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Tennessee’s Defense is the Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the SEC
Posted by Thomas the Terrible on November 11, 2007
The task was daunting and everyone, including myself, expected a different outcome than what transpired yesterday when the John Chavis coached defense of Tennessee shut down the Arkansas tailbacks Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and the SEC’s most powerful and productive running attack.
Last week McFadden tied an SEC record of 321 rushing yards against South Carolina, yesterday he gained only 117.
This same defense made John Saran Jessica Parker Wilson look like a Heisman contender, and made Cory “I’m the most over rated running back in SEC history” Boyd look like Emmitt Smith. Fulmer was almost Croomed because of the defense.
Webster’s dictionary defines schizophrenia as:
A psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment, by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life.
Plug in the words “The 2007 Tennessee defense” in there as well.
“I don’t want this to come off wrong because I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Arkansas. They’ve got a fine football team,” defensive coordinator John Chavis said. “But I felt and we felt as a coaching staff that if we got lined up, they’d have a tough time moving the football on us.”
True, they did. It’s a shame the defense couldn’t or didn’t play this way every game. We might only have one loss on the season to Florida.
“I mentioned this last week, it’s probably not a defense that will go down in Tennessee history, because we’ve had our struggles,” Chavis said. “But it’s a team, a defensive football team, that’s gotten better each week. We’ve had some tough times, but we’ve gotten better each week.”
No, actually you haven’t gotten better. The defense has had serious meltdowns and thankfully yesterday they didn’t meltdown. But getting better means playing consistently, and hopefully they will the rest of year or you’ll be fired.
Also this performance comes shortly a letter from the “Tennessee Football Letterman” was run in the form of an ad in Friday’s News Sentinel newspaper. Click here to see the add. (Adobe Acrobat is required)
One paragraph that stands out in that is this:
“Don’t misunderstand us; the seriousness of the consequences has nothing to do with the possibility of Phillip Fulmer losing a job.”
Cough BS Cough. I question if all those signatures are truly on that letter, but that’s just me. But one thing is for sure, if these players know what they speak of – then why are there so many off field issues and on field shortfalls? If Fulmer was doing a good job there would be no need for players begging. Hopefully Phil can take this momentum all the way to the SEC championship game.
So I profess on this day 11/11/07.
TtT
Big Bad John said
Thomas,
Are you suggesting that someone attached former players names to the letter illegally, (without their knowledge and consent) and thus risking being prosecuted, sued, or both? And, if that’s the case, wouldn’t the person whose name was being used as credibility in a cause they weren’t 100% in agreement with have contacted the paper by now demanding a retraction?
Also, while nobody can dispute your claim that the Vol defense has been terribly inconsistent, as evidenced by their statistics and poor rankings nationally, particularly in pass yards allowed, (a “Jekyll and Hyde” defense if you will) I diagree with your diagnosis as them as having the serious mental disease, (schizophrenia) unless you’re a board certified neurologist.
In closing, you state, “if these players know what they speak of…why are there so many off field problems and on field shortfalls?”
If by “on field shortfalls” you mean losing to losing to California, (ranked #2 nationally at the time) and Florida, (ranked #3 nationally at the time) and Alabama (ranked 16th nationally at the time) and all three games being on the road, I think you overlooked the on field acheivements (wins against other nationally ranked opponents, (Georgia, South and Carolina, and Kentucky??? hopefully) combined with the win against a good Mississippi State team.
Every SEC team has/had off field issues, and only 1, (LSU, who’ll should be ranked #1 in the country) has less than 2 SEC losses. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that Nick Saban, Urban Myer, Steve Spurrier, Mark Richt, Tommy Tubberville, Sylvester Crooms, Rich Brooks, (coaches whom you openly show the love for) would love to have the number on field shortfalls (SEC losses) and have their team in the position that Fulmer has the Vols.
As far as the players not knowing what they’re talking about…I’m not sure what you’re credentials are, or your athletic background, but I am pretty sure I’d have to give a slight edge to the likes of Peyton Manning.
