UTVols News and Opinions

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.29

2007-02-12T19:44:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s final column of the 2006 football season. Sorry for the delay in getting this out, but the flu, becoming an expectant father and weeping over the loss of football season, made me put this off until I was emotionally stable to finish it. If you see tears on your computer screen, those would be mine….

And now, let’s take a look at the 2007 Vol signees:

Anthony Anderson
Athlete, 6-0, 175
Knoxville (Austin-East)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 41 overall athlete ... No. 9 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 13 overall prospect in Tennessee
(ESPN): No. 36 overall safety
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named to the Knoxville News Sentinel All-PrepXtra team as a wide receiver and defensive back.
Stats: As a senior, had 48 catches for 1,010 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense he recorded 67 tackles, two fumble recoveries and six interceptions.
Misc: Three-year starter on offense and defense ... Freshman and sophomore teams each finished 13-1 and advanced to third round of playoffs ... Point guard for basketball team ... Nominated for Wendy’s Heisman Award ... Son of Sam Anderson, who currently is serving as Senior Director of Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Knoxville ... Coach at Austin-East HS: Kwayu Graham.
Full name: Samuel Anthony Anderson ... Born: Feb. 2, 1989.

Dashaun Barnes
Defensive Back, 6-2, 195
Tallahassee, Fla. (Lincoln)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 29 overall safety prospect ... No. 53 overall prospect in Florida
Scout.com: No. 30 overall safety prospect ... No. 46 overall prospect in Florida
(ESPN): No. 15 overall safety
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named 2006 All-State second-team as a defensive back by the FHSAA ... Earned All-Region honors as a junior in 2005 and senior in 2006.
Stats: As a senior, recorded 71 tackles with seven tackles-for-loss, three and a half sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and one pass break-up ... On offense as a senior, caught six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns ... In the regional championship game against Pace, caught the game winning touchdown pass ... As a junior in 2005, finished with 43 tackles, one tackles-for-loss, two sacks and one interception that was returned for touchdown.
Misc: Three-year starter and four-year letterman in football ... Contributed to four straight district championships during his career at Lincoln ... Three-year letterman in track and qualified for the state championships in the high-jump (6-3.5) as a junior in 2005 ... Coach at Lincoln HS: Kyle Rice.
Full name: Dashaun Antonio Barnes ... Nickname: Franklin ... Born: Dec. 28, 1987.

Eric Berry
Athlete, 5-11, 195
Fairburn, Ga. (Creekside)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 1 overall cornerback ... No. 3 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 1 overall prospect in Georgia
Scout.com: No. 1 overall cornerback prospect ... No. 1 overall prospect in Georgia
ESPN: No. 1 overall cornerback ... No. 7 overall prospect in the nation
PrepStar: Top 100 ... No. 1 overall cornerback

Honors: Named to the PARADE All-America High School Football Team as a defensive back as a senior ... Named Gatorade Player of the Year in Georgia .. Honored as Player of the Year in Georgia by the Atlanta Journal Constitution ... Named to Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Super South 100 team ... Member of 2006 G&W All-America Team as a defensive back and rated as the No. 3 overall player in the Southeast by G&W ... Named as a starter in the Army All-American Game.
Stats: Rushed for more than 1,500 yards and threw for more than 1,000 yards as a senior in 2006 ... Added three interceptions and more than 40 tackles on defense as a senior ... As a junior in 2005, totaled 67 tackles and five interceptions on defense ... Also as a junior, rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns while passing for 1,100 plus yards and nine touchdowns ... Finished 37-5 as the starting quarterback.
Misc: Two-time region champions and advanced to state 4A quarterfinals in 2006 ... Four-year starter at quarterback and safety ... Father, James Berry, was a three-year starter, four-year letterman and 1981 team captain for the Vols ... Owns Creekside records in long-jump (22-8) and 200-meter dash (21.76) ... 200-meter state champion as a sophomore and member of the 4x400 state champion relay as a junior ... Aspiring dentist is currently serving an internship at a dental office in Georgia ... National Honor Society member with a 3.75 GPA ... Coach at Creekside HS: Kevin Whitley.
Full name: James Eric Berry ... Born: Dec. 29, 1988.

William Brimfield
Defensive Line, 6-6, 300
Neeses, S.C. (Hunter-Kinard-Tyler)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 35 overall defensive tackle prospect
Scout.com: No. 57 overall defensive tackle prospect ... No. 13 overall prospect in South Carolina
ESPN: N/A
PrepStar: N/A

Honors: Named first-team All-State and All-Region as a senior in 2006 and junior in 2005 ... Named South Carolina preseason Elite 11 by the Orangeburg Times and Democrat.
Stats: Recorded 83 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two pass-breakups as a senior in 2006.
Misc: Led team to winning record and playoffs as a senior ... Three-year Team captain for the Trojans ... Tallied 12 tackles and three sacks against Wagner-Salley HS as a senior ... Starter at center for the Trojans basketball team ... Coach at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler HS: Jermaine Derricott ... Full name: William Deon Brimfield ... Born: March 8, 1989.

Todd Campbell
Wide Receiver, 6-0, 180
Franklin (Franklin)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 66 overall wide receiver ... No. 10 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 70 overall wide receiver ... No. 10 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 17 overall wide receiver ... No. 92 overall player in the nation
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Named third-team All-Midstate by The Tennessean as a senior in 2006 ... Named class 5A All-State as a junior in 2005.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, finished the year with 27 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns ... Also added five rushes for 52 yards and a touchdown as a senior ... As a junior in 2005, caught 35 passes for 817 yards and 12 touchdowns for a 23.3-yard average per catch.
Misc: Coach at Franklin HS: Craig Clayton.
Full name: Todd Shequille Campbell ... Born: May 1, 1989.

B.J. Coleman
Quarterback, 6-4, 180
Chattanooga (McCallie)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 10 overall pro-style quarterback ... No. 17 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 16 overall quarterback ... No. 9 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 90 overall quarterback
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named TSWA first-team All-State for Division II AAA as a senior in 2006 and the American General Mr. Football Award Winner for Division II AAA as a senior and junior ... Offensive MVP of the 2006 Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps Team ... named to the Tennessean’s Dream Team ... Led the West All-Stars to a 35-25 victory in the East Meets West All-American football game in Orlando, Fla., completing 6-of-7 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown ... Member of 2005 Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps ... Named All-District and All-Region in 2006.
Stats: Completed 166-of-257 attempts for 2,927 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior in 2006 ... Also as a senior, carried 51 times for 241 yards and seven touchdowns ... Threw for 2,203 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior in 2005 ... As a sophomore in 2004, passed for 1,993 yards and 15 touchdowns ... Holds school records for passing yards in a season and career and passing touchdowns in a season and career.
Misc: Led McCallie to Division II-AAA State Title Game in 2006 ... Three-year starter at quarterback ... Three-year starter on the baseball team at pitcher and in the outfield ... Coach at The McCallie School: Ralph Potter.
Full name: Bryon Elwyn Coleman Jr. ... Born: Sept. 16, 1988.

Kevin Cooper
Fullback, 6-1, 240
Chattanooga (Baylor)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 3 overall fullback prospect in the nation
Scout.com: No. 25 overall fullback prospect
ESPN: No. 7 overall fullback
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named TSWA first-team All-State for Division II as a senior in 2006 and as a junior in 2005 ... Offensive member of 2006 Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps ... Finalist for Division II-AAA Mr. Football award.
Stats: Rushed for 1,891 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior in 2006 ... Also as a senior, added 29 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns.
Misc: Three-year starter at running back and linebacker ... Also a starter at forward on the basketball team ... Coach at The Baylor School: Phillip Massey.
Full name: Kevin Anson Cooper ... Born: Jan. 11, 1989.

Lennon Creer
Tailback, 6-1, 202
Tatum, Texas (Tatum)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 6 overall running back prospect ... No. 57 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 8 overall prospect in Texas
Scout.com: No. 10 overall running back prospect ... No. 9 overall prospect in Texas
ESPN: No. 8 overall running back ... No. 50 overall player in the nation
PrepStar: Top 100 ... No. 4 overall running back

Honors: Named 2A TSWA/Collin Street Bakery Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-State as a running back in 2006 and 2005 ... Named second-team Reebok Super Team as a running back in 2006 ... District MVP in 2006 and 2005 ... All-East Texas MVP as a senior and junior.
Stats: Totaled 2,835 yards rushing for 36 touchdowns as a senior in 2006 ... As a junior in 2005, tallied 2,106 yards rushing for 16 touchdowns ... As a sophomore in 2004, ran for 1,263 yards and eight touchdowns.
Misc: Helped lead Tatum to back-to-back state titles in 2005 and 2006 ... Three-time district champ in the 4x100 and 4x400 and state championship qualifier in both relays ... Cousin Andre Davis played running back at TCU from 1993-1995 and was drafted by the Oilers in the 1996 NFL Draft ... Coach at Tatum HS: Andy Evans.
Full name: Lennon Napolean Creer III ... Born: Oct. 13, 1988.

Chris Donald
Linebacker, 6-2, 220
Huntingdon (Huntingdon)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 1 overall inside linebacker ... No. 18 overall player in the nation ... No. 1 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 2 overall strongside linebacker prospect ... No. 47 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 1 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 3 overall outside linebacker ... No. 98 overall player in the nation
PrepStar: Top 100 ... No. 2 overall linebacker

Honors: Named to the Parade All-America High School Football Team as a senior linebacker ... Placed on the All-USA team by USA Today ... Honored as Class 2A American General Mr. Football winner as a senior in 2006, after being a finalist for the award in 2005 ... Selected to play in the Army All-American Game ... Three-time All-Region and All-State honoree ... Rated as the no. 6 overall player in the Southeast by G&W Recruiting ... Memphis Touchdown Club High School Player of the Year in 2006 ... Lawrenceburg Quarterback Club Player of the Year Finalist.
Stats: In his four-year career, tallied 280 tackles, 66 tackles-for-loss, 27 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries on defense ... In his four-year career at running back, rushed for a school record 4,690 yards and 56 touchdowns.
Misc: Contributed as a freshman on the 2003 Huntingdon state championship team, state runner-up team in 2004 and state semifinal team in 2005 ... Honored as team captain for Huntingdon as a senior and was a four-year starter for the Mustangs at linebacker and running back ... Three-year letterman on the Huntingdon basketball team ... Coach at Huntingdon HS: Mike Mansfield.
Full name: Chris Neal Donald ... Born: Nov. 27, 1988.

Art Evans
Athlete, 6-1, 185
Lakeland, Fla. (Victory Christian)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 42 overall athlete ... No. 64 overall prospect in Florida
Scout.com: No. 68 overall cornerback prospect ... No. 85 overall prospect in Florida
ESPN: No. 82 overall wide receiver
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named first-team All-State in class 1-B as a wide receiver by the FHSAA as a senior in 2006.
Stats: Caught 62 passes for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns with a 21.9-yard per catch average as a junior in 2005 ... Also added 11 interceptions with two returned for touchdown on defense and eight punt returns for touchdowns on special teams as a junior ...
Misc: Led team to the state championship game as a senior ... Victory Christian lost 14-10 to FAMU ... Coach at Victory Christian HS: Dedrick Dodge.
Full name: Art Evans ... Born: June 19, 1988.

C.J. Fleming
Defensive Back, 5-10, 165
Highland Springs, Va. (Highland Springs)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 19 overall prospect in Virginia
Scout.com: No. 84 overall cornerback prospect ... No. 24 overall in Virginia
ESPN: No. 14 overall cornerback
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Two-time second-team All-State by the Associated Press and VHSCA as a junior in 2005 and senior in 2006 ... Named All-Metro in 2006 and 2005 by the Richmond Times-Dispatch ... Two-time All-Capital District and All-Central Region as a junior and senior.
Stats: Totaled 26 tackles, 13 pass breakups and six interceptions, returning one for touchdown 87 yards against Varina HS ... Also blocked three kicks as a senior ... As a junior, tallied 39 tackles, seven interceptions, 12 PBUs, three forced fumbles and three blocked kicks.
Misc: Three-year starter and three-year letterman in football ... Three-year letterman in track ... Coach at Highland Springs HS: Scott Burton.
Full name: Carroll Jerome Fleming ... Born: April 12, 1988.

Savion Frazier
Linebacker, 6-1, 225
Woodbridge, Va. (Gar-Field)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 17 overall prospect in Virginia ... No. 37 overall outside linebacker
Scout.com: No. 34 overall running back ... No. 7 overall prospect in Virginia
ESPN: No. 65 overall outside linebacker
PrepStar: All-Region (Atlantic)

Honors: Named first-team All-Met by the Washington Post as a linebacker in 2006 ... District Player of the Year and All-District ... Named All-Area and All-Region.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, rushed for 1,420 yards and 16 touchdowns on 201 carries ... On defense as a senior, added 50 tackles with five tackles-for-loss, five sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Misc: Three-year starter at running back and safety ... Finished 7-3 in 2006 with playoff berth for first time in three years ... Plays forward on the Gar-Field Basketball Team ... Coach at Gar-Field HS: Joe Mangano
Full name: Savion Dominique Frazier ... Born: March 18, 1989, in Huntsville, Ala.

Cory Hall
Defensive Lineman, 6-4, 255
Chattanooga (Brainerd)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: N/A
Scout.com: N/A
ESPN: N/A
PrepStar: N/A

Honors: TFCA and TWSA first-team All-State as a senior in 2006 ... Division I, Class 4A Lineman of the Year Finalist ... 2006 All-Region and region Lineman of the Year.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, recorded 155 tackles with 24 tackles-for-loss and 22 sacks ... Also had three forced fumbles in 2006 ... As a junior in 2005, tallied 135 tackles with 19 tackles-for-loss and 16 sacks ... Holds the school record for tackles in a game with 17 against White County in 2006.
Misc: Four-year starter on defense with majority of snaps coming at defensive end ... Named Best of Preps in the shot put and discus ... Regional finalist in the shot put and discus in 2006 ... Coach at Brainerd HS: Marvin Jones.
Full name: Cory Dewayne Hall ... Born: April 6, 1988.

Josh Hawkins
Tailback, 6-1, 195
Loudon (Loudon)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 16 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 18 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 24 overall running back
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named TSWA first-team All-State for class 2A ... American General Mr. Football Finalist in 2006 ... Three-time All-District, All-Region and All-County.
Stats: As a senior, rushed for 1,282 yards and 15 touchdowns ... Rushed for 1,492 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior in 2005 ... Also added 355 receiving yards and a touchdown reception as a junior.
Misc: Set school record for rushing yards in a game with 301 against Lenoir City in 2006 ... Four-year starter at running back and started senior year in the defensive back ... Member of varsity basketball and baseball teams ... Coach at Loudon HS: Jeff Harig.
Full name: Josh Dean Hawkins ... Born: Jan. 3, 1989.

Gerald Jones
Wide Receiver, 6-0, 185
Oklahoma City, Okla. (Millwood)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No.87 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 5 overall athlete ... No. 3 overall prospect in Oklahoma
Scout.com: No. 11 wide receiver in the nation ... No. 75 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 2 overall prospect in Oklahoma
ESPN: No. 9 overall cornerback ... No. 88 overall player in the nation
PrepStar: Top 100 ... No. 5 overall athlete

Honors: 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year in Oklahoma ... Ranked the No. 22 overall player in the nation by Tom Lemming ... Rated as the No. 13 overall player in the Big 12 Region by G&W Recruiting.
Stats: Rushed for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns while also completing 87-of-152 passes for 1,561 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior ... Also recorded 39 tackles, two sacks and an interception in his senior season ... Rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 24 touchdowns and passed for more than 850 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior in 2005 ... Tallied four interceptions as a junior on defense.
Misc: Helped lead the Falcons to a 12-1 record in 2006 ... Member of the Millwood High Concert Choir and his own church choir ... Starter on the Millwood 3A state basketball championship team as a junior in 2005 ... Coach at Millwood HS: Keith Bell.
Full name: Gerald R. Jones ... Born: Aug. 10, 1989.

Donald Langley
Defensive Line, 6-2, 295
Germantown, Md. (Seneca Valley)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 17 overall defensive tackle ... No. 5 overall prospect in Maryland ... Member of Rivals250
Scout.com: No. 53 overall defensive tackle ... No. 3 overall prospect in Maryland
ESPN: No. 85 overall defensive tackle
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Consensus All-State as a defensive lineman as a senior in 2006.
Stats: Finished his senior season with 63 tackles and one interception ... Totaled 48 tackles, 32 unassisted, six tackles-for-loss and four sacks as a junior ... On offense as a junior, landed 55 pancake blocks, tops in Maryland high school football.
Misc: Born in Monrovia, Liberia ... Coach at Seneca Valley HS: Fred Kim.
Full name: Donald Langley ... Born: Feb. 16, 1988.]

Tyler Maples
Athlete, 6-2, 190
Maryville (Maryville)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 79 overall wide receiver ... No. 15 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 16 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 141 overall wide receiver
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Twice named first-team TSWA All-State for Class 4A ... Placed on The Tennessean’s 2006 Dream Team ... Won Class 4A American General Mr. Football Award in 2006 ... Also won Class 4A state championship Most Valuable Player award ... Named PrepXtra’s Offensive Player of the Year by the Knoxville News Sentinel ... Three-year All-County and All-Region honoree.
Stats: Caught 56 passes for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior in 2006 ... Also as a senior, returned seven kickoffs for 206 yards and one touchdown ... As a junior in 2005, totaled 29 receptions for 624 yards and 15 touchdowns ... Also as a junior, returned two kickoffs and four punts for touchdowns along with tallying four interceptions on defense ... Career numbers included 100 receptions for more than 2,000 yards and 36 touchdowns ... School records include yards in a season and career, touchdowns in a season (19) and career (36) and single-season receptions (56).
Misc: Helped Maryville HS to three consecutive 4A state titles from 2004-06 ... Senior captain for the Rebels in 2006 along with being a three-year starter ... Guard on Maryville Basketball Team and as a junior in 2005-06 was All-District and District Tournament MVP ... Coach at Maryville HS: George Quarles.
Full name: Tyler Wilson Maples ... Born: July 22, 1988.

Ben Martin
Defensive Line, 6-5, 230
Cincinnati, Ohio (La Salle)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 2 overall strongside defensive end ... No. 20 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 1 overall prospect in Ohio
Scout.com: No. 3 overall defensive end ... No. 32 overall prospect in the nation ... No. 1 overall prospect in Ohio
ESPN: No. 7 overall defensive end ... No. 67 overall player in the nation
PrepStar: Top 100 ... No. 8 overall defensive linemen

Honors: Named to the Parade All-America High School Football Team as a senior linebacker ... Ranked No. 45 overall player in the nation by Tom Lemming ... Gatorade Player of the Year in Ohio ... All-League Player of the Year as a senior ... First-team All-State as a senior and second-team All-State as a junior in 2005 ... Two-time All-Region, All-League and All-City ... Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year as a junior.
Stats: Totaled 112 tackles with 14 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks as a senior while starting at linebacker ... Against Elder in 2006, earned 20 tackles and two sacks ... As a junior, tallied 71 tackles with 15 tackles-for-loss, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and 15 quarterback hurries while playing mostly defensive end.
Misc: Three-year starter on defense ... Two-year starter on the basketball team ... Coach at La Salle HS: Tom Grippa.
Full name: Benjamin Joseph Martin ... Born: March 22, 1988.

Nevin McKenzie
Defensive Back, 6-2, 210
San Antonio, Texas (Trinity Valley Community College/John Jay)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 5 overall junior college defensive back ... No. 12 overall junior college prospect
Scout.com: N/A
ESPN: N/A
PrepStar: N/A

Honors: Named All-Conference as a sophomore in 2006.
Stats: Led Trinity Valley with over 90 tackles and added five sacks as a sophomore in 2006 ... As a freshman in 2005, tallied over 199 tackles ... As a high school senior in 2003, ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns.Misc: Two-year starter at safety for Trinity Valley ... Best game came against Navarro JC, totaled 11 tackles and two sacks ... Three-year starter at defensive back and two-year starter at running back for John Jay HS ... As a senior in 2004, qualified for the regional finals in the 100, 4x100, 4x200, triple-jump and long-jump ... John Jay school record holder in the triple-jump (49.5 feet) ... Coach at Trinity Valley CC: Brad Smiley ... Coach at John Jay HS: Larry Pullin.
Full name: Nevin Deshaun McKenzie ... Born: March 21, 1986.

Rolando Melancon
Defensive Line, 6-2, 260
Lutcher, La. (Lutcher)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 21 overall defensive tackle ... No. 4 overall prospect in Louisiana
Scout.com: No. 23 overall defensive tackle ... No. 12 overall prospect in Louisiana
ESPN: No. 10 overall defensive tackle ... No. 105 overall player in the nation
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Named first-team All-State and District MVP as a senior in 2006 ... 3A State Championship game MVP while totaling eight tackles, three sacks, an interception and forced a fumble.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, tallied 97 tackles, 28 tackles-for-loss, five sacks and six fumble recoveries ... As a junior in 2005, totaled 75 tackles with 16 tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Misc: Five-year starter from eighth grade to senior year ... Starter at power forward on the basketball team, averaging 25 ppg., during his senior season ... Helped lead Luther High School to Class 3A state title in 2006 ... Coach at Lutcher HS: Tim Detillier.
Full name: Rolando Numan Melancon ... Born: Sept. 26, 1987.

Darnius Moore
Athlete, 6-0, 185
Tatum, Texas (Tatum)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 34 overall athlete ... No. 40 overall prospect in Texas
Scout.com: No. 52 overall wide receiver prospect ... No. 44 overall prospect in Texas
ESPN: N/A
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Named 2A TSWA/Collin Street Bakery first-team All-State as a kick returner as a senior in 2006 and junior in 2005 ... Named second-team Reebok Super Team as a defensive back ... Honored as All-District as a senior and junior.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, caught 32 passes for 501 yards and rushed 27 times for over 200 yards ... As a junior in 2005, totaled 27 receptions for 423 yards and eight touchdowns ... Also as a junior, tallied 287 yards on the ground with two touchdowns on 22 carries.
Misc: Texas state high school champion in the 110M-hurdles in 13.73 as a junior in 2006 ... Also set school record in the 110M hurdles ... Starting point guard on the Tatum basketball team while averaging 20.1 points per game ... Coach at Tatum HS: Andy Evans.
Full name: Darnius Earl Moore ... Born: Dec. 9, 1988.

Kenny O’Neal
Wide Receiver, 6-0, 195
Oakland, Calif. (City College of San Francisco/Skyline)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 3 overall junior college prospect ... No. 1 overall junior college wide receiver
Scout.com: N/A
ESPN: N/A
PrepStar: All-Region (West Coast)

Honors: Named All-California first-team offense in Region I by the California Community College Football Coaches Association.
Stats: As a sophomore in 2006, led CCSF with 60 receptions for 1,200 yards ... Also caught 11 touchdown passes ... Averaged 78.56 yards per game receiving and 14.73 yards per catch ... As a freshman at Florida State he appeared in 11 games, starting two ... Had the longest play from scrimmage by an FSU player on the season with his 75-yard catch and run against Syracuse ... Finished the season with five catches for 110 yards ... As a high school senior in 2003, caught 36 passes for 850 yards and 20 touchdowns ... Also as a high school senior, rushed for two touchdowns and returned two kickoffs for scores.
Misc: Recorded 12 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns in the California Community Colleges Commission on Athletics football championship game ... Team lost 49-35 to El Camino College of Torrance ... The son of former NFL tight end Kenny O'Neal, Sr. who played for the New Orleans Saints ... Coach at City College of San Francisco: George Rush ... Coach at Skyline HS: John Beam.
Full name: Kenny Adrain O’Neal ... Born: May 2, 1986.

Ahmad Paige
Wide Receiver, 6-3, 175
Sterlington, La. (Sterlington)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 16 overall wide receiver prospect ... No. 5 overall prospect in Louisiana
Scout.com: No. 9 overall wide receiver prospect
ESPN: No. 33 overall wide receiver
PrepStar: Top 100

Honors: Two-time first-team All-State honoree ... Three-time All-District and All-Northeast Louisiana.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, caught 41 passes for 863 yards and 12 touchdowns ... As a junior in 2005, brought in 45 receptions for 1,208 yards and 17 touchdowns ... Also as a junior, returned an interception for touchdown ... Returned a kickoff for touchdown as a senior and two as a junior.
Misc: Four-year letterman, three-year starter and senior captain in football ... Four-year letterman in basketball and three-year starter ... Currently averaging 10 points per game in basketball ...Three-year letterman in track ... Region and district champ in the triple jump and high jump as a freshman and sophomore ... Best marks include 22-11 in the long jump, 42-9 in the triple jump and 6-5 in the high jump ... Also participates in the 100-meters, 200-meters, 4x100 and 4x200 relays ... Coach at Sterlington HS: Dell Ashley.
Full name: Ahmad Kendal Paige ... Born: April 22, 1989.

Cody Pope
Offensive Line, 6-5, 270
San Diego, Calif. (Cathedral Catholic)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 47 overall offensive tackle ... No. 89 overall prospect in California (2005)
Scout.com: No. 44 overall offensive lineman (2005)
ESPN: No. 61 overall offensive guard
PrepStar: All-Region (West Coast) (2005)

Honors: Named first-team All-City and All-League by the San Diego Union Tribune as a senior in 2005.
Stats: As a senior, totaled more than 70 pancake blocks from his offensive line position along with 78 tackles and nine sacks on defense ... Totaled 40 tackles and seven sacks as a junior in 2004.
Misc: Originally signed with Vols in 2006 ... Coach at Cathedral Catholic HS: Sean Doyle.
Full name: Ethan F.W. Cody Pope ... Born: Nov. 29, 1987.

Dennis Rogan
Athlete, 5-10, 182
Knoxville (Fulton)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 10 overall all-purpose back ... No. 11 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 76 overall running back prospect ... No. 15 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 46 overall cornerback
PrepStar: All-American

Honors: Named first-team TSWA All-State for Class 3A as a senior in 2006 ... 2006 Tennessee Football Coaches Association first-team All-State honoree ... Placed on the Tennessean’s 2006 Dream Team ... Named PrepXtra’s Offensive Player of the Year by the News Sentinel ... Won the BlueCross Bowl’s Offensive MVP award while rushing for 208 yards against David Lipscomb HS.
Stats: As a senior in 2006, ran for 2,876 yards and 44 touchdowns ... As a junior, rushed for 2,261 yards and 39 touchdowns ... Also as a junior, caught 12 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns while adding 31 tackles on defense ... As a sophomore in 2004, rushed for 382 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 carries ... Scored a total of 572 points in his four-year career at Fulton ... Back-to-back 200-yard rushing games to end his high school career, gaining 255 (406 all-purpose yards) vs. Pearl-Cohn HS in state semifinals and 208 in state title win over David Lipscomb HS.
Misc: While at Fulton, contributed to three Class 3A state championships (2003, 2004, 2006) and earned two Mr. Football finalist awards ... Owns Fulton’s all-time rushing record with 5,261 yards and 81 touchdowns and state’s season points record with 296 as a senior ... Also ranks sixth in the state in points recorded in a season with 220 in 2005 ... Ranks second all-time in Tennessee with 19 consecutive 100-yard rushing games from 2005-06 ... Three-year starter ... Scored on a 75-yard touchdown run against Gibbs HS in his first varsity game as a freshman in 2003 ... Sophomore starter for basketball team and participates in 100M and relays for track and field ... Coach at Fulton HS: Buck Coatney.
Full name: Dennis Wade Rogan ... Born: Dec. 27, 1988.

