I didn't VOLUNTEER for this! (UT legacy)

[olympia]

WE are forced to play a lot of youngsters. Seems like every recruiting class helps us to upgrade a few areas, and others provide depth. I have a few redshirts - but always seem to lose a couple of them to transfers (which doesn't seem right). I meant to post an overview summary for the roster earlier, but here goes:

 

QB

Little and Sauter expect to battle for the starting spot. On a 10 pt scale, both are rated a 5. Sauter has slightly more potential (7vs 6). Freshman Anderson is rated 4 of 6, will be their back-up.

 

RB

We have a lot of potential at the halfback postion as 4 guys have 8 potential. Bill Miller (6) is the best at the moment and will try to carry the load. Glosson and RSF Barry, and true Freshman Malinchak are capable back-ups ( 5 of 8)

Two young fullbacks Soph George and Fr. Scott (5 of 7) are good blockers and should help us pick up some tough yards when needed.

 

WR

four guys rated 5 of 7 anchor the group. Solid, but no real standouts. Semples has 90 rated speed, so we'd love to get him the ball with room to run. Youngblood is the only senior and proved to be a big-play guy last year.

 

TE

Once again, we have a dynamic duo at TE. JR Lamar Miller (6 of 8) makes several preseason award lists. Freshman Freddie Leo (5 of 9) was the 9th best TE in the nation last year. The other 3 on the roster are not good enough to play in the SEC, so we can only hope they never really have to on a consistent basis.

 

OL

We have a decent 2 deep at each position. 6-8 potential but only 4-5 current rating at tackle and center. A pair of 6/8 rated guards will have to anchor us up front.

 

DE

 

we have a couple guys who just never lived up to their potential. Blair and Lewis are 5 of 9. They will give us some highlight moments, but are just not consistent. Redshirt Freshman Chris Rogers will compete for one starting spot (he's 5 rated with 7 potential) and is a converted DT.

 

DT

we've had better recruits at this postion. Four guys with 8 potential Pair of 4-rated Freshman will join 5-rated Soph Hamlin and 6-rated SR Thomas (who has struggled with grades in the past)

 

LB

Linebacker is one of our strengths. 6/9 rated Junior MLB Woodall has been the star of this team. True freshman Cercone is 4/9 rated and expects to be the heir apparent. Also a couple 4/7 guys in reserve. On the outside spots, 4/8 Kemp and 5/9 Ross should protect the wings as they are good tacklers and good cover men. Not as much depth here as we have been forced to convert MLB recruits each year.

 

CB

Sr. Todd (5 of 7) and So Dodril (5 of 8) are solid. Best cover man is Senior Bear (4/8, 82 cover). 3 good freshman in reserve 4/7 and 5/9. None really stand out, but look like a solid group overall.

 

Safety

again we are young. FS Ford is 5/8 while SS Johnson is 4/9. The kids are backed up by solid seniors, so we will need to continue to recruit this position.

 

kicker/punter

Locket is 10/10 as kicker and we have 7/10 Johnson coming in as a freshman, Anderson is 6/8 punter, but he seems to be adequate if he continues to improve over his rookie season.

[olympia]

UT vs South Carolina: we were a Touchdown favorite in our first road game. Our rush defense was ranked #1 in the nation and it would be tested against a back who gains over 100 a game. Their running back, Hadnot "won" that battle gaining 121 yards. It didn't look good early as our D gave up the big play - a 70 yard TD pass from Montana (no relation) to Chris Speedie (aptly named WR). That was the last time SC would see the endzone though. Our QB, Little went down to an injury as we feared putting the game in the hands of freshman Raymond Anderson. The Michigan native struggled at first throwing 3 picks and being sacked twice, but he finally settled down and did an admirable job: 13 of 27 for 167 yards and 2 TD's (17 yarder to Youngblood and 8 yarder to Orduna to seal the game in the 4th qtr). UT wins 27-7. Glosson outshone Miller rushing for 79 yards on 8 carries (Miller had 66 yards on 16 carries). My line gave up 5 sacks total and thought their 5 pancakes might make up for it. They need to be more consistent. Madise had 4 Key run blocks. The D recovered a couple fumbles to offset our ints. and DT Thomas recorded a couple sacks.

