Posted by rootin4volz on June 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How much fun would it be to see us unleash a beast come that UCLA game? And then, once Florida rolls into town, we unleash the *nasty* in that beast.

Posted by allvolinatlanta on June 21, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can hardly wait to see your offense for the first time coach! I hope you put the 3rd. in a row crushing on Georgia. Welcome to UT!

Posted by RichRollin on June 21, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm liking ol' Clawson more and more guys. Can't wait to see the product once on the field, UCLA game will be very interesting!!

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 21, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just ready to see Crompton run over some more people! Football season in on the horizon...

Posted by richvol on June 21, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clawson will show only what he has to in the UCLA game. By the Florida game the boys should be settled in and ready for a little payback. I think Tennessee will be really up for the gators. If Tennessee plays Tennessee hard nosed football that day...we will win. Same for that stinkin' Alabama team.

Posted by volfan_brian on June 21, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally hope he doesn't open his bag of goodies until the UF game. If we cant beat UCLA and UAB doing what we have always done, then we are in worse shape than I thought.

Posted by DennisVols on June 21, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

An effective 4 quarters offense will be the biggest improvement to our defense. Last years two beatings (UF&UA) happened during the 3rd and 4th qtrs when our offense went to sleep and was more conservative than the Republican National Convention. "In any football game, you want to control field position and you want to keep your defense off the field as much as you can." In those 2 game our defense was on the field 70% of the time.
Yes we need to do a better job of stopping the other team when on defense but our offense needs to score.
Get away from "field goal Phil" and back to TOUCHDOWN TENNESSEE
GO VOLS!!!!!!!

Posted by tngeoff on June 21, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great! This is my kind of coach! I think our offense is goinf to be hot and it's the perfect venue for Jonathan Crompton to let his star shine very, very brightly!

Posted by tngeoff on June 21, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols.

Very...very well spoken my friend.

Posted by tngeoff on June 21, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AYSeKm1IrZE

Posted by TommyJack on June 21, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like it.

Posted by DennisVols on June 21, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Geoff

Posted by thesavageorange on June 21, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Notice the look on Wilson and Henderson's face.Pure focus and intensity.I hope we see some guys on D in the fall that have that look.

Hopefully the pride of guys like those will bring them home this summer.I know guys like Stallworth & Manning come back during the summer to work w/ guys.

Posted by orange4ever on June 21, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe this is the first I have agreed with you touchdown.(Nice Majors speech)

Posted by cdldoc on June 21, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow!! Good post from TDTN!

Posted by KingsportVol on June 21, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What TDTN said 5:39 post. Lets have a nice friendly game. Naysayers vs Fulmerites

Posted by volsoutwest on June 21, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well gosh darn it that sounds great. Hope we can lay a whupping on those sorry gators and those crimson tidians. How many more days til it's football time in Tennessee?

Posted by volsoutwest on June 21, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh and by the way...Kindest regards

Posted by babyhuey on June 21, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, yesssss!!!!!!

Posted by LanceR24 on June 21, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow that video made me remember just how much i miss al wilson.

Posted by utwick on June 21, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the link Geoff. It's definitely football time in Tennessee! If that doesn't make your orange blood boil, move to Bammer.

Posted by DennisVols on June 21, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope they show that video to this years team.
Show them the pride that is TENNESSEE FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Navalorange on June 21, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I for one was glad to hear him talk about the speed in the SEC vs. other conferences. It is imperative that he understands this and I'd say that he probably does. He sounds like he is hungry to prove that he can do the job.

Posted by tngeoff on June 21, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The thing I like best about that video is the fire and intensity that everybody shows. Coach Fulmer has that look that when you see it, you know he means business. I hope we see that look all year long! I also hope that Coach Clawson, whom I am very excited to have aboard ends up creating a highlight reel a mile long for 2008! Can't wait for FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!

Posted by tngeoff on June 21, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

I agree with you 100%! Good post above. Too bad I didn't read it before I posted a similar thought! Go Vols!

Posted by thesavageorange on June 21, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, I've noticed that about Fulmer when I have watched 90's games and speeches.He had a different swagger, and tone about him.I noticed on the under the lights show that he seemed to be getting a little of that back.I sure as "heck" hope so ,for the sake of naysayers,fulmerites, and fence riders alike.They will go as their leader goes, and like him or not it's CPF.Man, this has been one of the longest off-seasons I can remember.

Posted by Navalorange on June 21, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff i watched it twice. Oh to return to the days of instilling doubt in the opposing teams by being intense in the confines, or the opposing forces house.

Posted by Navalorange on June 21, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

should have said AND the opposing forces house. I've been reading a while but posting is new, i need to review better. Doldrums for the mostly readers too.

Posted by RichRollin on June 21, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope he can convert 3rd downs and in orange zone better than Cutcliff.

Posted by philfan on June 21, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Fulmer made a great hire in Clawson. I will know if I like the offense when I am totally unable to predict what play will be called at any given moment. A win is a win but we were getting very predictable last year. Go Vols.

Posted by tngeoff on June 21, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

Agreed. Couple a recoup of some of that intensity with a brand new set of offensive coaches, new and an outstanding, mobile quarterback with an intense will to win and we may just have a recipe for a return to what Navalorange mentions and we all miss, "Oh to return to the days of instilling doubt in the opposing teams by being intense in the confines, or the opposing forces house." Good stuff!

Posted by invisiblekid on June 21, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd love to see Crompton break a few runs and remind us of Heath Shuler. Could be wrong but I think Clawson will ratchet up the intensity on his side of the ball. It's up to Chavis to see if he still has it in him though. Not really interested in hearing about his future plans or job interviews, I just want to see him put a defense on the field that brings the pain and scares the opponent again.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 21, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by invisiblekid on June 21, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Off topic but this is pretty funny regarding the new team of the Professor of Dink and the Doctor of Dunk, David Cutcliffe:

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/rumors/...

Found it so amusing I decided to post twice.

