Rough Times on Rocky Top

When fans are upset after a 35-3 victory, there may be issues on the home front.

This has been the case around Rocky Top country since Saturday. Whether fans are upset after Saturday's 35-3 win over UAB, or if they are still steaming from the bad loss in Los Angeles, there's a sour taste in Volunteer fans' mouths.

For the first time in many years, Tennessee stepped outside of the family to fill holes in the coaching staff. Richmond head coach Dave Clawson was brought in to replace to vacated David Cutcliffe, now head coach at Duke.

With Clawson came a new offensive scheme unknown to Tennessee fans, the spread. For years it was the pro-style offense and smash-mouth football in Knoxville. They ran the ball from opening kickoff to final whistle and played excellent defense.

Installing a brand new offensive scheme with a brand-new quarterback, Jonathan Crompton, usually means struggles are on the horizon, which many Tennessee fans are quickly finding out. The offense is struggling to find its rhythm and the coaching staff is not making the appropriate adjustments to counter the opposing team.

Defense still has the ability to win championships, and this was thought to be the strength of the Volunteer team. Many considered the Tennessee secondary to be among the best nationally, led by safeties Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley. That changed when they were carved up by third-string quarterback Kevin Craft in the second half of a game in which he served up four interceptions in the first half.

Tennessee still has the ability to salvage the season, but they must do so quickly. With Florida, Auburn, and Georgia on the schedule over the next month, times could be tough in Knoxville.

They greatly need to come out and make a statement at home against rival and top five ranked Florida or fans in Knoxville will be calling for the firing of head coach Phil Fulmer more than they already are.