Posted by doegem on September 17, 2007 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, no panic, says Fulmer. We've been 5-6 before and my paycheck still came.

Posted by BluetickBlues on September 17, 2007 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These poor young men have to take responsibility for this loss? Fulmer, Chavis, and Cutcliff should step up and own their failure as coaches.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on September 18, 2007 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, bluetick. These kids are playing their butts off, doing their best to do what their coaches tell them to do. I have to say, though, that if the starters don't execute, then sit their butts down and play the 2s and 3s. Find somebody who will execute.

Posted by doegem on September 18, 2007 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm old enough to remember The Bear once said that Alabama's players were responsible for the wins and HE was responsible for the losses. Aaah, what must it be like to have a coach that accepts responsibility?

Posted by volfan39 on September 18, 2007 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer , GET A GRIP !!Nobody is buying what you are selling !! 5 and 7 and see you at the retirement center !!!

Posted by chrisw2967 on September 18, 2007 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer doesnt have a set of balls to take fault in nothing , its either we will get it fixed or we will get back to basics. either way he still isnt even an average coach. he just worried about padding his fat pocket. he is pathetic.its not the players fault , you play the way your coached and pratice.

Posted by wbgbbg on September 18, 2007 at 2:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like to me that the wrong person was let go a couple of yrs ago... Randy Sanders... is doing a great job @ UK with there QB and probably had input on the off plays...Time will tell..Nov. 14 is the date @ there place.... I hope UTs' AD has the balls to do what needs to be done...I know things can change over the next few games but I say but WHAT IF THEY DON'T ???? It's on you Mr. AD in the past he's got pay raises... put the check book up... and get your broom out abd do some cleaning...

Posted by snafu14u on September 18, 2007 at 2:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm tired of all the talk from the players and coaches, I don't believe any of them anymore.I want someone to be mad and not going to take it anymore kinda mad. And mean it.I don't see any of that out of this group. Heard all of this before.bonzaivol

Posted by VOLnATL on September 18, 2007 at 5:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Phil, I don't care how hard you try to fix things. Things are not looking bright and the excuses are knee deep. How are the palyers taking responsibility and I have not heard the coaches take any? Do us all a favor and resign!It is time for all of us to except our beloved Vols are an average at best and ranked right there at the bottom with Ole Miss.

The only thing that will change is we will get worse until this staff is gone!

Posted by dmjohn2 on September 18, 2007 at 5:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the team isn't ready to play football and execute plays, that's the coach's fault. Phil, John, and David should man up and take the blame for this,the young men playing the game shouldn't have to do it for them.

Posted by vol52 on September 18, 2007 at 5:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last season ended on a sour note. Spring practice looked terrible and this season is falling way short. The players deserve competent coaches. Fixing problems during the regular season has become a standard for Fulmer.

Posted by bigorangesob on September 18, 2007 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you listened to the post game show Fulmer said the team wasn't prepared well enough for this game and that's my fault, not a big Fulmer fan but he did take responsibility for the f@#$%*g disaster this weekend

Posted by tenecc on September 18, 2007 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to hear Mike Hamilton's input on Tennessee's Football program. Sport programs can be a liability, as well as an asset, for any school or university.

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 18, 2007 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again Ainge went to the sideline and pouted like a scholl girl after he muffed the Foster handoff. I saw some footage of that on fox sports and his demeanor on the sideline afterwards was quite shi++y and it obviously spilled over to the rest of the team. After that, the whole squad quit and Florida scored the next 24 points.

Where was the great Cutcliffe at that point? He should have brought the clipboard down from the pressbox and smacked Ainge across the other pinky.

This whole team is a joke.

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You all believ this horse s**t!!! Fulmer has got these kids brain washed!! Taking responsibility for bad coaching!!!

Guys this isnt jail, nobody is gonna shank you for telling the truth, heck, we all know that Fulmer and his cronies are pathetic coaches..Dont take responsibility becasue they couldn't coach...Man this coaching staff it hit a new low.....Having the players accept responsibility for the worst coaching in college football!

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 18, 2007 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And as for you Ryan Karl, if you, Mayo and the rest had stayed in you lane and played your position, many of those 3rd down Florida conversions might have been stopped. screw it. I could write a novel on and on but I'm just done pulling for these losers. My entertainment dollars are definately going somewhere else this fall and maybe next as well.

Posted by vol88 on September 18, 2007 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm as disgusted as the rest of you. But these kids deserve our support. I'm not quitting on them, regardless of my personal feelings about the state of the program. I was a UT fan long before Fulmer was coach and I will be one long after -- with no gap in the middle. True fans will be there Saturday night.

Posted by vol4jesus on September 18, 2007 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Greer_ol22 thanks for supporting the team in the good and the bad(NOT) I won't dignify putting the V in there since you don't want to identify with them . Wow if that was your child in life....sorry son I can't support you anymore you are a loser. Now don't get me wrong I believe in tough love , but you are apparently saying if my team isn't world beaters then I will call them all losers(18 to 21 yr olds). They are trying and admit failure so do we quit and pull for the opposition? Again that would be scary if that attitude was pervasive in every aspect of your life.I intend to pull and encourage the young men clad in Orange & White to pursue excellence in spite of those who are turncoat/fairweather fans. Complain all you want about coaching til the moo moos come home ,but don't quit on our young men. How is the weather? Fair?

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Since we are on the way to another one of Fulmer's typical seasons..I made a list of things that will go down the toilet with it:

1.) This year we finish 2-10.

2.) Fulmer still has a paycheck and job by saying we were 10 plays away from going 12-0.

3.) Fulmer then says that those 10 punt returns for td's were those 10 plays.

4.) Eric Berry and Chris Donald bolt for different schools saying " man what the hell was I thinking by coming here."

5.) Our recruiting class ranks # 48..We only have 12 kids coming in this fall...Most are instate kids that MTSU wouldnt recruit.

6.) Fulmer fires his strength and conditioning coach and takes over the job himself...Free dounuts and Pepsi when you come in guys!

7.) On opening day against UAB, our offensive line averages 6'4 and 358lbs. The line is so out of shape and fat we are forced to play the walk-on kids mid-way through the 2nd qauter due to all the o-lineman being tired.

8.) Fulmer looses 9 games by the end of the year by an average of 68 ppg.

9.) Season attendance in est. at about 25,496 for all home games.

10.) Fulmer still has his job and paycheck in hand saying that we were olny 9 plays away from going 10-2!

Since this year and this years team is obviously a joke..I thought I have one too!! Enjoy!

Posted by Neyland4ever on September 18, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Execution, not lack of talent or UT's gameplan, is what cost the Vols, Karl said." How many times have we heard this? How many times have we heard "I guess we will have to work harder this week" after another loss. What ever the coaches have the players doing in practice is not working. Why are smaller schools with less "talent" able to run the ball consistantly? Coach Fulmer and his staff are making too much money for the performance they are giving us. I am sick of the excuses. I have no doubt the players are working hard and doing what they are asked to do but they can't be getting coached they way they should. Why are other schools constantly being singled-out as innovative in their approach to the game? When have we ever heard that UT is "innovative" in anything? Coach Fulmer, you're time has passed. You should refuse your paycheck this week. Your players deserve better.