Posted by chrisw2967 on June 21, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good ole days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhudAn...

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 21, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thought this was pretty cool about recruiting momentum catching national attention and ties in pretty well w/ story about Coach Clawson...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008...

Apologies in advance if someone else already posted the link.

Posted by awhill00 on June 21, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our 'O' is going to rock. It will look nothing like the Cutt offense. I also think Crompton will be one of the top two or three QB's in the SEC. He's every bit as good as GA's Stafford. GO VOLS!!

Posted by bigfan502 on June 21, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the Vols' prepare for the "ROPE-a-Dope scheme that UCLA will bring to the Labor day game at the Rose Bowl. The idea of the Bruins is allow the opponent during the "Santa Ana" winds to wear them self out then win the game in the searing 115-degrees. Saving themselves in the first half..The Bruins in their ROPE-a-DOPE game plan hope to upset the Vol bandwagon with a second half surge after Vols punch themselves out. Just like Ali used to do.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 21, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim1998 how can you come on here and talk trash after you only beat us by 40.

Posted by hiresanders on June 21, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our last 2 OCs have gone to and came from Duke and Richmond. Enough said...another poor offensive year coming. Clawson can't say anything because he doesn't know anything.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 21, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Vandy,SC or Kentucky want any see Daniel Lincoln.The bottom feeder killer.

Posted by FWBVol on June 21, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hiresanders, have you been enhaling exhaust fumes again? How can you say Clawson doesn't know anything because he coached at Richmond before he came to UT? Or for that matter that Cutcliffe doesn't know anything because he took a head coaching job at Duke? Did Cutcliffe not know anything when he took the job at Ole Miss in 1998? Did Steve Spurrier not know anything when he was coaching at Duke before going to Florida?

At Villanova, Fordham (where Vince Lombardi played in the 1930s) and Richmond, Dave Clawson's offenses have consistently put up big numbers. Football is a game about getting the right matchups and putting playmakers in a position to make big plays by finding open spaces. From what I've read, Clawson spreads the ball in a manner that does just that.

Saying a coach can't be successful because he came from a small school is like saying a high school student that did well academically at a small school won't do as well as the student from the large high school.

Posted by LiveFaith on June 21, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amazing love around here for the undefeated coach. Hehe.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on June 21, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't show anything until the Alabama game. That's the game that means something.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 21, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN speakin of Workin. Business is about to pick back up soon.

Posted by VOLS85 on June 21, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew the responses to this article were far too positive there for about half of the posts...knew that wouldn't last...

Posted by GreerVol22 on June 21, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I am very vague on purpose"...says Clawson....funny how with Phil its genetic.

Posted by junder13 on June 22, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN 5:39 lol, hilarious.
"Please don't give up Butcliffe's dink and dunk, spotted ape reverses, and throwing 3 yards on 3rd and 4 and we will be A OK."
Hahaha. I wonder if there's been a team with less success running the reverse than UT under Cutt...he could be so predictable it was painful to watch.
Spotted ape indeed. hahaha

Posted by bluetick on June 22, 2008 at 2:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, I can already hear it.. If we lose to UCLA in the opener (which we won't).. you will hear all they nay sayers wanting to get rid of Clawsen.

Posted by tngeoff on June 22, 2008 at 3:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody know if sjt lives near the flooding? I haven't seen him posting the last couple of days. Hope he's okay.

Posted by DenmarkVol on June 22, 2008 at 4:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we show up with a go-for-it, wide-open, go-deep, big-play passing attack to set up the run, I'll believe things have fundamentally changed with our offensive philosophy.

However, we all know what to expect. We have a completely new offensive system with a new, unproven QB.

Historically, that means extreme conservatism offensively -- run first to set up short passes, play not to turn the ball over...essentially a risk-averse, pound-the-rock, three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust strategy.

I believe this latter approach is in Coach Fulmer's DNA and cannot be altered without extensive gene reconstruction and modification in a laboratory setting.

Lord knows we need a running game. But every team we play is expecting a return to "Tennessee football" this fall, i.e. pound the rock. I predict defenses will be stacked up to stop the run.

Kudos to Clawson for keeping 'em guessing.

Posted by pdhuff on June 22, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff 3:25- he has a stand-in alter ego to take up the slack. Ol' Mississippi is flexing some muscle.

Clawsen is talking the talk. He will face a worthy adversary in Norm Chow. Its hard to put a finger on it but I have a wary feeling about going out there for this opener. As bigfan502 pointed out the heat is brutal.

As For Chavis, we'll see how much he's coached 'em up! Its not pretty, its not popular, some say they don't exist, but without a decent anchored d-line you will lose most of your "big" games. Period, koolade or not.

We'll know in 69 days or so whether the Valkyries come for us.

Posted by DarthVol on June 22, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those of you wanting a wide-open go deep offense, you might be disappointed. At Richmond, his average catch was 6.6 yds. That figure was so consistent throughout the years that I thought there was a screw up in the yearly stat sheets. Now, they averaged over 10 yds per play when they did pass. But I would take him at his word about getting the ball to those that can make something happen quickly without going downfield even if that means dumping it fairly quickly.

His teams didn't average over 200yds/game passing while at Richmond. I'm not saying this is what will be. Only what has been. I'm comfortable with it because I've always been a fan of doing what you do well. Hopefully he is that type of coach. Moving the chains and scoring is the bottomline.

I'll also say that I have never seen his teams play, so it's all about numbers for me at this point. You could tell me that the reality of his teams play is akin to watching a chinese new year party and I could not argue.

Posted by douglasawilliams on June 22, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid, I'm with you I don't want to hear anything about Chavis' future plans, just want a sound defense that can give us a chance to win some big games. The defense has been sliding for several years and Chavis must look in the mirror and know that he is most responsible for mediocre/weak run defensive teams. I really don't know at all what to expect out of the offense but Crompton"s mobility should give us an advantage over what Ainge could do if there isn't anybody open. If Crompton can avoid the pics we very well could be a factor in the east this year. go vols!!!

