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Vols adjust to new line of work

'Strong, quick' system means players must handle learning both sides now

By Drew Edwards (Contact)
Originally published 08:50 p.m., April 17, 2008
Updated 08:50 p.m., April 17, 2008

For Tennessee's offensive line, there's no more right or left.

From now on, it's right and left.

This spring, Tennessee's offensive line faced a serious adjustment to new coordinator Dave Clawson's offense.

Namely, players are playing both sides of the line.

Versatility up front is nothing new under veteran offensive line coach Greg Adkins, who encourages players to learn as much about every position as possible.

Neither is the idea of designating strong and weak side on the offensive line, or in Clawson's parlance "strong" and "quick."

It isn't new for UT coach Phillip Fulmer, either.

When Fulmer played at Tennessee, the Vols designated linemen quick and strong. He coached it the same way as an assistant with Vanderbilt and Wichita State.

"A lot of people do it around the country," Fulmer said. "There are certain advantages to it. It was kind of right down my alley from a multiplicity standpoint. They've got the hang of it right now."

After 14 practices this spring, it's coming along, but the shake-up has made life a little different on the offensive line.

"It's like trying to write left-handed," says tackle Ramon Foster.

The premise is simple.

A tackle like Foster has the ability to line up at either the right or left tackle spot on any given play, depending on where the ball is on the field and the play called.

The idea is to create a favorable matchup for the line - and cut down on the amount of practice repetitions needed to familiarize players with various defensive schemes.

"You always talk about mismatches with offensive skill players - getting a tailback matched up on a linebacker, getting a wide receiver matched up on a safety," Clawson says. "I like to apply that to the guys up front. If we're going to run a critical play at a critical time, I want to make sure I have flexibility to move the offensive linemen where I want them."

For Foster, the change means a change of scenery, too.

Instead of working primarily against one defensive end this spring, he's been lined up against nearly every end on the roster.

"It was an awakening," Foster said. "I wasn't just going against Wes Brown this spring, I was going against Robert Ayers. That's going to be same thing in the first game of the year. You got to study both sides. It's going to take a whole lot more detail and just film review this year."

So far, it's been a major adjustment up front, and one that will continue into fall camp.

"It's something our kids have had to adapt to, but it shouldn't be foreign in terms of being a right-sided and a left-sided player," Adkins said. "Even before we put in the strong side and quick side, our kids were working as right-sided or left-sided players, especially in the fundamental and technique-work time in practice. Now they're getting more reps in a live situation."

The learning curve has affected the speed of play for UT's line this spring. It also requires a little more technique work to develop the kind of football ambidexterity linemen need.

It was slow going at first, but Foster said he and his teammates have picked up speed in the last half of spring practice.

"It was a little shaky at first, but we took the challenge and got used to something we had to work on," he said. "It's been better this second half of practice. Not necessarily assignment wise, but as far as just technique it's been better."

Still, there's a lot of improvement left to make before the Vols travel to California for their season-opener against UCLA in September.

"It's still a work in progress for some of them on the left side as compared to some of them on the right," Adkins said. "We're not anywhere near where we need to be to be game-ready yet, but it's a group that will stay willing and hungry throughout the summer to get themselves ready for UCLA."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       106 Comments

Posted by gavol2572 on April 17, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope this doesnt set us up to be predictable like seeing the tailback run to a certain side of the line depending on which lineman is playing on a certain side.

Posted by DaddyVol on April 17, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems to be the same thing tenn. has been doing for years. Fulmer loves this kinda lineman. He has a history of putting these versitale l-men in the nfl.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on April 17, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jovi, that says it all!

Look folks, I'm pumped up about the prospects with this new offensive philosophy. I think Tennessee is the big SEC sleeper team for the 08 season. I believe our defense will be much improved over last year. I think outstanding play in the secondary (best in the nation) will take some burden off the DL and permit Chavis to call more pass pressure plays. I look for lots of interceptions and defensive scoring.

I believe the new offense will be slow off the block, but defense will win us the close games early on. I'll take a loss to Florida or Georgia... but I think we lose two at most going into November, and we all know UTs November reputation. UCLA is a win and gives us a boost of confidence for the season.

