Comments by OrangePride

Written on Peyton Manning 'looking forward to supporting' Butch Jones:

in response to mikethehistorystudent:

Not trying to be negative, but he also endorsed Dooley....just saying.

Peyton endorses the University of Tennessee as his bedrock position. Sometimes that would include endorsing the coach; even Dooley. When he doesn't endorse something, he simply remains quiet about it...which btw is what he was the last two years. What else don't you get?

Written on John Adams: How the Vols could rise to top in SEC East:

in response to 8inarow:

Going on 8 years now reading how the "Vols are on the rise". Better hurry up.

Absolutely correct. This has been a refrain for too long. BUT....had Kiffin stayed (not that I long for that to have happened), I believe Tennessee would have been contending at the top by his second or third year. Of course the side show stuff would likely have been dreadful. Dooley? Well, many of us including me were just wrong to have been hopeful. But are we wrong to be hopeful again?? If this recruiting class and CBJ's previous on-field success is any indicator, then I don't think so. We will see more this fall. The W-L may not be great this year, but I believe we will see some fire and competitiveness that has not been around Neyland Stadium in quite a while. So in response to your admonishment of "hurry up".....we ARE hurrying....look at recruiting numbers if you don't think so.

Written on John Adams: How the Vols could rise to top in SEC East:

Oh yea. I left out Florida. For my money the jury is out on Muschamp. His first year was lousy and he escaped with some close victories last year. But whether he stays or goes, I don't think he has yet donned the mantle of wonderment as a coach. If we had even a marginal defense last year, we win that game. Right now they are one of the top dogs, but with some good athletes and sound fundamentals, we can reach their level in the very forseeable future. I am very proud that we compete in a conference that is the best of the best. I want everyone to stay right where they are and for Tennessee to come up to that top level. What kind of accomplishment would it be if all the other teams simply sank to mediocrity?

Written on John Adams: How the Vols could rise to top in SEC East:

First of all to those of you telling us JA is just "telling it like it is." He is not. He is telling us what HE thinks "is" is. It's a conjecture at best. My opinion of that is different. We do not need the rest of the east to sink to our level. We need to rise to where we have been so many times before.....a top contending SEC team, regardless of where others are. Lets go thru JA's analysis just a bit. 1). Alabama is in the west, so whether Saban stays or goes is only marginally important. We beat all the others from the east and we win. 2) Richt is a good coach, no question. They recruit well, no question. But they are NOT invincible or uncatchable. With two good recruiting classes and a second year to learn the Jones system we could definitely be right there. We were darn close to beating them last year and had the worst team in a century. 3)South Carolina....uhhhh...excuse me for mentioning this, but our record against Spurrier at SC is not that bad. And like Georgia, we had chances to win that game last year. 4) Franklin?? What??? Tennessee is now afraid of Vandy and Franklin???!!! Get a grip JA. Yes...they had a good year last year and whipped us fair and square. But that hardly means dynasty. This year is probably a toss up right now. Future years? Order is about to be restored whether he stays or goes. So here's the bottom line. For Tennessee to win the east, we have to have two or three good recruiting classes and Jones et. al. have to put a system into place that can win. That second part will not become clear til he actually produces on the field, but his history is on his side there. SO GO VOLS! RISE TO THE TOP!!!

Written on 3 Vols named preseason All-Americans:

It's good to see some of our big guys getting a bit of recognition....it's well deserved. They have gone thru some very tough times as VOLS and perhaps this is a small sign things are looking better. It will not surprise me to find a few other names from Tennessee added to the All-SEC teams after this year ends. No question about it; some people will really have to step up if this is to be a decent year....particularly on our offense. GO VOLS!!

Written on Poll: Which first-year SEC football coach will win the most games next season?:

in response to DwayneElizondoMountainDewHerbertCamacho:

I can't believe this, but I gotta go with Jones on this one. Arkansas is a total fluster cuck, Auburn has absolutely no defense, no running game, and no O-line. Kentucky is Kentucky. Jones is going to have the best O-line in the SEC and possibly the country. An improved run game. Probably a modest passing game and I think that the Defense will not be horrible. I think we definitely beat Auburn. We have a shot at South Carolina with them being later in the season right at about the point where our team should be coming together and right around the point where a Spurrier team is falling apart. Maybe...just maybe...if Jones can out-game-day scheme Muschamp we might have a chance to hang with Florida (crazier things have happened...but probably not).

In all, UT is less of a project than any of the other three. 7 wins is definitely possible. If either a receiver or running back decides to catch fire early on...maybe we take out UF or USC. It's a long-shot, but I am much more optimistic than I was when Dooley was stinking up the place.

