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Fulmer: Vols want to 'stay the course'

By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 12:13 a.m., September 18, 2007
Updated 12:13 a.m., September 18, 2007

An obviously sullen Tennessee football team took the practice field on Monday afternoon.

Players were mostly silent as coaches tried to motivate a team still shaken by a 59-20 loss to Florida on Saturday.

"I think you stay the course," head coach Phillip Fulmer said of his team's mindset following a 1-2 start. "We believe what we believe in. We've won a lot of games this way."

After UT's 45-31 loss to California in the season opener, Fulmer announced two starting position changes. He wasn't ready to make that sort of declaration before practice Monday.

"There's good competition at several positions but nothing right now we've talked about," said Fulmer, who added that sophomore offensive guard Vladimir Richard was ready to be a starter.

Fulmer was obviously still stung by some of Florida coach Urban Meyer's offensive play calls and the decision to leave starting quarterback Tim Tebow in late in the game.

"I know there's mixed feeling about that," Fulmer said. "I'm not going to sit here and say all I think."

Despite the lopsided score, Fulmer said his team never quit.

"I never saw a lack of effort in the ball game. I think they were pushing. We played some guys too many snaps," said Fulmer, who said some linebackers played 60 snaps against Florida. "We've got to get some help there."

Fulmer alluded to a pre-practice meeting among players and coaches that could begin the healing process and preparation for the rest of the season, which starts Saturday when Arkansas State comes to Knoxville for a 7 p.m. kickoff (TV: Pay-per-view).

"We had a really honest discussion about accountability and what we need to do better," Fulmer said.

Fulmer said the conversation included giving up points on special teams, big plays on defense and offensive turnovers.

"We look forward going back to work," Fulmer said, "as a team."

Deflating: Senior linebacker Ryan Karl has certainly seen the impact of big plays given up by UT's defense. Florida gained 296 of its 554 yards of total offense on just 11 plays, Fulmer said during his Sunday teleconference.

"After a big play, you kind of see the air let out of the defense," Karl said. "Football's a game of short memories. And you've got to have that short memory in order to move on after getting beat. Just got to pick up the next play or the next game."

Karl seemed to think UT was close to defending such plays.

"When they did make their long passes or long runs or whatever, it's not like they were just wide open," the senior said. "We were stride by stride with them, and their speed wasn't something we hadn't seen before. We just didn't make the plays."

Karl said he could see Florida's spread option becoming the offense of the future.

"It's a great offense," he said. "Cal and Florida both use it pretty well. The whole spread offense in general is great. It gets defenses out of position and has the ability to make big plays."

Short-Range Problems: Fulmer said UT is 4-for-13 facing short-yardage downs this season.

"That's not nearly good enough," he said.

UT has tried almost every imaginable way to convert on third-and-short, including a five-wide receiver package, lining up receiver Lucas Taylor at quarterback and inserting backup quarterback Jonathan Crompton into the game to run off tackle.

"We've been really good in the past," Fulmer said. "It's not something like all of the sudden we don't know what we're doing."

Long-Range Problems: Fulmer conceded the Vols are in need of more big plays offensively.

"It'd be nice to get one off those 30- or 40-yard down-the-field plays," he said.

Does that mean UT's young receivers could soon be in the mix?

"We have some young talent," Fulmer said. "I'm very hopeful to get those guys to continue to develop."

Punt Problems: After giving up a second punt return for a touchdown this season, Fulmer said personnel or formation changes could be afoot. But …

"I don't care about standing here and giving the next team a scouting report," he said.

Bad Timing: After losing games late in 2006, finishing well was an offseason mantra. After giving up 28 points in the first half two times this season, the focus has shifted.

"We talk about finishing games, but we have to start them as well," senior defensive end Xavier Mitchell said. "We haven't done that particularly well, and we'll definitely address some of the things."

Drew Edwards contributed to this report.

136 Comments

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on September 18, 2007 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unbelievable. I have to admire Coach Fulmer for sticking with what he believes in -- "stay the course" -- but he's either mule-stubborn or one heck of a gambler. He's gambling his future at UT now. I remained convinced that the game has passed this coaching staff by. Let's see what the mustang defense does, for example, rest of the season. And will we be able to knock people off the line on 3rd and 2? Coach Fulmer has bet the farm.

Posted by utnutt on September 18, 2007 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DEVELOPING YOUNG RECEIVERS IS THAT WHAT HE SAID. SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOING THAT BEFORE THE SEASON. URBAN MYER ISNT STILL TRYING TO DEVELOP TALENT THREE GAMES INTO THE SEASON I BET CARROL OR STOOPS ISNT TRYING TO DEVELOP YOUNG PLAYERS THREE GAMES INTO THE SEASON THEY DONT SEEM TO TAKE AS LONG AS FULMER DOES. THE PROBLEM ISNT THE PLAYERS ITS THE COACHES IF YOU CAN CALL THEM THAT.

Posted by chrisw2967 on September 18, 2007 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"We have some young talent," Fulmer said. "I'm very hopeful to get those guys to continue to develop."

as soon as he finds some one to develope them that is. stupid idiot

Posted by chrisw2967 on September 18, 2007 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I think you stay the course," head coach Phillip Fulmer said

Now pumpkin head is starting to sound like Bush , talking about staying the course and somebody else on here did say him and Bush were just alike. No wonder I cant get my wife back from Iraq , shes staying the course.
Fulmers speaches have ran their course , just fire him and the rest of the 3 stooges.

Posted by 66cheVolet on September 18, 2007 at 1:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Quote:I'ts not like all of a sudden we don't know what we're doing"Nobody doubts you know what you're doing coach,but you must realize what you're doing is the problem.Quote "we've been really good in the past" coach thats in the past,and it doesn't work anymore,and hasn't now for a long time. Quote:"I don't care about standing here and giving the next team a scouting report". Coach,we should be able to give Arkansas State our playbook and still beat them. If any players are reading this,please don't misunderstand me.I admire and appreciate you for choosing to be Volunteers.I keep up with recruiting pretty close,and know much, about almost every player. You will always have my support no matter how many games we loose,but you simply deserve the same chance to succede that players at other schools have.I don't like being so negative,but years of under achieving has took its toll on me.I have been mum for a long long time, but the Florida game broke the camels back for me.That being said I think alabama is our next big test,maybe South Carolina with Coach Spurrier.I truly believe we will win the rest. JMO

Posted by wbgbbg on September 18, 2007 at 2:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Win the rest...you've got to be on some kind of meds that your Dr. needs to take you off.. ARK. ALA. SC. UK will be lucky to win 1.. The first part of your post I agreee with 100% just not the last part.. Vol fan I am Season ticket holder for yrs. the talent there just needs to be coached......

