Comments by rockypop

Written on Dave Hart already a big Butch Jones fan :

" I'm excited about where we are and where we're headed, and clearly we got the right guy."

Hart forgot to add, "finally," to the end of that statement.

Frankly, I'm surprised that there has been not much mention of the fact that in all his years as an AD, Hart has only hired two head coaches - both at East Carolina, as well as FSU assistant Jimbo Fisher, who eventually became head coach there.

Of course he's behind Butch Jones. He hired the guy. And, if he doesn't work out, then BOTH are gone, because the stakes are so high that success is mandatory.

For the record, I'm skeptical - even though I'm a Vol fan who's a Cincinnati alumnus. And, like all Vol fans, I'm behind Jones 'til I can't be anymore.

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

Seems like Stoops should be spending his time keeping his QB off the sauce instead of criticizing the SEC.

Written on Mike Strange: Bray became the NFL draft's real "Mr. Irrelevant":

Tyler Bray couldn't be in a better situation. For the first time in his football life, he has to prove he belongs. And, that will mean working hard to improve; studying video and the playbook, learning how to lead both on and off the field, and listening to his coaches.

One thing he'll learn real fast - and that's the fact that every team in the NFL is like Alabama on steroids. No Georgia States, Akrons or Troys. He'll be held accountable, and if he fails to do what's expected of him, he'll pay for it with his job - not a suspension or time on the bench.

But, the biggest thing he'll learn is that he's nothing special until he decides to be. Maybe he'll rise to the standard of an NFL QB, and maybe he doesn't have it in him. But, the best part for the next several months is to see if he has the wherewithal to make the effort.

Written on Vols atwitter for a turnout for spring game:

I would anticipate a large crowd, because there's a real good chance Tennessee will beat an SEC team.

Written on 'Test of maturity' coming on how UT football players used their spring break:

God help the "student athletes" who dared have fun during the Spring break. After all, football players really aren't "students" as much as they are "athletes." What if their academic professors demanded as much of them as their "athletic professors?"

Written on Tyler Summitt to interview at Coastal Carolina:

I don't know of any Tennessee fan who isn't pulling for Tyler Summitt. But, the ranks of kids of great coaches succeeding at or near the level of their parent is slim to non-existant. Off the top of my head, I can't think of one who has even come close to their parent's success. Maybe Tyler will be the first.

Him achieving success and eventually coming home to coach the Lady Vols would be one of sports' greatest stories.

Written on Mike Strange: Tennessee has resources but no Final Fours:

Another interesting Final Four fact is that Gene Keady, Martin's college coach and mentor, never got his Purdue team past the Elite Eight in all of his 25 years there. And, he had some really good teams. Hopefully, Martin didn't buy into everything Keady was selling.

Written on Could Tyler Bray be the steal of the 2013 NFL draft?:

After listening to Tyler Bray being interviewed on a Nashville sports talk radio program, I'm not sure how he even got admitted to UT. If that's the best he can handle himself, then I doubt he'll make it past the interview process.

Living in Nashville, I'm reminded of another super-talented QB who had Bray's talent - plus mobility, along with Bray's attitude, who now is broke, out of the league and trying to make a comeback. This guy also came out after his junior year with not a lot of experience, but at least with a BCS national championship.

I'm not saying I want Bray to fail - I don't, because that would reflect badly on him, his coaches, teammates, school - everything. But, the NFL hasn't been terribly welcoming to kids with his kind of history. And, given the fact that he had three years at UT to get it together, and really didn't for the most part, then I remain skeptical but hopeful.

Written on Time was needed for Vols to build chemistry without Jeronne Maymon:

The concern I have with this team is that they are by college standards today, a veteran team - starting two seniors, two juniors and one super-hyped sophomore. And, they are all playing in their second season under the same coach.

In spite of having to play without Maymon, they seemed to be way too delicate to have sustained any consistency. I can't buy the argument that they needed more time to "gel."

Case in point - Kentucky's teams for the last three years. Yeah, we all hate Cal, yada, yada, yada, but when you can bring in brand new FRESHMEN teams every year and do progressively better in the tournament until in your third year, you win it all with basically a team of freshmen, then that tells me you ought to be able to get a group of guys on the same page who have been with the program at least two years.