Darris Sawtelle
Offensive Line, 6-6, 295
Birmingham, Mich. (Brother Rice)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 14 overall offensive tackle prospect ... No. 7 overall prospect in Michigan
Scout.com: No. 14 overall offensive lineman prospect
ESPN: No. 26 overall offensive tackle
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Played in the Offensive-Defensive All-American Bowl in Florida ... As a senior, earned All-Catholic, All-County and All-Metro honors ... Also named to the Detroit News Dream Team.
Stats: As a senior, he had 121 knockdown blocks and finished with a blocking percentage of 94 percent.
Misc: Grandfather Darris McCord (1952-54) was a captain and All-America tackle at Tennessee and played 13 years as a member of the Detroit Lions ... Coach at Brother Rice HS: Albert Fracassa.
Full name: Darris John Sawtelle ... Born: Feb. 3, 1989.

Rae Sykes
Defensive End, 6-4, 240
Alcoa (Alcoa)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 14 overall weakside defensive end prospect ... No. 9 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 29 overall defensive end prospect
ESPN: No. 21 overall defensive end
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Three-year first-team All-State honoree as a senior in 2006, junior in 2005 and sophomore in 2004 ... Preseason All-America prior to senior season ... Named All-Region and All-Country four consecutive years and three-time All-District as a senior, junior and sophomore.
Stats: As a senior, tallied over 70 tackles with 10 sacks ... As a junior, totaled 70 tackles and eight sacks ... As a sophomore in 2004, totaled 132 tackles and 10 sacks ... Tallied 15 tackles and four sacks in the state championship game as a sophomore.
Misc: Contributed to three-straight state championship teams from 2004-2006 ... Four-year starter in football ... Honored as team captain as a senior ... Two-year letterman in basketball and one-year starter for the Tornadoes ... Coach at Alcoa HS: Gary Rankin.
Full name: Rhyon Ja’Rae Sykes ... Born: April, 20, 1989.

Daryl Vereen
Tailback, 6-1, 205
Charlotte, N.C. (North Mecklenburg)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 35 overall running back prospect ... No. 25 overall prospect in North Carolina.
Scout.com: No. 55 overall running back prospect
ESPN: No. 21 overall running back
PrepStar: All-Region (Atlantic)

Honors: CBSsportsline.com All-Region first-team honoree ... Named second-team All-Charlotte by the Charlotte Observer ... Three-time All-Conference selection ... All-Area Offensive Player of the Year as a senior ... Honored with the Gridiron Great Award in 2005 and 2006 by WSOC Channel 9 in Charlotte ... All-County selection as a senior and junior.
Stats: Set a new Mecklenburg County season rushing record with 2,603 yards rushing and totaled 31 touchdowns as a senior in 2006 ... Despite missing four games to injury as a junior, rushed for 1,201 yards and 16 touchdowns with a 6.4 yard-per-carry average.
Misc: Four-year letterman and three-year starter in football ... Also named team captain as a junior and senior ... Starter on North Mecklenburg’s 2005 state basketball championship team and 2006 state runner-up squad ... Four-year letterman and two-year starter on the basketball team ... Currently averaging over 16 points per game in basketball at the small forward position ... Named All-County in track as a junior and regional finalist in the 100-meter dash as a sophomore ... Top-times in track include 10.4 in the 100-meters and 21.30 in the 200-meters ... Named to the Honor Roll in 2005 and 2006 ... Coach at North Mecklenburg HS: Glenn Padgett.
Full name: Daryl Andre Vereen Jr. ... Born: Jan. 22, 1989.

Brent Vinson
Athlete, 6-2, 190
Hampton, Va. (Hargrave Military Academy/Phoebus HS)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 2 overall prep school prospectScout.com: No. 5 overall wide receiver prospect
ESPN: No. 77 overall cornerback (2005)
PrepStar: All-America ... No. 15 overall athlete (2005)

Honors: Honored on the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Super South 100 list ... Named coaches' first-team All-State as a receiver, cornerback and kick returner as a senior in 2005 ... Also as a senior was named All-District as a receiver, a defensive back and return specialist ... Earned All-District honors in basketball and football as a junior in 2004.
Stats: Against the West Virginia University JV squad, tallied more than 350 yards receiving and two touchdowns ... As a senior in 2005, accounted for more than 1,200 receiving yards, 400 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while returning two interceptions and four punts for touchdowns ... Returned two punts each against Bethel HS and Warwick HS ... Caught 29 passes for 475 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.
Misc: Helped lead Hargrave Military Academy to a 7-3 finish in 2006 ... Rated as the top prep player at Hargrave by multiple recruiting services ... Originally signed with Vols in 2006 ... Led team as a senior to the Peninsula District Championship while finishing the season 11-1 ... Also a standout on the basketball court for Phoebus ... High school teammate of Tennessee basketball freshman Duke Crews ... Only began playing football as a junior in high school ... Cousin of former Virginia Tech All-America and current Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jimmy Williams ... Coach at Hargrave Military Academy: Robert Prunty ... Coach at Phoebus HS: William Dee.
Full name: Brent Leeland Vinson ... Born: Dec. 17, 1986.

Chris Walker
Linebacker, 6-3, 220
Memphis (Christian Brothers)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 17 overall outside linebacker prospect ... No. 6 overall prospect in Tennessee
Scout.com: No. 14 overall middle linebacker prospect ... No. 3 overall prospect in Tennessee
ESPN: No. 14 overall outside linebacker
PrepStar: All-America

Honors: Named first-team TSWA All-State for Division II as a senior in 2006 and junior in 2005 ... Named to the Best of Preps Private School Team by the Memphis Commercial Appeal ... Finalist for the Division II American General Mr. Football award ... Member of All-Conference and All-Region teams as both a junior and senior.
Stats: As a senior, tallied 85 tackles including eight for loss and three sacks ... As a junior in 2005, totaled 83 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, two interceptions and nine forced fumbles ... Tallied 53 tackles with two for loss and one fumble recovery as a sophomore in 2004.
Misc: Father played linebacker for North Alabama and entered training camp with Dallas Cowboys before injuries stalled his playing career ... Also a standout on the basketball court for Christian Brothers and was named one of the top 20 players in Memphis by the Commercial Appeal ... Currently averaging 18 points per game and leading Memphis in rebounding ... Four-year starter in basketball and three-year starter in football ... Coach at Christian Brothers HS: Kevin Locastro.
Full name: Christopher Tyrell Walker ... Born: Jan. 10, 1989.

Rufus Williams
Defensive Lineman, 6-3, 225
Mims, Fla. (Astronaut)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 23 overall OLB prospect ... No. 41 overall prospect in FloridaScout.com: No. 43 overall defensive end prospect ... No. 53 overall prospect in Florida
ESPN: No. 56 overall defensive end
PrepStar: All-Region (Southeast)

Honors: Named first-team All-State for Class 3A as a defensive lineman by the FHSAA as a senior in 2006. Three-time All-County honoree ... Named All-Region as a senior and junior in 2005.
Stats: As a senior, totaled more than 110 tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles and two forced fumbles ... Against Melbourne High School as a senior, totaled 12 tackles, two tackles-for-loss and two sacks ... Tallied 87 total tackles with 35 tackles-for-loss, 14 sacks and two fumble recoveries as a junior in 2005.
Misc: Helped lead Astronaut to the district championship in 2006 ... Participated in the Brevard County North-South All-Star Game as a starter at defensive end, and tallied six tackles, two sacks and two tackles-for-loss ... Three-year starter and four-year letterman in football ... Three-year letterman in track ... 2006 Region Champion in the shot put (52 feet) as a junior ... Qualified for the state championships in the shot put as a junior ... Coach at Astronaut HS: Randy Hallock.
Full name: Rufus Isaiah Williams ... Born: March 17, 1989.

DeAngelo Willingham
Defensive Back, 6-0, 200
Calhoun, S.C. (College of the Desert [Calif.]/Calhoun)

Prospect Rankings
Rivals: No. 38 overall JUCO prospect in the nation
Scout.com: N/A
ESPN: N/A
PrepStar: All-America (2004)

Honors: Honored as All-Conference as a sophomore in 2006 and freshman in 2005 ... Named All-State as a senior at Calhoun in 2004 ... Three-time All-Region and All-District honoree.
Stats: As a sophomore in 2006, totaled five interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble ... Also in 2006, returned blocked field goal 90 yards for a touchdown against San Bernardino Community College ... As a freshman, tallied three interceptions.
Misc: Two-year starter at cornerback for College of the Desert ... Three-year starter at wide receiver, defensive back, kick returner and punt returner at Calhoun ... Three-year starter at guard on the basketball team and led Calhoun to three straight regional championships ... Regional finalist in the 4x100 relay as a senior and also competed in the 100-meter dash ... Coach at College of the Desert: Dean Dowry ... Coach at Calhoun HS: Tommie Brown.
Full name: DeAngelo Lamond Willingham ... Born: Jan. 15, 1987.

Volunteer Signee Notebook

Eric Berry, Chris Donald and Ben Martin bring the Volunteer total to 68 Parade All-America signees. Chris Donald makes the 35th All-USA signee in Tennessee history as named by USA Today. USA Today began naming its All-America team in 1982, while Parade’s team debuted in 1963.

Tennessee has five signees who played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and an additional signee, Rolando Melancon, who was invited to play in the game.

The Vols signed three Gatorade Players of the Year from their respective states -- Georgia’s Eric Berry, Ohio’s Ben Martin and Oklahoma’s Gerald Jones -- more than any other school.

UT CONNECTIONS: Eric Berry’s father, James Berry (1978-81), was a three-year starter, four-year letterman and 1981 team captain for the Vols. Darris Sawtelle’s grandfather, Darris McCord (1952-54) was a captain and All-America tackle at Tennessee and played 13 years as a member of the Detroit Lions.

Kenny O’Neal is the son of former NFL tight end Kenny O'Neal Sr., who played for the New Orleans Saints.

The 2007 signing class includes prospects from 13 different states, the most since 2002 when the Vols had representatives from 14 states. In Phillip Fulmer’s 13 recruiting classes, UT has had signees from at least 10 states nine different times. The most states represented were 15 in 2000.

Coach Phillip Fulmer’s Comments on Tennessee’s 2007 Signing Class

“We are excited about our 2007 class of new Volunteers. Our recruiting efforts paid off for us as we did well in-state, as we filled most of our needs by position, held firm with our commitments and closed well at the end.

“Gerald Harrison and Scott Altizer, from the recruiting organization stand point, did a great job and Matt Luke as the recruiting coordinator did a great job as well. The energy and enthusiasm of our new staff, to team recruit and get prospects on campus was outstanding. There were many long days and nights and lots of miles traveled, but once we got them to campus our players and program sold itself.

“We have five from this class already on campus and I look forward to summer school when the rest of them join our team and start meshing into our program.”

And finally:

Let’s all raise our shot glasses full of brown to our boy Peyton who has finally won the big one as his Colts defeated the Bears in Super Bowl XLI, 29-17. Here is one point to ponder: Remember Peyton’s first big game in 1995? The Vols played Florida in Gainesville and lost big, 62-37, after leading 30-14 in the first half. Towards the end of the game, it started pouring to add insult to injury, so the walk back to the locker room for the sophomore QB was indeed a long one. Fast forward twelve years to another day in Florida, accompanied by another rain storm in another big game. I guess after Peyton won this one in Florida in the rain, his career has comer full circle, and his demons have been exercised. Way to go, Peyton, the Big Orange Nation is proud of you and we all hope you enjoy your moment!

Well, Vol fans, that is it for this season. Look for me to return from exile around the mid point of August. By then, we should have a better idea of what our brave boys in orange will look like, as well as the fact I will have a little Vol to help her Daddy write these columns. Don’t worry, Vol fans, I already found a store here in Atlanta that sells the Vol cheerleading uniforms, so that is on the must buy list. I bought her a mobile to go in her crib, which has little Smokey’s hanging from it, so I have to figure out a way to break it to her Mother about that purchase. She already vetoed naming her Peyton…

Thanks for your support during this wonderful time I got to spend with you. Feel free to send me emails so we can keep in touch. Until then, as I have always asked, please rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol. 28

2007-01-15T20:16:00.000-06:00

Well, not the way we would have liked the magical 2006 season to have gone as the Vols dropped a tough one to their old bowl game nemesis, Penn State, 20-10, in the Outback Bowl. Let's face it, out offensive and defensive lines were young, injured and not as good as the Lions, and that is what wins or loses games. Next year, the Vols should have healthy lines, and be deep too, so things in Knoxville are looking up, especially with another great recruiting class coming in.

More on the bowls later, as breaking news came to Coach Scooter last night.

Tennessee Says Top Defender Is No Longer Enrolled

Demetrice Morley, one of more than two dozen high school athletes who exploited loopholes in National Collegiate Athletic Association rules to qualify for a football scholarship, is no longer enrolled at the University of Tennessee.

Morley's improbable jump in grade point average put him at the center of a scandal at University High School, a correspondence school in Miami that was found to be a diploma mill.

Morley, a sophomore starting safety, played in Tennessee's 20-10 loss to Penn State in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, but the university said in a news release Friday that he was no longer enrolled and was dismissed for not meeting the university's academic requirements.

"We have university standards that have to be met, or there will be consequences," Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer said in a statement. "Our athletes have a tremendous support system at the University of Tennessee. The bottom line is he was not accountable for his own actions when he had every chance to succeed."

Attempts to reach Fulmer yesterday were unsuccessful.

Morley was considered the top player in talent-rich South Florida when he signed with the Volunteers in 2005. This season, he had 51 tackles and 2 interceptions.

(Thanks, NY Times)

Well, on a more positive note, congrats to Robert Meachem, consensus All-America wide receiver. We will miss you, Bobby!

Coach Scooter's Bowl game recaps

Best game - Hands down the Boise State-Oklahoma game was one of the most thrilling college football games I have ever seen. This contest had more twists and turns than Cake dancing with Babs in Everyone's All-American, which, by the way, is an all timer for college football movies. This should be mentioned as an all timer for college football games too.

Play the lottery, Urban - To Urban Meyer, who everyone is now touting as the world's greatest coach of the world's greatest college football team. The papers here in Atlanta wrote about how Florida will never lose another game in any sport and the rest of the SEC will drop out of the confrence because the Gators will be too good forever. Gee, it was one game against a Big Ten team that was flat. And everyone forgets the only reason why the Gators got in the game was USC's improbable loss to UCLA (And after watching the Trojans in the Rose Bowl, I don't know how they lost that game), and the efforts of Urban Cryer, who wined and complained until everyone got tired of hearing him complain so they voted his team into the title game. Here's a little secret, Urb, you won't win em' all, so enjoy this ride while it lasts, because it never does, especially in the SEC. By the way, I still can't figure out how the media came up with the Gators being champions in football and basketball in the same calendar year. The basketball Gators won the title in April of 2006, while the football Gators won the title in January of 2007. You figure it out.

Biggest dissapointment - Michigan, hands down. All the scribes who said the Wolverines didn't deserve to play for the national title were right. After seeing them mail it in against USC, they didn't deserve to play for the state title either.

Nice surprise - Taylor Bennett of Georgia Tech. When Reggie Ball was suspended, Sweetie was worried the Jackets wouldn't have a chance against West Virginia. I told her Bennett was much better than Ball and he would give them more of a chance to win rather than the walking nimrod who couldn't win a game down the stretch. Well, Coach Scooter was right, and even though Tech lost a close one, Sweetie was so happy with my prediction, as well as Bennett's play, she took me to Krispy Kreme after the game was over.

Team you don't want to play - USC. Speaking of a team that might not ever lose again, the Trojans are loaded again in 2007, so look out. They looked like my PS3 NCAA 2006 football game with me being the Trojans and the computer being Michigan set on the junior varisty level.

Best coach - Boise State's Chris Peterson's brilliant and creative game plan was a thing of beauty to watch.

How did they ever lose two? - LSU was the team nobody wanted to play towards the end of the 2006 season. It is a wonder the Vols lost on a last second TD pass after watching the Tigers mow down Arkansas and Notre Dame to finish in the top 5. They will be rough on everyone next year.

Best Bowl Game Commercial - I loved the Taco Bell ads with Carmen Electra. However, the chick I was digging was the one on the chair eating the burrito. She was much hotter than Carmen Electra, especially knowing she was once married to Dennis Rodman. The Dude made the right call by not taking Carmen bowling, and instead eat Taco Bell with the hottie inside. Good work my friend...

Recruiting

The Vols were still third on the Scout.com webpage, behind Florida and Texas. On Rivals.com, the Vols were second behind Texas.

The Vols got a commitment from William Brimfield on January 14th. Brimfield, who de-committed from North Carolina, is a three star defensive tackle from Neeses, SC.

All right, Vol fans, that's it for this week. Join me next week for an updated look recruiting. Until then, Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's Recruiting Update Vol.2

2007-01-10T21:33:00.000-06:00

Here is this week's quick recruiting update and off season Vol surgery news! I apologize for not having the bowl recap ready, so hopefully I can get that in by the weekend. As of Wednesday, this is what we are looking at in Big Orange Country:

Recruiting Update

Scout.com has the Vols ranked third behind Florida and Texas.

UT got a soft verbal from running back Daryl Vereen of Huntersville, NC. Vereen is a three star player who is ranked 54th nationally at running back. He chose the Vols over North Carolina, but the word is he still could choose the Heels on signing day, so stay tuned. (Thanks - Scout.com)

Rivals.com has the Vols second, behind Texas and ahead of Florida and LSU.

The site also unveiled it's 2007 pre-season top 25 and the Vols were the last SEC school to be ranked as they came in at 17th.

Seven Vols Undergo Surgery

Five of the seven Tennessee football student-athletes who underwent surgical procedures throughout the day and early evening on Monday at UT Medical Center should return for at least partial participation in spring practice, according to head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh.

Only defensive end Robert Ayers (left shoulder) and defensive tackle Walter Fisher will miss spring drills, which begin Feb. 22. Both rising juniors, who were operated on by Drs. Greg Mathien and Russell Betcher, team orthopedists from the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic, are expected to be fully fit in time for fall practice.

Four Vols underwent arthroscopic surgeries on Monday and one, wide receiver Josh Briscoe, underwent a hernia repair.

Rising junior linebacker Jerod Mayo (left knee) joined tailback Montario Hardesty (right knee), center Josh McNeil (left knee) and defensive end Xavier Mitchell (left shoulder) on Monday's list. Hardesty and McNeil just completed their first playing season of competition, Briscoe will be a junior and Mitchell is entering his senior campaign in 2007.

McVeigh said that with the exceptions of Ayers and Fisher, the other players are on target to participate at least on a limited basis in spring practice.

Offensive tackle Eric Young underwent his arthroscopic shoulder surgery last Friday afternoon.

(Thanks, John Painter, UT SID office)

All right Vol fans, I look forward to getting back to you this weekend! Until then, Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's Recruiting Update

2007-01-07T11:24:00.000-06:00

The Vols got two HUGE commitments at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday as Super Southern 100 linebacker Chris Donald and Cincinnati defensive end Ben Martin looked into the NBC cameras and announced they would be coming to Tennessee. They donned orange UT caps to complete the show.

Donald, the #1 rated linebacker in the country, chose UT over Notre Dame. Martin, the #8 rated defensive end in the country, chose the Vols over Ohio State, Notre Dame and Florida. Both are five star players. Donald (L) and Martin (R). (Thanks, Rivals.com)

"I've been recruiting them hard all week," joked Atlanta Journal-Constitution player of the year, Eric Berry, who committed to the Vols last month. "But even I didn't know until the end."

The Vols also got soft verbal commitments from Chris Walker, a middle linebacker from Memphis, Rufus Williams, a defensive end from Titusville, FL, and Donald Langley, a defensive tackle, from Germantown, MD. Walker is a four star player, while Williams and Langley are three star players.

Tennessee comes in third in both Scout.com and Rivals.com behind Florida and Texas as of Sunday morning. So far the Vols have landed seven of the top 100, and four of those are five star players.

More about the Vols recruits, as well as a bowl recap on Wednesday! Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol. 27

2006-12-29T22:57:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s Outback Bowl edition of the College Football Diary! Well, Monday will be here before you know it, and that means we have once last game to play, and fortunately for us Vol fans, our season will end in Tampa, instead of Lexington this year!

In this week’s edition of the CFD, I will take a look at the bowl preparations for the Vols-Nittany Lions, as well as the latest in recruiting. So let’s get to it!

Coach Fulmer pleased with Vols attitude, work ethic as Penne State matchup looms

Tennessee head football coach Phillip Fulmer voiced optimism Friday afternoon about the attitude and work ethic displayed by the Volunteers since arriving in the Sunshine State to prepare for Monday’s Outback Bowl against Penn State. The Vols continued their quest for improvement with a spirited 75-minute workout at the University of South Florida while temperatures topped 80 degrees.

“Going all the way back to the beginning of the season, this team has shown a physical toughness and a mental toughness,” Fulmer said. “We’ve had our ups and downs with injuries, our ups and downs with a couple of disappointingly close losses. But the great thing about them is they haven’t lost their will to get better.

“That’s just a really positive thing for the coach to go to the practice field with everyday.”

Fulmer stated that guarantees the Vols nothing leading into Monday’s postseason date with the Nittany Lions (8-4).

“It does, however, give us a lot better opportunity to play well than if we had not had those good practices. I’m eager to see the polish put on it today and tomorrow.”

The Vols (9-3) are staging what normally would be two Thursday practices in a typical game week.

“There were a lot of problems built into today’s scripts on both sides to kind of see where we are,” Fulmer said. “Saturday will be a day to clean that up. We’re counting on some young guys in some places to come through, but that’s kind of been the case all year. We definitely need our older guys to play well.”

Among Friday’s visitors at practice was Buck Fitzgerald (defensive back, 1998-2001), who might best be remembered for defensing Florida’s failed two-point conversion attempt in the Vols’ 34-32 win in 2001. Fitzgerald now works in the medical industry in Gainesville, Fla.

Also on hand was former Wichita State linebacker John Blazek (1975-76), who lettered for the Shockers during Fulmer’s five-year tenure in the late 1970s as a WSU assistant coach.

What’s Ahead?

Tennessee’s post-practice activities for Friday included a team visit to GameWorks in Ybor City. The Vols practice at 10 a.m. Saturday before heading to Clearwater, Fla., for Bowl Beach Day at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Players and staff also have the opportunity to take in a hockey game Saturday, as the Tampa Bay Lightning hosts the Montreal Canadians at 7:30 p.m.

Defensive line a concern for Coach Fulmer

The Vols worked out in shorts and shoulder pads for more than two hours under clear skies and temperatures hovering in the 70s as they conducted their third day of local Outback Bowl preparations at the University of South Florida.

“We have gone hard at it and that’s with purpose and for a reason, and that’s because we have to get better,” UT head coach Phillip Fulmer said. “Coach (Joe) Paterno was making a point to shower all these great things about our team and we know very well that we have not been ourselves on defense this year at all. Particularly, the challenge has been up front.”

Tennessee entered the season replacing six of the seven starters on the defensive line and at linebacker, then saw preseason All-America Justin Harrell lost for the year after just three games with a biceps injury. Add to that the loss of key secondary stopper Inquoris Johnson and it’s no wonder UT relied strongly on the offense to compile a 9-3 record in 2006.

Big Orange Tailgate Tour Highlights Alumni Events at Outback Bowl

The UT National Alumni Association has a full slate of events for Tennessee alumni, friends and fans at this year’s Outback Bowl.

Sunday, athletics director Mike Hamilton is hosting a dessert and coffee reception at the Renaissance International Plaza Hotel beginning at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. And later that night, a New Year’s Eve Party sponsored by the Tampa Bay Alumni Chapter takes place at Boston’s, the chapter’s TV party location on Anderson Road. The party goes from 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. and is $50 per person.

Those events lead into Monday’s Big Orange Tailgate Tour event at Raymond James Stadium, site of Tennessee’s Outback Bowl game against Penn State. The location is between gates B and C on the stadium’s east side.

A full breakfast buffet kicks off at 8 a.m., with the UT band, cheerleaders and Smokey on site until 10:30. Door prizes include two airline tickets to a 2007 away game and former College Football Hall of Fame member and Volunteer All-America Frank Emanuel will be in attendance.

Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling Kris Phillips at (865) 599-5898.

Vols Recruiting

Scout.com is reporting the Vols have added three players to their recruiting class. UT got a Christmas present as defensive tackle Rolando Melancon has committed to the Vols on Christmas day. Melancon, from Lutcher High School in Lutcher, Louisiana, is a four star player, ranked 24th overall in the country. The Vols also got soft verbal commitments from defensive end Rufus Williams, from Titusville, Florida and defensive tackle Donald Langley, from Germanton, Maryland. Both three star players.

Also in the news was Luther Davis from West Monroe, Louisiana. Davis is a five star defensive end, who is trying to decide between UT, Auburn and FSU for two of his final visits. Do the math; someone is going to be left out. Davis has a strong relationship with Trooper Taylor, who has been recruiting Davis all along so that is a plus for the Vols. “Coach Troop is an excellent guy away from coaching or football. He is an excellent person.”

Something else that might help the Vols was Davis’ friend, Ahmad Paige, who plays at nearby Sterling High. Paige, a four star wide receiver, de-committed to Florida State, and if he completely eliminates the ‘Noles, Davis will too. It could be a package deal that Coach Fulmer would enjoy receiving on his doorstep come the first week of February.

I did a little investigating when I was in Knoxville this week and found Harrison Smith, is not such a bad guy after all. I have a nephew who plays on the Catholic High football team and he tells me he is a nice guy, very quiet and reserved. Also, an unidentified, but reliable, source told me it was Smith’s father who was the driving force behind him choosing Notre Dame over the Vols. I heard a lot of negative talk about Smith after the decision, but I wouldn’t criticize him because he made a great choice and I wish him all the good fortune in the world because he deserves it.

Chris Donald of Huntingdon, Tennessee still has the Vols and Notre Dame neck and neck for his services next fall. Carlos Dunlap of North Charleston, South Carolina, has the Vols in a dead heat with Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Miami, Note Dame and South Carolina. Running back Noel Devine of North Fort Meyers has the Vols in the middle of a huge recruiting battle that includes Florida, LSU and Southern California. The five star player is also looking at Michigan and Nebraska. Lennon Creer of Tatum, Texas, a four star running back, has the Vols in the mix along with Florida, Georgia, Miami, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas.

