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Clawson says facing Chavis will help later
Defense giving offense multiple challenges
Dave Hooker audio:
- Dave Hooker interviews QB Jonathan Crompton on Saturday’s full-contact practice
- Dave Hooker interviews WR Gerald Jones talks about fitting into UT offense
- Dave Hooker interviews DB Daryl Vereen about moving to safety from tailback
- Dave Hooker interviews DB DeAngelo Willingham about playing both safety and cornerback
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This is the hard part for offensive coordinator Dave Clawson.
Installing a new offense in his first year at Tennessee is merely part of the challenge. There's also the matter of facing off against seasoned defensive coordinator John Chavis.
On the News Sentinel's radio show, The Sports Page, Clawson said taking on Chavis' defense has its advantages, even though Chavis can make the installation a bit tougher.
"Hopefully once you get to game planning, it makes the end product a little easier," Clawson said.
That's because Chavis' multiple attacks will show Clawson's players much of what they'll see this season.
"It makes it a challenge but I think the good thing is after you get through a spring going against our defense there's not too many looks you're going to see in the season you haven't already seen," Clawson said.
Chavis' defense has throttled UT's offense in the last two full scrimmages.
"I think he (Clawson) and coach Chavis are working extremely well together," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.
Spring practice has given Clawson a better idea of what his players can do and can't do.
"There's some tweaking we're going to need to do," Clawson said. "Now I have a better feel for what our guys do well and areas that we have to protect or hide.
"I don't think necessarily the way we installed it (the offense) this spring is how we'll install it this fall. There are some changes we need to make."
Flexibility is a must. Still, Clawson has goals. With three practices remaining, he hopes to have 75 percent of his offense in place by the end of spring practice.
Holstered: Sophomore receiver Gerald Jones hasn't seen anytime at quarterback during spring practice.
"We're so focused on learning the offense at wide receiver… that we're not really concentrating on me being a quarterback right now," Jones said.
Learning receiver has been tough enough.
"Very challenging," Jones said. "Cut's (former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe) offense was a lot more simple. This is a lot more complex. It takes a lot more studying."
That doesn't mean Clawson has placed the G-Gun (the package in which Jones plays quarterback) permanently on the rack.
"He said if I can get this offense down to where I know it effectively, then we will try some of the G-Gun," Jones said.
Debate raged last fall on what the offensive package should be called. What does Jones think of the "G-Gun" name, as coined by local reporters?
"I love it," he said with a broad smile.
Jones' quickness and athleticism would seem tailor-made to excel in Clawson's offense.
"You can put so many different people in different situations to get the ball," Jones said. "It's crazy."
Full Go: In Saturday's scrimmage, UT's quarterbacks will go without the green, non-contact jerseys they've worn throughout spring practice.
"I guess you could say I'm looking forward to it because it's football and that's how it's played," junior quarterback Jonathan Crompton said. "We're not going to wear green jerseys when we go to UCLA."
Crompton is slated to take part in 32 plays Saturday.
"He's not getting the ball out on time and that's best way I know to teach him," Fulmer said.
Willing and Able: Even though safeties Demetrice Morley and Eric Berry have drawn most the publicity in UT's defensive backfield, senior DeAngelo Willingham continues to turn heads.
It's not just Willingham's athletic ability, it's also his ability - and willingness - to play safety and cornerback.
"I wouldn't say I want to be labeled a utility man," Willingham said. "But whatever helps the team win. This is my last year and I want to win a championship."
Willingham began his UT career last season at cornerback after signing with the Vols out of College of the Desert junior college. Playing two positions has been a challenge, but not quite as hard as Willingham anticipated.
"It works back and forth when you know both," he said.
Willingham said he prefers corner, the only position he's ever played before this spring. Playing both, however, will surely help UT's depth. And even if Willingham isn't a starter, he's likely to be in UT's nickel or dime package.
Daryl at D-Back: Redshirt freshman Daryl Vereen said he's looking at his move from tailback to safety as a way to help UT's team and get on the field sooner.
Vereen never played defense in high school and has never played safety. He last played defense in middle school, at linebacker.
"There's a large part of me that didn't want to leave running back," Vereen said, "(But) it's not hard to try it (defense) out when you're third- or fourth-team tailback.'
For Kicks: Sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson and Berry worked with the UT women's soccer team in the offseason to help improve their footwork. … Fulmer said senior punter Britton Colquitt is meeting all of his requirements to return to active duty after his five-game suspension. Colquitt was charged with DUI in February. He is practicing with the team this spring.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 10, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congats to Chavis and the defense for stopping an offense that has had 2 whole lives scrimmages and a few practices together. Chavis also dominated the Sandy Randers' coached offenses.
Posted by dfreeman on April 10, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That was an original thought workinlikeheck! You've been sitting on an article like this for ages haven't you?? Are you really ever positive about anything??
Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 10, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Stop following TN football, CR. You'll be a much happier person for it.
Posted by Couchdummy on April 10, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To WorkinLikeHeck:
I am tired of reading your negative posts as I try to get some insight from people who really want to discuss UT football issues in a positive interchange of thoughts. You must have an IQ of single digits and be totally without a real life!
Posted by Ironcity on April 10, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I got to say that was pretty funny Work!
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 10, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I mean I know we are trying to build Chavis' confidence back up and all but this is going over board a little bit letting the defense beat up on an offense that is clueless at this point.
Posted by dfreeman on April 10, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
workinlikeheck - While I see your point, I do not and will not understand your need to always post negative! By the way, maybe our offense isn't as bad as it sounds and the defense is what everyone outside of your head thinks... Awesome!!
Posted by nicksjuzunk on April 11, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good to hear that the D is laying it on thick. The offense needs to get some solid looks to see what will and will not work. Good to hear Coach Claw is already looking at fall adjustments in implementation.
Posted by hcjournals on April 11, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Notworking:
Alabama has a site called bamadog.com. Keep it up. That's where you will be welcome soon....We don't need it, or want it. There is your much desired reality for the day....
Posted by brdteton on April 11, 2008 at 1:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Berry and Vinson,Props...
Posted by andy112382 on April 11, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Workinlikeheck would find negative stuff to say if we were coming off a national title, so don't even give the fool the benefit of a chance to repond....probally doesn't even watch football or know how it is played, just gets on here for a reaction.
Posted by Fresh_McGee on April 11, 2008 at 2:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coach Dummy:
You say he has an IQ of single digits. Wouldn't the plural "digits" denote more than a single digit which is what you are estimating his IQ to be?
You're deep brah.
Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on April 11, 2008 at 3:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Very challenging," Jones said. "Cut's (former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe) offense was a lot more simple. This is a lot more complex. It takes a lot more studying."
Oh, Lord -- please tell me I didn't just read that.
Posted by bamacheats on April 11, 2008 at 3:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the real reason Berry and Vinson were with the soccer team was to get some play, and play they did!