Posted by vols76 on June 22, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BLUETICK......you are wrong, losing to UCLA doesn't matter, losing to UAB doesn't matter....but let us lose to Florida and you will be hearing "Let's get rid of Spiderman"!

Posted by eduardo on June 22, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing will change with the great pumpkin on the sidelines. The only thing he is interested in is getting a lifetime contract to perfect mediocrity. Fire F$$$lmer!

Posted by GerryOP on June 22, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang, TDTN. I thought you were going to tell us that Ol' Dupree reeled in the SEC East trophy! Or, maybe he did!

Posted by nicksjuzunk on June 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd love to see us run such a simple offense in the first two games to set Florida up and then open up a can of whoop (insert favorite body part here) when the Gators come rolling in to town.

"Pardon me gentlemen. This is our REAL offense. You have been served. NOW GET THE HECK OUT OF K-TOWN!!"

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on June 22, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't get the brutal heat comments regarding LA. It might be brutally hot if the game was played at 1 p or 4p, but it's being played at 5 or 6 p and the evenings cool down rapidly. It might be hot in the 1st half but come 4th quarter should be nice and cool. I'll take So Cal's 'brutal heat' over Knoxville's heat and humidity in August anyday. If anyone is going to wilt it should be the California boys. I'm guardedly optimistic. UCLA has too many issues to overcome to beat what should be a good Tennessee team assuming the Vols come in and take care of their bidness.

Posted by waterskier3 on June 22, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the biggest thing you saw in the videos were speed, talent and execution...... i haven't seen that since 2001 in our tn football team..... but lets hope for the best i'm just afraid we'll never be the team of the 90's as long as fulmer is here.... I just think we need new blood to get the fire back... I hope i'm wrong....

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FINAL WORD of WARNING:

clawson may be the hire of hires, but y'all need to use some caution.

saban, spurrier, meyer, and miles have won national titles. tuberville has had an undefeated season. richt came close to an undefeated season in 2002 and has been to three BCS bowls at georgia. brooks coached in the nfl. petrino is regarded as one of the best offensive coaches in the country. they and their staffs have, for the most part, pedigrees and resumes that are long and distinuished. (ex, charlie strong has worked for lou holtz, steve spurrier, and urban meyer)

the point is......mr. clawson has come to the big leagues. in short, that means if he's as good as y'all hope, it just makes things a fairer fight.

coming from where he does, does not mean he can't or won't succeed. but, predicting his level of success is a lot more fuzzy when their is nothing of significance to hang his hat on.

richmond was 31st in total offense at their level last season, 12th in rushing, 16th in scoring, and did not rank in the top 50 in passing offense. (stats came from cstv in 2007).

i repeat, for those who are on that kool aid high.....they were 31st in total offense at their level of football.

as a footnote......UT-Martin finished 13th in total offense at the same level.

you have been warned.

Posted by mikes70gto on June 22, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yopu have been warned.....that same style of offense beat a Meatchicken team in Ann Harbor (Appy State)and I feel sure we have better talent than they.With the addition of Morley,Williams,and Sykes the D should be stout,at least stout enough to kick Dupree,TDT,and hires, right back into the lock ness monsters mouth !!!!!!!!!!!!!

BURP...SLOBBER,SLOBBER WARNING the sign said ...............................

NO FISHING

Posted by volsoutwest on June 22, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally, a knowledgable football fan. Thanks Ashley.

Posted by mikes70gto on June 22, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry TDT your tounge is in the way!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by mikes70gto on June 22, 2008 at 10:18 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by marc_ash on June 22, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Clawson is right about the first 3 or 4 games. I think these games will tell a lot about the team. The UCLA game will be one where the Vols do some of the new things they can do. I'm glad Florida is always early...might be a good that the game is early in the season, I don't think by then the Vols will have shown too much of their O.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 22, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My boy has more fans than the windows in a housing project.TDTN for President!!!

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

all part and parcel of the doldrumzzzzzz

Posted by KingsportVol on June 22, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we make a trade for 99gator?

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No crystal ball, but I imagine the Clawson offense will pose more problems to DC's than did his predecessor's.

Posted by Bigger_Al on June 22, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doldrumzzzzzz are painful, but they are sooooo good to be having. The alternative is off-the-field news, which is mostly bad.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 22, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with Bigger_Al.Coaching staff is doing great job this summer.Hope it carries onto the playing field.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of testosteron in here. Don't dook it out boys...just bring a ruler.

Posted by grvol on June 22, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anything will be better than the Sanders/Cut dink and dunk garbage that cost Fulmer his legacy. Too many championship able defenses wasted since 98. Recruiting has now suffered and as a result the defense is beginning to stink. Fulmer waited 10 years too late to get a competent OC who knows how to score points.

Posted by Bigger_Al on June 22, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good doldrumzzzz article from Chatta-boogie:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash
I would much rather play Fla later in the year, especially since they are running a spread offense. Tebow or any other QB that runs that much wears down and isn’t half the player at the end of the year. Look at Fla vs. Ga and Fla vs. Mich it’s like someone stuffed some kryptonite in tebow's jock strap.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Major Lance: Good point, but won't happen.

Bigger_Al: Good article..Rucker is pretty solid.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on June 22, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator,

Good points. I'm sticking with optimism though. It tastes better on toast.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

if we lost it would have been by no more than 10, but honestly i think we would win if we played them in the second half of the year. the defense, while still not great, was hitting people hard for the first time all year and trying that arm tackle crap. also, the secondary was much improved. remember that was a tight game until arian fumbled it away and the team gave up.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Major Lance: Team gave up? Sounds like a coaching issue...Impossible.

Posted by givim6 on June 22, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN: Hey bro, did you and Dupree look inside that boot?

Posted by pdhuff on June 22, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DCflorida -11:32 good post, but was it necessary to include that last sentence? Whew....