There's no doubt that Martin's biggest challenge is recruiting. He's got one more year with Pearl's best recruits, and then he's on his own. And, it doesn't look promising. He needs to make a statement next year, because UT could be returning one of the most talented and experienced teams in the conference (although minus the depth).

Hubbs will be under considerable pressure to contribute right away, and the veterans will absolutely HAVE to perform consistently. Then Martin better find the new McCraes, Goldens, Maymons and Stokes. And, find them in a hurry.

Written on Mike Strange: An immodest proposal to promote NIT's battle for relevance:

Like everything in college athletics, the NIT is all about whatever money can be drained out of the turnip. Obviously, it gets enough interest on TV to generate advertiser revenues, so that must mean somebody is watching.

But, come on, this tournament is a money-grab for ESPN and an increased practice time opportunity for the schools. Nothing else matters. Unless you're Robert Morris, with a 4,000 seat gym, nobody is going to sell out their games - or even come close.

For big-time programs, it's almost an embarrassment to play in the NIT, because it's a no-win proposition.

I am, in fact, a big believer that even the NCAA Tournament should revert to a smaller field of conference champions only, and get rid of all the at-large teams. That way, the regular season will once again, matter. For those teams without a conference - tough stuff. Get in one (Notre Dame, take notice). And, for those conferences that have a problem determining a regular season champ because of size - well, figure it out. Because, conference tournaments need to go, too.

But, this will never happen, because college basketball - like football, is all about the money. And, the way the system is now in college basketball, the regular season is a joke. Fans don't really start caring until the end of the season, because if their team has laid an egg during the regular season, then they have these ridiculous conference tournaments to make up for it. And that's simply not good for the game.

Written on Reaction to Jalen Hurd's commitment on social media:

As a Vol fan living in Nashville, it's sometimes hard to take Franklin's histrionics, but the man's gotta do whatever it takes to get Vandy noticed. I will admit to wanting Vandy to do well, because it would mean a lot to the city and to the SEC in general.

However, after closely listening to and watching Franklin, it's apparent to me that he is all about Franklin. In fact, in a press conference last year when he was one of the "hot" names in coaching, he was asked if he would consider leaving Vandy. His response was that regardless of what happens in the future, he has proven that you can succeed at Vanderbilt. Does that sound like commitment to Vandy?

To say that he has "succeeded" at Vanderbilt involves suspension of all the facts. In 2011, they went 6-7. Of their six wins, five came against teams with losing records, and one loss came against a team with a losing record (UT).

In 2012, they went 9-4. Seven of their wins came against teams with losing records and two against teams that broke even.

But hey, when you win anything at Vanderbilt, you're perceived as "special." So, we'll find out this season - and next, if Franklin is still there, if he really is special. But until his performance proves me wrong, I'm sayin' the guy is a shameless self-promoter, looking to score a bigger gig.

There is a reason Maryland didn't want him to be head coach, when he was their "Head Coach in Waiting," and I think we're about to find out why.

Written on Chairman hopes slimmed-down UT athletics board will be more relevant:

In the corporate world, boards are charged with the fiduciary responsibility of managing the company. When they don't do their jobs, they are legally responsible.

So, that begs the question of why UT would even have an Athletics Board if they had no responsibility or power? It sounds like these folks have been having a tailgating meeting before Spring football practice, watching the game, and then adjourning until the next year.

An even bigger question, which this article doesn't address, is do these folks get paid for their board participation? And if they do, exactly what are they being paid to do? Recommending retiring Johnny Majors' jersey doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment.

Written on Lady Vols turned over and around by Kentucky's pressure, 78-65:

Boy, for the only Tennessee team in the last who knows when to win an SEC championship, this one sure is getting a lot of criticism. Just like the '98 football Vols, winning a N/C can have its drawbacks. And, winning eight can have a lot of drawbacks. It's time to let the L/Vs get an opportunity to right the ship after a whole bunch of unexpected trauma.

Written on John Adams: It may turn heads, but Nick Saban's speaking gig in Athens (Tenn.) a hot ticket :

The simple truth is that if UT had its act together, then Knute Rockne could come to Athens with little or no repercussions from UT fans. As it is, any coach in the country could come there and incite the UT fan base.