Unfortunately for the Big Orange, Marvin Austin and Terrance Toliver, two five star players, have dropped the Vols on their list. Austin has Florida State and Southern California high on his list, while Toliver has Florida and LSU at the top of his list.

Scout.com Team Rankings

1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Illinois
4. USC
5. Tennessee
6. Notre Dame
7. Nebraska
8. South Carolina
9. Georgia
10. Auburn

Rivals.com Team Rankings

1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Tennessee
4. Southern Cal
5. LSU
6. Notre Dame
7. Georgia
8. Nebraska
9. South Carolina
10. Illinois

Well, that is it for this week! I will be back after the BCS Championship game to give you an SEC bowl re-cap, as well as update you on the latest in recruiting. Until then, rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. I look forward to hearing from all of you out there as we all watch the Vols play Penn State in the Outback Bowl to get your thoughts and opinions! Until then, Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.26

2006-12-23T23:51:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Christmas Edition of Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary! It is great to be back, what have I missed? Well, we have a few things to get to on the CFD today so let’s get rolling before I get caught up in another of the stimulating backyard conversations I have with our next door neighbor, the pillar of the community, Rik Chiddix. By the way, when I asked Rik what he wanted Santa to bring him, he chuckled and said, “All I want is a 12 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer and for the Old Lady to dress up in her tight little Waffle House waitress uniform for a little "scattered smothered and covered" after the kids have been put to bed.

Gee, thanks, Rik, for sharing that with me...

Vols Outback Bowl Preparations

Wednesday was Getaway Day for Tennessee as the Vols concluded the Knoxville portion of their Outback Bowl practices and departed campus for the holiday break. The team is off until reconvening Christmas night in Tampa, Fla., site of its Jan. 1 meeting with Penn State.

“Our focus has been good,” head coach Phillip Fulmer said. “I think we’ve had good preparation here in Knoxville. I hope they have a safe trip home and a good time with their families, but I hope their mindset doesn’t change while they’re home and we are ready to go to work on the day after Christmas in Tampa.”

Fulmer said the bowl site schedule would mirror that of a normal game week, with only a slight exception.

“We’ll have one day extra so we will end up having two Tuesdays in the framework of our approach,” he said. “We’ll treat it with meeting times and practice times just like a game week. All this here in Knoxville has been a bonus.”

That extra preparation will be necessary against what expects to be a fierce Penn State squad, one that finished 5-3 in the Big Ten Conference and fielded one of the nation’s top defenses.

“I think they are outstanding,” Fulmer said. “They are No. 5 in the country in scoring defense and that’s not an accident; you don’t do that by accident. They’ve only given up 26 points in the last four ballgames against good opponents. They’re good, and their linebackers are as good as anybody we’ve played in the conference.

“As I told our football team -- not to take anything away from Kentucky and Vanderbilt – we’re getting back into the real deal when we play these guys.”

Former Tennessee star Bill Bates was a featured guest at this morning’s practice. Bates started four years (1979-82) at safety for the Vols before playing 15 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.

“It was great to have Bill Bates come by practice today,” Fulmer said. “He’s one of our heroes who played great here and played great in professional football. He brought his whole family by and spoke to the team about work ethic, character and what it takes to be a good player.”

Tennessee’s Outback Bowl practice schedule in Tampa begins Tuesday at the University of South Florida. The Vols will practice at 1:30 p.m. each of the first three days, at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 and at 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 before holding an afternoon walk-through on New Year’s Eve.

Because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 31, UT will walk-through at Raymond James Stadium on an earlier date during the week.

Kickoff on Jan. 1 is 11 a.m. Eastern time.

VOLS TOAST 15 FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Sunday was another banner day for Tennessee football on the academic front. Six Vols graduated and nine more were honored for ongoing excellence in academic pursuits during Sunday’s team banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Volunteer Achiever Awards went to Michael Frogg, David Yancey and Eric Young for excellent class attendance, consistent use of available resources and a mastery of difficult majors. Frogg is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, Yancey in nuclear engineering and Young in psychology.

Six others were named to the Thornton Center 40-Plus Club for their successful completion of at least 40 credit hours over the past academic year. Honorees were Jeff Cottam, Kris Fant, Antonio Gaines, Montario Hardesty, Austin Rogers and Kirk Swearingen.

In addition to these success stories, six Vols went through graduation ceremonies Sunday at Thompson-Boling Arena. Cory Anderson, Stanley Asumnu, Drew Tardy, Todd Vinson, Ryan West and James Wilhoit (masters) all received degrees from UT President Dr. John D. Petersen.
In 2005, Tennessee placed 30 student-athletes on the SEC Academic Honor Roll to lead all conference schools. It was the highest number in program history for the third consecutive season, topping the 22 who were selected in 2004 and the 20 who made the last in 2003.

JOHNSON UNDERGOES SURGERY IN MINNESOTA

Tennessee junior defensive back Inquoris Johnson underwent surgery Thursday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

UT head athletics trainer Jason McVeigh reported that Johnson was doing well after the lengthy procedure and is recovering. McVeigh said Johnson’s doctors expect the Atlanta native to be released from the hospital by early next week.

Johnson sustained what McVeigh called a traumatic injury while making a tackle late in the Vols’ Sept. 9 win over Air Force. Initial surgery was performed the next day at UT Medical Center. Since then, Johnson has been receiving daily physical therapy by the UT Sports Medicine staff.

Johnson, who had an interception, two additional pass breakups and 10 tackles in his two games played, served as an honorary team captain for Tennessee’s 16-13 win over Alabama on Oct. 21.
(Thanks - John Painter, UT SID Office)

Vols Recruiting

As many of you know, the Vols got a commitment from five star player, Eric Berry, of Fairburn, Georgia, last week. Berry’s father, James, played during the Johnny Major’s era at running back. Good to see we have another Berry coming to Knoxville! Although Berry is the #1 rated CB and overall #14 rated player in the nation, it looks as if the Vols might give him a chance to show what he can do on the offensive side of the ball.

Berry’s commitment makes three five star players coming to Knoxville as Wide Receiver, Kenny O’Neil, and Athlete Bret Vinson have committed to the Vols. Unfortunately, UT lost Harrison Smith of Knoxville Catholic, as he committed to Notre Dame on Friday.

Among the prospects to keep an eye on are several five star players who are still looking at the Vols. They are:

WR Terrance Toliver of Hempstead, TX
DT Marvin Austin of Washington, DC
SLB Chris Donald of Huntingdon, TN
CB Ronald Johnson of Muskegon, MI
WR Ahmad Paige of Sterlington, LA
WR Demetrius Byrd of Poplarville, MS

Going into this weekend, the Vols were eighth in national recruiting, according to Scout.com. Here is a look at the top ten:

1. Texas
2. Florida
3. USC
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia
6. Nebraska
7. Illinois
8. Tennessee
9. Michigan
10. Georgia Tech

On Rivals.com, the Vols climbed as high as second last week, but were third as of this morning. Here is a look at the top ten:

1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Tennessee
4. Southern Cal
5. LSU
6. Notre Dame
7. Georgia
8. Nebraska
9. South Carolina
10. Michigan

Last week, I received a great email from a huge Vol fan named Tony, and wanted to show what he had to write. Tony mentioned several things, which I put in parentheses:

(Recruiting) - Getting Marvin Austin would be great-- somehow I think we won't; but what about Chris Donald-- the five-star LB. from Huntington TN? We gotta get him! Notre Dame or UT Hope it's us!

(Outback Bowl) - The Outback? Let’s hope Joe's apparent quick recovery doesn't fire them up too much. The Big Orange should win -- edge at QB, receiver, and DB---at least. But I do remember the 92 Fiasco Bowl @ 94 Citrus.

(David Cutcliffe) - Have you heard anything about Cutcliffe? Ivan Maisel --a Bama alum wants them to offer Cut. Hope not, David did a heck of a job with Ainge and the overall team -- brought some discipline.

(Eric Berry) - I don't think James Berry (Eric Berry’s father) played against BC he was a true freshman. Glad we got him- it paid off double!

GO VOLS!

Thanks for the email Tony! Here are my responses to your observations:

I think we have a great chance to get Chris Donald. I spoke with a friend of mine who writes for Rivals.com and he told me Chris is leaning towards the Vols and his interest is high. You never know until signing day, but it is looking good now. We already lost Harrison Smith to the Irish, so the gates out of Tennessee need to close now. Also, I have heard good things about Demetrius Byrd, a WR out of Poplarville, Mississippi who has the Vols high on his list of schools he would like to come to. Stay tuned!

I think the Vols have the better team going into the Outback Bowl and should win. However, never underestimate a Joe Paterno team. They are not in a bowl game because of their name only, this is a good football team and the Vols better be ready and bring the A game. Interestingly enough, UT has beaten Penn State twice in the regular season (31-11 in 1971 and 28-21 in 1972), but the Nittany Lions have beaten the Volunteers in past season play, (42-17 in the 1992 Fiesta Bowl and 31-13 in the 1994 Citrus Bowl). A Big Orange win means a 10 win season, plus we can look forward to a great recruiting class and momentum into the 2007 season.

I spoke with a source at UT and he said David Cutcliffe is staying in Knoxville so not to worry about him leaving. That is good news because the offense can thank him for the rebuilding job and the glory we all experienced last year.

I got a call from my college football contact at the Atlanta Journal and he told me Eric Berry is the AJC Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback/safety, rushed for 1,544 yards and passed for 1,008 during his senior season. During his four-year career, Berry compiled a 37-5 record as starting quarterback. He amassed 3,532 passing yards and 4,491 rushing yards rushing and on defense, he intercepted 16 passes.

(Picture courtesy of Brant Sanderlin - AJC)

Coach Scooter’s Christmas List

Because football season is almost over, I got to thinking if Santa Claus read my column, what would I ask him to bring me for Christmas? Here is my list; let me know what you think:

1. I would enjoy another October afternoon of sitting in Neyland Stadium when Alabama or Georgia comes to town and just taking a minute to look around the place and soak in what the experience of the day means; from the leaves turning color to seeing the Vol Navy floating down the Tennessee River.

2. I must request just a day to once again watch Peyton Manning set his feet and throw a long pass to Joey Kent; watch Charlie Garner or Jay Graham break off a long run; Al Wilson or Leonard Little breaking through blockers to disrupt the opponents offense; and finally, Santa, could you please bring me another day of watching Jeff Hall or James Wilhoit make a game winning kick?

3. Less end zone antics; more little girls in UT cheerleader outfits walking with their parents towards the stadium. Less BCS; more shots of Smokey on the sidelines. Less rap music; more of the post game of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band playing the Tennessee Waltz.

4. Seeing other Vols in orange when you are in an opponent’s stadium high fiveing and hugging, knowing we are all in this together. And for that matter, when the Vols win on enemy soil, having them run over to the Tennessee section so they can hug the fans, and in return, the fans tell them how proud they are of them.

5. Santa, if you have connections, could you please get a message to General Neyland and tell him on behalf of all Vol fans everywhere, we all want to say thank you for what he built over 80 years ago. Due to his hard work and dedication, everyone who is a member of the Big Orange Nation has something they can put their heart and soul into for 365 days every year.

Well, Vol fans. That is my column for the week! I look forward to getting back to the computer next week for more recruiting news, as well as the latest in the Outback Bowl preparations. Until then, rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol. 25

2006-12-12T20:09:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary! Here are the latest happenings in Big Orange Country, starting with the post season honors that have come tumbling in, to what the latest is on the recruiting front.

Sears and Meachem named to the AP All-America team

Tennessee’s Arron Sears and Robert Meachem continued receiving notice Tuesday as two of the nation’s best offensive players. Both were chosen 2006 All-America by the Associated Press, with Sears earning second-team honors and Meachem tabbed for third team.

An All-America offensive tackle from Russellville, Ala., Sears also was named the Jacobs Award winner, which goes to the best lineman in the SEC.

“The Jacobs Award goes to the best lineman in the SEC, and that is a great accomplishment for me,” Sears said. “I had an OK year by my standards, but I guess the coaches thought I played pretty well.”

Meachem set a Tennessee season record this year with 1,265 receiving yards on 67 catches thus far and hauled in 11 touchdown passes. The Tulsa, Okla., junior leads the SEC and is third nationally with a 105.4-yard receiving average.

Six Vols named to the All-SEC team

Tennessee landed six players -- two offense, two defense and two special teams -- on the Coaches’ 2006 All-Southeastern Conference squad, it was announced Tuesday.

Senior offensive tackle Arron Sears and junior wide receiver Robert Meachem represented the Vols offense with first-team selections. Sears was named to the first team for the second consecutive year. Senior placekicker James Wilhoit and sophomore punter Britton Colquitt also earned first-team honors, while defensive backs Jonathan Hefney, a junior, and Jonathan Wade, a senior, were second-team picks for the defense.

Sears earned his second consecutive double selection as a first-team, All-SEC selection by both the coaches and Associated Press. He also was named last week a first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association and Rivals.com, and is contending for the Jacobs Award as the SEC's top blocker.

Meachem, too, was a first-team All-America pick by Rivals.com and a first-team, all-league choice by the media. The junior from Tulsa, Okla., set a Tennessee season record this year with 1,265 receiving yards on 67 catches thus far and hauled in 11 touchdown passes. Meachem leads the SEC and is third nationally with a 105.4-yard per game receiving average.

Wilhoit and Colquitt matched their first-team, All-SEC special teams status by members of the media.

Colquitt leads the SEC and ranks eighth nationally with a 45.0-yard punting average. He has 16 punts downed inside 20 this year versus only four touchbacks. The sophomore from Knoxville was incredibly consistent in 2006, averaging at least 41 yards per punt in 10 of 11 games this season.

Wilhoit is the SEC's active scoring leader with 321 career points. His will finish his career second on UT's all-time scoring list and is five points from tying for sixth on the SEC chart. The Hendersonville senior also leads the league with a 7.7-point scoring average, having connected on 17-of-21 field goals and 41 extra-points.

Hefney has five interceptions in his last nine games to improve to third in the SEC. Tennessee's leading returning tackler from 2005 has taken over the team lead this year as well with 93 total hits, good enough sixth in the league. In addition, the Rock Hill, S.C., junior stands fourth in the SEC in punt returns with a 12.8-yard average.

Wade leads the SEC and is eighth nationally with 17 passes defensed. His recent interception against Vanderbilt was his fourth this season. A senior from Shreveport, La., Wade was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against South Carolina, where he had a hand in stopping three Gamecock drives.

Both Hefney and Wade also were named to the All-SEC second team by media representatives.

McNeil and Coker make the Sporting News Freshman All-America team

Tennessee has a couple of pretty good Freshman players, according to the Sporting News, as center Josh McNeil and tailback LaMarcus Coker were named to the 2006 Freshman All-America squad. McNeil was named to the second team, with Coker gaining an honorable mention nod.

Just this week, McNeil was the only player to be a unanimous selection to the SEC Coaches All-Freshman Team. McNeil made eight starts in 11 games, taking over the starting position in the fifth game of the season against Memphis. He was part of an offensive line unit that allowed only 17 sacks (third-fewest in the league) against 378 pass attempts (second-most in the league). The Collins, Miss., native was also named Freshman All-America by Rivals.com.

Coker, too, was an SEC Coaches All-Freshman choice after an explosive season. He finished the regular season as the leading freshman rusher and seventh overall among SEC ball carriers with an average of 66.0 yards per game. The Antioch native already owns two of the four longest runs in UT history, despite playing in only 10 games because of an injury. He was named second team Freshman All-America by Rivals.com.

McNeil, Coker and McCoy named to the SEC All-Freshman team

Tennessee redshirt freshman center Josh McNeil was the only player to be a unanimous selection to the seventh annual SEC Coaches All-Freshman Team as announced by the Southeastern Conference office. The Volunteers were one of seven league teams to place three players on the team as tailback LaMarcus Coker and linebacker Rico McCoy were also named to the squad.

All 12 schools were represented with Kentucky leading the way with four selections. SEC Freshman of the Year and SEC Championship Game MVP Percy Harvin of Florida also received a spot on the annual listing.

McNeil made eight starts in 11 games, taking over the starting position in the fifth game of the season against Memphis. He was part of an offensive line unit that allowed only 17 sacks (third-fewest in the league) against 378 pass attempts (second-most in the league). The Collins, Miss., native was also named Freshman All-America by Rivals.com.

One of the most explosive runners in the conference was Coker who finished the regular season as the leading freshman rusher and seventh overall among SEC ball carriers with average of 66.0 yards per game. He rushed for a season-high 146 yards that included the third-longest rush in UT history when he broke free for an 89-yard TD. The Antioch native became first player in UT history to have two runs over 80 yards when he ran 87 yards for a score against Vanderbilt. He was also named second team Freshman All-America by Rivals.com.

McCoy saw his first collegiate action in the win over California garnering two tackles. He played in all 12 games, registering 36 tackles (27 solo). The Washington, D.C., native posted solid performances in the final two games of the season by making three tackles for loss against Vanderbilt followed by a career-high nine tackles and forced fumble versus Kentucky.

Vols resume practice under the “Saturday Night Lights”

Tennessee returned to the practice field Saturday for the first time since concluding its 2006 regular season with a 9-3 record. The Vols worked for 90 minutes inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center as preparations began for their Outback Bowl meeting against Penn State.

“It was good for us to get back to practicing again,” head coach Phillip Fulmer said. “Our coaches have been on the road recruiting and the players have been getting ready for finals, so I was glad to see them again as a whole.”

Fulmer also said he was eager to get the message across that the season-ending win over Kentucky was not very pretty.

“I came in the Sunday after that game and it looked about as bad as we’ve played all year,” Fulmer said. “Kentucky did some good things, but I was eager to get back to the practice field and get their attention. We had some difficulties with injuries and stuff, but we’re a better football team than we showed in the last ballgame. I’m challenging them to show that in preparation for Penn State during our time here in Knoxville.”

Fulmer said the Vols will work on an extended amount of fundamentals during their 10 days of campus workouts, holding what amounts to a mini-spring practice for the younger team members. Topping the agenda will be a full-contact scrimmage under the Neyland Stadium lights.

“Next Saturday night we’ll have ‘Saturday Night Lights,’” Fulmer said. “We’re going to have a good scrimmage at the stadium so that we will have played football before we get to the Jan. 1 ballgame. We did a really good job with that (two years ago) versus Texas A&M before the Cotton Bowl and I want the same type of mentality by getting better during this bowl time.”

Tennessee practices again Sunday before taking two days off for final exams. The Vols will practice once a day Dec. 13-20 before breaking for the Christmas holidays. The Vols will stage 10 single-day workouts before beginning their holiday break the afternoon of Dec. 20. The team reconvenes the night of Dec. 25 in Tampa, with practices at the University of South Florida set to begin Dec. 26.

Parker to miss bowl game; will return in the spring

Tennessee head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh reports that sophomore offensive guard Anthony Parker has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

“He will not play in the bowl game,” McVeigh said. “He is expected to make a full recovery and, although he may not be ready by the start of spring practice, he should be able to participate on a limited basis at some point during spring drills.”

Tennessee is slated to begin 2007 spring practice in late February, with the Orange and White Game scheduled for March 31.

Charlie Daniels to perform at the Outback Bowl

Game officials announced Monday that legendary country superstar Charlie Daniels will perform the National Anthem at the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day. The college football bowl game will matches Tennessee against Penn State in front of a sellout crowd at Raymond James Stadium.

“The Outback Bowl has a reputation for its dazzling DeBartolo Pregame Show that includes college bands, dancers, military fly-bys and sky divers,” Outback Bowl President/CEO Jim McVay said. “Charlie Daniels’ addition as our anthem singer makes our presentation even more spectacular for the fans.”

Daniels, known for his fiddle playing, has been a music icon for more than 40 years and has become an integral part of the American popular culture. CDB music, as Daniels likes to call it, is an exhilarating mixture of rock, country, bluegrass, blues, and gospel. Although geared to the mindset of the southern lifestyle, Daniels strikes a chord with all Americans since his music at times can be rebel rousing with the spirit that embraces the American ideal.

Although having the CDB will be great for Vol fans, Aunt Molly contracted a case of the RA (Red Ass) because she wanted Con Hunley to perform at the bowl game. "Nothing against CDB, but I have had a crush on Con Hunley ever since he performed on the Jerry Lewis Telethon in '78," she told me through the tears on the phone earlier today. This ought to be an interesting Christmas with the family when we go to Knoxville for Christmas...

(Thanks – John Painter, UT SID Office, Inside Tennessee.com)

Vol Recruiting

The Irish are Coming! The Irish are coming! It was reported that Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis was in Knoxville to look over prized prospect Harrison Smith of Knoxville Catholic. While Coach Weis did not leave with what he came to town for, which was a commitment from Smith, the news was not all happy for the Vols because the safety did not tell him no either.

I have seen Smith play and I can tell you he has great size combined with great speed and that is a plus in any defensive backfield. He personally tore up Kingston to the tune of 192 yards rushing, including a 93 yards touchdown run in the Irish 28-7 victory. Word is Smith likes the Irish over the Vols, but anything cane happen in the recruiting process, so stay tuned.

Scout .com Recruiting Rankings as of 12/12/06

Team Rankings

Rank School
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Michigan
5. Georgia Tech
6. Virginia Tech
7. USC
8. Auburn
9. West Virginia
10. Tennessee

The Vols picked up a verbal commitment from a couple four star players as four star players DeAngelo Willingham (College of the Desert), who is a cornerback and wide receiver Kenny O'Neal told Coach Fulmer they would be wearing the orange and white this fall.

Keep an eye on Marvin Austin, a five star defensive tackle from Washington D.C., who I have mentioned before. The Vols have made him an offer and are battling schools such as: Florida State, USC and Maryland for his services. Also high on the Vols radar is Chris Donald, a five star strong side linebacker who appears to have UT high on his radar. Word has it he is more than just a casual observer to what is going on in Big Orange Country. Both players are ranked #1 at their positions on the national level.

Another player ranked first nationally is Creekside High (Fairburn, GA) cornerback Eric Berry. He also plays QB so it might be possible Coach Fulmer and the staff has given him a look at both positions to see which one he would settle into if he comes to Knoxville. His interest level in Big Orange Country is high, however, Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State, USC, Florida, and Miami (Fl) are also interested. It could be quite a coup to get him to Knoxville with that kind of competition hovering around.

The news is better on Rivals.com as Jamie Newberg’s site has the Vols ranked fifth, and have two five star players heading to Knoxville. The players are Brent Vinson, an Athlete prospect from Chatham, Virginia, and Kenny O’Neil, a wide receiver from San Francisco.

Here are the updated recruiting rankings on Rivals.com as of 12/12/06:

School
1 Texas
2 LSU
3 Georgia
4 Florida
5 Tennessee
6 Notre Dame
7 Michigan
8 Auburn
9 USC
10 Nebraska

All right Vol fans, keep one eye on the Outback Bowl, and the other on recruiting. If all falls right, UT can have another ten win year and a high finish in recruiting, and that would be a tremendous capper to a season nobody thought was going to be very strong. Until next time Vol fans, rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Go Vols!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.24

2006-12-09T07:13:00.000-06:00

Coach Scooter got an early Christmas present last Sunday as I got a chance to talk with Coach Fulmer during the Outback Bowl bid day press conference. I also got a chance to listen to comment made by Tennessee Athletics Director, Mike Hamilton, as well as Jim McVay, Outback Bowl President /CEO, and Outback Bowl Chairman Steve Schember as they gave their thoughts on the January 1st game.

Each member of the media got a few minutes with Coach Fulmer, so here are my questions:

Coach, congratulations on the bowl bid.

Thanks, Coach Scooter, we are very excited.

What does it mean to you to go back to the site where you got your first bowl victory as head coach of the Vols?

Well, I’ll be excited, I think we played Boston College then, and they were coached by Tom Coughlin. He’s still out there coaching in professional football, and anytime you play against someone you respect so much it really means a lot. I am really looking forward to getting back to Tampa.

Going up against a Big Ten team, do they present any type of different challenges in terms of talent, speed, defense or anything else that you might not find in an SEC opponent?

Well, we have great physical teams in our conference as well, and typically the teams in the Big Ten that go to the bowls run the football well, and our experience has been we have to strap it on because we know it’s Penn State. I haven’t seen tape on them yet, but I am certain that is the case.

Thanks, Coach, good luck!

Thanks, Coach Scooter, good job there!

Coach Fulmer went on to say, "We're very excited to be back in the Outback Bowl, and are honored to be playing a team like Penn State and Coach (Joe) Paterno. Like so many coaches, I've looked up to him for years. He's always had well-prepared, tough and athletic football teams and I'm sure this one is no different."

Coach Joe Paterno expressed his excitement in the Nittany Lions opponent. "Tennessee is a great opponent for us. They have a great football tradition and a very good team again this year. They played well in a tough league. It's going to be a challenging game for us.”

"I think this matches two of the tradition-rich programs in all of America," UT athletics director Mike Hamilton said. "When you think about Penn State and Tennessee, you think about excellence in fans, coaches and certainly football tradition. The opportunity to return to Tampa and be back where Coach Fulmer got his first bowl victory is significant for us."

“We are thrilled to have Coach Fulmer and the Volunteers as the SEC representative in our game,” stated Jim McVay, Outback Bowl President /CEO. “This is going to be an outstanding match-up with two terrific teams, some of the top players in the country, and two of the most successful coaches in the game.”

“This is a great match-up,” noted bowl Outback Bowl Chairman Steve Schember. “The fans are going to love seeing these two fantastic teams square-off while having a wonderful time in the Tampa, St Petersburg/Clearwater area.”

This will be Tennessee’s second appearance in the bowl game where they defeated Boston College 38-23 in the January 1993 game. That game was Coach Phillip Fulmer’s first as head coach of the Volunteers.

Tennessee's trip to Tampa marks the Vols' second appearance in the Outback Bowl and 46th bowl invitation, a figure that ranks second all-time. The Vols defeated Boston College 38-23 in the January 1993 Outback Bowl. That game was Phillip Fulmer's first official contest as head coach of the Volunteers.

Penn State owns a two-game bowl winning streak against the Vols, with wins in the 1992 Fiesta Bowl (42-17) and 1994 Florida Citrus Bowl (31-13). Tennessee won twice in the series in the 1970s, taking a 31-11 victory in 1971 and a 28-21 win the following season. Both regular season games were played in Knoxville.

The Outback Bowl is celebrating its 21st year and kicks off at 11 a.m. Eastern time on Jan. 1 in Raymond James Stadium. The game is telecast internationally on ESPN.

Weekly Observations

Yeah, I know we are supposed to root for the other SEC teams during bowl season, and for the most part, I will have no problem doing that. However, there is one team I cannot bring myself to root for, and no, it is not the Georgia Bulldogs due to the fact I loathe the “Chokies” from Virginia Tech almost as much as having to watch the Lifetime Movie of the week when Sweetie steals the remote control. The team I am talking about is…yes, you know it’s true...our buddies from Gainesville! Oh no, I feel it coming! It’s time for: Coach Scooter’s Red Ass Minute!