Posted by snafu14u on September 18, 2007 at 2:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pease do not stay the course, change something.If we stay like this then Fulmer has chosen his fate.So be it. Bonzaivol

Posted by gillblog on September 18, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Karl says, the spread offense is a "great offense" and allows for "big plays". If a player, a linebacker can see that why can't Vol coaches? Can't you just hear them; 'oh, yes the spread offense is really hard to defend, and the premier team in our conference uses it, but here at UT we are keeping our old 1990's offense in place....we just need to execute it better'...'we've been here before and we know what we're doing, even though the most successful teams have stopped using our kind of system....we still believe in our staff and our system.'

Posted by yeavols on September 18, 2007 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep staying the course..THAT's the PROBLEM.

Posted by tennecwingrider on September 18, 2007 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sure, in the past you've "won a lot of games this way." The problem is at present and with the recent past "now you're not winning a lot of games this way."

Posted by slambob2 on September 18, 2007 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have mixed feelings about this. Yesterday's article about the company Fulmer is keeping with Tuberville and Weis both on a very hot seat gives a little perspective. Should Auburn fire Tuberville? Or does his past success give him the benefit of the doubt that he can turn it around? And the same with Weis. And Fulmer.

But my concern is about whether there's a new offense that we can't run and we can't stop. If that's the case, either this staff has to adapt or they'll lose to KY, Vandy, South Carolina and Alabama.

Then there won't be any question.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good grief. "I think you stay the course," head coach Phillip Fulmer said of his team's mindset following a 1-2 start. "We believe what we believe in. We've won a lot of games this way." If this doesn't alarm even the most stubborn fanatsy world supporters then you all have fulfilled Einstein's, "If you continue to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different out come, it is a sign of insanity." Staying the course also means that he is CLUELESS that people are sick of his mediocre to bad performance as coach. Like I said...GOOD GRIEF.

Posted by Tanker on September 18, 2007 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay the course? OMG what a dolt!

Get beck to basics: pound the rock 35 times a game and set up play action over the top to keep the safeties honest. Get a special teams coach and a new head coach.

Posted by Plasticman on September 18, 2007 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Coach Phil is in a state of denial. Stay the course and you go 4-8. Put some of the younger guys in (WR,DB,OL,DL) and maybe they will surprise you!

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

Ya' know...the other thing that his statement wreaks of is pure unadulterated ARROGANCE! This is like Alice in Wonderland, or The Wizard of Oz. Again...GOOD GRIEF!

Posted by 66cheVolet on September 18, 2007 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wbgbbg
It was late when I wrote that post last night. What I meant was I believe we will loose ala.and sc. games and win the rest if were lucky. Just my humble opinion. Thanks!

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 18, 2007 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

go ahead Phil, stay the course.....straight to the bottom of the SEC. heck your already there in most team stats, and your record will be there before its over. I honesly think the Indians pull the upset this weekend.

Posted by Neyland4ever on September 18, 2007 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While I have no doubt that Coach Fulmer wants to win, it is obvious that he wants to on his terms. We have a mediocre program, at best. Our players deserve better, our fans deserve better and our school deserves better. I know that we can't win every game, but our team has no heart. When Tebow was in the game in the fourth quarter, someone should have knocked him in the mouth. No heart. It is going to be a long season for all of us. What is it going to take for a change? How far down are we going to have to go? Everyone-Hamilton, Fulmer, et. all have gotten too comfortable. Look at how fast LSU, Florida and Alabama have turned things around. Why do we accept this? We have no pride or we would get someone in here that can inspire people to bleed orange again. I am tired of watching highlight videos from 10 years ago. It it over. Let's move on!

Posted by cgbtn on September 18, 2007 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You people need to realize something. Our idiot of an ayhletic director gave a coach who has not performed for 9 years a 2-year contract extension. He also gave each of the coordinators 3-year contracts and each of the assistants 2-year contracts. It could cost close to $20 million to buy out this staff. Unless some rich alums are willing to come up with some mega bucks, you had better be prepared to watch Phil ball for a few more years.

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

Isn't it great to see all of the name calling on here? Pumpkin head? Dolt? You guys are really either totally insecure or your the reason TN High Schools are rated very low nationally in English. Your poor vocabularies certainly prove that much.

Posted by VolsFan17 on September 18, 2007 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The tires on my car once performed very well. I could take corners at high speeds without even the slightest problem. Now, the tires are bald and wobbley and break loose in the corners at the lowest of speeds. I was going to get new tires but these have performed well for me in the past. I think I'll hold on to them and see if their performance picks back up. I'm just going to "stay the course".

Posted by bertdonkey on September 18, 2007 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a gator fan/alumni who grew up in Tennessee, so I have unique perspective on your situation. Yes - the game has passed Fulmer by. He has always been a bit of an over-achiever, but his record of the past few years is indicative of either myopic vision or burn out or both. He can't see the forest thru the trees. His teams have never been creative at playcalling, rather they are predictable and one-dimensional - even dating back to the Spurrier days. Urban Meyer is a visionary - he realizes young talented players may go pro in the Junior or Senior years, so he plays them as freshman and sophomores - molding them into players. He is a master at motivation and talent development. Phil is a three yards and a cloud of dust kind of guy. Urban is let's throw it for 50 out of the back our end zone kind of guy. I think Saturday's loss may have awakened the sleeping giant. If UT ever wakes up, they could really be something, but until then, they will fight for fifth place in the SEC East.

Posted by oneeyeddog333 on September 18, 2007 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

get rid of phat phil and bring some diginity back to volunteer football fulmer has failed

Posted by tenndave on September 18, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have posted twice with my frustrations. But we are beginning to sound like MoveOn.org. Let the coaches do their job and at the end of the season, let things fall where they may.This real negative talk will hurt recruiting more than a losing season. Players want to play for a coach who does get them to the NFL a lot more than they want to play for a team with fans this cruel.
Go Vols!

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

History does repeat itself. This reminds me of TN's fall in the late fifties, early sixties era. While the rest of the country was changing with the times, putting a QB under center, throwing the ball, TN stayed the course, stuck with the wing T cause "We've won a lot of games this way." Looks like Vols are about to enter a similar 8-10 year drought period... unless someone at the top has the guts and vision to give Fulmer and crew their walking papers.

Posted by Ironcity on September 18, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would take 4 yards and a cloud of dust if we could do it. I bet Ark St. is concerned they might not get their punt return since we are changing schemes. I got an idea, lets change the priority of pir special teams, lets have a special trophy or award for the best hits on special teams. Lets try to make it a glamourous position. I look at our special teams and I see all the guys who didn't live up to expectations out there. I see the guys typically least motivated to play. I watched J williams on Saturday and I was embarressed for him. He just ran up to the ball carrier and stuck his arm out and made no attempt to hit the guy. He was not the only one who looks like he wants no part of the job. If he or others don't want to play Special Teams, then sit there butts on the bench. I don't think its the schemes, I think its the players not properly motivated.

Posted by 3rdtenn on September 18, 2007 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

how many tiumes did he say "in the past" thats the problem, we are living off past performances and past victories. while we have lived in the past others have passed us by and we will keep Fulmer because of the past.

