Thursday, September 28, 2006
UT won't extend Memphis series First Road Game Begins Tough Middle Stretch For UT Vols - Sports Vols not sure what to expect from new Memphis defense
The City Paper - Smart, Fast, Free: "Vols not sure what to expect from new Memphis defense"
Three RBs are better than one
Jackson Sun - www.jacksonsun.com - Jackson, TN: "KNOXVILLE - Three might sound like a crowd, but it's not a problem when you're talking about running backs.
Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer sees all sorts of advantages to having Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker running the ball."
Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer sees all sorts of advantages to having Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker running the ball."
Monday, September 25, 2006
Vols in good shape early Vols in good shape early - Nashville, Tennessee - Monday, 09/25/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — Back in August, most Tennessee fans would have taken a 4-1 record coming out of September in a heartbeat.
If the Vols can take care of Memphis on Saturday at the Liberty Bowl, that's exactly where they'll be heading into the teeth of their Southeastern Conference schedule."
Coker's long run lifts Vols
If the Vols can take care of Memphis on Saturday at the Liberty Bowl, that's exactly where they'll be heading into the teeth of their Southeastern Conference schedule."
Coker's long run lifts Vols - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 09/24/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — After sleepwalking in the rain for much of Saturday, Tennessee's football team needed a swift jolt.
Enter LaMarcus Coker.
The former Antioch High star helped turn a close game into a rout with an 89-yard touchdown run in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, as the 15th-ranked Vols finally shook loose to beat Marshall 33-7 at Neyland Stadium."
Ligon says offensive line vindicated
Tennessee-Marshall football: Animated Drive Charts
Enter LaMarcus Coker.
The former Antioch High star helped turn a close game into a rout with an 89-yard touchdown run in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, as the 15th-ranked Vols finally shook loose to beat Marshall 33-7 at Neyland Stadium."
Rocky Top Talk :: Tennessee-Marshall football: Animated Drive ChartsAnitmated Drive Charts by Rocky Top Talk
Friday, September 22, 2006
Coach Harrell Rocky Top Talk :: Rocky Top Talking Points: Marshall Friday edition: "Injured Justin Harrell is motivating players from the sidelines. Coach Fulmer:
We have to call him 'Coach Harrell' now,' Fulmer said. 'He's been out here helping; he's been in meetings and is one of the leaders and captains of this football team. I wouldn't expect anything less from a guy like him. He's one of those guys you want to stay around as long as you can keep them around."
Vols Conclude Marshall Preparations On Strong Note - Sports - Chattanoogan.com
Vols struggle with depth
We have to call him 'Coach Harrell' now,' Fulmer said. 'He's been out here helping; he's been in meetings and is one of the leaders and captains of this football team. I wouldn't expect anything less from a guy like him. He's one of those guys you want to stay around as long as you can keep them around."
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Fisher's playing status not known for Saturday Fisher's playing status not known for Saturday - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 09/21/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — Defensive end Walter Fisher finally might make his Tennessee debut Saturday against Marshall.
Then again, he might not."
JWilhoit remains a constant for Tennessee
Vols QB gets tips from his famous uncle
Then again, he might not."
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Vols' linemen taking heat for poor play Vols' linemen taking heat for poor play - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 09/20/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — The theories of how close Tennessee's running game was to making something happen Saturday against Florida have run the gamut.
But right there in black and white is the number that simply won't go away: minus-11 rushing yards."
Secondary will stay same as Florida game
But right there in black and white is the number that simply won't go away: minus-11 rushing yards."
Secondary will stay same as Florida game - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 09/20/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis said he intends to stick with the secondary alignment of Antwan Stewart at cornerback and Jonathan Hefney at free safety."
Fulmer Says Loss Will Make Vols Better
"KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The loss to Florida exposed areas Tennessee needs to work on, and that will make the Volunteers a better team, coach Phillip Fulmer said Tuesday."
Article
What do you think?