Posted by alleluiaelectric on September 18, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hey you bunch of fair weather fans it must be you guys i have been sitting around at ball games hushed mouthed then all mouth after i love my VOLS no matter what my loyalty is not for sale i cannot do anything about the coaches but i do support my VOL players they did chose us and i love them and may GOD BLESS THEM every one go VOLS

Posted by 55Vol on September 18, 2007 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eric13915..... when all else fails in your venting, make fun of the coach with the donut reference. Now that was thoughtful....insightful...inspiring.....and about one brick shy of being a 1st grader.

Posted by oneeyeddog333 on September 18, 2007 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fulmer needs to just admit that he as a coach has failed and do the right thing and step down

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No one is bad mouthing the palyers...but you gotta see that we are sick and tired of getting the same old results we have been getting for years now...College Football has pass this university by...Our coaches, the bull crap excuses, etc.....We are tired of it...We should be on the same level as UGA, UF, or LSU...We have the talent, the money, the facilities, and the fan support to be at that level, but someone over there thinks last place is acceptable.

I have been a die hard Vols fan for years and still am to this very day but when i watch a game and see this same ole stuff day in and day out, it hurts!! You see all these kids who turned away other schools to come here and win championships. And in return the get short changed...Those days are about over. We'll be lucky to have anymore Recruiting class like the last one had.

I am not quitting on the kids, but something is gotta give..We all know what the problem is and we dont evenn work for the Univ....How come The Ad doesnt see it?

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ilove_football you dont know anything about football..Your SN says it...or this team what so ever...What about 10 years then comment.

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 18, 2007 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Weather is great down hear 4jesus. Not that I'm a Spurrier lover by any stretch, but he is in charge of a team with less talent than Tennessee and has his boys beliveing in themselves and believing in a philosophy of innovation and adaptability.

I saw the quit in Ainge's eyes Saturday, and I saw it on many more player and coaches faces. They melted like Cal did year and it was shameful. If the kids don't want it, and I'm not sure any of them do judging from the half assed practice yesterday, then why should you want it for them either? You go ahead, spend your $40+ per ticket and 5 dollars cokes and 7 dollar pizza slices. I donated my tickets, and am going camping with my son this weekend instead. Call it fairweather is you wish, but only about 30 or 40 thousand coolaid drinking, orange color glasses wearing folks like yourself still believe there is something in old Phils tank besides last nights pizza.

Posted by tennisvol on September 18, 2007 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coaching - F It's time to put the blame where it belongs. You expect players to take up for their coaches. Fulmer is making 2 million a year
and this is all you get. I think he has a record of 16 wins and 13 losses over the last two years. You've got all these top recruiting classes and what happens to the development?
Something for Hamilton to think about!

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Same ole song and dance I've heard for 15 years following the annual FL a$$ whipping. They'll probably scratch out 7-8 wins and Fulmer will say "I've never been more proud of a bunch of young men." Fulmer apologists will once again declare "Fulmer and staff may have done their best coaching job ever...", then come September 08 we'll once again be talking about the embarassing, incompetent, FL a$$ whipping. "Thank you sir may I have another!"

Posted by bigorangebolt on September 18, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hi Vol Fans:

Yes, it gets darkest before dawn! We are in the darkest part of night now! I love the Vols and fully support them, but we must focus on RESULTS and not EFfORTS! Coach Fulmer has run out of excuses and must resign for the good of the football program and the university. Mr Hamilton do your job and ask for his resignation now!

I like the Boise St head coach and I think the South Florida coach is excellent. Your comments.....

Posted by volguy on September 18, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, I am as unpleased as anyone with the loss to Florida. I live near Orlando (behind enemy lines) and run into Gators every day of my life. However, where are we as UT fans when somebody who calls himself a Tennessee fan is quoting bear bryant about his ala-stinkin'-bama team?!?!?!? Go quote bear bryant on a bama board, Doegem, you can pay your homage to him there!!! When we start wanting to be like ala-stinkin'-bama, then we have gone to depths from which we cannot recover!!!

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eric, berry and donald aren't going to transfer and waste their eligibility. You've posted that crap on a bunch of different stories, so just give it a rest because it's not amusing or plausible. Greer, take your son camping that's great. Take your comments with you. If you're so intent on not supporting the Vols, how about you get more intent on not ripping them? Fulmer, Chavis and Cutcliffe have all taken responsibility for the loss. Don't take this story and act like they trotted the kids out in front of the firing squad. You guys are ready to shoot and kill anything that comes out of the program right now. Simmer down. Life will go on. I don't like losing and I wasn't particularly happy with the performance, but life will go on. If Fulmer is fired, you better bring in a fantastic coach with a big name and a love for recruiting. Spurrier only fits half that bill. UT relies on out of state talent more than just about any other SEC program, so a new coach is going to have to be willing to recruit the country and lock in the best in state guys. Why don't you let the board and Hamilton do their jobs the way they let your bosses do theirs. If you want to boycott, fine. Boycott the website too because we're sick of reading your whining.

Posted by Pullingguard on September 18, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why can't Fulmer and the Coaching staff accept responsibility.. I have never heard him say, We the coaching staff did not do a good job in getting the players ready. I have read where Weiss said that after the Michigan game, Spurrier says it after a defeat, but not Fulmer. Oh sure, it's like he said, We have a coaching staff thats been around for a long time, in fact too long, that is part of the problem.. It's a good ole boys club at UT. Time for change

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol you are probably one of the few Fulmer cronies who want him to stay...If I were a kid on this team...transferring may be on my mind....I wouldnt come here to lose and lose horribly...You are a real piece of work.

And what in the world are you say that Spurier only has half??? You get hit by the stupid stick?
Last time i checked Spurier has beat Florida

Spurier is 1-1 against Myer and Richt. While good ole Phil is 2-7??? Both wins against Richt.

Oh, yeah, and Spurier can recruit, develop, and win at the same time...Can Fulmer?

Posted by abatut on September 18, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Breaking News! The "T" on the side of the Vols helmet no longer stands for Tennessee-it now officially stands for Tim Tebow.

Posted by mchjord4 on September 18, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm in full agreement with the large percentage of posters here. The game has changed over the years and our coaches have not kept up. I've been patiently waiting year in and year out that this will be the breakout year. Top 5 to 10 recruiting classes for as long as I can remember and what happens to that talent. Nothing! It never reaches its full potential and the excuses have to stop right now. The only logical explanation is the coaching (or lack there of) these kids are receiving. I bleed orange but lately I've been bleeding way too much. The embarrassment has gone on long enough. It's time for a change...sooner rather than later. P.S. - Chris Peterson from Boise would be a great catch. Their bowl game against OU last year was the most exciting game I've seen in a long time. And where is OU this year....top 5! Boise, with half the talent of UT, sleighed the dragon because of its innovative coaching. Wake up Hamilton!

Posted by maples on September 18, 2007 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

shut up Phil.

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eric:

I think that Fulmer has done well over the whole of his career. I think that he needs to adjust some things and make improvements. If he gets fired, he gets fired and I will support the University as I always have. However, I'm not rooting for a group of men to lose their jobs. The kids aren't going to transfer, just like they didn't after the 5-6 season. We'll still get the recruits and your precious rivals and scout will rate our classes highly and tell us how great they all are, all the while not reminding us that some kids don't pan out or take longer to develop.

Richt and Bowden have lost to Meyer. So has everyone else in the East and everyone in the West that he has played. I don't think I'm the one who got hit with the stupid stick. He has a style of offense that is unorthodox, just like Spurrier did. Teams will adjust to him. The spread is en vogue now, but it doesn't translate to getting kids ready for the NFL, especially at quarterback, since no one runs it there. That's a recruiting plus.

