Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Pete Fiutak Tennessee Preview
FOXSports.com - NCAA FB Kickoff- 2005 PREVIEW: Tennessee Volunteers
  Ainge settling into his role as starting QB
Ainge settling into his role as starting QB - Wednesday, 08/31/05: "'You can relax a little bit in that you know you can go out there, and, like Coach (Phillip) Fulmer said, that he's not going to take me out on my first mistake,' Ainge said"
  Clausen expectd different decision
thedailytimes.com - Clausen expectd different decision: "``I've talked to him about it. Rick is going to handle this thing the right way,'' Sanders said. ``There's no doubt he was disappointed. I would be very upset with him if he wasn't disappointed. If you're a competitor who wants to play, you're going to be disappointed if you don't start.

``He also realizes how important he is to this football team. You kind of go through a day of shock and maybe a day of mourning and then you're ready again.''"
  UAB quarterback Hacney will put Vols to the test
thedailytimes.com - Undefeated ... so far - UAB quarterback Hacney will put Vols to the test: "``Hackney, when you look at his numbers, is quite incredible,'' UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. ``Three thousand yards passing last year and (26) touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He's a big, strong, fast kid who has a great release. Very mobile. It's a big challenge for us right off the bat.''"

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  Peerless Price cut
'I hate y'all,' Peerless says after being cut - NFL - MSNBC.com
Former Vol Peerless Price was cut by the Atlanta Falcons today.
  Tennessee Football All-Americas
Tennessee Football All-Americas :: 68 Individuals Honored a Total of 83 Times Since 1929
A great look at Tennessee Football All-Americans (First Team) from the 1920's to present day.
  New Look for UTSports.com
They have re-designed the site at utsports.com. It looks pretty good. Stop by and take a look.
  Vols Expecting Seasoned UAB Team; Team Receives Congressional Visit
8/29/2005 - Vols Expecting Seasoned UAB Team; Team Receives Congressional Visit - Sports - Chattanoogan.com
  Vols' Smith ignoring the pain
Vols' Smith ignoring the pain - Tuesday, 08/30/05
  Saturdays in the South
The Times and Democrat: Archives
Only 4 More Days....

Monday, August 29, 2005

  Majors knocks retiring UT numbers
thedailytimes.com - Majors knocks retiring UT numbers
  It's hard to hit a blocking sled with subpoena in your pocket
It's hard to hit a blocking sled with subpoena in your pocket

From Seattle where they know nothing about College Football, writer Norman Chad takes a swipe at the Vols

Sunday, August 28, 2005

  Ainge gets QB start for opener
Ainge gets QB start for opener - Sunday, 08/28/05: "Fulmer said it was about who he felt gives the Vols the best chance to win a championship.

That person is Ainge … for now."

Friday, August 26, 2005

  ESPN College Football Preview

The Gameday Crew did a College Football Preview last night on ESPN News. The usual.

Mark May - who actually saw the Vols practice, likes their chances in the East
Kirk Herbstreit - didn't like Fulmer not naming a QB, said it could cause problems with team chemistry
Trev Albert - didn't like the Vol's chances and talked about them not playing to the level of the talent they have, threw in a Kelly Washington jab as well, but he did expect Gerald Riggs to have a good showing in Heisman Race

  INSIDE THE ORANGE' TV SPECIAL
The Vol Network's preseason football special, "Inside the Orange: Tennessee Football 2005," airs across the Volunteer State this weekend on affiliates making up the Vol Television Network.
  Too close to call for now
USATODAY.com - Too close to call for now: "With two-time defending national champion Southern California an overwhelming pick for No. 1, the most compelling question entering the college football season could be this: Who's No. 2?"
  More on UT - VA Tech in Bristol
Southern Standard, McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee Newspaper

Thursday, August 25, 2005

  Insert your favorite caption

Insert your favorite caption in the comments section

Courtesy of Paulwesterdawg







" "
  SI.com - 2005 NCAA Football Preview - Newcomers To Watch (cont.)
SI.com - 2005 NCAA Football Preview - Newcomers To Watch (cont.) - Thursday August 25, 2005 11:51AM
Demonte Bolden, DE, Tennessee
"He has a motor out there. He's making plays and he's playing out of control, basically. Once he gets the scheme of things and plays under control, he'll definitely be a contributor to this team."
  UT and VA Tech in Bristol?
Business Journal: "The chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports is trying to jumpstart an old idea: a football game between UT and Virginia Tech at Bristol Motor Speedway. Why might it succeed now when it failed before? The stakes have been raised.

