Comments by td

Written on Saban's scheduled Tennessee appearance causes stir:

Very Simple Response. It's the Athens Chamber of Commerce. Boycott Athens businesses! Let 'em rely on the people who support that jelly company.

Written on SEC's new network with ESPN to debut in 2014:

Just in time for the new SEC Network, as of 6:45 EDT, Rivals ranks Tennessee's 2014 Recruiting Class #3! They only trail Texas and A&M. Yep, it's a long road to next February, but it's not as long as the road the Vols and fans have trod since 2007 (or maybe earlier, depending on your perspective).

Written on Mike Vollmar hired as UT's new senior associate AD for football:

The #1 pick in the NFL Draft, Eric Fisher, played at Central Michigan his freshman year for BuTch Jones and OLC Don Mahoney! They recruited Fisher. How's that for ammo on the recruiting hunt? And by the way, Fisher only had two scholarship offers -- CMU and Eastern Michigan. Just proves it's not the recruiting services stars online; it's the player development on campus.

Written on Tennessee football's spring answers some questions for season, raises others:

"How poor are they that have not patience!" Shakespeare, Othello, Act II, Scene 3. Who says this web site (and the people on it) "ain't got no class!"? That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

Written on Tennessee still looking for 'playmakers' on offense:

The cavalry may be on the way! As of 9:40 EDT April 11, 2013, Rivals.com ranks Tennessee the #4 Recruiting Class of 2014 -- only behind Texas, A&M, and florida!!! Granted it's a long road to next February, but if you don't like this rarefied air, get off the 'Top.' That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

Written on Mike Strange: Vols' coaches worked their way up:

This staff appears the most motivated of any Tennessee Football Staff I can remember; and that goes back to my first live game at Neyland -- Nov 11, 1961 when the Vols beat Bobby Dodd's 9th ranked Georgia Tech team 10-6. Thanks for the memories! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

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

As a #2 Seed and by reaching the Elite 8, Tennessee lived up to its Tournament expectations. Louisville (#5 seed) exceeded expectations. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Written on Baylor not the only ones 'stunned' by upset:

in response to maxvolfan#217855:

Wow never saw this coming! I'm with you CW and Dean will be up all night tonight scouting Louisville! This is it! This is our chance to have a very special year! I'm so pumped! We can take LVL! We can beat dem Dawgz if they beat Cal which I believe they will and we can get our revenge on Skylar and ND. Wouldnt it be interesting if 3 SEC teams make it to the final four?

Not just 3 SEC teams -- 3 SEC East teams!!!

Written on Mike Strange: NIT spells another disappointing end for Vols:

Jordan McRae has flopped since Caldwell-Pope received SEC player of the year. Fair or not, McRae's performance these last couple of games has proven Jordan ain't. Of course, there's plenty of blame to go round; and now, they can all go on Spring Break. Like it or not, NIT first round loss is the Legacy of 2012-13 VolB-Ball. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Written on New Tennessee assistant Robert Gillespie has plenty of memories from Florida career against the Vols:

In the 1999 game at the Swamp, Steve Shaw (now SEC Grand Pooh-Bah of Officials) stood by as Alex Brown teed off with a late hit on a defenseless Tee Martin that nearly severed Martin's tongue. I've always believed that play had a significant influence on the outcome.

Written on As Tennessee opens spring football under Butch Jones, 5 storylines to watch:

All real Tennessee fans need to have patience until September 15 -- the Sunday after the Oregon game. September 14 is the first time we'll have a true metric to measure progress and project expectations. Until then, enjoy the ride. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Written on Mike Strange: Tennessee's best players played when they had to:

From this point forward, NOBODY gets a night off if the Vols want it. "Lock down defense" and "light it up offense" is all it takes, and these guys are absolutely capable if they play focused, smart, team basketball. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Written on Georgia had gameplan for limiting Jarnell Stokes :

If the Vols beat Auburn and Missouri plus win two in Nashville, they punch their ticket to the Dance. One maybe two losses buys the NIT. Three losses wins a Big Orange pumpkin and a trip to next year!

Written on In Knoxville, Butch Jones, John Jancek talk up defense to fans hungry for improvement :

Absolutely, the 2012 Vol defense "hoovered" in the 3-4; but the two teams that played in the SEC Championship game (both) aligned in the 3-4. It ain't the scheme as much as the players with the talent to execute the scheme and a coach who knows what scheme his players can execute. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Written on John Adams: Win or lose, games take toll on Vols :

This vintage of Tennessee Basketball is living proof that more games are lost by the losers than won by the winners. The games Tennessee has lost (except for Oklahoma State) they could have won, and the SEC games they've won could have been lost. Which is more unpredictable, this Vol Team or a box of Forrest Gump candy? If they can just keep winning (not losing), it won't matter.