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doesn't everybody just love it when a prick like ilove gets on here and tries to imply that we're all stupid and he/she's not. Wouldn't be surprised if that post came from the Fulmer residence.

Posted by ColumbusVol on September 18, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course we all realize this is a knee jerk reaction. My knee is still jerking all the way back to that 2001 second half collapse in the SEC title game that kept us from competing for the national championship. In my opinion, that loss changed this program and we have not been the same since. I have been a Phil Fulmer supporter but I certainly think that our money can be better spent somewhere else. I hate the fact that we can sit on the couch, watch the player's get up to the line of scrimmage and then be able to predict one of the three creative plays that we have in our arsenal. It is obvious we can't even rely on Chavis to bail us out anymore. The writing is on the wall and the stats speak for themselves.

Posted by Chainsaw on September 18, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"It could cost close to $20 million to buy out this staff"

Closer to $8M.

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If every true Vol fan would give 10 bucks to the cause we could buy the coaches out. That's not much more than the cost of four onion rings at the stadium. Stay home the rest of this season and you'll have that extra 10 bucks and more. The problem of buying Fulmer out does not have to be a problem.

Posted by Pullingguard on September 18, 2007 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it at UT, that young talent takes two years for them to get on the field, whereas; at Florida the young talent comes in, plays, makes a contribution. Fulmer is always talking about the young talent in the developement stage, evidently UT has a coaching problem that Florida does not have. I cannot understand with the running game in ruins, not producing, fumbleitis, that Creer (young talent) is not given more opportunity to run the ball. Bottom line is, the coaching staff is not getting it done with the present players, so the coaching staff needs to get other involved.

Posted by jcvet on September 18, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Titanic stayed the course too. Please be gone Fulmer. Don't go down with the ship. The oceans have enough junk in them already.

Posted by waterskier3 on September 18, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well its going to be a long season vol fans... fulmer has learned nothing and think of this we've been on the road twice and lost both times and we go to bama so 3 losses for sure and you know we'll lose 1 or 2 at home...

here's a question to ponder we talk about tradition at ut but we only have 2 NC to show for it. fla was a no name in the sec and then they decide to quit cheating and start getting good coaches and they've won as many NC's as tn has in 50 something years..... do we really have any tradition???????? or is it just to much inbreeding in the 80's, 90's and 00's????? with dickey running the ship......

I'M TIRED OF THIS CRAP... FIRE HIM THIS YEAR PLEASE

Posted by johnlg00 on September 18, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ColumbusVol, Pullingguard, and several others have it exactly right. Right now, UT football defines "old-school". Ironcity is also right to say that 4-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust would be fine if we could do it. How sad that we neither innovate NOR successfully imitate the innovators NOR execute the fundamentals! We don't have an identity any more. We don't seem to know what we want to do and don't properly execute any phase of the game. As so many have said, if we are in fact getting more than our share of the top recruits year after year and support them with the finest facilities and fan support, we ought to be among the nation's elite teams year after year! The only reason left why we are not is that the coaching is subpar. Please, Coach Fulmer, either get it done in a major way the rest of this season or do the right thing and resign while you still have some self-respect and a reservoir of good will in the Vol nation!

Posted by TriCityVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay the Course. 15-12 the last 27 games. Fire Fulmer and if Hamilton won't do it Fire him too.

Posted by jboyle5555 on September 18, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't make $2 million a year, but here are a couple of ideas :
Defense - Bench Marsalous Johnson and Jarrod Parrish, neither can tackle or cover.
Offense - Change something, anything on the O line, it can't block anybody. Get some of these talented, speed atheletes in at receiver to compliment the starting guys, throw a couple deep balls once in a while. Lamarcus Coker needs more playing time, he is a playmaker on an offense that has not shown it has any.

Is any of this that hard to see ?

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

Stay the Course.

Websters: jackass

noun
1. a man who is a stupid incompetent fool [syn: fathead]
2. male donkey [syn: jack]

Please note. This is not namecalling. It is an English lesson for those who are too blind to see.

Lesson # 2

os·trich (ŏs'trĭch, ôs'-) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. ostrich or os·trich·es

A large, swift-running flightless bird (Struthio camelus) of Africa, characterized by a long bare neck, small head, and two-toed feet. It is the largest living bird.
A rhea.
One who tries to avoid disagreeable situations by refusing to face them.

Lesson # 3 - In search of

ex·cel·lence (ěk'sə-ləns) Pronunciation Key
n.
The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority.
Something in which one excels.

That is the lesson for today. Thank you.

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

Maybe Coach Pearl or possibly Coach Summitt could spend a couple of hours with team to create an evironment of motivation, committment to excellence and of course, Winning!!!!

Posted by RocketVol on September 18, 2007 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bear Bryant even adopted a "new" offense when he stagnated - he changed to stay fresh and won championships. Change is certain. "Stay the Course - we've won a lot of games that way"....it's over. He won't adapt, won't accept responsibility, and in this article has put the blame everywhere but in his pocket. I am done! Fire this man before he tanks the program!

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

Fulmer says "his team never quit." Apparently he was at a different game than the one I saw. "I think you stay the course," head coach Phillip Fulmer said of his team's mindset following a 1-2 start. Stay the course? A course that has caused you to lose the 2 biggest games you have played all year. A course that has lead a once powerhouse team to have a losing record against every ranked team it plays!!!
I'm not the brightest bulb in the lamp but even I can see that there is a major problem with the course UT is on. A system so complicated that the freshmen and even most of the soph. class cannot reach a level to which they can contribute successfully.
I saw a FL team, in just its 3rd year under Coach Meyer, with so many young talented players on the field out performed, out hustled a UT team that has had the same system for over 15 years now. How it is that something that has not worked correctly since '98 can be the course you should stay on.
I don't place any blame on the players. Let’s not forget that most are just teenagers. This is a coaching problem, a leadership role that the staff has failed at miserably year after year since the championship year.
This is not just a failure to the fans, the university but to the young talented men who chose UT over the other universities that offer them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of playing this sport. It is a failure to their parents that trusted this staff to grow their kids into men. Men who know how to make the right decisions, admit when they are wrong and learn from their mistakes. Not just stay the course when your ship is being pounded upon the rocks.

Posted by bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can sell my SEC championship tickets for the umpteenth (easy, Ilove_football) time and use all of that towards the buyout. There should plenty to go around that way. How's that sound?

Posted by VolsFan17 on September 18, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we just do these three things better, I think the season can somewhat be salvaged:
1: Stay in our designated lanes on kickoff and punt return coverage.
2: Wrap up on tackles instead of trying to just knock the guy down.
3: Throw the ball deep once in a while to stretch the defense and prevent them from stacking up 8 or 9 in the box.

It also wouldn't hurt if we played with a little fire and enthusiasm.