I own a company whose clients are constantly being pursued by our competitors. And frankly, if we're not doing a good job taking care of them, then they're going to be looking. Same deal with UT.

Written on Mike Strange: Vols continue to wonder who's hot, who's not :

Offensive consistency is a problem with every college basketball team. And, that can be excused occasionally, because everybody can have a bad day at the office. But, having said that, there is no excuse for inconsistency in three critical phases of the game - defense, turnovers and free throws. If UT executes in these three phases every game, then they'll be in it.

Written on Mike Strange: Vols in a major SEC slump :

Losing three SEC basketball games is a major slump? How about the Charlotte Bobcats under Michael Jordan losing 18 in a row this season. Now, that's a major slump. Deceiving, sensational headlines like this won't sell more newspapers or drive more readers to the KNS website. KNS writers are the ones in a major slump.

Written on What place will the men's basketball team finish in the SEC?:

in response to cgbtn:

I would say Stokes was better in his very first game than he is now.

Sure he was better in his first year. Now, every team in the SEC has the "book" on him. This year, he is always double or tripled teamed whenever he gets the ball. His frustration with fewer touches is leading to ill-advised shot selections and bad decisions. Hopefully, he'll settle down and make better decisions with the ball.

Having said that, there's no excuse for his horrible free throw shooting and fouling. His biggest asset right now is being big. He rebounds well, and he's a force in the middle on defense.

I have no idea about his work ethic, but he talks like he wants to improve, and I believe CCM understands what it takes to get him to the next level. Time will tell.

Written on Kentucky pulls away from Vols, 75-65:

I stand by my post of yesterday:

"Kentucky can be had. When was the last time they had to "get up" for Tennessee? Couple that with the fact that Tennessee is overdue for a breakout game. And, if they can't get pumped for UK, then they really are what everybody on this site says they are. I look for an unexpected close game - maybe not a win, but uncomfortably close for Kentucky, because right now,
UK is playing at Alabama's level."

If Golden can return to form and Stokes can learn to pass it back out when he's double-teamed down low, then UT has a chance to get it together and challenge for a spot in the Tournament.

Written on Vols 'can't be passive' against Kentucky :

in response to Scoon:

"Kentucky can be had"? Hmm. All depends upon who's doing the "hadding", popyortop. And, Kentucky is not the one that has to do the getting up, either. You say Tee is overdue for a breakout game, well KY is the place for games and fun. And, "if they can't get pumped for UK" as you say ... nah ... impossible cause once they get around UK, they will get pumped! Adrenaline rushing like 'never' before to all parts of mind and body. But, if they really just couldn't get pumped for UK, then they just can't get pumped at all. And, Tee doesn't scare UK in the least, either, as UK just loves unexpected close-call games. Now, you got any other pearls of wisdom there, ole rockyhead??

Actually, I would love to respond, but your post is the most convoluted, unintelligible one I've seen here in quite a while. And, that's saying a lot. So, basically, I have no idea what you said, so I have no idea how to respond. Maybe, if you laid off the juice and tried again in the am, it would make more sense.

Written on Vols 'can't be passive' against Kentucky :

Kentucky can be had. When was the last time they had to "get up" for Tennessee? Couple that with the fact that Tennessee is overdue for a breakout game. And, if they can't get pumped for UK, then they really are what everybody on this site says they are. I look for an unexpected close game - maybe not a win, but uncomfortably close for Kentucky, because right now, UK is playing at Alabama's level.

Written on Vols fall into a Steele trap, 68-65:

Would someone please remind me why Jamal Stokes was such a highly recruited player?

Written on Brent Musburger's ogling of Alabama QB's girlfriend goes viral:

Musburger was only taking what he was given by the camera men and directors. What was he supposed to say while the screen was being saturated by images of Webb? Anyway, have you ever met a beautiful woman who doesn't love adulation? She obviously didn't enter the Miss USA Pageant because she was a Rhodes Scholar. This criticism is way out of bounds.

Written on Trae Golden slumping as Vols enter SEC competition :

Offensively, Tennessee is a train wreck. Can't shoot for s***, can't hit layups, shoot free throws, or hit put-backs. As for Golden, he seems to have really benefited from his Rocky Top League play where he averaged something like 50 points a game. Maybe playing in that league will keep you in shape, but when you're in a game where no one plays defense, it sure will give you a false sense of confidence, not to mention leading to a bunch of bad habits.

