Tennessee Volunteers v. Alabama Crimson Tide: open game thread

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 19, 2007 10:35 PM EDT in Tennessee Volunteer Football

	October 20 , 2007, 12:30 p.m. EST TV: Lincoln Financial Sports Radio: Vol Network Internet Audio (game time): UTSports.com XM Radio: 144 Phone Broadcast: TeamLine Live Stats: RollTide.com
No. 20 (BlogPoll)		NR (BlogPoll)

Tennessee rush v. Alabama defense	Tennessee pass v. Alabama defense	Alabama rush v. Tennessee defense	Alabama pass v. Tennessee defense
62	25	66	70
40	36	45	62

Field Goals	Tennessee punting v. Alabama punt return	Alabama punting v. Tennessee punt return	Intangibles
T-6	56	89
T-17	9	82

Yikes. Well, perhaps the respective schedules make the numbers look better:

ALABAMA
DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT/TIME
09/01	W Carolina	W 52-6
09/08	at Vanderbilt	W 24-10
09/15	#16 Arkansas	W 41-38
09/22	#22 Georgia	L 26-23
09/29	at Florida St	L 21-14
10/06	Houston	W 30-24
10/13	at Ole Miss	W 27-24

TENNESSEE
DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT/TIME
09/01	at #12 California	L 45-31
09/08	So Miss	W 39-19
09/15	at #5 Florida	L 59-20
09/22	Arkansas St	W 48-27
10/06	#12 Georgia	W 35-14
10/13	at Miss St	W 33-21

Okay, so two losses each, ours to #12 Cal and #5 Florida and theirs to #22 Georgia (who we beat badly) and unranked FSU. One win versus a ranked team each, ours a blowout over #12 Georgia and theirs in a close one over #16 Arkansas. The other games: wins over Southern Miss, Arkansas State, and Mississippi State for us and wins over Western Carolina, Vanderbilt, Houston, and Ole Miss for them.

Call it a slightly better schedule for the Vols, but when our only advantages are in field goals and in the passing game, there is cause for concern, and with a new no-nonsense sheriff in T-Town, Fulmer's stranglehold on the Crimson Tide may be at its end. Still, Tennessee is trending upward and may be a better team than its cumulative season stats indicate.

With the crazy schedule this week, I never got around to opening the voting for the Hail Mary Haiku, so I'm just going to pick a winner myself this week. Congrats to ttocswob again this week for Tiedyed:

Tiedyed
Touchdown, Tennessee!
Then they are tied - overtime!
Turnover! ....Tide died!
by ttocswob

Hmm, this is a pick 'em, and I'm going with the team trending upward: Vols, 24-21.

Leave your predictions and pre-, in-, and post-game thoughts below.

Go Vols!

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BIG ORANGE ROLL OVER TIDE

The Big Orange Wave will surf over Bama Tide, Ainge will hang Ten on the Alephants..Tenn-38 Tide-17
GO VOLS BEAT B A M A !!!!!!!!!!!!!

OLD SMOKEY

by old smokey on Oct 20, 2007 12:00 PM EDT reply actions

Five key AL players suspended

For getting free textbooks. Like my dad just said, what are they going to do with textbooks?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

Onside kick?

What? Crazy call on the first play of the game. Onside kick, and they recovered.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

Held to three

Defense holds them to a field goal. Good stand.

Time for another onside kick?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Not related to football...

Totally not related to football, but here's a silly story about a UT basketball player that I stumbled into this morning.
This morning was the Susan G. Komen Foundation's "Race for the Cure" here in downtown Knoxville. My sister, my toddler daughter (Baby Aerobab), and myself did the 5K family walk along with many, many thousands of others about the downtown area. As we're walking along the route, we pass by the Men's basketball team who were cheering us along. Baby Aerobab is being pushed along in one of these, and as we pass the team Mr. Wayne Chism blurts out something to the effect of "Hey! Do you think I can get a ride to the finish?" I stopped for a minute to figure out a way to explain to my almost 2-yr old that she'd have to walk the rest of the way because daddy had to push Mr. Chism. Then I quickly realized that I'd be dealing with, umm, an oversized load. I told him that he'd have to pay up for the shuttle-service, and also certain that the ride would result in some type of NCAA rules violation or something, so I'd have to pass.