If Jones ends up with a top-10 recruiting class and a 7 win season...I'll consider that more than step in the right direction.

Here are my predictions:

Austin Peay: Win, but it's pathetic we play this game.

WKU: Win, but Petrino does more with less so Jones should watch out.
Oregon: Loss...too much talent; too fast on offense.

UF: Loss...unless a miracle happens, but this won't last if Jones keeps recruiting.

South Alabama: Win

Bama: Loss. F you Nick Saban! (I love you!)

UGA: Loss. I want to say upset win, but UGA is gonna be better than last year. Sad, but a loss.

USC: Win. Spurrier has been pathetic without the ready-made Florida recruiting pool. USC fans are kidding themselves that this guy is going to take them to the championship.

Mizzou: Win. Goodby Pinkel. Why is this an SEC team again?

Auburn: Win.

Vandy: Win.

UK: Loss...hahaha...just kidding. Kentucky is HORRIBLE. Win.

That's 8 wins if we upset USC. Totally doable with the kids we have on our roster. We shouldn't win any fewer than 7. Go Vols!

And yes...I ragged on Jones when he was first hired. I am willing to admit that I MIGHT be wrong about him. Still, his recruiting has given me a sense of optimism surrounding this program that I haven't felt since 2004.

See now? I do like this when someone comes on here after ragging on something and man's up to say, perhaps he got that wrong........as I've had to do numerous times. Regarding the predictions, I am thinking 7 would be a really great season. I have Vandy, Missou, even Auburn as toss-ups at this point. I think we perhaps "should" win these contests, but I am less than 100% confident without seeing something on the field. My hope is that your prediction is right! GO VOLS!

Written on Rutgers stands by new AD despite abuse allegations while at Tennessee:

No idea where the truth lies in this instance, but the fact is this is a not insignificant cloud on her resume. Now, given Rutgers' circumstances regarding the dismissal of both their basketball coach and former AD, one has to wonder just why they would bring in a candidate with a clouded resume for abusive behavior. Of course, I have no love for Rutgers at all, so they have made this stew and can now enjoy it as it's not gonna end til ole Governor Christie weighs in (no pun intended...he he he).

Written on Will the addition Antonio Barton get the Vols into the NCAA tournament?:

However, I thought the VOLS should make the NCAA tournament next year with or without Barton. His addition just makes that backcourt a bit more experienced and a bit more stable. But there are plenty of horses coming back to make a good run for the roses!

Written on Butch Jones stays on go in rebuilding Vols:

in response to 123forVOLS:

I'm liking what I'm seeing. I am a realist and know it will take time unlike many of the Negativites who float out from under rocks and from in basements. What he has accomplished so far against a lot of odds is commendable. As for his pay, GET A LIFE SNOOPY-Complainer! It's what college head football coaches make these days. If he falls on his face for say, three consecutive years, he goes elsewhere. But for now, no nega-commentary from anyone will tone down my excitement and hope for the improvement to be seen, I believe, beginning this fall.

+1

Written on Butch Jones stays on go in rebuilding Vols:

in response to cincykid82:

Only in America - CBJ is getting $18.2M over 6 years and almost everyone here is congratulating him for working hard.

So your point would be? Because a person earns a salary that puts him at about average in the SEC no one should take note of the great effort AND results he has gotten to date? Everyone who works for a living is paid a salary.....and in taking that salary, the company or owner EXPECTS a good effort and a reasonable return. That said, what we have seen from CBJ these last months has been well above just about everyone's expectations. So have the results been above expectation. And in a city where we have seen nothing but below expectation performance and another individual who did nothing but stop for coffee and humiliate us during his short stay, CBJ is a complete ray of sunshine. So excuse us for saying so, and you can pack up your negative attitude, your lack of enthusiasm, and your dumb comments and post them on the UK site. We'll take CBJ any day.

Written on Butch Jones stays on go in rebuilding Vols:

This coach continues to impress. I just luv the pride and passion he has for Tennessee. That first spring after our last coach arrived seemed like a news blackout. Nothing on recruiting. Nothing on team building. Nothing on summer workouts. And the more it went along, the worse it seemed to get. What a breath of fresh air it is to see so much fire in this coach and staff. How glad I am for all the news and information we are getting! I am really looking forward to Foooootballll Time in Tennessee!!

Written on Vols handle Morehead State, but Dave Serrano unimpressed with effort as big SEC series looms:

Earlier this season I had predicted we would make the tournament. I was informed by many that such was "a bold statement." Well, it's looking more and more like I was wrong. Unlike some others, I do see some good things on the team, but we just never seem to put together the hits or pitching when we need it. Looks like we're home again and I wish it was otherwise. But if wishes and buts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a happy Christmas. I guess I will have to just wait and see what happens next year.

