Tennessee Volunteers v. Arkansas Razorbacks open game thread

by Joel Hollingsworth on Nov 9, 2007 10:26 PM EST in Tennessee Volunteer Football

	November 10, 2007, 12:30 p.m. EST TV: Lincoln Financial Sports Radio: Vol Network Internet Audio (game time): UTSports.com XM Radio: 200 Phone Broadcast: TeamLine Live Stats: UTSports.com
23 (BlogPoll)		NR (BlogPoll)

We've already dissected this thing beyond recognition, so we won't rehash it here. Suffice it to say that this game is huge despite the fact that it's kicking off at 12:30 on Lincoln Financial. Run the ball, stop the run. Hold the Hogs to somewhere around 200 yards on the ground. Them's the goals.

Congrats to Old Smokey, who wins this week's Hail Mary Haiku with Tennessee Breakfast:

Phil likes Bacon,
Smokey likes Ham,
Ainge will take Hogs with toast and jam.
by old smokey

I'll be down in Knoxville lending my aid to the effort, but don't let that dissuade you from keeping it lively below.

Go Vols!

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Comments

Power Drive!

What an opening drive! Gutsy 4th down conversions, great protection, great blocking and excellent T.O.P.

7-0 Vols!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 12:46 PM EST reply actions

Kick Return

Credit should go to L. Creer on an excellent return to start the posession.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

Whoops

Jones opens a can with his own kick return. Tack on 15 more with the facemask against UT.

Hogs start near UTs 30.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 12:51 PM EST reply actions

Damage Control

Arky had excellent field position, but couldn't produce anything more than a FG. DMac was contained nicely.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 12:55 PM EST reply actions

Lordy!

D. Rogan bust a 70+ yd return on the kick-off! Boy had rockets in his cleats. Didn't get to the endzone, but the Vols are set up on the 15!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 12:59 PM EST reply actions

Fizzle

Absolutely no yards. FG try is good.

10-3 Vols.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

Holding Strong

Arkansas fizzled on a 3 & out of their own. Right now, UT's D is looking VERY impressive. Homed in on DMac right now, but we'll need to keep the pressure on!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:08 PM EST reply actions

End of the 1st

UT is totally dominating. Our offense could be performing better, but we're certainly limiting the time that the Hogs offense is on the field.

Long ways to go, Vols...keep it up!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:16 PM EST reply actions

Hardesty

Hardesty's running like a bull today! Pads low and plowing the safety!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:20 PM EST reply actions

Good Running

...but failing in the Orange-zone. Another FG try. Another good!

13-3, Vols.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:25 PM EST reply actions

Touchdown

Need one bad here!

by VolBrian on Nov 10, 2007 1:25 PM EST reply actions

Yesssss!

Give him 6! Up 17 going into the half... gotta love it!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 1:54 PM EST reply actions

Incredible

Arkansas drive stalls and has to punt to UT with just over a minute.

UT takes full advantage and tacks on another TD with a brilliant call by Coach Cut on 3rd and goal from the 15!

20-3 Vols!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:54 PM EST reply actions

Wow

Arkansas apparently got a Time Out with 0:01 on the clock...Arky throws a Hail Mary...picked by Freshman Man-Crush E. Berry!

Rocky Top livin' large at the half!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 1:58 PM EST reply actions

Domination

McFadden-Jones have a total (TOTAL!) of 9 carries for 28 yards. That's called domination. They've done nothing. Likewise, Arky's passing "attack" has been non-existant. Not sure on the yardage, but I'd guestimate that it's less than 50 through the air.

Maybe we can come out with an equivalent 2nd half this week. (Come on, don't laugh...I said MAYBE!)

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:08 PM EST reply actions

Passing

if that's what it's called in Arkansas...

Casey Dick: 3-7 13 yards, 1 INT
D-Mac: 0-1 0 yards

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

13

13 Passing yards.

49 Total yards offense.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

Another Wow!

UT defense came out on fire! 3 & out again...Tremendous open field tackle by Hefney on DMac on 3rd and short.

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:22 PM EST reply actions

Intensity

Where has this intensity been on D all year? I don't think we're playing any different schemes or doing anything significantly different. We're just converging on the ball and making plays. I can't explain anything other than that!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:24 PM EST reply actions

Intensity, Part II

As soon as I hit "post" to the previous comment, Arian Foster broke off a 59 yarder for a TD!