Spurrier doesn't want to take the time necessary to recruit the nation and he has admitted it. The two states he has coached in both have a wealth of talent. Tennessee does not.

Fulmer can recruit, develop and win. He's got a ton of players in the NFL and he has beaten Spurrier two out of the last three times they have played. How's that for a recent, out of context stat? I thought you'd like it.

Posted by vol4jesus on September 18, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Greer___22 I've been drinking BIG ORANGE KOOLAID since I was about four or five and Jim Jones didn't kill me! Don't mind the Orange-tinted glasses they accentuate the ORANGE wardrobe to support "our" beloved VOLS!!! Its not about believing in the coach....its about supporting my university and its players!!! GO VOLS BEAT THE INDIANS!!! Was that politically correct?

Posted by agentorange on September 18, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

we've had one really good recruiting class and need to purge the end of the 5-6'ers. all the moaning on this site is almost as bad as the loss.

Posted by waterskier3 on September 18, 2007 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well i myself know the only way fulmer gets fired this year is that he looses to ga and ala and sc. if he only wins 2 of those game hamilton will not fire his worthless butt. this program has been going down for years and use the excuse that other teams are getting better and this is the way it is can't go on... the best programs in the country change coaches when things are not up to expectations AND THAT'S WHAT I EXPECT FROM THIS ad DEPARTMENT..........

REALITY WE HAVE TWO MORE YEARS OF THIS CRAP AND THEN WE WILL HAVE WASTED 10 YEARS LETTING HIS FAT BUTT GET RICH........ I'M SO SICK OF IT AND YES I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY BECASUE I LOVE UT BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I CAN'T BE PISSED.

Posted by jcvet on September 18, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please coaches stop making references to crap that happened yrs. ago. I'm sick of it. I feel sorry for the players. I sure don't blame them.

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If teams adjust well to Spurriers offense then how come he can take a S. Carolina team to two straight bowl games and back into the top 25 in just 2 years????

Spurier doesnt care if you know his offense...No one can still stop it...Look what he is doing with the kids that were left to him by Lou Holtz and the kids he has brought in. Give another year or two and he will be the top East team everyone is trying to beat.

And it doesnt matter if we have top 5 recruiting classes..We arent doing anything with them..They dont play until their sophomore year after a redshirt year or their a junior...Kids are starting to see that...You'll see..Right now we have some 10 kids committed to us for next years class...Go look where we are ranked with that class...Not even in the top 25 with 3 4-star kids...This years recruiting class is gonna be another 2006 class....From last years and this years recruiting class, how many are playing?

Posted by RocketVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope - I don't buy this "save the coaches" speak. You were terrible because you were poorly taught, poorly prepared, and poorly motivated. Same ol story over and over for nearly 15 years. Even the 98 team poorly executed several of those fluke wins. I am not buying it at all - the data over a substantial and significant amount of time is overwhelming..INCONSISTENCY!!!! Inconsistent performance either year to year or week to week is a coaching problem period! Championships year in and year out are not expected - but competing all of the time is! Fulmer's staff has never, ever, not once developed the winning habit.

"Winning is not a sometime thing; its an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit." - Vince Lombardi

I want him out.

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One last thing: if you all get your wish and Fulmer and Co. are fired, I'd like to make one suggestion. You should all put your resumes in because as much as you all seem to know about football it sounds like we'd be d#@! lucky to have any of you as our next head coach.

Posted by TriCityVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cris Brown
"a team that you know that was not that much better than you"
Cris, the Gators are so much better than you it is not even close. You are a member of a team that is medicore at best. You are 15-12 your last 27 games. The Gators are NC's and looks like they are going to defend their title. Wake up! Fire Fulmer!!

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric, I'm not saying he's not a good coach. I'm saying he's not scoring points like he used to, is he? That's because people have adjusted. The ratings for recruiting are as arbitrary as the AP top 25. Just because someone says that a kid is a 5 star, does that mean he will be a guaranteed impact player? We do play freshman and kids see that. Look at Ainge and Schaeffer, Hefney and others that year. This year we've played Berry, Creer, Moore, Martin, Walker and Vinson to name a few.

Posted by RocketVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NO Big Blue - Phil is paid MILLIONS of dollars and has had two years to "adjust" to Urban Meyer. If he worked for me I would have fired him by now - that, my friend, is an unacceptable level of performance - especially considering the paycheck.

I am done with these lame, wash-my-hands excuses for high-paid, years behind the 8-ball performance.

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the only reason we won the 98 title is those kids were extremely talented. How many of those kids were drafted and how many of them have been to the NFL pro bowl?

Al Wilson, Travis Henry, Jamal Lewis, Cedrick Wilson, Chad Clifton, Cosey Coleman, Will Overstreet, Peerless Price, Shanw Bryson...the list could go on an on...

Fulmer had nothing to do with the team winning...that team was just talented...probably the most talented team to ever play at UT.

Posted by Carlitovol on September 18, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the FLA fans 5 or 6 years ago had the same attitude as the CPF supporters do on this site, they'd probably still have Zook on the sidelines - suffering thru subpar season records and ugly bowl losses just like we've had... But, rather than just blindly saying "Let's support the university and coaches", they raised hades and voiced their displeasure with continual mediocrity - and they were eventually heard. Now, they've got a NC in their back pocket and they're poised for another. You think they'd have it any other way??

Change is never easy, and it might be a bumpy road initially, but for the good of the program, it's a "must" at this point.

If you'd prefer to settle for 7 or 8 win seasons and bowl losses to middle-of-the-road Big 10 and ACC teams year after year, then I would argue that you don't love the University of Tennessee as much as you say you do.

In my humble opinion, if you truly have the best interests of the program and university in mind, then you demand a change for the better. Fulmer has had more than his fair share of opportunities to turn this train around. It's time, folks. Simple as that.

Posted by gotvols on September 18, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about this, It is one thing to dog the coach. He deserves it. And maybe it is time for him to hit the road.

Get off the players! They are obviously embarassed about the record and their standing.

It all starts and stops with coaching. As I said before, look at Alabama, Florida, S. Car...... Do you really think that these guys are that much better than UT in skill. I don't think so, the coaches are just obviously having a difficult time mining it from the players.

If I viewed the coaching staff as my employees, would I be satisfied with their performance? NO. I only want the best as long as I am willing to pay for the best.

Posted by RocketVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

..and who is looking at the recruit ratings. You have to look on the back side of it! Look at the NFL draft picks - Tennessee is 5th since 2000 and where the heck are they in the NCAA polls? Tennessee has been top 5 for decades! This weenie is getting rich, fat, and doing a lousy job! Did you see how many freshmen Meyer played? and we got scorched? The coaching differential is that huge! Wait til Richt gets it together again and Saban gets a piece of us. All you need is Kentucky to start beating us annually and we officially have become an SEC East doormat!!!

Posted by mtnvol on September 18, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't believe in reincarnation until I started reading some of the posts here. But RocketVol, eric and waterskier having me beleiving, 'cause nobody can know as much as they do an only live one life!

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Only Berry has started...The others only see game action on Special Teams or when we are ahead big or down big....We dont play freshman like UF or UGA...We barely play redshirt freshman....