Written on Jonathan Crompton signs with Edmonton Eskimos:

in response to 60s70s80s90s00s10sallvol:

Crompton was a good prospect out of N.C. He came to Tennessee during one of the toughest stretches in UT history. He must be pretty good, how many of you naysayers have every made a dime from your vast athletic talent? He kept his nose clean played hard for 3 different Coordinators and has had a not untypical attempt at living his dream of playing pro football and doing what he loves. He is a Vol for life. I respect and appreciate the kids who give it their all for Tennessee. Even Bray, not that I approve or applaud some of his actions, but for those of you who never did anything stupid in college, cast your stones, sorry for your boring life. How could anyone wish Crompton or Bray anything but the best? Most of the mouths on this site never played a down in HS let alone anything after HS. The ugliness and negativity is reflective of poor self esteem, bitterness, Godlessness, immaturity and hopelessness. This behavior is ridiculous and does nothing but negatively reflect on the program. I can barely read this site anymore. Get a clue. I cheer with bright eyes everyone who chose to wear the orange. All Vol all the time. Get real.

I'm with you on everything you said. That young man was put through h**l for many, many weeks and he just took it, put on his helmet and came out and gave his all for Tennessee every Saturday. As for those recommending "regular jobs" I say, baloney! I want people to pursue their passion and their dreams with every ounce of perseverance available. ANYBODY can quit on something.....but it's the exceptional who continue thru the adversity and give it everything they have to give. Wish the kid nothing but the best. Go get the position and let the money take care of itself!

Written on David Climer: Titles can't erase SEC football's weaknesses:

I have to love the way some of the most negative posters all have the same basic theme: If you say ANYTHING good about CBJ or our current recruiting class or anything Tennessee football, then you are some kind of live in the past Doolyite ignoramus who is part of the problem. The facts are: 1) we have been a very poor football program over the last 5 years. 2) Fulmer did a lot of good for this university and was probably the best post-Neyland coach we've had. 3)Hamilton made a mess of the football program with not 1 but 2 bad hires. OK? We good? We all get it. BUT, this rain of vitriolic hatred for CBJ and the entire football direction, is irrational, wrong-headed, and unhelpful. I think most positive people here are simply suggesting that we give CBJ a legitimate opportunity and be supportive of our athletes. There ARE some good things happening and I for one see lots of possibilities. Is it at least possible that we might now be finally on the right track? You so called "truthers" need to get your heads out of lamenting the past and start trying to build on a future.....so GO VOLS!

Written on David Climer: Titles can't erase SEC football's weaknesses:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

Good post, but I disagree about bowls as long as they are only playing one game of relevance each year. Who cares who wins the weedeater bowl or the compusa bowl?? Only the lower ranked team like LaTech or Ball State would consider that an achievement against other D1 schools. If you really want to see who is the best, look at the bottom tier of the Big 12 and compare them to the bottom tier of the SEC. I have no doubt that even Kentucky would smoke Kansas in FB. That's where you can see how much better the SEC is. If UT or Vandy had played the same schedule as Kansas they would have been playing on NYD at least.

You're right about the very lowest tier bowls BB. But that said, I notice that in many of the middle bowls it will be some other conferences 2 team against SEC 5. Yet we still manage to win. At any rate, the SEC has the best football venues week to week of any conference in the country. I've lived in the California area and went to Indiana U. and the Big 10. I also lived in NJ to see the Big East. Trust me BB, from top to bottom, SEC ball is most exciting, best attended, and highest overall quality you can find. So now I will be off to the fridge for my morning ORANGE juice. :)

Written on David Climer: Titles can't erase SEC football's weaknesses:

And one more thing there Mr. Stoops.....in a few years you will be coming here to Knoxville for one of those "tomato can/patsy" games against Tennessee. So y'all just come waltzing in here with that W already chalked into your win list. Yes sir, you keep preaching this nonsense and do that because you are going to be in for one almighty shock when you get into Neyland Stadium!!

Written on David Climer: Titles can't erase SEC football's weaknesses:

Here is the problems with both Stoops' and Climers' logic........ they look only at the numbers and not the schedules or quality of opponents played. A better barometer of overall conference strength would be their bowl records each year. In that case, the SEC has been the strongest in almost every year. When the so-called middle and lower tier teams need to play 4 and 5 nationally ranked (often top 10) teams in the nation, it is not hard to imagine a 6-6 or 7-5 season. But all of this nonsensical comparisons is a moot argument. The SEC has produced the top teams in the nation for a decade or more....end of story. You idiots want to go talk about how the bottom 4 teams are comparable to other conferences, fine. So what? And oh BTW, I don't see teams lining up to get past perennial "bottom-feeders" like Mississippi and Miss State and South Carolina on their schedules. NC State was supposed to have an ACC title contending team last year....what happened when they "fed" on the lowly Tennessee/Vanderbilt squads. Exactly. As far as my Vols are concerned......just wait Stoops/Climer, over the next three years order is about to be restored! GO VOLS!!