Posted by VolFan_stuck_in_FL on April 11, 2008 at 4:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
anything is going to be more complex than running 3-5 yards and cutting toward the sideline. but i'm sure all that wasn't Cut's fault though. just hope that Clawson has full control when it comes to play calling
Posted by nicksjuzunk on April 11, 2008 at 4:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know it's tough but just try to ignore negative posts that seek to draw attention only to themselves.
Posted by GreerVol22 on April 11, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For all you "sky is always blue" people, workinlikeheck is just stating the obvious. At this point the D had better be stomping a mudhole in the O.
If the O was working to perfection right now then our D would sho nuff allow Florida to score bout 80.
Keep it real guys. All this positive/negative bantor is nauseating. The only "real" post was from bamacheats.
Posted by jimr07 on April 11, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
congrats to workinglikeheck for having the first negative comment. you are a sad person.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jimr, people like workinlikeheck aren't sad, miserable, or anything like it. What they are is FED UP. SOS every year, by August Flummer will be touting this team to be a BCS contender. After Florida thumps his rather large behind for the umpteenth time, we will be back in the oh so familiar position of praying that they lose 2 SEC games so we can sneak back in to the championship game. Won't happen this year, the schedule is to loaded and we will finish with 4 or more losses. I don't feel sad about it, not a tinge of misery. I just don't worry about it anymore. If the UTAD is happy with Flummer's last 7 or 8 years, it is cool with me. We have surrendered the SEC to LSU,UGA,UF,AUB and before Saban is through..... Bama.
Posted by hglover40 on April 11, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We have surrendered the SEC to LSU,UGA,UF, and AUB - but not because of poor coaching -
Avg recruiting class in the SEC since 2001 -
UGa
LSU
FLA
TN
AUB
Posted by supersteve17 on April 11, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
V-Vol,
I assume you know that "venomous" equates to "poisonous," "spiteful," "malignant?" That's what fans like you are -- poisonous. Why don't you take your venom and go poison some other site?
Posted by Greyback_Vol on April 11, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DenmarkVol-I really agree with you, although under Fulmer and Cutcliffe UT's offense has usually been more complex than most college programs. At this point it's kind of expected that the players' heads would be spinning a little, kind of like what you see with first year players in Urban Meyer's spread option. It just takes a while to learn. I do like the fact that Jones said there are so many ways to get the ball into the hands of different players. Looks like this scheme will allow for more creativity and surprises than the last system. Now if we can just get through spring without anyone else getting injured....
Posted by waterskier3 on April 11, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hglover don't post stats on here people will call you negative..... according to fulmer supporters its not the talent or coaches but the world hates the vols and that's why we continue to lose to the bettter teams in the top 25... oh yes we did beat a big 10 team.. wow...
recruiting means nothing.. just ask the NFl teams that win all the time... drafting the best talent no way we're just drafting the good guys and they will win..... :):)
everyone have a great weekend.
Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 11, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"workinlikeheck is just stating the obvious"
Is the snarky attitude necessary to state the obvious?
"We have surrendered the SEC to LSU,UGA,UF,AUB and before Saban is through..... Bama."
I will admit that LSU is the class of the SEC right now which has more to do with talent than coaching.
3 out of the last 4 say we haven't surrendered anything to UGA.
FL had a nice run in '06 but Meyer's other two seasons resulted in 4 losses each.
And Aub hasn't done squat since they went undefeated 4 years ago. (Except knock of a top 5 team here and there only to lose to Miss St the following week.)
Posted by bpvol on April 11, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, so let me get this straight....
The only comments allowed on this website are positive ones....so if we can't, won't or don't post something positive, at least your idea of positive.....
Then we shouldn't be posting....
Sorry...last time I looked, the great thing about where we live, is everyone has an opinion and the right to express it....
If you don't agree, or don't like it....don't respond...most likely will go away, after awhile....
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Alot more complex of an offense I thought we ran a pro style offense under Cut that is molded after Al Saunders who was an assistant in the early 80s who by most accounts thickest playbook in the NFL.
Posted by vscebail on April 11, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's hoping that Clawson's multiple-set offense can challenge and improve Chavis' defense, as well. I don't think that I can stomach another 59 point blow-out.
Posted by murrayvol on April 11, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
C'mon vscebail. It wasn't a 59 point blowout. We scored a few points.
Posted by pdhuff on April 11, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The real facts are that Tenn has a new offense and a 11th rated returning defense to go to battle with this fall. Now, we all hope they do well, but attacking the messengers does little to change the facts.
Like it or not Phil has a losing record vs 5 or 6 of the current coaches in the league. People, times have changed! Recruiting has fallen off, Ga has dried up for us and Bama is raiding Tenn for a few good players annually.
No one wants to hear what is becoming apparent. I've been a 40-odd year fan and live and die with them. It will take a miracle to keep from losing more than 4 games this fall, in my opinion.
We can all hope and pray for them to do their best, but will their best be good enough? We all are going to see the answer this fall.
All are welcome.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ashley darling, I recognise that you are a Fulmerista, brainwashed beyond hope. You can't be helped, but I'll try. I'm guessing you are under 25 and clueless about football other than it is a cool place to go have a few beers and hang out with some friends on a fall Saturday. I may be wrong, but that is the read I get. Losing to your biggest rival 80% of the time is reason enough to fire a coach, but this year you and your kind will gleefully shout "we'll get em next year." after Florida kicks our orange rears again. Ohio St. canned a coach with a good winning % because Mich beat him every year, then hired Tressel. Tressel started beating Michigan every year, then Michigan quietly forced Lloyd Carr's retirement. Carr's record and King Krispy Kreme's were mirror images of one another. the point is UT could do much better than Chubby Checkerboard.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ash, I have a few other names for our esteemed coach.
"Steve Spurrier's B****"
"Urban Meyer's jailhouse rape victim"
"Nick Saban's Whipping boy"
"Most popular coach in the city of Gainesville"
"Intellectually inferior to Les Miles"
"Property of Tommy Tuberville"
"Coach who lost at home to Vandy"
"Knoxville Bail Bondsman of the Year"
Flummer is just easier to type.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i have told you all before.....and this is no breaking news.....
the defense is going to have to carry tenn's team. i have no doubt in my mind about that.
any new system takes time to learn. it won't happen in september, october, or november. it won't be until spring of 2009 that the players truly feel comfortable with it. that won't be clawson's fault or the players' fault. that's how this kind of thing works.
it will be a lot of fun against "live" competition early in the year.....and on the road all year.
the defense will have to hold teams under 24 most weeks to have a chance to win.
and i am willing to bet that as the year goes on the offense will get more conservative to win games....trying to help the defense as much as possible.....avoiding turnovers and maintaining field position rather than taking chances.
it's the nature of the beast.