Coach Scooter's Red Ass Minute

Florida in the National Championship game is not completely wrong. I agree in some aspects of this because the Gators lost one game playing the toughest schedule in college football, they won the best conference in America and have a team that is worthy of a big game such as this. However, my beef with this whole thing is the WAY the Gators made it to the title game. If the world’s biggest crybaby, Urban Meyer, wouldn’t have pulled a Scut Farkas from A Christmas Story and pulled the arm of the BCS voters until they said uncle, I would have a lot more respect for him. Critics say while this was an unpopular move, it got results so it doesn’t matter.

My problem with the whole thing is the voters forgot what the sham of the BCS is all about: putting the top two teams in Glendale for the championship. The voters voted on the basis of not wanting to see a rematch, and not giving it to a team that did not win its conference. Where in the BCS rules does it say you have to win your conference? Where does it say there are no rematches allowed? The voting was done out of what the voters wanted to see, not on who the two best teams were, and that’s a croc. (No pun intended Gator fans)

If the Gators had not made it, we would have seen a cry fest similar to the time I walked up to the Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop just as they tunred off the Hot Doughnut light. Now that was a crushing blow to my day. Anyway, I have written it before and I will write it again, any coach that cries like a baby (See ’05 post game press conference after losing to LSU), and whines the way he did during the last month of the season will never be on my list of coaches that garner my respect.

Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary now gets to pass out its first post season award, and that is the National Crybaby of the Year Award. And this year, the award gores to Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer. (See trophy right)

Well, that’s all for today so let's get ready for the Vols date with the Lions on January 1st in the Outback Bowl. See you next week for more bowl news and the latest in recruiting. Until then, rub those orange and white rosaries, repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.23

2006-11-28T19:46:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary for the last week of the regular season. The Vols ended the year on an up note, beating Kentucky 17-12 to end their season at 9-3. Let’s look at the game, as well as where the Vols might be heading for the bowl season.

Kentucky 12 – Tennessee 17

Tennessee made it 22 straight over Kentucky on Saturday, which was the second longest wining streak over another school in the NCAA.

Erik Ainge was 19-of-33 for 240 yards for Tennessee and completed a 15-yard TD pass to Robert Meachem in the first quarter. Coker finished with 90 yards on 22 rushes.

The narrow win did not hurt Coach Fulmer’s feelings in the least bit.

"It's great to win when you don't play particularly well," he said. "I don't remember a game in this series ever being easy at all, and this is an example of their defense doing a great job of taking the challenge."

"Are we going to screw around and let a team that shouldn't beat us beat us? We couldn't have field goals and score touchdowns. We talked a lot about pride," Fulmer said.

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks saw his Wildcats squander a fourth quarter lead for the second straight time at Neyland Stadium, which left him frustrated.

"We had a chance to win the darn game, and we didn't get it done," Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said. "The good news is we had a chance."

"It hurts to lose," Kentucky tailback Rafael Little said. "The last time we were down here we lost the same way. We can't keep doing that every time we come down here."

The win gave Tennessee second place in the SEC East behind Florida, and kept the Vols hopes for a New Year’s Day bowl bid alive.

Bowl possibilities

Coach Scooter thinks the Vols will end up playing on New Year’s Day, destination…Tampa and the Outback Bowl!

If Florida wins, Arkansas says they want to go to the Cotton Bowl so more of their fans could go to the game. Florida and LSU would get the BCS bids with Florida going to the Sugar, and LSU to the Orange.

If Arkansas wins, the Orange could take Florida. That would bump LSU to the Cotton or Capitol One. Auburn would take the other slot that LSU does not fill, leaving UT next in line, so that is why I think it is going to be the Outback Bowl. The Vols last played in the Outback in 1993, when it was the Hall of Fame Bowl, beating Boston College 38-13. The opponent in the Outback would be Penn State, who has accepted a bid to play a team from the SEC. Stay tuned…

Recruiting

According to Rivals.com, the Vols are still seventh in recruiting. They have one five star recruit, five four star recruits and nine three star recruits. Here is a look at the top ten as of November 28:

1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. Florida
4. Auburn
5. USC
6. LSU
7. Tennessee
8. Michigan
9. Virginia
10. Ole Miss

Did you notice a lot of SEC teams in that list? That’s scary…

Here is a little information furnished to us from Rivals.com about a four star prospect who has committed to Tennessee.

Germantown (Md.) Seneca Valley defensive tackle Donald Langley has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the recruiting rankings. He is also on the radar of more college coaches.

Langley went from a high three-star prospect to a solid four-star player in the Rivals250. He is now being recruited by several top 25 teams. But his journey to the top doesn't end there, because Langley has been selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.

"After I first got the invite, I was really excited," Langley said. "I realized what kind of honor it is. I know that Rivals only invites big-time players to this game, and to be one of the top 80 guys in the country is amazing. To be a kid from Maryland, playing against guys from California, to Texas, to Florida and to Idaho, it's amazing.

"Then to realize that you're one of only four defensive tackles to play on the East squad, that's an even bigger part to this great, great honor. I'm really happy and proud to be selected by Rivals to play in this great game."

Langley, who is now up to 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, said he's going to give football fans plenty to see in the Jan. 4 game in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The all-star contest will be carried live on ESPNU.

"They're going to see I'm legit and there are no arguments about me being one of the top defensive tackles in the country," Langley said. "They're going to see how we do it in Maryland. They're going to also see that not all defensive tackles are big guys that just stuff and clog the hole. They're going to see how speed kills the opponent 10 out of 10 times. Speed is what my main strength is, and they're going to see me flying to the football and how I can close on it."

Langley recently picked Tennessee as his college choice. He turned down offers from Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas A&M and others. He said the decision to head to Rocky Top was an easy one after he took his Sept. 16 official visit to Knoxville, Tenn.

"Tennessee had the extra something the others didn't have," he said. "Everywhere I went, I just kept comparing it to Tennessee. They have one of the biggest stadiums in the country. They even had more than 100,000 for a game like Marshall. And in Knoxville, football is king. It's also a wonderful climate."

According to Scout.com, Jamie Newberg tells us these prospects have the Vols high on their short list:

The #1 ranked WR in the nation is Terrance Toliver of Hempstead, TX
His list includes: Florida, LSU, Miami (Fl), Oklahoma, Tennessee, USC

The #1 ranked center is Kristofer O'Dowd of Tucson, AZ
His final choices are: Arizona, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Miami (Fl), Ohio State

The #1 ranked defensive tackle ion the nation is Marvin Austin of Washington, DC
He has narrowed it down to: Florida State, Illinois, Maryland, Tennessee, USC, Miami (Fl), Virginia

The #1 ranked strong side linebacker in the nation is Chris Donald of Huntingdon, TN
His final choices are: Notre Dame, Tennessee, Clemson, Florida State, Miami (Fl), Mississippi

The #1 ranked cornerback in the nation is: Eric Berry of Fairburn, GA
He has narrowed his choices to: Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee, USC, Florida, Miami (Fl)

The #2 ranked cornerback in the nation is: Ronald Johnson of Muskegon, MI
His short list includes: Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, UCLA, USC

The #4 ranked wide receiver in the nation is: Ahmad Paige of Sterlington, LA
His final choices are: Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, USC

The #4 ranked defensive tackle in the nation is: Lee Ziemba of Rogers, AR
He likes: Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee

Mailbag

Coach Scooter,

Lifetime VOLS fan, first time writer here. While I am a diehard fan, I know when talent is being under-utilized, under-developed, under-conditioned or just plain-old over sold. By that I mean the following; Instead of looking at the recruiting 4 and 5 star prospects, and arbitrarily sending out love letters....wht not actually send out REAL scouts and watch some football at triple, quad and 5-A schools? Tennessee's RB's are either (a) mediocre at best or (b) not getting the blocks/holes they need. In my opinion neither Foster or Coker have the potential to make it to the NFL, or at least they haven't shown it. Would you pick them in a draft? We haven't established the run in a single game this season, this has to be fixed. I'm tired of dodging bullets and winning by luck. With a couple of bad breaks we could (very easily) have lost to lowly Air-Force, Alabama, South Carolina, and Kentucky for heavens sake! We were an injury or two away from being 5-7 this year. I guess the argument could be made that we were an injury or two away from being 11-1, but I call'em like I see them. We have to become a triple-threat team to compete in the SEC, the competetion is just too GOOD. Even UK, VANDY, AND SC are on the upswing, we either evolve or remain 3rd in the SEC east perpetually. I can't stomach the Gators winning the east. GO VOLS!!! ( A true fan doesn't always tell you what you want to hear).

Mark

Thanks for the email, Mark. You must have read my last column where I asked for more mail because I was getting tired of all the crap from Africa in my in box. Great post, and I loved the passion you put into it. I both agree and disagree with parts of your message and I will tell you why.

I really like what I am seeing out of LaMarcus Coker and think he is the next superstar of the SEC. Foster is a good back, but Coker has breakaway speed and a toughness that I love seeing out of the running back position. Keep him healthy for a season, as well as Ainge and the WR's, and they will flat tear up defenses next fall.

I agree that we have to become a triple threat team to compete in the SEC. Look at out own division where every team has the weapons to beat you on any given Saturday, and let's not even talk about the West where Arkansas, Auburn and LSU are loaded, and Ole Miss is having a great recruiting season so far. While the offense is important, I am old school, so I think it all starts with defense. If you have a top notch defense, it can take you a long way. Do the names Little, Wilson, Henderson and Grant bring back beautiful memories?

As far as recruiting goes, I know Coach Fulmer and his staff are off to a good start due to the fact they are recruiting a lot of different players from all over. I know they go to games all over the country to see about filling all of their needs so let's wait until February because I have a hunch we are going to be all right, especially if we have a winning end to the season in the bowl game.

I also agree that I hate losing out to the Gators and their crybaby coach Urban Meyer. I think they rode a wave of good luck this year, but we'll see next season because they are probably the worse 11-1 team out there. The offense is sputtering, the defense has lost some key people and their kicking game is horrible.

I appreciate you writing your mind and would enjoy hearing more form you when you have time. You are right, a true fan doesn't always tell you what you want to hear, and I like that! Keep those emails coming, Mark!

Well that’s it for another week in Big Orange Country. See you on Friday with more recruiting information, and more news about where the Vols are heading for the post season. Go Vols!!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.22

2006-11-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Thanksgiving edition of Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary. We all have a lot to be thankful for as we wind down the season, and look forward to post season play. Much better than last year at this time, right?

Let’s take a look at the Thursday night game, as well as the pivotal games on Saturday.

#18 Boston College 14 - Miami 17

In a surprise finish in the Orange Bowl, unranked Miami became bowl eligible while knocking Boston College out of the Atlantic Division race in a 17-14 upset that ended their four game losing streak. Kirby Freeman threw for 181 yards and a touchdown, Javarris James' 2-yard run in the third quarter put Miami ahead to stay. The win was not enough to save Larry Coker's job. He was dismissed as the Miami coach on Friday morning.

Friday games

#9 LSU at #5 Arkansas - 2:30 CBS - Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

This is a huge game that means a lot to several schools. You know Michigan is pulling for the Tigers, but Florida is rooting for the Hogs because it will help their BCS standing by playing a 10-1 Arkansas team on December 2nd. For us Vol fans, all we can pull for is both teams will use ineligible players so they would have to forfeit their victories to us, and then we can make plans for an at large bid to a BCS bowl. Muuuhahahahahhahaa

Saturday games

#16 Georgia Tech at Georgia - 3:30 CBS - Craig Bolerjack/Steve Beuerlein

Coach Scooter and Sweetie will be attending this game on Saturday afternoon, and just in case any of those mean UGA fans start spewing obscenities at us, I will pull out my Tennessee hat and say, “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you because Tennessee just scored again.” All joking aside, this one shapes up to be a classic matchup between the hedges. A UGA win could put them in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, as well as really give Tech fans a sour taste no matter what they do next week in the ACC Championship game. A Tech win will let their seniors go out on a high note with their first victory ever against Georgia. By the way, doesn’t Craig Bolerjack’s last name sound like a cheese gift you’d buy someone from Hickory Farms? Just a thought…

#6 Notre Dame at #3 USC - 8:00 ABC - Brent Musburger/Bob Davie/Kirk Herbstreit

Another must see for the Wolverines, Gators and Hogs. As strange as it sounds, Michigan is really rooting hard for “The Whopper” Charlie Weis to pull one out in Los Angeles, which proves the theory that politics, as well as college football, make for strange bedfellows. An Irish win would knock out SC, and move the Irish closer to a possible BCS title game birth. If it comes down to choosing between Michigan and Notre Dame, given the fact Michigan beat ND in South Bend by 26, it will be trouble for the BCS. If that’s the case, let’s all root for the Irish.

Boise State at Nevada - 4:15 ESPN2 - Ron Franklin/Ed Cunningham

Looks like The King is on someone’s bad side again…

#4 Florida at Florida State - Noon ABC - Gary Thorne/Andre Ware

Crybaby Meyer was at it again this week, telling everyone within the Earth’s distance to the sun how his Gators are going to be kept out of the championship game, and it’s unfair, yadda yadda yadda. Look, Oscar (His nickname because he is the biggest wiener in college football) take care of business with your team first. A rivalry game in Tallahassee is never easy, and then you will have Arkansas next. Win those two and then start your lobbying. Until then, where can I send you some extra crying towels? Oh no, I just went and did it again. It’s time for:

Coach Scooter’s Red Ass Minute

It became official this week. I loathe Urban “Oscar” Meyer. Why you ask? Because he is the biggest crybaby in college sports. All this crap about “The Gators should get a chance to play for the title,” and “If we don’t there has to be a playoff right now.” While I agree with his last sentence, don't you think the Noles and Hogs took note of that and are going to use it against the Gators? Look, Oscar, shut your fat mouth and play football. Then again, after watching your Reptiles stink it up since mid-season, you should have lost every game after LSU except Western Carolina. I am sure that victory did wonders for your BCS rating, so why don’t you cry to the BCS executives about it since you’ve cried to everyone else? If you wouldn’t have had your cans kicked at Auburn, big mouth, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion, and there would be no Coach Scooter’s Red Ass Minute this week. While my readers would be disappointed, they would also be happy I am not wasting their time by writing about a flash in the pan, overhyped, overrated, and most of all, whining coach who pouts every time he doesn’t get his way. Grow up, Oscar, and get with the program because all of our ears are hurting listening to your bull. We are also running out of crying towels too.

Kentucky at #19 Tennessee - 12:30 Lincoln Financial Dave Neal/Dave Rowe

After that Red Ass Minute, I am too exhausted to write too much more. Vols win, go to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Whew, I am beat. Where is Daddy’s Apple Juice?

Tennessee News

“Last Tackle” Highlights Vols’ Thanksgiving Day Practice

Tennessee’s Phillip Fulmer said the first of what will be several goodbyes to the 2006 senior class, thanking them for contributions to the UT football program with the honorary “Last Tackle” Thursday at Haslam Field.

The Vols head coach gathered his seniors at one end of a double line of teammates and offers a few kind words about each individual. The players then took turns plowing into a tackling dummy one last time, to the cheers and salutes of their teammates.

“It’s tough to say goodbye to your seniors every year, but this has been a special group,” Fulmer said. “You could see a couple of them really didn’t want to participate. Turk (McBride) said, “It’s hard to believe this is my last year here.”

Tennessee, 8-3 overall and 4-3 SEC, enters Saturday’s contest sporting the league’s top two kickers. Senior placekicker James Wilhoit leads the SEC in scoring (7.9) and field-goal percentage (.842), while sophomore Britton Colquitt leads the conference with a 45.1-yard average.

“We know the kicking game is extremely important in this ballgame,” Fulmer said. “And the thing Kentucky has done extremely well is take the ball away from their opponents, giving them the short field and more possessions.”

The Wildcats, 7-4 and 4-3 SEC, are plus-12 in turnover margin, good enough for best in the SEC and seventh nationally.

(Thanks John Painter - UT SID Office)

All right, Vol fans, it is time to watch our team on Saturday and pull hard for the Vols to finish the year on a good note. As soon as Coach Scooter finds out about the bowel we are going to, you’ll know too. Until Tuesday, rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Send your questions and comments to volsdiary@yahoo.com. Go Vols!!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.21

2006-11-22T05:59:00.000-06:00

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."

(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!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol. 20

2006-11-16T22:50:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary for another action packed week! Thursday night begins rivalry week in college football as we see the season begin to wind down. Let’s get to the action in Pittsburgh as the Big East was on display.

Thursday Night

#8 W. Virginia 45
Pitt 27

After a first half scare, the #8 ranked Mountaineers blew away the upset hopes of the Panthers in an 18 point victory. Steve Slaton and Pat White were again the stars, and if WVA were still undefeated, Slaton might be in line for Heisman consideration. Once again he lit it up with four TD’s, 215 yards rushing and 130 yards receiving. Pat White ran for two TD's, gained 220 yards rushing and 204 yards passing. Hey Rich, (head coach Rich Rodriquez) can the Vols have those two during one of your off weeks? The highlight for Pitt could end up being the play of the year. Darrelle Revis took a Pat McAfee punt and picked it up on the bounce as he retreated. It looked as if he were going to be tackled for a huge loss, but he made it to the corner, aided by a devastating block by Derek Kinder, which took out two Mountaineers. He tightroped down the sidelines and after breaking one more tackle, he spun away from a hit inside the five yard line and trotted in. If you haven’t seen this play, watch ESPN all this weekend because it will be on their top ten plays of the week for sure.

Ainge will start on Saturday vs. Vanderbilt

Injuries have played a part in Tennessee’s fortunes of late, forcing quarterback Erik Ainge and tailback LaMarcus Coker to the bench. But Coker returned last week in a limited role and Head Coach Phillip Fulmer announced Thursday that Ainge would get the start behind center. Fulmer hopes to see Ainge play significant minutes for the first time since the Vols 31-24 win at South Carolina on Oct. 28.

"He’s right at 100 percent,” Fulmer said of Ainge. “We’ll be a little bit careful with him. We’ll try to be smart. I don’t anticipate a problem. I would have liked to had him the last couple of weeks but he couldn’t go. He knows the football team needs him and I hope we throw it and catch it like we were before he was injured.”

"Vanderbilt is a tough challenge,” Fulmer said. “They are a good offensive team, starting with the quarterback who is doing an outstanding job. They can run the ball well when they spread out, and their receivers are very talented."

"Their defense gives you lots of looks. They really make you work at finding the pressure, and they're a big pressure team. It's nothing that we haven't seen probably most of the year, just more of it as we prepare for them.”

"Week in and week out in the Southeastern Conference, you better be ready to play,” Fulmer said. “This year, I have seen more balance to the point where injuries and other factors have made a difference.”

This week’s games

Michigan at Ohio State
3:30 – ABC – Brent Musburger/Bob Davie/Kirk Herbstreit

The matchup ABC has been waiting for since the final gun sounded from last year’s Rose Bowl has finally come as #2 Michigan travels to Columbus to play #1 Ohio State. In all the years of this bitter rivalry, this is the first time these teams have come in as the top two ranked teams in the country, and the first time they both have come in undefeated and untied since 1973. (In 1975 both teams were unbeaten, but Michigan had two ties). This game has all the makings of a classic, but I wish it were Bo and Woody on the sidelines because that would have made this extra special.

Auburn at Alabama
3:30 - CBS – Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

As The Big Lebowski said, “This is a very complicated case. Lots of ins, lots of outs…” Can Auburn rebound after being bounced out of the BCS and SEC race? Auburn has only had three road games this year against fair to mediocre SEC teams, so how will they handle playing in Tuscaloosa against a seriously pissed off opponent? Will Bama do the unthinkable and lose for a fifth straight time to their arch rivals? And what might happen to Mike Shula if that happens? One person who I know doesn’t give a crap is Gary Danielson, since this game doesn’t have anything to do with his beloved Florida Gators. This tick turd should have his own Vonage commercial because CBS has not made a smart decision among many, many stupid ones in hiring him. I would be first in line to be the one who throws the Vonage box at that Gomer Pyle face of his.

Rutgers at Cincinnati
7:45 – ESPN – Mike Patrick/Todd Blackledge

What were the chances of this being the ESPN headline game when the schedule was looked at in August? This game had about as much of a chance as being the headline game as:

Aunt Molly getting through one UT game without using profanity
Gary Danielson not making a horse’s patoot out of himself every Saturday
The Big East producing a national champion
Paul McGuire being the spokesman for Vic Tanny health clubs

California at USC
8:00 – ABC – Brad Nessler/Bob Griese/Paul McGuire

Speaking of McGuire, I heard his friends wanted to throw him a birthday party, but the fire marshal wouldn’t allow them to put the right number of candles on his birthday cake… (Insert rimshot here) This game will determine if USC can keep their hopes of playing in the BCS championship game alive, while a Cal victory will keep their hopes of going to the Rose Bowl a strong possibility.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt
12:30 – Lincoln Financial – Dave Neal/Dave Rowe

The Vols still have a shot at a New Years Day bowl if they can sweep their long time traditional rivals, beginning with Vandy on Saturday. Erik Ainge is back, and that means the Vol passing game should be explosive, plus UT has extra motivation to avenge the loss to the Commodores last year. Even more explosive is the Big Orange Army, who will be at the game so look for the Big Orange Tank outside Dudley Field. Who knows, if Ainge and Crompton can’t blow holes in the ‘Doores defense, maybe General Jamison can wheel in the tank and give it a shot? (No pun intended…well, maybe a little one) If you would like to join the Big Orange Army, go to www.bigorangearmy.com and enlist today!

For more college football news, please check out my column on The Southern Ledger. The Southern Ledger is your source for news and cluture in the southeast! www.southernledger.com

All right, Vol fans, that’s your preview for the weekend. Keep those emails coming to volsdiary@yahoo.com with your questions and comments. Rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Until Tuesday, Vol fans, Go Big Orange!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.19

2006-11-14T19:52:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another tearful edition of Coach Scoter's College Football Diary. As some of you might have heard, Tennessee dropped its second straight game on Saturday to slip to 7-3. The villain this time was Arkansas, and they whipped us in every facet of the game because they were the better team from top to bottom. The last time I saw such a one sided beating was the day Philo Beddoe from Every Which Way but Loose kicked the crap out of the Black Widows Biker Gang. As much as I would like to skip this week’s column, I am contractually obligated to report the facts, so here we go. I think next time I will hire Aunt Molly’s attorney, Sam “Small Print” Lieman to do my contract negotiation.

#13 Tennessee 14 - #11 Arkansas 31

What can you say? The Hogs vaunted running attack, led by the lighting fast Darren McFadden ran at will against the Vols defense, who were either blown off the ball, or missed tackles when they were close enough to make a stop. The super soph ran 30 times for 181 yards and threw a touchdown pass. The Vols didn’t play defense but they made up for it by not moving the football. (All right, you can laugh since that was a joke…) Jonathan Crompton was 16-34 for 174 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t nearly enough. (Thanks Beth Hall for the photo)

Tennessee plays Vanderbilt for the 100th time

Tennessee travels to Nashville to play Vanderbilt at 12:30pm. The game is being televised by Lincoln Financial Sports and kicks off at 12:30 p.m. This marks the Vols first appearance on LFS, which took over this season as the SEC’s regional network from Jefferson-Pilot Sports. Tennessee leads the series against Vanderbilt 67-27-5, but the Commodores snapped a 22-game losing streak last year with a 28-24 victory in Knoxville. The Vols have won their last 11 visits to Vanderbilt Stadium, dating to a 28-21 loss in 1982.This year’s game marks the 100th official contest between the two state rivals. Tennessee has only lost to Vanderbilt five times since a setback in1954.

5 questions for Coach Fulmer

1. Give us an update on your quarterback situation, with Erik Ainge trying to return to action and share duties with Jonathan Crompton.

A - "Erik didn't play Saturday, so we are hoping the extra rest and treatments he is receiving will have him close to 100 percent for Vanderbilt. If not, Jonathan Crompton has done a nice job for us and will be the guy."

2. How will the improved depth at tailback -- where Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker play -- help Saturday?

A - "It should affect us in a positive way. LaMarcus returned earlier than expected from his injury and did a nice job in the Arkansas game. His dynamics and speed and ability to make a guy miss are a plus for us. We look for good things from all three players."

3. Comment on the overall balance of the Southeastern Conference, widely recognized this year as best in the nation top to bottom.

A - "Week in and week out in the Southeastern Conference, you better be ready to play. This year, I have seen more balance to the point where injuries and other factors have made a difference. We're trying to return some banged-up players and I hope we get back on track."

4. Describe the challenge the Vols defense faces Saturday when Tennessee travels to Vanderbilt.
A - "Vanderbilt is a good offensive team, starting with the quarterback who is doing an outstanding job. They can run the ball well when they spread out, and their receivers are very talented. Vanderbilt is a tough challenge."

5. What will it take for the Vols to post a win over the Commodores Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium?

A - "We need to start playing our brand of football again on both sides. We need to be aggressive and efficient. It's crucial that we not give up the rushing yardage we have done the last couple of games."

Future Vol opponents

Here is an interesting list of upcoming non-conference opponets. UT is not shy about taking on all comers in the next few years…

Tennessee will host North Carolina State Aug. 30, 2007, and travel to UCLA Sept. 6, 2008. Beginning in 2010, the Vols host Oregon, play a home and home with North Carolina (Chapel Hill in2011 and Knoxville in 2012), then travel to Oregon in 2013. In 2014, Tennessee goes to Oklahoma, then hosts the Sooners the next year. Keeping it in the Big 12, UT plays at Nebraska in 2016 then welcomes the Huskers to Knoxville in 2017.

That is going to be a tough schedule that will surely test the Vols and will add to an already talented SEC schedule that is tough enough without adding anymore headaches. As Bishop Pickering said in Caddyshack, “Ah, rat farts!!”

Weekly Observations

The Gary Danielson mis-quote of the week

Was it just me, or did Genius Danielson take a few extra stupid pills before walking into the booth on Saturday? These days, I have to set my TiVo recorder to “Moron Quality,” or it won’t record the CBS 3:30 game. He had so many dumb comments, I needed a calculator to count them all. The best, or worse as the case may be, was this gem: When Verne Lundquist was reading the AFLAC Trivia Question, he was a little animated, which is fine since Verne has almost achieved King status like Ron Franklin, so he is allowed to do whatever he wants. Danielson, in a moment of sheer buffoonery, quipped, “Keep it up Verne, you’ll probably get a free AFLAC for doing that.” Does Gilligan even know what AFLAC is? That comment was so stupid, mind readers are charging him ½ price…

I hope the pilots aren’t this clueless

Coach B was doing a little recon for the CFD this week and reported that Air Tran Airlines better start reading their in-flight magazine a little closer. In one of the columns, they listed the top mascots in the SEC. UGA was #1, Mike the Tiger was #2, and Smokey was #3. No problem, because that is some pretty tough competition, but the writer described Smokey as a beloved BEAGLE! If I were in charge of Smokey, I would be calling Air Tran airlines and say, “Before we get off the phone Mr. Editor, I am going to have someone’s ass in my briefcase.”

