Posted by agentorange on July 9, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

if i gave a whoo-hoo about espn or what any of the dunderheads think, i might be impressed. read si.com (sports illustrated) for sec coverage. it kills chris low who is the sec guy for espn.com and used to be the hack who wrote drivel about the vols for the tennessean.

Posted by auttat on July 9, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When did the KNS become the torch bearer for the "ESPN Conspiracy Theorists"???

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what's this....I guess my comments only affect recruiting when there needs to be an excuse. Very convenient. LOL!!!!

Posted by TurboFan on July 9, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The surprising contract extension of Phil Fulmer won't hurt down the road either."

The word "surprising" says alot and the words "won't hurt" in regard to recruiting explains alot.

The attribution of the offensive recruiting resurgence to the addition of Clawson makes the future of Chavis suspect.

Interesting that Alabama is on the cusp and Florida isn't even listed. Still early though.

Posted by RJ_Vol on July 9, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it's obvious to most(now including an ESPN analyst) that UT is off to an excellent start in recruiting. However, it's not how you start the race, it's how you finish. As stated by many here, there are obvious needs at DT. So, much work is still left to do. Also, it's difficult to determine the success of a recruiting class in July...student athletes still have to sign the paperwork and get into school. Nonetheless, I like our positioning(we are ahead of many of our rivals at the moment) and if a few recruits go our way we'll be far better than 10th.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmmm.......

Anybody else remember the days when finishing out of the top 5-8 in recruiting was a disappointment? Now we crack the top 10 7 months from signing day and it's headline worthy news.

I won't even mention the lack of D-tackles.

Posted by Sheepscape on July 9, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Recruiting is the beginning, not the end. All these rankings mean nil if you don't do something with them. Top ten in recruiting? I'd rather have a top ten finish come January...something we haven't done in many years.

Posted by tngeoff on July 9, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep it rollin'! New coaches...new excitement...new life!

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like one of the idiots has an awfully high opinion of himself. Either that, or a pathetic need to try to get everyone talking about him. What a maroon.

BOJ

Posted by ACG on July 9, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seriously? You people are spinning this article in a negative way? I find it incredible that even a positive article can generate such negativity. It is ALWAYS nice to make an ESPN list and get the free, positive, publicity.

Posted by wewhite on July 9, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great. Congrats on getting on the list. Here's an idea: Why not be listed in a list that really matters--say, being in the top ten of the BCS. It's not the quality of the building blocks you use, it's what you do with them that counts.

Posted by TommyJack on July 9, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ACG: You're right.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

meanwhile, Chavis and the mustached gang are 0-fer on the recruiting trail. Good job.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ACG, these idiots could win a three-day, all expenses paid weekend in Bangkok with the female cast of Baywatch, followed by being presented with the winning nine-figure Powerball ticket, and still see the glass as half empty.

Johnny Majors coined the phrase just for them: Legions of the Miserable.

BOJ

Posted by hcjournals on July 9, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Workin:

You are just a negative person. And by the way, don't flatter yourself. Having a computer and internet access doesn't make your drivel "comments." We still want you to be a Vol supporter. Please let the Vols do something positive without sullying up the article with your hateful diatribes. Just because you aren't restricted in making negative comments about UT doesn't mean we don't dislike seeing them. Please do a turn-around.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BOJ -

Well, being as that how your scenerio would probably cause me to be divorced and my wife to take half the winnings and then the lawyer fees on top of it, yeah, I can see that as half-empty.

In both cases, I am just stating the obvious.

Posted by bobbarbilly on July 9, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bed-wetters usually morph into negetive personalities.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We're in the top 10 in recruiting in the beginning of July, so I guess recruiting at this stage matters now. I love how things only matter when we're percieved as being the best or in the top 10. When we're ranked #35 in February it's because Fulmer didn't have a new contract (although he was operating on a 7 year contract then just as he is this year), people were making negative comments about Fulmer, etc. I haven't heard the excuses yet for not being in the Top 10 in football in several years. What are they? Surely, you aren't going to blame not being in the top 10 on people making negative comments or Fulmer's contract are you?

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 9, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How could this be? Workin, TDTN, and others spread their evil and we are stil in the top 10 in recruiting? Who knew their wasn't a correlation?

Posted by mjohnsonvols on July 9, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin
"Blah blah blah blah"
same old stuff from workin. More crying and being negative.
When are people on here going to learn he works for govolsxtra. He is just trying to get things started on here by being negative. It took me forever to figure this out. I now know. So just quit feeding the animal it only makes him worse.
There is no way one person can be that negative.

GO VOLS!

Posted by Bass_Vol_1998 on July 9, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think its because that fatso workin took that week off of the boards... that is the week that we did so well in recruiting.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The idiots need to starting working the Costanza model: If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite of every instinct would have to be right.

BOJ

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Anybody else remember the days when finishing out of the top 5-8 in recruiting was a disappointment?"

No. I've followed recruiting pretty close over the past 6 or 7 years and don't remember that. The Vols have usually been in the top 25.

According to Rivals (class rank/star avg/# of signees):

2002- 2--3.96--25
2003- 18--3.27--22
2004- 11--3.25--25
2005- 4--3.63--27
2006- 23--3.09--22
2007- 3--3.63--32
2008- 35--3.06--18

As you can see, UT hasn't finished 5-8 in the past 7 years and has usually alternated large, highly rated classes with small "off-year" classes.

Before you start railing "See the trend!", the 5* players that boosted the 2002 class so high were: James Banks, Mondre Dickerson, Brandon Jeffries, Jonathan Mapu, Gerald Riggs

4* players whose contributions were minimal or none: Benedict, Harris, Jones, Mayes, Jones.

Marvin Mitchell was a 3* and Jason Hall was a 2*.

That class was also before Rivals started limiting 4/5* players by percentage if I'm not mistaken. IOW's, the average of all players was probably a little higher.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CPF and company have done a great job making the changes all you complaining fans have asked for. New OC, new system, new scheme, a top 10 recruiting class with 7 months till signing day. Man, what more do you whiners want?