Written on Tennessee defensive back Daniel Gray to transfer:

There was a line on the Inside Tennessee that contended it "was not performance related but had to do with unspecified violation of team rules." To my mind it's all rumors and I'm sure there will be more "facts" released in the coming days. Whatever the real reason might be, I hate to see this young man leave. I thought with the right coaching, he had a bright future at UT. And in responding to the inference of some on here; as far as players leaving Tennessee this year, I think given the circumstances it has been extraordinarily low. Seems to me that everyone has pretty much bought in to where we are going and the new staff.

Written on As many as 30 scholarships could be available to Vols in 2014:

in response to SoFlaVol:

Hey FWBVol, nice post but let's not overlook the fact that we already have another running back commitment in this class. Treyvon Paulk is a highly rated all-purpose back, who in my opinion should offer a great contrast to the physicality of a large, powerful back like Hurd. Looks like "thunder and lightning" to me. While Jalen Hurd is certainly the higher profile recruit, I think Paulk will be a nice compliment to the running back corp which will be needed in the fast paced offense Coach Jones is bringing to the Vols. Check this kid out on Rivals or Scout. Rivals lists him in their APB (all purpose back) in the RB group. So, Treyvon, if you're reading this, thanks for your commitment and hang in there because after Jalen pounds them several times you can flash through the gassed D-line and before they catch their breath.

Just went and looked at some of Treyvon's highlight videos. WOW! The kid is super fast in hitting the hole and seems to always move downfield. He had one run where he reversed his field and looked a lot like Patterson in outrunning everyone. I think you have it right: Thunder and Lightening. And I am REAL glad to once again have that big physical back IN JH who can break tackles and make big yards after contact. These kids are going to light up Neyland Stadium if they can stay healthy and grow into their roles! Thanks for the tip and GO VOLS!

Written on As many as 30 scholarships could be available to Vols in 2014:

Exactly! This could be a VERY big and important year for the Volunteer Rise to the Top. FIRST (and foremost), we need to have a competitive season on the field and win some games.......hopefully even a few where we are either just toss ups or underdogs. We want our prospects and recruits to see a program going in the right direction. SECOND: CBJ and staff need to just continue the evaluation, search, and lock down mission they've been on. When CBJ was announced, I have to admit I was just a little skeptical about this fit. My question did not concern his coaching and on-field abilities (4 championships led me to think he is more than capable in that area). No, my question was could he recruit down here...could he come in and attract in sufficient numbers the top athletes we need at Tennessee. That question is getting answered more every day...and we like what we see! GO VOLS!!! GO CBJ!!!

Written on Tennessee-Georgia rained out:

in response to Ichabod:

Well, we have to consider this series a positive, in that the Vols only lost one game. (thank you Mother Nature)
Another 'bad break', with Friday nights loss (100% on poor coaching), the Dawgs now own the tiebreaker. The 'Hoover dream' is kind of a joke now that the field has been expanded by 50% - but even with that, this 'elite coaching staff', will most likely not get us in. A COMPLETE EMBARRASMENT. Based upon what they did with Grecian Formula Hart, I'd say Coach Sayanora is due for AT LEAST a $50k bonus......

Really? You are of the mind this team had plenty of talent to produce a high quality season? Any time I went to the games, there were five to six freshman out on the field. Plus we had extremely limited pitching experience from which to draw. Despite all that, almost half our games have been 1-run decisions. That tells me we are competing and playing pretty fair fundamental baseball. Yea....a few freshman like errors, but every team out there makes those. Give CDS another two years before you begin the bashing. We've got another good class coming. As for Hart.......well, we'll see. He has certainly produced enough turmoil in his first months to give everyone pause. I think the bigger coaching decision on his horizon next year will be Cuonzo and how this bb does...much bigger than baseball. An NCAA bid is nearly mandatory to keep CCM's fanny off the hot seat.

Written on Tennessee-Georgia rained out:

You know, this is just the kind of bad karma we have been faced with all year. We lose eleven one-run games and have all kinds of odd-ball things occur, then when we have a team where we should win the series, we don't even get the opportunity to try. Oh well, better days are ahead folks, better days are ahead. And we ain't total out of this SEC playoff quite yet (though we're workin' on it).