Written on Tennessee official confirms Omari Phillips, Trent Taylor and Deion Bonner not part of football team :

Every year, UT fans get worked up about recruiting. This year getting worked up is on steroids, because Vandy's class is way above Tennessee's at this point. No need to worry until signing day and beyond.

There's one universal truth about recruiting in the SEC. Alabama is the only sure bet, and everybody else is a c--p shoot. If you don't believe it, look at Florida's performance against Louisville in the Sugar Bowl. The recruiting world is full of three stars that end up being five stars. Just ask Boise State, TCU, and VaTech.

Written on UT men's basketball player Jeronne Maymon to redshirt :

Concerning all the speculation about Stokes' leaving - it doesn't matter. He probably will stay for four years, because he's not an NBA caliber player right now, and seems unlikely to be in the near future. He's really young, and he hasn't shown much improvement.

Can't shoot, can't jump, is slow, can't create his own shot, and can't hit free throws. He is, however, big. And, that, plus his ability inside, can be attractive to NBA teams. But, I seriously doubt that he'll ever be a first round pick.

He probably thought he would be a "one and done" guy after his "second" year at UT, but now that seems completely unlikely.

Written on Quarterback Tyler Bray selects agent Don Yee :

Tyler Bray and Tennessee has been an uncomfortable relationship from the get-go. He didn't get many big time offers out of high school, except maybe USC, where he would have been a third string QB. And, with Lane Kiffin as coach, UT seemed like a good choice.

His three years at Tennessee have been mercurial at best. He and Dooley obviously clashed, and there's no reason to think he would have enhanced his draft position under a new system if he had stayed.

The guy's no Peyton Manning, and for all his talent and accomplishments, he'll be leaving UT with little love lost among fans because of his immaturity, recklessness, and inconsistency. However, without him, it's hard to imagine how bad things could have been.

Because he's now a former Vol, I think all UT fans would wish him well, and hope that in his new career, he'll represent the university and himself with class and a passionate work ethic.

Written on Holly Warlick's good cheer goes by the wayside :

Not only did Pat yell at her players, she locked them out of their locker room on several occasions. Holly has to do what she thinks she ought to do to motivate her team. She's the head coach, and she'll get to live with the consequences of her actions - good or bad.

Written on For now, Steve Stripling thinking defense for Cincinnati :

in response to born2ride:

We now have a BIg East coaching staff at an SEC school.

Ask Notre Dame how the same is working out for them.

Written on Report: Tyler Bray to enter the NFL draft :

As unready for the NFL as he is, this was probably a good decision by Bray. Why come back for another year when all the receivers who made him look good are gone, and when he'll have to learn a new system? One look at next season's schedule will tell you that his chances of putting up even the same numbers as this year against better competition with fewer weapons, are seriously slim. He's a real crapshoot for any franchise, but so are the other QBs in this draft.

Written on Butch Jones says Cordarrelle Patterson 'definitely going to the NFL' :

Given its recent five-year history, UT hasn't provided much incentive for elite players to stay. Since big-time college revenue sports are built to use its student athletes to generate money for the university, then if the university cannot provide adequate reasons for the elite athletes to stay in school, then why should they?

With all the coaching changes at UT, and these guys facing the challenge of learning a new system with new coaches, they surely see the possibility of losing whatever cache they had with NFL teams because of the possibility of regression next season.

I'm reminded of Brian Brohm, the Louisville quarterback who was considered to be the first QB to be selected in the draft following his Junior year. However, he elected to stay, play with a new coach and new system, and ended up being taken in the second round. And then never played in the NFL. His ultimate fate may not have changed had he been the first quarterback taken after his Junior season, but his wallet would have.

Another great example for this year is Matt Barkley, who went from Heisman Trophy favorite and sure No. 1 overall draft pick, to completely off the radar. Had he declared last year, he would have been no worse than the 3rd QB taken.

Written on Butch Jones says Zach Azzanni 'will pay dividends for us' :

Assistant coaches in the SEC are hired as much for their recruiting ability as their coaching ability. Being able to coach is simply the price of admission to getting an interview. Being able to recruit is the road to getting a job.