Gimme a WOOOOOOO!!

28-3, Vols!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:25 PM EST reply actions

27-3 Vols

but they should give us an extra point for the way the team has played thus far.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

But I like my score better!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

Yellow?

Did anybody else hear "Dave" refer to "Yellow Shirts"? Odd, if not crazy!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 2:30 PM EST reply actions

Held 'em to 3

Arky was driving, but once again the D came through along with the assistance of a flag. 27-6 Keep it up!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 2:40 PM EST reply actions

Huge!

The Vols bend, but don't break. 0 points for Arkansas and, they took off 4 and half minutes.

Now we need a long, time consuming drive and some points to put this thing away!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 2:53 PM EST reply actions

Or...

we could do that, the quickest 3 and out I've seen all day. Great let's give the ball back to an offense that was just rolling, not to mention our dagum defense has got to tired as heck (channeling my inner Fulmer).

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

Number of plays

Arkansas has run 47, Tennessee has run 54. I might be off by one or two, but those are good numbers. The D shouldn't really be too tired yet.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

True

but 28 of those 47 were in the 3rd quarter alone. That's not very good.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

Nice game

90 combined yards for McFadden/Jones so far. Now they finally get the sack. If this team can keep showing up, we may actually give the West a run for their money in Atlanta.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 2:59 PM EST reply actions

It's about that time

that Eric Berry makes a huge play like a pick 6 or a fumble recovery with a nice return deep into Arkansas territory. I'm no expert, but that's just what the kid does.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:00 PM EST reply actions

XTFL

haven't said that too much this season, probably not a good thing, but 4th and 29, the Hogs will punt!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:01 PM EST reply actions

Pardon my ignorance

What's XTFL?

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

From last season

when Xavier Mitchell made the stop on the 2-point conversion against Air Force to secure the victory. He now goes by X and TFL is Tackle For Loss, hence XTFL. No worries about the ignorance, it happens to all of us. Your a Vol, your here on game day, that's all that matters.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:09 PM EST reply actions

Hooper

I was unaware of your Wyoming roots though... now it's on! I went to CSU, Go Rams! Just kidding, I can't say much, I only went there for one year, and I grew up a Vol fan, and the Rams are terrible this year, so I guess we're cool.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Sweet!

Actually, for a Wyoming guy, I like CSU. It's a great school in a fantastic town (I'd love to live there someday), and if Wyoming doesn't win the MWC, I always hope that CSU does.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

Anyway

back to the task at hand. Tennessee punt, Arkansas drive (with McFadden now over 100 yards for the day) and ...

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:15 PM EST reply actions

a 1st down

on 4th and 7. 1st and Goal Hogs.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Touchdown Hogs!

Mmmmmmmmmm Chop Suey, er, I mean Woooo Pig Sooey or whatever. We're still all right, up 14 with under 9 min. to play. Ainge just needs to lead us to some points and this game is over!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:19 PM EST reply actions

I'm a fan of Hardesty

running late in the 4th quarter here. He's big and punishing, and anything that keep Foster away from the ball late in game is okay with me, given his infatuation with fumbles in this situation.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:26 PM EST reply actions

2nd?

I'll second this comment!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

Key stat thus far: Penalties

Arkansas: 10 for 65 yards
Tennessee: 3 for 25 yards

For the Vols 4 first downs by way of Ark. penalty.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:28 PM EST reply actions

Oh my!

Who likes Mayo with this pulled pork. Jerod with a pick 6, Vols seal the W! Only two games (and Wins) 'til Atlanta!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:34 PM EST reply actions

What else is new

Eric Berry pick, his second, returned to the Arkansas 32. Ballgame!

Around the SEC:
Miss St. 17-12 over Bama
Vandy leads Kentucky 13-10 at the half

Elsewhere:
Michigan falls at 'Sconsin, 37-21, so the Vols will move up!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:44 PM EST reply actions

Go Vandy

If Vandy beats Kentucky, I really hope Fulmer keeps the team from overlooking them.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Whoops!

UK got a late FG to tie it at 13 at the half, nevertheless... Go 'Dores, Commodores that is, and not Lionel Ritchie!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Underdogs at home

Vols make a HUGE statement with their "career" defense this week and shut down one of the most dominate rushing attacks in big-boy ball this year.

Vols win, 34-13!