Last Saturday’s Games

Georgia 37 - #5 Auburn 15

In a surprise that shocked the SEC, Auburn was manhandled by Georgia which knocked the Tigers out of a possible trip to the BCS, as well as a chance to win the West Division. I know UT has a heated rivalry with the Dawgs, but it was nice for a change to see Tommy Tuberville on the sidelines watching his team get mauled. I looked at my TV and said, “Tommy does this mean you won’t be talking about the BCS anymore?”

South Carolina 16 - #6 Florida 17

Once again, Urban Meyer’s reptiles get let off the hook as Ryan Succop’s 47 yard field goal on the last play of the game was blocked. The Gators are 9-1 now, but could easily be 4-6. Really, Coach Scooter? Tell us how! The Gators trailed by ten in the second half against UT and won by a point. If LSU hadn’t been giving away gifts like a department store Santa Claus, the Tigers would have come into the Swamp and spanked the Gators. You saw what happened against Auburn. UGA does its best LSU imitation in the first half, then almost sends the game into OT before losing by a touchdown. Vandy fell by six, but you kinda figured that would happen since they are the tease of the league. Then South Carolina has two kicks blocked that were the difference in the game. Sooner or later, Meyer is going to play the crying game, just like he did when Florida fell to LSU in Baton Rouge last year, and Florida will have to settle for the Outback Bowl. If that happens, I'll get John Bender from The Breakfast Club to tell Meyer, “B-O-O-H-O-O..”

#18 Wake Forest 30 – Florida State 0

In Tallahassee, Ralphie finally beat up Scot Farkus as Wake Forest became the first team ever to shut out Bobby Bowden at home in a 30-0 drubbing over the Seminoles. I wonder if Wake QB Riley Skinner’s mother had to come out of the stands and pull him off the flattened Seminoles defense, just like Ralphie’s mother in A Christmas Story. The loss prompted the resignation of Jeff Bowden, effective at the end of the season which was a career too late in my opinion. Too bad Daddy Bowden can’t take a hint and leave as well. Hmm, I feel it coming. Yep, it’s time for:

Coach Scooter’s Red Ass Minute

Sorry for the interruption, but I have an issue with this whole Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno coaching thing. These two guys give us the same crap every year, “Well, I feel I can still coach and want to keep coaching as long as I feel up to it.” Look, you AARP poster boys, you both have had a distinguished career that will leave you at the top of the coaching victories list. You both are legends; icons of the sport and have served your universities well, but you are tainting your legacy by thinking you can still coach. I get really sick of hearing, “Well, they both have deserved to leave on their own terms.” That’s a load of crock. Bowden and Paterno are nothing but selfish, egotistical old farts who are doing nothing but putting their own self-glorification ahead of those kids on the team, as well as the universities that employ them. Do me a favor, you bus boys from the Last Supper, do the right thing and resign now so you can save a shred of decency to your players, your school and the game that has given you a wonderful career.

UT is going bowling

The Vols will be back on the bowl scene after missing out on the prize last year. Here are a few of the projections being talked about on the internet. Remember, these pairings are subject to change with every game played.

Ivan Maisel of ESPN.com
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. Tennessee

Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com
Outback Bowl
Penn State vs. Tennessee

Fox Sports.com
Music City Bowl
Maryland vs. Tennessee

Stewart Mandel of SI.com
Outback Bowl
Penn State vs. Tennessee

USA Today.com
Outback Bowl
Penn State vs. Tennessee

College Football News.com - Cotton Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Tennessee

Don’t forget to drop by my SEC football column on The Southern Ledger for more information on this week’s game. Go to http://www.southernledger.com/ for your news and culture in the Southeast.

Well, Vol fans, that is it for another week. Don’t miss my column on Friday when I will preview the weekend games, as well as give you updates on the Vol recruiting outlook, so you won’t want to miss it. Until then, keep rubbing those orange and white rosaries, repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Questions and comments; please shoot me an email at volsdiary@yahoo.com. Until Friday, Go Vols!!

P.S. – I know I have written every week about repeating your game maxims, so just in case you aren’t sure what they are, I copied them for you all below. Enjoy!

General Robert Neyland's 7 Maxims of Football

1. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win.
2. Play for and make the breaks and when one comes your way - SCORE.
3. If at first the game - or the breaks - go against you, don't let up... put on more steam.
4. Protect our kickers, our QB, our lead and our ball game.
5. Ball, oskie, cover, block, cut and slice, pursue and gang tackle for this is the WINNING EDGE.
6. Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.
7. Carry the fight to our opponent and keep it there for 60 minutes.

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.18

2006-11-10T09:56:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary weekend preview! I am glad there is a game on Saturday so I can start watching ESPN and reading the paper again. A week of having to watch QVC and Telemundo was just too much to take, so I am glad I can start watching sports again. This week we can forget the pain of last Saturday because the mighty Arkansas Razorbacks are next. A win would put us back in the top ten in all likelihood, and with the Louisville loss, we could sneak back into the big bowl picture. Let’s look at Thursday’s game, as well as the week ahead!

#3 Louisville 25
#15 Rutgers 28

Rutgers was one of the first teams to start playing college football in 1869. They played Princeton in the first game, which was also Paul McGuire’s first game in the announcing booth. Before last night, Rutgers had never played a ranked team while they were ranked too, so they made sure to make this one a memorable occasion as the Scarlet Knights came from a 22-7 first half deficit to stun the Cardinals 28-25. The win keeps Rutgers unbeaten, and ended the BCS hops of Louisville.

Coach Scooter’s Red Ass Minute

I have to take a minute to vent. I got a little sick of all the “Luah-vull” fans calling the sports talk shows here telling everyone they were getting no love, and they had tried to schedule SEC teams but no one would play them, yadda yadda yadda. Well, Cardinals fans, as Aunt Molly always says, “You let your alligator mouth overload your jaybird ass.” I will write this as close to the point as I can, and if there are children reading this, please cover their eyes for a few seconds. Louisville is just a flash in the pan, nothing happening team that plays a weak schedule yet expects the college football world to kiss their fannys because they were unbeaten. Who has Louisville every beat, huh? And as far as the Louisville fans go, instead of flapping your gums on all the sports talk radio stations blowing nothing but hot air into your rotary dial phones, just go back to that high school football stadium of yours and eat Poppa Johns pizza while you try to figure out what bowl you will be going to. I hear the Bulgaria Sugar Beets Bowl is looking for a team…

Sorry about that, fans, I just had to vent for a second. Now let’s get on with the real college football news of the weekend!

Weekend Games

#19 Georgia Tech (7-2) at North Carolina (1-8)
12:00/LF/Bill Rosinski/Dave Archer

The Jackets are one win away from a trip to Jacksonville to play for the ACC Championship. The Heels are one game closer to having Butch Davis on their sideline. I spoke with Georgia Tech SID Allison George last week, and she assured me the Heels would not have either Butch Davis or Roy Williams on the sidelines, and that was a huge sigh of relief. Roy has blasted the Jackets on more than one occasion and the sight of his presens sends Buzz back to the Beehive quicker than a Louisville loss. (Couldn't resist that line) No Roy means no sweat; Jackets clinch on Saturday. Is Chan pointing the way to Jacksonville?

South Carolina (5-4) at #6 Florida (8-1)
3:30/CBS/Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

I wonder how much money Genius Danielson pays to whoever makes the game of the week decisions at CBS. “Oh, you don’t have to pay me any money, just put it in the contract CBS will do every game except for one or two in Gainesville this year.” How many times has that boil on the butt of humanity been in Gainesville this year to call the action of his beloved Gators? If I were Verne, I would call Pam Ward to see if she could hook him up at ESPN next year.

Alabama (6-4) at #12 LSU (7-2)
7:45/ESPN/Mike Patrick/Todd Blackledge

LSU? ARRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I just had a JaMarcus Russell flashback... I noticed the Bama fans wore bags on their heads last Saturday because the Unknown Comic was being honored at halftime...

#13 Tennessee (7-2) at #11 Arkansas (8-1)
7:00/ESPN2/Ron Franklin/Ed Cunningham

Talk about feeling like whale crap at the bottom of the ocean one day, then seeing “The King”, Ron Franklin doing a Tennessee game just makes you want to stand up and scream, YES!!!! I can’t wait to hear, “The line to make is…” and “He’s got five, he’s got ten.” For our sake’s though, I sure hope he doesn’t have to say that when Darren McFadden’s running the ball…

ESPN GAMEDAY HEADING TO FAYETTEVILLE THIS WEEKEND

For the first time in Arkansas history, ESPN College GameDay Built by the Home Depot will originate from the Fayetteville campus prior to the UT-Arkansas game.Tennessee has appeared in 16 games when the crew from GameDay was on site. The Vols record in those contests is 7-9, including a 5-4 mark away from Rocky Top. UT defeated South Carolina 31-24 on Oct. 28 in front of the GameDay cameras in Columbia, S.C.

VOLS NAME CROMPTON STARTING QB; SMITH AMONG FIVE GAME CAPTAINS

Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton gets his first collegiate starting assignment Saturday when Tennessee visits Arkansas in a Southeastern Conference matchup.

“Jonathan’s gotten most of the work with the ones this week and has continued to make progress,” Fulmer said. “He’s a young guy and he’s certainly going to compete, as we saw in the ballgame last week.”It’s important that he doesn’t go out there and make mistakes; those are the things that will get you beat. In the last ballgame, we had no offensive penalties and just the one turnover off the tipped pass. We had four takeaways and that gave us a chance to win the game. It’s going to be a very similar game this week.”

Asked about the effect on his young signal-caller of Saturday’s atmosphere, which includes an 8-1 Arkansas team undefeated in conference play and the hype surrounding the first-ever Fayetteville appearance of ESPN’s College GameDay, Fulmer seemed to shrug.
“I think he’s been a pretty cool customer about the whole thing,” said Fulmer, whose Vols enter at 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC. “I was amazed at his confidence in the last ballgame, although this will be a bigger test for him in a hostile environment. It’s going to be a great experience.”

(Thanks - Rocky Top News)

Saturday’s game captains, announced Thursday by the head coach, are defensive tackle Turk McBride, linebacker Marvin Mitchell, offensive tackle Arron Sears, placekicker James Wilhoit and wide receiver Bret Smith.

Final Thoughts with Coach Scooter

I was listening to all the procrastinators, er, prognosticators this week, and all of them said the Vols would be pummeled by the Hogs. It reminded me of the line in A Few Good Men when Colonel Jessup was talking about surrendering their position in Cuba. Here is the way Coach Scooter and Coach B recited those lines earlier this week:

Coach Scoot: Let’s see here, Coach B. We have to play Arkansas and they are predicted to blow us out. Hmm, why don’t we call the NCAA and see if they will let us bring back Peyton Manning and Al Wilson for the game. Yes, I'm sure that's the thing to do. Wait, I have a better idea. Why don't we just forget going to Fayetteville? As a matter of fact, why don't we just cancel the rest of the season? Coach Cutcliffe, Coach Chavis, go on out there and tell those boys to come down off the plane. We’re staying in Knoxville for the rest of the year. Coach B?

Coach B: Yes, Coach Scoot?

Coach Scoot: Get me Coach Fulmer on the phone. Tell him we are surrendering our position in the SEC!

Coach B: Yes, Sir.

Coach Scoot: Wait a minute; don't call Coach Fulmer just yet. Perhaps we should consider this for a moment. Dismissed, Coach. You know, maybe we have an obligation to the young Vol fans out there. Maybe as writers for www.utvols.com we have a responsibility to our team to see to it that the men assigned to protect it are properly trained and are ready for action on Saturday…yes, I'm certain I've read that somewhere. And while the media’s suggestion of us being beaten senseless, while expeditious and certainly painless, might not be, in a matter of speaking, the Big Orange way. We are going to Fayetteville. We're gonna kick some Razorback ass!

For more college football news, don't miss my column on The Southern Ledger at: www.southernledger.com. The Southern Ledger is your source for news and culture in the southeast!

With that written, it’s time to get behind our brave boys in orange. It’s time to believe in what the coaches and players are trying to do. It’s time we throw all the naysayers off the Big Orange Bus and assert ourselves back into the top ten. Pull out those orange and white rosaries, repeat the game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Send your questions and comments to volsdairy@yahoo.com. See you on Tuesday, Big Orange Nation! Go Vols!!

Around the SEC Okay, class. Here’s a tough one f...

2006-11-10T09:50:00.000-06:00

Around the SEC

Okay, class. Here’s a tough one for you: where was the first intercollegiate football game played, who were the participants, and what was the outcome? Here’s a hint: one of those teams took down one of the last unbeatens last night in Piscataway, New Jersey. That’s right, the Scarlet Knights defeated the Louisville Cardinals last night in dramatic fashion to have a say in the national title race and are relevant again in a national context.

That’s great, you say. But this is an SEC site—why should we care? Here’s why: he Scarlet Knight’s huge accomplishment last night of taking down the visiting Louisville Cardinals has huge implications for the national title aspirations for Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas. All one loss teams, each one of them has to win a big game this weekend to begin to make an argument for the number two BCS spot.

Florida has an emotional test when their old favorite son brings a fired-up Gamecocks squad to town. The Ol’ Ballcoach surprised the Gators last year, and Urban Meyer’s team needs to blow the doors off this hungry South Carolina group. There will be some surprises in this game; this much we’re sure of, as dynamic player Syvelle Newton is projected to play—but not at quarterback as some might expect. This week, he’s in a safety spot, which makes the fifth position he’s played as a Gamecock. This is the same Syvelle Newton that made a contest out of both the Tennessee and Arkansas games for Spurrier’s up and coming team. The thinking is that Blake Mitchell, the quarterback that Spurrier started the season with, gives the ‘Cocks a better chance to have success throwing the ball against a suspect Florida secondary. Syvelle Newton therefore becomes kind of a wild card, which Spurrier can play in various ways to crack open a game that Florida needs to win in a big way.

Auburn, likewise, goes down between the hedges in Athens to take on a Georgia squad that desperately needs to show they can beat a good team. After losing to Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Florida, Kentucky (gasp!), and barely getting by a bad Mississippi State team, the Dawgs are nearly as devastated now as Tennessee was last year. Auburn will be looking to make up some style points to get their hat thrown back into the ring for the chance to play for it all. However, if the Bulldogs have a strength it is against the run—which happens to be Auburn’s strength offensively. Auburn will have to find a way to win this one through the air Saturday. The War Eagle needs to stretch its wings Saturday to prove to voters that this Auburn team deserves Auburn has the defense to make freshman quarterback Matthew Stafford a non-factor, and corral the Dawgs’ big tailback Kregg Lumpkin. It remains to be seen if they can put some huge points against a good run defense.

Finally, Arkansas plays host to a decimated Tennessee squad Saturday in Fayetteville. This Arkansas team just might be the best in the SEC. They are the only team to beat Auburn so far this year, and their only loss is an out of conference blowout to USC. With their absolutely mammoth offensive front, and two stellar running backs in Darrenn McFadden and Felix Jones, this group of Hogs will cause huge problems for Tennessee. The Vols’ young defensive line has been very average against the run this year, and with the loss of their best run stopper Marvin Mitchell at middle linebacker, are primed to give up a lot of big plays to the Razorbacks.

On the other side of the ball, redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton gets his first start as Tennessee quarterback Saturday, relieving junior sensation Erik Ainge who is out with two sprained ankles. Robert Meachem, the nation’s third best receiver, as well as standouts Jayson Swain and Bret Smith could be beneficiaries of a well-executed passing game, on an Arkansas secondary that has shown it can be thrown on. The only other really strong passing attack they have faced so far this year, USC, did well through the air. Turnovers will play a huge role in this game. Tennessee has done a nice job of creating turnovers so far this season, but most of those have come as interceptions in the secondary. Those opportunities will be limited Saturday, as Arkansas no doubt will be content to leave the ball in the hands of their capable running backs. The Hogs have only fumbled the ball 10 times this year, and have lost it only 5 times. The deciding factor in this game will be time of possession: can the Vol defense get off the field to rest against a dominant Arkansas running attack? Can the explosive offense get on the field and sustain some drives to keep the Hogs on the sideline long enough to put some points on the board?

Predictions

Florida 33
South Carolina 37

Auburn 20
Georgia 3

Tennessee 31
Arkansas 38

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.17

2006-11-07T18:30:00.000-06:00

Well, heartbreak has engulfed Big Orange Nation, and I know Coach Scooter is still not back to being my usual self, so I apologize for taking an extra day before being able to report about last week's game. Sunday night, my wonderful mother in law drove like a bat out of hell, sirens blaring, over to our house when she heard I got home, since she knew I was feeling lower than Mississippi State in the SEC standings. Despite her best efforts of a delicious chicken parmesan dinner and a hot fudge ice cream Sunday for dessert, I could not be cheered up and ended up crying myself to sleep. Sweetie just watched her Lifetime movies, drank the leftover beer from the tailgate and said, "Did you guys eat all the Funyuns?"

Last weekend was one of the best game day experiences I have ever been to in Knoxville. Well, up to the last nine seconds of the game. As you will see later, it was both the Tennessee and LSU people that made the day special, and as much as it hurts me to relive that moment in time, I have a responsibility to the readers of this website to report what happened. Pull up a box of Kleenex, Vol fans, here we go...

LSU 28 - Tennessee 24

The Vols found a new way to break our hearts on Saturday as JaMarcus Russell's four yard touchdown pass to Early Doucett with nine seconds left gave the Tigers a 28-24 come from behind win. You would have thought the Vols didn't have had a chance in hell of staying on the field without their starting QB, especially against the nations #1 defense. After Erik Ainge tried to give it a go, he gave way to freshman Jonathan Crompton, who went 11-for-24 for 183 yards and two touchdowns and almost pulled the game out. As good as he looked, don't forget about the man who got us this far, all right?

Tennessee News

Vols travel to play Hogs

It was announced on Wednesday the Vols are still not sure if Erik Ainge or Jonathan Crompton will start against Arkansas. However, LaMarcus Coker is expected to return from a knee injury, so that is great news. The game is at 7:00pm on ESPN2.

Coach Fulmer had these comments on the game ahead: "We're going to run the football better than we have. We have to take some pressure off the passing game, although the passing game has certainly been our strength. We have to take some pressure off our young quarterback and help our defense more. At the same time, when people challenge us in passing situations or man-to-man situations, our strength has been getting the ball to our receivers and we will certainly not change that. The emphasis from my standpoint is to be down there and see where we can get out running game better and focus on that."

"This has been an exciting team, a responsive team as I've said a number of times. There's a lot of pride in this group of young men and coaches, and I expect and believe that we will re-center ourselves and focus ourselves on what we need to get done these last three weeks. We will take the challenge that's in front of us and work like heck to get this win and go from there."

Vols announce suspensions

Coach Fulmer announced that Arian Foster will be suspended for the first half of the Arkansas game, David Holbert will be suspended for the entire Arkansas game, and Antonio Wardlow will be suspended for the Arkansas and Vanderbilt games. All three student-athletes also face internal discipline. "This team has been really fun to coach and very responsive to us as coaches. When we have had issues of any type, we have dealt with them firmly and quickly and moved on. Our leadership and our discipline have grown throughout the year, and have been reflected in our efforts on and off the field." "The three young men who were arrested let their teammates, coaches, administration and great fans down. Their behavior is an example we certainly remind them about, when immature male ego mixes with alcohol and stupidity."

Coach Scooter's comment: As much as I respect and appreciate the work of Coach Fulmer and the players, I was surprised by the punishment handed out. I thought he set a zero tolerance policy, and yet we have three players breaking the law while being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and they get a minimal suspension. Does this mean zero tolerance should be upgraded to 1.5 tolerance? I was not privy to all the information that is involved with this case, but from my perspective, I was shocked Coach Fulmer did not lower the boom more than that, and wished he would have practiced what he preached. How long until everyone starts calling him the Donna Shalala of the SEC?

Coach Scooter's Weekend Diary

Friday - 1:35 p.m.

After stopping at the liquor store for a fifth of "Daddy's Apple Juice," Coach B reenacted the scene from Animal House when Otter tosses various items to Flounder, and just like Flounder, I dropped most of them. As we left I heard, "Irv, clean up on aisle seven..." The highlight of the trip was the attractive young lady wearing mukluks. Now, I am all for ladies looking hot, but wearing those in 60 degree weather made me want to ask, "Is there a sled dog convention coming to town?"

3:05 p.m.

Coach B and I were almost through the long trip up to Knoxville and were pretty bored. Among the highlights of our conversation were:

After showing me his satalite radio, Coach B switched from the heavy metal station, where we were being serenaded to Motorhead and Megadeath songs, to a bluegrass station. I became concerned, so I asked him if they would ever play, Red Necks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer, and he said no. It was then I became disinterested.

We listened to ESPN Radio for a while, but became bored since every story was about the Louisville victory over West Virginia. You would have thought nothing else exsisted in the world. Of course, once they took a break from that, they went to updated coverage of the Michigan-Ohio State game, which is not going to be played for three more weeks. I looked at Coach B and said, "Well, I guess we can switch it back to the bluegrass..."

Among the bumper stickers we saw that caught out attention were, "I'm not speeding, I'm qualifying," "I'm not following too close, I'm drafting," and the best one of the day, "GR8NBED." Many pillars of the community driving along I-75 today. I have to mention when the traffic got a little heavy, Coach B reverted to his Smokey and the Bandit days by uttering, "If this gets any worse, we might have to pull off a big Smokey Red Dog 22."

4:16 p.m.

We pulled into a gas station once we got into Tennessee and I noticed a great present for all the Vol fans on your Christmas list: a giant sized Big Orange lighter! Just using that thing would most likely torch your nose when you lit it so please try to be careful...

5:05 p.m.

Another must for the trip was a visit to Hound Dogs to stock up on supplies. Coach B immediately went to the car flags, and after seeing the camo flags, he proclaimed, "Those camo flags are just waiting to be bought!"

5:57 p.m.

We needed to pick up dinner, so where else would two Vol fans stop to get dinner? Buddy's BBQ! It's like pulling into the promised land after 40 years or wandering through the dessert! We pulled in and the aroma of BBQ hanging heavy in the air was heavenly! See that look on my face? I only get that look when I am about to eat dinner, or when Sweetie wears the little UT Cheerleading uniform I bought her last Christmas. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have brought that one up...

Saturday Morning

10:06 a.m.

We got on campus about 10:00 so we could get into the tailgate spot Flame had for us. One thing we noticed that I should mention to all Vol fans is about car flags. Coach B and I were trained from Uncle J.L. to always observe the two flag minimum. Two and over and great, but never fly just one. That looks like ass.

10:24 a.m.

We dropped by the Tap Room, well, actually, we opened the Tap Room since it was just us and the bartender. He smiled wide and said, "Hell yeah, we're open. It's gameday for God sake." We knocked back a couple of Millers, but were disappointed by the fact the Chex Mix was not put on the bar yet, and I could not find the jukebox. I was really wanting to hear Red Necks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer, since I was denied yesterday. The line of the morning so far came during ESPN College Gameday. I looked up at Rece Davis and after thinking about it for a minute, I proclaimed to the rest of the bar, "Doesn't Rece Davis look a lot like Peter Brady?" It got a laugh out of Coach B, and the bartender was so amused he gave us one on the house.

10:56 a.m.

After a successful show at the Tap Room (Successful since we weren't asked to leave this time) we headed up to our old stomping grounds, the Longbranch for our traditional slugging back a PBR tall boy. I write slug since you pretty much have to slug yourself to get it down, but hey, I'm all for tradition. The funny part about this is after I ordered the beers, an LSU fan smiled and extended his hand and said, "You two are the only people under 60 years of age I have ever seen order a PBR." We laughed about it, and afterward, I should have asked if he wanted one. I managed to catch Coach B in an inglorious moment coming out of the swanky Longbranch bathroom (the bathroom attendant must have either been on vacation or in jail). The second picture is Coach B chasing me out of the Longranch to report they just got another case of PBR's and we had to help them drink it all.

11:34 a.m.

I contacted Captain Riptide of the Big Orange Army and he told me to report to either General Jamison or Colonel Black for duty, so Coach B and I walked over after the Longbranch to find General Jaimison so he could enlist us in the Georgia Infrantry Division of the Big Orange Army. We both were honored and excited as the General gave us our official dog tags, then posed for a picture. He even let us wear his silver helmet. We called our wives to tell them the good news, but for some reason they were not enthused. Our thanks to General Jamison for showing us a great time! If you would like to join the Big Orange Army, go to: www.bigorangearmy.com

12:27 p.m.

On the way back to the tailgate we noticed several LSU fans who were posing for pictures with everyone in either orange or purple, so I did a little investigating. I talked to one of them, Tom, A.K.A. Busanut, who told me they pick one game a year to go to and get all dressed up and have a huge party at the game. There must have been 50 guys dressed this way and they were all a blast! I promised to include them in this week's column, as well as all the upstanding young Christian LSU girls who happend to be walking by and wanted to get into the column too. Busanut asked, "Don't you wish you were a Tiger fan after seeing those girls?"

1:45 p.m.

I spoke to a man named Butch at the tailgate, and he told me this was his first Tennessee game. He asked me what he could expect, and I replied, "There is no way to describe what you are about to witness for the next three and a half hours inside Neyland Stadium. We then discussed the finer points of Wrestling or "Rasslin," as he called it. We agreed Jerry "The King" Lawler was cool, and promised to find out what ever happened to the Mongolian Stomper (I was pretty sure he wasn't from Mongolia), "The One Man Gang" Ronnie Garvin, and if the foreheads of Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes have healed yet. The comment of the afternoon was Butch telling us, "Hell, son, those boys get paid millions of dollars to get their faces smashed in. I had my face smashed in for free in all the bars fights I've gotten into..." Thanks, Butch, it was fun hanging out with you on Saturday!

2:12 p.m.

Not to be outdone by the LSU Girls, the attractive and oh so sassy Tennessee girls at the tailgate posed for a picture for Coach Scooter's College Football Diary. The girl on the left is wearing a T-Shirt reading, "Tennessee girls rock." Ya gotta love that! And before you ask, that's not chef Paul Prudhomme in the background. By the way, I tried to get both the LSU and Tennesse girls to pose for one picture together, hoping for a tailgate wide catfight to break out, but alas, it was not to be...

2:27 p.m.

We decided to leave for the stadium at 2:30, so we mixed one last drink before leaving. Coach B decided to place a tiny Power T sticker on the car after each drink, which wasn't a good idea once we got home and the wife saw how many drinks we had. We also had a message from Mr. Daniels telling us that indeed, Jack lives here...

3:28 p.m.

I finally got to see the Vols run through the T. Sweetie and I missed it since we were out trying to scalp tickets before the Bama game, so this is my first sight of the T in 2006. And yes, I got teary eyed as they ran though...