Written on Mike Strange: With conference expansion should come the expansion of league games :

It would be nice to have a bit easier road to bowl eligibility, but as a fan I would far rather see Auburn play here than Austin Peay. Nothing against AP, but I want to see a high level brand of football. BTW, winning 6 when you Butch-slap 4 tomato cans hardly qualifies us as a bona fide bowl team. So go ahead with the 9.....bring 'em on. I doubt Butch is afraid.

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to collegegrovebilly:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

FIRST: The posts from this individual do not qualify as, "remotely criticizing." He is toxically personal and viciously motivated in almost everything he puts out. SECOND: I did not come down on him for criticizing Dooley, Hamilton, or our poor record. Almost everyone on here, including me, engaged in those type posts. I was on him for the slur on our current coach and the notion that somehow supporting this staff was the very same as supporting Dooley and all of the past performances. THIRD: Is your point that everyone on here supporting Jones is somehow "enabling" the further demise of our university and football program? If so, then you are just as wrong as the person I criticized in my blog.

Written on Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones:

in response to Johnny_Aint_No_Del_Shofner:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Hey! I happen to like a good chorus of Rocky Top.....and apparently you did too once upon a time. But I am proud of you Johnny for listing a whole bunch of good things....good for you. I think your "worst in the SEC" comment is a bit over the top, but you are right in that we have been declining over these last years. And just so you know, you're not the only one who sees that or is unhappy about it. My point is simple....I don't believe the "cancer" is as aggressive and growing as you. I also don't believe belittling CBJ is the right chemo to cure it. Here is what I wish we would all do.....you too Johnny......get some orange on, get over to the stadium whenever our pocketbooks and time allow, yell like heck (a phrase from someone we adore) for our Vols, and try to muster as much enthusiasm for going forward as we can. Oh....one last thing since we are having this love-in..... If you have been following Coach Fulmer's take on Jones and his renewed sense of pride, you might just consider following his lead. I saw him at Sami's not long ago and he was absolutely fully on board for what Jones is doing. GO VOLS!!

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

Yep, they apparently hate UT as much as I love the Orange..What a miserable existence they live..I'm going to pray for them..GBO!!

Poor God! You make Him have to try and turn those people into more loving and caring individuals? Pshew, HE will have to do nothing but that one thing for the entire season. lol.

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

Good deal, it seems everyone now realizes that ENRON was a bad idea (ya think). These trolls continually state the obvious and never give a rational way to solve any of the problems they point out. Where I come from we call them "Fire Starters" one of the worst cancers a business office or Sheriff's department can have. These disgruntled employees (fans/alumni in this case) are only interested in disruption and bitterness. Nothing constructive ever echoes from their grille, and if not removed are determined to undermine the harmony of the fan base as well as the department infrastructure. How can anybody not see straight through their shallow personalities?? Oh well, I noticed UT committed another quality athlete to the 2014 class. This makes 12 commits with 2 for the 2015 class, totaling 14 commits since Butch Jones took over. What can anyone say but "WOW"!! The man is recruiting his arse off, and IMO may already be underpaid without coaching one game yet..GBO!!

Good point....all the trolls ever do is quote, "I told you so" and then cherry pick all their predictions to point out how smart they were and how foolish everyone else was. But it's a self-defeating cancer and NEVER produces any kind of productive future.......whether it's business, sports, or any other human endeavor. Here's the real deal. 1)Identify and address mistakes, 2) quantify the lessons learned, 3)make corrections, 4) rebrand your future direction and goals, and 5) get out there and redouble your efforts on those goals! From where I sit, we are doing all five over there in the coaching offices. SO GO VOLS!

Written on Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones:

in response to Johnny_Aint_No_Del_Shofner:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Good grief, but you are a sad individual. Read some of the posts above yours for some added balance. We get it, though.....you have lots of negative stories and those dominate your thinking. You know what? Fine. But those have NOTHING TO DO WITH TODAY. And I don't know why you suggest I am whitewashing Majors' past or use him to trash Fulmer. If you read my post, it was quite positive about Fulmer. Perhaps you are referring to others. And the past four years are not at all a "testimony to stupidity." Frustrating...yes. Disappointing...yes. In many cases wrong-headed.....yes. But if you go back over all your posts, you aren't right 100% of the time either. For example, did you not tell us how we would get waxed by NC State? Hmmmmm..........think you did, think you did. Have a better day anyway. Oh yea....GO VOLS!!