 

in other big games: #4 Ole Miss beat #12 Auburn. The Rebels face top ranked Florida next. #7 Oklahoma beats #2 Texas….and drops to #11 in the media poll. Go figure. Texas slips to #5. #4, 5, and 6 all lost as well.

 

Michigan St edged #4 Michigan 25-24. #5 Clemson lost to #17 Maryland (who moves to #12). #6 Purdue lost by 10 to Ohio State the Boilermakers have #13 South Bend next so no chance rest for the weary

Six 2-loss teams in the media top 25. Meanwhile, the Vols drop another notch after each win. We drop to #24 in the coach's poll - they list us with the #6 SOS. Part of that could have to do with both experienced QB's being injured - again.

 

Glosson follows up his stellar performance by partying too much and ends up in suspended along with WR Orduna, CB Alexander, and DE Burgess. Got spoiled last year when most of the players actually seemed to go to class.

[olympia]

I had played this season out, and not sure why I have not posted any more of the results - so to make up for that transgression:

 

UT Vols vs Arkansas Razorbacks

Vols jump out to good lead early. Couple FG's and a TD before the Hogs got on the board with a FG. With 15 seconds before halftime Anderson hits TE Miller for a 32 yard TD - VOLS go in ahead 19-3.

QB Little gets injured (again) and Arkansas gets a 50 yard punt return. Vols offense sputters a bit, but Anderson is able to lead them down the field to tack on some FG's and give the D a little breathing room.

Final Score. UT wins 28-13.

 

we outgain them 494-282. Little and Anderson had identical stats: 12 of 18 for 155 yards and a TD (Anderson did throw one pick). Miller 25 carries for 136 yards. TE Miller was the favorite target - catching all 6 passes thrown his way, 85 yards and a TD and was named MVP. The O-Line looked a little better today. Only gave up 2 sacks and racked up 6 pancakes and 5 key run blocks (both sacks came from the reserves). Thomas scores another sack, and Kitna picked off one pass. Defense played solid "bend but don't break" and their QB was 14 of 35, and held them to 56 yards rushing. If not for the punt return, it would be hard to find fault.

 

In other games: Florida rocks Ole Miss 33-16. LSU knocks off #25 Alabama. Across the top 25, #2 Miami handles #10 Clemson 31-16. Purdue fell to Notre Dame (only fall to 12th in the polls after 2 losses to ranked teams). Media has UT ranked #27 - right behind 2 loss Alabama. Coaches move us up to #21, computers have us #19.

 

Next week we play #1 Florida. Should be a barn burner. I'd feel better about the game if we were not starting a true freshman QB due to injuries. Sauter is cleared to play if things go badly. Our star DE Lewis also has a lower back injury and will be hampered.

[olympia]

Tennessee Vols vs #1 FLORIDA Gators

 

I was so proud of my 13 "green" rated players until I saw the Gators. Their entire starting line-up was loaded with green and blue chippers. It didn't help that several of my best players were injured. It hurt even more when starting tailback Miller joined his back-up Barry on the injured reserve during the game (and 3rd string Glossen suspended). That forced a walk-on into the game to join a true freshman QB who was being spelled by another walk-on. Then my OT Rutledge tore some cartledge in his ankle. Gators rolled up 507 yards and held us to 301 en route to a 41-6 romp. The walk-on RB fumbled twice, the QB's threw for a combined 16 of 41. It was a destruction we haven't seen since facing LSU a couple years ago in the SEC championship game. Florida is deserving of their #1 ranking.

Nothing much more to say about the game. Now we need to regroup and fast since we travel to #7 Ole Miss next week

 

UT VOLS vs #7 Ole Miss

Another loss - Ole Miss 26-13 and the game was not as close as the score.

 

Ole Miss outgains 431 to 324. Both teams stuffed the run, but our QB by committee was 14 of 33 for 218 yds (compared to their 25 of 40 for 375 yards). The offense was decimated by injuries at every position and that had a major impact on our play. The defense played their hearts out and never quit - we forced two fumbles in the 4th quarter which prevented the Rebs from running the score up. The receivers did not help out our injured and rookie QB's at all, dropping passes left and right. Rookie OG Hill was forced into action and allowed 2 sacks. He did recover 2 fumbles after those sacks. WE have Kentucky next - a tough rivalry game with 7 key players still sidelined and others not at 100%. The good news is 3 suspended players will be eligible to return to action.

