Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.21
Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary! The Vols got back on the winning track last Saturday, avenging one of their most bitter defeats from the 2005 campaign by crushing Vanderbilt, 39-10. Let’s take a look at that game, as well as the week that was in college football.
#22 Tennessee 39 – Vanderbilt 10
UT got revenge on their rivals to the west as Erik Ainge threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns, and LaMarcus Coker ran for two scores. Part of the motivation was the news Vanderbilt produced a video titled, Victory in Knoxville, which didn’t go over too well with some of the Vols.
“They made videos about us last year," Tennessee receiver Robert Meachem said. "That stuck in our mind. ... They beat other teams, but the only video they made was us... "
"Tennessee played an excellent game," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "We had a hard time stopping them on first downs. We tried to fight back, but couldn't make a game of it."
The Vols shut down an offense that had been fifth in the SEC averaging 363.1 yards per game and the nation's top receiver in Earl Bennett. He had four catches for 16 yards a week after a career-high 220 yards receiving.
The win sets up a showdown for second place in the SEC East as Kentucky comes to town. One of the bowl predictions hovering around this game is the possibility of the winner heading to Atlanta for the Chick-Fil-a-Bowl against either Clemson or Georgia Tech.
INTERVIEW OF COACH PHILLIP FULMER BEFORE KENTUCKY GAME
1. What has the return of Erik Ainge at full strength done to improve the Vols' offensive production?
A - "It's obvious he makes a tremendous difference in our offense. That comes from experience, Erik's understanding of the offense and his understanding of the opponents defenses."
2. With so many good teams in the SEC and the Vols rounding into form, how do you personally feel about the concept of a playoff?
A - "The playoff is a hot topic. But I don't hear the right people talking about it. They understand the stress on the players. One other game would perhaps make sense. With only one open date, injuries would be a big factor in who plays for the championship."
3. What qualities separate LaMarcus Coker from other outstanding tailbacks who have played for the Vols over the years?
A - "He has a chance to be a really good player, but I want to make sure before comparing him with any of the greats of Tennessee history. He has the speed to make people miss. He can use angles. LaMarcus has a lot to look forward to since he is only a freshman."
4. Tell about the Kentucky offense the Vols must harness Saturday in the regular season finale.
A - "The Wildcats are a very good offensive team. They can do so many things, both passing and running. It's a great challenge to our entire team."
5. Comment on the overall quality of the class of seniors who will make their final appearance at Neyland Stadium Saturday.
A "It's a great group of young men who have shown their love of Tennessee by fighting back. They bring character traits we can be very proud of. Many are exceptional players, and all have contributed to our success."
Weekend observations
#15 Auburn 22 – Alabama 15
Is it just me, or does looking at Tommy Tuberville make you want to smack his smug face? All the “Fear the Thumb” garbage is something respectable coaches such as
Bear, General Neyland, Coach Fulmer, Vince Dooley, and Ara Parseghian would never be a part of. I am disappointed that an SEC coach with all the victories that Tuberville has been a part of would be photographed wearing a “Fear the Thumb” T-Shirt, or endorse such behavior. To be honest, I started rooting for, (forgive me General, for writing this), Alabama, because I got tired of all that crap the Tigers were running all week in the press, and during the game. I am sure more than one Bama fan yelled back, “Oh yeah, well fear the finger, pal.” Here is a picture of Tuberville giving the five sign. Real classy, Coach…
#17 California 9 - #4 USC 23
What was it Jeff Tedford said during October? Something about
he was glad to finally hear all the Tennessee talk behind him since they were playing great football? And Lee Corso sticking with his pick of the Bears to be national champions? Yeah, and a fat dog don’t fart either. After a loss to Arizona, Cal tried to rebound in Los Angeles, but USC proved why they are still the class of the Pac-10 by dismantling the Golden Bears on Saturday night. Hey Lee, do you still think Califonia is going to win it all? In addition to USC’s excellence on the field, here is an example of some of their excellence off the field.
#2 Michigan 39 - #1 Ohio State 42
In what was probably one of the greatest games in the history of their rivalry, as well as one of the great games of the 2006 season, Ohio State had just enough to hold off Michigan and claim their spot in the national championship game. Troy Smith cemented his claim as the Heisman Trophy winner, and Jim Tressel won for the fifth time in six tries against Lloyd Carr. Of course, the joke floating around Columbus after the game was: “What kind of car does Jim Tressel own? A Lloyd Carr…” Oh those silly Buckeyes.