Article
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Corn From A Jar closes the books on the Florida Game Corn From a Jar: "Is the glass half-empty, or half full?"
Fulmer points to offensive line's faults in loss to Gators
Memphis Commercial Appeal - Memphis' Source for News and Information: Football: "'Our offensive line ... we just got our rears handed to us,' Fulmer said"
Fulmer still upset over Vols blowing 10-point lead : "They say time is the best healer.
But for Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer, a couple of days didn't make digesting last Saturday's 21-20 loss to Florida one bit easier."
Vols find key errors on film after Florida game
Stopping them before they start
But for Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer, a couple of days didn't make digesting last Saturday's 21-20 loss to Florida one bit easier."
Stopping them beforetheystart: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "The number of the day is 'minus-11,' as in the rushing yards Tennessee managed on 23 carries Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.
For Vols coach Phil Fulmer, it's a source of embarrassment; his teams had better rushing totals in each of the 167 games he had coached before the 21-20 loss to the Gators."
For Vols coach Phil Fulmer, it's a source of embarrassment; his teams had better rushing totals in each of the 167 games he had coached before the 21-20 loss to the Gators."
Monday, September 18, 2006
Offensive line now a weakness for Vols - Nashville, Tennessee - Monday, 09/18/06 - Tennessean.com Offensive line now a weakness for Vols - Nashville, Tennessee - Monday, 09/18/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — A day later, Tennessee's gut-wrenching loss to Florida wasn't any easier for Coach Phillip Fulmer to swallow.
It wasn't any easier to watch on film, either.
Problems were everywhere for the Vols, who squandered a 10-point, second-half lead in a 21-20 loss Saturday night at Neyland Stadium, their second consecutive loss to the Gators.
Fulmer said Sunday that the biggest issue was the manhandling of the offensive line by Florida's defensive front."
Vols DT Harrell has surgery on ruptured tendon
It wasn't any easier to watch on film, either.
Problems were everywhere for the Vols, who squandered a 10-point, second-half lead in a 21-20 loss Saturday night at Neyland Stadium, their second consecutive loss to the Gators.
Fulmer said Sunday that the biggest issue was the manhandling of the offensive line by Florida's defensive front."
ESPN.com - NCF - Vols DT Harrell has surgery on ruptured tendon: "KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell had surgery Monday to repair a ruptured tendon in his left biceps.
Harrell, a senior, postponed the operation so he could play his final game last Saturday against Florida. The No. 15 Volunteers lost 21-20."
Harrell, a senior, postponed the operation so he could play his final game last Saturday against Florida. The No. 15 Volunteers lost 21-20."
Sunday, September 17, 2006
No. 7 Florida tops No. 13 Tenn. 21-20 Quotes And Notes From Tennessee's 21-20 Loss To Florida - Sports - Chattanoogan.comFriday, September 15, 2006
Justin Harrell Doesn't Eat Honey, He Chews Bees Foster's status for Florida still uknown Foster's status for Florida still uknown - Nashville, Tennessee - Friday, 09/15/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE – Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer doesn't know whether the Vols will be without running back Arian Foster for Saturday's game against Florida.
But they're preparing as if they will be."
Harrell to start as captain in final Vols game
But they're preparing as if they will be."
SportingNews.com - College Football - Harrell to start as captain in final Vols game: "KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Injured defensive tackle Justin Harrell will start and be a captain in his final game at Tennessee, coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday."
Florida-Tennessee: a test for road and home teams
SportingNews.com Florida-Tennessee: a test for road and home teams: "KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Florida coach Urban Meyer has lectured his team about being tougher on the road.
The Tennessee Volunteers, meanwhile, have emphasized protecting their home turf, and to prove it wasn't just talk they stamped out their losing streak to top 10 teams in Knoxville two weeks ago."
Pretty funny article....
The Tennessee Volunteers, meanwhile, have emphasized protecting their home turf, and to prove it wasn't just talk they stamped out their losing streak to top 10 teams in Knoxville two weeks ago."