Needless to say, all that overheard the exchange got a chukle.

by Aerobab on Oct 20, 2007 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

Cool!

Sounds like a blast! You should have carried him on your back or something, though.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Tide defense . . .

. . . doing a good job showing one coverage and moving to another after Tennessee changes the play.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

Good punt

Colquitt placed it out of bounds at the 15.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

Yikes

43-yard pass to Hall. We'd better change something on defense.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Wicked, tricksey

Alabama on 4th and 1 line up and then everybody moves into another formation all at once, causing one of our tackles to touch the center for an offsides penalty.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

Nice play on 3rd and something

JPW throughs in incompletion, but Dan Williams called for roughing the passer. New life when they don't need it. First down.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

TD, Bama

And just like that, the Tide leads 10-0.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:00 PM EDT reply actions

Tennessee answers

with a really nice drive behind several great Arian Foster rushes.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

Horrible

Despicable kickoff coverage. 66 yard return for Bama.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions

But the defense holds

Forces a missed field goal attempt.

Time to go up 14-10, guys.

Vandy is up 17-0 in the first quarter over South Carolina, by the way.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

Ainge sells the play to the right, Foster takes a wheel route to the left and scores. Great call, great execution.

But . . . penalty. First down at the 12 or so.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

TD toss to Stocker

Nice. Was that the same play they used on us for their last TD?

We're up 14-10. Defense's turn.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

And then . . .

. . . a nice drive by the Tide for a TD. Somebody's defense is going to win this game.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

And then . . .

. . . penalties kill a drive for the Vols and they have to punt.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Not Bad

Sorta like a boxing match. Both teams pretty equal on penalties. 25 21 I think in yards? Defense has got to focus, they are doing ok generally in stopping them, but they are leaving too many deep passes open with no tips, knockdowns, or interceptions. Just tackles. 17 Bama 14 Tennessee. Still a lot of football left and the game is close. My money is still on Vols though. I'm thinking 27-21 as I expect both teams to make some substantial changes after the Half

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

Idea

I think we should inform our defensive backs that you can get within 3 yards of a receiver. I hear that it helps to disrupt the passing game. DJ Hall is making us look stupid. If JPW didn't make a habit of overthrowing his receivers by 10 yards they would be up by even more.

by Vol Navy on Oct 20, 2007 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

Alabama takes two time outs back to back

and Saban is about to blow a fuse.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

Argh!!!!

Interception in the end zone negated by a pass interference penalty.

Okay, on replay, though, the INT never would have happened if not for the aggressive penalty. Close call, and a decent try.

And now, TD to Hall.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

Did anyone

actually see Pass Interference? I can't see crap that looks like Pass Interference? Bama just scored for what looks like crappy call by the Ref after a beautiful interception

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:08 PM EDT reply actions

No clue

LF sucks. They camera work was so bad you that you could not tell if Berry got there early or not. Considering how bad our defense looks I am guessing he had to do something illegal to make a play on the ball.

by Vol Navy on Oct 20, 2007 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

SHezus!

If my count is right, thats 5 flags in 4 seconds of clock time.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

calls?

It's hard for me to tell just listening with a squirmy squawly baby in arms, but is the officiating a little one sided?

by Vol Abroad on Oct 20, 2007 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe

. . . up until the last one where they called a late hit out of bounds against the Tide. Didn't really see that one as a penalty.

But we'll take the three.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, that's something

12 seconds left in the half, and the Vols get three. Bama kicked it out of bounds, then squibbed on the re-kick, we got a nice pass plus a 15-yard penalty, and Lincoln hits the field goal.