You must have faith in the 2-9.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yes it did chap my butt that fulmer allowed those guys to quit on him, but as i have said before they were not the same team at the end of the year and i dont know what he did after the bama game becuase they never quit on him again.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff
Being truthful if the d-line is still not performing well before Fla I would love to see Chavis put in a 3-4 or a 3-3-5 either would play to our advantage. there is two ways to beat a spread you either have to get tons of penetration or put so much speed on the field those athletes have no where to run.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTennessee
actually his gameplans have been great but 2nd half adjustments have been his downfall.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

2nd half adjustments???

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lol there never was any lol

Posted by KingsportVol on June 22, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LanceR24 we rely on the prevent offense in the second half.Mr nice guy doesn't want to put points on the board unless we are trailing.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our "O" relies on the 3.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol
highly doubt he does that anymore if given the opportunity.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lance, if they had one guy on the defensive line capable of consistently holding their ground up front and plugging the middle, I believe we would have seen some of that 3-4 defense last year. The problem is, I don't think they have that one guy.

As far as Clawson goes, consider the warnings heeded, but the fact is nobody has a clue what to expect until that first game. He could fall flat on his face, which would mean the downfall of Fulmer IMO. Or he could be the best thing since p.... err sliced bread and tear up the SEC. The truth will probably fall somewhere in the middle as it usually does. Personally, after seeing what Cutcliffe did for the offense with his Walt Harris crib notes the past couple of years, I think Clawson will keep the offense at a competitive level. I am basing that on the hope Clawson has enough smarts and intestinal fortitude to hold up to the rigors of the SEC. We'll all find out in a few months.

Posted by SFOrange on June 22, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Given our talent, given Clausen's philosophy--what kind of O scheme could we expect?

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid
i agree im just saying if our standard 4-3 scheme isnt working find something that does.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree totally Lance, just wished the defensive brain trust did. I don't think we have seen much variation since the Feared Mustang Package though.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

man i remember when that and prowler first started the prowler was unveiled on fla it through them for a loop lol, but you have to have big, strong, athletic, and fast d-linemen to pull that one off.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Invisible...I could have gone all day w/out having to remember the Mustange package. The Mustang Package part of the playbook(aka givin' up 30 yards on 3rd and 25) needs to get tossed on the compost pile. I'm fairly positive most of the time towards the program, but this is one area that needs to go. It's not a nickel D, or dime D, it's like a quarter and a nickel D.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

here is a good article about our commitment surge we had

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...

if the link doesnt work just copy and past it in the address bar.

Posted by tngeoff on June 22, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For what its worth:

I give Phil Fulmer tremendous credit for stepping outside his comfort zone and bringing in all new offensive coaches who may not have been some folks first choice. I am impressed with all of them Their recruiting impact is already obvious. We all see preseason publications and each has a different spin. Lindy's picks UCLA 13th and we're not even in their top 25. Lindy's picks UCLA in Top 10 Schools by Position:

* Quarterbacks (injury) # 5

Running Backs # 5

Wide Receivers # 10

Defensive Backs # 3

Kicker # 3

They pick us nowhere in those categories. I am psyched for the season, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We will be tested verily. I truly do hope we can return to a top ten team this year. The challenge is there for the taking. Let's take it!

Posted by pdhuff on June 22, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At least I haven't heard, "Stay the course" in a while.

Or " work like heck" (the phrase, not the reknowned poster).

Free TDTN.

I think its fritter time.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow lindy has them that high, rivals has ucla at #43 in there preseason countdown

Posted by cjraney on June 22, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But UCLA does have Chow. Fulmer vs Chow = Fulmer wins every time, heh.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chow = overrated, IMO.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 22, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TD don't forget Professor "Chief" Klump.Defensive master mind and recruiting genius.UCLA might not even score.

Posted by dford9 on June 22, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Save some suprises for "Satan Saban", as we
won't soon forget the Alabama kickoff in the
'07 game~!

Posted by thesavageorange on June 22, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1st things 1st, Chow was working w/ an NFL roster before he went to the Titans.2nd ,no Pac 10 team outside of USC plays defense.Projected 09' NFL draft:W/ the 1st pick of the draft the Miami Dolphins select the USC trojans.

tngeoff ,Lindy's will stand alone in that prediction.They are the only ones I have seen rank us outside the top 25.It has ranged from 12th as a high & 23 as a low from what I've seen.

By the way ,we are half way to our total amount of commits w/ 13.We have about 25 spots available.Plus we have already matched the 4* count from last yr w/ 4, and the recruiting services are saying Phillips stock is soaring and that he may be a 4* as well.I believe he will be a DT.I also think Schofield will get a look there.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TNGeoff, it ain't worth much IMO. I am not counting on anything come Sept. 1, but I just don't see UCLA in the top 20 when it's said and done.

Posted by pdhuff on June 22, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ikid, sounds like you need another load of koolade to take your mind off facts. Would you prefer the 500 or 1200 gallon tank?

We have most of the regulars with their 1200's filled and ready. Ajc.com quoted some source as saying Ga and Fla were 6-1 for NC hopes. We were right behind at 100-1.

Also said Phil was on hottest seat in SEC and Mikey's talking a raise and extension until he's 87.

Long as he holds the Gators to 50......

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great seeing Clawson keeping things vague. I wouldn't have expected him to publish his playbook anyway LOL. I think he realizes that he's stepped foot in the best conference in all of CFBall and will do just fine.

On another note, I heard ole TDTN was in a boating accident on Ft. Loudon Lake. Pretty bad, got mangled up to the point the coroner needed 2 close friends to identify the body. He called Workinlikeheck and Silent_Fulmer to help identify. Workinlikeheck walked into to morgue and asked the coroner to flip the body over so he could see the backside. With authority he said, "nope, that ain't TDTN". Dumbfounded, the coroner asked Silent_Fulmer to come in as well. Silent pulled the sheets down to look at the backside and with equal certainty said "no, that is definately not TDTN". The coroner couldn't believe what he saw and said, "Are you sure, how can you tell just by looking at his rear?" WorkinLikeHeck chimed in and said, "Well sir, you see this body ain't got two a/holes. Everybody in town knows this can't be TDTN cuz everywhere we go people say 'Hey there comes ole TDTN with them two a/holes'...