Thursday, September 14, 2006
MYSLINSKI, CARTER NAMED LEGENDS OF TENNESSEE FOR FLORIDA GAME Johnson may not play again Vols' Ainge seeks to air out his past Vols' Ainge seeks to air out his pastWednesday, September 13, 2006
Justin Harrell will play AOL SPORTS: The Fanhouse Here is my AOL post on the topic. What a man.
Gator's barbs have UT wired for SEC game
Gator's barbs have UT wired for SEC game: "KNOXVILLE — The comments of Florida safety Tony Joiner about the Gators returning to their road dominance in the 1990s didn't go unnoticed by UT players.
Joiner told reporters in Florida on Monday that, 'We really want to get into somebody else and take their cheese. Make a sandwich in the kitchen. Ham and cheese with a little turkey, mustard and mayonnaise.'
Joiner's comments quickly found their way to the Tennessee bulletin board on Tuesday."
Defense key to beating Gators
Joiner told reporters in Florida on Monday that, 'We really want to get into somebody else and take their cheese. Make a sandwich in the kitchen. Ham and cheese with a little turkey, mustard and mayonnaise.'
Joiner's comments quickly found their way to the Tennessee bulletin board on Tuesday."
Jackson Sun - www.jacksonsun.com - Jackson, TN: "KNOXVILLE - Will the real Tennessee defense please stand up?
The Vols looked fast, menacing and downright dominant through three quarters against California in the opener. They looked helpless for much of the game last week against Air Force's flexbone offense."
History of the Rivalry Part II
The Vols looked fast, menacing and downright dominant through three quarters against California in the opener. They looked helpless for much of the game last week against Air Force's flexbone offense."
History of the Rivalry Part II | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, Fla. This is a pretty good look at the Tennessee - Florida Rivalry
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
10 Things You Need To Know About Gators Vs. Vols Vols rally around injured teammates Vols rally around injured teammates - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 09/12/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — The mood was somber, yet determined Monday at the Tennessee football complex.
Coaches and players did their best to process the season-ending injuries to cornerback Inky Johnson and defensive tackle Justin Harrell."
Vols know the pain of losing on home turf | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, Fla.
Coaches and players did their best to process the season-ending injuries to cornerback Inky Johnson and defensive tackle Justin Harrell."
Vols know the pain of losing on home turf | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, Fla.: "The Vols know a similar pain. From 1995 to 2001, Tennessee lost only three games at home (two of them to Florida). But in the four seasons since then, the Rocky Toppers have sent their fans home unhappy nine times including three last year."
Tenn. deal with season-ending injuries
AP Wire | 09/12/2006 | Tenn. deal with season-ending injuries: "Depth at defensive tackle was a concern before the season started. Turk McBride moved over from defensive end to replace Harrell after the injury and will start at tackle against Florida, Fulmer said. Xavier Mitchell, who stopped Air Force on its potentially game-winning 2-point conversion, will start in place of McBride.
In the secondary, Jonathan Hefney will move over from free safety to replace Johnson, and Demetrice Morley will start at safety."
In the secondary, Jonathan Hefney will move over from free safety to replace Johnson, and Demetrice Morley will start at safety."
Monday, September 11, 2006
Interview With Vols' Coach Phillip Fulmer Before Florida Game 9/11/2006 - Interview With Vols' Coach Phillip Fulmer Before Florida Game - Sports - Chattanoogan.com: "'This game, if you check history -- and most games are this way -- we have to be ready to run the football and stop the Gators.'"
Vols have another challenge to overcome
Sept. 10: Vols have another challenge to overcome - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 09/10/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE — The great teams overcome. They adjust, improvise and certainly don’t feel sorry for themselves."