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to Johnny_Aint_No_Del_Shofner:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

ANSWER: I'm the loyal fan and you are the troll. Next question. Recognize one thing: There is a difference between predicting doom and gloom (even when right) and being a loyal fan. And what has, "being right" gotten you? Better yet, "What did it get UT football?" As for the, "Doolaid Drinker to Hartonian" reference, where does that even fit? The discussion wasn't even about Hart, it was about Jones. In that regard, the only "facts" you have are that 1) we had 61,000 at the spring game, 2) we have the 3rd ranked signing class right now, 3) he has 4 championships under his belt to none for you, and 4) he has made an outstanding imprint on everyone of importance(other than you) he has met. So tell me which facts are wrong?? You know what? You just never move forward looking at car wrecks in the rear view mirror. So yep...pass around the Orange flavored drinks please......you want a little taste, too? They're much tastier than you might imagine.

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to laraccoon:

dude it is no use , the only thing that would make him happy is if Fulmer would emerge from the poster that hangs above his bed and takes over the UT football program again .

lol....of course you're right, but sometimes he just gets under my skin. I mean how long can someone remain in such bitter mourning? I liked Fulmer too....still do; but we've got to move forward. And to be honest......I see a LOT of Fulmer values in Jones.

Written on Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones:

in response to Johnny_Aint_No_Del_Shofner:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Good gracious, you're over here too with your bitter venom? Look, CJM had some bad moments and paid for them with his job, but he also had some great moments and championships, so perhaps you might take a bit more balanced look at his record. Now......here is where I actually agree with you....Fulmer. A great, great Tennessee guy who brought Tennessee to heights not seen since the great days of General Neyland. But this is now 2013 and Neyland, Majors, and Fulmer are no longer coaching. So just get over it and lets focus on returning UT football to championship form. BTW....that isn't done with continuous bashing, character assassination, and bitter comments. I'll send you some orange tinted glasses and an orange sun visor if you want them....you might enjoy the new look.

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to Johnny_Aint_No_Del_Shofner:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Excuse me for pointing this out, but you are one of the worst trolls out there and NEVER have a good thing to say on anything orange. Yes, I too supported Dooley til about the middle of last season. Like lots of others, we tried to be as supportive of the program as we could. Was I wrong? Were the others who tried to be positive about things wrong? Given where we are now, yea...we were. The man didn't get it done. BUT....this ridiculous notion of, "putting their infatuation with a haircut above Tennessee Football" comment is so preposterous that it nearly qualifies you for institutionalization! Are you really allowed out of the house unsupervised?? We all need to know...aside from bashing everything Tennessee on this site.... what have YOU done to support Tennessee Football?? That's what I thought.......nothing!

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

So, he should return under different aliases like you do?? Hmmmm?

Excellent point BB....as always....excellent point. We see that a LOT with the trolls and Debbie Downers. Of course, that's the good part about being a "true" VOL fan......we never have to change our screen names. :)

Written on Butch Jones selling Tennessee's brand:

Well, Delta and all the other negative trolls aside, it does not take a genius to see the significant difference between Jones and Dooley or Kiffin. Jones has been on the mission from God to rebuild the Tennessee name and attractiveness since December. He has re-energized all of Knoxville with his own spirit and optimism. As a result, Tennessee has a top 5 recruiting class in place for right now. The question mark I keep hearing is, "can he coach?" We will just have to see because this is the SEC; BUT.....the man does have 4 championships and a great W-L record on his resume, so my feeling is that he is a heck of an on-field coach. Frankly, I see great things ahead and somebody on our 2013 schedule is in for one h#*l of a shock if they waltz in here already having marked up our Vols as a W. GO VOLS!! I TOO LOVE CBJ!!

Written on Which UT player drafted will make the most impact his rookie season?:

Like most everyone, I was glad to see these Tennessee players drafted. I selected CP as the most likely, but frankly Hunter and Thomas could make big impacts as well. A bit surprised that someone didn't take a flyer on Bray in the late rounds, but he certainly did himself no favors with the Gruden interview. Nonetheless, if he does well in training camp, he might just survive. The BIG thing that will have to be addressed is his short/midrange accuracy. Good luck to ALL the VOLS.

Written on Jacobs: Auburn review finds no evidence of fraud:

This is one of those stains that never actually goes away no matter how much "investigating" and report writing is done. And that is unfortunate because I know how I would feel had this been Tennessee on the receiving end. And frankly, I don't know how ANY reputable newpaper or magazine could in good conscience print ANYTHING that Roberts writes. She is nothing more than a scurrilous mud slinger who NEVER has her facts researched or right. Frankly, I hope Auburn burns her and they (along with the SEC) get some of their reputation back.