Big Orange Amy said
I find myself wondering each Saturday before the kick-off, “Which team is going to show up today?” And isn’t that a sad reality for UT fans? We’ve come to expect – and deserve – better than an up and down season when our usually head-strong defense is unbeatable week in and week out. Who is this team? I want the team that played yesterday to show up every Saturday, but I’m not sure it’s going to happen. I just have to hope that it does.
As for the previous poster, spoken like a true defender. He loves that Big Orange Kool-Aid. Which is totally his right. Drink on, my brother.
Thomas the Terrible said
“Are you suggesting that someone attached former players names to the letter illegally, (without their knowledge and consent) and thus risking being prosecuted, sued, or both? And, if that’s the case, wouldn’t the person whose name was being used as credibility in a cause they weren’t 100% in agreement with have contacted the paper by now demanding a retraction?”
I know this. That letter mysteriously finds its way to the newspaper. Interesting is the fact that the letter states Fulmer builds character and prepares young men for life, yet it was signed by Albert Hanesworth… maybe not the best representative for those claims.
Plus there is certainly not any printed signatures are there? So in reality we really don’t know who signed and who didn’t.
“I diagree with your diagnosis as them as having the serious mental disease, (schizophrenia) unless you’re a board certified neurologist.”
I was comparing their ability to play well one week and fall apart the next, much like someone with two personalties which is called schizophrenia if you couldn’t see that, then I disagree with the fact I thought you were half way intelligent.
“I’d be willing to bet that Nick Saban, Urban Myer, Steve Spurrier, Mark Richt, Tommy Tubberville, Sylvester Crooms, Rich Brooks, (coaches whom you openly show the love for)”
Motherfucker have you read any other posts from this blog? I’ve given much worse to Spurrier, Saban & Myer, particularly on their lack of discipline. So don’t sit there and say I’ve opened shown them love, in fact I challenge you to find a post where I’ve openly shown them love.
“As far as the players not knowing what they’re talking about…I’m not sure what you’re credentials are, or your athletic background, but I am pretty sure I’d have to give a slight edge to the likes of Peyton Manning.”
Well that’s obvious since you claimed that I’ve shown so many coaches love even though you have nothing to back that statement up, that you in fact know nothing about me, but again this is my opinion, get that though your head. And again if you don’t like my opinion then don’t come here.
Now go search for a posting where I’ve openly shown love to Meyer, Tubberville, Spurrier or Saban and come speak to me about what “credentials” I seem to need in forming an opinion.
Thomas the Terrible said
“And isn’t that a sad reality for UT fans? We’ve come to expect – and deserve – better than an up and down season when our usually head-strong defense is unbeatable week in and week out. Who is this team? I want the team that played yesterday to show up every Saturday, but I’m not sure it’s going to happen. I just have to hope that it does.
As for the previous poster, spoken like a true defender. He loves that Big Orange Kool-Aid. Which is totally his right. Drink on, my brother.”
Very correct Amy, however at least whenever I post something that is my opinion the idiot that you speak of seems to think that I don’t have the right to do. Go figure.
Thomas the Terrible said
“If by “on field shortfalls” you mean losing to losing to California, (ranked #2 nationally at the time) and Florida, (ranked #3 nationally at the time) and Alabama (ranked 16th nationally at the time)”
For the record. Cal was ranked #12 and Tennessee was ranked #15 and Bama wasn’t even ranked at all!! Are you sure you’re a Vol fan? I mean you seem to keep getting obvious facts mixed up, such as you thinking Fulmer was won 5 SEC titles. I have a gut feeling that you aren’t.
Big Bad John said
O.K. So Tennessee is a Jekyll and Hyde team…What about LSU losing to Kentucky? Alabama losing to Mississippi State? Florida losing two games they were favored, (Auburn, and Georgia) Georgia losing to South Carolina, etc.
Shit happens…Deal with it.