Let's go ahead and assume the underdog role against Vandy. We'll be set!

by Aerobab on Nov 10, 2007 3:51 PM EST reply actions

To recap:

Vols win 34-13

Passing:
Ainge: 12-25 128 yards 2TD, 0 INT

Dick:14-25 150 yards 0 TD, 2 INT
Emert: 1-4 12 yards 0 TD, 1 INT
McFadden: 0-1

Rushing:
Foster: 14 for 89 yards 1 TD
Hardesty: 20 for 62 yards

McFadden: 22 for 117 0 TD
Michael Smith (who?) 8 for 25 1 TD
Felix Jones: 3 for 3 yards

Turnovers:
Tenn: 0 Arkansas: 3

Penalties:
Tenn: 3 for 25
Arkansas: 11 for 70 4 resulted in UT 1st Down!

Total Yards:
Ark: 304 Tenn: 283
Total Plays: Ark: 65 Tenn: 69

Big win, despite equal stats!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:52 PM EST reply actions

Penalties and Turnovers

For all we spoke about winning the rushing game, it was the penalties and turnovers that ultimately killed Arkansas. That in no way detracts from the excellent job the defense did against the rush, though.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Well said!

Run the ball: check
Not stop, but slow down the run: check
Win the turnover battle: check
Have less penalties: check

It could and should be like this every saturday!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:57 PM EST up reply actions

I suppose

it's possible that the team just needed a few weeks to fully gel. That's not exactly a comfort, given a Cal game and a Florida game early in the season, but they are doing better now than earlier.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

Can't wait for the animated drive chart

That's going to be a fun one to watch again.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:53 PM EST reply actions

Volorado:

Unfortunately, CSU is trailing New Mexico today. I'm pulling the the Rams, if it matters to you.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 3:57 PM EST reply actions

Honestly,

it doesn't surprise me, and I'm glad to see you pulling for the Rams. People tend to do that though, I think it may be because of Sonny Lubick, it's hard not to like that guy.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

I've always respected him

He's pure class, and he really cares about his players.

On a tangent to the tangent, are you by any chance a disc golfer? Did you ever play Edora Park? (Best course I've ever seen, and it's not even close.)

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

Former Discer

I've never played there, nor have I heard of it. I played in Summit County where I live(don't know if you know where that's at, all the ski resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper) anyway, they used to have one in Frisco, and it was awesome; right by the lake, very challenging, a lot of people always commented on how good it was. But then the pine beetles killed almost all of the trees, so they had to cut them down and the course is not what it used to be. Very sad!

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 4:19 PM EST up reply actions

Edora Park

Was right off of Mulberry in Ft. Collins. I never played Frisco because we'd day trip from Laramie to FC for the course. We'd leave at about 7-8 in the morning and be back in Laramie by about 2 in the afternoon after 2 full rounds. Well, the reason I asked is because I figured a CSU grad would have been a discer, and it's my strongest tie-in to the city itself.

I'd be willing to bet that Frisco was a beauty before the beetles.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 8:08 PM EST up reply actions

I didn't disc at all at CSU

I probably should have, but me and my friends were busy playing other games, of the adult kind. All of this talk kinda makes me want summer to roll around so I can get out there and throw, but then again, there is no Vol football in the summer, so...

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 11, 2007 7:14 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, by the way

Next year, Wyoming comes to Tennessee for UT's homecoming. I'm thinking of making one of those nasty half-n-half jerseys for it. Can you imagine the color combination?

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 4:03 PM EST reply actions

Oh how beautiful:

A nice, deep UPS Brown with yellow and orange and white. It would look like a sunset at the sewage facility.

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

If I do,

I'll either use the punters' or the place kickers' jerseys.

by David Hooper on Nov 10, 2007 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

I am now switching my Vol loyalties to...

Air Force: Please just pummell Notre in the 2nd half.

Auburn: We sure could use an upset here boys!

Illinois: Zook, you were so good to the Vols when you were at Florida, so be a peach and knock off the Buckeyes!

Abd last, but certainly not least, but definately in last place:

Vandy: You guys want to be bowl eligible, we want you to grab our attention for next week, and so breathing room from the Cats would be greatly appreciated. So go get 'em, you fighting BJ's (Bobby Johnson's).

Proud member of the EBMCC (Eric Berry Man Crush Club) and Josh McNeil's Videographer

by Volorado on Nov 10, 2007 4:05 PM EST reply actions