Posted by tngeoff on June 22, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

True. I just put it out there and added my thoughts. I am REALLY impressed with the recruiting efforts so far. If the coming season shows results on the fielf like we've seen inrecruiting...we're going to have a fantastic year! I still hold UCLA as a power to be reckoned witnth is eyear. I just hope it shows more AFTER we play them.

invisiblekid.

Hey Bro'! I agree with you...like I said, there are many views in preseason. I just put it out there. Lindy's is even worse when it comes to theri view of SEC recruiting this year. I'm looking forward to football time in Tennessee!

Posted by mikes70gto on June 22, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two a/holes bwahahahahahahahahahahaha !!!!!!

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TNGeoff, no problem, I wasn't meaning that as a dig torward you in any way, shape, or form. Like Savage O pretty much said, Lindy's is basically out on a limb with their predictions for both UT and UCLA. I don't know what to expect from the Vols, but I sure don't see any reason for us not to be top 25 pre-season. The first game should tell a good deal for both teams.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 22, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff , I didn't take it as you were taking a jab either.In other words I agree w/ the kid a 100%.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I laugh every time I see the trumped up criticism of David Cutcliffe. Does anyone here think it was a coincidence that Ole Miss hired Cut just a coupl'a years before Eli Manning was set to go to college? You guys don't think Archie Manning had any influence on that decision? Cut is widely respected as a QB developer, and when he left UT the first time, it really did hurt the program. R. Sanders was a decent coach and I appreciate his effort, but he was no Cutcliffe. You guys criticize the direction the program has gone, but the Sanders era was the problem, not Fumer directly. It took too long, but that problem was rectified. Cutcliffe came back and did the best he could with what he had to work with. Now, we have Dave Clawson. I'm pretty sure as most OCs do, he is coaching the QBs. I believe Clawson is a QB developer along the lines of Cutcliffe. I have a feeling that this was one of the things Fulmer liked about him. You can criticize Fulmer til the cows come home, but the fact is he plans on sticking around a few more years...in the short term, I believe this year's recruiting success is just the beginning. I believe Tennessee will do even better next year after Clawson's style has been documented and recruits know what to expect. I'm not setting expectations super high this season, but really, the future looks bright.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For recruiting info and prognostications, I always tune to the Savage and the I-kid.
Bring back the Roman Room....

Posted by tngeoff on June 22, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange and invisiblekid.

I've been psyched for every upcoming UT football season for as long as I can remember. This season is very intruiging with these new coaches and of course Jonathan Crompton who I've waited a long time to get his chance to shine. He is incredibly gifted. Also...the renewed fire I seem to see in Coach Fulmer and the fact that he went out on a limb by trying this interesting coaching combination. I really like it!

TommyJack.

AGREED! Bring it back...along with Sam & Andy's!

Posted by beartn on June 22, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

<<Pleae don't give up the Ainge cry like a girl and throw the sideline out of bound pass when someone is not open in the first two seconds, Butcliffe's dink and dunk, spotted ape reverses, and throwing 3 yards on 3rd and 4 and we will be A OK.>>

The dink and dunk was done to keep our VERY inexperienced secondary off the field. We couldn't run that well between the tackles, and we had no deep threat. I'm not sure what other offense we could have run and still win the SEC East.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bear: Say what?

Posted by budd on June 22, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love how these florida fans run down Zook and sing the chorus for the urban legend. If memory serves me correctly it was Zook's players don won a NC and urban and the super circumsizer finsihed third in the east last yr. In fact I do believe the Zookster won more games and went to a better bowl.
By the way nice to have you back TDTN. When's your tv show on this year? Are you gonna have an advice column too?

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah Budd, funny....

I have all the respect for 99Gator because he is civil and intelligent and polite. However, sometimes his tone is a bit condescending ie the "final word of warning" post above. 99Gator, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but we're all pretty much smart enough to know not to expect a miracle. We also are smart enough to know that Gator football is NOT the be all, end all in the SEC. Really, honestly, I know you guys have a great program and loads of talent, but remember, YOUR TEAM HAD FOUR LOSSES LAST YEAR TOO AND LOST YOUR BOWL GAME. I mean, just where is this vast seperation between our programs that makes UF better by default? Urban Meyer has really yet to prove himself IMHO. He hasn't even held UF to the same consistancy that Les Miles has done at LSU. All the props in the world to your 06 championship, but that was Zook's team, not Urbie's.

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all

for those confused about the ron zook - urban meyer thing....

1. urban meyer won with zook's players. would it have been better if he lost with them? does anyone honestly believe zook would have won a national championship with them as meyer did?

2. opposing fans were sad to see zook go and haven't been happy since (although auburn fans have been thrilled so far). that's a good thing. i'm sure tenn would love to see the zooker back on the sideline at florida.

3. and i am as tired of saying this as i am sure you are tired of mcbrim.....2007 was a rebuilding year at florida. the first recruiting class at florida for meyer was not good. zook's players left (about 15-16 starters). and a bunch of frosh and sophs took to the field and went 9-4, with two of those losses being to the #1 and #2 teams in the final poll and losing to no unranked team based on the final poll. and in no game was florida embarrassed. they lost. they were beaten soundly. but, they weren't in a laugher on the losing end.

4. for those who don't follow recruiting, 2007 is going to be a very big deal. that was the weakest florida will be anytime soon......which was better than any year under ron zook.

hope that explains it.

Posted by tngeoff on June 22, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We better stick to our own team thoughts. LSU, Florida and Alabama reaped incredible recruiting classes in 2008 to add to their already powerful team rosters. All have very strong coaches. Me? I'm thinking about Tennessee football. I'm excited for the season and hope we beat 'Bama and Florida...but know full well their arsenal of weapons is FULL. Go Vols!

