So it took me a little while to calm down and write this. I wanted to make sure I was talking with reason and not just spewing whatever emotions I had.
This is definitely not the way I wanted the first edition of the Tennessee Vols' Report Card to go, but you play the hand you are dealt, so here we go.
As many of you know Tennessee opened their season for the second consecutive year on the west coast against a Pac-10 school in UCLA. Tennessee looked like they had the game in control despite only leading 14-7 at halftime.
UCLA rallied behind third string quarterback Kevin Craft and forced Tennessee to tie the game late and force overtime. After Tennessee held UCLA to a field goal in their first possession, fans thought the Vols would get a TD and escape with the win or at least kick a field goal and go to a second OT, but Daniel Lincoln's kick went left and the Bruins shocked the Vols 27-24.
So how did all the units do? Let's take a look:
OFFENSE
Rushing
It has been the Vols bread and butter for years and by the looks of the statistics, the Big Orange had a good night: 177 yards on 34 carries for a 5.2 average. Arian Foster lead the way with 97 yards and Montario Hardesty added 66 of his own.
However, Tennessee could not really stay consistent as they would follow up a good run with a bad run. Also, Foster's fumble inside the five in the third quarter did not help matters.
- B/R Ticket Guide
GRADE B-
Passing
In his first game under this new system, Crompton was 19 of 41 with 189 yards and one interception. After starting off the game hot, Crompton fizzled out. While he did throw some ropes to the receivers, most of the time he was either way short or way high on his passes.
Gerald Jones was the only consistent target with four catches for 41 yards. Both receiver and quarterback did not click all game and could not get anything going despite solid field position.
GRADE D
DEFENSE
Rushing
This has been the Vols strength in the past, having great run defense. While they held the Bruins to only 29 yards on 31 attempts, it sure was not against the best competition as UCLA's best back, Kahlil Bell was out after the first quarter.
However, they made the Bruins try to beat Tennessee with the pass.
GRADE B+
Passing
Of course that is what happened to the Vols late in the forth quarter, their pass defense let them down. Tennessee picked off four passes in the first half, running one back for a TD to put them in the lead. The other three picks killed the Bruins momentum.
However, Tennessee seemed to soften the converge and Craft just picked them apart in two late touchdown drives. The pass defense was great till it really counted, which hurts.
GRADE B-
SPECIAL TEAMS
For the first time in years it looks like Tennessee might be a big threat in the return game. Tennessee had long punt and kickoff returns throughout the game and gave the Vols great field position, which the offense could do nothing with to put the game away.
Meanwhile, Lincoln missed three kicks (two of them over 50 yards) including the one that really mattered in OT, and the punting team gave up a blocked kick returned for a touchdown. The bad outweighs the good here.
GRADE C-
COACHING
Bottom line, Phillip Fulmer and Dave Clawson were out coached by Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow in the 4th Quarter.
GRADE F
FINAL GPA 1.95
Not a good way to start the year, Volunteers. Tennessee had great field position throuout the game and could not take advantage of it and put UCLA out of it. Instead the Bruins hung around and got the win. I will give credit for the Vols being able to rally and get the scores when they needed it, but it just wasn't enough.
During this bye week, the Volunteers need to look at their mistakes and get ready for the rest of the season. There are still eleven games to go, as the Vols motto on all their signs and bliiboards say, CARRY THE FIGHT.
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2 months ago
"Bottom line, Phillip Fulmer and Dave Clawson were out coached by Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow in the 4th Quarter."
Sounds like we're in for another Hot Seat Season in Knoxville, huh?
2 months ago
Your article will help you get over the loss at UCLA. Good therapy. I agree with almost everything you have said and the grades you've handed out.
Now, I'm going to take you back, back to another era, to the so-called "Summer of Love" of 1967. You'll recognize the top song from that time, a little ditty called "Light My Fire" by the Doors. Doesn't seem so far away now, does it? So, the stage is set.