Posted by 55Vol on September 18, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jboyle...yeah it is hard to see benching Marsalous Johnson. He was beaten in the USM game due to a bust in coverage by BERRY. They were in cover 2 and Berry missed his assignment. Tell me who in America can cover Percy Harvin one on one? It was Berry again who was beaten twice last Sat for touchdowns.

Posted by H1Gator on September 18, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bertdonkey:I am a gator fan/alumni who grew up in florida but now live in tenn. I remmember when in the 90"s fla fans would quake in their boots when the fla/tenn game came. Spurier came and installed the fun and gun and eventually schools figured it out. Meyer installed the spread and guess what? school will figure it out. Guess what? schools figured out Fulmers offense some time ago, perhaps a new offense scheme would help!

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

ilove --

Berry did get beat, one on one. He also ran a pick back 90 yards for a TD.
Sadly, Berry is the only real athlete we have past the D line. He must be in the game. He is our only defensive playmaker.
He will take his lumps, for sure. He will also provide some big plays, and his talent lets other focus elsewhere instead of backing him up every play.

As to the spread offense - it looks great when UF runs it, for sure. However, any offense would look great with their talent. Players win, not playbooks.
We simply don't have the talent right now. If we had the talent of 97 or 98s team on the field, this Cutcliffe's offense would do just fine. Problem is we don't.

Posted by jcvet on September 18, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Ilove, stop calling us and the TN education stupid if you can not spell or use proper grammer yourself. It's you're, not your when short for you are. Are you Fulmer's daughter?

Posted by jhenson on September 18, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I turned on the local sports talk radio station yesterday, here in Atlanta, just in time to hear the afternoon host say, "this just in...Florida just scored another touchdown." I must admit...I laughed! No it's not funny...it's actually quite sad, but sometimes all you can do is laugh. There was a time when Fulmer himself, with his "deer in the headlights, Krispy Kreme poster child, sideline demeanor" was the catalyst for opposing fan's laughter. Now they are laughing at the program itself. So what is Phil's solution?... the very predictable, oft repeated "Stay the Course." Brilliant! Would that be the same course that has netted us a 15-12 record over the last 27 games ? Or perhaps he's referring to the course that has netted him a losing record against Meyer, Richt, Saban, Tuberville, and Spurrier. Maybe the course that has gotten us zero SEC championships in nearly a decade. Come on Phil...pleae leave!

Oh for those of you who say that this is a "knee jerk reaction" You're right. In fact, my knee has been jerking so hard for the last 8 years that it's perpetually dislocated.

Posted by joebomb on September 18, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well if it takes 8 million to buy out the staff...that's 108,000 x $80.00. I will pay for me and my neighbor.

Posted by ronnie_022277 on September 18, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am new to comments but old to news about the vols football team. We need some big time players that can perform to a level that is expected at Tennessee. I have watched Tennessee played my whole life and I have never seen a team so heartless and so slow in my life. I am a certerfied strenght and conditioning coach and I know the importance of speed and agility in football. This Tennessee team has a lot of work to do and it doesn't happen over night. It should have happened during the off season. The speed that I am seeing from the vols is awful and they will be lucky to win any more games this year.

Posted by jhenson on September 18, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Count me in. I'll sell my SEC Championship tickets to an LSU or Florida fan and donate the procedes to the buyout.

Posted by bigorangejwb on September 18, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All the comments coming from fulmers mouth have been the same old dance and song since we won the national championship. I wish I was giving the university major booster money so I could be the one leading the charge to fire him. What has he done for us lately? We are not going toward the bottom because we are already at the bottom. I love the big orange and it's a shame that the orange faithful have to put up with the kind of football we have gotten accustomed to seeing since '98.

Posted by shopsports on September 18, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Earth to Phil...We have stayed the course after a lousy 2005 season and little improvement last year. We have never seen NO defense. It usually saves the lack of offense and provides another year of excuses. Fulmer may be a great person, but as our $2 million dollar a year football program, top guy, excuses are over/done/have run out. We should find a new coach now and not wait until they DON'T win the rest...which is the ONLY way we should keep putting up with these excuses. TALK is cheap. DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO HAMILTON. Phil should resign and own up to not being able to change anything. Recruiting is no longer enough.
I am also hearing they have lied about Ainge and his ability to throw, hand-off, et all with his broken finger. I didn’t expect them to tell the other teams “ oh well, Ainge can’t do crap, so blitz him every play, but Crompton whould be playing. I am so tired of hearing comments on Ainge and his future in the NFL. We need a QB that is a star at UT first!! It’s like they all work for just enough to get there. I have never liked Cutcliff’s laid back attitude. He and Phil together, may not be made for this century of college football. We must cut the nice and be more like Saban the crook, Meyer the egotist, Miles the potty mouth, Stoops or Spurrier lowering academic standards to get players, or somebody who is getting results.

Posted by TigerVol on September 18, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope that Mr. Hamilton and all the BIG WIGS(Haslams, Goodfriends, etc..) at the University see how pathetic this football program has become. We continue to raise ticket prices and put teams on the field like this. Then I have to listen to Doc, Jeff, and Heather continue to give this team credit...what has Knoxville and this University gotten too. Mr. Fulmer....not Coach, he lost that title about 5 years ago....please do the University you love so much and RESIGN!

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

Ya know I have to agree with bertdonkey, he/she is an outsider looking in who has never worn the orange tinted glasses and probably isn't biased. As far as all this goes with Fulmer his staff etc its all a joke!!! I mean lets say Fulmer was the director of sales for a big company and his company, for many years was one of the top in the country. Now for the past 8-9 years sales have dropped off and this company was now middle of the road, would he lose his job? YES!!! This is no different and its our fault as fans. We still buy the product, we buy the merchandise, we donate our hard earned money, we pay for parking passes and what do we have to show for it? NOTHING!!! Since 1998 we have No SEC Championships, No National Championships, we have zip. We are buying a Yugo at the price of a Corvette, we're getting ripped off. The fans, the players, alumni everyone but the coaches are getting the shaft, they (the coaches) are getting fatter bank accounts.

Its time to stop people, we have to show Mike H and the whole nation that Tennessee fans will not stand for mediocrity, we won't watch the team we love be sent to the cellar by an overpaid coach. If you have season tickets, take the loss for the rest of this year. The alumni will take notice when only 70,000 people show up for a nationally televised game. Don't tailgate, don't go to the strip, don't order pay per view, buisnesses will take notice as well when they struggle and then they will complain to the University. People will say they will do this but they won't, UT fans always have a small glimpse of hope, that maybe just maybe we'll turn it around. Not this fan, they'll get nothing from me until they fire the whole staff. I'll watch another team, one that plays with fire, pride and makes adjustments at halftime.

Posted by milescbt on September 18, 2007 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Once upon a time there was a company that made horseshoes. Along came the horseless carriage but the horseshoe maker said, "no worry, I will stay the course"! This is a passing fad! Coach, stop making horseshoes!!!!