If the standard for firing coaches is, (2) SEC losses, or number of SEC Championships in the past 10 years, then fine. Goodbye Fulmer. Seeya Sylvester; Bye-Bye Brooks; (your co-picks for SEC coach of the year). Saban and Spurrier can stay, but they’d have to go back to their old teams.
Of the head coaches with at least 10 years experience, Fulmer’s winning percentage is the highest
PERIOD.
Like I’ve said all along…I’m not against letting him go…as long as his replacement (and his staff) is better or equal to Fulmer/Cutcliff/Chavis year end and year out with no significant drop off. If I’m Mike Hamilton that means for the time being, “No thanks” to “Chucky” Gruden, and Chan Galey.
For the record, I respect your opinion Thomas, and admit when I’m wrong. Tennessee hasn’t won 5 SEC Championships in the Fulmer era, (2nd retraction) and California was 11th in the preseason poll prior to beating us, (not that it changes anything relating to my point).
If a one-sided blog absent of any intellectual counterpoints that may be a little different than yours makes me a motherfucker, or makes you feel threatened, I’ll gladly go.
Thomas the Terrible said
“O.K. So Tennessee is a Jekyll and Hyde team…What about LSU losing to Kentucky? Alabama losing to Mississippi State? Florida losing two games they were favored, (Auburn, and Georgia) Georgia losing to South Carolina, etc.”
Only the defense has been Jekyll & Hyde, the offense has been consistent. Losing one game is thing LSU lost in triple OT, & at the time USC was ranked and the line was dead even before they play Ga. This was before all the injuries happened to their defense. But with Florida and Bama you bring up a good point. These two teams are sorry and yet not only lost to them, we were spanked by them. Which cause them to jump up in the rankings.
“If the standard for firing coaches is, (2) SEC losses, or number of SEC Championships in the past 10 years, then fine. Goodbye Fulmer. Seeya Sylvester; Bye-Bye Brooks; (your co-picks for SEC coach of the year). Saban and Spurrier can stay, but they’d have to go back to their old teams.”
Fulmer’s firing won’t be based on on this year alone. When was the last time Tennessee won a bowl game? When was the last time they finished in the top 10? When was the last they beat Florida?
“Of the head coaches with at least 10 years experience, Fulmer’s winning percentage is the highest
PERIOD.”
Yet he has losing records to Spurrier, Saban, Richt and JoePa. If this trend continues that percentage will go down by next year.
“Like I’ve said all along…I’m not against letting him go…as long as his replacement (and his staff) is better or equal to Fulmer/Cutcliff/Chavis year end and year out with no significant drop off. If I’m Mike Hamilton that means for the time being, “No thanks” to “Chucky” Gruden, and Chan Galey.”
Sometimes a program has to take a chance instead of having 3-4 losses a year.
“If a one-sided blog absent of any intellectual counterpoints that may be a little different than yours makes me a motherfucker, or makes you feel threatened, I’ll gladly go.”
No that’s fine but don’t say I show love to others coaches when I’m constantly bashing them. You need to read some others posts, I really could have used some help defending Fulmer against a whole slew of Bammers not to long ago. And if you want to write an article in support of Fulmer I’ll gladly post it. Just e-mail to me.
Big Bad John said
Thanks but I’ll pass on your offer to defend Fulmer. My only goal was to interject my 2 cents worth of opinion to liven up a debate.
Basically, the only point we truly disagree on, is what is the acceptable parameters for making wholesale changes in the program.
You seem to think, (and please correct me if I’m wrong) that 3 losses in a year, combined with a bowl loss, and no national title in 10 years is grounds for dismissal?
While I on the other hand, feel that a national title within 10 years, a MAJOR bowl appearance (Sugar, Fiesta, Cotton, or Orange) ALMOST every year; (Yes, we don’t always win, but we’re almost always in the picture somewhere) is acceptable.
Obviously, you have high standards for the program, and that’s great.
So do I.