That summer Tennesee was considered one of the 3 or 4 best teams in the SEC going into the season. They had to open in Los Angeles against UCLA. The battle raged for 4 quarters, the Vols leading 16-13 late in the game. With a great game-winning last gasp run the Bruins score and win, 20-16.
All was lost in Knoxville. The season was no doubt over. Beaten by this UCLA team after they had them. Not quite so fast. The Vols won every game the rest of the year, won the SEC championship, and went to the Orange Bowl.
It has been done before, and Phil Fulmer knows it. You fellows loosen up on Clawson, he is a top flight headcoach much less offensive coordinator, and he will take you to the promised land. Give him a couple of weeks to get situated.
And if you don't think this can be a similiar turnaround, just ask the old Swamp Rat from Savannah, Dewey Warren, he was the losing quarterback in that UCLA game in the "Summer of Love".
from 2 months ago
Thank BT,
I remember reading and watching recaps of the 1967 team from old videos my dad has. We were actually given the 1967 National Championship by the Litkenhous. We should've beaten Oklahoma in that Orange Bowl, Gary Wright missed a FG that would've won us the game.
I know it is the first game of the season, it is a long way to go. I think now that Clawson and Crompton have a game under them and now a off week to fix the problems they will be much better by the time the Gators come calling.
2 months ago
i missed the game because of the hurricane but sounds like the vols had a rough time.
i thought it strange that UT extended fulmer's contract because i thought he would draw even more scrutiny than before if the vols struggled.
from 2 months ago
Well it is just the first game. I know they were out coached in this one, but I will wait a few more games before I draw any conclusions.
2 months ago
I pretty much agree with everything, but the Vols passing woes were in part due to the Bruins' D, their one strong point.
Verner, #1, was the reason why you couldn't hit one of you receivers- he was covered like a blanket.
But the coaching grade was spot on. I feel sorry for Phil...he always seems to touch on a nerve with Vols fans, but then gets his team in the CC game, and the fans are appeased somewhat.
The good news is that this was a non-conf game, and so far, you are undefeated in conference play. (See? You have to look at the glass half-full!)
Nice job, Michael. Remind me tomorrow to pick this (I'm serious) as I already voted today. Don't forget!
Hugs, and great stuff!
-Lise
from 2 months ago
Thanks Lisa,
I know it is just the first game, so unlike many in Knoxville with a hair trigger I will wait a few games before drawing any conclusions.
I have no idea why they kept throwing at Verner for the bulk of the game. Once they figured that out it was too late and they were in scramble mode.
Just a reminder to pick this LOL and also, are you a fan of me yet on BR? LOL!
2 months ago
Thanks Lisa,
I know it is just the first game, so unlike many in Knoxville with a hair trigger I will wait a few games before drawing any conclusions.
I have no idea why they kept throwing at Verner for the bulk of the game. Once they figured that out it was too late and they were in scramble mode.
Just a reminder to pick this LOL and also, are you a fan of me yet on BR? LOL!
2 months ago
Great article, Michael. I ended up streaming the game as I sat my room up here in the house and from listening to the play by play, it seemed like we were in control for the better part of the game. I agree with the grades you gave except the pass defense. UCLA were running these short passes and the defense was looking for the bomb to tie the game. I think the defense deserves a C at best. You know how bad I am at reading offenses but these guys have been doing it for years and I think it was just a dumb move to continue to play back. UCLA simply turned into a short yardage, move the sticks game.
I think that the boys probably got a good talking to by the staff when they got back to the locker room. And they probably ended up running a few more sprints at practice all week but by and large, there are eleven games left.
from 2 months ago
Yup there is still a lot of football to be played. But at least we weren't South Carolina this weekend as they lost last night to Vandy!
2 months ago
Bottom Line: When your opponent throws 4 interceptions in the first half, and you dont find a way to put up more points and win the game.......YOU HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS
from 2 months ago
Yes it is. UCLA did have a better defense than I expected though. Thank goodness for the bye week so they can hoefully work out some of those problems.
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