'Twenty million to each team,' Smith said. 'Universities always want money so that would be $20 million for your university (UT) and $20 million for Virginia (Tech). That would be a pretty big financial day for them.'"
  Vols' health a relief to Fulmer
Vols' health a relief to Fulmer - Thursday, 08/25/05
  UT’s Foster says starting worth weights
UT’s Foster says starting worth weights - Thursday, 08/25/05
  Vols' final piece to plug in for '05: Clausen or Ainge
The Sun Herald | 08/25/2005 | Vols' final piece to plug in for '05: Clausen or Ainge

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

  Top Ten College Home Fields
Top Ten College Home Fields : Fanblogs College Football Blog
List compiled by Rivals.com
1 VA Tech, 2 LSU 4 Florida, 10 Auburn, no Love for the Vols
  Top Party Schools
The Best 361 Colleges Rankings on The Princeton Review
UT made the top 20 but failed to break into the top 10 coming in at #16
  Offense looking better; no word on quarterback
thedailytimes.com - Split decision - Offense looking better; no word on quarterback: "Tennessee's offense looked a bit more in tune on Tuesday night than in the previous two scrimmages against a steadily improving defense, but head coach Phillip Fulmer and offensive coordinator Randy Sanders say they are in no hurry to name a starting quarterback or a backup tailback to starter Gerald Riggs."

"Up front, Rob Smith appears to have settled into the center spot vacated by injury, and Anthony Parker is well on his way to being the backup."
  Ainge or Clausen? No answer's in sight
Sports - Jackson Sun - www.jacksonsun.com
  Conversation with Erik Ainge
Conversation with Erik Ainge
Pete Fiutak interview with Ainge (interview was early this summer)
  Vols Show Defensive Prowess, Running Game During Final Scrimmage
8/24/2005 - Vols Show Defensive Prowess, Running Game During Final Scrimmage - Sports - Chattanoogan.com: "Defensive intensity and a solid running game -- Tennessee trademarks during the Phillip Fulmer era -- were on display as the Vols wrapped up their third and final scrimmage Tuesday night at Neyland Stadium.
"

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

  UT plans new honor for 3 football greats
UT plans new honor for 3 football greats - Tuesday, 08/23/05: "In three separate ceremonies this season, the late Reggie White's No. 92, Peyton Manning's No. 16 and Doug Atkins' No. 91 will be retired."
  Blog Poll Pre-Season Picks
I am voting in the BlogPoll (It's a college football poll run and voted on by sports bloggers) at MGOBLOG. Here are my pre-season picks:
1 Southern Cal
2 Texas
3 Tennessee
4 LSU
5 Oklahoma
6 Miami (Florida)
7 Michigan
8 Virginia Tech
9 Florida
10 Iowa
11 Ohio State
12 Georgia
13 Florida State
14 Auburn
15 Louisville
16 Purdue
17 Texas A&M
18 Cal
19 Pittsburgh
20 Boise State
21 Arizona State
22 Boston College
23 Texas Tech
24 Alabama
25 Virginia

Any thoughts? What would you change?
  Young Guns - Fulmer praises underclassmen in scrimmage
thedailytimes.com - Young Guns - Fulmer praises underclassmen in scrimmage: "head coach Phillip Fulmer praised the performances of several younger players in Saturday's major scrimmage, including offensive lineman Anthony Parker, who filled in at center as backup to Rob Smith, and receiver Lucas Taylor, who had a TD catch on the night."
  Hefney's impact hard to disguise
Hefney's impact hard to disguise - Monday, 08/22/05

Monday, August 22, 2005

  Backup linemen impress Fulmer
Backup linemen impress Fulmer - Sunday, 08/21/05
  Scrimmage gives Clausen chance to make his case
Scrimmage gives Clausen chance to make his case - Sunday, 08/21/05
  Gerald Riggs Jr. is Seabiscut
InsideTennessee.com: Gerald Riggs Jr.: "Gerald Riggs Jr. has been mentioned by numerous outlets as a darkhorse candidate to win the Heisman Trophy.

Running backs coach Trooper Taylor couldn’t resist.

``We tease him,’’ Taylor said. ``The media calls him a darkhorse so we call him Seabiscuit, a broken up guy coming back trying to win. He says that makes me the big, blind jockey. So, I’m going to work on my weight and he’s going to work on his wins.’’"