Written on Poll: Should the Vols recruit more junior college football players?:

Absolutely! Quality Junior College players provide the quickest return on investment when a coach is trying to turn a program around. Get quick results with the JUCO's; breed interest from high schoolers; transition out of the JUCO's except for exceptional players like Cordarrel. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Written on Mike Strange: Something is missing ... Vols looking for a closer :

Mental toughness and focus in the last five minutes of any close game determines the winner. The will to win is paramount, and that is something that CAN be coached. These Vols need some time in the Sports Psychology Department. As it is right now, they are finding ways to lose.

Written on John Adams: Super hoax may upstage Super Bowl :

I am not a John Adams basher, but this column wasted my time. Now, to think about it, my writing this comment is an even bigger misapplication of precious seconds on that journey to eternity.

Written on Efficient version of Vols appeared against Mississippi State, can it continue? :

Overall, best effort to date with significantly more intensity on both ends.

As for Ole Miss, if the Yogi Rebs get 44 free throws again, we probably get the same result again.

Written on John Adams: Stokes, Golden performing better as a disappearing act:

Kentucky starts 4 freshmen and a sophomore, yet, they don't commit a single foul in the first half! Really!? That's how the refs called it.

Tennessee doesn't appear to play with intensity. At times, they only seem to be "going through the motions." Speaking of motion, the players are almost universally missing open guys to make plays in CCM's motion offense. The plays are available if they would only make the pass quickly, but the opportunity closes fast. For whatever reason, the Vols don't pull the trigger when they should; then at other times, some of the guys play totally out of control.

Written on John Adams: Cincinnati's bowl gives UT fans glimpse of 'Butch Ball' :

in response to atnvol#283282:

I am very hopeful that B.Jones will make us think of a young Doug Dickey back in the mid-sixties....hopefully with the same winning results. On a different note, I just finished watching the Rose bowl and I think Wisconsins receivers had the worse hands of any team I saw in the recent Bowl games ....their coach is now our coach....although I will say that their QB from Tennessee's Kingsport D-B high school seemed to be throwing high most of the evening.

The Wisconsin receivers did miss a few passes that looked catchable. As for Curt Philips, he is from Kingsport, but he attended Sullivan South (which never beat Dobyns-Bennett during Philips' years at SS).

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

This is not posted to create panic; however, the only "measurable" we have to gauge the status of the football program as of Sunday, Dec 16, 2012 is the recruiting rankings. Today, Rivals lists Tennessee at #38. The day Tennessee hired Coach Jones, Rivals ranked the Vols at #24. The Vols are now ranked below every SEC Team except Kentucky (#60). Certainly, a lot can happen between now and Feb 6th, but with the dead period, it will be a climb for sure.

Written on Tennessee AD Dave Hart says Butch Jones offers 'new beginning' for program :

in response to VFL_Troll_Patrol:

A new beginning! Yes it is! The 2012 season wasn't great but we can still look back at some of the moments that took our breath away! A new leader, new attitude and a hopeful future! GBO

This video showcases all the good moments from the 2012 season, with head coach Butch Jones. Let me know what you guys think by visiting my youtube channel.

VIDEO: "A New Leader" A look at the past with the "Butcher" Butch Jones (2012 season)

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4xteY...

*Im always watching*
Here's to a brighter future

Absolutely one of the best "promo" videos I've ever seen! Above and beyond the call of duty!!! For those of you who didn't take the time to view it, you've missed something special (go back; you will not waste your time). We just need to get recruits to see this video.

Written on Mike Strange: Tennessee needed a fresh start and Butch Jones gives them one :

Coach Jones made a positive impression in his first meeting with team on Friday. The fact that Vols on the Team now who were recruited by CBJ to attend Cincinnati seemed to embrace him as their new coach spoke volumes. I hope he can live up to his claim about the "best staff" in America. The first real measure of progress will be on National Signing Day. Can Coach Jones and his staff improve on the Vols current #24 ranking by Rivals.

Written on Players, media tweet optimism for Butch Jones:

Player and recruit "buy-in" is more important than any other opinions. Only they have a direct impact on CBJ's Tennessee future. So far, so good.