Posted by BOASoldier on April 11, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
blah blah blah blah freaking blah... quit trying to be another CR/workin' there venomous ... if fought with the guy for a while and although I can't stand him or his posts you have no chance of being him. I mean you can suck on his teat for a while and pretend you have a friend but stop with trying to be hardcore it isn't working... how many more days do we have til workin' goes on vacation and we get to go back to cheering for our football team without him?
Posted by auttat on April 11, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Take heart Vol Fans, even though it may irk you that these fools keep posting their garbage, it bothers them a whole lot more to know that Fulmer is STILL the coach.
Most of them show their class by downing an injured player. True character
Posted by BOASoldier on April 11, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
we all wanted change from the dink and dunk ... we have it and now we are whining about it... lmao. this is great...I'm out of here. See you all in the fall.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator...shhh, don't tell anyone that. Cut was a bum and we have Crompton at QB. We are going to have seamless transition to this more complex offense. Florida's players just had trouble picking up the spread their first year under Meyer. We'll be different and more complicated.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
workin.....
yeah, but if tenn goes 7-5, you will be the first to rip the staff as opposed to looking at it as a transition year.
if they look bad in a game or two, no slack will be given that it is a new system with a new starting qb......
it will be fulmer is an idiot and who is this moron we hired from a DII school.
Posted by auttat on April 11, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again, the Florida fan does our dirty work.
I love this guy!!
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
7-5 would be a bad year. Tell me what Florida did again in their transition year of basically an ENTIRE coaching staff. They didn't go 7-5 and were not expected to win the SEC. More like 10-3 with road losses at Top 5 Bama, @ LSU, and @ South Carolia. They also won their bowl game. The goal is to win an SEC championship.
Posted by bigbluevol on April 11, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know Venomous, Osborne couldn't beat Oklahoma, but they stuck with him. It doesn't mean Fulmer should get carte blanche, but he's not the only coach who has had similar troubles. As for your list of creative nicknames, Richt is also a coach who lost at home to Vandy and many people on here are sure that he's a great coach. Of the last 4 times they've met, Fulmer has beaten Spurrier 3. You can argue that we've had more talent, but there were years we were more talented than Florida and Spurrier beat us. The point is that there are people who don't like Fulmer and never will like him, regardless of what he does. There are people who do like him and will regardless. Despite that difference, you can still root for the same team, be encouraging and stop defaming the team just because you don't like the coach.
Posted by BOASoldier on April 11, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ok I just stated I wouldn't be back til fall but on 99gators comment to workin' ... DAMN you got knocked the F__K out. Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
7-5 tells me that we most likely beat UAB, Wyoming, Northern Ill, Vandy, UK, and Swiss State and then one of the following games (Florida, Bama, UGA, South Carolina, UCLA).
Tell me one fan that would be okay with that. I guess coaching transition changes only apply to Tennessee.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah, boa in your dreams that might have happened.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
workin....
they went 9-3.....
they won the 9 because the defense was so strong. speaking of strong, he was the coach who stayed from zook's staff. the offense was pitiful in the first half of the year.....and abandoned the spread in their off week before georgia.
from the georgia game on in 2005, they used a tight end and fullback in their offensive sets the rest of the season.
they also beat georgia, because dj shockley did not play in that game. if shockley plays florida probably would have been 8-4.
and a comparison to florida might scare some of y'all. truth be told florida's offense improved in 2006, but it was not great by any stretch.
2007, when meyer had "his guys", the offense took off. problem is the defense left town. they will try to get it back a little this year.
the question is does tenn have the defense florida did in 2005 or 2006......because you are probably going to need it.
Posted by BOASoldier on April 11, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ok I'm out again...unless workin' gets smacked around like a red headed step child once again.
lmao that was just funny... and from a Florida fan at that.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BOA, who the hell is CR? I rarely post here and I'm not aware of the regulars. BBV, what year were we head and shoulders above Florida in talent? Not in the last 15 years I assure you. We Vol fans may have thought we were but we weren't. P.S. I used to be a Kool-aid drinker too. I try to take off the orange glasses and see thing how they really are these days.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So 9-3 and you beat UGA's back up QB.
If we play a backup QB it's an automatic loss for us (see LSU in 2001 and 2007 SEC title games).
Then your offense didn't improve any in 2006 and you won a national title.
So what you are telling me is that the offense is going to struggle, we are basically depending on Chavis (that's really comforting) to save the season and keep the ship above water, and that if we go 7-5 everyone should be happy and chalk it up to coaching transition?
Fulmer already had his 7-5 season (5-6 in 2005). Going 7-5 should be unacceptable at Tennessee. 8-4 (regular season) was at Florida under Zook and at UGA under Donnan.
Posted by bigbluevol on April 11, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't say head and shoulders more talented. There were years, like Peyton's senior year, we should have won the game based on talent. We probably should have won the 2005 game we lost to Spurrier, but the tailspin was in full effect. The point is that many of your nicknames aren't accurate. You have the right to bash Fulmer. I can't say I speak for everyone, but what is frustrating is to hear the constant stream of negativity under the veil of "realism." Each season stands on its own and until this one plays out, why not root for the guys and enjoy the ride? Rooting for someone to lose their job just doesn't seem to be a great thing to do, in my opinion.
Posted by bigbluevol on April 11, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I should have said we probably should have lost the 2005 game on talent alone. We undoubtedly should have won it, period. However, extenuating factors proved to have a major effect on that game.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
again....
i just pulled 7-5 out of thin air. criticism is fair, but it has to come with some sort of perspective.
for instance, florida's season last year. there were gator people upset with the season. losing 4 games, giving up so many points...etc.
well, they won a national title in 2006. lost their all time leading passer and about 15 total starters including 9 on defense.
odds are when that happens, you are not going to be as good the next year (unless you are ohio state...sarcasm is displayed here).
same with florida's basketball team. some people went ape that they were in the NIT. they just won back to back titles and lost their squad to the NBA and people did not expect problems?
that is why i ask you all what you expect. if you expect 9-3 and you go 9-3, what are you upset about.
i live in jax, fl. there were jaguar fans upset that the jags lost a playoff game on the road, to an undefeated team at the time.
that's the kind of thing i can't understand.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If we should have beat Surrier in 05, should we have lost last year? Recovering your own fumble 20 yards downfield to set up a game tying field goal after blowing a 3 touchdown lead is lucky no matter how you slice it.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Both cases Florida is coming off of a national title. It's easier to for the majority of fans to take a few losses. You've said before yourself that Florida fans wouldn't have put up with the results Fulmer has had the last 9 years. They didn't with Zook. If Meyer has Top 5 recruiting classes (not saying we pull in top 5 classes every year) and continually goes 9-4 every year and goes 9 years without an SEC title, Florida fans would be restless.
Posted by bigbluevol on April 11, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Luck is part of it. Sorry. Plenty of teams benefit from it. LSU was lucky in 06 that the refs didn't rule accurately about Russell's fumble. Nebraska was lucky that they kicked that ball and caught it. Colorado was lucky to get a 5th down. LSU was lucky again this year to have all those teams lose so that they could play for the championship. Stop knocking Fulmer as lucky when he wins.