Tide 24-17.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:16 PM EDT reply actions

Euphamism

Apparently, Fulmer said he, "rode Lincoln so hard all offseason." I think Fulmer should look at rephrasing his comments in the future about he worked with Lincoln this summer.

by Vol Navy on Oct 20, 2007 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Calls look skewed

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like the officials are being really aggressive. I'm not sure I can say its directly favoring Bama, but for sure the Ref's are hard core today.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

Expected Changes

I think we'll see Foster and Co look to go to the outside. Secondary has got to start putting pressure on those recievers. Defense is holding their own but only just barely. Penalties are killing. team has Got to focus, and get it together. Anyone else got some input? Still got football to play so all isn't loss by far.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

Look for them . . .

. . . to start going over the top of the defensive backs if we start cheating up on them.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

All right

Three and out on first defensive series.

Sort of negates the game-opening onside kick.

As Fulmer always says . . . the first five minutes.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

Playclocks are dead

Play clocks not working Penalties like mad. Ainge is doing a good job of trying to build some momentum and control the ball. Great catch by Jones. Man this game is crazed today! That or I need to drink less beer

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

Aiiieee

Nice drive thwarted by an INT.

Okay. Okay. More defense.

For us, I mean.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions

Ohhh!

Vinson almost returned the favor.

Almost.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

WTH!?

HE WAS OUT OF BOUNDS!?

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

Man

No pressure at the line. No defense in the secondary.

Bad combination.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

Damage

Three.

Vols down by 10 with a quarter and a half to play. Time for some playmakers.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok. I hate to say it.

But if the Secondary doesn't tighten up and put some pressure on those recievers this second half is going to be a Looong game. We have got to cover DJ Hall before this becomes "The DJ Hall Show"

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

5th Penalty

Thats the 5th Penalty that has been on a 3rd down, and kept a drive alive for Bama.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply actions

I love the LF announcers

They were talking about Johnson's being there early, when the referees called the foul on Mayo. Apparently, not only do you have to be dumb to work for Lincoln Financial you also have to be deaf.

by Vol Navy on Oct 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Penalties . . .

. . . are killing us on both sides of the ball.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Defense

Is this the same defense that was at the Georgia game?

by Volfan in AF on Oct 20, 2007 3:03 PM EDT reply actions

Discipline

I don't know if its the noise level, or the hype but its obvious the D-line isn't focused or discipline today. They need to settle down and make the play.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

Down 13, need a TD

This drive.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

When Ainge re-sets . . .

. . . Bama changes the defense.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

Pressure is on..

Come into a gmae knowing you have to run the table and then you as Phil would say it "shoot yourself in the foot". A ridiculous performance all around so far. Defensive line has to step up and someone needs to make a game breaking play...To some extent the face of saving the season lies in this next fifteen minutes

"I will give my all for tennessee today"

by CT4UT on Oct 20, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

JPW

How do we let an Alabama quarterback set a record against the Tennessee defense

by Volfan in AF on Oct 20, 2007 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I thinks its done.

Short of a miracle. Dammit

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

What Defense?

Seriously, what game are you watching?

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

That's it

Not happy.

Tide 38-17.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

DJ Hall...

Hi, this is for Phil and John, long time listener...first time caller... HOW IN THE WORLD DOES EVERYONE IN YOUR SECONDARY NOT KNOW WHERE DJ HALL IS???!!

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Our Defense

Just got passed all over. Playing poorly. Very poorly. Offense can't get a drive going thanks to being short circuited by penalities, and the defense kills any stops they have with penalities. Unless Ainge and Co just pull off a miracle in 10 minutes I'm not holding my breath. Defense is tired now from being on the field so long.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

D

The only reason the Defense has been on the field so long is because they've only stopped ONE alabama drive...

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

I hate ABC

What happened to the game

by Volfan in AF on Oct 20, 2007 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

Why not run . . .

. . . the Taylor to Coker play? What do we have to lose?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

And . . .

. . . throw it away on fourth down? Why not just chuck it deep as a last resort? It's the closest thing to a punt.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Did I miss something...

Are we sure those five starters are out on Bama's side and not ours???

