?
10seVol85_Part_Deux writes:
The answer to your question is, nothing. Are you actually as dumb as the nameless Florida reporter you're talking about? There's a better chance Gruden will be Florida's new coach after 2012, and a better chance the Gators only win 6 than the Vols. I think it's pretty safe to say there's no way the Vols will lose 6 games this year. The Gators, on the other hand, with no offense and an average defense, won't make it through looking too good. After they start their SEC season 0-2, the talk will start.
volzrock54 writes:
I guess UK didn't realize they had a WR converted to QB last year when they beat us... Not directed at you I just replied on your post thread... Although we had people out the lack of effort from this team and the "I could care less" attitude lost this game. That starts at the top. No excuse. Dooley better win some games this year or his butt should be gone. His first year I gave him a pass due to the kiffin debacle. Last year I tried to be patient because we did have some key injuries. The UK game made me realize Dooley isn't an SEC caliber coach. Like someone stated earlier he has not been a winner anywhere he has coached. He had one good season at La Tech that I can think of. Now before those people who disagree start showing how smart they are or how big of a troll I am, I am a hard core Vol fan and have spent many fall seasons with mine and my families butts in the seats at Neyland stadium after driving hundreds of miles to do so. So before you start questioning my status as a Vol fan just because I don't agree with the orange glasses wearers, try to disagree with some class instead of showing how stupid you are and throwing insults. If you like watching the Vols get their butts kicked by teams that shouldn't be on the same field with our beloved team them lets keep Dooley and keep being happy for 6 win or less seasons.. Now I will stand by and watch the true Vol fans who couldn't possibly be wrong because they are By God Vol fans and I'm just some troll because I hate seeing the team I love lose... Carry on.. Go Vols!
UTistheOLEMISSoftheEAST writes:
UF's "average" defense finished eighth in the nation last season and 10 starters return. Loco is in for a long night when that front seven is in his grill for four quarters. Easy on the optimism. You vawls seem to get a little too optimistic this time of year. Relax. You are still ut. Hope for 6 wins and a trip to Shreveport.
Vol69 writes:
Yeah! Well we still talk about Pearl Harbor too. Another disaster also.
Fall_Creek_Vols writes:
The KY reference is valid. It's was the last game last year. That's the nasty taste in your mouth since then.
ESPN-U's talking heads last night said this is a "L" for KY, part of a 3-9 year for the mildcats. In fact, one of them said Tennessee would "exact a terrible revenge".
I guess their .02 cents worth is worth as much as anyone's.
VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:
If only you would post just occasionally, but you are obsessed with the Vols
jowemedo writes:
Yea, I only post occasionally because there are too many children on here to deal with. You know, such as yourself.
SevenT writes:
Better luck next season UT. By the way your progaem is NOT and elite program. UT's program is on par with Iowa in the Big 10. Solid but can not run with the elite teams in the conference. Understand who you are and be happy with it. You are not Alabama, LSU, Florida or Georgia please quite crying about it all day long.
Huttdawg100 writes:
The plan was to go to the wildcat in the red zone because Bray couldn't take snaps under center. That's why we went to a pistol offense most of the game. That was a terrible decision. Simms should've gotten the start. He's good enough for Oregon, LSU on the road, and Bama, but he's not good enough for the worst Kentucky team in 10 years? Dooley buried Simms after the LSU game last year, and he had too much pride to go back to him.
The players deserve some of the blame, but Dooley and Chaney both could've been fired after that embarrassment. If Dooley had replaced Fulmer (instead of Kiffin), and then went out and lost to Kentucky in year 2, he would've been fired.
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