 

despite the back to back losses, the coaches have us ranked #23! Media still has us at 27. Funny part is 2 teams with losing records Nebraska and Purdue are in the top 25. Ole Miss jumps up the #3 after thier big victory over the walking wounded who give "Volunteers" whole new meaning.

 

our next games are against bitter rivals Kentucky and Vanderbilt. These games can be nail-biters no matter which team has the most talent. And right now, our talent is spending more time in Rehab than the practice field. 2 must win games for the Vols against teams who would love nothing more than end our winning streaks against them.

[olympia]

UT VOLS vs Kentucky Wildcats

 

UT at UK - typical border state rivalry war!! UK led 7-6 at the half as Lockett missed a 25 yard FG at the buzzer. UK tacks on 2 more FG's in the 3rd before the Vols offense finally got something going. A 12 play drive for 60 yards - Anderson's 20 yard pass to Youngblood was the big play, then Max Malichak capped it off with a 3 yard dive over the right guard for the tying score.

The defense stiffened with a couple 3-and-outs. The offense continued to mount long drives but stalled when they got crossed the 50 and punted. Finally, the Wildcat defense was worn down and the speedster Semple breaks free for a TD pass from Anderson. The defense continued to hold UK for 1-2 series and the offense milked the clock for all it was worth - including one 6 minute drive that ended with a sack/fumble. The Wildcats had new life, but 3 incomplete passes sealed their fate.

 

" Exciting" ballgame that ends 20-13 Vol victory. We outgained them 441 to 248 (161 to 88 on the ground). Youngblood and Semple each missed 7 passes thrown in their direction. The makeshift offensive line allowed 3 sacks (all by Mehl who doubled as guard and back-up center), but Mehl delivered a big pancake block on the go ahead TD pass. Sweeney had two pancakes on his first start of the year. Coleman of UK only completed 12 of 38 passes. Anderson 9 of 20, Sauter 7 of 16 for UT. UK stuffed our runs 8 times in the backfield and made it very hard to get a rushing game going (thanks in big part to 11 missed blocks by our makeshift line). Starting LB Kaufman and Nickelback Bear join the walking wounded - almost as many injured players as we have healthy!

 

The win puts us 24/20 in the polls. Florida, Ga Tech, Miami, and Michigan State are the remaining unbeatens atop the polls. Oregon State and Washington also unbeaten but untested so not in top 10 yet.

 

We go from one hated rival to another - cross state Vanderbilt Commodores before Alabama comes to town.

[olympia]

UT VOLS vs VANDERBILT COMMODORES

 

star OT Rutledge is still on DL, but OG Capeletti returns as does sack master DE Jim Lewis. Too bad, Cap only lasted 2 series before suffering another injury. Vandy has one of the worst offenses in the country and poor defense to boot. But they are cross-state rivals and came to play! Their pitiful defense held the Vols to -20 yards rushing!!!! The Vol QB's stepped up their game for 300 yards passing, but would it be enough as Vandy seemed to move the ball at will. I think we took them for granted!

 

Vandy led 31 to 21 going into the 4th qtr. Little hit Orduna for a short pass to cut into the lead. The defense was fired up and Thomas sacks the QB in the endzone for a safety - but we still trail by 1. Both defenses played tough and yards were hard to come from. UT got one last chance - 2 minutes to go from the 10 yard line (90 yards from paydirt). Everytime I got a good pass play, it would be called back for a penalty. I was afraid we'd end up with a safety, but finally a nice pass to give us breathing room. Then a 44 yard streak to Youngblood with under a minute left. We hurry to the line and connect on a couple more passes getting us to the 25 yard line. With sweaty palms I call time out with 16 seconds left - I put the game in Lockett's hands (moreso his feet). The kick is up.....it's good!!!!! Vols pull off a miracle comeback in Nashville 33-31.