Posted by bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

shopsports, the analogies of those coaches is pretty right on but there are plenty of coaches out there that can do a good job that aren't nearly as bad as those (arrogance, etc.). Pete Carroll is not that terrible just to name one. I would love to have John Gruden. I guess I'm starting to jump on that bandwagon now. Will he still be with Tampa Bay after this season though?

Posted by bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

....are pretty right...oops

Posted by vscebail on September 18, 2007 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer and company have been great for UT football. Nobody really dislikes them, personally. They are good ole boys, and they have won a lot of games in the past. -- That's the problem. Any body remember John Cooper at Ohio State? He was a good ole boy, too. He was always good for about 8-10 wins a year. But it just didn't matter, because he lost to Michigan EVERY YEAR. And the only thing that changed that was to fire John Cooper and hire Jim Tressel. Well, guess what? We are now expected to lose to Florida EVERY YEAR. In fact, if you don't count the ZOOK years, Fulmer has only beaten Florida 4 times in 16 years. It's a shame that he has never been able to adapt to or suprise any of our opponents. They now know our plays better than we do, and they know what's coming befor we even line up before the snap. We don't intimidate anybody anymore. Smokey is still snarling on the side-line, but now it is out of frustration more than anything else. I'm Sorry fans, I'm sorry students and alumni, I'm sorry players, we may still win 8-10 games a year: But IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER!!! -- Because we'll never win any other championship at this rate, and it's just too difficult for our school to part with a good ole boy!

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 12:56 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 bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jwraymond1...I have noticed that also (almost subconsciously) when I'm watching one of their games. They catch the ball and then instead of taking off downfield they are not sure what to do after that. We have been the same way in returning kicks over the years, where the return man will run right into the area where the opposing players are instead of running away from them.

Posted by jcvet on September 18, 2007 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper Taylor said he saw Fulmer stop and pick up some garbage near Gibbs Hall as Fulmer was going to work Monday morning. That explains it. Fulmer missed his calling.

Posted by Dirtdobber on September 18, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our only hope this season is to pass every down. Lets do what we can do good and that is pass the ball- We dink and dunk good. We get in trouble when our qb attempts to make a handoff with a broken finger...lets pass, pass, pass and then pass some more. The running game does not work...lets just try to focus on that in the offseaon instead of the middle of the season!
Pass-pass-pass! Im not sure but, lets try passing the ball the whole game against Ark state, try not to give up a big play on the kicking team, and get agressive on defense. We have nothing to lose at this point.

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

I don't know if the Knoxville News Sentinel reads this board or not but I think it is time to do a story about much it will take to buy Coach Fulmer and his coaches out. I feel like the game has pasted these gentlemen by and it is time to change course, not stay this course. I don't think people should be calling Coach Fulmer names, he's just a guy trying to get the job done. But like all employees who fail to meet expatiations, he should be let go. Coach you've gone further than you ever thought possible and being a good ole' boy has its advantages but it's time to go.

As for the Vols, I hang the team’s situation right where it belongs, on the coaches. I will not spend another dime on the VSAF or go to any games until there is a head coaching change and take Cutt and Chief with you.

Posted by DennisVols on September 18, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And on top of all of this that we hear from Fulmer, we hear. "Florida has tough schedule" You know if you have to win a championship by hoping your opponet (the one that whipped you) will lose enough so you can win that is so poor. Backing into a championship game is not Tennessee Tradition, Tennessee Pride. That is a defeatists approach.

Posted by GoVol on September 18, 2007 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's real simple - the SEC East is well beyond Fulmer's ability. I was at the game and have never been so humilitated to be a VOL fan and supporter. There are so many things wrong with this team it would take days to put into writing on this post. If TN ever wants to have a chance at being competive again, Fulmer will need to be replaced....pure and simple.

Posted by sjt18 on September 18, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What would it take to win you back over?

If Fulmer can run the table and figure out how to get into and win the SEC CG while getting some convincing wins along the way... then I'm back on board for another year.

And yes, I know how unlikely/unrealistic this is... but I still believe UF will lose two games in conference. At this point, probably LSU and USCe. UGA owes them but they don't look any better than UT.

This question isn't really directed to those of you who were already against CPF. I'd rather hear from those who like me were so disgusted by Sat's spectacle that you have changed to the opinion that the program is unlikely to become an elite program behind Coach Fulmer.

Posted by sjt18 on September 18, 2007 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, Please make sure marc_ash sees that. He is convinced that UT doesn't have talent.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In this article I read:

"Fulmer was obviously still stung by some of Florida coach Urban Meyer's offensive play calls and the decision to leave starting quarterback Tim Tebow in late in the game.

"I know there's mixed feeling about that," Fulmer said. "I'm not going to sit here and say all I think."

I didn't hear Steve Spurrier whining when FULMER's 1990 team beat us 45 - 3 at Neyland, and the first team for UT was on the field for UT.

Tim Tebow is a freshman. Most of the defensive players for Florida are freshmen. The whole team consists mostly of underclassmen. Are you telling me he is crying because a young Florida team stayed on the field? Get real!

The bad part is that some UT fans are more concerned over the score that was lopsided than over the fact that your coach is outdated.

Fulmer says, "I'm not going to sit here and say all I think?" What do you think Phil? Do you think you were not prepared? Do you think you were out coached? Do you think the weather was a factor?

No one dislikes UT any more than I do, but I feel sorry for the fans who have to listen while your coach tries to divert attention away from the real problem.

Posted by VolunTampa on September 18, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bricker865, I think it's too early to tell whether Jon Gruden will be with the Bucs after this season. Sunday's win over the Saints certainly helped his cause, but the thought here in Tampa is that if he fails to make the playoffs, or fails to advance convincingly in the playoffs, that the organization will let him go. Every Monday's Tampa Tribune includes a Chucky-o-Meter which gauges his job security. After the win against the Saints, the Chucky-o-Meter indicated that he was safe, but there's a lot of football left to be played this year. In the "be careful what you wish for" category, Gruden's record since winning the Super Bowl in 2002 (with Tony Dungy's talent and assistant coaches) is 27-37 in the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs. In fact, the Bucs have had only one winning record in the four seasons since the Super Bowl (7-9, 5-11, 11-5 and 4-12). Additionally, I'm not sure how his temperment would fit into the college game, but I suppose one could say the same thing about Steve Spurrier.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18: You say UGA owes us? Hell we have beaten them more than we beat you.

We may lose to LSU, SC and UGA but we beat UT. Our biggest rival is UGA and I think we will be up for that game.

Also, keep in mind that UT has to play Alabama, UGA, USC, Arkansas and UK. Alabama, UGA, Arkansas and Kentucky will beat you. Hell, Vanderbilt might!

Posted by sjt18 on September 18, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator, UM did exactly what he should have done and what you have to do in the BCS era. If CPF doesn't realize this then I am even more disappointed than I was.