Friday, August 19, 2005

  The SEC's Top Ten Players (according to SI)
SI.com - Photo Gallery - The SEC's Top Ten Players
1. J Mahelona, 8. G Riggs, 10. E Ainge
Any thoughts?
  CFN's Three Year Program Analysis - 11 to 25
Three Year Program Analysis - 11 to 25
CFN's three year look at college programs based on several factors (Attendance, Graduation, Wins, Quality Wins, Players Drafted, etc...)
1.USC, 4. Georgia, 10. LSU, 11. Tennessee
  UT's Gandy hurt in practice
thedailytimes.com - UT's Gandy hurt in practice
The Center Position becomes more of a question mark
  Kevin Simon Article

ContraCostaTimes.com | 08/19/2005 | When healthy, ex-DLS star can be dominant

Thursday, August 18, 2005

  UT secondary still scrambled
UT secondary still scrambled - Thursday, 08/18/05: "Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer said all options and combinations would be explored as the Vols attempt to settle on a starting rotation in the secondary.

He's eager to see who distinguishes himself there in Saturday's scrimmage and reiterated that true freshmen Demetrice Morley and Antonio Wardlow were making a serious push at safety."
  Don't tell coaches the SEC has lost its stature
Sports: Don't tell coaches the SEC has lost its stature: "'I really, truly feel that the SEC is a two-chin-strap league: You better buckle up both of them,' Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said."
  Recap of the ESPN visit to the Vols Practice yesterday
thedailytimes.com - Limelight doesn't stall Vols' skills, practice

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

  Know your Foe
16 days and counting!
A look at UAB courtesy of jaxvols.com
  Young defensive ends may see playing time
Young defensive ends may see playing time: "It can be tough for younger players to find their ways into productive roles. But a few of the Vols' young defensive ends have a good chance at changing that.

Based on fall camp so far, sophomores Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds as well as freshmen Robert Ayers and Gerald Williams will challenge for playing time early and often."
  Vols shuffle secondary for speed
thedailytimes.com - Vols shuffle secondary for speed: "KNOXVILLE -- Jonathan Wade's speed finally got him somewhere on a football field.

The track star from Shreveport, La., has sped to the top of Tennessee's depth chart at cornerback.

Two days after UT quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Rick Clausen combined to hit on 21 of 30 passes for 288 yards in the team's first intrasquad scrimmage, Vol coaches on Monday shuffled the pecking order in the defensive backfield. The fleet-footed Wade unseated -- at least temporarily -- sophomore Roshaun Fellows."
  Vols have crowded backfield
Nashville City Paper
Article on the battle for the #2 RB Spot

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Riggs chasing greatness
UT's Riggs chasing greatness - Tuesday, 08/16/05
  Tennessee looking for return trip to SEC and beyond
AccessNorthGa.com - News Articles: North Georgia's Sporting News Weather and News

Monday, August 15, 2005

  UT offense carves up secondary
UT offense carves up secondary - Sunday, 08/14/05: "Senior Rick Clausen started at quarterback and connected twice with Bret Smith on touchdowns of 65 and 6 yards. Ainge threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Casey Woods, and Bo Hardegree hit freshman Lucas Taylor on a 69-yard touchdown streak."
  ESPN Telecast of Vols' practice set for Wednesday
ESPN Telecast of Vols' practice set for Wednesday:
"ESPN TELECAST OF VOLS' PRACTICE SET FOR WEDNESDAY
ESPN is bringing its college football road crew to Knoxville a little earlier than usual this year.

An army of uplink trucks, camera operators and reporters will be roaming Haslam Field early Wednesday morning during the Vols' practice, taping what will become a one-hour program airing at noon Eastern time that same day on ESPN. Mark May, Jerry Punch and Bill Curry will be dissecting UT's early-season form and speaking with the Tennessee coaching staff during the workout.

Later airings of the Tennessee practice session on ESPNU are (all times Eastern): Wednesday at 8 p.m.; Thursday at 8 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.; Friday at 1:30 a.m., 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Aug. 20 at midnight; and Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. "
  Ligon sprains ankle on opening play
Ligon sprains ankle on opening play - Sunday, 08/14/05

Sunday, August 14, 2005

  Wide Receivers Make Early Impact During Vols' First Scrimmage
Wide Receivers Make Early Impact During Vols' First Scrimmage
Rick Clausen started the day at quarterback and completed 10-of-13 for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Erik Ainge completed 11-of-17 for 129 yards and a touchdown.