Lets give Fulmer the benefit of the doubt that he made a good hire with Clawson. This might just be the best UT team since 98.

Posted by tigervol9802 on April 17, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land -

Man, I didn't know Mikey H started mailing the Kool Aid to folks away from Knoxville. Does he charge a premium for it?

In all seriousness, I hope you are right, and I do like this wrinkle. Same philosophy as match-up receivers on d-backs. You want to match your playmakers up on the weakest guy. Same philosohpy here. Off the top of my head, it would seem like a defense could be confused awfully quickly if they tried to call the defense based on how we lined our linemen up. I'd say we will be in a lot of quick counts on the line this fall so defense cannot adjust, especially in short yardage.

Posted by DaddyVol on April 17, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol in lsu, well put. 2 words,GOON SQUAD!!!! I'm pumped. A loss against fla. and ga. is not good. A loss against 1 of the 2 and a loss at auburn would not be as bad. I know fla. and ga. should be better than auburn, but them being in the west would not quite be as bad.

Posted by RJ_Vol on April 17, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It just goes along w/ Clawson's much proclaimed philosophy of getting the ball in the hands of his playmakers...and that means getting his best linemen in favorable matchups. It also opens the door for a lot "slight of hand" formations IMO.

Ex. Your best lineman lines up right. The computer percentage show right. So....you run left. AND You can fatigue a player from the other team by playing several players against him throughout the game etc.

I like Clawson's philosophy so far. Any coach reading this article knows that practicing for the Tennessee game will take more time than normal. It's some nice gamesmanship to release this kind of information.

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 17, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no, no, no, this has to stop! Moving players around , learning multiple positions, not allowing the D time to adjust and above all else, letting players make plays. Its madness I tell you, madness!

Posted by DaddyVol on April 17, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like this clawson guy also. Not to mention top 25 recruiter stan drayton. Clawson has a chance to take the league by storm since noone knows his style. (kinda like urban meyer did at fla.) Drayton will be a major help with special teams, also will help point out certain tendancies florida or any other team may have while they run the spread.

Posted by cdldoc on April 17, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The practice news is awful good like it was just before the team went t-ts up 2 years ago. Calauson hasn't worked in a SEC game yet. I hope this team is great.

Posted by pdhuff on April 17, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kool-aid flowing. Hope you guys are right and we're ready Sept 1.

Posted by murrayvol on April 17, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We've given him the benefit of the doubt for 10 years vol_in_bayouville. What's another 1 or 6?

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on April 17, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kool-aid is good stuff. I like the sugar free variety, though I usually get Crystal Lite. You can mix it with gelatin and your spirit of choice and it makes a great shooter. Its great frozen on a popsicle stick or toothpick in the summer months. Or the old stand by of just spiking it with Vodka is great. Yum.

Orange Kool-aid is the best flavor of all. Goes good in the morning with a cup of coffee and an apple fritter. A little molasses on a buscuit and I'm in heaven.

Easy and lazy to expect the worst, brave to hope for the best. I'm no coward.

Posted by badawg44 on April 17, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just dropping by, checking out the scene in k-town. what's up fellas? sounds like Clawson is doing a good job... just hope that new O don't mature enough against the dawgs. we're planning on blackin'-out the orange in A-town... can't wait.

sic'em!

Posted by tenncorncob on April 17, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a former college offensive lineman on Div. III level, this is not that hard to do. Our offensive line did it all the time and it worked well for us. Best I remember, it kept us out of ruts as well. Blowin' off the ball is blowin' off the ball, regardless of which side of the line you're on......plus, what offensive lineman doesn't like to be "strong" or "quick"? ....lol...

Posted by rabidvol1998 on April 17, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best line in a long-time. Ditto. Go Vols.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on April 17, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Easy and lazy to expect the worst, brave to hope for the best. I'm no coward.