And Spurier isnt scoring as many points as he used to is because of the players he has...He was left abunch of kids who hadnt won more than 6 six game a year when Spurier took over...But he did turn them around and has taken them to two straight bowls....His ppg will go up when he gets the talent he wants..Wait and see, and we he does watch out SEC, the Ole Ball Coach will be at the top again!

Posted by RocketVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

....not to mention South Carolina. Eric13915 - you are dead on. Imagine if a "premier" coach had that 98 talent - there would NOT have been 4 close games that year (one of which was an act of god that we won). We won games that year with a Pro Bowl NFL team and many of those wins had zero margin - disgusting.

Posted by LazhilUT on September 18, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"hey you bunch of fair weather fans it must be you guys i have been sitting around at ball games hushed mouthed then all mouth after i love my VOLS no matter what my loyalty is not for sale i cannot do anything about the coaches but i do support my VOL players they did chose us and i love them and may GOD BLESS THEM every one go VOLS"

Fair weather fans are thoes that don't even identify themselves as fans during the bad times and then take the moldy jersey out of the closet after a few good wins.
I have the Power T tattooed on my leg but I cannot stand the coaches and the players. I root for the SCHOOL, THE INSTITUTION, not the individuals.
If they are making the INSTITUTION look bad, I do not like them.

And of course they like all this and do take the blame. Talk to any student that has been around the team or the athletics department...they will say that Fulmer is like a grandfather that catches them doing stuff wrong and says "now boys, don't do that again ok?"
Just ask anyone that is an RA or DA at Gibbs Hall (Athletes dorm) about the drinking and smoking that goes behind the scenes. I used to hang out with the swimming team and I saw some it (Oh yeah, naked girls and football players running around during FINALS). Fulmer doesn't give a darn about them not going to class. Our program is as filthy as it can be guys. So was our basketball program until Pearl came in.
Our football players don't go to class. They may enforce it to the bench warmers and walk ons but not the stars. Rumor has it that Big Bad John had his backpack ALL YEAR LONG in his locker and never made to class...hmmmm guess what, he never got academically disqualified.
There is a tutor center at UT for athletes...I've heard non-athletes are kicked out even if you are with athletes. The excuse is that the building was privately funded and so it's not really a public building so the University can choose who goes in or out. Probably so the non-athletes don't see the tutors doing all the work for the players.
Ask any student that ever had a football player in a class how many times they show up. I had Constantin Ritzman in my history class once, he would show up only on days that there was a paper due. Never took notes and sometimes would turn it in and leave.
FULMER ENABLES THEM NOT TO TAKE RESPONSABILITY!!! THE LEADERSHIP IS AT FAULT!!!

Example, Marcus Haislip and Vincent Yarbrough. Great basketball players, products of the filthy basketball program before Pearl. Both drafted in the NBA and according to scouting reports and NBA websites, both considered to have very bad attitudes, lazy and having no sense of responsability. Hmmm...back then our basketball players used to hang out ALL the time with the football guys (some of them shared a house together)...the programs mirrored each other...Face it Foolmore lovers, he's the ENABLER and all he cares is his paycheck...NOTHING ELSE.

Posted by 55Vol on September 18, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eric... I have forgotten more fottball than Meyer will ever know.

Posted by 55Vol on September 18, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

or you eric

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 18, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

4jesus, I only remember one off color post from you in the past several months and you corrected yourself just after so no biggie.

you just made my point though, "supporting my university and its players"....

The coaches have been letting us down for some time but I did keep pulling for the kids, now they have laid down as well. When players quit on me(and all other fans) like they did last saturday, then I find it hard not to reciprocate.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I don't like being a part of a team that's losing like this, especially being a big Tennessee fan," said Karl

You have to be really sorry for these guys came to Tennessee thinking National Championship. You have to feel sorry for the people who enthusiastically support these guys (me as one). You have to see that these players have all been hoodwinked. They don't have a chance with the level of competency that leads them into battle. Leadership is absent. The ones with that title make excuse, shift blame and think they need to "stay the course". GOOD GRIEF.

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our 98 team could have played anywhere and still won the title..Fulmer didnt have to develop those guys...those guys were just god gifted and had god given talent...You are right Rocket..if we had half a coach we'd won tiles in both 98 and 99..Most of the kids on the 98 team were sophomores and juniors....Fulmer should have dusted the field with every team he played those two years.

Posted by mjohnsonvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All of you non TN fans that are now off of the TN fan base see you later. This is why Neyland Stadium is quiet now b/c of you guys. We need to get some new blood in there so they will loud and support the team no matter what happens. You guys who once were TN fans are idiots. I agree Fulmer needs to do something either resign or make serious changes. I know most of you say resign and that is fine. But as a true TN fan I will never put my Orange away I will be there Saturday night along with a possible recruit who is a good athlete and I will be at the walk and I will pull these guys through and if I here one bad thing come out of anybodys mouth at the walk I will probably punch them right in the mouth. Go Vols and to all of non TN fans now grow up and get out of your crib and quit crying and support the Vols through good and bad. What idiots we have as fans.

Bruce Pearl memo to you: Please make the final 4 b/c if you don't then you will need to start looking for a new job b/c TN fans will rip you a new one real fast.

Posted by jdcvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is amazing that people like vol4jesus and bigbluevol cannot see the forest for the trees. There have been many emotional posts since Saturday night. If you performed in your daily job at the level that the UT coaches did on Saturday, would you REALLY expect to keep your job?
If you are business owner and had an employee that performed like that..would you keep them?? The problem is that this is NOT an isolated incident. How many chances should you get 2? 3? 10? before taking action. If you two individuals are happy with .500 teams then you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but for the most of us...this is not acceptable. As for the Spurrier comment about beating him 2 of 3 times...should we dare go to the over record between the two of them or let's check back in 3 year and see what it looks like? That was a useless comment.

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eric, the only reason we won the title was because of talented players? I don't see how that's a condemnation of Fulmer. He won with the players he recruited. So, I guess by your logic the 99 team lost because those talented players didn't perform as well as the year before? Or is that Fulmer's fault? The fact is, y'all only credit Fulmer for the losses and not for any wins. Rocket, we've played Meyer three times. We've given up 16, 21 and 59. This is the first year we've seen his offense the way it was at Utah. Blame Fulmer, fine. If the next coach doesn't do what Meyer has done, fire him too. Then fire the next guy. Then change our name to Alabama. Penn State didn't fire Paterno and they're in the top 10. We didn't fire Summit when she didn't win an NC for 8 years. Sometimes you need to be patient. Regardless, I'm not going to wish for a staff to get fired. They have families and they are working hard. I will support UT. What I don't support is listening to y'all whine and act like you have all the answers.

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JDC, the point of that comment about Spurrier is that it's as out of context as you people who say Fulmer's 15-12 in his last 27 games. Dare we go back and look at his whole body of work? Of course not, that doesn't lend itself to your point. You bend stats to say what you want and you throw away the ones you don't like. You guys are malcontents and mjohnson is right, if Pearl doesn't make the Final Four you'll all be b$%^%ing about hime, too.

Posted by hiresanders on September 18, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris Peterson and BSU just got whipped by Ty Willingham by 2 touchdowns. Be careful what you ask for.

Posted by bwbizzle on September 18, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whew. I've sat back and read these posts the last couple of days and the only response I can muster is pathetic.

First off, I'm not happy with Saturday's results. I'm not happy with the start of the season. I'm not happy with they way the team has been playing. I'm not happy with some of the coaches decisions. Like most of you, I'm not happy with a lot of things about UT Football right now.