Posted by BOASoldier on April 11, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THE VOL FAITHLESS!!!
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
personally,
i don't think tenn will lose 5 games in 2008.
but, if you want to talk about the state of the program and the direction it is going in....that is a different debate.
right now, tenn should not win an SEC title. they are not the most talented team in the league. i would make an argument that there are at least three teams more talented.
so, if you want to ask the question.....will tenn ever be the "team to beat" as long as fulmer is still head coach......
that is a different question that would get a much different response from me.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Venoumousvol, to use OSU and the Weak 11 as an example of how you can can a winning coach and get away with it... suggests maybe you don't know as much about football as you think you do.
No conference has nearly the concentration of coaching talent that the SEC has... It isn't even ballpark close.
Two points. Losing to UF this year is far from a foregone conclusion... and if you feel that way, you really should give up following the team... it isn't good for your mental health.
Second, there's alot of us who think CPF should be treated fairly and respectfully but do not believe he should continue to get a free pass while losing to UF and failing to win championships or appear in BCS games.
You really, really don't have to be a negative jerk to say someone must meet a standard or even that they aren't meeting what you think the standard should be.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
workin
no, you are right.....i said long ago....fulmer would have been fired at florida after 2005. i have no doubt about that.
keep in mind.....spurrier had a nemesis while he was at florida....FSU. most schools have that one school they can't beat or lose more often than win.
texas is not going to fire mack brown, because they lose the majority of time to oklahoma. generally speaking, they beat everyone else.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree it happens to every team. The thing is people that believe with all their heart when PF says "we were only a few plays away from being 11-1." These same people won't accept we were a very few fortunate plays away from being 6-6 last year.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"BBV, what year were we head and shoulders above Florida in talent?"
What years did the state of Tn produce as much HS talent as GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, or SC? Tennessee is the 3rd most populous SEC state and is only ahead of KY in homegrown talent. They're about the same as Arkansas.
UT's record under Fulmer is amazing considering the weakness of their home recruiting base. Almost as bad- the state's best talent is in the far west... and closer to 4 other SEC schools than UT.
Posted by drwfocus on April 11, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You all just don't understand, WorkingLikeHeck and Venomous and others have as much right to their opinion as anyone. But, opinions are like a$$ holes, everybody has one. Just some more than others.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A gator fan defending Fulmer. I don't blame him. I wish Bama had kept Mike Shula and LSU had kept Dinardo, SC kept Brad Scott, UGA had held on to Goff the list could go on. Thank you 99Gator, you prove my point. The funny thing is some people are cheering you on, not taking the time to realize what you are doing.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18, you really should credit Tennstud when you copy and paste his opinions.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While this is true sjt, it wasn't a problem in the mid to late 90s. It will be interesting to see how we do instate the next couple of years because supposedly there is going to be some good talent. In particular, Alabama signed some good talent from Tennessee although it's debatable how much of a chance we really even had with Barret Jones, the Chris Jordan wasn't from Tennessee, and Donta Hightower. Those were 3 of the top 10 players in state. If Bama continues to do this and we aren't going into Alabama and getting our share of comparably ranked guys than I'll be worried.
Posted by auttat on April 11, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's Workin's attitude that I can't handle. It's like a right of passage to some fans that the team they pull for should win all the time. Like, the whole reason they play is to satisfy your @$$! Tennessee has won one NC in the last 60 years and the coach to do it gets no respect. The basketball team wins a regular season SEC for the first time in 40+ and the coach could run for Governor. Nevermind the fact that he is yet to do anything any different than the coaches that preceded him.
I often defend Fulmer on here because of the attitude displayed by a select few. Bottom line is, I want them to win and it's time they started winning again. However, I am a realist. UT isn't Florida, or USC, or LSU. The recruiting base isn't there. I think for a coach to accomplish what Fulmer has accomplished deserves a little more respect.
Posted by johnlg00 on April 11, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DenmarkVol, I had the same reaction you and many others had! We have been told forever that the reason we have so few freshmen make a real contribution on offense is because our system is "too complex" for them to master right off the bat. And NOW we are told that Clawson's offense is even MORE complex? Don't guess we can expect any playing time for any of our newcomers this fall! Or for any newcomers to EVER make an early contribution. I'm sure much of that reaction by the players is because the terminology and some of the sets are unfamiliar, rather than "too complex" in any absolute sense, but the choice of words just struck me as funny.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
auttat can't handle me...LOL! Who said anything about national titles? An SEC would be a starting point.
Pearl has only accomplished what other basketball coaches have? MMMMMMKKAAAYYYY!!!!
Name one other UT coach that has gone to 2 Sweet 16s? Name the UT coach that has the most NCAA victories in only 3 years on the job? How many coaches did we go through to win our first outright SEC title in 41 years? Yeah, that's no different than any other UT basketball coach. Tell me auttat, what kind of program Pearl inherited? Fulmer inherited a pile of freaking gold after he took over from Majors compared to what Pearl was left with from Buzzball.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
7-5 should cost CPF his job.
As I've mentioned many times here, CPF should be required to keep improving. He should not be allowed to plateau for more than a year. He should not be allowed to backslide at all.
10 wins should be the absolute minimum and that should only buy him one more year. The expectation should be either a championship or at large BCS bid THIS YEAR.
99gator, a couple of things.
I do understand what you are saying about transition periods but it SHOULD be somewhat easier at UT. UF changed not only the playbook but the skill sets needed to run it. UT isn't doing that very much. By and large, the players suitable for Cut's system are suitable for Clawson's. UF still hasn't found an RB. Their WR's had to adjust. Leak wasn't a spread option guy. Didn't they even have to change the "shape" of your OL's?
Second, CPF shouldn't have the luxury of winning less than 10 games... not because of this year or last or the one before that or even 2005. He should be on a short rope because he failed to lead well from 99 to 2005. He tolerated Sanders as he squandered talent, failed to produce points, and ran the O into the ground. He failed to maintain any semblance of discipline on or off the field.
I like Fulmer. I support him. I defend him when people are unfair or personally attack the guy... but he's in a hard spot precisely because that's where he's put himself.
Neither of us know which direction they're going from here. But the standard shouldn't change regardless.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Venomousvol, I recognize the name Tennstud... but that's all. I definitely haven't read enough of his opinions to have them shape mine.
Posted by jack_2222 on April 11, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The same posters thought Randy Sanders was pathetic as OC, they say Cutcliffe was pitiful, they say Chavis is bad, they claim Ainge was gutless, they say UT's strength and conditioning staff is clueless, they say CPF is terrible and they are certain 7-5 is the best UT can possibly be in '08.