On a serious note, Coach Scooter would like to take a moment to remember one of the great coaches in the history of college football, Bo Schembechler. I was born in Michigan and started watching football during the 10 year war between Bo and Woody. Bo was an icon to Michigan, similar to Bear Bryant at Alabama, Knute Rockne at Notre Dame, Woody Hayes at Ohio State and General Neyland at Tennessee. If you were to look in the dictionary under football coach, you would see a picture of Bo Schembechler because he epitomized everything that was good about working with young men on and off the playing field. Rest in peace, Bo, you will truly be missed by all college football fans.
The Gary Danielson mis-quote of the week
Because Thanksgiving is coming up, I do not have time for all of The Genius’
misquotes this week. I will tell you this: Sweetie and I went over to Coach B’s for dinner, and had a chance to talk to Mrs. Coach B, who graduated form Alabama. I found out she shares the same love and affection for the college football Jester as your pal Coach Scooter does. I asked her if Mike Shula would be gone after this game, and all I got was a beautifully spoken profanity laced tirade the likes of which Aunt Molly would have been blushing. When she started with, “I wanted to tell that Gary Danielson to shut his face!” I knew we had a winner, which means Coach B married a good woman. Good to know I am not the only one here that thinks Gary Danielson is nothing but a boob with a microphone.
Tennessee recruiting this week
According to Rivals.com, Tennessee is currently seventh with 19 commitments. Of the 19, one five star, three four stars, and 14 three stars. Seventh sounds pretty good, except for the fact Georgia, Florida, Auburn and LSU were in the top five ahead of the Vols. One to keep your eye on is Brent Vinson of Chatham, Virginia. He’s 6-2, 180 and runs a 4.4 40. Among the four star players of note, check out: Donald Langley, a defensive tackle from of Germantown, Maryland, Darris Sawtelle, an offensive lineman from Birmingham, Michigan, and linebacker Gerald Williams of Fork Union, Virginia.
Jamie Newberg of Scout.com had these names posted as players who had Tennessee on their short list:
Scout.com Rank
1 DT Marvin Austin – Ballou HS – Washington D.C.
12 CB Eric Berry -Creekside HS- Fairburn, GA
16 CB Ronald Johnson - Muskegon HS - Muskegon, MI
17 RB John Clay - Park HS - Racine, WI
19 LB Chris Donald - Huntingdon HS - Huntingdon, TN
21 WR Terrance Toliver - Hempstead HS - Hempstead, TX
28 RB Broderick Green - Pulaski Academy - Little Rock, AR
32 OT Lee Ziemba - Rogers HS - Rogers, AR
39 WR Ahmad Paige - Sterlington HS - Sterlington, LA
41 C Kristofer O'Dowd - Salpointe Catholic HS - Tucson, AZ
56 WR Ron Brooks - MacArthur HS - Irving, TX 6-0/170/4.50
Stay tuned for more recruiting news as it comes available in the coming weeks.
Mailbag
Well, the season has kindof come apart on us, eh? After last year, Idon't guess I should be complaining, but I really hadbig-time-bowl-game hopes going into the LSU game. If we can get byVandy and UK, make a decent bowl, and win...I'll write off the seasonas a successful recovery and start talking about the run we're gonnamake next year ;) .I didn't make it back up to Knoxville after the Alabama game, I'mgoing to try to make a game or two next year. I'll be in Tuscaloosa,trying to will The Tide to an upset, this weekend.GO VOLS!
Mark
Thanks for the email, Mark. After the back to back losses, the only email I was getting was from lawyers from powerful African government officials wanting me to help them hide their money, and for my time, they would give me a sizeable cut. I just can't figure out how we all are not becoming rich when there is all this money floating around?
Seriously, I agree that if we can win out our season will be a success, especially because last year was so bad, and we were not expected to do much this year. Glad to see you have kept the faith, and not jumped off the ship as some have, because that's the true mark of a fan. The Vols are back, and next year should be even better as Coach Fulmer and the boys will once again be a force in the SEC.
All right, Vol fans, we have come to the conclusion of another season. That means gearing up for the season finale against Kentucky, the bowl game and the always exciting recruiting season that comes after. I will see you on Friday for more Vol news, so until then, keep rubbing those orange and white rosaries, repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Questions or comments drop me a line at volsdiary@yahoo.com. Until Friday, Go Vols!!