Posted by volwalk on April 17, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This could be two great hires in a row for Fulmer. Say what will but Cutcliff was exactly what we needed after the 05 debacle and now this Clawson brings new blood, new ideas and hopefully more wins and a BCS bowl birth.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by DCSOvol on April 17, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Feed em double fritters for both sides of the line.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

used to be called 'strong side' and 'weak side', w/strong side being wherever the tight end lined up.

I actually think it's harder for d-linemen to change sides. You usually develop a forearm shiver/throw that's hard to change over.

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

136 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!!!!

Posted by jimr07 on April 18, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley--what would we do without your insightful comment. I am so glad you do that.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

badawg44, they may want to keep the Red jerseys on to hide the blood spilled when Smokey rips into em'. Just tell the receivers the goon squad is coming to Neyland Stadium South.

Posted by txvolsfan on April 18, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the attitude of Clawson and I like the fact that he seems to keep an open mind about the offense. I know it is a noval concept to get the ball in your playmakers hands!!!
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
THANKS ASHLEY FOR THE UPDATE

Posted by DaddyVol on April 18, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully the vol faithfull can come out for orange/white game. Lets not let bama or florida show us up. A good 40000-50000 would really surprise me from our fans. They seem to have no problem filling their spring games, not to mention some teams sell spring ticks and match our avg. spring game attendance. GOVOLS!

Posted by DaddyVol on April 18, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a headcoach you can only dedicate maybe 30- 40percent of your time to your specialty(offense/def.etc.) Now clawson can focus on only offense but with a head coaches mentallity.

Posted by beachvol1 on April 18, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Negatives, and more negatives...some of you call yourself Vols fans but got my doubts...guess your glass is always half empty, huh??? How about getting excited for once in your life about the new offense that is being installed and see what materializes...guarantee if the Vols start rolling up 30 pts plus a game, you negative vols will jump right on the band wagon..how about getting on now and stay on or go pull for Bama or the Gators...your either in or out...now, I feel a lot better....

Posted by VOLinNC on April 18, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anybody know what time the O&W game comes on sunday and what channel?

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

a little off the subject but as far as OOC scheduling goes ... I just spoke with the assistant coach of the UTC Mocs and they play Oklahoma U for their first game and FSU for their third game. Sad on the other two schools schedule ... it would be awesome to see UTC whoop up on em

Posted by Greyback_Vol on April 18, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like this system will work better than what UT has been doing since, what, time began? I'm really excited to see the first new blood being pumped into the offense in a long, long time. Anyone headed to the O & W game tomorrow? I'll be there.

Posted by sjt18 on April 18, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BOA, OOC is another reason I like UT's chances against UF. In a complete departure from the warmups they typically schedule, UF will play Hawaii and Miami before traveling to K'ville.

UH probably won't be much more than a 2 qtr challenge but they are still complex enough to expose some weaknesses. Miami shouldn't beat UF but they'll be physical. They also have a lot to prove.

I honestly don't think UCLA is going to have the players this year. The lost 21 of their 44 man two deep including most of their leaders. UAB should be a warm up.

UT should go into their home game with UF having built plenty of confidence but hopefully without being beat up.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

i thought your confidence was built on the fact that florida stinks based on their spring game performance.

in all seriousness, hawaii and miami will end up being the typical warmups.

hawaii has no brennan and no june jones (and you saw the sugar bowl). hawaii has to make a flight across 50 times zones (exaggeration).

and from the miami people i know (and they are reliable), miami will be god awful. it is possible they are even worse than last year......when they did not go bowling.

but, even if all that is false. florida has a bye week before tenn.

Posted by waterskier3 on April 18, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

30K at most for the O/W game at best.. students are pissed, casual fans no interest because we've been stale, die hard will show up because of new OC to see what the offense looks like. if more than that people really are optimistic for 08...

GO VOLS!!!! personally we have to beat fla and ala this year period.... no excusing on those two... others we can debate :)

Posted by TurboFan on April 18, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt, remember the last time we played UAB as a warm up? Remember playing Air Force as a warm up two years ago?

Strategy question (rhetorical in nature): can not the DL also switch sides, especially after the OL lines up, to get favorable match ups? Not quite sure of the advangtage here.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 18, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go ahead and lift the Sears Trophy I tell you. We are so fortunate to have Fulmer leading our young men.