Keep on doing what you are doing CPF. You've done all the fan's have asked and continue to do so.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, the size of a class has a direct relationship to the class ranking. The recruiting svcs work off a pt system that to some extent rewards a school for signing that extra 3*. Somehow they also diminish the extent to which 3*'s count on the point total after a certain number. It is somewhat complex and the details of how they do it aren't public as far as I know.

UT's 2008 star avg wasn't as high as usual and it was the smallest class they've signed in that period.

Posted by rllipscomb on July 9, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

agentorange

The "drivel" is you denegrating Chris Low. Chris is a top-notch sports reporter who consistently delivered news about UT not found elsewhere. When he offers opinions about teams he covers, allways calls them as he sees them.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash -

I want a SEC title.

Not being in the mix, playing for it, etc. I want a trophy and orange and white confetti to fill the GA Dome the first weekend of December.

Anything less is unsatisfactory. And if Fulmer gets all the credit for winning, then he must take the blame for not winning one in going on a decade.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

marc, I agree that CPF has seemed to have made changes in himself, methods, philosophy, and staff.

But had I been given a choice of who came back and who left... I'd have chosen to keep Cut and can Chavis. I'm still afraid that Fulmer's loyalty to Chavis could be his and the team's undoing.

Posted by GerryOP on July 9, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good job coaches. Keep these kids on the line until you land them in February.

Speaking of haters, having a bad day agentorange? Or a totally bad life?

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol, "in the mix" is alot closer to a SEC title than "not in the mix". IOW's, though I think the standard should be high and the leash on Fulmer should be alot shorter than the one MH has apparently put on him... I'd rather be UT right now than UK, Vandy, USC, Bama, Ark, Ole Miss, MSU, etc... Those are schools struggling to get "in the mix".

Posted by hiresanders on July 9, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk to me in February. If we're still behind Rutgers then, God help us.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, for the record -

Fulmer has not made a change that fans said "needed" to be made in his tenure. The only time there have been major changes is when a coach decides to leave on his own accord, including Sanders.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yeah, I forgot Foolmore fired Cutcliffe, Roper, Luke, Trooper etc. didn't go after Kippy Brown who was in the family and then went after Spence for deciding on Clawson who at this point is doing good on the recruiting trail. Still doesn't change the fact that Chavis doesn't like to recruit and that the rest of the mustache gang are becoming dead weight. Caldwell and Brooks are okay but they are career position coaches. Slade...ummm, why is he still on the staff?

Posted by mikevol on July 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sports are littered with teams that got bored with just winninig. Owners or AD's decided that winning 10 games or just winninig divisions was not good enough.

Neb. Cornhuskers 10 wins not cutting it Peterson decides to take program to next level (Col. Buffs. Ring Up 70 point on the Huskers last year) Truly a new level

Yankees tired of winning Divisions and losing in the playoffs... How's that working out so Far??

For every success story there is a mistake be very carefull watch you wish for..

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stj -

With all due respect, we've been firmly "in the mix" 6 of the past nine seasons (00, 02, 05 the expections), with nothing consequential to show for it.

Sorry, SEC East titles and Outback Bowl victories don't necessarily make me want to go buy t-shirts celebrating those achievements.

Posted by JHCRANE on July 9, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are having a better recruiting year this year than last, But I don't care about how stars they have or what any scout thinks of them. As long we play well and win I don't care if we have a bunch three star players. Look at auburns D the last couple of years they have a lot of average players according to the scouts, but they play well and win. IN the SEC.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sanders left on his own accord? I don't think so. He, as are most high level managers, was offered the chance to "resign" with a nice severance package or get fired and get nothing. Being a smart guy, he took the money and ran.

BOJ

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Really BOJ?

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...

Either Fulmer/Sanders/Hamilton/the athletic department are all liars or Sanders resigned on his own accord.

I'm pretty sure he didn't get a dime for the 2006 season since he resigned, but I can't find an article confirming that.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by hiresanders on July 9, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk to me in February. If we're still behind Rutgers then, God help us.
________________________________________________

To which team are you referring when you say "if we're still behind Rutgers?" I only ask because, judging from some of your other posts, you are clearly not a Vol fan.

If I had to guess, I'd say you're a Bammer.

BOJ

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. I guess you really showed me. I can't imagine that anyone - particularly a coaching staff and an athletic department with a rabid fan base that has a vocal minority with unrealistic expectations - would bend the truth in a press conference in order to send the most expedient message. No, that never happens.

BOJ

Posted by workinlikehek on July 9, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope nobody finds out I'm a blabbering idiot.

Posted by Oenoboy on July 9, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on tigervol, you aren't that naive are you? A ten-year-old can see through that spin.

As for the rest of the miserables, give it a rest. There is no negative take on this. Fulmer is putting together another top ranked class as he seems to do every other year on average. Doubt his other coaching skills all you want but it is a well known fact that Fulmer is one of the top recruiters in the country.

Posted by RichRollin on July 9, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin, I have to disagree about Slade. Slade is a good recruiter and has put guys in the league. Agentorange, you slammed me on a different article yesterday for asking a simple question!?!?!? Then you come out running your carpet licker today as well!!!! Voicing ones opinion, that's the piont in having this websight. But many more personal attacks could upset important people.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 9, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Opinions are like....well you know...but to sit here and attack each other or UT football and coaches for cracking the top ten in recruiting...LMAO....its so funny its sad....(its not how you start...but how you finish.......No DTS...)...my god...how do yall make it thru the day with such disgust towards the team you claim to like...It bewilders me how such a positive thing can bring such disstain from such a large amount of haters.....Anyways....great job coaches....keep it up....and GO VOLS....

Posted by PennVol on July 9, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do they give National Championship trophies for recruiting? I didn't think so...so who cares where we're listed by ESPN. Eventually we gotta line up on the field across from the Gators, 'Dawgs and War Eagles so I'm more interested in what we teach recruits once they're in K-town.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol, please don't try to tell me you don't think Sanders was not pressured out at UT.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PennVol,
Actually, I think Bama includes about five recruiting championships among the 37 total NCs they count.

BOJ

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I guess you all just called Fulmer a big, fat liar, not me!

IMO, for him to make a change like that in mid-stream would be about as out of character as can be.