But, as a UT fan, I want things to get better. I want us to be competitive with every team in the nation, and at some point, I want us to be back on top of college football.

That starts with getting good players. You get good players by having an environment they want to play in. That environment includes the fans. What kind of environment is it if these potential players see a half empty stadium, booing (so-called) UT fans, website postings ripping players constantly, etc. This attitude does nothing for the program. If you guys think Phil is destroying the program, you sure aren't helping it along by bashing it and not attending games. And don't try to respond by saying you’re boycotting as a show of non-support for the coach. No one is taking a vote at the gates asking if you like Fulmer. He gets paid regardless. Your attendance is showing support for the school and squad of 18-22 year old kids. Now if you have decided to not support UT football, then don't. Go find another program to support while they are winning but DO NOT call yourselves a FAN. Fan's support a team win or lose.

Should Fulmer go? I don't know, but I'm not calling for his or anybody else's head. That's not my job as a fan. The results of this season will speak for themselves. As for this fan, I'm supporting a team by attending a game and cheering for a group of young men that have poured their heart and soul into this team.

Oh, and did I fail to mention that this is just a game?

Posted by orangebloodgmc on September 18, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ilove_football, hang right in there! I would like to think we can right things; we don't play a 3-game season. I am not gonna throw Coach Phil under a bus and talk of Spurrier here is a farce as he is ethically-challenged and unqualified to represent Tennessee in any capacity. Still, I don't understand some things about this game. For all the talk of Florida's talent and speed, our coaches left a lot of talent and speed just standing over on our sideline. And what was up with that defense ... we blitzed a little toward the last, but mostly left our defense fixed in place, static and making young Florida qb's job much easier. How come the John Henderson defense could run the "prowler" but the Demonte Bolden defense cannot? I do like somebody else's suggestion to make the coaches run the steps!

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This a football editorial...But since you brought it up...Bruce Pearl has taken his team each of the past two years one step further than the previous year...Got better recruits to come here, took them over seas to play exhibiton games, boosted attendence and income, put UT mens b-ball back on the map, beat kentucky twice, the gators 3 times, and went undefeated at home last season...Pearl has done more at UT in two years than Foolmur has done in 15...A bad year here and there for Pearl is expected....

Now back to Foolmur...He has won 16 games the last 3 years...No SEC titles in the last 8 years,
no BCS bowl games in the last 7, hasnt beat florida in 3 years, has only won 10 games once in the last 9 years or so, When was the last time we beat someone like Florida by almost six touchdowns? or the last time Foolmur benched a Senior for not making plays? Let me know cause i cant remember.

Posted by mloaks on September 18, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols, why is .500 unacceptable? Are u a rich alum pouring $$$ in? If not, all yr ilk can be still. Did u ever attend UTK? If not, go cheer a pro team. U dont think the staff works hard? How would u even know? How much $$$ y'all wanna spend on a coach? Bama money? Dont I remember that TN has no state income tax? You gonna pull $$$ from kids, research, or the st natl guard? And for vol4Jesus, pls get our Savior's name off this board and outta yr tag. And those who think the 98 kids won it themselves on talent; remember their crime blotter sheets and such, and the company they kept (Tee). If Phil and Cutt are so daft, why does Peyton return to help and speak? Not for you guys!

Posted by mjohnsonvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bwbizzle I agree we are pathetic fans. I will be with you Saturday night pulling for the Vols. Unlike eric and these other so called TN fans enjoy pulling for another program.

Posted by jdcvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol, relax. Did I say anything about 15-12...NO, Did I recommend that Fulmer be fired..NO. My point was that many of the VOl Fans on this site are not happy and are not wanting to accept what is happening to our program. This is not a black and white issue so just because someone disagrees with your orange kool-aid thoughts doesn't mean they are fair weather fans.

Posted by Vols37922 on September 18, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great. They are owning up to the loss. Whoopie doo. They flat out embarassed the state of Tennessee on Saturday. The coaches and players. It's hard to even put on my Tennessee ballcap anymore. There is just no heart on this team. None at all.

They need to change the sign in the locker room from "Do your best for Tennessee today" to "Don't embarrass Tennessee today."

Posted by jdcvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok...mloaks. I played for UT back in the late 1970's on some of the worst UT teams in history. I was basically a practice dummy. We were rebuilding under Majors. I graduated from UT in 1981 in four years and yes I'm a major contributor not only to the VASF but also the College of Business Administration. I've never said that I'm pulling money or not planning to attend the games. Before you decide to run your mouth be careful who you address...but .500 is NOT acceptable to me.

Posted by UKChamps on September 18, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just so enjoy reading all of your posts. It almost makes me as happy as watching UK win 8 of our last 9 games and being ranked. Hey, at least with a last place finish in the SEC, you will get the first draft pick....I hear the weed smoker in Alcoa is looking for a scholarship. He fits the bill for a Fulmer recruit. I'm sure there is a gun crime high school senior around there somewhere to pick up. Oh, and thanks again for running off Sanders. He has been a big help. Here Kitty Kitty!!!

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 18, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What are you talkin about mjohnsonvol??? I am a die hard Vols fan just like evryone else, but unlike you, We are tired of the 8-4, 9-3 years, going to a second rate new years day bowl game.
I am tired of watching games where the offense runs the same plays over and over and over some more until we are down by 3 td's and then try to do something...Have you watched any games this year or any of the past 10 years???

Its the same offense year in year out...Everyone knows what to expect out ouf Tennessee. Run, Run, Pass, Punt...that is how we play!

I am really sick and tired of people on here coming down on the people who want a change...Maybe they are tired of watching the same thing....Why dont you " Fans " who say it's not up to me if Fulmer gets fired, or stop all the complaining about the team because recruits arent going to come here...who cares if they come or not, Fulmer isnt going to develop them anyways it's just a waste of talent...You " Fans " are the ones who think it's ok to have .500 records or sub .500 records, so why dont you guys give a little more money and stay away from the comment boards, because you guys have no clue what UT football is all about.

Posted by mjohnsonvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Pat looses more than 3 games she should be fired, if Raleigh and the baseball team does not make the world series he should be fired after one season, if Pearl does not make the final 4 let's fire him too.

Go Vols I will always be behind you guys no matter what happnes and I will always wear my TN hat even if we loose 100-0 to AK State.

Posted by dinovols on September 18, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As Ut alumni in another state(GA), it saddens me, what has become of the Football program. I'm from east Tennessee, I bleed orange and white, UT has superior athletes, but their play is a direct bi product of coaching, if the basic fundamentals are not being drilled into you in practice, what's the use of showing up on saturdays. Ut's offense and defensive schemes are dinosuars, way behind the times. It's not speed and tackling that's killing the Vols it's complexity. It's not the student athletes fault, it's fulmer and staff, please AD make a change...All pride is gone from Fulmers lack of coached teams, I still Support Ut, but I'm finding it harder and harder to support a program that rewards a coach and staff for mediocrity!

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW. Thanks jdcvols for putting that know-it-all loser mloaks in his place. I was up there when you were. When did mloaks gradshate?

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 18, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks jdcvols and Vols37922, when coaches quit coaching and players quit playing.....why should we bother?

Posted by mjohnsonvols on September 18, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't say it was ok to go 9-3 8-4 eric I'm just saying be a TN fan through the good and the bad and. if you say you are die hard then will you be there Saturday night or will you be watching?