Friday, August 12, 2005

  Clausen sets sights on first starring role
Clausen sets sights on first starring role - Friday, 08/12/05: "Will Clausen finally get a chance to be a leading man, or has he returned to the familiar territory of playing a sidekick?

'Hey, impossible is nothing,' Clausen said, quoting the adidas slogan. 'You never know what could happen. That's the great thing about football.'"
  UT's Thursday practice report

InsideTennessee.com: UT's Thursday practice report
"Consistency is what we're looking for in the preseason and we're more worried about Tennessee right now," associate head coach John Chavis said after Thursday's practice at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
  Vols have academics in order
Vols have academics in order - Friday, 08/12/05

Thursday, August 11, 2005

  Practice Wrap-up
thedailytimes.com - The Great Escape: Chavis avoids media
"The team participated in the ``Tennessee Drill,'' a one-on-one tradition marking the beginning of fall camp, during the morning session.

The battle between senior defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona and offensive tackle Rob Smith highlighted the competition, but according to Fulmer, the younger players were the true benefactors.

``We had good intensity in that'', Fulmer said. ``All those young guys don't know quite what to expect when they come to that, so it was good for them to see a little bit of it.

``That drill is a lot more for the young ones, and it's as good as it gets because there's no place to go. It's right there in front of everybody. We'll do that more as we go along.''"
  UT starts sluggishly as two-a-days begin - Thursday, 08/11/05
UT starts sluggishly as two-a-days begin - Thursday, 08/11/05

  RB Hardesty a big hit
RB Hardesty a big hit - Wednesday, 08/10/05
"The early returns are in. Montario Hardesty can play."
  Can Rick Do It Again?
:: Metro Pulse Online ::

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  SEC Football Since 1950 (East)
I got this off of the VolNation Message Board. Good Stuff (Click to enlarge)

  SEC Football Since 1950 (West)
I got this off of the VolNation Message Board. Good Stuff

  Vols make progress on first day in pads
thedailytimes.com - Ton of good work: Vols make progress on first day in pads: "``Today, Gerald Riggs' first run was really good, a solid run, and our two young backs (Arian Foster and Ja'Kouri Williams) did a heck of a job. It was good to see them full speed. I think both those guys are going to help us and complement us a lot.

``The offense moved the ball a lot and the defense was plain vanilla, but it gave us a pretty good idea of where we are.''"
  SI Vols Preview
SI.com -- 2005 College Football - Scouting Reports

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

  Vols practice notes
The Jackson Sun Sports - Vols notes: "The Vols had three offensive line starters - Albert Toeaina, Cody Douglas and Arron Sears - who weighed more than 340 pounds at the end of last season.

Fulmer said all three have lost weight. Sears and Douglas are down to 325, while Toeaina is back under 350. He came to Tennessee weighing 357. Fulmer said Toeaina has improved as much as any of the Vols' offensive linemen from last season."
  UT's Simon takes steps on a healthy knee
UT's Simon takes steps on a healthy knee - Monday, 08/08/05
  All time SEC coaches
GLENN GUILBEAU: Bear is still the one
Neyland #3, Fulmer #7 all time in the SEC....this is the same guy who ranked Fulmer 5th for current SEC coaches....which is it?
  Vol practice switching to high gear
thedailytimes.com - Life in the fast lane: Vol practice switching to high gear: "The quarterback battle continues, of course, and Fulmer maintained that either Erik Ainge or Rick Clausen would be an excellent candidate to lead the 2005 squad, but that choice, he emphasized, is not really up to him.``They'll decide that for me,'' Fulmer said"

Monday, August 08, 2005

  Players allege Spurrier promised no charges
Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football - Players allege Spurrier promised no charges
  Harrell's ready to shine
InsideTennessee.com: Harrell's ready to shine
Article on Defensive Lineman Justin Harrell. Things should open up even more for him this year as teams focus on Jesse Mahelona “Jesse’s going to have a lot of attention focused on him. Teams are going to scheme around him, so that’s just going to put more pressure on us – the other defensive linemen – to come up and make plays.”
  Bull-headed: Meachem ready to face any defender
thedailytimes.com - Bull-headed: Meachem ready to face any defender