Vols locker room: Hardesty filled void nicely
thedailytimes.com - Vols locker room: Hardesty filled void nicely: "KNOXVILLE - Montario Hardesty has seen firsthand the devastation of a leg injury. Luckily for Tennessee's tailback Saturday evening, Hardesty was the one acting as the replacement rather than the one being replaced.
'I just wanted to get out there and play for the team,' the redshirt freshman said after rushing for 72 yards on 19 carries after starter Arian Foster left with a sprained left ankle."
Meyer thinks Harvin may surprise Vols
Inky, Harrell lost for season
'I just wanted to get out there and play for the team,' the redshirt freshman said after rushing for 72 yards on 19 carries after starter Arian Foster left with a sprained left ankle."
Scout.com: Inky, Harrell lost for season: "Saturday night’s narrow defeat of Air Force was a case of adding injury to insult for Tennessee’s defense. In addition to surrendering 281 rushing yards, 22 first downs and 30 points to a service academy, the Vol stop unit lost two key starters to season-ending injuries."
These two injuries are going to hurt the Vol Defense.....a lot
Tennessee-Air Force Animated Drive Chart
These two injuries are going to hurt the Vol Defense.....a lot
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Check me out on AOL I will still be posting here but I am also going to be doing some posting over at the AOL Fanhouse. Check out my latest Vol posts there.
http://tennessee-football.aolsportsblog.com/
Interception nearly costs Ainge
http://tennessee-football.aolsportsblog.com/
Interception nearly costs Ainge - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 09/10/06 - Tennessean.com: "KNOXVILLE Erik Ainge couldn't take much pleasure in one of the best performances of his career.
Sure, Ainge might have done enough to prove that what he did in the season opener against California wasn't a fluke. But he couldn't shake the thought of the one of the few bad throws he made all night.
'I threw an interception that could have cost us the game,' Ainge said."
Personally I think Ainge looked great all night. I think he is going to have a lot of confidence going into the Florida game. He is going to need all the confidence he can get...
Gators get jump on preparing for Vols
Sure, Ainge might have done enough to prove that what he did in the season opener against California wasn't a fluke. But he couldn't shake the thought of the one of the few bad throws he made all night.
'I threw an interception that could have cost us the game,' Ainge said."
Personally I think Ainge looked great all night. I think he is going to have a lot of confidence going into the Florida game. He is going to need all the confidence he can get...
SportingNews.com - College Football - Gators get jump on preparing for Vols: "Leak and the seventh-ranked Gators (2-0) used their lopsided victory over Central Florida on Saturday to prepare for next week's key Southeastern Conference matchup at No. 13 Tennessee. They operated the whole game using silent cadence -- hoping to be more ready for raucous crowd at Neyland Stadium -- and played stretches with the no-huddle offense."
Vols Survive Air Force
Friday, September 08, 2006
Smith likely to miss game vs. Air Force Jackson Sun - www.jacksonsun.com - Jackson, TN: "KNOXVILLE - Tennessee receiver Bret Smith isn't likely to play Saturday against Air Force due to lingering effects from a concussion suffered in last week's opener against California." Mayo returned to practice on Thursday.
Vols' Meachem stands out with 2 TD catches
SportingNews.com - College Football - Vols' Meachem stands out with 2 TD catches: "'We don't have anybody on our team that works harder in practice to be a good player than Robert Meachem does,' coach Phillip Fulmer said. 'He's unselfish. He plays on several special teams. He's going to block. He's going to catch it. He doesn't mind going over the middle to do it.'"
Fulmer hopes Vols can handle success
thedailytimes.com - Fulmer hopes Vols can handle success: "KNOXVILLE -- Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer's main concern after his team's victory over Cal seems to be how his players are reacting to their first win.
Fulmer said after starting off the season with a big victory, the Vols need to stay focused on Saturday's game with Air Force and any adjustments they might need to make."