Posted by jimr07 on April 18, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

General_Fritter--once again, your sarcasm is noticed. Not particularly welcome, but..........

Posted by pdhuff on April 18, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gen Fritter, it is heartening to read your 9:59 post as I stir a 55 gallon drum of kool-aid, sir.

You are a beacon to questioning souls who should just lay aside any doubts, any doubts, I tell you and go forth into battle. Our fortress has no gaps. Our mended armor will protect us from all assaults. Our new flag will have a picture of Don Quixote.

I need to go sit down a spell......

Posted by jimr07 on April 18, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Would you anti-Fulmerites rather see us go 5-6 to get rid of him or possibly go to a BCS game. We have not played one down and you are already sending the moving van. Man, show some optimism.

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, that sure is dangerous of you to call teams like Hawaii and Miami warm-up games. They will possibly play their best games of the year in Gainesville. It doesn’t matter who doesn’t play for them anymore or who says how awful someone is, when emotions are all you have to play with things can get ugly in a hurry for that big SEC powerhouse down in Gainesville. Hawaii will be looking to punch any SEC team in the nose after getting humiliated by Georgia. Miami will know more about Tim Tebob than his parents come game time. Hopefully Hawaii nor Miami will have gained access to Tebob's cell phone by then. I still laugh every time I think about Tebob bouncing around in the end zone acting like he was talking on a cell phone. His lack of focus in that game was the reason behind the L. Florida, as I have said before, will limp into Neyland Stadium this year.

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

General-Fritter how many letters did you earn as an offensive lineman at UT? How many letters did you earn at UT, period?

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 18, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jim - lighten up Francis and eat more fritters.

pdhuff - I like the way you think partner. Guys like you and Kingsportvol are leaders on this board. I salute you Sir.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley

this isn't homerism here....i will do some research as to what happens when hawaii plays east of the mississippi river.....but, it isn't good.

and miami went 5-7 last year. they got beat 48-0 by virginia in miami in the final game played at the orange bowl.

i have no problem admitting things i am concerned about.....but hawaii and miami cause me no concern.

in addition.....meyer will see it (playing miami) as an opportunity to bury a recruiting competitor.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These two are for you General:

Down the Field
(Here's to Old Tennessee)
Here's to old Tennessee
Never we'll sever
We pledge our loyalty
Forever and ever
Backing our football team
Faltering never
Cheer and fight with all of your might
For Tennessee.

[edit] Fight Vols Fight
Fight, Vols fight with all your might,
For the Orange and White
Never falter, never yield
As we march on down the field
Keep Marching!

Let the Spirit of the Hill
Every Vol with courage fill
Your loyalty means our victory
So fight, Vols, fight!

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 18, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BOA - Your Sir are a true Volunteer! I salute your Sir.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 18, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Long live the the General.I agree that we are lucky to have such a great leader.After a very short 10 years we will once again rise to the top of the college ranks.It's great to be a Vol!

90% Everclear
10% Kool Aide

Posted by VOLinNC on April 18, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What time and channel does the O&W game come on Sunday?

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I never claimed it to be "homerism". The arrogance after a 9-4 season is really thick in your post this morning. When was the last time you beat Miami, Gator?

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm proud to be a gator hater... the blood is boiling the nice PC speak between rival schools is wearing thin and the true colors of all college football fans is coming to the surface.

Kill the DAWGS!!! the black jerseys are being donned, but not for a victory dance but to mourn the demise of yet another valiant attempt by the puppies.

There is blood in the water (and its spewing from the Crimson Faithful) ... no more "how do you do sir" "I would like your take on the upcoming season" "would you happen to have any Grey poupon" the kind banter amongst rivals will be replaced with inbreeding, backwoods, off color jokes.