Hat of the day goes to the gentleman three seats over. Instead of a giant Tennessee lighter, I would rather have that Smokey Dog hat for Christmas!

8:15 p.m.

Coach B and I bid a hasty retreat from the tailgate site since we were both broken hearted and couldn't bear the thought of talking about the game with anyone else who was there. However, we did get a chance to speak with one of Knoxville's finest, Officer O'Malley, who was directing traffic. We were going to offer him some of "Daddy's Apple Juice" to keep him warm, but we figured that was a huge conflict of interest that could of landed us in a lot of trouble, so we figured he could settle for keeping his hands warm with the heater while we sipped on an ice cold Dr. Pepper.

Sunday Morning

9:13 a.m.

We decided to get out of Knoxville early and head back to Atlanta. We were both feeling down in the dumps, so Coach B suggested, "How about I buy us breakfast at the Cracker Barrel?" That made me feel a little better, but we did have to make a stop so I could ring out my handkerchief due to the fact it was still a little wet from all the crying last night. Here is a picture of where we dropped the tears after we left...

10:56 a.m.

Fianlly, we were back on the road to Atlanta so we could let the healing begin. I have to mention these nuggets: I tried my hand at that infamous Cracker Barrel brain teaser known as the peg game. After the fifth try without leaving one peg, Coach B sipped his coffee and remarked, "Um, Scoot, the more times you play that stupid thing, you should be finishing with fewer pegs. I've watched you for a half an hour and you keep leaving more pegs." As we walked to the car, I noticed a licence plate reading, "Don and Betty," with the picture of a German Sheppard next to it. Coach B and I debated all the way back to Atlanta if the dog was supposed to be Don or Betty. See what happens when Tennessee loses and we are forced to think about these things on the drive home?

Mailbag

Coach:

Sorry I have been out of touch lately, but you know how that parole thing works. Anyway, I was happy to be back in Knoxville, and sorry I missed you at the Longbranch. Klondike told me you and Coach B were there. Sorry you missed my homecoming post game party. Anyway, I was disappointed, but, hey, you can't win them all and LSU was tough. The more we fought, the quicker they came back. Frankly, I think it was just piss poor coaching there at the end. We didn't stop 'em on 4th and 8.....argh. Not to mention, D was probably tired...they had been on the field all friggin' day. Russell looked like friggin Gumby. He would bend, but never break.

Aunt Molly

Hello Aunt Molly!

I heard you were back in town, and was sorry I missed you at the 'Branch. I know that was a tough one to take, but those things happen in the SEC. Remember Cousin Randy's going away party last summer? (He was leaving town to avoid two angry women) I told you if we could go 9-3 or 10-2, that would be a nice surprise. Well, look at where the Vols are now and have a realistic chance to do that. Whatever you do, keep the faith!

Coach:

Why does John (Chavis) keep running the zone and prevent defense all the time? He has done this for years and the other team knows what to get ready for. I don't think UT really plays hard like the other teams. The other teams have freshman and they do good. The only time UT does good when the other team has a bad day. Until they get down to really wanting to play and not act like some spoil brat could you remove the name Tennessee and call UT what you want it to be.

Bear

Dear Bear:

This wouldn't be Bear Bryant would it? I know things are bad at Bama after the loss to Mississippi State, but why are you capping on our boys? Seriously, Bear, I appreciate you taking time to respond and voice your opinion on the loss last Saturday. I disagree with some of your comments and I will tell you why. I think the top to bottom, every man in orange wants to win more than anything in the world and they give us 100% effort every time they step on the field. Now, I have to admit, I will write what I feel (See above on the Vols suspensions) but in this case, we have a football team that competes in the toughest conference in America, so we are not going to win every time we go out on the field. Since 1938, the Vols have only had two undefeated seasons. Bo Schembechler, the legendary coach at Michigan, never had an undefeated season. Steve Spurrier has never had an undefeated season. Bobby Bowden didn't have an undefeated team until his 40th season as a head coach. So you see, it's not that easy to run the table, particularly in the SEC. If we beat Arkansas this Saturday, Bear, I know we will all forget the sting of this loss and the Vols will once again be #1 in your book. You can bet on that one pardner!

Coach Scooter:

I hear rumor that Phil is possibly out at the end of this season from a reliable source within the Tennessee family. Have you heard any such news? I hope he is gone because he sucks as a coach. He is way too conservative and has no balls! He can't coach a team to finish a game. I pray at night hoping he is not the Volunteer coach after this season due to the big disappointment yet again. No SEC title game, no BCS game, what else is a big Vols fan to do except pray he is gone?

Sincerely,

John the Vols Fan

Hello John!

Thanks for the email, as well as expressing your feelings about the Vols. I spoke with my contact in the football office and I was told there was no truth to the rumor. We both laughed since the Vols have been ranked in the top ten for most of the season, and are only one game behind Florida in the loss column, yet the loss has brought out the rage in a lot of Vol fans.
I know this was a bitter loss, and you are upset about Coach Fulmer, but there are a few things to think about. The Vols played almost the entire game without their starting QB against a defense that was ranked #1 in the nation and still they had a chance at the end to win the game. Also, don't forget at this point last season, UT was 4-5, so this has been a year Coach Fulmer has made significant improvement.

If I would have said to you at the beginning of the season the Vols would be 7-2 with a great chance to be 10-2, you probably would have taken it. Don't lose heart since we dropped a tough one last week. With one play here or there, everyone would be sending me emails about how great Coach Fulmer is and how we are back. Keep the faith, John, we are all in this together and I believe the glory days have returned so don't let one loss shake your confidence.

For more college football analysis, check out my college football page at The Southern Ledger. They have all kinds of great stories and insigt for the college football fan. The Southern Ledger is your source for news and culture in the southeast. Visit them at: www.southernledger.com

All right Vol fans, I know it's been a tough week, but we can weather the storm and put a big foot print on the backsides of the Razorbacks season on Saturday. Rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer's name in vain. (Although after last Saturday, I am sure some of you forgot that request) If you have questions and comments, please drop me a line at volsdiary@yahoo.com. Until Friday, Big Orange Nation, this is Coach Scooter bidding you good-bye and Go Vols!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.16

2006-11-03T09:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Friday edition of Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary! This weekend promises to be extra exciting with the Vols in the hunt for the SEC Championship, a possible BCS Bowl game, and a long shot to be in the running for the national championship. Let’s take a look at the weekend ahead, starting with the ESPN Thursday night game between West Virginia and Louisville.

Thursday Night Game

#3 West Virginia 34
#5 Louisville 44

Coach Scooter has to admit he thought the Mountaineers would walk away with this one since Louisville was overrated. Well, as my Aunt Molly always says, “West Virginia ain’t nothin’ but a big hat, and no cattle.” I was stunned to see the Cards put up 44 points in a victory which should propel them past Texas to #3. Injuries to Pat White and Steve Slaton didn’t help matters, but I believe you put your best 11 players on the field and go to it so I don’t want to hear that excuse. However, Pat White had four TD’s last night, plus he has 222 passing yards and 125 rushing yards so he kept WVA in it for as long as he could. I wouldn’t mind if he came over to Big Orange Country and red shirted about five years so we could have him on our side when Jonathan Crompton leaves…

Weekend Games

Virginia (4-5) at Florida State (4-4)

12:30 Lincoln Financial – Steve Martin/Doc Walker

I am glad to see Steve Martin branching out from his movie career to try his hand at announcing football games. I just hope when he begins the play by play, some crazed fan doesn't start firing bullets into the booth like in The Jerk. "He hates these announcers! Stay away from the announcers!!"

#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

Thanks, Jesse! By the way, I spoke to the troops over at the Big Orange Army, and they said they might be able to get your son in for an early commission, and could give you a family rate. Make sure to visit them at www.bigorangearmy.com and tell ‘em Coach Scooter sent ya! Have a great time in Knoxville, I know Coach B and I will too!

Hello,
Love your website and diary. I am coming into town with 3 of my buddies just to experience Neyland, Big Orange Country and we can't wait to be in the middle of 100,000 of our new best friends singing Rocky Top at the top of our lungs. Thanks a lot and GO VOLS!!!!!

Skip

Hey Skip!

Thanks for the message. There is nothing like a game at Neyland Stadium so I am sure you and the fellas will have a blast. Tell ya what, send me a story about your weekend and I will post it on my site on Tuesday. Pictures are welcome too! Maybe we’ll run into you at the Longbranch for a PBR before the game. Have a safe trip and Go Big Orange!

Well, that’s it for a football Friday. This is a big one, Vol fans, so as always, make sure to rub your orange and white rosary beards (The orange has almost rubbed off mine all ready), repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Send your questions and comments: volsdiary@yahoo.com. Until Tuesday, Go Vols!!!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.15

2006-10-31T16:13:00.000-06:00

Welcome to another edition of Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary for another week! The Vols were able to win a huge game in front of a hostile crowd in Columbia by beating South Carolina 31-24. The win was especially satisfying for Coach Fulmer, who avenged last year’s 16-15 loss to his old nemesis, Steve Spurrier as the Vols improved to 7-1. Let’s take a look at the victory, as well as the week that was in college football.

Tennessee 31 – South Carolina 24

The script stayed the same as Tennessee scored 17 fourth quarter points to end the upset hopes of the Gamecocks. UT got off on the right foot, or hands as the case may be, with Marvin Mitchell intercepting Syvelle Newton on the second play of the game and returning it 17 yards for a touchdown. However, the Vols trailed into the fourth quarter, 17-14. Erik Ainge drove his team down the field, finally hitting Bret Smith on a 12-yard TD pass to put the Vols ahead for good with 13:10 left. After forcing South Carolina to punt on its next possession, Jonathan Hefney had a 65-yard punt return to South Carolina's 5 and Arian Foster scored on the next play. The Gamecocks closed to 31-24 on Newton's 1-yard TD run with 2:24 to go. Tennessee went three and out and South Carolina had one final chance. However, Newton's desperation heave was intercepted by Demetrice Morley as time ran out.

Wade named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

Jonathan Wade strengthened his standing as one of the league's top cornerbacks Saturday with three drive-stopping plays in Tennessee's 31-24 win at South Carolina. For his efforts, he was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Coach Fulmer's Press Conference Notes

I am very proud of our football team, the win over South Carolina and to be at this point in the season as to what we've accomplished, but we're not nearly satisfied. I've expressed that to the team.

We have fought hard, the effort has been really good during the course of the year and they've been a responsive team. There are certainly some exciting elements to our team that have proven to be a real plus for us. Our leadership has grown as we've gone through and probably one of the most pleasing things, in some cases, is that we've continued to have young players step up and help us. The latest example would be Antonio Wardlow going in and doing a really, really good job at safety for us in the last ballgame.

One of the keys to what we've accomplished, particularly in the last few weeks, has been the improvement in our special teams. They have been fun to watch. Our coverage teams, in particular, and our punt return team has obviously made a difference in the ballgames. Our coverage teams and their improvement has been a real positive.

I think in many ways it's a reflection of the leadership on this team, the responsiveness of our players and the demands that we have put on them to continue to improve. The coordinators have done a really great job, and I think oftentimes the assistants don't get enough credit for the job that they're doing. We've got some veterans on the defensive staff that continue to do really well and have had to fight through some difficult circumstances between graduation and injury, and on the offensive side some young guys that have brought really good energy to our team and I think are real bright spots for us.

Looking at where we are right now, there are two clichés that we have used quite a bit. One is that 'They remember what you do in November.' It's something that we have taken a lot of stock in. Obviously this November is as challenging as we've had.

The second one, and this is where I'm anxious to see how our team handles themselves as they've put themselves in a positive position going into the last month of the season, is 'The wind will blow the hardest at the top of the flagpole.' We'll see if they are going to be able to handle that from a maturity standpoint, even though we have some challenges ahead of us for other guys at some positions to step up because of injuries, if they will be able to handle it. Everything from the media hype to the teams that they're playing, their own wear and tear as the season has gone on, we'll work with them on all those areas.

Weekend Games and Observations

Miami 23 - #21 Georgia Tech 30

Sweetie and I went to the Georgia Tech game on Saturday afternoon since it was homecoming on the Flats, as well as the fact the Vols didn’t play until 7:45, so it worked out great. The win put the Jackets in firm control of the ACC Coastal Division race, and as long as they show up for their final three conference games (I mean all they have to do is literally show up), they should be in Jacksonville on December 2nd.

I watched the replay on Sunday to get a different perspective on what I saw, and it was a huge mistake since I had to hear the insightful musings of the walking doughboy, Paul McGuire. Brad Nessler and Bob Griese will do anything to get McGuire out of the booth, and they must have told him they were giving out free hoagies in the sideline camera bay, since that is where he watched the game. He thought it would be cool to put those stick on eye black patches on his face, which I have to admit is a good start as long as he covers the majority of his face. Here is a little known fact about McGuire: He was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers of the old AFL, then traded to the Bills in 1963. The city of Buffalo was so overjoyed about the trade, they gave him a key to the city. Of course, they went out and changed all the locks by sundown that same night.

#7 Florida 21 – Georgia 14

The woes for the Bulldogs continue as they dropped their 15th game in the last 17 years to the Gators. We were sitting in the stands at the Tech game when they announced Florida was leading 21-0 and you would have thought the Jackets had just won the national championship. A little old lady sitting two seats down from me, who looked like she could be one of the Golden Girls, stood up and yelled, “To Hell with Georgia!”

The scary thing is the Dawgs could end up 6-6 on the year since they have to play at Kentucky, which has never been an easy place for UGA to play, then Auburn on the road before finishing with Georgia Tech. Would you have believed that in September?

Weekly Observations

As Sweetie mentioned a few weeks ago, take out the C in BCS and you have it right

While reading the paper yesterday morning, I took a great interest in the BCS standings. The reason why was I was out of toilet paper, because that is all the BCS is good for. Here are my thoughts:

As of print time right now, Ohio State and Michigan are the best two teams in the country and they deserve to be 1-2 in the polls.

Boise State and Rutgers are 14th and 12th respectively in the BCS. It’s like Rudy Russo said in Used Cars, “Come on, old man, ya gotta be jackin’ me?” Imagine a one loss SEC like Tennessee or Auburn being sent to the Capitol One Bowl, while a team like Boise State goes to a BCS Bowl. In my book, any team that plays on a blue field doesn’t deserve to go anywhere, except to a Twister game so they can learn colors. Did Boise State alum Papa Smurf donate the money for the football field?

Why is California one spot ahead of Tennessee? One reason is the Bears have an average computer ranking of #3, which is a complete croc. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t a certain team in orange knock the crap out of them in September? Beefing up on the uniform tradition challenged Pac-10 teams (What? No, they are not retarded) sure looks nice when you see the scores on Sunday morning, but Cal is nothing but an over inflated bunch of wannabes that would be no more than 3rd or 4th in any of the SEC divisions. Their September chance to show who they are was nothing more than a Big Orange version of Smear the Queer so I think the BCS fatheads should think about that next time they conduct the poll. I am certain the way they select the BCS rankings is to have whoever is in charge put their hand under their armpit and flap it up and down and what ever team gets the most fart sounds gets ranked the highest.

Remind me to put Buck Belue on my Christmas Card list

On 680 The Fan yesterday, Buck Belue and John Kincade were talking about the best college football announcers. They agreed Verne Lundquist was one of the best, but interestingly enough, they made an observation about my buddy, the Court Jester Hat wearing goof, Gary Danielson. Buck said, “Usually, when I do the CSS games, I talk with the other announcers about the teams and players and for the most part, we exchange a lot of information which helps for both our broadcasts. Danielson is the type of guy who does whatever he needs to do to get ready for the game, and won’t talk to anyone else since he thinks he knows everything and doesn’t need help.”
It appears Danielson is a boob, but he makes up for it by being a butt puppet.

The Big Orange Army invades Cumberland Blvd. for the LSU game

I got an email from Captain Riptide of the Big Orange Army and he wanted me to let all the Vol fans know they will camped out next to the Longbranch Saloon with the Big Orange Tank for the LSU Game. The BOA was created by Big Orange fans to highlight the Volunteer spirit and to tap into the emotions that run so deep in the state of Tennessee when you think of UT sports. Coach B and I will meet the troops on Saturday on our way over to the Longbranch so come by for the party! If you want to join the Big Orange Army, go to: www.bigorangearmy.com.

A Good One From Captain Chris

Captain Chris sent me this. I think all the Vol fans who read this column should print this out and recite it before every game. Well, along with the game maxims. Let me know what you think!

I am Tennessee . . . . .

I am Tennessee . I am the 30 year old couple coming back to campus for the first time with both little ones in tow. One wears her orange and white cheerleader outfit; the other wears #16 even though he's too young to understand why.

I am the 50 year old man who hoped no one saw tears in his eyes when the T was formed by the band. I was too choked even to sing "Rocky Top". For a moment I felt foolish and then I didn't care. God, I love this place.

I am the 60 year old woman meeting her freshman grand-daughter who is now the 3rd generation of UT students in our family. Despite my age, I'd strap it on Saturday and hit someone if it weren't for my gender and this blasted arthritis.

I am Tennessee and I have always believed I was different.You can see it when you look up into the stands. My orange is not the same as Florida's or Auburn’s. But the differences go much deeper than my colors.

Read my creed. What other school has one? I genuinely believe in these things. To be a real Tennessee man or woman speaks of character, not of geography.All are welcome to walk though my gates, not just the wealthy or the elite.

Georgia and Alabama may have their nations, but we have always been family. Make no mistake, we loathe defeat, but even in defeat, we would rather be a Tennessee Vol than anything else.

We are family and you are the sons of Heisman, the sons of Majors and Neyland. You come from a long line of brothers who names include White, Gault, Wilson, Manning, Shuler, Nash and Mahelona. It is a great heritage.

So this Saturday, when the warm ups are over and the prayers and amen spoken, when you hear my thunder growing in the stands above you, when you stand in the tunnel and the smoke begins to form, listen for my voice when you runonto my field. Behind the frenzy of the shakers and deafening roar, I will tell you something in a whisper you may miss. I will be telling you that you are my sons and I am proud of you for the way you wear the orange and white. I am telling you that you are my sons and I love you.

Tennessee is so much more than a state or a school or a team or a degree. It is something that, once you have experienced it, will live inside of you forever and become a part of what makes up who you are.It is driving into town on a game day. You may have come from hundreds of miles away and as you get closer and closer to the city limits, you feel it rising inside of you. Other cars on the highway proudly display their Orange and White flags or magnets or car tags, and you honk and wave at them, because, for that one day, you are all on the same team.

It is the smell in the air and the ritualistic act of tailgating...catching up with old friends, making new ones, and invitations from perfect strangers to try their ribs or watch their satellite TV showing all of the day's important match-ups...of course, all being secondary to the one that will occur in the great cathedral of Neyland Stadium later that day.

It is the Vol Walk...where you might just see 300 pound men overcome with emotion and weeping with pride, because you have come there to cheer them on. As they walk by, you might exchange a glance with one or two of them, and you can see it in their eyes...it is going to be their day.

It is the students...dressed in their best, because going to a Tennessee game is like going to church for Tennessee people....you show the same respect as you would if you were in God's house. Those students remind you of the days when you were walking in their shoes and Tennessee was your home...but then you realize, in many ways, it is still and always will be HOME.

It is that lump that rises in your throat when the band plays Rocky Top as the "T" is formed.

It is walking around on a "foreign" and sometimes hostile campus. You are easily identified (Tennessee people always are) and the enemy jeers and shouts things at you to mask their feelings of intimidation. But just then you happen upon a friend you have never met before. You know they are your friend by the colors they wear or the shaker in their hand. You exchange a "Go Vols" and a confident grin, because he/she knows what you know.

It is when your heart leaps with every touchdown, field goal, sack, and interception...because those are our boys. And win or lose, they will always have our un-dying support. After all, it is those boys that you are really there for and not a coach or a logo or a trustee or a president.

It is the complete and utter exhilaration of walking away victorious over a worthy opponent...that feeling of pride and accomplishment as if it were your own feet that had crossed the goal line scoring the last points yourself...that feeling of wanting to scream "Go Big Orange" at the top of your lungs and hug complete strangers...and then there is the ultimate high of defeating your most hated foes from across the state.

No words can describe what this feels like, but you know because you have experienced it.

It is the sheer agony of defeat as the last minutes tick off of the clock and you realize that all hope of a victory is gone. You feel like crying and maybe you do...then you hear the faint sounds of a cheer that grows louder and louder...."Its Great To Be A Tennessee Vol.

It is knowing that year after year, no matter how things change in our hectic lives, you can always come back to "the Loveliest Place on the River"...the place where you came from...your home. It will probably look a little different and there will be new names on the backs of the jerseys, but deep down, no matter what, it is still the same. You still love it as much as you always have, because Tennessee is as much a part of you as your arms and your legs and the orange blood that runs through your veins.

And, finally, it is the feeling you have right now as you read these lines....the anticipation inside of you, because you know its almost time....Its about to start all over again...but then it really never goes away, does it?

GO BIG ORANGE!

All right Vol fans, I will be back to preview this weekends games on the CFD before Coach B and I head to Knoxville. Until then, rub those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. If you have a question or comment, drop me an email to: volsdiary@yahoo.com. Go Vols!

Tennessee (6-1) vs. South Carolina (5-2)

2006-10-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

Vol fans, rejoice! No matter what happens Saturday night in Columbia, Tennessee will be a winner. Don’t ever forget that—cue the Vader music—our exalted opponent is a Tennessean. He might not promote himself as one, but the simple fact is that Steve Spurrier was raised in East Tennessee and was a high school phenom at Science Hill Academy in Johnson City. He even sounds like a Tennessean when he talks—just listen to that twang. So, either way, Tennessee wins Saturday.

You may think that sounds like I’m predicting a Gamecock victory. Well, there may be some evidence for that. The line in Vegas opened up this week at Tennessee -5 (Vols favored by 5 points) but very quickly was whittle down to -3. That means that the early money—nicknamed the ‘smart’ money because those are the bettors that aren’t waiting to ride a favorite but making their own analyses—thinks the Gamecocks will keep it closer than 5 points, and maybe even—gasp!—win the game. These are people who either bet for a living or do it every week. Think they might know what they’re talking about?

If you’re still unconvinced, then let’s tally up some quick points:

1. Jayson Swain likely out for SC game: with half of the nation’s top receiving duo sidelined by injury, the Gamecock secondary is sure to double up on Meachem and force Ainge to look for Bret Smith and then Josh Briscoe or Lucas Taylor in the slot. Ainge had better be hot Saturday, and the receivers cannot afford any drops. Witht his stingy South carolina secondary, UT has little room for error and has to take advantage of every opportunity.
2. Focus: SC offensive line struggles; Syvelle Newton makes things happen: some might think it a good thing that the SC offensive line has had protection problems this year. That would be great if you didn’t have a junior Michael Vick under center, that can make big plays with his feet as well as his arm. Newton is the real deal and will be extremely hard for UT to contain. Spurrier will throw some wrinkles at John Chavis—look for a flea flicker, or a reverse to set up a pass to Syvelle Newton who, let’s not forget, spent a year at wide receiver before taking up the reins as quarterback again this year.
3. Is there a kick returner in the house? Jonathan Hefney has done a superb job over the past couple of games returning punts for UT. LaMArcus Coker was lighting things up for UT a bit on the kick returns as well, but with him out someone else—maybe Austin Rogers?—needs to step up and put some fire back into the special teams and help out UT with some short field situations.
4. UT run game MIA with Coker out: Arian Foster will return as UT’s starting TB backed up by Montario Hardesty. Foster certainly has the power to go between the tackles on an average SC run defense, but absolutely must stay focused on not giving up a fumble in this emotional game.

Now, with all that being said, let's take a look at some other key facts:

1. The secondary may be a stiff challenge, but SC has proven susceptible to the run--especially up the middle. This is one of the keys to the game for UT: if Foster gets going early, then not only can we keep that vaunted Spurrier offense off the field, but maybe open up some lanes inside for Ainge to hit Meachem, Smith, or Lucas Taylor for some big gains.
2. The Gamecocks have not yet beaten a quality opponent. Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky all three are below .500 for inning percentage this year, and they got shut out by a Georgia team that has since fallen off the map. Their one quality game so far is the Auburn game in which they appeared to hang with the Tigers until finally losing by only one touchdown, but the total body of work so far does not support them being a top SEC team.
3. They won handily at Vanderbilt, but they committed 8 penalties in the game and turned over the ball 4 times. If we can get that same effort from them Saturday, I'm confident the Vols will handle this SC team.
4. The Tennessee defense finally showed what they are fully capaple of last week against Alabama. Jerod Mayo was the SEC defensive player of the week, and Xavier Mitchell has proven he can apply some pressure this season as well. I think the Vols should be able to contain Syvelle newton despite the Ol' Ballcoach's trickery, and the SC offense will sputter.

I'm looking for Arian Foster to run for 150 yards and 2 TDs. Erik Ainge will add to the score by throwing for 200 yards and 2 TDs, and Wilhoit will contribute two field goals as well.

Final Prediction: Tennessee 34 South Carolina 15

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.14

2006-10-26T21:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter's College Football Diary! I was discharged from the Peachtree Street Psychiatric Hospital last night, just in time for the game tomorrow night, so I thank you for all your cards and letters wishing me a speedy recovery. FYI, for everyone who inquired about my nurse, Vanessa, she has a boyfriend, but she was flattered you all asked. Anyway, the big news is I was able to spend a few minutes with Coach Fulmer on Thursday to ask a few questions about the Vols and what he thought about the team's progress at this point in the season. Later on, I look at the Thursday game, as well as a preview of Saturday's important action. Let's start with my conversation with Coach Fulmer!

Five Minutes With Coach Fulmer

Hello Coach Fulmer, congratulations on a great win on Saturday. It was a pressure cooker for everyone involved, wasn't it?

Well, I haven'’t been in one that wasn't. (Laughing)

What has made the difference this year in terms of the success the Vols have had as opposed to the struggles the 2005 team?

Well, I think out team has a great attitude, and they have been much more responsive. They have been hungry and humble, plus they are not assuming anything and are much more disciplined. They also have a higher confidence level and that's important on both sides of the ball.

The addition of Coach Cutcliffe had made an impact on the offense, and in particular, Erik Ainge. What has Coach Cutcliffe done to make such drastic improvement in both areas?

Well, with Erik, he has worked with him a lot fundamentally from the neck up, and boosted his confidence level and they have a good trust with each other. As far as the offense, we are getting back to practicing better, better discipline and having a higher energy and higher tempo and look for places where we can make big plays. Coach Cutcliffe has done a great job of that.

Have you ever experienced such a tough five game stretch as the one the Vols are in the middle of right now?

Ever? (Laughing) I would have to go back and see if we have ever been through a tougher stretch than the one we are playing in right now.

What did you think about the special teams from last week? It looked as if there was improvement from the Georgia game to the Alabama game.

Yes, we definitely showed some improvement there which I was happy to see because special teams are a critical part of the game that be the difference between winning and losing.

Tell me what the losses of Justin Harrell and Inky Johnson have meant to the defense and how they have responded to the challenge.