Written on Mike Strange: Reinforcements should bolster Vols' offense :

Another great article by MS. He is clearly the best sports writer on the KNS staff. And he is right, what you see is NOT what you get when it comes to spring games. BUT, it does give all us football junkies a little something to jaw about over the summer. This offense will be a LOT better come opening day. Passing is highly dependent on timing, route running, and pass blocking. It won't be like last year with big over the top plays, but I think it will be well managed and we will play for high percentages. As for the D, I saw some very positive energy and some athleticism on that D line. No matter what they do, they will be way better than last year. No...it wasn't fantasyland on Saturday, but for a junkie like me, seeing that stadium full of orange was just what the doctor ordered! GO VOLS!!

Written on Orange and White Game offers road map for summer improvement:

in response to leedsvol2007:

I started following Tennessee football watching highlight films the night before our Saturday high school football games as a high school player in Northern NJ.

Later I enrolled as a student in 1969 and had the good fortune to see many great teams during my four years in school and have thrilled with our highs and suffered with our lows since.

I went to the spring game yesterday and came away convinced that we as alumni and fans need to be realistic about where we are and where we need to go to contend for and hopefully win an SEC/National Championship.

First it looks like we have the coach and the staff to do it. They are enthusiastic, have a plan, and understand they have to energize the fan base, recruit better talent, and get our current players to play with enthusiasm, poise and correct technique.

If we want to get Tennessee back to the level of Neyland, Dickey, Majors, & Fulmer in their best years we have to understand it is unless we are very lucky it is going to be about a five year process.

That process is going to be get this group of players playing at a high level and winning all the games we against the teams that we are competitive with.

Then we have to have several back to back great recruiting classes and we have to get some difference makers in those classes.

Finally we as fans and alumni need to be satisfied with progress and not want to get new coaches each time we lose a game over the next couple of years.

Hopefully this team can be like Doug Dickey's first team. They finished at a 500 winning percentage, tied a great Alabama team and played their butts off. Dickey has said that team set the table for his later higher level of success.

From what I saw yesterday these kids look like they have the guts and character to do it.

If so it is going to be a good first step.

GoVols!

I'm also a Jersey guy who came to Tennessee for college in the 60's (although I finally moved here a few years ago)and have always bled orange. Could not agree more with your post. I know we all want championship level teams, or at least teams that are in that conversation. But we will need a few years to climb back up that ladder. Here is why I'm cautiously optimistic........look at the way this staff is recruiting. We are already in great shape for 2014 and have our eye on 2015 as well. Add into that mix the philosophy and championship experience of the staff and I think we see the possibility of great things down the road. PLUS....these guys really want to be here and have gone ALL IN for the orange. We all just need to stay supportive and hang together a little while longer. Thanks for the post. GO VOLS!!

Written on Mark Wiedmer: Vols have work to do, but defense a good sign:

Yes, the defense certainly looked more stable and high energy than anything we saw last year. And it was encouraging not to see wide open receivers all over the field on every play. In fact, one of the reasons for the ulta poor passing game was the lack of open targets. But that said, most of the top receivers were on the sideline and we can all be certain that the routes were just basic packages. Some nice work by the running backs and, with regard to field vision and cuts upfieeld, I saw flashes of Neal that were rarely there last year. Let's hope that's a good sign. Overall, it was a fun day. LOTS of fans, lots of orange, and the stadium began to feel like the "old Tennessee." Can we sustain it??? WE ALL SO WANT THAT TO BE THE CASE! GO VOLS! GO CBJ!!

Written on Sports Illustrated: Bray has physical ability to play in NFL, but mental questions remain:

My thoughts on Bray are probably a bit more generous than some. I don't think the NFL is so concerned with his immature off-field stuff. What bothers them has been his lack of ability to bring his team back and inspire them to greater efforts in that last vital quarter. How many games did we just fail to generate those last big efforts, that one big play, that essential first down? Too many and hence the lousy records during his stay at Tennessee. Now, was that all Bray's fault ? Absolutely not.....BUT, just the same, it is something weighing him down in the minds of many building those NFL boards. I can assure you of one thing, though; somebody is going to step up and take a chance on that arm. Who knows, they might just walk away with a great bargain!! Wishing the kid well.

Written on Jeff Moberg, Vols drive message home, 5-4:

Drove up last night for this game and was certainly not disappointed. Vols got a BIG clutch hit to drive in two early runs, stole home, and tacked on the much needed insurance run late. Great night to watch baseball, and the Vols looked like an energetic, hungry team. Great job by the coaches and players. We need this weekend series...........bad! GO VOLS!!