IT'S TIME FOR SOME BUTT KICKING SLAP YOUR MOMMA IN THE MOUTH AND WATCH YOUR GRANNY CRY, SHOOT YOUR FAVORITE BULLDOG AND CARVE UP YOUR ELEPHANT JUST FOR THE IVORY, CRYPTONITE CREATING, SUPER MAN SLAYING, SLOBBER KNOCKING, PLACING THAT HOBNAILED BOOT FIRMLY IN THE DAWG CROTCH TIL THEIR NOSE BLEEDS FOOTBALL.... LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T SURE ... LENTLEMEN .... IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley

c'mon. seriously. i will go to an impartial source.

vegas....has miami as a 60-1 shot of winning the national title. the same as notre dame who went 3-9 last year.

miami lost three home games last season. they also lost 3 games by 30 or more points.

that's the best part about the game. it looks like a good opponent based on reputation.....but, miami is god awful at this particular point in time.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-f...

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When was the last time you beat Miami? I never said Miami was going to win the NC or even compete for it. Like I said earlier, Miami will know Tebob better than his parents at game time.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley....

about the arrogance.....

in all seriousness....i will put up the florida schedule.....you let me know which games florida will not be favored to win.

hawaii
miami
bye week
@ tennessee
mississippi
@ arkansas
lsu
bye week
kentucky
georgia (jax,fl)
@ vanderbilt
south carolina
the citadel
@ florida state

unless there are injuries.....georgia is the only game that florida may not be favored to win.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley

florida will beat miami by 2 touchdowns......at least. i will give you or anyone else those points if you want them.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LSU, GEORGIA, will be favored over the gators unless something happens between now and then. But I see 5 possible losses. Possible mind you ... not exactly probable

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BOA

lsu will not be favored in gainesville.

out of curiosity.....who are your five....

tenn
georgia
lsu
?
?

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SC and Missippi... just cause I hate the gators... no real reason

Posted by thesavageorange on April 18, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, Interesting odds.Seems like the folks in Vegas are giving the Gators a good shot.Michigan 7-1????????Looks like USC is the odds on, once again.

In all honesty I think UF should go undefeated.The only 2 teams I give a shot at beating them are UT, and UGA.Everyone else that's any count will have to roll through the swamp.

Prediction:Florida vs USC for the NC.
Man I hate USC!They are like the Patriots of college football.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savageorange....

while i would be ecstatic if that happened.....and the national title game is in miami.....i am not there yet.

i have a feeling, if tebow stays, that 2009 would be more likely.

i think the defense for florida will be better.....but, not enough to keep from slipping up somewhere(s) along the way.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 18, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley - I'm afraid I would not have been big enough to play OL at UT or even Mary Sister School for the Blind for that matter. I was about 165 lbs. in highschool and a speedster. I did go to camp at UT and Duke for basketball. I did receive a letter from Duke and knew Coach Mears well. Most of my serious interest came from small schools however. Sorry to disappoint.

Posted by thesavageorange on April 18, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99, Looks like you feel about UF as I do UT.2009 is the yr I think UT has the best shot at an outright SEC championship.Now 99, I know you don't make the schedule ,but UF's 09' out of conference schedule is plain silly.

Charleston Southern
Troy
Florida International
Florida State

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage

florida has operated under the theory that the SEC schedule plus fsu is enough. no need to add to it.

fsu being diminished makes the schedule look worse.

Troy is not that bad a team.....in the memphis and southern miss caliber.

i did not know charleston southern played football. and florida international should stop playing football.
both are pathetic.

i have complained about this for years.....as a ticket holder. i understand not wanting to play someone great.....but, bring in a cellar dwellar from a bcs conference. bring in indiana, iowa state, or a school like that.

you will still win big and it looks a lot better than charleston southern.

Posted by GoVol on April 18, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's up with Arkansas at 30-1 odds at winning the BCS. Seems much better than what I had in mind?

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FAVORITES! Give me a break 99! I claimed in a post about 3-4 weeks ago that you would/could possibly lose 6-7 games this year. Vandy will be 1 of your losses. Two words 99....ONE DIMENSIONAL. 99 you seem to have more class than a lot of these idiots that post on here so please don't take my post in a threatening manner. When was the last time you beat Miami, daggummit?