 

I am disgusted with our defense and our offense (understandably the line - allowing 11 stuffs and 4 sacks). Woodall had 4 stuffs for us and Thomas had the big safety sack, but no one else really stepped up with a big play. Orduna and Youngblood gave us over 100 yards receiving each. No question about it, we NEED to get healthy!! If we had played anyone else we would have been blown out of the stadium. QB Sauter hurts his shoulder and is on the shelf again. Most of the other players are at least elevated to "probable" for the next game. Also so much for player development! All my "green" rated players dropped to YELLOW after the game (and some yellows even fell to brown)

 

Alabama is next followed by Georgia

[olympia]

3rd Saturday in October

Tennessee vs Alabama

 

UT returns home for BAMA WEEK> "round the bowl, and down the hole….roll tide roll" -- they have the #1 passing defense in the world - they should have my QB by committee shaking in their boots.

 

Things start as expected - Little tries a screen pass to the TE that hits the DT in the chest and he grabs an INT> thankfully they were called for holding and we get the ball back. Oh well, Miller fumbles two plays later - but they are held to a FG. First play in our second series: interception! but this time our defense holds. end of first qtr sees Bama lead 3-0.

They have 19 yards and we have 17 total yards of offense. Looks like it might be a game of field position and who makes the mistakes - but then Bama hits a big play (40 yard pass) and 3 plays later run it in for a huge 10-0 lead.

 

Freshman Anderson replaces the ineffective Little (who was 1 of 6) and leads the team on a nice 60 yard drive that stalls at the 10. Locket's FG is blocked (of course - had to be that Mountain Cody curse) and returned 30 yards. But again our defense holds and bama has to punt. When we get the ball back, the QB is sacked and fumbles but recovered by the FB. next play Miller is tatooed and fumbles - this time Bama gets it.

The Vols finally get on the scoreboard with 12:01 left in the game (trail 3-10). Many feel there's a little hope left the way the offense fails to move the ball; however, stranger things have happened.... Bama completes a long pass but a big hit by Dodril puts the ball on the turf, a hustling Rogers picks it up and the Vols are back in business. Hunter outleaps their FS for a 26 yard pass play, then Glosson gets us inside the 10. We keep inching forward until it's 4th and Goal from the ONE! Hand-off to Miller who powers it in from 1 yard out on 4th down and the game is tied!! WAIT- I spoke too soon. Locket blows the extra point and the coaches, fans and teammates are not very happy with him at all! 7 minutes to go, and now we need to get the ball back again in good field postion. can the defense deliver? They hold for 3 and out, but Bama punts down to the 4. We get one first down then throw the 4th INT of the game. Bama scores 3 plays later.

 

Offense stalls and time runs out. Heart-breaking 17-9 loss (but can't believe it was actually this close). We were in this game and who knows what would have happened if we made the XP. Momentum was on our side, or it may have awaken Alabama. Time its time to regroup and get ready for Georgia, the last SEC game of the season.

[olympia]

UT vs UGA.

Offensively, this team is just not too much fun to play with right now. 103 yards rushing, 133 yards passing. But the defense holds the Dogs to 278 total yards.

It was a battle of FG's and score was 12-12 going into final minute. Little finds the speedster Semple on the fly and the Vols score a TD to win 19-12. 60 yards at the end - great time to unleash our firepower. (lol) Redshirt Freshman Chris Rogers has the best game of his career: 6 tackles, 2 stuffs and is named player of the game.

 

 

#4 Texas and #3 Oregon State are both upset. Some mid-majors find their way into the top 25. Fresno State, Boise State, and Utah with 9-1 records. No VOLS lists in the award finalists - hard to imagine I know with this injury-riddled mess of a team.

 

We wrap up the SEC at 5-3 (7-3 overall so far), should be good enough for 2nd or 3rd. Two big non-conference games left to conclude the season. 9-1 West Va and mighty ASU for senior day. Win both and we should be sitting pretty for a bowl at 9-3. Lose one and we could drop to a minor bowl.

[olympia]

Tennessee vs West Virginia

 

9-1 and Big East leader West Virginia rides a 7 game winning streak into Neyland Stadium - and the 18th ranked Vols are 1 point underdogs to unranked Mountaineers.

