i, too, have read some posts regarding shame and treachery. while i strongly disagree with both opinions, i can understand how those thoughts are generated. being a fan of a team in the SEC, of Tennessee, in particular, engenders a powerful set of emotions. we have a team with a rich tradition and pedigree that stretches over 100 years. we have, in our history, one of the greatest football minds as a coach who defined what Tennessee Football means. it hurts to see the fall from greatness we’ve become accustomed to seeeing on the field. perhaps, we’ve been spoiled (as evidenced by the boo-birds at home- no matter who it’s directed towards). presently, however, we are not a top team in the country or our conference. change is necessary, and it has to start at the top. Coach Fulmer has “given his all for Tennessee” in many aspects other than wins and championships. in evidence, the letter written and signed by many of his players, posted full-page in the newspaper. but the times,and the game has passed him by, or a stubborn unwillingness to change or adapt his philosophy has signaled the end. this is not the U.T. Fulmers. it is in the best interest of the TEAM that a change is necessary. last season was the chance to turn over a new leaf. to an extent, that was accomplished in last season’s turnaround and bringing in The Claw. we have since returned to the same ol’, same ol’. simply put, it would take an undefeated conclusion to this season, an SEC championship, and a high-ranking bowl game victory to show that the ability, will, and heart to change the direction in which we are heading. maybe that is a harsh, unattainable goal for the coaching staff, but i believe this is the only way to redeem themselves and the program. otherwise, it is time for someone else to take the reigns. and yes, i am a true VOL fan.although i may be a “knuckle draggin’ sidewalk alum”, my grandfather played for General Neyland and is a Tennessee All-Time Letterman; Orange blood runs in the family. i love this team, and want only what’s best for this team. my loyalty does not change in respect to wins and losses. nor will my loyalty blind me to facts: the time has come for change. and, as always, GO BIG ORANGE!

I have never nor will I ever be ashamed to say I’m a UT fan, however, like many who are die-hard fans, something’s gotta give. We were all so excited for the season to begin and after watching the Orange-White game, some hope of being good this year. I’m bored watching the team. I haven’t watched a game all the way through yet simply because there’s no excitement. I’ll start watching the game on Saturday, but if it gets bogged down with sloppy play, I’ll just record it and watch it later. I love the VOLS but I’ve discovered, there’s more to life than watching them play live.

First off, I’m not in the Get Fulmer Out Camp. I think that he’s a future Hall of Fame coach who has done a lot for the university. We are from the same home town (which is irrelevant) but I feel a small town values sort of connection to him in that regard.

But being critical of something or someone like Coach Fulmer doesn’t make you a traitor. I can understand those who feel the need to openly voice their demand for change. There are a lot of people who spend their hard earned money making a four to five figure donation to UT just to be able to buy their season tickets. That’s thousands of dollars to be given the priviledge of then being able to really BUY their tickets.

When they shell out that kind of money, when they invest that kind of money into a organization, who is going to tell them to keep their opinions to themselves? Its a fan tax, folks, and just like we would voice our concerns over an elected official that we don’t think is delivering on promises, the people have a right to call out a football coach, staff, or department who is not delivering on promises. I don’t like and disagree with Boo’s at games but when I hear or read people’s opinions who believe it is time to changeover the staff, I feel like they have every right to voice their opinion without their fan alleigances or “true orange-ness” being questioned. Rather, is it because they love the program so much that they feel it actually necessary to speak their minds?

I think it would be more effective if you explain why you disagree with the people who feel it is time for Fulmer and Co to go. Tell them why you think he deserves to say. Go that route. Don’t try to tell someone they are a Benedict Arnold for speaking their mind and voicing their disgust for the current state of things.

And I have to disagree with you on another point. I do not think we are not among the elite Programs around the country. We have been passed by, in terms of sustained success, by several in our own conference let alone some of the other programs in the country. Does that make me any less of a fan? Or just somebody who loves UT and the Vols and can be objective for five minutes?

Five Minutes Over. WE’RE NUMBER 1!!! WE’RE NUMBER 1!!! WE’RE NUMBER 1!!! WE’RE NUMBER 1!!!

Yes I would put us in the same class as FSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Nebraska. We are among the big time programs that have fallen on rough times. Can you really, truly state that the situation is all peachy keen?

Don’t insinuate that I am not a “TRUE VOL FAN” as you so delicately put it in All Caps. I love UT. I love UT sports. This rough start manifests itself in physical symptoms for me. It hurts. But I still love UT. And it will be that way for the rest of my life. But that doesn’t mean I can’t view the program from a realistic point of view. Just because I’m not drunk off the orange hunch punch, doesn’t mean I don’t love the Tennessee Volunteers.

And to answer your last question (or exclamation, I can’t tell which) there are plenty of places where you can get a great education, great sports program, and great fans. I can give you at least 4 or 5 in the SEC alone.

This is the type of thought that makes me hate Notre Dame and Ohio State fans. This unrelenting belief that we are the greatest of all time and no other tradition can come close to ours. Well guess what, everybody thinks that. I like this site because it mixes Tennessee football with intelligent debate and discourse. I love our Tradition. I’m proud of our Tradition. But there are a lot of other fans from a lot of other schools that feel the same way. Understanding that is what seperates the tunnel-visioned homer from the fan who loves his or her team but keeps the big picture in mind.

I’m sorry, NO1UTVF, but I’m not going to keep an opinion on the current state of things because it’s not what a fan “is supposed to say.” That’s a bunch of crap. Being a true fan doesn’t mean you have to act and talk like a lemming. Criticism does not equal betrayal. And if that doesn’t compute then I don’t know how else to put it.