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley

the last time florida beat miami was 1985.

since then, florida lost to miami in 1986, 1987, the 2000 (1/01) sugar bowl, 2002, and 2003.

'86, miami played for the title. 87, miami won the title. 2000 and 2002 were in the midst of a 20+ game miami winning streak overall.

this is not that kind of miami team.

in addition, your tenn credentials are safe. no need to pick florida to lose to vandy to prove you are a vol fan.

does florida stand a chance against the citadel or is that game troublesome too?

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator;
the backup QB for Hawaii (now the starter) is VERY good. Brennan shoulda been benched in the first half against UGA, but of course they wouldn't do that.

UH won't beat you, just saying to be ready on D.

I will warn you now: the gators will face an EXTREMELY focused and angry UT team at Knoxville. We may not win, but I think every Gator that touches the field will know he has been in a game.

UF embarrassed UT last year, the only team to really do that. Bana and Cal won, but the games where contestes for varying amounts of time.

If you read my posts, you know I don't do much chest-pounding about our teams. I would NOT like to be a gator in Neyland this year.

Posted by UTvols12342000 on April 18, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I truly believe that whichever team out of the two comes away 3-0 after the TN-FL game will finish the regular season undefeated.

I have no stats or facts to back this up, but I really think our defense is going to be championship level. If that is so, can Dave Clawson can score just slightly above average? If he does, we can run the table after a win over florida. Not saying we will win in Atlanta tho....pff.

And i do believe the SEC champion has to make it out of knoxville unscathed this year.

Go Big Orange from Holland

Posted by vtvol on April 18, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator99, even without Colt Brennan, Hawaii will provide a good season opening test for your gators. The UF pass rush should be every bit as devastating as the one the Warriors experienced against UGA in the Sugar Bowl but I don't think that your boys have the numbers in the defensive backfield to adequately cover all of UH's receivers while in their five wide sets. On top of that, this year's starter for Hawaii has much more mobility than Brennan did. The QB draw will be something that Florida will have to be very mindful. UF should win by 3 TDs but Hawaii will make it interesting until halftime. If nothing, it will show Coach Clawson and Tennessee on film on where to exploit UF's secondary with their spread sets.

Posted by gatorfan8 on April 18, 2008 at 1:59 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker

whoa, whoa, whoa.....

i did not say anything about tenn. i said miami and hawaii would not be a problem.

i still don't think they will be. but, i have been wrong before.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

once again, i apologize for gatorfan and mcbrim

can't help some people.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator....
you took me wrong, but it's okay. I'm just adding on to the conversation, and saying I think UT will just plain ornery for the UF game.

I think even Phil might be aggressive!!!

And, to add, I would have a bit of respect for UH. They won't beat you, but I think they will give a good game.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

..and, yeah, 99g, we all know you to be a solid sec fan second and gator fan first, which is how sec fans are supposed to be, eh??? :)

Posted by TurboFan on April 18, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the biggest point about Hawaii is one 99 already made, June Jones is gone. Thus, they are a complete unknown, other than it's still Hawaii. As for Miami and how bad they might be, it is still Miami.

I can tolerate McB, he is at least calm in his taunts. gatorfan reminds me of certain memphis fans that post here. Realize, looking over this board, there is a few in every bunch that makes you shake your head.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker

i have said numerous times.....that the thing i am most worried about is tenn has to win against florida.

not wants to. not needs to.

has to.

when an SEC team like tenn plays at home like they have to win......good things happen for the home team

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatorfan8 ... now Gerald Frazier is that any way to speak. You kiss your momma with that mouth... I mean I would but you're her son.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SPECIAL TEAMS;
has been a real negative for us lately. Wonder if CPF will change his approach??? It's the kick and punt coverage I worry most about.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it's cool 99gator .. you don't have to apologize for your fellow gators.. we Tenn. fans can hold our own... or get gator8 to do it for us. ;)

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99g, I think it goes beyond 'must win' this year.

UT has been in 'must win' before, only to fall all over themselves.

This year, I see it as a pride game, and for many of these kids that will motivate them more than anything.