It isn't likely at this point but both of these teams could end up 10-2. If so, UT might jump UF in the polls had it been a 14 point loss. The rationale could be that UT was playing at UF with a limited QB. With a 39 point win, UT would probably not pass UF if they lose 3... which is in the realm of possibility.

Posted by sjt18 on September 18, 2007 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator, Did my post somehow involve you? I asked a question of Vol fans. This being an open forum allows you to comment but your opinion on whether the scenario is likely or not has no bearing... I already know it is unlikely. It is still one of the few ways CPF could get me to take another glass of kool-aid.

The whole point wasn't: Lay a pathway for UT to win the conference. It was: What lightning strike could convince you that CPF has the program headed in the right direction in spite of the thumping UM gave him.

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

I'm with VolnTampa on this whole Gruden thing. I mean he walked into a job with Super Bowl talent and then went on to dismanle the team and make them into a non-contender. I wanta college coach who can recruit and develop players. One who lets freshman showcase their talents and basically tells a senior who can't get it done to take a seat and see what it takes to be on the field. I want a coach who jumps a players a$$ after he makes a coupleof bonehead mistakes not one who claps his hands prefusly (sp) and says thats ok boys we'll get em next time. Someone who coachs with urgency and plays to win and not to lose. A coach who has BALLS! We don't have that anywhere on that sideline, from the top to the bottom. I'm sorry Trooper fans but this year should show you how he has developed all those great underclass receivers. Chestbumping and a backwards hat doesn't account for much in my book. As for Cut, this dink and dunk crap is for the birds, we have a QB with a cannon of a arm and we're throwing 15 screens a game, GREAT GAMEPLAN! If they guy is hurt and can't make the throws I'm sure the backup can throw bubble screens too.
This team, this staff and this program is pathetic and should be ashamed and embarassed for what it has shown on the field since 2001. I'm embarassed to be a fan

Posted by joebomb on September 18, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jkillebr- It's been said on sports talk that the amount to buy out the entire staff's would be around 8 million dollars. That is a lot staring at Mike Hamilton, but if 108,000 fans donate $74.07 each...problem solved. We need Sally Struthers to head this campaign for us!!!

Posted by Colliervol on September 18, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heard George Lapides say yesterday on his talk show that he made a speech to the Memphis Touchdown Club 5 years ago. (Keep in mind that he and Phil are friends.) Lapides said in that speech that Phil's days were numbered and he just didn't realize it (in my opinion primarily because George knew that Phil isn't changing his philosophy). Obviously, from these comments, he still doesn't.

CGBTN made a key point this morning at 7:49 am and we all need to understand it. Unless the big money gets involved in a change, it will be tough and it will be interesting to see where Hamilton gets the money to buy out all these contracts. Nice pipe dream that all UT fans would contribute $10 toward it but that ain't happening. And a season ticket boycott ain't happening either. So the choices are limited if the big money doesn't take care of it. And that's a stiff lick to anybody's wallet unless you're Bill Gates.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, the key point here is that this IS an open forum.

You say UT does have talent. Where is it? My point is that you can have all the talent in the world, but without direction it is without use. The coach is supposed to provide the direction, not divert it.

Posted by sjt18 on September 18, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pete Carroll wasn't as successful in the pros as Gruden. I'm not saying he's the guy necessarily but his pro resume is better than: Brooks, Wannstadt, Carroll, Spurrier, Saban, or Weis.

Someone also mentioned Marrone the Saints' DC.

I think your chances are better with a NFL coach than trying to steal a successful coach from a BCS school, risking an unsuccessful coach, or finding a rising star in the mid-majors.

BTW, many of the successful mid-major guys right now are older coaches who've brought in young "idea" guys as assistants.

Posted by bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Instigator. Good point but this has already been mentioned 500 times. Read the other article's forums.

Posted by sjt18 on September 18, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"You say UT does have talent. Where is it? My point is that you can have all the talent in the world, but without direction it is without use. The coach is supposed to provide the direction, not divert it."

Why are you trying to create an argument where there is none? You've just restated what I've been saying... and what UM said. UT has great talent. Maybe not top 5 like UM said but certainly top 10. It isn't being developed or coached well. It might be partially Fulmer's offensive and defensive systems as well.

Trust me. I doubt you could possibly hate UT worse than I despise UF... but it is a waste of time being disagreeable just for the sake of being disagreeable.

Posted by Colliervol on September 18, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt, this is what happens when you get an "open forum" hence why I long for the pay site again. We didn't have to put up with trolls (from other programs) or most of our illiterate fans that wouldn't spend the $50 to subscribe. Although a few of the Gator fans have been more civil than I would have expected. (Guess they're OK as long as you don't put a cup of urine in their hand.) I wouldn't expect the same come Bama week, especially if they are still having a little success.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing. I lived near Knoxville the year Majors went in for surgery and Fulmer managed to take away his job.

I also remember in 84 when UF won the SEC and the NCAA agreed they could play in the Sugar Bowl if they won the SEC. UT looked around and realized they were in second place and convened a meeting of the SEC Presidents. UT complained that cheaters should not be rewarded, and that UF was cheaters. It took three schools to knock UF out of the Sugar Bowl. UT, UK and UGA voted against UF and just as luck would have it UT was in second place and managed to go in our place.

The same thing happened in 1990.

Then a year or two later UT was placed on probation and using your rules of logic UF should have gone to the bowl, but we didn't push the issue. It was interesting that Joe Johnson didn't see fit to forego that bowl trip since cheaters should not be rewarded.

Posted by Sheepscape on September 18, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton should be abashed that he A:was duped into giving Fulmer a two-year extension just a year removed from a 5-6. and B: that the university agreed to give the assistants multi year contracts. After he was caught with his arse in the breeze early on in his tenure as AD buy giving undeserved raises before the second Peach Bowl debacle you would think he would be too cagey to get taken for a ride this year following the Outback fiasco.

The extension was disguised compensation if(and now it looks like a matter of when) Fulmer is asked to move on.

Posted by bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol...I wholeheartedly agree. I had mentioned something similar back when the Uconn vs. Pat Summitt article came out and was wishing it was a pay site again also. It's a no-brainer that opposing posts would start coming through, win or lose. I suppose it's easy for anyone to feel safe behind the computer though.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol, yeah life can be full of ups and downs. Being an open forum at times like this is a real downer isn't it?

I actually do feel sorry for the UT fans. It was much more fun when it was a rivalry.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now there is a person at UT I admire. Pat Summitt is in a class all by herself. Even Steve Spurrier admires her and often uses her as an example of excellence. She should have been your men's basketball coach.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bricker865, written media always provides a degree of anonymity. Not by design, it's the nature of the beast.

Posted by joebomb on September 18, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Instagaytor- the moral of the story I guess is don't cheat then.