Posted by mikes70gto on June 22, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Panties !! Im sorry I forgot to give those back yo your ole lafy the other night !!!
SLURP...SLURP...BURP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by mikes70gto on June 22, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats for you TDT ,your ole ladies panties !!!
SLURP....SLURP.... BURP !!!!!!!!!!

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator: I think Meyer owes the FL fans an apology for winning the NC with Zook's boys. lol

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

budd. You better be careful saying that about Meyer. Meyer hung the moon down in Gainesville and some folks here might get their feathers a little ruffled. However, I totally agree that Urban got a free pass last year. If we had the Heisman trophy winner and finished third in the East, would Fulmer have gotten a free pass?...I strongly doubt it. Heck, he's getting insulted on here daily w/ comments AND he finished first in the East. I have long said that the pressure is on him the next two years - there's lots of good pub for him. He better live up to it. According to the almighty Wiki, 22 of 24 recruits who won the NC for UF were Zook's recruits. Hmmm? Zook was Big Ten coach of the year last year and they went to the Rose Bowl. Let's see if Urban's recruits under his coaching can perform.

Posted by tngeoff on June 22, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator.

Not everyone is confused. I fully understand what you're saying and agree. While I may not like Meyer...he is a great coach. I am not so stupid as to think last year somehow sets the bar for this year. Your roster is full of weapons ready to strike with overwhelming power for any opponent. I see Florida, Tennessee and Georgia as all potentially top ten teams. In the west? Obviously LSU and Alabama, but Auburn could surprise a few folks. As usual...the SEC is loaded. We'll know soon enough what the real truth is. I can't wait!

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volinlsuland

first thing. regarding clawson. from what some people write.....i believe some of y'all expect him to turn water into wine and save the program from fulmer.

second thing.

"where is this vast seperation between our programs"

here are complaints i read on this board......(constantly)

1. recruiting. people are so freaked out that some believe their posts sway a recruits decision. florida is going to constantly have better recruiting classes (as a general rule)

2. "national respect". i have read from some people here that no one respects tenn anymore. i did not say that. some of y'all have. tenn won the division last year. did anyone give them respect for that? did anyone treat tenn like the best team in the sec east? how many people really feel tenn was the best team in the sec east in 2007?

3. even in the zook era.....2002, georgia, one loss....to florida. 2003, lsu, one loss (national champion).....to florida.

4. "experts" are in general consensus that florida will be in the preseason top 5. not me.....but, supposed professionals write this. when was the last time, tenn was considered a national title favorite by "experts"

5. when was the last time tenn played in the national game of the day.....and won?

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

some of those weren't complaints on this board....but, you get the idea.

and i would like someone saying any of this stuff either.

you may disagree, but i do not have any hate or spite intended with any of these posts.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW...I don't think it's an accident that UF hired a coach that runs some option. UT(to put it mildly) has a little trouble w/ the option, and not just Florida's version. As Meyer has developed the spread option at UF, it has created match-up problems for us - but not necessarily the rest of the conference. Auburn, GA, and maybe even SC may have its tendencies figured out. Also as it has been much opined here, it you have quality defensive line play UF can/will be stopped. Don't let Tebo have the middle as an option and folks can get to him.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But Gator, you are basically doing the same thing that sjt, myself, and others on this site do for our Vols team. We rationize our team's weaknesses away. Tennessee had a young defense last year too. Tennessee's offense had lots of talent and senior leadership, but Ainge was playing hurt and Cutcliffe designed plays around that fact. We can rationalize everything away, but in the end both UT and Florida finished with 4 losses. Indeed, head to head Florida beat Tennessee, but also head to head Georgia beat Florida and Tennessee beat Georgia soundly. Any given Saturday dude, any given Saturday.

Just as Florida has a lot of reasons to look forward to this season, Tennessee has lots of opportunity as well. I have seen you admonish us that a new coach takes a while to adjust to his new job. Well, I think I'd be more worried if we were breaking in a new head coach. I think Clawson will do just fine because this team still has the continuity of Fulmer and Chavis and the upperclassmen have been through an OC change before. Early on, I expect to see traditional Fulmer football. And guess what, that style has won quite a few games in the past. (See Fulmer's winning percentage). I think Clawson will be here to make a statement by the time Florida rolls around. You guys may not know what hit you. Just as you give us words of warning, I'll offer you a word too. Don't look past Tennessee this year. Any given Saturday.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator it was 2005 preseason #2, but then we laid the biggest egg in school history.

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volinlsuland

i get your point.

all i can tell you is i am not prone to sensational statements or things of that sort.

but, in my opinion, and i don't have a basis for it (because most of the players are still unproven).....this is the best roster 1-85, florida has ever had.

better than any spurrier team. better than the mid 80's teams that were cheating.

now, what they do with it....we'll see. i still think they are a little too young. but, i've never seen a roster this loaded.....especially on the lines of scrimmage. the offensive lines and defensive lines are disgustingly deep.

have to wait to see what happens with it.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator.

This is where you make your mistake. I think you and some of your Gator bretheren have defined Tennessee football based on the comments from this site and the internet. Recruiting IS NOT that big of an issue. We had a bad recruiting cass this year, but why? Isn't it obvious? Hell, we have a new OC nobody has heard of (yet). Many recruits that we had on the hook last year were Cutcliffe's recruits. That was enough reason right there to slip out of the national picture. This year's recruiting has already kicked off to a hot start with several 4*s. I think your average 5* is a little more dramatic with the "courtship ritual". Tennessee will likely have a top 10 class for 09. And our 05,07 classed were both top 10. Recruiting is a trumped up, nonexistant problem.

Tennessee has NEVER really garnered much national respect. Even in the hey-day of the 90s, the "can't win the big one" line was the buzz. Tennessee isn't a glamour program, and worse, Fulmer isn't a glamour coach. He's just a tough as nails, pure football fundamenal traditionalist who knows how to win enough games to be respectable. But he needs good assistants to recruit and coach to the next level. Turmoil in that department led to a slide, but we'll see if fresh, young coaching can't rectify it.