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

At this point

I'd let Colquit run with the ball :P

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

Well

I give Erik some points he was dropped waayyyy back with heavy pressure. He figured to get rid of it versus giving Bama more yards. Not great but probably less risky than looking for a deep reciever with 3 big uglies closing in

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:43 PM EDT reply actions

More Penalties

No excuse. Just. No. Excuse.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Hey! Look! It's a punt!

Oh, wait. It's a field goal.

Bounced in. One of those days.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:47 PM EDT reply actions

Those days...

"Those days" seem to happen more often now....sigh

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:49 PM EDT reply actions

Defensive Penalties just killed us

And atleast 50% of them were just completel boneheaded. Personal Fouls, False Starts.

I honestly believe we could have won this game.
But the Defense really short circuited us with their boneheaded flags, and inability to even get NEAR DJ Hall.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

Hey! Look! It's a punt!

We're punting?

Trying not to get beat more badly?

Is this the end? Another blowout loss to a rival with a new coach?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions

Of course...

It should be said that one of those flags...the call on Berry was rediculous...(backed up the stream on Yahoo and Berry played the ball...tipped the ball...and did not interfere at all with the Bama reciever) That being said it was called and a play later Bama scored...

This is not an excuse, just an explanation for one call....

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply actions

We're punting...

Because Phil thinks our defense can hold em like they have all game...

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply actions

Its done. 41- 17

Done deal

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Oct 20, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

Time travel

Fire Fulmer? Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?

Light them phones up, baby!

by Aerobab on Oct 20, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

I'll be surprised to see it happen...

All Phil has do do is say, "The defense didn't do their job" and point to Chavis, just like he pointed to Sanders...

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Jus' sayin

You're right...but that won't change popular fan opinion right now. This week will be exactly like the week after the UF abhoration; only with an additional twist that Fulmer has displayed absolute garbage on the field against our two biggest rivals.

by Aerobab on Oct 20, 2007 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

His job is which I hate to say secure

Why do you think he donated $1 mil to the school he needed to secure his job before another let down season. It is quite possible to lose to SC, AR, Vandy, and Kentucky the way we looked today

by Volfan in AF on Oct 20, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

Well...

If losing to your 2 biggest rivals by a combined score of 100-37 is acceptable, the Vols will be in the cellar of the SEC for a while. It's more than the defense. It's the offense, it's the special teams, it's the discipline (or lack thereof), it's everything. The time's they are a changing, and they've blown past this coaching staff, not just Phil.

Now if we could just get by Spurrier...

by Volorado on Oct 20, 2007 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

21 Days until

Tip-Off Time in Tennessee against Temple! How many of you thought Vol fans would be looking forward to that? Joel, can we start a countdown at the top?

Go Vols!

Sigh, what more can be said?

by Volorado on Oct 20, 2007 4:24 PM EDT reply actions

I'm certainly . . .

. . . in the mood to do that this afternoon.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Oct 20, 2007 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm just tired....

I'm tired of having sooo much talent. And getting on the field and looking like we don't know how to tie our shoe-laces right. Of looking like we expect everyone to play the same way they always have against us....sigh

by jbragg on Oct 20, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

ohhh noooo!

We went out to a party at half time - and came back to this????????

by Vol Abroad on Oct 20, 2007 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

BUTT WHUPPING

I thought I was watching the Three Amigo's show.
D.J. Hall was all over the place.No one and I mean No one defended D.J.Hall. And no pass rush at all. You can't win ball games that way.Tennessee's team stayed in K-Town this week. What kind of @&%**%#@ Team was that????

OLD SMOKEY

by old smokey on Oct 20, 2007 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

Theoretically,

we have too much talent to ever play that bad on defense. Having two freshman starting at defensive back is not the only cause for the horrible defense. They were not the only ones playing poorly. Overall our defense has shown major holes over the last two years, while no matter what happened the last two previous weeks are still there. Our coaches may try to use the youth as an excuse, but it should not hold up to scrutiny because they are not the sole contributors to our problems. We need serious changes on that side of the ball. Fulmer may get out of this year as the head coach, but I have a feeling he will have to make wholesale changes on the defensive side of the ball to do so.

by Vol Navy on Oct 20, 2007 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

Fulmer is done

book it

by OneNationUnderVols on Oct 20, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

Wow.