Posted by volmac72 on September 18, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What? Brainwashing the athletes is the way we (UT and state of TN) repsond to loss solely due to the fault and reponsibility of the coaches??? IS this reporter a &^%!ing fool??? Why can't this coaching staff and reporting staff step up and admit the coaching staff has lost touch, lacks innovation, and refuses to keep up with the rest of the SEC powerhouses?? Who cares about the guilt of one player or two? This is a team and the coaches are responsible for the performance of the TEAM. The RBs do not have accountability for the DBs,,,,this is a stupid write-up by a none-athletic journalist obviously! Don't blame the players BLAME the inept coach: Fulmer, Chavis, Cutcliffe, and others..Pete Carroll would never let a story go into print where the player are told yto publicly accept blame to ease the pain of his(the coach's) lost and failure!! Take out the garbage!

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bwbizzle gets it. So does mjohnson. Just support the team. Let the administration make the decisions and remember that we're only 3 games in. A lot of season left to play. Go Vols.

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey hiresanders (that name was very hard for me to type) think about this...how would Fulmer and his cronies do against Washington with Boise State's talent? Bet Petersen wouldn't be losing to anybody by 39 if he had TN's talent.

Posted by mchjord4 on September 18, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand the concerns with Chris Peterson, but he plays an exciting brand of football and with the athletes that TN posessess, our team would be much more dynamic. Peterson, grant it they don't play SEC caliber teams, has an innovative offensive mind and last years Fiesta Bowl was just a glimpse of what he could do with superior talent. By the way - where did Urban Meyer come from? I heard the commentators in Saturday's game refer to our offense as the dink and dunk so many times that it drove me crazy. Not to mention the underlying truth behind the remark. To keep pace with the likes of FL,LSU,SC,GA, and yes even KY we have to rid our program of this outdated offensive scheme. Our offense is too predictable and looks the same as it did 10 yrs ago. Grab a defensive guy like LSU's coordinator and we will see a definite improvement.

Posted by jh43 on September 18, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We keep hearing about execution. What do we do in practice?

The entire coaching staff seems to be braindead. How does Cutcliff get off so easy? He is supposed to be this great offensive mind, but I have always seen his offense as being boring, and one which is the most predictable in college football.

When will this group realize that if you continue to do the same things, you get the same results? Fulmer seems to believe he can make the same stupid statements and we will continue to believe them. It is time for everyone to wake up and admit Tennessee is on a downhill roll which is at the point of being irreversable by this group of coaches.

Calmness on the sideline by the coaches does not necessarily mean confidence; sometimes it means they do not have a clue as to what to do. For us, I believe the latter is our problem.

Posted by utvolfan1968 on September 18, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After reading some of these postings – I can’t believe what I hear. For those of you supporting the team – CONGRATULATIONS. For the others of you who want to ban going to the games, booing our players and not pay anymore towards the college….. well go ahead and find another college to support (I’m sure you will pick one that is winning!!!). I cant wait to see how much more embarrassing it is going to be when we are on national TV and the announcers state our attendance is only 60K!!! what a shame – more humiliation!!!! No one can be a power house year in and year out. Vent vent vent all you want – it wont change anything!!! Supporting our players will…. If our coaching staff cant fire up our players or motivate them to run thru the line – WHY CANT WE FANS??!!!!!! And for those of you who say we should send more than 50K emails to Hamilton – why not say 50K in prayers – if the staff below cant make things happen – maybe a higher being CAN!!!!!! GO VOLS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've ben reading up on Mike Leach at Texas Tech. Everyone should read the NY Times article about him. Just Google for it. Leach may just be the "Pearl" we are looking for.

Posted by vol4jesus on September 18, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mloaks I forgot it was for church only...right? Also I didn't cap the King of Kings name either. Will take your thoughtful admonition under advisement.

Posted by mtnvol on September 18, 2007 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The world has truly stopped turning and the sun will rise in the west....a Kentucky fan talking smack! That's never happened this early in the fall before! ;-)

People are talking about '98. What about the 60's (owned by Bear), the 70s, (8-3 was a great year) or the 80s ("Major Mistake"). Folks, TN football has a rich tradition in the state, but not really anywhere else. STOP letting UT Football influence YOUR self esteem! We all hate to lose; that point is well established. But none of us are on the Board of Trustees so our opinion really doesn't matter when if comes to separating people from the love of the institution. Let the AD be the AD, let the coaches coach and let the players play.

BTW, you gotta know that the kids read your crap. So you know all of this bashing will make 'em play harder (that's sarcasm for most of you!)

Posted by jdcvols on September 18, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utvolfan, how many years of NOT being a power house should we allow? In case you missed it, our program is designed to be a power house year in and year out, othewise we would not have one of the largest stadiums in the country, major promotion of the program and national recruiting. We are not designed to be a one hit wonder or go to a bowl every 5 years like some programs aspire. Our focus from the top is to win SEC championships in ALL sports. As for all of you that want to create this fantom "fair weather fans", it only exists in your mind. Fans that express their opinions are just fans.

Posted by Vols37922 on September 18, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utvolfan....I'm never going to quit supporting this team. I've been a season ticket holder since 1997 and I will be at the game this Saturday.

But, I am going to voice my displeasure when I think the team shows no heart and plays well below the standards of Tennessee football (coaches and players). We are 15-12 since 2005. That is unacceptable. I am just tired of mediocrity and that is what Tennessee has been since the 2002 season really. We're not even a top 3 team in our own conference. And as someone who invests in this team (money and time), I will speak my mind when the team shows no heart and care about the Big Orange. 59-20 shows no heart.

Florida went for a first down on 4th and 4 near midfield on Saturday. To me, that speaks volumes on how far our team has fallen in the SEC. No one thinks we can stop them. And right now, we can't.

Posted by sannie82 on September 18, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is the problem with the team: 1) Yes it is our coaching. They are stuck in the late 80's and 90's when smash mouth football worked. This is a different era, we need to change our offensive scheme and go with the a more spread offense. From this comes the second reason why our football team sucks 2) our players suck. I know some of you are going to wanna lash out at for this, but come on its true. I can not think but a handful of players that actually have played up to their potential. Many of this players come here and never amount to much. Yes we can put blame on the coaches for not preparing them , but some point in time the players need to stand up and become men.

Posted by volmac72 on September 18, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree somewhat about our players. If we suppose have drafted the top recruiting classes over last X amount of years, why the @#$% are we throwing to a low-tier recruit receiver from Nashville? I mean, UT Vols couldn't do better in developing a talent WR we recruited nationwide? No offense to Nashville. But seriously, has anyone seen the back-up QBs? DId Sanders find these guys? I mean do we really think these recruits will compete with the likes of the talent at LSU, UGA, or UF? I hear LSU is four deep in WRs and RBs. Who do we have after Ainge's sub-par performance and departure? Do we really believe Crompton and the kid from Nashville will have a chance against the speedy guy Fulmer & staff forgot about in GAinesville? Or Perilloux in LSU? Spurrier schemes, Richt's Fight til-u-die offense & defense, or Superman-Tebow back in GAinesville? OPEN YOUR EYES..4-7 this year and it be 2-9 next year...and so on....

Posted by utvolfan1968 on September 18, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols37922 - I was not referring to those who are a fan that still support our team, you have every right to vent - I was referring to the ones who are trying to get the others to stop going to the games, buying merchandise etc.... a comment was made of booing the players.... what would that prove)? I am a 4th generation UT fan and I have never given up on this team - although the the last several seasons are very dissappointing!! It is time for a change.....