Experts...LOL...Experts write articles to cater to their audience. Did experts predict that Appy State would beat Michigan last year? Did anyone expect the top end teams that played in the BCS games last year to swap spots all year long as each one racked up another loss? What was the buzzword? parity?

"Experts" are salesmen who know just enough about the subject to keep people reading. Nobody is giving Tennessee a chance because the unknown variables are too many. But any one of those unknown variables can turn out to be a strength instead of a weakness. And that's how teams that are afterthoughts in the preseason break into the top ten and "surprise" everyone with a BCS appearance at the end of the year. If football were that predictable by "experts", then we'd all be rich from gambling the odds and we might as well play the games on x-box instead of on the field.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land
In addition/agreement...Last year's team will not easily forget '07 in the Swamp. Fulmer will tell you that the seeds for '98 were planted in a thrashing that Nebraska(option team) put on us earlier...and did again a few years later. While I hope TDTN's bar fight story is not true here, I feel UT is ready. Additionally, w/ 8:47 to go in the third quarter(last year) UT was only down 28-20 I believe. We all know what happened after that. My point, w/out the fumble and ensuing touchdown return, that game could have been very different. Look at what UT did to UGA last year and Cal the year before...big scoring runs and the other team is out of it. I for one have to think that the "59-20" score and the year long reminders by UF fans will motivate us. Again, remember what Arkansas did to us on the road two years ago and look what happened last year. The New England Patriots(maybe the most talented team in the NFL) thought they were going to waltz and look what happened...

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volinlsuland

recruiting is an issue.

it's not that the recruiting classes at tenn have been bad. they haven't. they are not running the chess club onto the field.

the problem is the schools they compete with have been recruiting better.....and now.....pretty soon.....here comes bama.

it's why i keep telling people who like to make fun of les miles......lsu is going nowhere. even if he can't coach.....they ain't going anywhere.

people complain about no sec titles in the last nine years. it's hard to win the title with the 4th or 5th best talent in the league. just a reality.

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rj vol

just to play devil's advocate.....

tenn was so ticked off about florida putting up 62 in 1995, that florida was up 35-0 with 11 minutes left in the second qtr in 1996.

i thought florida would get revenge for auburn in 2006 with the game in gainesville in 2007. oops.

tenn may win. and if they do, it will because they outplayed florida. they will not be more ready. florida has a bye week before that game.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DCflorida
you cant say he is an awful coach he has taken illinois to as many bcs games as meyer at fla with considerably less talent. granted they got destroyed by usc but they also beat ohio state. not saying he is the worlds greatest coach but you cant say he is horrible either.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DCFlorida,

You do have a point, but the reality is that the issue is 50/50. When a coach takes over a healthy program (which UF was in good shape even under Zook), he most certainly owes some of his early success to his predecessor. So yes, if Clawson has a great year, no doubt I'll contribute 50% of the credit to Cutcliffe's prior tutelage and recruiting ability. In two years, when much of Clawson's talent has hit the field and he's had a few years to coach his current team, I'll be offering him my 100% of my respect if he puts out a successful offense.

In Urban's case, he's going into his 4th season. Last year represented truly the first year where his recruits were contributing to the team. This year is going to be the majority his recruits. Playing Devil's advocate, Florida last year was built around one player, Tebow. If Tebow wasn't the QB, instead some other good option QB but not Tebow, I could see Florida being 7-6 or 8-5 last year. I gaurantee Tebow alone was good for at least one or two of your 9 wins. Now, that is totally supposition, but OTOH you guys talk like Gator Football is unquestionable.

Bottom line, This is Meyer's make or break season. Gator fans won't be happy with 9-4.

Posted by Vol13 on June 22, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's Clawson's Lifetime Record vs. Div. I Football Teams.....

Vanderbilt 42 Richmond 17 (310 total yards/18 First Downs)

Richmond 13 Duke 0 (225 total yards/12 First Downs)

Vanderbilt 37 Richmond 13 (339 total yards/18 First Downs)

NC State 42 Richmond 0 (249 total yards/11 First Downs)

PPG Avg. - 10.75
Total Yards Avg. - 280.8

I'm sure the Gators and others will be completely caught off guard given his offensive showing vs. these Div. I stud muffins. Afterall, these teams combined to go 15-31. Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Alabama, and Florida probably won't lose 31 games between them over the course of the next 7-8 years. But, hey, it's the offseason and everyone is good right now. LOL!!!

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ill agree he wasnt that good at fla, but overall he is not a completely awful coach.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13

totally apples to oranges. Richmond is a Div IAA school with Div IAA talent. Even lower tier mid-major programs like Dook and Vandy have superior talent, facilities, and overall more "clay" to work with.

Posted by LanceR24 on June 22, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land

good point i was gonna say that lol.

Posted by Vol13 on June 22, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah they are. But I've seen Ga. Southern hang 28-35 points on UGA and Auburn in year's past. I've seen Appy State beat Michigan in Ann Arbor. I can name you other instances where top Div. 1-AA schools hung with, scored upon, or rolled up yardage vs. lesser Div. 1-A schools.

Look, I like Clawson and I hope he is as good at UT as he has been at other stops (relative to his peers). But he's yet to call a play at the Div-1 level, much less the SEC. So I'm not holding my breath until I see it for myself. This guy is certainly not the 2nd coming and the experienced DC's in this league will not be surprised or see anything they haven't see before.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99Gator...
Ah, the '90s. I honestly feel the 41-3 thrashing put on UF in '90(the Dale Carter kickoff return to open the second half...I think) led to the eventual series becoming what it is today. In some ways, I feel it led the the '95 and '96 years you mention. One might say the '92 Mose Phillips screen(in a terrible thunderstorm, drains were stopped up in Neyland and Florida's bench was almost undewater) might have led to the years you mention. My point, big swings can lead to more big swings...and when a team lays it on big - "what goes around comes around". I did site TDTN's bar fight though to balance the story.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"It was like trying to learn Algebra from Mickey Gilley" LMFAO at that one DCFlorida.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW...I hate bye weeks(early in the season) before big games if the team is not injured. I'm not sure if the stats back it up, but we usually have a bye week before UF. I'm not saying that's the reason we win or lose, but I do think UT plays horrible after bye weeks. Two of our four losses in '08 (Cal season opener and UF) came on weeks where we did not play the week before. This year it will be reversed I believe. We have to play the week before w/ UF off on a bye. Time will tell. It's all speculation at this point.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think some of y'all miss the point when it comes to what this new coaching staff brings to the table.