Guys. I'm a Vols fan in a Bama family. This is the biggest game of the year for me every year. I hate Bama with a passion that I can't describe to you in words, but I'll stick by coach Fulmer. He does a lot for the university and he wins football games. The Vols are not in the cellar and with a Kentucky win still control their destiny in the east. Don't count us down and out. This is a crazy year if you guys haven't noticed. The defence needs some help and getting rid of Chavis may be the answer, but lets not start chopping heads till the season is done.

by jhughes5 on Oct 20, 2007 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

you must be kidding me...

This must be the undoubtedly worst defensive showing we've had all year. John Chavis must be g$%#mn kidding me!! I mean seriously, NO pressure on Doogie Howser, unbelievably sloppy coverage on their recievers. I mean seriously, how do you expect to cover DJ Hall from 5 yards away? We didn't double him all day and he burned us for, christ, so many yards I can't even remember! NO PRESSURE on the quarterback. Hell, no pressure on anybody! John Chavis; what the hell?!!!

Is anybody else sick because of the insertion of freshmen for one play? Kenny O'Neal came in for ONE play, that was shut down because I'm sure they saw what we we were doing and made the correct adjustments, otherwise we would have had positive yards! Did you see him AT ALL the rest of the game? How many other freshmen played today? Are you kidding me? You save those kids for Louisiana-Lafayette not son-of-a-b#$%^ing ALABAMA! This entire effort, or lack of effort I should say, just makes me sick!

This was the worst play calling effort I have seen in, God I don't even know! I've been supporting this team since 1990 and I can't remember a more laissez-faire approach to a season changing game since!

Was it just me or did I see Arian Foster and Chris Brown give up on plays that could have resulted in first downs? You can't give up on plays in the last two yards. You, if you are really a player, run through those tackles. You know why? BECAUSE YOU WANT TO WIN!!!

There is no good excuse for the lack of effort that I saw today. Poor play calling; poor execution; poor adjustments; and a lack of motivation. There is NO lack of talent on our team, there is however, a lack of motivation. I am, for one, SICK of the lack of effective coaching on our team and I REFUSE to accept the lack luster effort that I saw today. I'm pretty sure that we ran the ball pretty effectively in the first half( Thank you Arian Foster) and then completely abandoneed the run in the second half! WHY? Alabama controlled the tempo in the second half and I am just flabbergasted as to how we allowed that to happen. This is a John Chavis defense. But they didn't play like it today!

All hail Jim Bob Cooter!

by XRayVol on Oct 20, 2007 5:58 PM EDT reply actions

OH yeah...

I hate to be this way but... the zebra calls in this game just support my argument that we are the most s%$t on team in the entire country... year in and year out. We suffer more bulls#!t calls than any other team in the country every week!! Don't call the holds or the PI or the blocks in the back, etc... but make every possible call against us that you can possibly concieve of. Makes me SICK!

All hail Jim Bob Cooter!

by XRayVol on Oct 20, 2007 6:11 PM EDT reply actions

Refs

I think every fan base feels like they get hosed week in and week out, so don't put blame on the striped ones. Refs do miss calls, but it goes both ways. Vol fans are better than that... besides, did blown calls constitute the 24 points we lost by? I think there are a lot of other factors contributing to that, namely, coaching.

Sigh, what more can be said?

by Volorado on Oct 20, 2007 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions

refs chavis

we got outplayed in every aspect of the game. the refs could have been better but they didn't decide the outcome of the game.

getting rid of chavis won't solve anything. if you get rid of chavis, you have to get rid of fulmer, chavis, cutcliffe and the rest of the good ol boys.

time for some ppl to open their eyes. they are part of the reason the program has fallen to where it's at. we do not accept this kind of football.

by OneNationUnderVols on Oct 21, 2007 12:55 AM EDT reply actions