BOJ - Going shorter than 10 years between SEC titles is unrealistic? Or not enjoying losing to Florida, UGA, and Bama in the same season (the Vandy debacle had not happened yet) with the 108th ranked offense in the country is unrealistic? Exactly what are your standards?

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Also tigervol... I'm not satisfied... but I'd be less satisfied if UT had been 6-6 without a bowl like USC last year... or 6-6 with a minor bowl like Bama.

It is alot easier to get to Chicago from Gary than it is to get there from Soddy Daisy. Close is a better starting place than not close.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol9802,

I agree...I want that too. But at some point folks need to be realistic. CPF isn't going ANYWHERE until he wants to. The facts of the matter are now this....since he is our coach, he needs to make some changes. He has. He has continued to make changes and UT made it to the SECCG last year. Yea, yea, I know....UT didn't win. Fine. But things are changing as everyone has asked.

I too want an SECC. But to say anything else is unacceptable isn't realistic. Are you saying if an SECC doesn't happen, the coach should be fired. Hate to break it to you, but most coaches in football need to be fired if that is the case.

The list of SEC champs over the course of the last 10-15 years isn't very long by the way.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj -

I presented the facts as we know them.

My speculative take is that I think Fulmer was going to make a change at the end of the year and keep Sanders on staff in some area, probably moving him to WR or RB coach. That is based solely on hear-say.

But for all purposes intended here, I do think he would have made some type of change.

Unfortunately, Sanders made the decision himself - and I do believe that, thus keeping the trend alive that Fulmer has not had to make one decision in staff that the fans said "needed" to take place.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy, the finish is more important than the start in this case. The O commits look good and the interest on the defensive side of the ball is very good... but to even sniff the top 10 more than half of UT's remaining commits need to be 4/5*.

I like the quality of this class because I think the upside on the OL's they've gotten so far is very good. However they'll all be 3* more than likely. Oliver is a great pick up who probably won't go any higher in rating. Allen looks to be an excellent prospect but won't go any higher.

I expect the class to be ranked 10-20... but to be better on the field than on paper. Part of that belief is based on the "character" and academic factors. It seems the staff is really stressing those angles. If you can't get them on the field because of behavior or academics then it really doesn't matter how many stars they had.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,

Maybe you are right and maybe not (in your 10:51 post). Historically, the defense hasn't been the issue. Even in the 05 campaign when the D was one of the better one's in the nation the issues were elsewhere. However, as I posted above, at some point the reality of things needs to set in.

My endorsement of CPF is due to the facts that are before us. He isn't going anywhere, but I like the mentality he has taken of change. Think about it, if the man knows he isn't going anywhere...why make changes at all? IMO, CPF wants the fan's of Tennessee to be rewarded...which is why he has gone "outside the family" so much lately.

Not sure why Cut left the vols. Certainly Duke wasn't the best career decision...but he left. Maybe under duress, but he left nonetheless. Him leaving (and the mass exodus of the position coaches along with recruiting "superman" Trooper Taylor) sent a loud message to me. It told me that CPF cared about the program....more than he cared about himself and the relationships he had with his coaches.

Folks need to look at the big picture. Some of you aren't willing to do that...it's quite a shame.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash -

If a school who claims to be a top-notch program does indeed go ten years between conference titles with the same coach, obviously something is amiss, IMO.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol9802,

For the record, CPF has made changes. 2 changes at OC. A change in position coaches. A top 10 recruiting class so far with 7 months left. A complete SYSTEM change. Going outside of the "UT family" to hire.

Come on tiger, what changes has CPF not made? If you remember correctly, he took over the play calling at the end of Sanders reign also. He has made many changes that fans have asked for. Even you must see that.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 9, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clawson and company are quickly proving that they can recruit with the big boys, now it's time for Slade, Brooks, and Caldwell to show what they can do on the defensive side.

Going into year 3 post Sanders, I am not sure what effect he actually has on recruiting at this point.

Posted by hcjournals on July 9, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good posts. What the negative people don't realize is that a lot of recruits read these posts, and whether they know it or not, as long as they are saying negative things about Coach Fulmer, it is hurting the recruiting process. It may be negligible, but it certainly doesn't help when some foolmore or some one workin like heck or whatever can't just shut up and read. I'll be the first to tell you that sometimes we underutilize our talent and we are too conservative on offense sometimes. We also just hired an OC who is very aggressive in this area. So just because we are positve that doesn't mean we don't have a lot of room to improve. Why do we have a slow start a lot of years and get beat by Florida, and then end up higher than them in the rankings? We got destroyed by Florida, played the best first half in history against Georgia, and then Georgia beat Florida. What gives? I don't know. But I know when we beat Florida again and are undefeated we always stand a chance to go all the way. This is what we need to be talking about. We are dancing with who "brung" us, so to speak. Enjoy it, rather than trying to run it. If you had a bad
experience with Coach Fulmer, or you didn't get the access you wanted, or whatever, I'm sorry. But he is one of us. We aren't perfect, but on selected Saturday afternoons, we have been and are......as good as it gets. And with a lot of luck, some quarterback will put the ball on the ground and we will score a touchdown and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat again. Or we will beat a team like Syracuse because a penalty on fourth down kept our national championship hopes alive. Although when it happened we didn't have any realistic thoughts of a NC at that point. ...These are things I'd like to talk about. These are things I' d rather be haggling about with the negatories.......Thanks coming out. We're here all week....

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, I'm not limiting the changes to staff type changes. Fulmer handled discipline problems this year much better and more assertively than he did in the years leading up to 2005.

There seems to have been a wholesale change in recruiting strategy... and NO we don't know how that worked out yet.

I'm not satisfied that he's fully gotten the new landscape of CFB... but there's no questioning the difference in the 2nd half playcalling against USC and UK last year. At UK, they stayed aggressive and had Taylor, Foster, or Brown made catches that they typically make... UT would have finished with a comfortable regulation win.

IMO, Neyland's maxims belong in a glass case in UT's athletic hall of fame... You can't win any more by attempting to sit on leads for a whole half.

I speculate that some of the changes have been because of Clawson... hopefully, he'll help CPF see the light about going too conservative as well.