No one has it easy in the sec, do they??? I catch every game on tv that I can.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wish I was in Holland, love those dutch girls...

anyway, for wd40: I can't imagine UH changing up much. There is nothing else that will work for a school like that. You never know, though.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I gotta cut and paste this from the 'orange blazer' posts:

"Posted by Ashley on April 17, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I used to have an orange cat but some folks said it was yellow"

I just thought it was funny as hell. Ashley probably had some yellow tabby, but beign a vol fan considered it to by orange...while everyone else saw it a s yellow tabbey....

Don't know why I think it is so funny, it's just kind of the dry 'some folks said it was yellow' that made me laugh.

Posted by rbhobbs73 on April 18, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Florida will beat Hawaii by 30+ points. They are more likely to win by 50 than by less than 20.

99gator is right...Miami is awful...BUT, it is Miami, it is a rivalry (albeit a dormant one) and that in itself should keep the game moderately interesting...but there is no way Miami wins in Gainesville this year.

I think that the UT - Florida game will return to its normal gut-wrenching slugfests that we had grown accustomed to in the decade before last season....but I have had my heart broken too many times by the Gators to proclaim with certainty that a Tennessee win is assured....

Posted by TurboFan on April 18, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Understand Mparker, Macklin could be the next best thing since sliced bread or he could be french toast. Won't know till October, same with Clawson.

Maybe Ashley's "yellow" cat was a scaredy cat.

Posted by TurboFan on April 18, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, McMackin.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wd40....yup;

rhobbs:
with UT, you NEVER gaurantee a win, you just hope you can watch and enjoy the game. This hasn't always been easy.

Posted by MassVol on April 18, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, I love reading your posts. Top block all the way. Should be a fun year.

Posted by auttat on April 18, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WAIT!! Which side of the ball am I on? $%@t! There it is. Right side...Snicker, hehe...poor guy has to put his hands under that arse...no telling where it's been. Lord only knows what HASN'T been in the paper...LOL! Ok, I'm focused. Right side, I block to my left, no to my right, CRAP what's the play call again? Dang you Clawson...

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, you old sly fox, you forgot to mention you lost to Miami in 04 too.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just realized the link i posted earlier for odds for winning the national title were for last year.

here is this year's link

http://www.capperspicks.com/2008/ncaa...

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley

you are right. forgot about the 2004 peach bowl.

florida was lucky enough to play miami every year in the ron zook era.

Posted by 99gator on April 18, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ashley

from what i have heard....

miami is hoping tdtn has eligibility remaining. if he did, he could start at qb at miami.

also, even workin like heck and john adams would agree that randy shannon makes phil fulmer look like vince lombardi.

Posted by DaddyVol on April 18, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Noone seems to talk about florida losing all of their posistion coaches. Kinda think that will have an impact, maybe I'm the only one (HMMM!)? Let me guess, florida fans must think they are better off with these new coaches scattered throughout the team. Atleast wour revamped Off. staff has a pretty strong history together (drayton,clawson/clawson,scott). Lets see, Florida is replacing RB coach, DL coach, and the most PPAAIINNFFUULL is losing DOC HOLLIDAY to west virginia. He did alot of the recruiting that meyer got credit for.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 18, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator - tdtn wouldn't be caught dead in a Miami uniform. Dupree, now that's a different story. How many KMarts in Miami do they have?

Eat more fritters!

Posted by Ashley on April 18, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, ask any Alamullet fan what they thought the outcome of their game against La-Mnro was going to be. Ask any Tennessee fan about the Memphis debacle.

Posted by pdhuff on April 18, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator 4:37 Looks like picks have us tied with Arkie for 7th in SEC as far as winning NC. Won't set well with kool-aiders that Ga-Fla-Ala-SC-LSU-AU are conjectured ahead of the Vols.

Ark and Ky and Tenn are rated even.

Hope ol' sjt18 noticed that Ga is 7-1, Fla 6-1 and Tenn 100-1. He'll explain it. LOL We'll see.

Interesting post.

Posted by hmhawk on April 18, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley,will you marry me?