Let's hope all these coaches can sell what they're building. As much as Fulmer was degraded in his last years, when it came to recruiting, he was "The Man" in the SEC. Kiffin and his staff might have been able to equal what Fulmer did, but Dooley & staff never got it.

In the SEC, it's all about recruiting. Fulmer proved that you don't have to be a great coach if you have great talent.

Written on Chaney joins Arkansas as offensive coordinator:

When was the last time Tennessee fans were happy with the offensive coordinator? For a guy (Chaney) whom many on this board said was "too predictable," UT's offense sure did put up some big numbers. Maybe if his calls were more "unpredictable," then UT wouldn't have lost by as much as they did.

All in all, you have to give it up for Chaney. He did an outstanding job with half the talent Cutcliffe & Co. had to work with - even with the "Three Musketeers." You have to assume that his experience is with a system that is much different than CBJ wants to run, or he would have been retained. His track record speaks for itself.

The fact that he was snatched up so quickly as an OC in the SEC is a testament to his talent and reputation. I think we're losing a true "glue guy," and I hope it's not a fatal mistake.

Written on Tennessee snaps scoring slump, beats No. 23 Wichita State, 69-60 :

in response to Volunatic:

Did you play on the early '60's teams with Larry Shingleton? He was my BB coach in middle school. Great coach, and still was an amazing shooter.

Yeah - only he was known as "Shingles!" Did you know he was a great tennis player as well?

Written on Tennessee snaps scoring slump, beats No. 23 Wichita State, 69-60 :

I can tell you that having played at Cincinnati during the 60's, when the Missouri Valley Conference was the best basketball conference in the country, beating Wichita State is a big deal.

In spite of the fact that the MVC has lost some of its past glory, it's still one of the best BB conferences in college basketball. This win was as quality a win as UT will have all year.

CCM kind of downplayed WS as not being the high quality opponent that he would have liked to schedule, but he knows how good these guys are, and what their history is. It's all good - for UT and WS.

Written on Butch Jones introduced as new head coach:

Well, the big majority of posters on this board who had Dooley problems because he had a losing record as a head coach, should be happy with Butch Jones. As Bill Parcells said, "You are who your record says you are." And, Butch Jones' record says he's a winner.

You can say he was a winner in lower-rated conferences, but he won while being on equal footing with the competition. Now he's in the SEC, and he'll have access to all or more of the resources he needs to win there.

We'll see what happens. But for the first time since Johnny Majors returned, Tennessee will have a proven winner as head coach.

Written on Vols not ready to quit, but are they ready to score? :

I used to think that the price of admission to receiving a basketball scholarship was, at the very least, to be able to shoot the basketball and score. Isn't that what the game's all about?

But, UT has had a serious problem finding guys who can score from the field AND the free throw line, except in Rocky Top League games.

I've said for years that UT coaches need to get these players out of the Rocky Top League because of the bad habits they're learning there. There is no defense played, and that experience has got to carry over to real games.

Don't even get me started on free throws. Sixty-five percent is unacceptable for any progam. And that's with Quinton Chievous hitting 2 for 2 for 100%, which skews the number. Without that, they're shooting 57%. How do these guys get college scholarships shooting that kind of percentage for FREE throws? The Next Big Thing - Jarnell Stokes, shoots 51%.

Credit Martin for the defense - it's as good as it gets. Maybe as good as Louisville's. But why are guys like Golden, McRae and McBee so undependable on offense? And, why do the bigs miss so many put-backs underneath?

Because of their shooting deficiencies, UT will see a lot of zones this season, and so far, they have treated a zone as an alien lifeform. They don't seem to know what to do with it. And, that is on the coach.

I played college basketball, so I'm not shooting from the hip here. I know the loss of Maymon is significant, but there is no excuse for scoring less in an entire game than almost every team in college basketball scores by halftime.

The good news is that the talent is there, and perhaps by March, the offense will improve. If it does, coupled with Martin's defense, UT can be a player.