Posted by mattlock on July 9, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now if we can just get back to being near the top ten in a poll that counts. I'm not asking for an SEC Championship or NC, I just want to be relevant on the college football scene again. Remember when ESPN and CBS used to promote our games, remember when gameday used to be here more than once a year (if that), and remember when we never finished the season out of the top 20. Ah, the good ole days. . .I don't want Fulmer to be gone, I just don't think he should be rewarded for being average. Get us back to being more relevant than the Louisvilles and Rutgers of the world and I'll be happy.

Posted by mattlock on July 9, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hcjournals

I don't believe for one second that a recruit cares about what any of us say. Don't give yourself of any of us that much credit. They care about going to a program that is winning, that gets the most national media attention and can get them to "the league" We used to give them all that, now we don't. Simple really. . .

Posted by KingsportVol on July 9, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does this mean we will not lose to Fla by 40 this year?

Posted by bd330794 on July 9, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volquest.com is reporting two commitments this morning. Anyone know who they are? I'm cheap and dont have a subscription to their site.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coaching change-

I don't think Cut left for any reason other than he wanted to redeem himself after Ole Miss. If he can get Duke to .500... someone else will hire him. He's already pulled a decent DT to Duke which is impressive by itself.

tigervol, the indisputable change is this: He could have promoted Taylor or Adkins... both ARE qualified coaches. Nothing much would have changed system wise. There are probably other "family guys" that would have jumped at the chance.

He chose eventually chose someone who was very different. Clawson may or may not succeed but he isn't conservative or inflexible. Cignetti and the coach from Clemson were similar but probably not as extreme. The hiring of Clawson was definitely off the reservation.

Posted by auttat on July 9, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, for one, hope Coach Fulmer never makes a change because the FANS wanted it.

Recruits don't read the posts but Fulmer does and says..."Hey, that sounds good" or "Well, they aren't happy with this, better make a change"

My goodness, are you all serious with this crap?

Posted by thesavageorange on July 9, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

4* D.J. Hunter & 3* Antonio Foster commited to UT this morning.

Posted by auttat on July 9, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks savage, always coming through with useful info and always well before KNS. But hey, good to hear Delmonico is getting paid again.

Posted by mattlock on July 9, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat, of course Fulmer doesn't read these posts. . .and he doesn't pay attention or care about what the newspapers say either. . .wait, scratch that. He shouldn't look to the fans for coaching advice, but he better care about how they feel SINCE they are paying for his raise. How much are tickets again?!?!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Name any coach in the last 30 years that didn't retire or was fired that went 10 years without an SEC title from what I consider the "HAVES" in the SEC...Auburn, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama. Also, do you think Saban will be at Alabama if he went 10 years without an SEC title? Or Richt at UGA? or Meyer at Florida? or Miles at LSU? or Tubberville at Auburn? Tuberbille...might be able to stay but before he won the SEC in 04, he was on the semi-hot seat for not winning one year. You won't one coach that lasted 10 years without an SEC title from this group. Foolmore, meanwhile is such a great coach that he's 10 years and counting between titles.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hunter committed? WOW! I read he was going to wait for awhile.

BTW, everyone will LOVE Foster. Big and quick... and if I'm not mistaken another good academic/character kid.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 9, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, I was kinda blind sided by Hunter's commitment as well.We had to beat out His home school Ohio State for him.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mikevols,

good post. Well stated.

Posted by DennisVols on July 9, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't wait for season to get started. Looking forward to seeing the complaints after we beat UF in the 4th qtr on a late TD or FG. Those "we should have beat them by" fans that just can't be happy no matter what happens.
Crompton will throw a few more INT's because this style of offense lends itself to that and of course there will be complaints about that from every arm-chair QB on here that couldn't hit a trash can with an empty beer can.
It is going to be exciting, more wide open than we have seen. It will take some time to work out all the kinks with a new system and QB but mark my words changes are a coming and in a good way.
The recruiting is better than it has been in years and we are no where near Feb. yet. Some complained about last years class and now say this doesn't mean nothing (having a good class this year).
Relax, enjoy it is UT football.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 9, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, Luginbill's top 10 was releassed prior to knowing UT got these commits.This should run us up a few more spots.If you haven't seen it ,check it out.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recrui...

Posted by tngeoff on July 9, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

Great job keeping us up to date. It is great to see great news!

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol,

I don't know that I buy the idea that Sanders left on his own accord.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

According to the article, Fulmer and Sanders sat down and discussed a number of "scenarios". What that means exactly is unknown. However, my thoughts are (based on what I read) that Sanders really didn't have much of a choice. He knew that his job of OC was over. And, to be fired mid season would be an embarrassment (as would being fired period).

Sanders IMO took the best option which was stay around until the end of the season and walk away quietly. He stated in the article that he took some responsibility, but also was quick to say it wasn't all his fault.

I think Sanders was treated very fairly and was able to "resign". But if you resign, why have a discussion of "options" midway through the season?

I ain't buyin what's bein sold, sorry.

Posted by IPOrange on July 9, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great news, no matter how you look at it. How can some put a negative spin on this? I don't get it, Big Dan.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe some of our naysayers can tell us why Hunter would have chosen to play for Fulmer over Rodriguez and the red-vested wonder?

Rivals has Hunter as the 3rd fastest CB and 5th strongest.

Foster's list was culled recently but he'd been recruited by UGA, UF, Miami, GT, USC, and USF at a minimum before committing to UT.

Posted by tngeoff on July 9, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange.

I agree. This stuff is great for us. Fulmer is clearly a part of the mix, but no doubt the new offensive coaches have sold a great opportunity and the young men want to be a part of it. Keep it rollin'!

Posted by overatedvols on July 9, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't see the Tigers on the list. They must have come in at 11.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The deal with Sanders is pretty much standard fare in management. You want a guy out because the situation isn't working but you don't want to put the stigma of being fired on him.

Sanders has ability but the chemistry didn't work with him as OC at UT. He didn't have the ability to get execution and discipline and CPF waited too long before stepping in.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol,
Unrealistic is when the Legions of the Miserable start screaming for Fulmer's head after every single loss.

