Last week's crazy talk continues. Doug says his memory of the day just begs to be memorialized in a country song, and Kyle complies. College Football News' Pete Fiutak wonders whether Tennessee can be a superpower again. John Pennington defends his decision to run a game-day column quoting anonymous former players who claimed that the program isn't what it used to be. John Adams says the anonymous former players may need to better inform themselves before launching such a critique.
The Vols just want to put last week behind them. John Chavis is bristling at the incessant questions about Georgia. The coaches want fans to know that they’ve prepared well this week. That J.T. Mapu's back in the groove. That Jerod Mayo's getting the hang of the middle linebacker position. That tight end Chris Brown's cool with his new role as a blocker for the running backs. And that Arian Foster is "fast enough."
That want us to know that this week is a completely different challenge and that they know they need to make the most of their second chance at an SEC East title. They know better than to not give Croom the respect he deserves, but despite the fact everyone knows Croom's going to run the ball, they shouldn't be too hasty in devoting nine of eleven guys to stop it.
So it sounds like we're ready, no? But yikes, courtsey of Inside Tennessee’s Randy Moore, who looks at how the Vols generally follow up huge wins. Frightening:
1999: Tennessee hammers No. 24 Notre Dame 38-14. A week later the third-rated Vols lose 28-24 at unranked Arkansas.
2000: Tennessee annihilates Louisiana-Monroe 70-3. A week later the 11th-ranked Vols lose 38-31 to an unranked LSU team that was coming off a loss to UAB.
2001: Tennessee upsets No. 2 Florida 34-32 at The Swamp in Steve Spurrier's final home game. A week later the second-rated Vols lose 31-20 to LSU in the SEC Championship Game.
2003: Tennessee beats No. 17 Florida 24-10 in Gainesville. A week later the eighth-ranked Vols need an overtime to subdue unranked South Carolina 23-20 in Knoxville.
2004: Tennessee trounces South Carolina 43-29 in Columbia. A week later the ninth-rated Vols lose 17-13 at home to unranked Notre Dame.
2006: Tennessee races to a 35-0 lead and hammers ninth-ranked California 35-18. A week later the 11th-ranked Vols have to hold for dear life to nip Air Force 31-30.
So what do you think? What are the odds we follow up a decimation of Georgia with another dishumiliarrassment?
Off the topic, but did you know you can send snail mail by email? Huh.