Well, you don'’t lose two players like that and not have a drop off. Justin was our best pass rusher, a great run stopper and was a pre-season All-America. Inky was our most consistent corner and that’s two positions in our defense that are very crucial. We miss them both a lot, and just now our defense is starting to get better. We have some things that our defense needs to get done, and our kids have had the wherewithal to fight through all that. The kids continue to try hard.

How are Justin and Inky doing right now with their rehab?

Justin is doing fine. He has recovered from the surgery. However, Inky has some work to do, but he has a great attitude.

Coach, thanks for taking time with me today and good luck in Columbia on Saturday night.

Thank you, I appreciate it!

Special thanks to Coach Fulmer for his time, especially since he was running late to a team meeting, and was gracious enough to answer all of my questions. Special thanks also goes to SID Bud Ford, John Painter and Mary Jo Fox for all their help in setting up this interview for www.utvols.com

Coach Fulmer added these comments after the team's workout at Haslam Field:

"I wish we were healthier than we are at some spots. I'm not sure what Jayson Swain is going to be able to do at all, and LaMarcus (Coker) being out -- those are challenges for other guys to step up, other positions to step up."

He added, "I've got significant concerns, but from an attitude standpoint and preparation standpoint I think we're where we need to be."

Swain, who has 25 catches this season for 415 yards and five touchdowns, suffered his injury in Tennessee's Oct. 7 win at Georgia and, although he played in Saturday's win over Alabama, the ankle is not close to 100 percent. Coker had claimed the starting tailback spot heading into Georgia and is UT's leading ground gainer with 393 yards and a 6.3-yard average. But the redshirt freshman sprained his knee on a kickoff return against the Crimson Tide and will be sidelined 3-6 weeks, according to the Vols coach.

"I'm very excited about this weekend," Fulmer claims nonetheless. "The guys have prepared well."

The captains were announced on Friday, and they are: Offensive linemen David Ligon and Arron Sears, defensive tackle Turk McBride, linebacker Marvin Mitchell, cornerback Jonathan Wade and placekicker James Wilhoit.

Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. Eastern time.

Thursday

#10 Clemson at Virginia Tech

Branden Ore shredded Clemson for 203 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while the Virginia Tech defense held the Tiger's vaunted running game to just 80 yards as the Hokies pummeled #10 Clemson 24-7.

What a difference five days make as Clemson did their best Michigan State impression, which could not have come at a worse time as their hopes of winning the ACC's Atlantic Division might have just ended.

What's funny is all week long, everyone had Clemson penciled into the ACC title game, including the walking hot air balloon, Mark May. "Without a doubt, Clemson is the best one loss team in the country," he said, then warmed up a snowed in family Colorado by talking to them for an hour. The best one loss team in the country? Even if Clemson had won out, they still did not control their own destiny in the division since Boston College was in first and held the tiebreaker. Did May ever think about the best one loss team in the country did not control its own destiny? He gets Coach Scooter's CFD Award for bringing heat to every microphone is talks into. Hey Hot Lungs, what's your angle next week?

Saturday Preview

Miami at #21 Georgia Tech

ABC - 3:30 - Brad Nessler/Bob Griese/Paul McGuire

The Jackets and Canes play for the lead in the Coastal Division, and in all probability, the winner will take the division. The thing to watch for here is which Tech team will show up, and is an underachieving Miami team good enough to beat the Jackets? I think GT should win the game, unless you see Mike Tyson on the sidelines...

Georgia vs. #9 Florida (Jacksonville)

CBS - 3:30 - Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

Watching SEC football for years, I have seen this type of matchup many times. You have a bitter rivalry game where one team is ranked high and really good, while the other team is unranked and searching to find itself. In more cases than not, the team that has no chance of winning usually puts up a great fight. And sometimes its enough to....well, I don't want to jinx the Dawgs. By the way, as I was driving into work today, I heard that my buddy, Gary Danielson, was going to be on 680 The Fan here in Atlanta. Immediately, I pulled my Vol Mobile off the road, jerked out my radio and tossed it on to Interstate 75. I don't want any Court Jester looking goofs on my radio...

Florida State at Maryland

ESPN2 - 7:00 - Ron Franklin/Ed Cunningham

Good to see the King back at a real game this week. I was worried he would go out to Las Cruces for the New Mexico State game, get stampeded by a rodeo bull, and never be heard from again. FSU is dead last in the ACC's Atlantic Division, while Maryland has rebounded from their narrow loss to Georgia Tech to be right in the middle of the race, and could be playing in Jacksonville in December. There is a rumor FSU burned their all black uniforms after the loss to BC last week, and replaced them with all pink. Give 'em credit, they got the jump on whatever the Pac-10 was going to try...

#8 Tennessee at South Carolina

ESPN - 7:45 - Mike Patrick/Todd Blackledge

Tennessee is in week three of a brutal five game stretch, with this week's road show coming to Columbia to take on South Carolina. The Vols are banged up on both sides of the ball, while the Gamecocks feature the eighth ranked pass defense in the nation, as well as a stud at linebacker named Jasper Brinkley. ESPN's College Gameday will be there first hand, and chances are good Corso will put a Cocks hat on his head to predict a Carolina victory. In addition to that being a good omen, I will let you all come up with a clever line for that last sentence...

Idaho at Hawaii

Game Plan - Midnight - Announcers TBA

Thank God for the WAC! What else would we do after the 7:45 ESPN game ends and we are still wound up? I have it on good opinion the play by play announcer for this game will be Jack Lord, with James MacArthur handling the color. The sideline reporters are Kam Fong and Zulu. Pull out those hula skirts, let's rumble!

Weekly Observations

Charlie Weis looks like he has slimmed down this week, probably because he has been using his mouth to complain about the polls instead of using it at the South Bend all you can eat buffets. He was quoted as saying:

"One of the teams [Tennessee] that jumped us had the same game that we had. They're down, they're playing at home and they win by a field goal. Another team [Florida] that jumped us wasn't even playing. They were at home eating cheeseburgers and they end up jumping us. That befuddles me."

Hmm, first off, Slim, I wouldn't talk about eating cheesburgers since it looks like you are a lifetime member of the Big Mac Secret Circle. And second, if your schedule didn't feature such BCS brutes as Stanford (0-8), Michigan State (4-4), and UCLA (4-3), maybe you would have a legitimate claim. Also, don't expect your climb up the BCS ladder anytime soon since the Irish still have to play all three serviace academies, plus North Carolina, who is 1-6. If Notre Dame slips behind Prarie View this week, which could happen with the gauntlet of a schedule they have to play, then I might raise an eyebrow. But until then, Chuckles, I have to ask, when are you going to put the skinny post into the Notre Dame playbook?

He also uttered this nugget (Hmm, he also probably ate it too)

"We go into a game with 27 seconds to go, come from behind, win a thrilling game, and because we win a thrilling game, let's move us down because one team is not playing and the other team had the exact same game, exactly the same. Tell me how that works. Maybe I'm just stupid. Just tell me how that works. You're [a voter], tell me how that works."

The reason why that works, Chubs, is the Vols played a quality opponent from the best conference in America, and the Irish played a 4-3 UCLA team from the weak Pac-10. You mentioned being stupid, which is interesting because you have one of the great minds in football, yet you are blustering over the polls in October. Why don't you reserve your final thoughts once late November rolls around? You should know the polls don't mean anything in October, so why all the hostility? Chuck, worry about the cupcakes on your schedule and the polls will take care of themselves. And I am certain you have worried about cupcakes before...

Smokey's bite is worse than his bark

Smokey IX was accused of biting Alabama WR Mike McCoy during pre-game warmups on Saturday. For more on the story, go to:http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2639328

Mailbag

Just wanted to shoot you an email and let you know I read your column faithfully, every week. Saturday was my first trip to Neyland, and it was quite an experience. My father raised me a Volunteer fan in Alabama. So powerful was my UT upbringing, that even a short career as a student in Tuscaloosa couldn't sway me (the drinking town with a football problem got the best of me and I finished my collegiate career at the University of Alabama, in Huntsville). My little
brother, who's currently a UA student, got us our tickets that were centered in the section of the stadium for families of UA football players. So, even in Neyland Stadium, I was surrounded by Alabama fans. I look forward to reading your column more, and who knows, maybe I'll see you in Knoxville sometime.

Go Vols!
-Mark

Thanks for the email, Mark! I was relieved to hear you were not lured away and stayed true to your upbringing. I was also glad to see you were at Neyland for the first time. Of course, Coach Fulmer and the Vols knew it too, so they made sure to play an extra exciting game! Wasn't that experiencence you will never forget? It was Sweetie's first game too, and she is just starting to speak in full sentences since the experience overwhelmed her. She reminded me of Annie in Overborad when she is catatonic on the chair while the kids are throwing grapes at her. All she can utter is, "Buu ba buu ba buu." Same thing with Sweetie this week. Thanks for the email, and hope to see you in Neyland soon!

Coach Scooter,

Enjoy your site and visit regularly. I live in Bulldog country and have to get my "Vol Fix" on-line. Just couldn't resist sharing a photo of the youngest Vol Fan. My son was twelve days old when we clothed him in preparation for this past weekends Bama game. Hope it puts a smile on your face:

Jesse

Dear Jesse:

Thanks for the picture! Your son will always have the honor of knowing he won his first ever UT-Alabama game and they can never take that away from him. I am going to write the Big Orange Army to see if we can get him a commission ASAP since we need to make sure he is brought up right and doesn't fall into the paws of those Bulldogs! Thanks, Jesse!

All right Vol fans, another moment of truth awaits for us Saturday night so let's all get ready for another four hours of drama. I held my orange and white rosary beads for most of the Bama game, and it helped, so make sure to have your with you on Saturday. Also, repeat your game maxims and never take Coach Fulmer's name in vain, especially tomorrow when he goes up against a nemesiss from the old neighborhood, Steve Spurrier. Well talk again on Tuesday! Go Vols!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.13

2006-10-23T11:46:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another edition of Coach Scooter's College Football Diary. I am writing to you from the Peachtree Street Psychiatric Hospital after what the doctors are calling Post Volunteer Stress Disorder. They say I should be up and around to watch ESPN in a few days so say your prayers for a quick recovery before the South Carolina game. Last Saturday's game was one of the most stressful, but exciting games I have ever seen in Neyland Stadium as the Vols scored ten fourth quarter points to beat Alabama 16-13. The doctors will not give me anything sharp to write with, so my nurse, Vanessa, is taking dictation while I am recuperating.

Let's get to the action in Knoxville, while I take my medication...

It was Sweetie's first Tennessee game, so I prepped her as much as I could because all that orange can be a bit overwhelming to a rookie. We met Uncle J.L. and his wife at our tailgate site, which is in middle of all the action on Cumberland Blvd., just down from the McDonalds. It's a prime location for all sorts of pre-meditated mischief .

(Below left) The tailgate spot. The two guys standing were making jokes about some of the Alabama floozies that came by the tailgate site. They were sure the girls came in fresh from the Dolly Parton look-a-like contest in Urban Cowboy.

(Far Right) A picture of my nephew, Coach Brandon, who one day will take over the column for me, Uncle J.L. in the middle and that handsome guy on the right is me, Coach Scooter (Sweetie typed that part). And yes, there is medication from Dr. Daniels in those orange cups.

After settling in, we walked down Cumberland Blvd. towards our favorite bar, The Longbranch Saloon. As we walked, the sounds of Runaway by Bon Jovi could be heard, which prompted Uncle J.L. to quip, "It's not a Tennessee tailgating party without Bon Jovi." Next door to the Longbranch, we noticed several members of the Big Orange Army standing on an orange tank. Sweetie was a bit nervous at this point since she was sure if the Vols didn't win the game, these guys would drive the tank down Cumberland and start shooting at anything in crimson. Did they get their helmets from Doug Neidermeyer? For more information about joining the Big Orange Army, go to: www.bigorangearmy.com.

We walked into the Longbranch just as they were hauling out pieces of the doors from last night's pool tournament that got out of hand. Uncle J.L. bought us two PBR longnecks, which left a memorable aftertaste that I am still reliving with every swallow this week. We walked upstairs to the veranda (Yes, the Longbranch does have a veranda) but before walking out to the deck to see the crowd action on the street, I looked on the bar and find a very disturbing site. (below) They take their tips seriously at the Longbranch... http://www.longbranchknoxville.com/
After the Longbranch, we made our way down the street to another Knoxville icon, the Tap Room. As we walked in, the jukebox was playing, Ring of Fire,which got the crowd jacked up. I was pretty sure if a crowd of people wearing crimson would have stepped inside, we would have had a re-enactment of the brawl from Blazing Saddles.

I noticed a bottle of Crown Royal resting on the bar in front of me. A few minutes later, a mountain of a man named Bill walked over and sat down. I introduced myself and told him about the column so he shook my hand. As we shook hands, I noticed his large hand rapped around mine so his fingers were touching each other, which made me wonder if I was shaking hands with Andre the Giant. Hey Bill, save me a seat since Coach B and I are coming up for the LSU game, all right?

Sweetie was excited to see the local celebrities who have graced the Tap Room ceiling over the years, so she took pictures. Peyton and Kenny Chesney must have been regulars...

Sweetie was doing all right to this point, but seemed curious about a lot of things we Vol fans seem to take for granted. "Why is that guy wearing orange suspenders? Why are those Alabama girls wearing the same black and white hats? Why is that McDonalds orange and white?" It was then I knew all my prep work during the week to get her ready for her first game was going to fall short on this day. Um, the pink Power T hat was her idea... Isn't my Sweetie cute? (she wrote that, too)

Sweetie was not happy we didn't have tickets. At 3:00, the tickets were still going for anywhere between $125-150 EACH, so we had to play the waiting game. Sweetie did manage to get the picture of the day (right). A six pack of Whoop Ass was a whole lot cheaper than the tickets....

The game went back and forth and for me, that's probably the most stressed I have ever been in Neyland Stadium. Well, except for the time I got a couple of hot dogs and accidentally sprayed mustard all over the back of this woman sitting in front of me. She happened to be with her boyfriend, who looked like Dick the Bruiser, so it is a wonder I didn't end up looking like the Oscar Meyer Wiener himself. However, Saturday was stressful from the time we started buying our tickets until the final gun. I think I embarrassed Sweetie when the lady sitting next to us kept staring at me. I think I frightened her when I crouched down in front of my seat with my orange and white rosary beads around my fingers for most of the fourth quarter. Sweetie just shrugged her shoulders and said, "He didn't get like this even on our wedding day."

Finally, I could breath a sigh of Big Orange relief as the seconds ticked down, and the game was over. Sweetie had to get a picture of me after the madness ended, to prove I got teary eyed.

After the game, Sweetie and the MC of the tailgate, Flame, decied to do a victory dance. Since she clogged at our wedding, and Flame clogs after all UT victories, this had the makings of a real Kodak moment. Judge for yourself below. The quote of the night was Flame telling the crowd, "We didn't come here to pray, we came here to win!" God bless that kid!

Another week is in the books! Don't miss this Friday's column for all the weekend action, as well as a special interview from a certain Vol that might interest you! Until then, keep rubbing those orange and white rosary beads, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer's name in vain! Send your questions and comments to: volsdiary@yahoo.com. Go Vols!!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.12

2006-10-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s Weekend Preview of the College Football Diary! This week, the Vols host Alabama in what should be another great SEC battle that could decide who will be playing in Atlanta on December 2nd. Let’s look at that game, as well as the other great games around the country.

Saturday Games

(5) Texas at (17) Nebraska
Noon- ABC - Brent Musburger/Bob Davie

This game will be big for both programs. Texas needs the game to stay in the BCS title hunt. Nebraska needs the game to get back on the national radar. Bob Davie needs to smack Brent Musburger.

Michigan State at Northwestern
Noon - GP - Wayne Larrivee/Kelly Stouffer

How did this game get on the CFD? My research staff is really getting lazy on me these days. I would rather watch the Joey Chitwood Stunt Team wreck Gary Danielson’s Chevette for 60 minutes…

UCLA at (10) Notre Dame
2:30 – NBC – Tom Hammond/Pat Haden

Hmm, who do you think USC Alum Pat Haden will be pulling for in this game? It’s kind of like asking FDR who he is rooting for when Hitler State goes up against Stalin Tech.

Iowa at (2) Michigan
3:30 – ABC – Brad Nessler/Bob Griese/Paul McGuire

Iowa has been doing a darn good imitation of another team in the Big 10 the last few games (Bonus points if you can name who that could be) and a trip to Ann Arbor is not what the doctor ordered. Lloyd Carr has placed an order, and that’s for a large can of “you know what” to be opened at 3:30 on Saturday.

(13) Georgia Tech at (12) Clemson
7:45 – ESPN – Mike Patrick/Todd Blackledge

The two titans of the conference meet in Clemson in what could be a preview of the 2006 ACC Championship game. Many questions arise in this one. Is this the game Calvin Johnson puts himself in the thick of the Heisman race? Will Clemson fix their special team issues? Will this guy (right) be at the game?

Alabama at (7) Tennessee
3:30 – CBS – Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

Once again the third Saturday in October means Tennessee and Alabama are renewing their long rivalry. The Vols are explosive, and have had a week to prepare, however, remember 1990 when the Big Orange blasted Steve Spurrier and Florida 45-3, then laid an egg the next game in a 9-6 loss to Bama?

Who’s playing on the Plaines next, Foghat?

Auburn got a written warning from the SEC about playing loud music between plays during the Florida game last Saturday night. Associate League Commissioner Charles Bloom told the media, “The music violated the SEC's restriction on "institutionally-controlled computerized sound systems." However, Bloom did not say who reported the violation.

The SEC rule states: "The use of institutionally-controlled computerized sound systems, including music, and institutionally-controlled artificial noisemakers shall be restricted to pre-game, halftime, post-game, after a score and team or media timeouts."

Among the music played were, Eye of the Tiger and Crazy Train. I think they could set the music to whatever was going on during the game so they could get around the SEC rules. When they have a game sewn up, they could play Loser, by Beck. When there is a late hit out of bounds, Party out of Bounds by the B-52’s. When the opposing team has to call an unnecessary timeout, how about Communication Breakdown by Led Zeppelin? When the opposing team has a penalty, Breakin’ the Law, by Judas Priest. If the Tigers swarm over a QB and get a sack, it’s gotta be Jailbreak, by AC/DC. When Tuberville comes out of the tunnel, they could play The Gambler. And finally, just for Sweetie who is a closet Styx fan, AU could play Too Much Time on My Hands, when the opposing team gets a delay of game penalty. What do you think?

My question is why do you need to pipe in music during the game when you have a band? Isn’t the band a part of the college football experience? If I want to hear rock music, I’ll go see Motley Crue. When I want to see the best football in the country, I am going to a stadium in the SEC. I’m sure Auburn has a great band, why doesn’t someone in charge let them play? Pretty soon, you’ll see some hammer head in an Army jacket shouting to the crowd, “Let them play, let them play…” (Bonus points if you can tell me what movie that line is from).

Miami spares the rod…again

Nothing that happens at the University of Miami surprises me. Seeing the disgusting scene at the Orange Bowl last Saturday night against Florida International made me ashamed to say I was a college football fan, and after hearing University of Miami President Donna Shalala gassing about a zero tolerance policy, it made me tell everyone I was into curling during Saturdays in the fall. She reminded me of those parents who need the Super Nanny to come in and help her discipline her children.

Taking a cue from the football team, Shalala shook her fist for emphasis as she confirmed sanctions levied against 13 football players for their role in a sidelines-clearing brawl were fair, justified and strong enough to satisfy the school. She also proclaimed a zero tolerance policy for all Miami athletes. That, along with 12 one-game suspensions, one indefinite suspension and orders that all players involved in Saturday's brawl do community service, is sufficient punishment.

“This university will be firm and punish people who do bad things,” Shalala said. “But we will not throw any student under the bus for instant restoration of our image or our reputation. I will not hang them in a public square. I will not eliminate their participation at the university. I will not take away their scholarships.”

Meanwhile, the Golden Panthers took a much harsher stance -- dismissing two players, Chris Smith and Marshall McDuffie Jr., and extending the suspensions of all other 16 sanctioned players indefinitely. Shalala’s vehement support of the discipline is much like the U.S. telling Kim Yong Il, “We don’t condone what you did, and will impose a one day sanction plus give you a zero tolerance policy. The U.S. also promises that since North Korea is part of the world, we will never do anything to throw you under the bus to the U.N.”

Another disturbing image of the ugly incident was former Miami player Lamar Thomas’ comments during the CSS broadcast of the game. When the fight began, Thomas cheered UM on, plus said he wanted to join the fight on the field.

''You come into our house, you should get your behind kicked,'' Thomas told viewers. "You don't come into the Orange Bowl playing that stuff. I was about to go down the elevator and get into that thing.'' He added, ''Why don't they just meet outside in the tunnel after the ball game and get it on some more? You don't come into the Orange Bowl, baby -- we've had a down couple of years -- but you don't come in here talking trash.”

“UM officials were consulted about the dismissal,” said CSS general manager Mark Fuhrman, “And they were supportive of the decision.”

I guess because Thomas cannot contribute to on the field heroics, he gets thrown under the bus, but the players, who can still bring millions of dollars to the program, will be given another chance. Shalala and Coker should both be standing in the same unemployment line as Thomas, since their actions say it is OK to be a criminal. Anywhere else, those players would be in jail, but as long as you are an athlete bringing in millions of dollars to the school, you get a free pass. The actions of Shalala, Coker and Thomas, are as shameful as those of the players.

Let me relate a story of someone who did things the right way.

On a Sunday morning in November 1963, Coach Bear Bryant took a phone call from the owner of a Tuscaloosa beer joint called Captain Cooke's. His QB, some kid named Joe Namath, went there with the football manager, Jack (Hoot Owl) Hicks, after the established midnight curfew.

Bryant confronted Namath, who said, "Yes, sir, I was there."

Bryant said, "I can either suspend you or I can let you play in these last two games. If I let you play, then I'll have to resign because I'll be violating all my principles of coaching."

Namath said, "I'll take my punishment."

Without its star quarterback, who had been told by Bryant he could return to the squad for spring practice if he behaved, Alabama beat Auburn, then nipped Ole Miss 12-7 in the Sugar Bowl. The next year, Namath led Alabama to the national championship. He cited Bryant's suspension as a turning point in his life. "I grew up overnight," he said.

President Shalala, Coach Coker, it’s not a matter of throwing a kid under the bus. It is a matter of teaching the kids right and wrong, and unfortunately, that means having the courage to take away the privilege of playing college sports. What have they learned by this slap on the wrists? Nothing.

Namath said he grew up overnight, and I bet those players involved in this ugly mess would say the same thing years from now if someone at Miami did the right thing.

Well, that’s it for another week. I hope everyone has a blast watching the Vols and Tide play, and hopefully it will be a great day in Big Orange Country. I will be at the game with Sweetie, so I will have a special tailgating report (with pictures) for the Tuesday column, so you won’t want to miss it. Don’t forget before, during and after the game, rub those orange and white rosaries, repeat your game maxims, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Go Vols!

Questions & Comments: volsdiary@yahoo.com

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol. 11

2006-10-17T21:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary ! It’s Alabama week and that means things are getting serious in Big Orange Country. This long time southern rivalry dates back to 1901 with Alabama leading the all time series 44-37-7, plus they won last year’s game in Tuscaloosa 6-3. The Vols were off last week, while the Tide won in overtime over Ole Miss 26-23. Since the Vols did not play last week, I thought it would be fun to list my top five favorite Tennessee-Alabama moments from the past. I would enjoy reading your top five games in this series, so drop me a message at: volsdiary@yahoo.com.

October 20, 1928 – Tuscaloosa

Tennessee 15
Alabama 13

Rated anywhere from a 21 to 42 point underdog against the Crimson Tide, Tennessee coach Bob Neyland went to Alabama coach Wallace Wade before the game and suggested if the Tide were routing his Vols, the third and fourth quarters be shortened so it didn’t get too out of hand. Alabama had played in the previous two Rose Bowl games, winning in 1926, and was regarded as the established power in the south. Gene McEver took the opening kickoff 98 yards for a Tennessee touchdown, and needless to say, the second half was played in its entirety as the Vols won the game 15-13, and from that day forward, were on the college football map to stay.

October 21, 1939 – Knoxville

Alabama 0
Tennessee 21

The Vols blanked the Crimson Tide in route to becoming the last major college football team to go through a regular season unscored upon. This was also the game sophomore running back Johnny Butler ripped off a 56-yard touchdown run that has gone down in the annals as one of the great runs in of Tennessee football history. The Vols would play in their first Rose Bowl that season, losing to USC 14-0.

October 16, 1982 – Knoxville

Alabama 28
Tennessee 35

The Vols ended an 11 game losing streak to the Tide with a 35-28 in what would be the last game Bear Bryant would ever coach against Tennessee. The game sparked a wild celebration in Knoxville with both goal posts being torn down. The remains of one of the goal posts can be seen at the Old College Inn in west Knoxville.

October 14, 1995 – Birmingham

Tennessee 41
Alabama 14

Another long losing streak would fall as Peyton Manning completed an 80- yard touchdown pass to Joey Kent on the first play from scrimmage and the Vols never looked back. Jay Graham’s 75 yard touchdown run in the third quarter was icing on the Big Orange cake. This was also the first time the game was not held on the third Saturday in October since 1943.

October 25, 2003 – Tuscaloosa

Tennessee 51
Alabama 43 5 OT

In the longest, and highest scoring game in the history of the series, the Vols outlasted the Tide in five overtimes to erase the previous year’s loss in Neyland Stadium. The game was a tight defensive struggle that changed late in the fourth quarter when the Vols drove 81 yards in the last 1:52 to tie the score at 20. In the third OT, Bama took a seven point lead, and had the Vols down to their last play as Casey Clausen faced a fourth and 19 from the Tide 34. C.J. Fayton came up big as he caught Clausen’s perfect pass for 29 yards to get the Vols in close for the TD that tied the game. Clausen scored the game winner in the fifth overtime, and after a two point conversion, the Vols stopped Alabama to end the marathon contest.

Saturday Observations

Ohio State 38
Mich. State 7

You know that old Mr. Bill skit from Saturday Night Live? Well, Ohio State was playing the bully, Sluggo, and Michigan State was playing the part of Mr. Bill. Every time I flipped over to the game, John L. Smith had that round mouth yelling, “Oh noooooooo!” In fact, the game got so bad, ABC switched over to Missouri and Texas A&M so the kids would not be scarred for life after seeing that beating. Here is a prediction: Steve Mariucci will be seen in green and white before long.

Ole Miss 23
Alabama 26 OT

Did you notice that Genius Danielson didn’t have anything to say about the game because Florida wasn’t playing? He was like a fish out of water since he doesn’t know anything about any other SEC team. I liked when he kept saying things like, “That pass Wilson threw was almost as good as Chris Leak would have thrown,” or “Brent Shaffer is a pretty good runner, but for my money, I would rather have Tim Tebow back there…” I wish I could have hung out with him at the La Quinta Inn afterward to watch Florida take it on the chin because that would have been a party. I’ll bet he was on the phone yelling at someone from the airlines, “What do you mean those tickets to Tempe are non refundable?” By the way, it is going to be "Gary Dainelson Slurpee Night" at the next Florida home game. Get a preview of the collector's cup to the right...