Unrealistic is when, after going undefeated and winning the NC in 1998, the LOM was still not satisfied. I remember hearing the idiots whip out such jewels as "we backed into the game" and "we only won because FSU played their third-string QB" among others.

Unrealistic is when nothing the staff does is good enough. Watch the defense carry the team for a couple of years and we hear "Fire Sanders! Fire Cutcliffe!" Sign some highly ranked offensive players and suddenly the defensive staff stinks - the same staff that the LOM lauded just a couple of years earlier.

Is having the 108th ranked offense acceptable? No. But guess what - they did something about it.

Is getting beaten by your two biggest rivals in the same season acceptable? If it happens only occassionally, then possibly. Year in and year out? Certainly not but, fortunately, that has not been a pattern.

Fortunately, your expectations do not go into hiring decisions. It's also fortunate for Gen. Neyland. If you had been AD back then, with the same expectations, he'd have been fired for not measuring up, most likely after the '48 season.

BOJ

Posted by Colliervol on July 9, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with mattlock. Some recruits or parents may read these comments but only a fool would make a decision about where to play based on few negative comments. Every school has negative fans. Fortunately, most realize they are the exception rather than the rule. If they have any sense at all, they also realize that the negative folks are always the most vocal. In most cases in recruiting, it still comes down to TV exposure and playing time. (Now why it is that we can't get enough DT's goes against that theory. Lord knows we have PT to offer there.)

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat,

Ease up. Nobody said a thing about fans posting on this site. Fan's voice their opinions in a number of ways...through emails and letters to coaches/Hamilton, through personal interaction at Caravan's etc. as well as the voices that are heard through donors/boosters.

Fans are the voice of this program. And, to think their voices aren't being heard by CPF isn't realistic. He may not be reading the fan's posts, but he definitely has exposure to the writings and rantings of the KSN staff...a hem, John Adams.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BigOrangeIdiot, great football coaches don't go 10 seasons and counting between conference titles like Foolmore has.

In the last 10 years, UGA, Auburn, LSU, Florida, and Alabama have not let the same coach go 10 years without an SEC title regardless of what they did 10 years ago.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Should have said, "In the last 30 years"

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash -

If a school who claims to be a top-notch program does indeed go ten years between conference titles with the same coach, obviously something is amiss, IMO.

Agreed. However, I also agree with SJT in stating there are a great deal of programs that had success at a high level and are recently suffering some hardships (ND, Alabama, Nebraska, Miami, FSU to name a few).

Posted by IPOrange on July 9, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IF Hunter and Foster did in fact commit, then it's looking even better. My only observation is the lack of D-linemen on the list. Are there still any big defensive tackles on the horizon for us?

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol, Bama message boards don't seem to tolerate negativism from fans or opposing fans.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is a link talking about the signings today:

http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...

Posted by thesavageorange on July 9, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem guys.By the way 4* 6'5 340lb Peter White of (DC)will be in town this week.I don't expect him to commit right now, however I didn't expect Hunter to either.His visit is good news.We will be the last of three schools he has visited this summer along w/ Maryland and Virginia.

I think I will throw some fuel on the fire.Check out this short article on Chavis.

http://tennessee.scout.com/2/767847.html

Now, entertain me!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Florida - Zook was 23-14 his 3 years (Fulmer is what 24-14 last 3 years) and Florida wanted to return to prominence. They hire Meyer who won the SEC and national title his 2nd year. Their last SEC title was in 2000 before they made a change in 2004. Looks like they made the right choice.

Posted by volchiq on July 9, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin - so far Bama has paid out the nose (and other body orifices) for a coach that hasn't delivered on anything but recruiting classes which you have been quick to point out means nothing. If he doesn't do better than .500 this year and the fans there are still kissing his, um, past championship ring, they are dumber than even I thought.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPO, Probably. There's another camp coming up soon that should be attended by some decent defensive prospects. My hope is that some of the instate DL prospects will get offers afterward.

savage or someone has said that Worthen had a great SPARQ score. If academics are in line and he goes to the camp and does well... he could be offered.

The JUCO Hicks has narrowed his list to Oregon and UT. He has said that distance would not be a factor but tradition would. Should bode well for UT.

Hall, Sykes, and Rufus Williams will all return from JUCO in the 09 class.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting how some idiots will look to Bama as a model for coach evaluation.

BOJ

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Georgia - Hired Mark Richt in 2000. They've won the SEC in 02 and 05. Before Richt, Donnan was head coach from 1996-1999 where he was 40-19. Fulmer is 44-16 his last 5 years. It appears, UGA made the right choice in firing Donnan. Before Donnan, Ray Goof was the head coach for 6 years and they did not win the SEC. He followed Dooley who wasn't fired. So, UGA had to hire someone in Goof, fired him, hired Donnan who improved then but couldn't quite win the SEC, and then hired Richt who has won the SEC twice this decade.

Posted by tngeoff on July 9, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

Good article on Chavis. In my opinion...he IS a very good defensive coach...but the apearance to me is like Fulmer he had lost his intensity. While Coach Fulmer truly seems to be rekindling that intensity, I just DO NOT see it with Coach Chavis. That doesn't mean he doesn't have the knowledge or ability, but even armed with those two great qualities...the trump card is intensity. Just my thoughts on it. Thanks again for the link (s). Keep on postin' 'em!

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bigorangejeff,

1:07 post...spot on. Good post.

Posted by drone on July 9, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rivals is reporting we received 2 more committments this morning. Any news on this KNS?

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can pretty much guarantee you that if Saban doesn't win an SEC title in the next 4-6 years he'll be gone. Gene Stallings was basically forced out after the 96 season (only 4 years after winning the national title) for basically losing to some pretty decent Miss State teams 2 years in a row.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer has avg'd 9.5 wins and 3 losses per season over his 15 year tenure. That's what you get when you don't parse the data.

Drop the championship games which Zook never got to... and it gets even better for him.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TryingToGetAttentionLikeHeck,
I'm sorry, I thought I addressed that post to tigervol.

I guess, however, with your frantic arm-waving being ignored, you had to jump into someone else's conversation in order to get some attention.