Posted by bricker865 on September 18, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

very true instigator. It's just if we had won believe it or not I wouldn't be rubbing it in (not compared to some of the others anyway), although most of your stuff has been real conversation, which is a nice change compared to some of the others.

Posted by JAJUAN on September 18, 2007 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer is done.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,

His posts and a few others are exactly why I posted those recruiting numbers. The raw skills are there and have been there. That raises only ONE question: Why can't these great recruiting classes compete every year (YES...EVERY YEAR) for;

1. The SEC East Crown

2. The SEC Crown outright

3. The National Championship

Like I so facetiously stated in an earlier post...I must be stupid after reading so much nonsense about "give him time", "we don't have the talent", "You aren't loyal", yada, yada, yada. GOOD GRIEF (instead of expletive deleted). Even a mediocre coach could motivate and coach that number of quality athletes to win MOST if not ALL Big Games. We have plenty of talent. The problem is it sometimes gets obscured by terrible game plans and terrible preparation, which at the time the coaches always boast,
"We really prepared well this week!" GOOD GRIEF. The only plausible explanation for failure to perform that consistently is HEAD COACHING...PERIOD! I guess we need to wait until Jupiter is in line with Mars, then Coach Fulmers zen like coaching abilities will be more easily discernable. By the way...did you ever read the short story, "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty?" It could have a title change here in the latest unreality atmosphere I have been observing.

Posted by Ditchdigger on September 18, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mark my words by the end of the season if not before Fulmer will be fired and Spurrier will be named Head coach. In 2 years we will win the SEC Championship followed by the National championship the next year. You heard it here.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secr...

Oh...I forgot...if we disagree with the over stimulated Fulmer supporters, we are ignorant and uneducated. My bad.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

joebleimeyer, you know what I was talking about!

bricker865 I'm glad you feel that I am not rubbing salt in the wound. Your "fans" are much harder on their team than am I. BUT, they expect more out of your program than the rest of us, and that's a good thing.

As an SEC fan it always concerns me when when of our power houses falls short, which is the case at UT right now. When Spurrier took the job at SC I was one Gator who was happy because it only makes our conference stronger.

Posted by VolnFlorida on September 18, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier
Petrino
and don't forget the LSU Defensive Coordinator, maybe the best of all three.
We need to come to the fact that we WILL have a coaching change and it's two years too late.
Arkansas State is chewing at the bit for Saturday night. Just ask Texas, whom Arkansas State out played and out gained, in Austin. Fulmer loses, he should be fired Sunday. I heard people pulling for Cutcliffe, you kidding me?

Posted by DadwasaVol on September 18, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am for keeping Fulmer until end of the season. Like my Dad, I am conservative and resist change. Piling on him now will lessen even further our prospects of winning, of future signing of good players, and recruiting new coaches. So this loud fans bitchin could hurt Tennessee for years to come. But if "Stay the Course" is such a bad idea then quietly go ahead and tell that to AD Hamilton, and tell President Bush, too, while you're at it.

Posted by instigator on September 18, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can take this to the bank: UT will never get Steve Spurrier. ~lol~ Y'all talk about him like he's worse than evil, and now you want him? To him it's not about money, it's about challenge. Two other schools he would never coach for are UGA and FSU.

If I were recruiting a coach I'd be looking at Rick Neuheisel (cleared of all wrong doing by a court and the NCAA) and Jeff Tedford.

Posted by VolnFlorida on September 18, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier would come to UT in a heart beat, but I think the LSU defensive coordinator may be the answer. Also, The SEC is as good as it is today because of what Spurrier brought to the conference
in the 90's. Neuheisel, that stanks. Just breathe real deep. Tedford...have another drink.
Hey, Dadwasavol...resisting firing Foolmer two years ago got us where we are now. What does Bush have to do with the SEC? you talk to him, unless he has a 4.4 / 100.

Posted by volmac72 on September 18, 2007 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay the course? That's how he killed Manning, Jamaal Lewis, D. Stallworth and others' college careers by staying the course! And this is fine with Vol NAtion??? It's ok to lose to UF, UGA, LSU, and weak ACC, BIG Ten, and PAC-10 schools? Think about it, if this was Ty Willingham or Sly Croom, they'd be ran out of town overnight. regardless of past history!! Good ole boys eat, sleeep, and lose together. Change must occur from the President down to the damn janitors, if THE Vol Nation expects any improvements for the football program. Removing the DB coach and the strength/conditioning coach won't save UT. Hamilton is gonna have to grow a pair and kick his deer hunting buddy off campus. DO we really think this will happen?? Until then, get use to 5-6 or 6-5 even on a good year. That's staying the course right? If it's good enough for phil,then it must be good enough for the team and state!

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Quote from Vince Lombardi

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

"but rather a lack of will"

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh...did I mention, "but rather a lack of will"?

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

QUOTE: BILL PARCELLS

Every coach comes to a point and looks at a veteran player ... Where is he in this world? Where are we going to be six months from now? Where will we be one year from now? If the veteran player is definitely superior and gives you a better chance to win, that's when the real conflict comes. If you think a month from now or six weeks from now or eight weeks from now this young player is going to be better than the veteran, then you have to bite the bullet.

Posted by tngeoff on September 18, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Quote: Genral Robert Neyland

"It's not the number of plays you have, but how you execute them."

Posted by Ditchdigger on September 18, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier would come to Tennessee in a heartbeat. He wanted to come here when he left the redskins. He has land here he is from here and he will retire here as a Vol.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on September 18, 2007 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator: You will not hear me complain about UM and Tebow running up the score. It is not thier fault we have a defense that is so lame it couldn't stop a peewee league. The objective of the game is to score, and if a defense can't stop it, then it gets what it deserves.

To everyone else: I have been a UT fan for a good number of years, and never can I remember things being this bad for so long. Yes, Majors outlived his purpose at UT, and now I believe Fulmer has as well.

UT's inability to run the ball is depressing to say the least. Ever since the NC the run game has been on a decline. But even at that, when there was the utilization of a full back and a trap block scheme, at least we could run for more than 37 yards a game. The truth is, no one, no one, no one has tremendous success in a pure zone block scheme.

UT's inability to complete a pass play for over 10 yards is an embarrassment. Why the heck is it that when we have a 3rd down situation, and the call is a pass play, we do not even throw the ball past the 1st down marker. This goes back to Fulmer's philosophy of "get the receiver the ball, and hope he can make a play." That kind of thinking doesn't win games.

To hear Fulmer say, "We believe in what we are doing" and "we just need to stay the course" does nothing but show his inability to make necessary changes to keep pace with the game of football, not only in the SEC, but on the national level as well. To hear Fulmer say that we have young talent that he hopes will continue to develop shows his inability to coach and develop talent to begin with. FL never seems to have that problem of underdeveloped talent. I like UM's approach, "Prove to me you can't play." Fulmer is stuck in the "prove to me you can play, then sit on the bench for 2 years while we try like heck to figure out how we can develop you and look at our options, watch film, make excuses, and destroy any chance of a truly remarkable season."