Written on Mike Strange: Dave Serrano says 'baby step' for Vols is encouraging:

I know it sounds lame to say it over and over, but this rebuild is going to be a process and not an event. We have been on the short end of 1-run games all year...at least 5 I think; so the 19-2 pasting aside, we have been taking forward steps. With all the freshman we have trying to compete against the SEC better teams, I am not one bit disappointed. You can see us getting our hits and the pitching is something that will begin to show up....as it did in Kentucky. In all honesty, I think we make the tournament this year. GO VOLS!

Written on Vanderbilt coach James Franklin named Tennessean of the Year:

OK.....a 9 win season, which obviously sets the high water mark at Vandy, is a unique accomplishment in that part of the world. That said, I can remember the time not too long ago when a 9 win season here at Tennessee was considered a disaster.......but I didn't see the Chief or Cut or Peyton receiving a Tennessean award. And just to answer the question from "thevoice".....PEYTON MANNING has done more for the State of Tennessee in the last week than Franklin in his entire career. Yes, Franklin had a good year on the field, but his antics and strident voice off the field DO NOT enhance the reputation of Tennessee.

Written on How will you take in the Orange and White Game?:

in response to Orange_Juiced:

Spring has sprung. wife and #2 son coming from west TN. #1 son driving in from Nashville on Thurs. Daughter already on Rocky Top. I'm returning home Fri from a business trip in NE and we're all meeting in Neyland Stadium.

GOVOLS

Great to have all y'all back; we need all our Vol fans to join in and support the Orange. And yep...spring is in the air and that means footballs will be in the air as well. What welcome sights! See you at Neyland. GO VOLS!!

Written on How will you take in the Orange and White Game?:

in response to Orange_Beach:

Maybe they can slip up and beat Vandy.

Congratulations to Vandy on last year's win. Enjoy it. Just keep in mind, Vandy had probably it's best season in over a half a century while Tennessee fielded it's worst defense in 100 years. Based on what I see coming out of this coaching staff for 2013, the outstanding recruiting taking place for 2014, and the complete overhaul of our program, I would not yet start thinking dynasty down there in Nashville when it comes to this series. GO VOLS!

Written on Report: Former Auburn players detail payments, academic fraud, drug culture, criminal cover-ups:

in response to cheetah-vol:

I agree with you that I hope it isn't true based on the reasons you wrote. I'm not sure about an ESPN conspiracy against the SEC though. They do carry SEC games and hired CBP. However, it does seem to come down to who's credibility is to be believed. And, McNeil's credibility is a bit suspect at best IMO.

You be right about ESPN having less bias than I imagine, but that is likely due to the rather orange colored lenses that I seem to look at life through. Unfortunately for all of us, even if this winds up as largely unsubstantiated gossip, the mere allegations will have done a lot of SEC damage...no?

Written on Report: Former Auburn players detail payments, academic fraud, drug culture, criminal cover-ups:

Although I know a lot of people will take some kind of happiness from this trouble at Auburn, I frankly hope the bulk of this turns out to be untrue. Does the SEC need another black eye? Does football need more scandal? Do we need another NC team to be muddied? You just KNOW how this is total red meat for ESPN, and I can't stand how they take such enjoyment out of crushing the SEC reputation. Of course, in honesty, we often do ourselves no favors in this regard, and this story is just one more example of that sad state of affairs.

Written on John Adams: Lady Vols ran out of comebacks:

in response to murrayvol:

Fans (for the most part) are swinging gates. High as a kite on Monday and suicidal on Friday. I'm guilty on occasion.

These kids do the best they can. Sometimes it's not enough.

Some nights (or afternoons) you just run into a team with a hotter hand than you. Not too many undefeated teams out there. And just BTW....if that team was good enough to beat Baylor only a few nights before, that tells us a lot about where there game is right now. Nope, our Lady Vols left it all on the court that night. Proud of em.

Written on John Adams: Lady Vols ran out of comebacks:

in response to murrayvol:

You should go practice with them sometime....you know, maybe toughen them up a bit.

Great advice murrayvol! Almost to a person these people who get on here and talk about low effort, poor desire, lousy coaching, and all manner of other perceived problems could not be the towel-boy in a locker room! They have never been closer to a Division 1 team than a cheap seat at the arena or stadium....if even that! They are the saddest excuses for fans in the universe. Thanks for setting one straight.

Written on John Adams: Lady Vols ran out of comebacks:

Louisville has gotten hot at just the right moment for them. They are playing their best basketball of the year, so congratulations. But just so everyone knows, these Lady Vols left everything they had on that court last night and I couldn't be prouder of what they accomplished this year. We were picked to finish 5th in the SEC and ended up in the Elite 8. Holly did an absolutely outstanding job this year, and with the new recruiting class it looks like we have another great year ahead in 2014! Thanks for te great season. GO VOLS!

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