Vandy beats UT every quarter century and they say that's totally unacceptable. Florida comes in 3rd in the SEC East and loses their bowl game to a team with a lame duck coach but these same posters say UF is the greatest. UGA gets pounded consecutive years by UT and loses at home to Vandy but these posters believe UGA is terrific. Auburn gets beat at home by USF but they're awesome. UL Monroe manhandles the Tide in Tuscaloosa yet Alabama is wonderful. LSU beats Ohio St far worse for the NC than they did UT to win the SEC but what does that matter? UT wins its bowl game but they only beat a Wisconsin team which won consecutive bowl games over Auburn and Arkansas so who cares.
They never offer any specific alternatives, just negative criticism, then tell you this is America and that's their right. And they're absolutely correct- they definitely have the right to be unhappy, to whine that the sky is falling, to feel victimized because UT's football program doesn't meet their standards of excellence.
Let no one deny their right to base their self esteem, their personal respect and self image on what UT accomplishes on the playing field.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Horse crap! That was almost word for word the same recruiting base speech TS has been spouting forever.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18.....
point about the offense is true. they did not need to change the shape of their lineman though.
the coaching transition is usually more mental than physical. it is the mental part i would be concerned about.
i personnally think the direction of the program is stagnant. i don't think it is descending, but i don't think it is ascending either.
who would you all pick to win the divisions and the overall title next year?
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Workin, I agree that CPF and staff have to do a better job in state. They also have to capitalize on the new guys' familiarity with the mid-Atlantic states and Ohio.
The 90's were different in a lot of ways. The most significant is that there were more have nots in the SEC than there are now. UGA was down. Neither MS team was any good. LSU wasn't very good. UT was the best game going outside of UF. On top of that, none of the Carolina schools were any good nor were the Va schools.
Oh... and FSU and Miami were competing more for FL's best players.
Times have changed.
I'm not sure whether anyone can win that consistently at UT any more. I actually think CPF has about as good a shot as anyone... but if he doesn't do it over the course of the next year or two... someone else should get their shot.
The only way to really "fix" the problem is to improve Tn football from grade school up through HS... and CPF has nothing to do with that.
Posted by spam247buster on April 11, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fulmer has beaten steve spurrier 3 out of the last 4 times, including beating what was supposedly the most-talented uf squad ever (2001).
Only someone stuck in the '90's (or possibly an idiot) would refer to Fulmer as spurrier's "B****".
As for the remark about "surrendering the SEC" to other schools, I seem to recall that UT was in the SEC Championship last season, while UGA and uf (and spurrier) were stuck at home watching on TV. Too bad Fulmer threw those two key interceptions in the 4th quarter against eventual National Champion LSU, though. Oh wait, he didn't throw those, did he?
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator, I thought Zook played the OL's big... no?
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
he liked them big.....so does meyer. meyer likes them to move, because they will pull more....
but, the pouncey twins (returning starting guard and new center) are bigger than their predecessors.
Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 11, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One common theme is that jack_2222 conventiently leaves out si that Bama, LSU, UGA, Florida, and Auburn have all won more recent SEC titles than Tennessee has. That's what Fulmer likes to call SEC parity though, although SEC parity has yet to cycle towards us for some reason. I like how you cherry-picked a few games that other teams lost and touted an Outhouse Bowl victory to make the claim that we are indeed still relevant.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jack, I said Sanders was awful... and said so before the collapse of 05. Cut was very good- he restored order on a sinking ship. Had he stayed, I would have had just as much confidence or more about the upcoming season... to the degree I have confidence. (Crompton wouldn't be the QB now though IMHO).
Ainge was injury prone. Cut taught him to unload the ball to avoid injury. Most NFL QB's do the same thing.
I don't like Chavis' philosophy. He plays guys too small and especially DL's and MLB's. But he has been successful so I don't pick that nit too often.
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator;
IMHO, college football pretty much comes down the the defensive front. If they are studs, you win. If they are not, you lose.
Sometimes a really great offense can win a NC, but you can find innumerable examples of the 'real' fact being the team could rush the passer and stop the run.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Proof that Fulmer is Spurrier's B****
http://www.strangecock.com/2006tennes...
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A view of the spread:
The spread offense requires more intelligent players at every position. I am not sure UT is tooled for that. It is a rule of thumb that the mroe athletic the player, the less that player has developed his ability to learn (he isn't 'naturally' stupid, he's just never had to learn!!!).
The better workers of the spread tend to be mid-level programs with mid-level athletes.
Maybe you don't agree, and I'll admit it's not scientific, but it sure seems to work that way.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator,
IMO, the winner of the UF v UT game will win the East and the SEC. UGA could be the best team of the 3 (though I honestly don't think so) and still lose 3 or 4 SEC games. Playing Bama, LSU, and Aub in the same season is a killer. USC has a slim chance since all their tougher games are at home except UF... but they are still well behind in raw talent.
The West is a jumbled mess so I'll default to LSU. Aub looks to have a favorable home schedule but they do play UGA and UT. Plus, they'll be trying to install the spread with not nearly the talent Meyer inherited on O. Muschamp leaving will also effect their D.
Bama's road schedule is Ark, UGA, UT, and LSU... I don't think they'll win the last 3 and may not win the first one. In fact, I think Clemson, MSU, Ole Miss, and Aub bring them to 8 very loseable games. They could be good but the chances are better that Bama fans will be on the warpath after losing 5 or 6 games this year.
Posted by TommyJack on April 11, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jack_22: Critical comments about TN problems equates to low self esteem? Self image? Personal respect? What a bizarre thing to say. That's a huge leap, jack. Down with the psycho-babble.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Venomousvol, If you are going to use CPF's record against SS in the 90's against him... then be fair enough to say CPF's overall 90's record secures his job now.
It is inconsistent to say the 90's don't matter out of one side of your mouth then say they do out of the other.
CPF's recent record against Miles- marginal, Saban- bad, Richt- excellent, Spurrier- good, Tuberville- bad, Meyer- very bad.
If this is a "what have you done for me lately" situation then it should cut both ways.
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coaches and the NC and playoffs;
If you look around the country, you'll see teams like Texas, Tenn, Okla, Wisconsin, Michingan, UGA, Wash, WSU, Arizona....
What do they all have in common?? Well, they win an NC about once in a blue moon, they normally play good, competitive ball, and at some point in time they go trhough periods of coaching stability.
Ok, what's my point?? Well, any more, I don't believe there is a 'star coach', 'star offense', or 'star anything'. Parity has indeed set in. Based on thie parity, it's time for a true playoff:
-coaches can lose 2 or even 3 games and be in the playoff picture
-coaches will develop depth (play mroe players) for the playoff run
-coaches who get more 'developmental' talent, such as UT often does, get more time to teach
-teams playing well at the end of the season get rewarded
-and, finally, once and for all, we get rid of the bonehead 'voting' system that determines the NC participants. Anyone involved with SEC football HATES the system.