Fulmer said after starting off the season with a big victory, the Vols need to stay focused on Saturday's game with Air Force and any adjustments they might need to make."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Mayo status up in the air for Air Force Mayo status up in the air for Air Force - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 09/07/06 - Tennessean.com
Tennessee's defense prepares for Air Force's option
SportingNews.com - College Football - Tennessee's defense prepares for Air Force's option: "KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer wasn't trying to be rude, but the fact is few teams like to play Air Force.
That's because the Falcons make defenses prepare for the triple option, a scheme rarely seen these days in college football.
'I don't think anybody is anxious to play against a flexbone, wishbone or veer or all those things and then the next week you're playing another spread team or something,' Fulmer said. 'If I could have found somebody else to play, we would have.'"
Unorthodox works well for Meachem
That's because the Falcons make defenses prepare for the triple option, a scheme rarely seen these days in college football.
'I don't think anybody is anxious to play against a flexbone, wishbone or veer or all those things and then the next week you're playing another spread team or something,' Fulmer said. 'If I could have found somebody else to play, we would have.'"
Unorthodox works well for Meachem: "KNOXVILLE -- It may not be as glamorous as a Terrell Owens touchdown dance, but Robert Meachem's on-the-field routine worked just fine against Cal.
'All through high school, no basketball games, but every football game, I would always throw up before the game,' the Tennessee wide receiver said.
'This game (against Cal), I threw up, but I couldn't stop. But every time I threw up, I seemed to score a touchdown, so I figured something was working.'"
Fulmer likes coaches' challenge -- so far
'All through high school, no basketball games, but every football game, I would always throw up before the game,' the Tennessee wide receiver said.
'This game (against Cal), I threw up, but I couldn't stop. But every time I threw up, I seemed to score a touchdown, so I figured something was working.'"
SportingNews.com Fulmer likes coaches' challenge -- so far: "KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- After one game, Tennessee coach Phillip is already a fan of the coaches' challenge even though he hasn't actually used it yet."
Where have they gone file - James Banks
Starting over | IndyStar.com Kind of sad. The guy is working at TGI Fridays now...
Mystery Solved: Pac-10 playing with its eyes closed
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Now I Have Seen Everything
Hat Tip to Rammer Jammer for this one. Apparently you can get anything with a logo on it. York is offering AC units with team logos.
Competition hones coordinators' success: "Indeed, there's a competitive chemistry between Cutcliffe and Chavis that reminds you of two brothers who fight and scratch and won't budge an inch with each other, only to form an iron-clad union when it's time to face somebody outside the family."
Air Force's option offense worries UT - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 09/06/06 - Tennessean.com: "'There's a lot more reacting than just trying to get up the field all the time,' senior DE Turk McBride said. 'I don't really like it. There's a lot of misdirection, and you better be sound in what you're doing.'"
Cutcliffe wants Vols to adjust to post-Cal
thedailytimes.com - Cutcliffe wants Vols to adjust to post-Cal: "KNOXVILLE -- After watching his offense put up more than 30 points against No. 9-ranked California, UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe says his next task is to get his players ready ``for a regular game.''
``Everybody knows Air Force is not as big a name as Cal. They aren't a No. 9 team,'' Cutcliffe said. ``But Air Force knows how to win football games.''"
UT is 'team of week'
``Everybody knows Air Force is not as big a name as Cal. They aren't a No. 9 team,'' Cutcliffe said. ``But Air Force knows how to win football games.''"
Scout.com: UT is 'team of week': "With their 35-18 win over California, the Tennessee Volunteers are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week, as selected by the pollsters of the Football Writers' Grantland Rice Super 16 Poll for games of the weekend of Sept. 2."
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Vols 17th in Coaches Poll
ESPN.com - NCF - 2006 College Football Rankings - Week 2I have no problem with this. Win solidly against Air Force, beat Florida, and UT is a top 10 team.
One Week Is Just One Week :: Too early to jump to conclusions following first games: "I must admit going into this season that the last team that I thought I would be writing about in a positive way would be the Tennessee Volunteers. I really thought that sooner, rather than later, we would be talking about replacing Phil Fulmer."