I’m not sure how much you follow the pros, or what you think of Shannon Sharpe, but he made a great point yesterday regarding the Chargers letting Marty Schottenheimer go, then hiring Norv Turner. He said, “You know,…I just don’t get it. You fire a coach because he can’t win in the post season, and you replace him with a coach who can’t win in the regular season. It just don’t make any sense.” (Therein lies my biggest fear)
Thomas the Terrible said
“You seem to think, (and please correct me if I’m wrong) that 3 losses in a year, combined with a bowl loss, and no national title in 10 years is grounds for dismissal?
While I on the other hand, feel that a national title within 10 years, a MAJOR bowl appearance (Sugar, Fiesta, Cotton, or Orange) ALMOST every year; (Yes, we don’t always win, but we’re almost always in the picture somewhere) is acceptable.”
* Years without SEC title: 8
* Years without BCS bowl: 7
* Years without top 10 ranking: 5
* Years without AP Top 25 ranking: 2000, 2002, 2005, (2006-25th)
* Years with 3 or more losses: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 (5 straight years and 7 out of 8 )
* Years with multiple losses to unranked teams: 2003, 2005
* Years with loss in last 2 games of season: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 (EIGHT straight years and counting)
Plus we RARELY go to a major bowl period.
But let’s look at other things. Did you know that less than 94,000 people bought tickets to this years homecoming game? That broke our streak of selling out over 100,000. Notice how Tennessee isn’t shown nationally like they used to be? There’s more money out of the pockets of the university. Of course all the recruiting classes of in the top 5 every year, so the talent is there, the coaching isn’t. If you’re happy with the fact that Fulmer is getting paid over 2 million a year for mediocrity then fine, but many aren’t. Ohio State was in the boat that Tennessee is in now. They fired Cooper, and now look where they are at. Southern Cal was also the same way, they fired the icon known as John Robinson, look where they are at. And both schools are there consistently. I can’t even remember the last time Tennessee was ranked in the top 10. It’s been that long.
Big Bad John said
In the past ten years, our bowl appearances have been:
The Outback Bowl
(2) The Cotton Bowls
(2) Peach Bowls
(2) Fiesta Bowls
The Citrus Bowl
The Orange Bowl
All of which pay the university millions of dollars, and are considered major bowls whether or not they have national BCS status.
As far as not watching the Vols on national television, and or lack of a sell-out in the homecoming game, I hardly think blaming Fulmer for scheduling Louisina-Layfayette as the homecoming patsy (the only other game I have been unable to find on tv was Arkansas State) is cause for termination.
And once again, I agree that a Pete Carrol change for John Robinson, and John Cooper’s removal at Ohio State was a good move. But unless Pete Carrol is intrested in coming in coming to Tennessee, that is totally irrelative.
What I’m interested in, is not what schools have made successful caching changes (although for every positive move, Im sure I could find a Ty Whittingham/Charlie Weiss scenario) is what coach does Tennessee replace Fulmer with, thus far, I’ve neither heard nor read anyone with Fulmer’s level of successful head coaching experience (collegiate or SEC (level).
Thomas the Terrible said
“The Outback Bowl
(2) The Cotton Bowls
(2) Peach Bowls
(2) Fiesta Bowls
The Citrus Bowl
The Orange Bowl
All of which pay the university millions of dollars, and are considered major bowls whether or not they have national BCS status.”
“As far as not watching the Vols on national television, and or lack of a sell-out in the homecoming game, I hardly think blaming Fulmer for scheduling Louisina-Layfayette as the homecoming patsy (the only other game I have been unable to find on tv was Arkansas State) is cause for termination.”
Gee when Oh La La was the patsy a couple of years ago it sold out. In fact that record dated all the way back to the Majors days, so a whole lot of patsy certainly sold out. By the way last Saturdays game wasn’t a sell out either, and that was Arkansas. I also said NATIONAL TV, not regional. Bama, Arkansas & Miss State was regional. And this was the first time in almost 2o years that the Bama game wasn’t shown on a national level.
Well going by your previous post, in your words, you stated:Sugar, Fiesta, Cotton, or Orange.
How many of the bowls have we won in the past 10 years?