I'm not expecting some new "fangled" offense that will revolutionize college football. "The Spider-claw" or whatever you want to call it LOL. I do expect a less conservative approach to the offense. I expect more aggressiveness, more chance taking, more spreading the field, and more tendency to turn up the heat in the second half. Why? Because Clawson and his assistants are young, have something to prove to make a name for themselves. They are in the spotlight now, the big time. All cameras in their direction. Clawson is going to be like any other young, ambitious coach. He wants a Head Coaching job at a big time program. This is his platform. Cutcliffe is a little more old school, a little older in years, and age has a way of erroding away the nerves of steel and the "thinking outside the box" approach.

The other thing this new staff brings to the table is youth across the board. Young coaches identify with their young players a little better, yet they often are that much tougher and more disciplinarian. They know the temptations and trials of youth because they aren't far removed from them themselves. Yet they have the energy to keep on top of their players and set an example. Young coaches tend to have that swagger and confidence that is contageous. Players see them as part of the team, part of the effort, not just a figure head cracking a whip. They instill the passion into their kids.

I think Tennessee's offense is on the verge of being the most exciting in the conference in a few years. I know, we haven't played the first down yet...but I can anticipate and hope.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First, let me preface what I am about to say as stating that I dislike Meyer as much as anyone. But regarding Zook for a minute, I am not sure why he keeps popping up in conversation. This is going on year 4 ARZ and he's a minor footnote in Gators lore at this point. The thing is, pointing out that Meyer won a NC with Zook's players does more to illustrate that Meyer is a better coach than Zook than it proves that Meyer won't be able to win with his own players. If Meyer follows with several more disappointing seasons, then that case could be made. Unfortunately, I am not counting on that happening though.

BTW, your audience is always appreciated TJ.

Posted by budd on June 22, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bottom line they were the Zooksters players.
And he hasn't done squat since then. Ranked in the top 5 and went nowhere.
Just like Clawson won at Richmond and hasn't faced the SEC The legend hasn't won with his own players since leaving mormonland. And don't sing me the rebuilding year song either. Circumsizer won the damn hesiman

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 22, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land...Exactly!

invisiblekid...You make good points as usual. We'll see if Urban has longevity based on the next two years. I think most folks are saying that Zook "coached up" the players (22 of 24 were his) on Meyer's NC team. Meyers definitely did a great coaching job that year, I agree. It's not just a talent thing. My point, after next year we'll see how the team progresses under his watchful eye. Then players will have been there four years, and we'll know. This year has a lot of pressure for him. He did not produce even a divisional championship w/ the Heisman Trophy winner at the helm. He also lost one of his coaches(and recruiters) to Tennessee.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 22, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RJ_Vol, I agree on Meyer, this year and next will be a big part of his story. The thing that I hope/believe may happen is the case that sometimes happens with these offensive geniuses. They get so wrapped up in putting up the PS3 numbers on offense that the other side of the ball gets neglected.

Budd, I am going to leave it to the Florida fans to argue the point that Meyer hasn't done anything since the NC. I don't feel like reliving the last 3 games against them.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/apr...

I don't know how I missed this article, it's a few months old, but it is the most informative "biography" I've read on Clawson. Sounds like he has studied Norm Chow's offenses in the past, so he may be one up on what Chow will be doing with UCLA.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DCFlorida. That debate is always going to go in circles. Like I said earlier, I think it is 50/50. Many coaches have proven in the past that they aren't all they're hyped to be when *their* recruits become starters. OTOH, some take it to the next level and get even better. What we are saying is the jury is still out on Meyer and the next year or two will tell the tale. The Florida faithful are just as apt to see with Orange/Blue colored glasses as Vols are. And the national media doesn't help with their Urban Meyer lovefest.

Posted by Vol13 on June 22, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Urban Meyer went 39-8 at Bowling Green State and Utah combined. Nuff said.

At 42, Clawson ain't exactly a spring chicken. I'd say Lane Kiffin is a young coach by "young" standards.

Posted by 99gator on June 22, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just to clarify......again.....

i am not being critical of clawson....i am just not annointing him a savior.

Posted by TommyJack on June 22, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

blah, blah, blah, blah....how many days?

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on June 22, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I-kid

In regards to your comments on Zook vs. Meyer, I agree for the most part. It isn't as if Meyer is some greenie who just stepped into football. He had success with Utah, a traditional mediocre program, before taking the Florida job. He was courted by Notre Dame pre-Weis if I'm not mistaken. He's certainly a great coach.

Two points though...I'm one of those who thinks the Spread-O is a gimmick that won't last. Meyer wasn't competing against SEC DCs at Utah. SEC Ds are much faster and more aggressive and even last year I think some teams were finding holes in Florida's offense. His system is also very much QB dependant. What will he do if he doesn't have another Tebow on his roster in a few years? What if Tebow gets hurt in the first game of the season? Will his backup be able to pile on the points too?

The other point...Team chemistry. The title he won in 06 with Zooks recruits doesn't say that Zook was a bad coach. I for one think maybe that Florida was too impatient (like lots of other programs). I'd be willing to bet that Zook would have had the same team poised to at least make a BCS game that year. Chris Leake was the QB, and he was a drop-back passer, not an option QB. Bringing in Tebow now and then as a run threat added a little flavor to the offense but didn't dominate what it did. Bottom line, I'm not one to put as much faith in systems at the college level as I do in talent and playmaing ability.