 

The Vols look unstoppable on the first drive with a good mix of runs and passes leading to a 44 yard TD pass to Charles Hunter and the early lead. WVU gets a long pass downfield (68 yards), but SS Johnson runs him down and punches the ball out at the goal line. Vols recover to prevent the score. However, a quick 3 and out (moved backward) and we punt. DE Blair gets us the ball back with an INT. We mix up some runs with Barry and the fullback, then a 34 yard flare to Barry puts the ball on the goalline. FB George hammers it in! 14-0. Our defense plays bend but don't break and go into halftime leading 17-6.

Second half was a slugfest and the Vols hold on for a 27-13 victory! We outgain 423-393 (dismal performance by our D, but they do have a high-powered offense and we managed to keep them out of the endzone for the most part). They only complete 15 of 43 passes or it could have been a different story. Hunter was our star with 5 catches, 92 yards and 2 TD's. The line did good with 3 key run blocks, couple pancakes, and only 1 sack allowed. Blair and Hamlin picked up sacks for us as we put pressure on the QB all day. Very exciting game against a very tough team.

 

We move up to #17. In other games, Alabama upsets #9 Auburn in the Iron Bowl/ 24-22. Ohio State 19-14 winner over Michigan. UCLA knocks off USC 14-11. WVU moves to #27 in both polls.

One more regular season game left - Arizona State for senior day

[olympia]

Tennessee vs Arizonia State

 

#22 UT hosts ASU - senior day and each senior gets to run thru the T as his name is called out. Huge cheers for men like Lewis and Blair who have been our sack leaders. Linebackers Mackey and Kaufman. Offensive linemen Cappenti and Abdullah. CB Todd gets extra cheers as he comes out, arm in a sling, his career probably done due to dislocated shoulder.

 

With all the emotion of Senior Day, the Vols struggle a bit early. ASU drives but throws an INT> we go 3 and out. ASU drives for a FG> TN puts together a nice 5 minute drive to rest the defense and even the T.O.P, then we top it off with a Barry 2 yard dive. First half was a good defensive struggle and we lead 10-9 at half.

 

2nd half reminds us that Yogi Berra was right - it's never over til its over! 12 yard pass from Anderson to Barry, followed by a couple Lockett FG's give the Vols a "commanding" 23-9 lead with 6 minutes left in the game.

 

ASU does not go quietly - 60 yard TD bomb by Wilkins to Thatcher Johnson cuts the lead back to 23-16 and it's a game again. Kitna returns the ensuing kick 86 yards down to the ASU 16 yard line. Five plays later, and fullback George runs it in from the 7 for a TD. 30-16 and only 5 minutes left in the game. Defense forces a punt - but Vol offense can only convert one first down and we punt back with 1:27 left in the game. WE play deep, but once again Wilkins connects with Thatcher Johnson for a 51 yard TD bomb!! 30-23. We barely recover the onside kick...run a couple plays...fumble one and a lineman luckily jumps on the loose ball. ASU burns their 3 timeouts and we punt the ball to the 7. Deep zone and QB scrambles for 8 yards. He hurries to line to spike the ball right as the clock expires. Vols hang on to win 30-23.

 

We gave up an astonishing 405 yards while gaining 344. Our QB's were sacked 5 times and our pass rush was pretty much non-existent. Little was 11 of 12 passing for 136 yards. He was flushed from the pocket 5 times for 15 yards and sacked 3 times (once re-injuring his leg). Leading rusher was Barry - 19 carries for 57 yards. Malinchak had 13 carries for 18 yards. A lot of defensive players saw plenty of playing time due to injuries and fatigue. Woodall was our savior again with 9 tackles, 2 stuffs. Lewis chased the QB until going down with another injury. We won and that's all that matters. Hoping the medical staff can put the Humptey Dumpty back together again in time for a bowl game.

 

I'll have the post season honors and Conference Championships up next. Plus where we will go bowling and who will we play?