“What I’m interested in, is not what schools have made successful caching changes (although for every positive move, Im sure I could find a Ty Whittingham/Charlie Weiss scenario) is what coach does Tennessee replace Fulmer with, thus far, I’ve neither heard nor read anyone with Fulmer’s level of successful head coaching experience (collegiate or SEC (level)”
I would clarify that a bit. After all it seems a there are a lot of coaches with one of more championships coaching. You want read about them until the change happens anyway, so that’s really a moot point. Like I said if you want to pay mediocrity that’s your choice, as me I like my money well spent.
Big Bad John said
Besides the Fiesta Bowl in which we beat Florida State, we defeated Michigan in the Citrus, and the year before last we beat Texas A&M in the Cotton.
Regarding the National vs. Regional television coverage, in particular the Alabama game, had the AD’s for the respective schools scheduled the game at night, as opposed to 12:30 pm kickoff, it might have rated national coverage. Bear in mind too, that’s one colllege team in America is good enough to have national network coverage for every game, and that of course, is the Fighting Amish of Notre Dame. I have no idea, and perhaps you can shed some light on this…How many other SEC teams have had more nationally televised games than Tennessee?
“La La” land is probably where I would have been at the homecoming game the past couple of years as well. 59-7? Again, you may have give me some assistance here, but I’m thinking the Sun-Belt powerhouse LaLa was probably given what? 10,000 of the 109,000 available tickets? I’d say the Vols are lucky the team and coaching staff showed up, much less the cheerleaders and the band…unless my son’s their starting qb, I’d pass on that trip myself.
Thomas the Terrible said
“Regarding the National vs. Regional television coverage, in particular the Alabama game, had the AD’s for the respective schools scheduled the game at night, as opposed to 12:30 pm kickoff, it might have rated national coverage.”
The network that picks up the game is the one who decides the starting times, not the schools themselves.
“I have no idea, and perhaps you can shed some light on this…How many other SEC teams have had more nationally televised games than Tennessee?”
LSU, Florida, Georgia & USC.
Actually Miss. State was a pay per view game same with Vandy this weekend. No network is picking that game up. Normally CBS or ESPN airs it. The Southern Miss game was originally going to be aired on ESPN 2, but after the dismal performance at Cal, they chose another game to air.
“I’m thinking the Sun-Belt powerhouse LaLa was probably given what? 10,000 of the 109,000 available tickets?”
Again it’s homecoming and always in the past it’s always sold out regardless who the team was. Other SEC schools sell out their homecoming patsy games, so that shouldn’t be an excuse. As for as the team they played, the SEC officials are the ones who signed contracts with the Sun Belt, if you notice, a lot of Sun Belt teams have played SEC schools over the past few years, Tennessee just designated that game as homecoming.
Big Bad John said
Of the four SEC schools you mentioned as having more games on national television, are you counting Florida’s, Georga’s, and South Carolina’s (and hopfully LSU’s in the SEC Championship game) as games 1 per shool? or, 4 for us?
By the way, thanks for the info about the game starting times too. I had no idea that was the case. I knew the networks had the power to halt a game, (tv time-out) or could possibly have a hand in, or perhaps even a huge role in dictating the kick-off time, (by 30 minutes either way); I had assumed incorrectly that the logistics and planning of flying 100 players from place to place, their equipment, pre-game meals, filling the stands with fans and vendors, the refs, the media (radio & print) were given scheduled times years or months in advance. Boy do I feel stupid learning that all that could be controlled and altered by the President of ABC or CBS at a moment’s notice, or on a whim.
Too, I’m sure that the economy (gas prices for one) would have no affect on people’s decision like it has in other sporting events across the state like the Bristol NASCAR races.
I’d bet some scalpers in Knoxville must have
mad as Hell that game didn’t sell out.
Speaking of NASCAR…what’s the hold-up on Bruton Smith’s proposal to a Tennessee, VA Tech matchup at the Bristol Speedway. I heard he guaranteed both schools something like 10 million apiece. 200,000 fans for a football game? Can it be done? Sounds great…What’s the hold-up???