Written on Mike Strange: Virginia, Georgetown, it's one long struggle for Vols :

There's only one solution to correct bad shooting, and that's individual practice -- attempting shot, after shot, after shot. Obviously, this team invests considerable effort in practice on defense. Consequently, the players absolutely must spend their own time perfecting the offense. If they're already doing that; then, they're not doing enough. Up the ante!

Written on Louisville coach Charlie Strong meets with players:

If or when all is lost with Strong, Why not Chaney? Tennessee only needs to correct the defensive side of the staff! A hungry Defensive Coordinator ready for SEC competition should be an easy hire for the Vols.

Written on No. 4 Florida, No. 22 Louisville in Sugar Bowl:

Tennessee could do worse than a Charlie Strong Defense matched with a Jim Chaney Offensive.

Written on John Adams: Coaching (not Christmas) lists, the buzz this holiday season :

in response to Rumblefish:

Agreed with fred flinstone. You not think a coach deserves credit for hiring the right assitants to succeed???? There is something wrong with you man. Just look at Fulmer's record with Cutcliff and without.

See the 11:58 post. Let's deal in data regarding Mike Gundy as a worthy HC for Tennessee. His record against Texas (Mack Brown) is 2-6. The Oklahoma ledger (Bob Stoops) reads a dismal 1-7, and the scores vs Oklahoma (overall) ain't pretty either: 42-14; 27-21; 49-17; 61-41; 27-0; 10-44 (12-1 Season); 51-48. In 2011, OSU had the inside track to play LSU for the BCS Championship but lost to Iowa State.

Further, from 2001 to 2004, Coach Gundy served as Les Miles' OC at OSU with records of 4-7, 8-5, 9-4, and 7-5. Gundy assumed the HC position at Oklahoma State with four years of his recruits and his offense. He promptly posted a 4-7 record.

So, Rumblefish how long have you had this urge to lash out at people ("There is something wrong with you man.")? Take two aspirins and maybe you'll feel better about yourself.

Written on John Adams: Coaching (not Christmas) lists, the buzz this holiday season :

in response to yabadabadoo1026:

so in your view a coach doesnt get credit for hireing good coordinators but gets the blame if the coordinators dont prove out to be good?---in your thinking just how then does a coach with a good record deserve some credit?

Your logic would hold merit if all his hires proved to be a stroke of genius. Gundy is a favorite son of OSU. He did not turn the corner in success until he hired Trooper Taylor after Phil Fulmer declined to promote Troop to OC after Cutcliffe left for Duke. Troop was promised the position of co-OC. Didn't happen, but he did bring in good recruits. Troop left for Auburn.

Gundy did hire Holgerson and Monckton but look at the defensive side. By your reasoning, since Dooley retained Chaney, Dooley should still be the coach at Temnessee.

Obviously, neither you nor I can do anything but speculate; however, since I live in the Oklahoma City area (1/4 mile from where David Oku went to HS and 2 miles from where Gundy attended HS as well as Jonathan Brown - mid 90's Vol), I've followed Coach Gundy for years (as well as his brother Cale at Oklahoma), I just have an opinion that Mike Gundy is best suited for his current job at his "Old Tomater," and Tennessee would be better served by another candidate.

Written on John Adams: Coaching (not Christmas) lists, the buzz this holiday season :

Mike Gundy is NOT the coach Tennessee needs. His jump in success is a consequence of having Dana Holgerson (WVa now) and Todd Monckton as his OC. If the Vols hire Gundy, they will regret firing Derek Dooley!

Written on Tennessee's opening one of a dozen:

OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE

Written on John Adams: No shame for UT in a big-name rejection :

If Tennessee can't drink from the top shelf, how about: Jim Chaney and the entire offensive staff retained with Chaney declared Associate Head Coach; entice Lance Thompson to return with a new title -- Defensive Coordinator; pour a tall one for Kirby Smart as HC?

Whoever signs on, this hire has to be Rocky Top solid and considered in relation to the talent on hand.

Written on At least history is kind to Tennessee offense :

How's this for consideration: Hire a new Head Coach who's a Defensive Guru, but with the stipulation he retains the current offensive staff. Saves a bunch of money, and we know what we've got offensively.

It would seem the ideal HC candidate for this scenario would be Kirby Smart even if there's concern he would bolt for Georgia in a few years. It gets the Tennessee program stabilized and attractive. Name Chaney Associate Head Coach.