Written on Charlie Strong spurns UT offer for new deal at Louisville:

Why in the name of Gen. Neyland would Charlie Strong leave Louisville for UT?
• He has an adoring fan base
• The expectations at UofL are realistic
• Louisville is joining the ACC where they can actually qualify for the NC when the "Final Four" format kicks in
• He has shown he can win in the Big East and will win in the ACC
• His already great recruiting will now have an additional sweetner with ACC membership
• He and his family love Louisville, and the icing...
• His AD made it clear that he was prepared to make him the highest paid coach in college football if that's what it took to keep him

Apparently, Charlie reportedly did what any sensible coach would do in these circumstances and talked to Tennessee, setting off a bidding war, which jacked up his compensation and added icing to an already delicious cake.

While I'm both a UT and UofL fan, my allegiance lies with UT
as I grew up 15 minutes from Neyland Stadium. Still, as a college football fan, I applaud Strong for his reported decision to stay at UofL, if that is, in fact, what he ultimately does. Louisville has too long been a stepping stone for quality coaches, and it's refreshing to see someone hopefully put an end to that trend and elect to build a program, rather that choose to be a caretaker for Gen. Neyland's legacy.

Written on John Adams: Building depth on offensive and defensive lines will be crucial for next UT coach :

in response to SouthTexasVol:

To h3ll with Gruden hire Bobby Petrino while we have the chance.

Are you ready to say to recruits that Gruden was not good enough to continue coaching at Arkansas, but is just fine with Tennessee?

Written on John Adams: Building depth on offensive and defensive lines will be crucial for next UT coach :

in response to orange_eVOLution:

I would if I was Jon Gruden.

Give me a break. You need to do a little more research on Jon Gruden. Tennessee needs a head coach, not a scarecrow.

Written on John Adams: Building depth on offensive and defensive lines will be crucial for next UT coach :

The biggest short-term concern any candidate will have is the pent-up expectations UT fans will have for the next coach. The new guy won't even have the unbelievable short leash Dooley had. It'll be a win now deal for the next coach - none of this honeymoon stuff.

It's a career-changing decision for Hart. Make the wrong hire and the Tennessee athletic program goes into nuclear winter. Make the right hire and save the rest of Tennessee's teams. It's really that simple.

How many of you would want to sign up for that in your personal careers?

Written on After week of quiet, UT coaching search should start to rev up soon :

"I know I have a job to do. I have a level of expertise and level of information that no one else has."

Sounds like he's The Decider. Let's hope he does a better job than the last Decider.

Written on Tennessee beats Kentucky 37-17 :

in response to pingkr62:

I still say Peyton Manning will have some sort of say-so in helping Tennessee pick their next coach. That is why I say Tony Dungy should be the guy. Unless someone gives me a legitimate reason why he shouldn't.

And if Tony Dungy doesn't want to be the guy...?

Written on Vince Dooley 'knew' his son's firing was going to happen :

in response to CrankE:

...says a pompous poster who spends two paragraphs running someone down. Was that your one cogent thought that represents your one moment of clarity you enjoyed yesterday?

Sarcasm is best left unexplained. But if you require an explanation; Barbara Dooley was plenty vocal when Zoolander started at UT. She shut up when it became clear that she was a liability to CDD (or maybe when it became clear that the was a short man in tall bamboo). I was just thinking that maybe she could start talking again since it's not like she could do any harm to her baybay.

Besides, predicting Vince's remarks is easy. (Knew it was coming. Didn't everyone?) Let's get to the fun stuff, what does Baba have to say?

I obviously misspoke and will take the "pompous poster" tag as well-deserved. My apologies for my post and for any perceived disrespect it may have communicated.

I screwed up by misinterpreting your remarks, and hopefully, will take more time to think through my responses in the future.

Written on Vince Dooley 'knew' his son's firing was going to happen :

in response to CrankE:

But what about Baba O'Dooley????????

Obviously, your screen name refers to what you're smoking, so in light of that, it's understandable that you're not capable of bringing anything to the board that would be taken seriously.

Why don't you get back to us when you've got something cogent that represents the one moment of clarity you hopefully enjoy during the day (or night)?