Sunday, August 07, 2005

  Vols Enjoy Weather Break, Close First Week of Practice

Vols Enjoy Weather Break, Close First Week of Practice :: Former Assistant Cutcliffe visited practice
Highlights ....Battle for center between Rich Gandy and David Ligon. Former Offensive Coordinator David Cutcliffe stopped by practive.... hmmm
  Herbstreit's Top 10 Offensive Players
ESPN.com: SPORTSNATION - Mailbag-3133
#1 Matt Leinart...... #4 Gerald Riggs

Friday, August 05, 2005

  UT players report; expectations high
UT players report; expectations high - Friday, 08/05/05
Jason Allen said "Nobody on our team needs to be reminded that we haven’t won a championship.”
  Southern Pigskin-Football in the South
Southern Pigskin

Good article on Southern Football "Football in the south is an interesting beast. It's not a game, it's not a pastime...it's a way of life. It's a mixed drink of family, religion, politics and pageantry, spiked with shots of antagonism, arrogance and pride."
  The 'Other' Clausen
InsideTennessee.com: The 'Other' Clausen
Inside Tennessee article on Rick Clausen
  SEC FOOTBALL: Rating All-Time SEC Receivers
InsideTennessee.com: SEC FOOTBALL: Rating All-Time SEC Receivers
Tim McGee tied for 8th

Thursday, August 04, 2005

  Top 10 football revenue schools
Cha-ching: Top 10 football revenue schools : Fanblogs College Football Blog
  Casey Clausen joins MSU staff
MSU football notebook - The Clarion-Ledger
Scout.com Article
Former Vol Casey Clausen joins Mississippi State as a Graduate Assistant.
("On the Tennessee staff at the time was current MSU offensive coordinator Woody McCorvey, cornerbacks coach Shane Beamer, and assistant to the head coach Brad Pendergrass.

"Woody has worked with Casey and knows his family real well," Croom said. "Casey wanted to come here and learn.")
  Fulmer victim of Identity Thief
KnoxNews: Local
Fulmer was the victim of Identity Thief
  ALL-TIME ALL-SEC: Rating the RBs
InsideTennessee.com: ALL-TIME ALL-SEC: Rating the RBs
Ranking of the all time SEC RBs

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

  Heismanpundit ranks the SEC Coaches
Ranking The SEC Coaches - Heismanpundit.com
I don't buy this ranking either........
  ALL-TIME SEC: Rating the Quarterbacks
InsideTennessee.com: ALL-TIME SEC: Rating the Quarterbacks
Rating the best SEC QBs of all time 1. Archie Manning, 2. Steve Spurrier, 3. Danny Wuerffel, 4. Peyton Manning
  Paulwesterdawg's Georgia Sports Blog: Caption Contest - Spurrier Looks On....
Paulwesterdawg's Georgia Sports Blog: Caption Contest - Spurrier Looks On....
Great Spurrier Pic and Caption contest via Paulwesterdawg
  At last, Riggs for real
At last, Riggs for real
Good article on Riggs

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

  Vols 3rd in SEC East according to Pythagorean Theorem
Sea Misting: Pythagoras and the Vols
Well the Vols should pack it in for 2005. According to the Pythagorean Theorem the Vols will be 3rd in the SEC East. Who knew?
  Rivals.com 2005 Preseason All-America Team
Rivals.com - Rivals.com 2005 Preseason All-America Team
Jesse Mahelona 1st Team; Jason Allen 2nd Team
  EDSBS takes a "positive" look at the Vols
EDSBS » UT ROUNDUP: VOLS SWEEP FURIOUSLY UNDER RUG

Every Day Should Be Saturday takes a look at the Vols wrapping up their legal woes
  Vols Looking For Leader
DawgsBite.com: Vols Looking For Leader
Story covering the upcoming Vols QB battle
("We have to be ready early," Fulmer said. "We don't have time to wait on somebody to get in shape. We don't have time to experiment a whole bunch.
"We certainly don't have time to waste any days and two-a-days as we get ready for our season.")
  Schaeffer selects JUCO as his path back to SEC
Schaeffer selects JUCO as his path back to SEC - Tuesday, 08/02/05
  Marshall might want out of game with Vols
Nashville City Paper
Backing out already?

Monday, August 01, 2005

  Charges dropped, reduced against UT players
Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football - Charges dropped, reduced against UT players over fight at party
  How do the coaches stack up in the SEC?
How do the coaches stack up in the SEC?
His Take: 1. Tuberville, 2. Spurrier, 3. Richt, 4. Meyer, 5. Fulmer, 6. Nutt, 7. Miles etc....

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