Posted by ronnie_022277 on September 18, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that players need to on up to their responsiblity especially on things you know you are struggling(i.e. Hefney not able to tackle as a senior for a top program). This is something that he must work on everyday to get better at it because he and other players that are terrible on fundamentals that they should no how to do by now. I still love my vols and the team but they need to make up there mind if they are true volunteers. A true Vol would not allowed a team to score 59 points and get beat the way they did. It was like they gave up and you don't do that at tennessee or any school(ie appl. state -vs- michigan)yes they looked better than us.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe I'm just stupid. So many posters seem far more brilliant than me. We recruit better than most we play...but our record over the past three years is pathetic. I am stupid to expect a coach to turn these athletes into champions. I am stupid to fail to support the coaches charged with taking these talented athletes who "bought the deal" and came to here to win a championship. I am stupid to think that Tennessee deserves to have our players win championships. Here is some info of interest:

Top recruiting classes

Rivals Top Recruiting Classes 2007
1 Florida
2 Southern Cal
3 Tennessee

Class 2006 Rankings
1. Southern California, 2. Florida, 3. Texas, 4. Georgia, Tie 5. Notre Dame, Tie 5. Penn State, 7. LSU, 8. Florida State, 9. Oklahoma, Tie 10. Auburn, Tie 10. Michigan, 12. Ohio State, 13. Alabama, 14. Miami-Florida, 15. Mississippi, 16. Clemson, 17. UCLA, 18. Arizona, 19. California, 20. Pittsburgh, 21. Nebraska, 22. Oklahoma State, 23. Tennessee,

Class 2005 Rankings
1. Southern California, 2. Florida State, 3. Tennessee,

Class 2004 rankings
1. Southern California, 2. LSU, 3. Florida State, 4. Miami-Florida, 5. Michigan, 6. Oklahoma, 7. Georgia, 8. Florida, 9. Ohio State, 10. Texas, Tie 10. Tennessee,

Class 2003 rankings
No. 1 LSU, 2. Florida, 3. Southern California, 4. Oklahoma, 5. Notre Dame, 6. Miami-Florida, 7. Michigan, 8. Texas, 9. Georgia, 10. North Carolina State, Tie 10. Texas A&M, 12. Tennessee,

I'm stupid? Really...all these "experts" seem to think I'm stupid. I must be stupid. And I guess they are brilliant! "Stay the course" "Stay the course" "Stay the course" I must be stupid...because I would expect the above listed recruiting classes to compete every year for a championship. Oh well. I remain stupid.

Posted by RocketVol on September 18, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BigBlue, let the administration decide?...man, you make it sound like we're paying taxes. These are dollars I and you (I think) give/pay for a product - and an expensive lousy one at that! Tennessee - even in winning - looks terrible. No one would fire Pat Summitt when she loses because she does her job - her teams, win or lose, are always competive...the are consistent! Step aside from the emotion and look at the facts...watch them play. I have been watching Tennessee not just lose, but get bludgeoned at the line of scrimmage for many of the past 15 years! Ever noticed how we seem to look like rag dolls getting tossed around in games against well-coached teams? Even in games we win - we look terrible fundamentally. I DO have a degree from Tennessee and I am proud that 0.500 is NOT acceptable. There may not be a lot of philosophical thinkers on this board but it's easy...do the logic - top 5 NFL talent decade in and out - non competing. It's easy!

Yes, support the team on Saturday - but that doesn't mean you have to stop paying attention to what you are getting for the money. And it's okay not to like it.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on September 18, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of you, can you imagine what's it like being a UT football coach this week? Standing in front of those players during practice and meetings? Just walking around campus? Talking with your family over the dinner table about how things are going?

Nobody in their right mind blames the players -- they're kids, students. But talk about pressure...I'd hate to be a UT football coach this week.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mbumburu,

I think we saw what it's like for the coaches..."Stay the course"

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rocket - you don't like it, fine. Don't pay, don't go, whatever. You're wasting your breath b*&%$ing about it, though. Now is the time to support the team. I don't think you have to like Fulmer. I'm just saying that it's not your decision to make. People that encourage boycotts or whatever will just make the whole program look bad. That's all I'm saying. Cheer for the guys, they want to win. And as for the guy who questioned why we play lower rated players over higher ones, the ratings aren't definitive proof of what a guy can do. LSU is playing Flynn. Perilloux was a 1000000 star recruit. There's more to playing time than how many stars a kid had in high school.

Posted by shopsports on September 18, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that Spurrier and Meyer style offense doesn't necessarily prepare players for the NFL. They have done just fine recruiting, regardless. Obviously winning carries more weight than dreams of tne NFL. Kids are smart enough to know they will make their way into the NFL if they work hard, TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE of their FREE college experience, and get noticed because their team wins!! When has Spurrier put a QB or wide receiver in the NFL that has lasted? We shall see with those on the Patriots (as their second team) now. The great coaches work for greatness in college to transfer to the NFL. It is NOT our job to pay for their training for the NFL. We pay for their education now. Do these guys even want to play at TN? Look at what Spurrier does with QB's and receivers others didn't want or get at S Car. He wanted Crompton. Can we develop him like Spurrier would have? It doesn't look like it. We would rather stick with loosing and keep trying to make Ainge look good for the NFL. I have taken up for Phil et all for all of his years, but the excuses are very old, we are making NO progress, we are going backward. If you cannot immitate (the sincerest form of flattery) and your methods DO NOT work....quit. There is nothing worse than not being able to admit you are wrong and squeeze the life out of the "program" in the mean time....See George Bush.
How much more proof could we ask for that Phil intends to or CANNOT change anything?

Posted by gvegasvol on September 18, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bring Spurrier in as head coach - it's time for a change!

Posted by RoanokeVol on September 18, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can't win them all.

Fulmer's record 138-43. 3 SEC Championships and 1 National Championship. Student Athletes Fulmers staff has recruited and I was proud to cheer for Peyton Manning(Louisana); Jamal Lewis, Deon Grant(Georgia); Travis Henry(Florida); Tee Martin, Jason Allen(Alabama); Casey Clausen, Gibril Wilson, Kevin Burnett, Donte Stallworth(California); Eric Parker(Illinois);Jesse Mahelona(Hawaii); Cedric Houston(Arkansas);Peerless Price(Ohio); Kelly Washington(Virginia);Omar Gaither,Shawn Bryson, Leonard Little(North Carolina);Darwin Walker, Shaun Ellis(South Carolina);Chad Clifton, John Henderson,Al Wilson, Cedrick Wilson,Jason Witten, Scott Wells, Jabari Greer(The Great State Of Tennessee)

I can think of only two other top notch program that relies so much on out of state talent. The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Notre Dame. Notre Dame has the admiration of the Media due to being a good team in the 1920's and Nebraska was dominate for 30 years in the Big 8 which was really just Colorado and Oklahoma when they decided to have a good year.
It's hard to rely on out of state talent due to several issues such as missing family member and dealing with different way of life etc. Oh by the way did you catch the Huskers against USC at home? Have you seen what The great offensive mind weis has done 0-3 with great talent.

You can't win them all.

Urban Meyer has a great offensive scheme right now which more teams will move towards. Its a confusing offense for defenses to face when they face rarely. Made all the tougher by Florida Athletes that are In State Recruits.