Written on John Adams: Tennessee fans might not mind if juniors leave early :

The Question: Will the new coach employ an offensive scheme that reflects the skill set of the current players, or will he bring in a system that requires a transition period (i.e. 2-3 seasons).

Tennessee decision makers would be wise to consider the Rich Rodriguez experiment at Michigan -- an absolute disaster! On the other hand, Rich Rod has Arizona ranked, and in 2012 he beat Mike Gundy (badly) and Lane Kiffen!!! The difference is Rich Rod had system compatible players in Tucson which he did not in Ann Arbor.

Whether the juniors stay or go, the Vols need to prepare the fan base for whatever is coming offensively. Do the fans get to anticipate immediate improvement or tighten the seat belt for more "working like heck" to get better.

Successs for the next hire can be summed up: "Fulfillment of expectations."

Written on Tennessee players take news of Derek Dooley's firing in stride :

This post will no doubt be controversial, but I cannot find a better explanation for what transpired Saturday night in Nashville. This is not your Dad's Vanderbilt team. Got that, check. But how does an offense as prolific as Tennessee's turn in such a dud when the defense actually displayed some pulse (in the first half, maybe the best defensive performance of the season, minus one screen pass).

Did a group from the offensive side decide to sabotage the game in order NOT to go to a bowl? This scenario has Kentucky 2011 all over it. As I recall, the 2011 seniors complained about younger guys not wanting "to play in a sh*tty bowl." By losing in Lexington, they guaranteed sleep in time in December.

Same scenario faced Tennessee in 2012. Win against Vandy and Kentuck and go bowling -- but a lower tier destination. A second time loss to Kentucky in as many years (especially in Neyland) would be unthinkable; so in Nashville, they don't play to potential, lose to Vanderbilt, and ensure the Vols remain Home for the Holidays.

Now, for Saturday, look for a lights out display of offensive precision. Last time on Shields-Watkins and a performance to remember as they depart early for the NFL.

I hope I'm wrong in this conspiracy theory, ... but what if I'm not?

Written on Vols' coaching search begins as Jim Chaney fills in:

The decision maker/s better match a Head Coach and his offensive philosophy to the talent Tennessee has on campus now. Remember the Rich Rodriguez experiment at Michigan? An absolute disaster because Michigan didn't have the personnel to run the offense he prefers and had at WVa (only a loss to Pitt kept him from the Nat'l Championship Game in 2007 -- Let LSU in). Now Rich Rod is at Arizona and this year (2012) beat Mike Gundy (on the list) and Lane Kiffen! Tennessee does NOT want to have the Michigan experience, so the new coach better be able to incorporate the current players, or the fans have to be prepared for 5 years of transition. I'm a little concerned about Gruden's proclaimed preference for Oregon's system. If he tried to implement it with Tennessee's current talent pool, I believe it's a train wreck. I do believe the Oregon System could work in the SEC, with a team loaded with Oregon's talent, which Tennessee does not have.

Written on An early look at candidates to replace Derek Dooley as Vols' coach:

Tennessee will break the bank to get this hire right. There is no margin for error. The next Head Football Coach will be tasked to not only save the Football Program but to save the fiscal life of the entire Athletic Department.

Written on Tennessee fires Derek Dooley:

The real tragedy in this drama is the 7 fifth year seniors who signed with Tennessee in the wake of a SEC East Championship in 2007. I guarantee not one of those guys had any idea they'd go through 4 Head Coaches (if we count Cheney this week) and compile the worst cumulative record in post-1926 Tennessee Football. The seniors, in my opinion, deserve an A for perseverance. They stuck with the Vols and didn't bail out on the program. They're true Vols For Life!!!

BTW, wonder what the attendance will be against Kentucky?

Written on Struggling Vols' noteworthy streak in Music City to be tested by Vanderbilt :

Turn the Tennessee offense lose! Score as many points as you can as fast as you can!!! DO NOT worry about resting the defense. They get their reset by a three and punt or (better) a turnover. If the Vols put the brakes on for fear of Vanderbilt scoring, they will surely lose this game. Score, score, and score some more!!!!! Let the defense earn it's time off the field. Vanderbilt has the play makers to win this game if Tennessee does not play relentless offensive football.

Written on NCAA hits Vols football with additional penalties; tied to Willie Mack Garza:

It's George Bush's fault!!!