I don't care how you want to work the bowls, or whatever. I think something no one has thought of is to market naming rights for each round's game: 'Tostido's Tenn-Okla Round 1', 'Frito's UGA-USC Round 1'....etc.
I DO say you start with a LOT of teams, maybe even the top 32. Why? The same reason as basketball. YOu never know when a Geoge Mason or Davidson will pop up. Plus, the 32 gets rid of the bias against smaller conferences.
Posted by GerryOP on April 11, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good one TJ!
Posted by thesavageorange on April 11, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator ,Florida.Most manageable schedule, most depth, and I don't see Richt taking Meyer 2 yr's in a row.
VenomousVol & WorkinLikeHeck, Just curious!What would be acceptable for the Vols to accomplish next yr.For me it's 10-2.9-3 isn't acceptable b/c most likely that would mean we dropped 3 of 4 against UF,GA,AL,AU.Serious question not a argument starter.
Posted by givehim6 on April 11, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I for one am glad the d is kicking butt, seems like the past few years UT's defence has been playing a bit sluggish, maybe having to coach against a new system has woke chavis up, and we will get to see the swarming defence we had 10-12 years ago! Maybe Chavis is trying to show Clawson the speed of SEC football he will be seeing this fall. GO VOLS!
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator can correct me if I'm wrong...
I think UF wins the SEC east, as I think UGA is overrated. I'm not sold on Stafford.
Throw out UGA's game with Hawaii: Brennan was bug-eyed the whole game, couldn't hit the ground with the ball.
IF UF has a defense, they'll win. UT won't win, because I don't think Crompton is going to be the right QB for the spread.
I have to throw in a caveat: UT COULD have a 'special' defense, in which case we could kick butt...we won't know that for a while.
So, for now, I'll pick UF on the premise that they will have a D (and a backup passer for Tebow).
Posted by TommyJack on April 11, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker: You could be right. I hate it, but I fear that the Big Dawg will eat.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker
i am encouraged, but have no proof of what the florida defense will look like.....but, other than georgia....i expect most of the offenses on florida's schedule to be worse.
florida will put up 30 or more a game.....against virtually anyone......especially if they have the same amount of turnovers they did last season.
so, to beat florida, another team has got to put up points. i don't think most of the offenses in the SEC will be equipped to do that.
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator:
do you have a backup passer?? INHO, UF's weekness is putting Tebow in a dropback game, like Mich did. When you had Leak, you had the best of both.
Every opponant will be trying to copy the Mich game plan.
I really do like rotating QB's, when it is done without controversy. Hell, there are times you need the guy with the arm, and times you need the guys with the quicks AND a little bit of arm.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker
florida will spot a backup qb a play here and there, they way they did with tebow in 2006.
but, keep in mind florida scored 35 against michigan and had a td called back for a penalty. also, tebow should be a better pure qb in 2008.
regardless, the question is can this gator team score 35 and still lose. you are supposed to win when you put up 35.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18 , Fulmer is 3-4 against Richt. I wouldn't call that excellent.
TSO, I want to beat Florida first and foremost, and follow that up with a SEC championship and BCS appearance. Do that and the overall record is irrelevant. We won 10 games this year and have nothing but an Outback Bowl championship to show for it. 9 wins would be fine as long as one of them is the first week of December in the Georgia Dome.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
again.... the offenses florida will face.....
miami....major problems everywhere offensively.
tenn- new qb, new system
ark- no mcfadden, no jones
lsu- will perilloux be playing, suspended or in jail.
sc- has the visor found a qb. and is he really not going to call plays
ky- no woodson
georgia is the only one who returns better or more experienced personnel from 2007
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker, UT isn't installing the spread. Where did you get that from?
Clawson appears to be installing something alot more akin to a west coast offense. If Crompton is anywhere near his hype, he's nearly ideal for that system.
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
unreal.
I never get it that as long as we beat so-and-so, that is okay. It is NOT okay to me to blow games you should win, but beat some hokey rivalry game. Beat UF and lose to USC, Aub, and UGA, and that's okay?? BS!!!! I can take a loss to UF or BAma if it's an 'honest' loss and we win what we SHOULD win.
Besides, when you are in the SEC, just about every game is naw a 'rivalry' game. I can remember when Ole Miss and Auburn where 2 of our biggies.
Posted by bigbluevol on April 11, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker, Clawson has run the spread before, but that's not what we're going to be running this year. I think the bigger issue with Crompton is will he play like he did against LSU more times than he plays like he did in spot relief this past year. I know that there's a tremendous difference, but he did throw several Int's last year and that has been his problem in spring practice. Again, some of that is the new offense, receivers slipping, etc but his decision making is the biggest question mark, I think.
Posted by thesavageorange on April 11, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VenomousVol ,Fair enough.
UGA might be falling into the same trap UT did in 05'.Everyone is telling them how great they are and how they were cheated out of a shot at the title etc.....Stafford hasn't shown me anything, yet he gets hyped by everyone.He also doesn't have any proven receivers, and no proven depth behind Moreno.He reminds me of Mitch Mustain, whom IMO will never see a snap at USC.Once ESPN falls in love w/ someone they never let it go.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VV, CPF is 3 of the last 4 against Richt and the last two have been dominating blowouts.
Make up your mind and stop cherrypicking the data. If you want to talk about what CPF has done lately, let's do that. But you don't get to arbitrarily exclude any accomplishment just because it balances against his failures.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"georgia is the only one who returns better or more experienced personnel from 2007"
That isn't true. JC has as much or more talent than Ainge had. New system? I think you are overplaying that a bit because of your own experience.
Nonetheless, UT lost only Ainge and Brown from last year's O. UGA lost two OL's, Bailey (I think he led them in receiving), T Brown, and Mikey Henderson. They are hoping some freshman WR's are the answer...
If you still want to say that UT doesn't worry you because of a "new" (RS JR) QB and a new system... that's OK... but if you do, UGA should worry you even less.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe you accuse ME of cherry picking. Overall he has a losing record against the top 6 coaches in this league. TT,UM,SOS,LM,MR,NS all have winning records over Fulmer. Spin that.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VV, Richt hasn't beaten CPF without Randy Sander's help...
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A note on UGA;
the D will be okay, Moreno is great. Weakness is Stafford.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That is truly priceless.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18
crompton may turn out to be great. but, i don't expect much out of first year starting qb's.
trust me, i was the one man trying to calm down the tebow hype because i thought it was setting the kid up for failure.
well, he did well (obviously). but, tebow is by and large an exception. facing crompton will be different in september than november.
in addition, i have no fear (and am not afraid to say it ) of the tenn receiving corps. jones, paige and other folks better get up to speed. briscoe and rogers aren't going to strike fear in anyone.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VV, I'm not trying to spin anything. If you want to talk about what's happened since 98... I'm fine with that. From 99 to 2005, there was definitely more bad than good and much to be critical of.