Florida 17
Auburn 27

The score is a bit misleading since the Tigers scored via a fumbled lateral on the last play of the game, but if the truth be told, they deserved the win. In the second half, Auburn allowed zero points, and made the adjustments necessary to win the game and stay alive in the SEC race. I was a little surprised the Gators lost their composure when the Tigers turned up the heat. However, that’s what separates the good teams from the great ones.

Vanderbilt 24
Georgia 22

The surprise of the day took place in Athens as the Bulldogs stumbled their way to a stunning 24-22 loss to Vanderbilt. Bryant Hahnfeldt's 33-yard field goal with two seconds remaining was the deciding play, and it ended all those heart breaking losses where the ‘Doores fall short in the end. They did the same thing in Knoxville last year so that goes to show you can never take anyone for granted in the SEC.

They will give anyone a microphone these days...

Did anyone catch Desmond Howard’s comments on the College Football Final show? When the analyst’s were picking their top five, Howard picked California fifth. Chris Fowler asked, “Well, what about Tennessee beating them in the first game of the year? They have the same record,” to which Howard laughed and said, “Well, maybe, but Cal is pounding everyone they have played since.” Friends should not let friends talk into a microphone when they make absurd statements like that. This makes me believe Howard must have gone to the Gary Danielson School of broadcasting.

With that, Coach Scooter got a great trivia question this week from a reader named Dane who wrote:

I have a question: Who scored the two point conversion to win the 1984 game Alabama game?

I told Dane the answer, but I will post it to see if you can get the correct answer. Your choices are:

A) J.J. McKlesky
B) Johnnie Jones
C) Joey Clinckscales
D) Tony Robinson

In case you missed it, the Vols were on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. Here is what it looked like. Enjoy!

All right, Vol fans, our moment has come. Over 100 years of tradition are rolled up in this thing we do every October with the Tide, and it is truly something to beautiful for all of us to savor, from the tailgate to the final gun. Make sure to rub those orange and white rosaries, repeat your game maxims, and make sure never to take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. Until Friday, Vol fans, this is Coach Scooter bidding you a Big Orange good-bye, and a big Go Vols!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol.10

2006-10-14T00:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s Friday Preview Edition of the College Football Diary. We have a weekend to finally take a deep breath and get ready for the tough part of our schedule, starting with Alabama on the 21st. This is the last weekend to sit in front of the TV and not have to worry about a thing. Here is what you will see, starting what happened on Thursday night in Chestnut Hill:

Virginia Tech 3
Boston College 22

A huge surprise as Boston College flattened Virginia Tech 22-3. The game was close at halftime as BC led only 7-3, but then the Jokies came apart at the seams. Several penalties at crucial times, a botched punt that went through the end zone and players fighting amongst themselves on the sidelines were among the issues Frank Beamer will have to address in the coming week. Also of issue in the fourth quarter during a timeout was a VT player shown dancing on the field as if his team were ahead. Did you hear Kirk Herbstreit lose it on air? It sounded as if he was going to pull a Ric Flair, rip off his suit piece by piece and go down to the fields and start cleaning house. I felt like pulling a Neidemeyer from Animal House to tell him, “Whoa big fella, whoa…”

Saturday’s Games

Vanderbilt at Georgia 12:30pm Lincoln Financial Dave Neal/Dave Rowe

If Vandy had Jay Cutler, I would say they would have a chance against the Dawgs, especially after UGA’s disappointing loss last Saturday. The only question about this game is how many hot dogs will Dave Rowe eat before the game?

Ohio State at Michigan State 3:30pm ABC Brad Nessler/Bob Griese/Paul McGuire

What will ABC’s angle be for their announcers this week? Last week it was corn dogs at the Cotton Bowl, so I am guessing it’s going to be a drunken Paul McGuire slugging it out with Sparty the Spartan on the sidelines. Personally, I will take Sparty on a TKO in the 3rd. Come to think of it, that might be a better fight than the one on the field.

Ole Miss at Alabama 3:30pm CBS Verne Lundquist/Gary Danielson

Vol fans can get an early scouting report on the Tide for next week’s game, so this one is worth watching. Is it just me, or does Ed Ogeron look like he was separated at birth from Tony Saragusa? If I were Ed, I would take my next recruiting trip to the Briscoe High School Hawks since it looks like from their Nike commercial, they are pretty good on both sides of the ball, and he needs players. Did you know their starting wide receiver Ryon Williams’ mom is Jill Arrington? That alone should garner a D-1 scholarship.

Oregon State at Washington 6:30 FSN Brian Davis/Sonny Sixkiller

This one is included since the game will feature color analyst Sonny Sixkiller. Similar to Petros Papadakis, Sonny Sixkiller has a cool name, and therefore, he has to have a shout out in the CFD. He also scores points since he was in The Longest Yard, with Burt Reynolds and was a former QB with the Washington Huskies. This begs the question, who gets more chicks, Petros or Sonny? Vote today at volsdairy@yahoo.com.

Florida at Auburn 7:45pm ESPN Mike Patrick/Todd Blackledge

Is it just me or does seeing Tim Tebow’s face on your TV make you want to pull an Elvis and shoot it out? Just so you know, Aunt Molly has had to set up a tab at Best Buy. As I mentioned in Tuesday’s article, Florida has not made a FG this year, and even though they added Sgt. Hulka to show them how to use their big toe, this one might come down to a kick, and if that is the case, Auburn has made a few of those this year. Then again, the word Field Goal is not well received in a lot of the state of Alabama…

Michigan at Penn State 8:00pm Brent Musburger/Bob Davie/Kirk Herbstreit

Since Brent Musburger is announcing the game this Saturday, it reminded me of one of the greatest replays I have ever seen. Last week on ESPNU they replayed last year’s Fiesta Bowl with Brent Musburger and Gary Danielson. I don’t know if it was because of contractual arrangements, but the entire game was done without the announcers audio. Isn’t that a dream come true? Watch a great game, and not have to listen to Musburger and Danielson? Since Turd-Burger is on the mic this week, I might wear out my mute button so I can relive a truly great moment in college football.

Boise State at New Mexico State 8:00pm ESPN (Sunday) Ron Franklin/Ed Cunningham

All right, that does it. The King is relegated to the Boise State/New Mexico State game on a Sunday night. First of all, Sunday is for pro football, and second, anyone who does a game in Las Cruces, New Mexico has to be at the bottom of everyone’s broadcasting totem pole. This is a Pam Ward/Andrew Ware game, not for the great Ron Franklin! It just goes to show Las Cruces is a hot bed for college football, rivaling Knoxville, Baton Rouge or Oxford. I went to the New Mexico State University website to get more information about the game and found a picture of the school’s rodeo team on the front page. I am sure Ron is walking around the Motel 6 in Las Cruces asking his agent, “When are you getting me out of here? What about that gig you tried to get me last month at the Knox County Fair announcing the winner of the ugliest man competition? Is that still open?” I think it is time we voiced our opinions. Go to: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=contact/espntv and tell ESPN your thoughts about having The King be assigned to better games!

SI Jinx?

Coming this Monday, get your copy of Sports Illustrated with Antonio Wardlow on the cover after his blocked punt. The article is on the SEC, and how strong the conference has become. There have been several instances of a jinx after your team or athlete has graced the cover of the magazine. However, the Vols have an off week, so if these things run like they should, UT should struggle against Off Week, but win a close one, then get ready for the traditional matchup against Alabama. For more on the SI Cover Jinx, go to: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/cover/2002/jinx/main/

Never too early for those Alabama memories

Speaking of Alabama, and since we have an off week, I started thinking about the best UT-Alabama gameday experience I have ever been a part of. It came in 1999 when the Vols took their first trip Tuscaloosa since the 20’s.

The campus was gorgeous and so were the women since everywhere we looked, there was not a runt in the litter. Coach B and I found a liquor store across the street from campus, which was on our list of necessities for the day. After a 30 minute wait in line that stretched down the sidewalk, you told the first person you met behind the bar what you wanted, then slid quickly to the next person who took your money, then down to the last person who had your change and liquor of choice all wrapped up in a brown paper sack. It was efficient and quick, but made me think we were in the Soup Nazi episode from Seinfeld. And yes, like Newman, I looked into my bag, joyfully said, “Bourbon!” then high stepped it down the street. Funny thing was it was around 11:30am, before a 3:30 game, and by the time we got in to order a bottle of Dr. Daniels, the attendant told us they were sold out of all things with Jack’s name on it. Coach B and I stood there as if the guy was speaking Chinese, but then again, the Big Orange Nation was in town, so eventually it made sense. In the end, Wild Turkey was on sale, so we took it.

Coach B and I got into the stadium and had not eaten yet, so we got a stadium hot dog. I have to write that no matter how many stadiums I have ever been in, the hot dogs at Alabama are still the best I have ever eaten. I still get a little drool on my lips thinking about that one perfect hot dog.

The game was close early, but the Vols pulled away in the second half to win 21-7. The best part of the game was a long TD pass Tee Martin threw for a touchdown. In my excitement, I hugged the lady next to me and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. She must have been 103 years old, but she was wearing orange, so she was getting a kiss. Needless to say, her and her husband, another AARP charter member, never said another word, and left with about five minutes left in the third quarter. Well, there’s more space for us I suppose.

We went to the game with Coach B’s wife and two of her friends from school, Steve and Sandy who were great to tailgate with. I remember Sandy and me walking with our arms around each other, which was strange since I was dressed in orange, and she was in crimson, but it was one of those perfect college football days, so we all went with it. Suddenly, from behind I hear a torrent of explicatives, and upon further analysis, I realized Coach B was yelling at someone. I turned, knowing as soon as I did, there was a high probability someone was in the process of opening up a can of whoop ass. I saw Coach B standing his ground on the front lawn of the ATO house with about 100 members massing in front of him. It was then the startling realization comes to me: those boys are big. Those boys are mean. Those boys are seriously pissed off at Coach B. Armed with a flask of brown and an orange and white shaker with one of those flimsy plastic stick handles, he was ready to do battle. In one swift motion, I walked over and picked him up off the ground and carried him to safety. I did this not because I was strong, but I was sure I was about to get my can blasted back to Atlanta too so you’d be surprised what being scared to death will do to your muscles. However, on the way back to the sidewalk, he gave them a few ideas about how they could improve their fraternity, followed by two descriptive suggestions that are physically impossible for the human body to do. Trust me, I looked it up.

On the way home, we were in the traffic jam that made me think it was a career, so to pass the time, Coach B, who had finally cooled off from the fight he was still convinced he could have won, went on an infomercial about the pants he was wearing, which were Bill’s Khakis. Before he could tell us about the deep pockets, for the fourth time, he passed out, which was a relief to us all. I found a can of Pringles, so was pretty much quiet for the rest of the trip as well.

Of course, our night was not over yet. Since Steve and Sandy’s house was not finished being built, they were living in an apartment. I slept on the couch, Coach B and the wife on the inflatable mattress, and Steve and Sandy in their bedroom. Sure enough, about three in the morning, I wake up with the terrifying realization, “Coach Scooter, you are about to be VERY sick.” This presented problems on several different levels starting with the fact I had never been in their apartment before, it was dark, I was half asleep/drunk, and I was going to be buying a Buick at any moment. I got up, tripped over the inflatable mattress, then proceeded to do a perfect imitation of a Plinko chip as I hit every wall in the place until I found the bedroom. Good thing it was a one bedroom apartment or I really would have been in trouble. Once I found the bedroom, I convinced myself I could tip toe in there, do my business and they would never know. Funny the things you can convince yourself of at three in the morning. So I am tossing my cookies, and after the first toss, I was pretty sure everyone in the complex heard me, so the thought of this being a surgical strike were pretty much out the window. As I am doing my thing, Coach B’s wife nudges him and asks, “Aren’t you going to go in there and help him? Coach B replies, “What can I do?” She thought about it for a second and said, “Yeah, you’re right,” then rolled over and went back to sleep. Great friends…

Ever had a weekend like that?

All right, Vol fans, have a great weekend, and watch as much college football as you can since this is the last off week we have for the rest of the season, so things will get a bit stressful after Saturday. Remember to repeat your game maxims, rub those orange and white rosary beads, and never take Coach Fulmer’s name in vain. See you on Tuesday. Go Vols!!!

PS-I am taking Sweetie to her first UT game on the 21st. If anyone has a pair to sell, please let me know since I am looking!

Coach Scooter's College Football Diary Vol. 9

2006-10-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Coach Scooter’s College Football Diary for another week! It was a wild weekend in college football, especially since the Vols were in Athens to play the Dawgs. Let’s take a look at the game, as well as the week that was in college football.

1st Quarter

I had plans to watch the game in a rubber room, since the Vols make me a little crazy, but that wasn’t to be since one of Sweetie’s friends was having a surprise 40th birthday party. She knew using the angle of the party being catered by Smokey Bones BBQ would give her a free pass, and it worked. Barely. Once we got there, we grabbed a couple of BBQ sandwiches, then sat with Sweetie’s sexy, but married, friends, so the night was off to a pretty good start. The band was rockin’, the food was good and when I walked over to the TV room to check the score, I was delighted to see Erik Ainge had us in front 7-3. I re-joined Sweetie and the delicious pork sandwich waiting for me, and relaxed a little. However, I began to hear screams and shouts from the TV room, and since the place was filled with Georgia fans, I figured that was not good. The quarter ended with Georgia leading 10-7.

2nd Quarter

As the second quarter got underway, the band was no contest for what was on TV. After looking at the dwindling number of people in the backyard, the lead singer turned to the band and said, “I think we are losing the crowd.” As much commotion as was going on in the room next to us, I was sure we were losing the game too. Sure enough, when I walked back into the room to check the score, there went Brandon Southernland into the end zone to make it 24-7. The Children of the Checkerboard were getting it handed to them. However, I was encouraged by the fact we drove the ball down the field and scored before halftime to cut it to a ten point lead. When Mark Richt decided to run the clock out to end the first half, I got the feeling he did us a favor since we have not stopped them all night.

Halftime

No calls from the Big Orange Phone Network. Coach B and Aunt Molly usually call me to get my impressions of the first half. Well, I don’t do impressions; I’m a columnist for www.utvols.com. Besides, who am I kidding? Coach B is sitting in the man room staring at a blank TV, like he did when we lost to Florida, and Aunt Molly has either passed out at the bar, got thrown out, or a combination of the two. Most of the Georgia fans at the party are taunting me with cries of “Rocky Flop,” and “When are ya’ll starting the search for a new coach?” It looks like it might be a long and terribly disappointing night in the Big Orange Nation.

3rd Quarter

The key to a second half comeback is to score before halftime, which we did, then get a turnover as soon as the second half begins, and that happened too as Joe Tereshinski’s pass was tipped at the line and intercepted by Antwan Stewart. Once we got the interception, I had a feeling we were going to crawl back in it, and sure enough, Erik Ainge capped the clutch drive by punching it in from a yard out. Before the quarter ended, both teams added a field goal, which made it look as if we were in store for a memorable fourth quarter as the Vols trailed 27-24. However, UT had taken the momentum away, and that would prove to be crucial.

4th Quarter

We were in store for a memorable fourth quarter; however, nobody who saw the first half would have guessed it would be memorable for the Vols and forgettable for the Dawgs. Ainge hit Meachem for a touchdown pass as the quarter began, and it gave the Vols their first lead since the opening period, 31-27. When Antonio Wardlow slipped through and blocked a punt, then fell on it in the end zone, most of the UGA fans at the party and in the stands began to vacate the premises. As a long time Vol fan, I know the game is never over until the clock hits zero, so I was holding my breath. However, the UGA fans must have had more faith than I did since the Vols took control form that point on and ran away with an amazing 51-33 victory.

Final Analysis

A surprising night in Athens, to say the least. The final stats told the story as the Big Orange racked up 383 yards of offense, 268 through the air, plus a total of 27 first downs and a perfect six for six on trips inside the red zone. In a million years, I would never have thought the Vols would hang 51 against Georgia, especially in Sanford Stadium, so hold on to those memories Vol fans, because you might not ever see that kind of domination in your lifetime. Just to put it into perspective, the 51 points the Vols scored is the second most ever scored against Georgia inside Sanford Stadium, being eclipsed only by the 52 Florida scored in 1995.

Was it me, or did every play in the fourth quarter seem like it was being reviewed?

I have to mention something that happened during halftime. Someone turned on the radio to WSB, the flagship station for UGA, to listen to the first half stats from legendary announcer Larry Munson and analyst Scott Howard. They went on and on about how the experts were wrong and laughing about how Georgia has taken command of the game and they had worried for nothing. They thought the game was in the bag and were gloating about the victory that was only 30 minutes away. I know Munson is a legend, but I expect a little more professionalism from him and his announce team. Sure, he is a home town announcer, and I expect him to get excited when the Dawgs do something great. However, their announce team should take a page from John Ward, or Caywood Ledford, or Vin Scully, since those guys loved their teams more than anything, but they also brought a respect and objectivity to the broadcast so every listener, regardless of who they were rooting for, could appreciate the broadcast. I hope next time they will realize the game is 60 minutes, but above that, bring the same professionalism and objectivity to the fans as the other great broadcasters in the business.

Weekend Observations

Where should we begin? There were so many observations, I was thinking about putting a telescope on my head and charging people admission to use it. How about we start with the early afternoon games? Well, all right, if you insist…

Early Afternoon

Sweetie and I went to the Georgia Tech game and the day was perfect as far as tailgating goes. The day was cool, the sky was bright blue and the food could not have been better. She took me to her old sorority house, Zeta Tau Alpha, and showed me where her room was, where they used to eat their meals, and where she used to trip off the fire alarm when she was sneaking into the house after hours. She told me it was because she was staying late in the library to study. Um, this ain’t my first rodeo...

I have to say the level of hotness at the Zeta house approached red line proportions, and I am sure when Sweetie reads this week’s column, I will have racked up enough points to be sleeping on the couch until January. Later on, we watched the Jacket Walk as the players headed to the stadium, led by the Ramblin’ Wreck, the cheerleaders and Buzz. As they passed, I pulled out my flask containing “Daddy’s Apple Juice,” took a swig, and realized this was one of those perfect college football gameday moments.

After downing another chicken biscuit, I noticed three men walking by in bright green jackets. They had to be from somewhere important since nobody would wear a jacket that loud and not have it mean something. I looked closer and saw a Gator Bowl patch on the pocket, so they were Gator Bowl Representatives! They were just walking though, talking with the crowd, party cups in hand, just hanging out. The drunken fans all began yelling, “We love the Gator Bowl!” and one yelled, “Oh yeah, Tampa is great,” which caused his buddies to pummel him with hot bratwurst since the Gator Bowl is in Jacksonville. As they walked through the crowd, it looked as if they were in the middle of a parade before going off to war as people shook their hands and gave them drinks and all the food they could carry. They were like gods.

Arkansas at Auburn

What did you all think of the trickeration Arkansas used against Auburn? Kind of funny, as long as it doesn’t happen to your team. Next time, why doesn’t Arkansas bring in Fred Williamson from the movie, M*A*S*H*, and have him put in the dreaded center eligible play? In between plays from those tricky Hogs, they simply wore the Tigers out using the old fashioned plan of running the ball, like everyone did in the good old days, to the tune of 279 yards rushing. However, the Razorbacks better start getting a better balance because sooner or later, when the run gets stuffed and the game is put in the hands of freshman QB Mitch Mustain, you might just see another can of USC whoopin’ being opened up.

Texas vs. Oklahoma

The late afternoon games were interesting for a while, but got boring real quick. In Austin, Texas pulled away from Oklahoma in the second half to win 28-10, which gave Mack Brown consecutive wins against the Sooners. In a more compelling story, the announce team of Brad Nessler, Bob Griese and Paul McGuire had their moments as they hung out at the Texas State Fair before the game. Did you see McGuire put his face through one of those boards where you try to throw the football through the hole? McGuire looked like Jambi the Genie from the Pee Wee Herman Show. (Mekka-lekka hi mekka hiney ho, Paul!) Unfortunately, he moved before Griese fired a ball at him. As if that was not a disturbing enough image, the next scene had the trio eating corn dogs as they discussed their memories of the great games in the series. Of course, the big walking corn dog, McGuire, says, “I don’t have any memories.” So, Paul, ABC sends you out to do the game, and you don’t even do your homework so you can come up with something to at least bluff your way through the segment? The funniest part of the pre-game was Brad Nessler in the tunnel leading to the field, getting bumped around like a pinball by the players as they came out to the field. His audio kept going in and out, which made it look like he was doing a Cingular commercial. There was a cop behind him, who was just standing there with a Chuck Amato expression on his face as Nessler was getting knocked silly. “Hey, Barney, why don’t you protect Nessler, because if he goes down, then McGuire does play by play for the rest of the year!”

LSU at Florida

LSU brought their team into the Swamp to play Florida, but penalties and turnovers doomed their chances. Five turnovers, four by JaMarcus Russell, including a critical fumble at the goal line that denied them a go ahead score, was a killer. In the second half, it looked as if the Tigers had a bus to catch and wanted out of Gainesville as soon as possible. Florida was not much better as they had as many penalties as first downs (14) and the Tim Tebow TD pass was the ugliest thing ever in the history of organized sports. Yeah, I know, some mullet head will write in and say, “Don’t matter, Coach, it still counts as six points,” but I have it on good authority the review booth looked at the play a few times to see if they could give the Gators three points instead since it looked so ugly. Has Tim Tebow been auditioning for the Gainesville Ballet? That little jump he tried made him look like he was in line to play Peter Pan. The receiver was not much better as Tate Casey tripped over that mischievous villain known as Mr. Grass, then flailed his arms like he was doing the backstroke and still somehow caught the ball as he hit the ground. And this is the #2 ranked team in the nation?

Did it seem like it took LSU forever to come out of the tunnel to start the game? Les Miles looked like a teacher leading a field trip. “All right kids, where are my kids here? LaMarcus, stop shooting spit wads at your wide receivers. Alley, make sure to look both ways before hurting yourself this week...”

Also, the Gators are still the only team in college football that does not have a successful field goal this year. Should we send Sgt. Hulka with the big toe from Stripes down there to see how fer he can put one between the goal posts?

Oregon at California

I figured out why California beat Oregon so badly Saturday night. When the Ducks saw the Bears in those god awful mustard yellow jerseys, it was like looking in a mirror, and it freaked them out so badly, they were beat even before they started. When ESPN did a game update from Berkley and I saw the highlights, I told the guy next to me, “Look at those Oregon jerseys. Don’t they look like a bunch of giant walking highlighters?” He looked at me and said, “Um, those are the Cal jerseys.” At least the Pac-10 can claim they have the best conference for the ugliest uniforms. In fact, my BUS poll (Bad Uniform Series) would be a clean sweep as the top three schools would be:

1. Oregon (63 of 63 first place votes)
2. California
3. Washington State

Speaking of the Pac-10, do you think it would help if we got Chris Berman to call Ty Willingham and say, “Tick tick tick tick tick,” before next week’s game?

The Gary Danielson Mis-Quote of the week. Brought to you by the Simmons Proctology Clinic. We know a butt when we see one!

We watched the LSU-Florida game in the luxury box while the Tech game went on below us. At the 12:27 mark of the first quarter, Genius Danielson was in full boring mode which is a new record, even for him. Finally, I couldn’t stand another word, so I asked if they could turn the monitor to QVC. At least I could look at the girls modeling the finest in Cubic Zirconia jewelry and feel like I had done something constructive with my afternoon. In the first two minutes and 33 seconds of the game, he made three statements that are still clamoring for an explanation. I picture Verne Lundquist sitting there with one eye on the game, and one on the spotter next to him as they both throw their arms up as if to say, “I have no idea what he just said.” Among his gems of the day:

“JaMarcus Russell has been hot, but they are burning about not throwing the ball against LSU, and they are out to prove they can throw it against Florida.”

“Florida fans are already saying look how cleaner it looks than anything they saw…” then he stopped in mid sentence and never said another word.

And the one that caused the mass exodus for the remote control:

After LSU drove the ball down the field and made him shut up about how great the Gators defense was, this gem came after the Tiger TD. “Hmm, that was a tough play for the linebacker, and Russell almost under threw the receiver on such an easy pass.” Hmm, even when his beloved Gators give up the touchdown, the spotlight falls on how the other team almost blew a scoring opportunity. He must have been as giddy as a school girl, and giggled like one too, after the Tigers self destructed and were a non factor in the second half.

Trivia Question:

What was the first year the Vols ran through the T formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band?
a. 1964
b. 1967
c. 1969
d. 1970

Mailbag

Coach Scooter,

I just don’t understand what happened in the UT/UGA game. I wore the underwear and the shirt, I drank from the red cup, I did all the game day rituals, I did everything that I normally do, yet we lost the game. Hold on, UT just scored again (and it’s Sunday morning). Anyway, the only thing different was that I did get the UGA blanket in the mail that I ordered some time ago. Am I obligated to now burn the blanket since it upset the equilibrium of the Dawg universe? Or did the Vols just come to Athens with a mission and purpose – which was to pick apart an average Georgia defense and score 50+ in Sanford for only the second time in history? Did I just answer my own question?

Bulldog Bry

Dear Bulldog Bry:

First off, thanks for the email. It is nice when fans of two schools can interact about the game and not trash talk and get into an argument. That usually comes from the uneducated who hide behind their computers and talk big knowing they don’t have to back it up.

I think the Vols simply caught the Dawgs at the right time. The offense was gaining momentum after the Florida loss, while Georgia had a few close calls and had questions about the team going in. You play them again and I seriously doubt the same thing would happen.

As far as the superstitions go, I am right there with you. I make sure to wear the same orange and white boxer shorts (Ya can’t wash them if you win), eat the same thing for breakfast, wear my lucky orange socks and hold on to my orange and white rosary beads during the game.

As far as phone etiquette goes, never call anyone before the game is over, unless it is to check in at halftime. Never call anyone rooting for the team you are playing, since you may call too soon and your team could lose. When the game is over, the losing team always has to call the winning team because the losing team needs time to heal, and will call when ready, instead of the winning team calling too soon if the wounds are fresh.

Good luck the rest of the way and keep those emails coming!

P.S. – Please do the rest of the world a favor and beat Florida, OK?

All right Vol Nation, take this week to catch your breath since the season really gets going on the 21st. Enjoy a stress free weekend as you watch Auburn play Florida, Michigan play Penn State and Ole Miss play Alabama. It's always good to get an early scouting report, so I think most Vol fans will be watching that one. Until then, make sure to repeat your game maxims, rub those orange and white roasary beads and never take Coach Fulmer's name in vain. Go Vols!

Send your questions and comments to: volsdiary@yahoo.com