Written on Tennessee football program spent $149,090 on summer trip to Milligan College :

There's an argument that could me made that without Milligan, this team could be splintered to match sticks by now. Only speculation though. Would like to hear the coach's and team's perspective on the return on investment based on how the season has evolved.

Written on Mike Strange: No speculation about Vandy's desire to beat Tennessee :

Tennessee has to score as much as they can as fast as they can in all the remaining games, and only hope the defense can act as a speed bump. DO NOT hold back the offense to let the defense "rest." The defense only gets to rest with a "3 and punt" or (better) a turnover. A relentless offensive exhibition is the only way Tennessee can win any game (this year).

Written on Derek Dooley: Dave Hart 'told me he had not made a decision' :

Basilio reports there is a power struggle between Hart and the "Big $$$$" folks. This has all the potential of a royal goat coitus.

Written on Report card :

Tennessee has had "worse" teams than this 2012 model (check out some of the late 50's, early 60's and mid 70's vintages), but the Vols have never, ever fielded a more underachieving team.

Written on John Adams: 3-5 start, 3-4 scheme two more things UT can't defend :

in response to killervol69:

Go Away, Troll....

Listen "Trollette"! I've been following the Vols since 1958. Give some rebuttal/commentary to posts or keep sucking your thumb.

Written on John Adams: 3-5 start, 3-4 scheme two more things UT can't defend :

My closest association with Coach Dooley is the TV screen. From that perspective, he appears to be an honest and decent man with the best interests of the University of Tennessee in his heart; and in a previous era of College Football that would have provided enough "good will" to earn four or five, maybe seven years, to turn a program into an acceptable winner. As I said in a previous era. The reality, in 2012, is Coach Dooley serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the primary income engine for Tennessee Athletics, Inc. The Vol Football Program finances ALL SPORTS at Tennessee. SEC Revenue Sharing doesn't cover all the costs, so the financial responsibility requires football ticket sales, merchandising, and fan interest to maintain facilities and pay the bills. One way to regenerate interest is to make a change at the top. NFL owners have employed this model for decades to keep fans energized. In an Era of one or, maybe, two televised College Football games per week and coaches earning moderate middle class salaries, Coach Dooley could expect at least two more years. Unfortunately, the current fiscal reality will trump the Football Team's development under Coach Dooley. This could play-out like Oklahoma and John Blake. In 1995 Howard Schnellenberger arrived in Norman to resurrect a football program that had faltered since Barry Switzer's resignation in 1988. Schenellenberger got the ax after one year. So, OU hired Blake from the Dallas Cowboys, and he proceeded to drive the program into the ground. After three years, OU signed Bob Stoops off Spurrier's Florida staff at the end of the 1998 season (y'all know what happened in Tempe; same year as Cutcliffe to Ole Miss). In 1999, Stoops lost to Cutcliffe in the Independence Bowl. In 2000, the Sooners whipped Florida State and won it all (National Champs). There are similarities to Tennessee 2008 to 2012. Although I believe Coach Dooley could turn the program given time, the fiscal reality of 2012 won't permit it. Hopefully, history will repeat itself, and we'll have a National Champion in Knoxville after the 2014 Season! Ironically, as of right now, the 2014 schedule has Tennessee playing Oklahoma in Norman that September. Best of Luck (certainly better than you've had these past three years) Coach Dooley.

Written on John Adams: Offensive line best example of UT's improvement :

Some thoughts about what's causing the defense to serve like a straw. Could it be: the D-line coach has never before coached in a 3-4 (he said so in a preseason interview); splitting the coaching of corners and safeties (the positions seem to have communication problems); NOT splitting the coaching of inside and outside linebackers which is what it seems the most successful 3-4 programs do. As for the o-line, Sam Pittman and JAY GRAHAM deserve the credit. Not having a dedicated, full time RB coach (GA Fontenot sp?) probably hurt 2010 & 11 production and recruiting of a top tier RB.

Written on Mike Strange: Vols' defense didn't get gashed, but it still 'bled to death' :

I never thought I'd see the day Tennessee would rush for over 200 yards, score 31 points, and still lose!!! Coaches bear responsibility, but PLAYERS MUST MAKE PLAYS!!!!! Have some of these guys been evaluated for Attention Deficit Disorder? One thing's for sure; if "plays" do not start happening soon (especially on defense), the fan base will absolutely display their Attention Deficit.

Written on Tennessee's special teams strengths have been in punt and kickoff coverage :

Byron scoreth a touchdown! Byron giveth up a touchdown!!!

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