#22 Tennessee 39 – Vanderbilt 10
UT got revenge on their rivals to the west as Erik Ainge threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns, and LaMarcus Coker ran for two scores. Part of the motivation was the news Vanderbilt produced a video titled, Victory in Knoxville, which didn’t go over too well with some of the Vols.
“They made videos about us last year," Tennessee receiver Robert Meachem said. "That stuck in our mind. ... They beat other teams, but the only video they made was us... "
"Tennessee played an excellent game," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "We had a hard time stopping them on first downs. We tried to fight back, but couldn't make a game of it."
The Vols shut down an offense that had been fifth in the SEC averaging 363.1 yards per game and the nation's top receiver in Earl Bennett. He had four catches for 16 yards a week after a career-high 220 yards receiving.
The win sets up a showdown for second place in the SEC East as Kentucky comes to town. One of the bowl predictions hovering around this game is the possibility of the winner heading to Atlanta for the Chick-Fil-a-Bowl against either Clemson or Georgia Tech.
INTERVIEW OF COACH PHILLIP FULMER BEFORE KENTUCKY GAME
1. What has the return of Erik Ainge at full strength done to improve the Vols' offensive production?
A - "It's obvious he makes a tremendous difference in our offense. That comes from experience, Erik's understanding of the offense and his understanding of the opponents defenses."
2. With so many good teams in the SEC and the Vols rounding into form, how do you personally feel about the concept of a playoff?
A - "The playoff is a hot topic. But I don't hear the right people talking about it. They understand the stress on the players. One other game would perhaps make sense. With only one open date, injuries would be a big factor in who plays for the championship."
3. What qualities separate LaMarcus Coker from other outstanding tailbacks who have played for the Vols over the years?
A - "He has a chance to be a really good player, but I want to make sure before comparing him with any of the greats of Tennessee history. He has the speed to make people miss. He can use angles. LaMarcus has a lot to look forward to since he is only a freshman."
4. Tell about the Kentucky offense the Vols must harness Saturday in the regular season finale.
A - "The Wildcats are a very good offensive team. They can do so many things, both passing and running. It's a great challenge to our entire team."
5. Comment on the overall quality of the class of seniors who will make their final appearance at Neyland Stadium Saturday.
A "It's a great group of young men who have shown their love of Tennessee by fighting back. They bring character traits we can be very proud of. Many are exceptional players, and all have contributed to our success."
(Special thanks to the UT SID office for this information)
Weekend observations
#15 Auburn 22 – Alabama 15
Is it just me, or does looking at Tommy Tuberville make you want to smack his smug face? All the “Fear the Thumb” garbage is something respectable coaches such as
Bear, General Neyland, Coach Fulmer, Vince Dooley, and Ara Parseghian would never be a part of. I am disappointed that an SEC coach with all the victories that Tuberville has been a part of would be photographed wearing a “Fear the Thumb” T-Shirt, or endorse such behavior. To be honest, I started rooting for, (forgive me General, for writing this), Alabama, because I got tired of all that crap the Tigers were running all week in the press, and during the game. I am sure more than one Bama fan yelled back, “Oh yeah, well fear the finger, pal.” Here is a picture of Tuberville giving the five sign. Real classy, Coach…#17 California 9 - #4 USC 23
What was it Jeff Tedford said during October? Something about
he was glad to finally hear all the Tennessee talk behind him since they were playing great football? And Lee Corso sticking with his pick of the Bears to be national champions? Yeah, and a fat dog don’t fart either. After a loss to Arizona, Cal tried to rebound in Los Angeles, but USC proved why they are still the class of the Pac-10 by dismantling the Golden Bears on Saturday night. Hey Lee, do you still think Califonia is going to win it all? In addition to USC’s excellence on the field, here is an example of some of their excellence off the field.#2 Michigan 39 - #1 Ohio State 42
In what was probably one of the greatest games in the history of their rivalry, as well as one of the great games of the 2006 season, Ohio State had just enough to hold off Michigan and claim their spot in the national championship game. Troy Smith cemented his claim as the Heisman Trophy winner, and Jim Tressel won for the fifth time in six tries against Lloyd Carr. Of course, the joke floating around Columbus after the game was: “What kind of car does Jim Tressel own? A Lloyd Carr…” Oh those silly Buckeyes.