10-4,
BOJ

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Auburn - After Dye won what 4 SEC titles in 12 years, Tommy Bowden comes in deals with probation wins big but it doesn't count and is fired in 1998. They bring in Tubberville in 1999, who took a few years to get going. Come 2004, he was on the hotseat for not winning enough and getting to that next level. He delivered the next year and is safe for now but not for 10 years and counting. Auburn appears to have made the right choice in firing Bowden.

Posted by IPOrange on July 9, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt (1:25 p.m.) - Thanks for the info.

marc_ash (1:19 p.m.) - Good link. Hunter hits like a hammer. He'll be a great asset.

savage (1:21 p.m.) - you've got a bit of a mean streak! Should be fun to watch, lol.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I said on another article, I'm glad I can get my Vols news from this site....not KSN, but from the posters.

Hang in there KSN.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wait, wait, wait....

Because I don't like the fact that we've not won an SEC title in 10 years, I fit into the group that complained after 98?

Wow.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 9, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I actually like Chavis' attack style of football, but you have to have the star players to execute it. He's had good linebackers but his DT's and DE's have only been average at best recently. Most coaches adapt when they have weaknesses in personel, but Chavis only seems to know one style.
In that regard, I don't think he is always the best coach, but I still like his style if he can get the horses.

Posted by TommyJack on July 9, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is not rocket surgery. Cutcliff left for triple the dough. Who wouldn't? But I don't give CPF credit for making a change here...He was forced to make a change. I DO give him credit for hiring Clawson (hopefully, a keeper). Anyone I've ever talked to close to the program says Sanders was sacked...Prof. Fulmer allowed him the usual courtesy of resigning. Canning Sanders was clearly a proactive move on Dr. Fulmer's part.
8's enough.

Posted by tngeoff on July 9, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No horses = no intensity

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 9, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 - word is that TDTN has been thrown off the Bammer boards more times than he has on these boards. I've heard he is far worse over there.

Posted by BSweet on July 9, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savageo, I know UT is in the hunt for a lot of kids, but do you know who is at the top of their wish list? What kids have the coaches' most attention? Also, is it a done deal that Hall, Sykes, and Williams will be returning with this class? If so, that would give us 2 DEs and a DT there, right? As always, thanks for the rundown on recruiting.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad we're the only school of the "HAVES" that would keep a coach around for going 10 years and counting between conference titles. I mean I guess we should still consider ourselves part of the "HAVES" of the SEC.

I mean winning the SEC is so hard apparently that Mike Dubose has managed to win one in the last 10 years. Then have a guy that coached in MWC and MAC with a new offense came in and won the league in just 2 years. Miles meanwhile in 3 years won the SEC last year and everyone thinks he is an idiot. Miles and Meyer won the SEC in half the amount of time that it took Foolmore.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 9, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workinlikeheck...I hate to drop this on ya...but all of your rantings bout the SEC schools except Fla and LSU all have one thing in common...NO championships...thats why they scramble for new coaches.....right or wrong...we won in 98...that and that alone is why hes still here...NCs are hard to come by...and longevity at the coaching level if acheived....is rewarded handsomely.....I dont care bout Ga...and Aub...and Ole Miss...Ark....please....they arent even relevant in their own states......find a better argument to douse CPFs prominance....Hes a winner...period...and he will bring it back again......and you know why i say this....(CUZ IM A UT FAN.....NOT ALWAYS FULMER...BUT UT)

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wait, wait, wait....

Because I don't like the fact that we've not won an SEC title in 10 years, I fit into the group that complained after 98?

Wow.

No, you fit into the group that says anything but an SEC championship is unacceptable. That in itself, isn't realistic.

Posted by mikevol on July 9, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin,

UGA has how many NC under Mark R.?? Auburn Has how many NC since they hired Tubberville. This really is the true grade. Like I said some hires work some don't See Miami U , if you make the wrong hire you can send a program into the dark ages. This is more true for a program that must recruit from others backyard

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volguy,

Alabama has many Nat championships and a number of other teams have SEC championships...Auburn should have had a NC a few years back. But...it is what it is.

Posted by pdhuff on July 9, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsportvol, just relax and have a cool one with your "Eight is Enuf" new tee on.

Posted by TommyJack on July 9, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General Melon If TDTN got the hook off Bama boards, he must be doing something right.
Liberate TDTN.

Posted by ctownvol on July 9, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt-You live in Soddy?

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So it is unacceptable and unrealistic that I think 10 years between SEC chapmionships is too long?

I have never, nor will I ever say we should win the conference yearly - that in itself in unrealistic.

However, I think playing for a conference title every three to four years (which he had done) and winning the title two of those (which he has not) is realistic. Basiucally I am saying 2 conference titles every 8-10 years works for me. How it that unrealistic?

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd be more impressed if UT could win 2 or 3 SEC championships per decade than 1 NC per decade to be honest mikevol.

A team actually has to earn the SEC championship. tOSU got a shot at the NC for the past 2 years after cruising through a very down Big 10.

IMO only the USC v Texas game had the best two teams playing for the BCS title over the past 5 years or so. OU went twice without deserving it and tOSU went twice without deserving it.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TigerVol,
I did not say that YOU were unhappy with the 98 NC. I said that the unrealistic idiots were. And, yes, they were out there. All you had to do was listen to SportsTalk or, particularly, Basilio's show.

BOJ

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 9, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volguyinLA....UGA, Ark, Ole Miss, Auburn aren't relevant in their own state? OKKKKAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

Posted by thesavageorange on July 9, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, I agree w/ your 1:28 p.m. post.

I Don't know about Chief, but Slade seems to be one of the D-coaches that has the fire in his belly once again.He and Clawson are by far the hottest recruiters right now.Hunter was a Clawson catch w/ Slade being a big part of his decision.Brooks has always been intense.Caldwell could have left and didn't ,so that tells me he's excited about his group.That leaves Chavis.Best LB coach in the game IMO.But as coordinator , you have to be a motivator.It's hard to motivate when you aren't motivated.To make a long opinion short, if Chavis is motivated and ready to put someones can down the depth chart if they aren't giving all out effort(ala Bolden), then he should stay.If not he should retire.