But if you want to bring Spurrier or even Richt into the conversation then you are relying on what happened more than 4 years ago to "spin" in negative. In the last 4 years, he's dominated both of them.
It isn't "fair" of you to say losses to Spurrier in the 90's while he was at UF count but CPF's dominance of everyone else during that time doesn't.
I'm not asking you to do anything but recognize what good there is along with the bad rather than trying to spin everything into a negative. Just show some integrity and balance with your arguments.
Posted by VenomousVol on April 11, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt, How about this....Fulmer hasn't beat Richt without Ainge.
Posted by bigbluevol on April 11, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Briscoe actually has stepped his game up considerably. I think that between him, Taylor, Jones, Moore and Paige we are going to have a great receiving corps. I read in the Tennessean where Fulmer was not happy that Jones didn't get more touches in the scrimmage last Saturday. He will be a major focal point of what Tennessee does this year.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator, "IF" a RS JR doesn't step on the field ready to fully replace or exceed the last guy... he shouldn't step on the field at all.
I can think of several situations where RS Fr and true Sophs have stepped in after a SR and struggled... but I can't think of anyone with JC's situation that struggled who then progressed into a good player. If he struggles, it will probably be because he simply isn't good enough to play the position in the SEC.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18....
i understand but all things being equal.....
i will take a true soph with one year of playing experience over a reshirt junior with virtually no playing time.
don't read any of this into a prediction about florida-tenn.
i am worried about any road game where the home team will sell out mentally and physically in order to win.
tenn showed what can happen when a good team playing at home really wants a game when they beat georgia last year.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"sjt, How about this....Fulmer hasn't beat Richt without Ainge."
That would be a true statement... though not as much a relevant cause of the effect that we are talking about. CPF failed to lead and manage the team after the NC. He let loyalty to Sanders blind him to the fact that offensive output declined and stayed down.
Fulmer made changes after 05. He got rid of Sanders obviously. He also handled this year's discipline problems differently than those leading up to 05. He gave way too many passes then and seemed to cover for guys. He's dismissed 4 players within the last year who could have started or contributed.
I don't know if he's done enough or not. I'm concerned as it seems Chavis has gotten hardly any pressure at all over the past two years though it is HIS horrible recruiting that has primarily left them in the pickle everyone laments. The guys who left had been carrying Chavis in recruiting.
I am willing to wait and see how it ends up though rather than assuming I already know.
Posted by auttat on April 11, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Workin, you are not going to get any argument out of me about who the basketball coach at UT should be. I'm just as happy as the next guy that he is there. Just anxious to hear your tune when he has a down turn. Which he will, most likely next year.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't want to just dance round and round with you on the QB thing...
But what I'm basically saying is that if a guy who has been in the program for 3 years can't step on the field with 9 returning starters plus more than capable replacements for the other position and perform... he isn't worth the investment in time.
UT nor any other school can afford to squander 9 returning starters, 5 of whom will be SRS, on a QB for just next year. If you are going to do that, bite the bullet, bench that RS JR, and start over with your Fr or Soph.
The expectations for Crompton are rightly high.
Posted by TnKyFlAlGaScLaAkMi on April 11, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VV said - "I agree it happens to every team. The thing is people that believe with all their heart when PF says "we were only a few plays away from being 11-1." These same people won't accept we were a very few fortunate plays away from being 6-6 last year."
Now you are arguing against yourself. Every team has a few games that could go either way. Our NC year, they ALL went our way. Our 5-6 year NONE went our way. We were a few plays from being 6-6, but by your OWN argument, Fulmer was right also, and we WERE a few plays from being 11-1.
We were also 1 play away from being SEC Champs in my opinion, as without the 1st interception, the 2nd wouldn't have been as costly or costly at all. But last year, everything went LSU's way instead. Especially against UT and UF. Not against Ohio State though. Hell, 7 SEC teams last year would have beaten them in the NC game.
Your poison is more of an irritating rash than a biting deathknell. More like a mosquito than a scorpion.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IOW's 99gator, if JC can't do it with 9 returning starters this year, what will he do with 6 returning starters next year that's going to be better?
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18
it probably doesn't matter anyway. tenn got whipped up front (against florida) on both lines of scrimmage last year. they are going to have to run the ball, stop the run and get pressure on the qb. crompton is not responsible for any of these tasks.
if they don't, all the other stuff is irrelevant anyway.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UT was NOT just a few plays away from 11-1 this past year.
They could have won the CG. You could even argue they were a hand full of plays away from beating Cal... but Bama and UF... would have taken more than a few plays to win.
Posted by thesavageorange on April 11, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator ,Paige has been the only receiver to get deep on our secondary in the scrimmages.He has looked the best so far,runs a legit 4.4,is 6'3 and up to 185lbs.If he can get to around 195 this summer,we may be lookin at a Meachem prototype.Plus the strong point of this group is speed, and Ainge couldn't or wouldn't throw it deep.Our most productive receiver last yr was Taylor and he is also our slowest at 4.6...The talent is there ,but you're right, they haven't done it on the field.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Probably true 99gator.
Did UF have another game against a good opponent when your DL clearly won the battle?
I know your OL won some... even when you lost the game.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18
anyway, you still are supporting my point that florida's schedule faces weaker offenses in 2008 than in 2007.
i will add tenn to the list with georgia and say there are only two offenses they will face that will be better this year to last.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18
believe it or not (and statistics lie).....florida was the number 1 defense against the run in the SEC last year. not playing arkansas was probably the main reason.
they were dominant up front against florida state and vandy as well. looking at numbers, it was a much different defense in gainesville as opposed to away from gainesville.
but, florida also was playing to at least stop something. they gave up (in most games) trying to stop the pass (because they couldn't) and focused on at least stopping the run.
Posted by nUTsack on April 11, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is the motivation behind most of these post. WE all have the same goal (for the most part)and that is to have a national power football program. What I read here day after day is: Over complaining and never happy vs all is good and UT is the greatest team ever. Reality is some where in the middle. We can debate the solutions all day and still not figure it out. To do so would make you a multi-million dollar coach, which none of us are.
WE are passionate fans and this leads to all the internal arguing. Lighten up on one another. Stop bitching about what someone else has to say over and over and over. This is an opinion site, so let it be that. You are only encouraging what you hate.
I for one hope for 14-0 every year but will take what I get. I love UT Football as much as anyone; guaranteed! It is much more fun to read your insight (which some of you are great at) or the latest scoop on whats happening rather than "whose an idiot". Keep the FRITTERS coming though.
Reality is a wonderful thing. Fantasy is too, but know the difference.
Posted by TnKyFlAlGaScLaAkMi on April 11, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We were there with FL but then had the turnover on the drive we were within reach. And I watched Tebow throw against other teams, and he never had a better pass last year than the one out of his own end zone against TN. Those 2 plays were less than a few plays and ended up changing that entire game. Now I know you know football better than everyone sjt', but I know enough that should we stop Tebow on the two or get the safety, and convert the turnover drive to points for us, chances are as likely as a 6-6 season that we could have won that game. California was about the same way. 1 loss would be Alabama. A few plays away, not points.