You can't win them all.

Tennessee will win more SEC Championships in the future the team may not be coached by Fulmer but we will return to championship form. Just look at the team records thru the years we have up and we have downs but since 1926 UT has more wins than any other program in the nation. This as been achieved by 10 different coaches. The one constant has been great positive fan support that as cheered loud and proud for the boys in Orange and White. The kind of support that helps recruit great talent from out of state and keeps great talent from leaving the state.

You can't win them all.

So who's going to join me in singing "Rocky Top" on saturdays rain or shine, win or lose.

You can't win them all.

John Dallas Campbell
Vol Fan since birth 1982

Posted by tenniskid on September 18, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not believe this crap some of you supporters are spewing! You are exactly the reason why we celebrate mediocrity in Tennessee, the reason so many poke fun at UT, including ESPN. We have fools who stand up and Scream "we're #1" at 9-4. This is not about the loss at Florida alone. This is about an elite program, with the ability to recruit, the best facilities, and some of the highest salaries…that producing mediocre 9-4 team year in and year out. What exactly do we have to celebrate since 99? Tell me exactly what we have produced? How many bowl games and win/lost record? What is our record against ranked teams and SEC rivalries? What are the numbers? The numbers don't lie. But we have a bunch that will go over there year and year after year and show the university that it doesn't matter..."our blood runs orange, we’re loud and proud and will be here thick or thin, win or lose, and no matter how many years it happens...we will always love you". Before you ask, I am an alumnus and yes I support the school and yes I love UT, too, but this has gone on for way too long. This is the straw that broke the camels back!!!

Posted by gvegasvol on September 18, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey John Dallas Campbell - We aren't worried about winning them all - we just won't to be more than half of them and not get beat by 14+ points every other game!

Posted by gvegasvol on September 18, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellant post tenniskid! Summed up what I was thinking!

Posted by tnmantravel on September 18, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

now that we all have vented our anger.....let's get behind the coaching staff and players and give them our support. their are at least 9 more games to be played.

Posted by todd on September 18, 2007 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of yall are idiots!!!!!

Posted by jhenson on September 18, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of your comments are hilarious. Some of my favorites are below along with my thoughts.

mjohnsonvols..."Bruce Pearl memo to you: Please make the final 4 b/c if you don't then you will need to start looking for a new job b/c TN fans will rip you a new one real fast."

My Response: Typical comment from a blind loyalist. Since the stats and facts don't fit your opinion...speak in hypothetical extremes.

utvolfan..."why not say 50K in prayers – if the staff below cant make things happen – maybe a higher being CAN!!!!!! GO VOLS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

My Response: I hope like heck that the Big Man upstairs is focused on something other than Tennessee football, otherwise we're all in trouble.

bigbluevol..."Fulmer can recruit, develop and win. He's got a ton of players in the NFL and he has beaten Spurrier two out of the last three times they have played. How's that for a recent, out of context stat? I thought you'd like it."

My Repsonse: Was this a serious comment? did you become "blue" from a lack of oxygen to the brain? Since when did the AP poll or the BCS give a rat's ass about how many players Fulmer sent to the NFL. And since you brought it up, how is it that Big Phil took all that NFL talent and coached it up to a 15-12 record over the last 27 games?

lazhilUTDelt..."Just ask anyone that is an RA or DA at Gibbs Hall (Athletes dorm) about the drinking and smoking that goes behind the scenes. I used to hang out with the swimming team and I saw some it (Oh yeah, naked girls and football players running around during FINALS). "

My Response: What's your point? I did some smoking and drinking and even ran around with a naked girl or two in college and I wasn't even a ballplayer.

Posted by Sheepscape on September 18, 2007 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Dallas Campbell...your argument is off to a bad start. Fulmer has two SEC titles. Not three.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jhenson, you said:
"bigbluevol..."Fulmer can recruit, develop and win. He's got a ton of players in the NFL and he has beaten Spurrier two out of the last three times they have played. How's that for a recent, out of context stat? I thought you'd like it."

The players you have in the NFL can't help you. You have beaten Spurrier? That was very clever on your part. Yup, you beat the man who took the reigns of a team that has never performed well and was riddled with problems. This year may make the Spurrier record 2 - 2.

The big question is - What has he (Fulmer) done for you lately?

Posted by jhenson on September 18, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator...I hope you understand "I" didn't say that at all. I was quoting the ridiculous comment by "bigbluevol".

Please don't attribute that kind of nonsense to me.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I www..aaaaaa..sssss w...rrr...oo...n.gggg!

My apology!

Posted by vol4good on September 18, 2007 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's Tuesday afternoon at 2pm (Central) and you guys are obviously all wealthy and/or retired. Cause your sure not getting much work done. Everyone take a deep breath.

Posted by bigbluevol on September 18, 2007 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Learn to type response correctly, then talk to me. I answered the query of someone earlier when I posted that information. Just continue to pick and choose the comments you respond to. It really makes you unbeatable in the argument department. As I've been saying: look at the whole body of work to judge something, not just the parts that prove your point. And, you know, sometimes the teams we play that have excellent talent (LSU, Florida, etc) have something to do with the losses, too.

Posted by mjohnsonvols on September 18, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey tenniskid go swing a raquet. I love the vols and always will. I'm not saying fulmer needs to stay I'm a TN supporter and I will not boo or will I stop going to games. If that is the reason why we are 9-3 or 8-4 and loose bowl games then I guess we will continue this trend. I will always supoport the vols and I will never boo. I will always cheer for the vols. Go Vols.

Posted by ps4610 on September 18, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know after reading most of your comments and seeing and hearing everyone calling for His head I remember the same things being said through the late 90's and early 2000 about JoPa and BobbyB we could easily and up in a worse situation like Ole Miss when the Fired Coach Cut or Notre Dame when the fired Willingham. Look where those prgrams are. I;m not saying CPF has done everything he needs to do but blame is definitely on both the coaches and players. As fans we should show up in full force to the stadium each week and be the true 12th man instead of being the fickle yellow-bellied fans we too often are!!! Go Vols!!

Posted by Oldhickory on September 18, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's talk about Fulmer... Top 10 recruiting classes every year, Great talent at every position. National Championship...

Read 'em and weep. Hamilton - do the right thing and fire Fulmer.

==========

Years without SEC title: 8
Years without BCS bowl: 7
Years without top 10 ranking: 5
Years without AP Top 25 ranking: 2000, 2002, 2005, (2006-25th)
Years with 3 or more losses: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 (5 straight years and 7 out of 8 )
Years with multiple losses to unranked teams: 2003, 2005
Years with loss in last 2 games of season: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 (EIGHT straight years and counting)

4-8 (.333) vs. Spurrier: (2-3 since 1998 )
2-4 (.333) vs. Richt
1-3 (.250) vs. Tuberville
1-2 (.333) vs. Saban
0-3 (.000) vs. Meyer

9-17 (.346) 1999 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB (thank God for Zook!)
7-16 (.304 ) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB
5-15 (.250) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB excluding games vs. Zook
5-13 (.278) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, AUB
3-12 (.200) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, AUB excluding games vs. Zook
5-10 (.333) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA
3-9 (.250) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA excluding games vs. Zook
2-5 (.286) 2000 - present vs. GA

8-16 (.333) vs. Top 10 teams 1999 - present
1-6 (.142) vs. Top 10 teams at h