Can't really disagree w/ Watermelon's assesment at 1:42 either.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 9, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc-ash....i understand that...but Bama hasnt done shite ......Tenn...Lsu...Fla...only NC winners in the past ten years....Yeah Auburn got screwed...but hey...couldnt happen to a better team...lol....just saying..CPF has done something that is hard to do....that is why hes still there...and it might have taken him 10 years to digest that taste of the limelight...so hopefully his big azz is hungry again....GO VOLS

Posted by dburgVol on July 9, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder when KNS is going to posts stories about the two recruits that committed this morning?
D.J. Hunter and Antonio Foster.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"So it is unacceptable and unrealistic that I think 10 years between SEC chapmionships is too long?"

No. It is unrealistic to think your chances are better to get there sooner by going on the coaching carousel when the current coach had put your team in 3 of the last 7 CG's. That's especially true when that coach brings in a coach like Clawson in an effort to get over the hump.

Close is a better starting point than far away... and no, I live closer to Chicago/Gary than Soddy Daisy.

Posted by ctownvol on July 9, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see. Just wondering. I have kin in Soddy.

Posted by VOLS85 on July 9, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This hunter guy looks to be a monster...

6-0 DB runs a 4.4 and benches 335. Sold

Posted by volmac72 on July 9, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

forget recruiting...we all know CPF "the over-paid dean of SEC coaches' is only interested in coaching up to the most mediocre level...at best!No SEC titles necessary, nor beating Florida, or coming AT LEAST second place in the SEC east. The university seem only interested in being #3 in the east!!!
This team should be named the "Phil Fulmer Volunteers"! See what a former UT Admin had to say.....
from CBS Sportsline:
http://dennis-dodd.blogs.sportsline.c...

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dburg- they must get their info from Scout... who didn't even show UT on Hunter's list of schools.

savage, I'd like to see Brooks or Caldwell get a shot at DC with Dale Jones coming back to coach LB's.

Posted by dburgVol on July 9, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He picked UT over Ohio State and the other Big 11 conference

Posted by dburgVol on July 9, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You CPF haters need to wait til Fulmer retires and Peyton comes back to coach. Wouldn't that be great? He is more than capable. I've always said that Peyton needs to hurry up and have some boys.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 9, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workinlikeheck....sarcasm brother....google it....but there might be an argument for Ole Miss....i mean really....Ole Miss?

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volmac, One of the guys comments was that CPF had only won 14 of his last 26 SEC games. During the regular season over the past two years, CPF has beaten 11 of the last 16 opponents. By comparison: Miles 12/16, Meyer 12/16, Richt 10/16, Spurrier 6/16, Tuberville 11/16, Saban 10/16...

Aren't numbers fun when you start parsing them out of context to make your case?

Posted by tngeoff on July 9, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volmac72.

Holy crap. That was a powerful column...to the point. Thanks for the link.

Posted by RichRollin on July 9, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This D.J.Hunter dude looks KILLER!! Hopefully the Foster guy can play DT!!

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, that guy is a real whiner.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volguy41inLSUland,

I agree. But looking at the big picture, winning an SEC championship (or even playing for one for that matter) is a brutal task.

Look at the pre-season predictions year in and year out for a snapshot of that. You are talking about a team with a Hiesman trophy and Nat Championship winning QB returning as well as a team that (arguably)should have been playing for a NC last year....and that is just in our division. Pair that with the overall talent in the SEC and you understand the difficulty of playing for a NC (more less an SECC).

No excuses for failure of course...however, when playing for an SECC often is dictated by the outcome of 1 or 2 games....that makes it much easier to excel than other programs.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 9, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj -

Seems the difference here is that you seem to be more willing to forgive the fact that nothing happened for about 7-9 years there and I am not.

Posted by marc_ash on July 9, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.wemustignitethiscouch.com/...

Some VERY enjoyable reading (its a basketball article, but a good read nonetheless).

Posted by movol77 on July 9, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's January 15, 2009 and TN is still celebrating a championship...

Workin said, "They could have won this year's ago if Foolmer hadn't been busy eatin' KK. The program is still in trouble. Chavis gave up 13 points to a lesser offense. If they don't win 2 titles in a row then they haven't really proven anything other than this was a fluke if you look at the stats...blah, blah, blah"

Posted by VOLS85 on July 9, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's going on the three o'clock hour now and we still have no updates from KNS about our two commitments from early this morning...

It's about time to rescind that award which they continue to brag about...what the he11 was that thing called again? They must be proud!

Posted by mattlock on July 9, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right, numbers don't lie. Since the NC game, Fulmer is 3-5 in bowl games and we lost the only BCS game we have played in since then.
Fulmers performace in bowl games since the NC:

2000 Fiesta Bowl Nebraska 31, Tennessee 21

2001 Cotton Bowl Kansas State 35, Tennessee 21

2002 Citrus Bowl Tennessee 45, Michigan 17

2002 Peach Bowl Maryland 30, Tennessee 3

2004 Peach Bowl Clemson 27, Tennessee 14

2005 Cotton Bowl Tennessee 38, Texas A&M 7

2007 Outback Bowl Penn State 20, Tennessee 10

2008 Outback Bowl Tennessee 21, Wisconsin 17

I especially enjoyed the back to back Peach Bowl thumpings we took from a powerhouse Maryland team and an unranked Clemson team the year Fulmer complained about being snubbed by bigger bowls.

Quit making excuses Fulmer (and Fulmer kool-aid drinkers) and get out there and earn this raise. My boss doesn't care how good other products are compared to ours, he expects me to sell mine. That's how it works. . .

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol, maybe not forgiveness but rather patience because of the changes. I hate the new contract specifically because there plenty of carrots but no sticks. It says "We'll reward you if you succeed but we won't punish you if you don't". IMO there should have been no automatic raises and the term should have been 5 years.

I've said many times that he should be req'd to continue year over year or else move out of the way. The only way to improve over last year is to win the SEC, a BCS game, or somehow finish in the top 10 without doing so.

