UTVols News and Opinions

#7 Florida (7-1) at Vanderbilt (4-5)

12:30 – Lincoln Financial – Dave Neal/David Archer

Huge game in the SEC East as Florida tries to stay in first place with a win over pesky Vanderbilt. The Gators offense has not been what you would call sharp the last few weeks, and could be ripe for the upset since Vanderbilt almost beat them last year and this year’s game is in Nashville. One item to think about as far as strategy goes: If Tim Tebow forgets to bring his special shoes (like Kramer wore in an episode of Seinfeld) that make him jump higher for those really pretty goal line passes, the ‘Doors could spring the upset.

#13 LSU (6-2) at #8 Tennessee (7-1)

3:30 – CBS – Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

Coach Fulmer said, “This is why you come to Tennessee,” as LSU will be in Knoxville on Saturday to play UT. The Tigers are out to avenge last year’s second half collapse to the Vols, and are favorites, especially since Erik Ainge has a bad ankle. Since it is a CBS 3:30 game, you know who the announcers will be. I have to admit, Gary Danielson is my second favorite announcer. And who is #1, you ask? Everyone else is tied for #1…

#16 Boston College (7-1) at #22 Wake Forest (7-1)

7:00 – ESPN2 – Ron Franklin/Ed Cunningham

Finally, The King gets a real game with real teams at a real time. I feel like Jake Taylor from Major League should chime in next and say something like, “We have microphones and everything. It’s really great…” Winner moves a step closer to the ACC Atlantic Division title.

#12 Arkansas (7-1) at South Carolina (5-3)

7:45 – ESPN – Mike Patrick/Todd Blackledge

I wonder if those two stayed the week in Columbia since they were there last Saturday for the Vols-Gamecocks? “Um, this is Mike Patrick in Cockaboose #22. Could you send over a week’s supply of Carlings Black Label, sixty bags of Funyons, 1000 hot wings and a case of Mr. Pibb for my boy, Todd Blackledge? Also, the Spectra-Vision isn’t picking up the channels I like. By the way, what time does Mabel Black Label finish up over at the Cockaboose Lounge?”

#23 Virginia Tech (6-2) at Miami (5-3)

8:00 – ABC – Mark Jones/David Norrie

ABC sent their A announce team to cover the Penn State – Wisconsin game, so that means the press box caterers had to breath a sigh of relief when they were told Paul McGuire wasn’t going to be there. It’s been said Paul McGuire never met a buffet he didn’t like.

Vol News

SATURDAY’S MATCHUP - “WHY YOU COME TO TENNESSEE”

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer says his Vols need to stay focused, hungry and humble heading into Saturday’s Southeastern Conference matchup against 13th-ranked LSU. UT is ranked eighth in the polls but is smack in the middle of a challenging stretch of games.

"I reminded them how they got here, what it took to get here,” Fulmer said after Thursday’s practice at Haslam Field. “They were very attentive to that.””I told them they haven’t been preparing for this game the last three days; they’ve been preparing for this type of game since January. This is why you come to Tennessee, to have a chance to play in these kinds of games.”

The Vols, 7-1 overall and 3-1 SEC, have won two of their three matchups this season against top-10 opponents, claiming double-digit wins over California and Georgia sandwiched around a one-point loss to Florida.“The significance of this game requires an attention to detail in practice that is going to carry over to Saturday,” Fulmer said. “We have to be focused, hungry and humble. It’s a big challenge, a tough challenge for us.”

Fulmer updated the media on the progress of injured quarterback Erik Ainge and the status of reserve signal-caller Jonathan Crompton.“Erik did practically everything today and that’s a real plus. He was much improved from yesterday. We still don’t have a solid say on exactly what we’re going to do but it certainly looks like he’s going to be able to play. Jonathan is talented. He’s done extremely well and he’s ready to play. Either one of them, I expect to do the job and do well.”

LSU, 6-2 and 2-2, leads the nation in total defense, allowing only 211.6 yards of offense per game. Fulmer says it’s not the ideal situation for either an injured quarterback or one with just four collegiate pass attempts.“Jonathan, with his experience level against the No. 1 defense in the country, that’s not exactly how you want to start your career. Erik being a little on the gimpy side, that’s not exactly the kind of defense you want to go against. But that’s where we are and I think we can make it into a positive with how we play.”

GAME CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED

Fulmer named offensive tackle Arron Sears, offensive guard David Ligon, defensive tackle Turk McBride, linebacker Marvin Mitchell and deep snapper Ryan West game captains for Saturday.

SEC News

SEC puts limits on rooster crowing at South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The rooster won't crow as much at South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium.

The Southeastern Conference has told the Gamecocks they can only play a rooster crow during timeouts, after a score, before the game, during halftime and when the game ends.

South Carolina had been playing the rooster crow before critical third downs and other times to pump up the crowd.

The SEC told the Gamecocks they were breaking conference regulations about when artificial noise could be played.

"We are certainly disappointed that we have to limit the Gamecock crow, as we know its a crowd favorite, but obviously we will comply with the Southeastern Conference rules and regulations," said Jeff Crane, the university's athletics marketing director.


Mailbag

Coach Scooter:

Ok, I'm the 50 year old with the lump in his throat.....what the author writes is true, so true. I have experienced every one of those emotions and sentiments over the years. The article literally stirred me to tears (somewhat embarrassing in the office) and the most amazing thing is this: I only grew up in Knoxville from age 2 until 9....I moved to NC with my family and never attended UT, but the orange is in my blood. Like all Vols, I live and die each fall weekend with my beloved team. And, God willing, I will again live in East Tennessee someday.

Thanks for your site.....especially this commentary on what it means to be a Vol.

Scott

Thanks for the email, Scott. When Sweetie read your message, she just shook her head. “Gee, he never went to a game with you. You started crying during the National Anthem for Pete’s sake.” I vigorously protested since that’s not so. I got a little misty eyed when I walked down Peyton Manning Pass and all of the sudden you see the big letters spelling out “Neyland Stadium.” I told her if she is going to tease me about that, she need’s to get her story straight. Well, Scott, you and I will have to bring the Kleenex on Saturday since it promises to be another pressure packed game! I hope you enjoy the game on Saturday! Go Vols!

Coach Scooter:

Thanks so much for all you do for us poor souls living in Atlanta! You column is the only decent Vol news I get to read each week. This is going to be a tough week and a great game. See you and all our Volunteer Brothers at the game. Thanks again.

Jesse