Posted by TurboFan on April 18, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Speaking of mullets, funniest thing I saw tonight was a guy wearing a toupee...in the shape of a mullet. And this was in Ohio.

Posted by sjt18 on April 19, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"florida will beat miami by 2 touchdowns......at least. i will give you or anyone else those points if you want them."

I'd say probably worse. That wasn't my point though. Miami will be young but they'll be athletic as always. Early in the season THEY won't know that they aren't any good. Just the physical part...

Posted by sjt18 on April 19, 2008 at 3:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, Oddsmakers are in the business of making money, not predicting outcomes per se.

Mizzou was one win away from the BCS CG last year... what do you think the oddsmakers had them at this time last year? Wouldn't matter though would it? No one in their right mind would have bet on them making it to the Big12 CG much less the NC.

We know a little more about the team now. We'll know more by the end of August. We'll know alot by the end of September. Until then, it is ALL conjecture.

Last time I checked, football games were won on the field... not by the betting habits of sports gamblers... especially those being fed a non-stop diet of UGA and UF...

Posted by pdhuff on April 19, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18- hope spring eternal. I think Dawgs are going to fool you, maybe not, schedule is brutal.

We'll see what kind of a game-day coach Richt is.

That said, I think Fulmer's entire season success or failure overall will be riding vs UCLA. Clawson will be center stage.

I think you're dead on about Chavis. Something has got to change.

Win and a shot at 9-3. Lose, batten down the hatches. You gotta love it, the unknowns.

Posted by sjt18 on April 19, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think UCLA's losses are too significant. If Neuheisel was a good coach... this would still be a rebuilding year. If they beat UT, turn out the lights. In spite of the long trip, they are no where near as talented as Cal was last year. I think this UT team should be better on both sides of the ball than last year.

I think the season hinges on UF. If they lose that game then they must win at both Aub and UGA. Win and all they must have is a split.

I hate UF but honestly think the way their schedule lays out no one else has a really good chance of beating them.

Posted by sjt18 on April 19, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Dawgs may fool me but I'd ask you to slide their slippers on for a few minutes. If UT's best returning WR was Mohammad Massaquoi and you were looking at the rest of your WR production coming from Freshmen... you'd be calling for a losing season, right? UGA lost two OL's who had been anchors for a couple of years. Stafford has been anything but consistent. The D doesn't look to be dramatically upgraded from the past two years.

Oh, out of the FWIW dept- Richt is 2-6 against UT and UF the past 4 years. Maybe he's due... or maybe you guys are saying the wrong coach can't beat the elite teams even with great talent.

I really like Richt... but he's struggled against his two main East Rivals since 2004.

Posted by sjt18 on April 19, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW Red... Hope is the best of things... not a dangerous thing. (Shawshank wisdom)

Posted by gatorfan8 on April 19, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

go richmond vols.......high powered toss right..toss left.....screen pass..punt!!!! we'll beat yall by 50 this year....have a nize day

Posted by sjt18 on April 19, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gatorfan8, I don't think even UF's O can score 100 pts in a game... Until you find a D that's the only way you'll beat anyone by 50. I don't know if you saw the same spring game I saw... but your defense is pretty bad.

Posted by 99gator on April 19, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

can't believe you would make judgments on a spring scrimmage.

particularly since (and i am guessing here), you have no idea who played, who did not play, and how long they played.

there was no blitzing, no game planning, etc, etc, etc.

it was a scrimmage. don't read too much into it. one way or the other.

Posted by Ashley on April 19, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, sjt18's judgement is no different than your prediction of winning your first two games. I bet Miami is studying tape right now on Timmy Tebob.

Posted by pdhuff on April 19, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Doldrums officially here. 4 1/2 months of zzzzzzzz, and then........

Posted by sjt18 on April 20, 2008 at 2:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator,

Here are the things I noticed:

Tebow throwing into crowds.
Newton not accurate, poor decisions, looked lost.
Secondary appeared to bust several coverages.
Poor tackling generally.
Looked like subpar run blocking for most of the game.

It wasn't really the plays that I noticed but the "play".

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