Realistically at this point, Fulmer is the coach as long as he wants to be. We can accept it and enjoy being a fan anyway... or we can make ourselves miserable.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 9, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

movol77,
After reading your 2:49 post, I'm beginning to wonder if you're really Miss Cleo. Oh wait, Miss Cleo was a fake. This one could actually happen.

BOJ

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mattlock, IMO Sanders should have been gone no later than 2003... and the fact that he wasn't was a clear leadership failure on the part of Fulmer.

Posted by GerryOP on July 9, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting new post over on:

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/j...

Posted by WVVOLFAN on July 9, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

new OT just committed. Antonio Foster from Valdosta, GA

Posted by murrayvol on July 9, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ @ 1:43: If one gives Fulmer credit for sacking Sanders, it follows that he must assume responsibility for dragging his gimlet arse out of the sack and making him OC.

IMHO that hire was the worst mistake of his career at any level. And the record more or less proves it.

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sanders was a pretty popular pick after the NC game. CPF might not have been responsible for hiring him per se but he was responsible for mismanaging him and failing to get rid of him sooner. It shouldn't have take 6 years and a losing season to recognize Sanders had the O headed in the wrong direction.

Posted by auttat on July 9, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"The increases come at a time when the nation’s economy is on the verge of collapse. Gasoline costs $4 a gallon,
General Motors is on the brink of bankruptcy, Starbucks is closing 600 stores, unemployment is rising, the housing
market has gone into the tank, our banking system is a shambles, the cost of health care is spiraling out of
control, and our military is broken because of a U.S. president who believes an ill-conceived war will save his
legacy."

So, this guy says that Fulmer shouldn't get a raise because of these factors? One could then logically conclude that Fulmer is actually to blame for all of them...we knew it all along did we not?

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on July 9, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all you idiots bashing the vols coaches, players, or the AD could have a team say like ole miss, miss st, vandy or kentucky. I have never in my life heard such whinning and beaching like some of you so called grown men. i think some of you panty waste ingrates vent your anger on here because your wife pissed you off and your too scared of her to say anything GET A LIFE GROW UP AND ACT YOUR AGE NOT YOUR IQ.... root for and bleed orange heart body and soul and thank the heaven above we dont have a team like vandy. If you dont agree with or like whats going on on the hill GET A NEW TEAM the ones that whine sound like a nagging woman!!!!!!!! Same old crap day after day time after time "SHUT UP"

Posted by TommyJack on July 9, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volmac 2:17: Gilbert deserves a Pulitzer.

Murray: I concede the point.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 9, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volunteer-cowboy......Say it again brother...so true so true

Posted by 99gator on July 9, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all

i donned the kevlar before this post, not after.

1. i don't think tenn will win the SEC again with fulmer as coach.

2. IMO, last year was a perfect storm for tennessee to reach the title game. tenn was outscored within conference play. won 2 games in ot and another game by a point (and not against the big boys either). they earned their way there...but, they did not impress anyone in doing so. but, let's be real. that kind of performance is not getting tenn to atlanta in most seasons.

3. does anyone think spurrier (if he stayed at florida), richt, meyer, or saban (and alabama is still in the toilet) would have or will go nine years without an sec title. you can't win them all and the competition within the league is stiff.....but, i would even predict an SEC title in the next nine years for bama and they are nowhere near in contention for a title as of today.

4. if there is a recruiting gap (and i believe there has been) AND you believe that meyer, saban, richt, and "insert name here" are better coaches than fulmer as well......then, how good are tenn's chances of claiming the prize.

ok....fire away. oops, wait. i need a helmet first.

Posted by mattlock on July 9, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

perhaps he was attempting to surround himself with people who wouldn't be able to take his job (aka Pull a Fulmer) LOL

I don't know, I'm not a Fulmer hater, I just think:

1) There is clear evidence program that is in a downward spiral and needs some improvement.
2) We fans who buy season tickets, UT products, and attend every game win or lose are still "true" Vol fans even when we recognize that our program needs to be better.

I love my country too, that doesn't mean I have to like the way we're headed and blindly support everything our leaders do. I hope Phil turns it around, but to hold him to an 8 win season as the standard is laughable. We should expect better from a program like ours.

Posted by mattlock on July 9, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is that the standard now. . .as long as we're better than Ole Miss, Vandy and Kentucky. . .wow that's stupid.

Posted by IPOrange on July 9, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volunteer_cowboy (3:16 p.m.) -

Don't be shy, brother. Say what's really on your mind, LOL!

Posted by sjt18 on July 9, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mattlock, a trend of 5-6, 9-4, and 10-4 is not indicative of a downward spiral... and they made changes anyway.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on July 9, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THATS NOT WHAT I SAID (I SEE YOUR ONE OF THOSE IDIOTS) I SAID WE COULD HAVE A TEAM LIKE THOSE TEAMS!!!!!! FULMER AND HIS TEAMS OF THE PAST SPOILED EVERYBODY JUST LIKE THE BRAVES DID EXCEPT THE FANS GOT TO WHERE THEY DIDNT SHOW UP EXCEPT FOR PLAYOFF GAMES IN ATLANTA, BUT THATS A GOOD IDEA JUST THINKING ABOUT IT WHY DONT ALL IDIOTS OR UT BASHERS STAY AT HOME AND WAIT FOR THEM TO PLAY A PLAYOFF GAME IN KNOXVILLE BEFORE THEY SHOW UP OR SPEAK ABOUT UT FOR THAT MATTER

Posted by thesavageorange on July 9, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BSweet, Sorry got busy.They are recruiting 4* DT's Darrington Sentimore, Chris Bonds,4* Akiem Hicks and 5* Chris Davenport the hardest on defense along w/ 4* DB Brandon McGee , 4* LB Jerod Askew, and 4* S Darren Myles.On O it's 5* WR Marlon Brown ,5* OT Morgan Moses,4* OG Peter White, and 3* WR Zach Rogers.

Now these aren't the only ones they are pushing hard for, however these are the ones who have us very high on their list that I think we have good shots at.The 2 hardest will be Moses and Davenport.They have strong ties w/ their in state schools.IMO we are #2 for both right now.

Posted by TommyJack on July 9, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99: My gun is holstered.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 9, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)