Written on New coach has opportunity to revive Vols:

in response to lknvol:

Why are the facilities and financial condition in such bad shape if Hamilton was the wizard with numbers that everyone thought? Maybe it would be a good time for the Trustees to have someone audit the books to see what Hamilton has done. Or maybe they need to hold themselves a little more accountable and take their job a little more seriously. To make this a thorough housecleaning, Cheek has to go as well. He and Hamilton presided over the dismantling of the athletic department and I can't understand why he isn't being held accountable. Hart has his job cut our for him and I hope he's up to the task. I don't think there is an established coach in the country that has any interest in working at Tennessee right now with the situation that it's in unless the pay is exorbitant. That means taking a chance on an up and comer which is risky at best. In that case, Hart better be right. This a very sad state of affairs for the Volunteer nation. Only the most faithful will survive this.

Totally agree. And, to take it one step further, why are UT's facilities considered to be in such bad shape? Even Lane Kiffin said they were better than most NFL teams and way better than USC's.

If facilities were that important, then over half the schools in the SEC would be behind UT, along with just about all of the other BCS schools. I'm convinced that facilities are overrated - and based on research done among D1 recruits, they agree. The number one reason recruits select a school is based on the connection with the coaching staff and players.

Written on Dave Hart: Vols 'at a crossroads' :

Does anybody else think that Dave Hart looks like a shady, used-car dealer with a bad haircut and dye job?

Written on Tennessee fires Derek Dooley:

in response to Volumnus:

Mike Leach won at Texas Tech, his dispute with Craig James and the new pres was politics not football. He is at Wash. St. The mad scientist is eccentric, but the man has proven he can take a second rate venue in a back water town and beat some of the best perennial winners in the game on a consistent basis with 9 game win seasons in all of but his first year at TTU. That is not easy. He did it with the 3rd best talent in the state, sometimes the 4th.
That is what we need now. We need someone who has taken garbage and built a program out of it. Mike Leach has done that, and he is probably pretty tired of Washington about now.

Is this the same Mike Leach who is now being investigated by the administration at Wash. St. for the same problem he had at TTech? I could buy the first one being political, but not the second. The guy really thinks he's a pirate. And, he acts like one, too. It would be quite a reverse though - the head coach as thug and not the players.

Written on Vols' offense goes on vacation against Oklahoma State, 62-45 :

It's way too early to start making predictions and assumptions, but clearly, UT misses Maymon. And, they miss having a go-to scorer. Heck, they miss a scorer, period.

The most unsettling thing about this game was how much OKState outplayed UT on defense. Martin has been such a big proponent of defense, yet Tennessee got schooled at the defensive end. I watched the game, and afterwards, Martin said UT got a lot of looks, but couldn't convert. Well, they got looks, but they were dim at best.

I think the expectations for Stokes are way too high right now. He is a blue collar guy - not a go-to scorer, although it's apparent he disagrees with that. If he ends up in the Show, he'll be a role player unless he improves greatly. He has hands of lead, no real moves, and a shot that will never be mistaken for even one by Sir Charles. However, he does have the Sir Charles "big butt clearout move" when he boards.

After watching Alabama dispatch Villanova by 20 or so, seeing Florida rout Wisconsin by 20 or so, and seeing UK as a sleeping giant, it's apparent UT is going to have a real problem being in the mix this year.

Unlike the football team, they have very little offense, and surprisingly not as much defense as advertised. But there's plenty of time for improvement.

Written on Vols start with win in Puerto Rico, 75-68 :

Would all you naysayers be saying the same thing if the name on the front of the opponent's jersey today was spelled K-E-N-T-U-C-K-Y? Last year this team was 24-10 and lost by only 7 to #1 seeded Syracuse in the second round of the NCAA. These guys can ball. And, on top of that, UT played without it's top scorer and two other guys. Sounds like some of you have football hangover.

Written on John Adams: Would UT do to others what Lane Kiffin did to it? :

Obviously, Adams will never be replaced at the KNS - most likely because they could never find a replacement at such a low cost, or because management sees the future, and it's not quality journalism.

But I continue to be amazed at how incredibly average Adams is at his best and most innovative. He mails it in every day, and never fails to disappoint. Only occasionally does he get lucky and writes a story that delivers new information and offers a distinct point of view.

He is basically one of us - a poster with nothing more than an opinion. And, an uninformed opinion at best. That's ok if you're writing a blog or posting on a site but totally unacceptable if you're a professional journalist, who is paid to provide a value-added service.

When is someone at the KNS going to tell this guy to get off his rear end, do some leg work, and write some stuff that actually makes people want to read his column and this paper?

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