It is a shame when UT can recruit one of the most talented classes year in and year out, and develop an underachieving team year in and year out. I will not bother to go through the stats, as they have been presented so well by so many others. but, I would like to say that the dinosaur is extinct, and so is Fulmer's coaching philosophy. He may well be content with underachieving, no national ranking, no SEC championships, no respect from other SEC schools, but as a UT fan, I sure the heck am not. It is time for Hamilton to bite the bullet and do what is right. Who cares if Hamilton renewed everyone's contracts. That was stupidity on his part. UT needs new coaches with fresh ideas and a winning attitude if the ship is ever to be righted. Hamilton needs to fire the current coaching staff and get some fresh blood (not one of the good-ol-boy promotions). If not, then Hamilton needs to be fired for such a dumb maneuver on his part of extending contracts for non productive coaches.

Posted by VolsorCat on September 18, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To All: No matter how bad it gets, please don't mention Notre Dame anywhere in your comments. I have the urge to throw up whenever I hear that name. They get exactly what they deserve! Go Navy! End the streak and make 'em 0-12!

Posted by VolsorCat on September 18, 2007 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Neuheisel? Jesus that isn't who we need.....

Posted by gillblog on September 18, 2007 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm reminded of the late Al McGuire's comments about playing freshmen (yes, yes, I know learning to play basketball is worlds away from learning to play football)..something like, 'after three or four games they are no longer freshmen, they are sophomores...just keep playing them and they will get better,and they will get better quicker than if you wait to play them as sophs or jrs.

Posted by grvol on September 18, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In the car I caught a nationally syndicated sports talk show today and the topic was Fulmer. They were hee hawing out loud especially when one guy said Fulmer looked like he had the Arby's sign floating over his head. We've become a national laughing stock.

Posted by Colliervol on September 18, 2007 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gr, I wouldn't pay much attention to the national talking heads. Most of those guys make fun of anything in the South and most wouldn't know a football from a hockey puck. In the end, you are right though, the situation is not good.

sjt, you asked about fans whose opinion changed as of last Saturday. Count me in that group. I've had some doubts since 2005 but I've been hoping against hope that Phil would change and turn things around. It hit me in the 4th qtr that he isn't changing a thing and isn't going to. My grandfather told me that sometimes you have to get folks' attention like you would a mule. Hit them between the eyes with a 2 X 4. Well, the 4th qtr hit me like a railroad tie and finally clued me in.

Posted by Oldhickory on September 18, 2007 at 6:07 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 home 2000 - present
6-14 (.300) vs. Top 10 teams 2000 - present
17-21 (.447) vs. Ranked Teams 1999 - present
2-5 (.285) Bowl games since 1998 (all double digit losses)
2-7 (.222) Postseason record since 1998 including SECCG (all double digit losses)

Posted by joebomb on September 18, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great post dtaylor0730 and I'm right with you there colliervol...been trying to stay positive these last few years and not ask for any heads...but that time is over!

Posted by AllVol on September 18, 2007 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditchdigger, I would like to think that Spurrier would come, and I would gladly help roll out the red carpet. With everything Tennessee has to offer, Steve would own the SEC again, just like he did at Florida. I mean OWN it.

I talked with an Alabama fan in my neighborhood today who thinks that Phil (like Johnny) should bow out gracefully and receive his pats on the back; unfortunately, pride usually prevents a man from doing such, and I am sure it will keep Phil from doing so as well.

I'll say once more, I like Coach Fulmer as a man, and he took UT to the absolute top of college football. It is simply time for a new start. By the way, I'll stick my fool neck out and say that "staying the course" is a tragically familiar refrain, and the very poorest choice of words Coach Fulmer could have uttered. Geez, Louise . . . This season is over, and after waiting nine months, that really SUCKS.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on September 18, 2007 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks, if you want to talk about absolute humiliation, KY is in the top 25, but even worse than that, Hawaii is in there as well. And UT is no where in sight. "Stay the course" Fulmer has really done wonders with a top notch program. After the 5-6 season Fulmer said it is time for UT to get back to playing championship football. Well, Fulmer, just what are you trying to be the champions of? Talk like that might actually mean something if the coaching staff is willing to change with the pace of the game. But, Fulmer says "We just need to stay the course and keep doing what we are doing." It is time for Fulmer to go.

Posted by invisiblekid on September 18, 2007 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, this has been talked to death and I don't have much to add so I'll leave it with a quote: "What we've got here is... failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach. So you get what we had here last week, which is the way he wants it... well, he gets it. I don't like it any more than you men."

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

Boycott plan sounds good. I'll skip Ark St and GA. My GA tickets may even go to GA fans. Perish the thought? No. Someone wearing a orange jersey, a coaching visor, or sitting in the AD suite should understand, this crap won't cut it.

Our program displays no will to fight, no plan to improve, we have accepted mediocrity - check that, Hamilton, Haslam, Goodfriend, Fulmer have. I want no further part of it. Gen Neyland wouldn't baby these 18 to 21 year olds. Nor am I obligated.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on September 18, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Touchdown TN: Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if the attendance doesn't drop off. I just really hate it for the sake of the players. It is not their fault that a coaching staff that was entrusted to develop them into a contending team has a goal set for underachieving on a dead-end course. A drop in attendance will likely hurt UT's recruiting as well. When you consider other teams that have seen the need for a coaching change, isn't it amazing that they act before things happen that would hurt future recruiting? It should be hard to recruit after a losing season. I can't imagine how hard it would be to recruit after a losing season and an empty stadium.

The problem is, Hamilton thinks that if the $$$$ are coming in, then everything is OK. Truth is, most fans are patient. Most fans will endure a bad season or two every so often. But when it becomes a pattern that extends over 8 years, most fan's patience wears out. Even in the 5-6 season I was not completely ready to give up on Fulmer. I have been patient, hoping he could bring UT back to the top. But, my patience is gone, and I have heard too much rhetoric.

I do not hate Fulmer. I respect him as a decent person. I just believe he has outlived his effectiveness as a coach at UT. The big reason that is where he is goes straight back to the mentality of stubbornness borne out in his comments of "Stay the course" and "Do what we are doing."

Posted by diver132 on September 18, 2007 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ainge is a puss he can't play with a hurt fingers . He has to hand off with hes left hand to keep from hurting his poor little finger, but he can trow with it. He can't play all out then bench him and play your next man at least he'll play with everthing he has. I seen high school players play just as hurt or worse and still step up to the plate and give his or her all. Then comes fulmer if he cant play different ball and better ball then he needs to go, we need new energy like basketball got someone who will change with time use new defense and offense instead of the same old crap for the last 20 years. We have went backwards the last 5 years.He is to interested in who can donated money and his money then the team itself. him and chavis needs to get out of the old way of football and start playing some new football, better than that we need new coaching tallent.

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