ClayNation Dixieland Delight College Football Tour: Cal at Tennessee - CBS SportsLine.com
ClayNation Dixieland Delight College Football Tour: Cal at Tennessee - CBS SportsLine.com Great article about the gameday experience at the Tennessee - Cal game
YouTube Tennessee-Cal highlights
Rocky Top Talk :: Rocky Top Brigade YouTube Tennessee-Cal highlights Joel at Rocky Top Talk has some great YouTube highlights of the Cal game....
Mayo earns SEC defensive player of the week
WBIR.COM - Mayo earns SEC defensive player of the week: "Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo is racking up the awards in only his second start for the Vols. Sunday he was named Walter Camp National Defensive player of the week, and Monday he was named the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the week."
UT Game-Captians For Contest vs. Air Force
WVLT VOLUNTEER TV Knoxville, TN: Five Named UT Game-Captians For Contest vs. Air Force: "Fulmer named his game captains for Saturday, with fullback Cory Anderson, offensive guard David Ligon, linebacker Marvin Mitchell, cornerback Jonathan Wade and deep snapper Ryan West getting the nods."
Ainge a new quarterback for UT
Not flawless, but close
Scout.com: Not flawless, but close: "I’ve watched probably 40 Tennessee football openers – covering half of those – and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Game 1 performance as solid as Saturday’s 35-18 upset of No. 9 Cal. It was close to flawless.
The Vols had one fumble (by Jayson Swain) but recovered it. They threw one interception but it was on a pass tipped by the intended receiver (Lucas Taylor). They did not allow a sack and, incredibly, did not have a minus-yardage rush in 41 carries."
The Vols had one fumble (by Jayson Swain) but recovered it. They threw one interception but it was on a pass tipped by the intended receiver (Lucas Taylor). They did not allow a sack and, incredibly, did not have a minus-yardage rush in 41 carries."
Sunday, September 03, 2006
OK, about that whole 'national power' thing ... OK, about that whole 'national power' thing ...: "Of all the lessons Cal can absorb after Saturday's reputation-destroying beating by Tennessee, the one that jumps to mind first is this idea that the Southeastern Conference is something to fool with.
It isn't. Not by the Golden Bears, anyway."
Delayed reaction: Vols hush critics with 35-18 victory
It isn't. Not by the Golden Bears, anyway."
thedailytimes.com - Delayed reaction: Vols hush critics with 35-18 victory: "KNOXVILLE -- The experts might have simply been a year premature.
After a dismal 5-6 mark last season, Tennessee looked every bit the top-five team it was projected to be in 2005"
After a dismal 5-6 mark last season, Tennessee looked every bit the top-five team it was projected to be in 2005"
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Ainge ready to prove himself thedailytimes.com - Heeeeere's Erik: Ainge ready to prove himself: "KNOXVILLE -- Today is the debut of the Erik Ainge Show.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound junior quarterback from Oregon has an opportunity to prove all his critics wrong and to silence fans who think backup Jonathan Crompton should be under center this season."
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound junior quarterback from Oregon has an opportunity to prove all his critics wrong and to silence fans who think backup Jonathan Crompton should be under center this season."
Friday, September 01, 2006
Ainge's goal: Erase memories of last year Ainge's goal: Erase memories of last year: "KNOXVILLE — He's been dissected, analyzed and picked apart for much of the last year.
Whether Erik Ainge likes it or not, the image most Tennessee fans have of him is his panicky heave out of the end zone last season at LSU."
UT closes out Cal preparations
Whether Erik Ainge likes it or not, the image most Tennessee fans have of him is his panicky heave out of the end zone last season at LSU."
thedailytimes.com - Sports briefs for 09/01/06 - UT closes out Cal preparations: "Tennessee's long wait for a chance at redemption is nearing an end. The Vols closed out a week of practice in preparing for California on Thursday and will engage in a walk-through today."