On a serious note, Coach Scooter would like to take a moment to remember one of the great coaches in the history of college football, Bo Schembechler. I was born in Michigan and started watching football during the 10 year war between Bo and Woody. Bo was an icon to Michigan, similar to Bear Bryant at Alabama, Knute Rockne at Notre Dame, Woody Hayes at Ohio State and General Neyland at Tennessee. If you were to look in the dictionary under football coach, you would see a picture of Bo Schembechler because he epitomized everything that was good about working with young men on and off the playing field. Rest in peace, Bo, you will truly be missed by all college football fans.
The Gary Danielson mis-quote of the week
Because Thanksgiving is coming up, I do not have time for all of The Genius’
misquotes this week. I will tell you this: Sweetie and I went over to Coach B’s for dinner, and had a chance to talk to Mrs. Coach B, who graduated form Alabama. I found out she shares the same love and affection for the college football Jester as your pal Coach Scooter does. I asked her if Mike Shula would be gone after this game, and all I got was a beautifully spoken profanity laced tirade the likes of which Aunt Molly would have been blushing. When she started with, “I wanted to tell that Gary Danielson to shut his face!” I knew we had a winner, which means Coach B married a good woman. Good to know I am not the only one here that thinks Gary Danielson is nothing but a boob with a microphone.Tennessee recruiting this week
According to Rivals.com, Tennessee is currently seventh with 19 commitments. Of the 19, one five star, three four stars, and 14 three stars. Seventh sounds pretty good, except for the fact Georgia, Florida, Auburn and LSU were in the top five ahead of the Vols. One to keep your eye on is Brent Vinson of Chatham, Virginia. He’s 6-2, 180 and runs a 4.4 40. Among the four star players of note, check out: Donald Langley, a defensive tackle from of Germantown, Maryland, Darris Sawtelle, an offensive lineman from Birmingham, Michigan, and linebacker Gerald Williams of Fork Union, Virginia.
Jamie Newberg of Scout.com had these names posted as players who had Tennessee on their short list:
Scout.com Rank
1 DT Marvin Austin – Ballou HS – Washington D.C.
12 CB Eric Berry -Creekside HS- Fairburn, GA
16 CB Ronald Johnson - Muskegon HS - Muskegon, MI
17 RB John Clay - Park HS - Racine, WI
19 LB Chris Donald - Huntingdon HS - Huntingdon, TN
21 WR Terrance Toliver - Hempstead HS - Hempstead, TX
28 RB Broderick Green - Pulaski Academy - Little Rock, AR
32 OT Lee Ziemba - Rogers HS - Rogers, AR
39 WR Ahmad Paige - Sterlington HS - Sterlington, LA
41 C Kristofer O'Dowd - Salpointe Catholic HS - Tucson, AZ
56 WR Ron Brooks - MacArthur HS - Irving, TX 6-0/170/4.50
Stay tuned for more recruiting news as it comes available in the coming weeks.
Mailbag
Well, the season has kindof come apart on us, eh? After last year, Idon't guess I should be complaining, but I really hadbig-time-bowl-game hopes going into the LSU game. If we can get byVandy and UK, make a decent bowl, and win...I'll write off the seasonas a successful recovery and start talking about the run we're gonnamake next year ;) .I didn't make it back up to Knoxville after the Alabama game, I'mgoing to try to make a game or two next year. I'll be in Tuscaloosa,trying to will The Tide to an upset, this weekend.GO VOLS!
Mark
Thanks for the email, Mark. After the back to back losses, the only email I was getting was from lawyers from powerful African government officials wanting me to help them hide their money, and for my time, they would give me a sizeable cut. I just can't figure out how we all are not becoming rich when there is all this money floating around?
Seriously, I agree that if we can win out our season will be a success, especially because last year was so bad, and we were not expected to do much this year. Glad to see you have kept the faith, and not jumped off the ship as some have, because that's the true mark of a fan. The Vols are back, and next year should be even better as Coach Fulmer and the boys will once again be a force in the SEC.
All right, Vol fans, we have come to the conclusion of another season. That means gearing up for the season finale against Kentucky, the bowl game and the always exciting recruiting season that comes after. I will see you on Friday for more Vol news, so until then, keep rubbing those orange and white rosaries, repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Questions or comments drop me a line at volsdiary@yahoo.com. Until Friday, Go Vols!!