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18;
disagrre to some extent about the Bana game. We were in the game, Phil took us out by punitng on 4th and short.
And, yes, Cal COULD have gone our way. LSU COULD have gone our way. As maybe you or others said, itg's a moot point, that goes on all the time... a play here or there...
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator, sjt18;
in arguing about QB's, yes, it does come down to the o and d lines. I say that in almost every football blog (people are sick of it, I think).
I am not sold on Crompton at all. Yet, if he is the starter, he amy step it up and be just fine. Remember Darryl Dickey, or the 'other' Clausen (can't remember his name!!), both barely able to throw the ball 10 feet but won some big games. I think DOUG Dickey could've been QB and won games with that UT team...
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
all
the florida game was lost in the 1st qtr. not the 3rd, not the 4th, not arian foster's fumble....the 1st qtr.
tenn's 1st possession. dropped a pass on 3rd down to force a punt.
2nd possession- interception in the red zone on a drive that started in florida territory.
3rd possession- punt on a drive that started around the 50.
4th possession- field goal on a drive that started around the 50 and was stopped due to a failure to convert on 3rd and short.
during this time....florida had two possessions. 6 plays, 2 punts, no first downs, and had a 7-3 lead thanks to a punt return.
on florida's third possession....TD and the offense rolled the rest of the game.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator... man, I'm really, really sorry.
I wasn't just trying to get you to say UT would be better. They may not be... but I think there chances are at least a little better than UGA's. They've got a 3 year starter at QB that is still a serious consistency question mark... and then they lose alot of their production.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UF definitely has the best schedule other than UT away. I agreed with that all along.
The reason I think UT will win the East if they are able to beat UF is that they will have stopped or at least slowed a fully loaded spread by one of the best coaches of that system. The following week they have Aub who is trying to install the spread with lesser players. If UT beats UF, they should beat Aub.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18
i understand. we have different perspectives on georgia. you saw tenn beat'em like a government mule.
i saw georgia beat florida like a gov't mule.
i am not a big fan of stafford. but, he is entering his third year. but, georgia took off by by pounding the rock with moreno.
my problem with tenn isn't really crompton. i am not a fan of foster or the receiving corps.
i don't remember seeing guys who could take a routine play and take it to the house.
but, paige, jones, etc may have that ability. i liked what i saw from jones against lsu. he can make people miss. rogers and bricoe, from what i saw don't.
brandon warren is a stud who i believe in a lot. so, if he gets on the field, that is huge.
but, some of this is skewed perspective i have on tenn being a florida fan. tenn has not had its best days offensively against florida, so i am not as inclined to recognize the ability that's there.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What 99gator said concerning the UF game... as sickening as it was, they didn't just win the game on a few plays. They won most of the plays and UT did a wonderful job of shooting themselves in the foot.
mparker, if UT had stopped the hitch at any point during the Bama game... I might agree one bad coaching decision turned the game. Had Ainge not been so cold and the running game so ineffective... I might agree. Bama was one of the few teams that broke the code on Ainge and figured out that they really... really didn't have to worry about anything over the top.
It also didn't help that JPW had the best game I've ever seen him play.
Posted by TommyJack on April 11, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker: JC may NOT be the man. All I'm saying is he's had precious little chance to prove it either way. For that I will always blame Cutcliffe.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the guys who hurt UF worst for UGA... are gone, right?
Fair enough on Foster. I'm hoping that the coaches aren't lying when they've started using words like "explosive" or "burst" to describe him going through the line. His straight line speed isn't terrible, just not great. Creer does have breakaway speed if they can get some of the other skills down pat. Hardesty is one of the best RB talents to ever get to UT... and I'm not blowing that out of proportion. He has good size, great vision, great power, very good speed, exceptional cutting ability... He's just never healthy for long enough to make an impact.
Fair enough on the WR's too. Briscoe is a little better than you think. I like Rogers but he doesn't do anything that scares you. He, Hancock, and Taylor are "good", dependable WR's. Paige and Jones have potential. Moore has above avg speed but his WR skills are maybe a little lacking. It will be interesting to see what they do with Abrams-Ward right off the bat. O'Neal is all but forgotten.
UT's TE's should probably concern you some with or without Warren... who might well be a DE if he makes it in. Stocker and Cottam can both catch and run with it. If Warren doesn't make it in or is converted to DE, I wouldn't be surprised if they give Fowlker a look at TE. He wants to play WR but is probably a step slow. Most recruited him as a DE but I think he could get buried there.
Posted by scvols on April 11, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why would Willingham not be a starter? He save the SC game and played big in the LSU game. The kid is a stud, get him on the field.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TJ, I agree. You guys know I liked Cut and still do... but I can't think of a single good reason to start an injured Ainge over a healthy Crompton.
It wasn't too much of a secret that Cut didn't like JC as much as Coleman. I don't think JC would have ever started for Cut. But even then, why not pull the RS off of Coleman?... unless CPF refused to allow him to step over JC to get to Coleman.
Posted by 99gator on April 11, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18
moreno killed florida in that game. but, it really wasn't him. georgia's o-line just knocked the snot out florida's d-line all game long. they could have handed the ball to an athletic trainer and he would have gotten a good five yards. just total dominance up front.
just pulled up the box score to refresh my memory (keep in mind.....we are talking about florida's pass defense here)....stafford only completed 11 passes. he attempted 18. he did not have to attempt or complete many. he did not need to. georgia could have won that game with UGA at qb.
Posted by sjt18 on April 11, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scvols... because Rogan isn't letting the coaches consider him anything less than a starter. Vinson is one of the best pure CB talents UT has ever had.
It IS looking like these 5 will be the primary players though: Vinson, Berry, Morley, Willingham, and Rogan. Anderson is apparently making an impression. Supposedly Vereen looked good considering his experience. Faison is the type of athlete that will get into some time or another.
Johnson and Gaines are kind of in a tough position. Both former starters who aren't really in the conversation for a starting position right now. J'Kouri Williams is also coming back as a Sr now and will be in the secondary.
In short, the competition is stiff and Rogan is winning the position.
Posted by General_Watermelon on April 11, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Or, our defense is bad and our offense is worse?
Posted by mparker on April 11, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tommyhack:
I have that problem with a LOT of college AND pro teams...they never play the backup QB.
I think more college oacches would if we had a playoff. They wouldn't be so concerned that EVERY play could make of break the season.
I don't know about you guys but I played a little ball. All the stuff about QB's leading the team...never saw it, never felt it. It's more like you play not to let each other down, and to be your best. Quite often your motivation is simply to beat the man in front of you.
Too much emphasis, too much reward for QB's. Football really, really is a TEAM game.
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