[olympia]

Skip Blair is named 1st team all-sec at DE, Darryl Thomas 2nd team DT. Surprising, Miller is 3rd team TE and Madise 3rd team OG. Bryan Thomas makes 3rd team strong safety. Not much to brag about with individual awards - but this is a team game. And the team did alright

 

#2 Ga Tech ekes by Florida State 22-20 in ACC. Meanwhile #1 Florida chokes in the SEC and falls to LSU 37-24/ This drops them to 3rd in the polls and allows Michigan State to move up and play for the National Title.

 

We will go to Tampa to take on Iowa (8-3 and 3rd in Big 10)

[olympia]

OUTBACK BOWL - TAMPA FLORIDA

TENNESSEE VOLS VS IOWA HAWKEYES

 

Defense plays well early giving VOLS good field position. We take advantage of the short field to jump out to a big early lead (17-0 in first qtr, 24-3 at half). Miller and Malichak both TD runs from inside the 5, then Semple catches an 18 yarder for another score.

 

2nd half saw both teams get a long TD catch as the defenses stood tall and refused to allow any other scores. UT wins 31-10. we had a balanced attack for 396 total yards (239 in air, 157 on ground). Woodall's 7 tackles and 2 stuffs led our defense who held the mighty Hawkeyes to 300 total yards.

Nice end to a solid season, and something to build on.

 

 

National Title game:

GA Tech defeats Michigan State to win the national title. Tennessee ends up the year ranked #17

[lordenforcer]

Great Read

[olympia]

thanks, appreciate the feedback. I was debating whether to start up another year and post the results

[Matt23134]

Just curious olympia, do you sim your games or play them out with the play by play feature?

[olympia]

Just curious olympia, do you sim your games or play them out with the play by play feature?

 

I tend to play most of the games out with play by play - sometimes, I let the Coordinators call the plays (but will still override them and "audible" when I see fit). Some games I do SIM just to see what the team can do without me.

 

There are several ways to play this game - from just only Recruiting and let the computer coach use your players as they see fit. Only coach only the offense or defense, or do it all. Merits to each method.

[olympia]

year end house-keeping

 

WE get a B+ overall rating - A for recruiting and prestige. B for performance, talent, and expectations. WE should have the horses to make a run next year if we can deliver another solid recruiting year

they cut our budget $25,000 (2350000) and we have $100,750 for recruiting practices. Several assistant coaches get head coaching jobs (not ours) and none of our underclassmen are expected to declare early for NFL

 

We use the budget cut as an excuse to cut loose the $625,000 salary commanded by our OC Ron Porter -- and actually upgrade with Sylester Shockey, an Auburn grad. (excellent game planner and scouter of RB/WR/ good motivater and developer at most positions. He's only average with OL which has been a weakness. but upgrading at other positions, so we expect to get our high powered offense off the ground next year. He only cost us $575,000

 

bad news in transfers as we lose MLB Steve Cercone and DE Jeff Burgess, two guys we expected to compete for starting positions this year and provide ample playing time. As a Freshman, Cercone played in 10 games last year, and had 14 tackles. With his 9 potential, he was expected to be the heir apparant when Woodall graduates this year. The AD told us he would try to find some additional money for recruiting since 2 more scholarship slots just opened up.

 

Recruiting is up next

[olympia]

We enter the Recruiting wars hoping to sign a QB (we have 2 seniors and a rising Soph - this has been an oft injuried position for us, so depth is important!)

 

WE also want to sign some quality offensive linemen! Many say you can never have enough lineman and in our case, we continue to struggle here. From there, we need fill in some holes and add depth in other areas

 

None of the top flight QB's expressed much interest early (maybe not wanting to play behind 2 seniors?), but looks like some good news on the line front:

4 star OT's Dave Moore, Ron Howard, and AJ O'Neal all have the Vols listed as their top school as does 4 star OG Nathan Chesire. Also, top RB Daute Dixon and TE Keith Porter - both Juco's have told respected recruiting services, they like Tennessee the most at this time.

 

I could be very happy with the class if we landed all these top guys, but as we all know it is a long and windy road to Signing Day

[olympia]

Week 9 started things off with a bang as the top rated TE in the nation signs with the VOLS. Keith Porter is the #23 rated player overall in the nation (#6 in the SE). He will be the 2nd hightest rated player signed by UT (after Derrick Alexander, the #13 CB from 2009). Porter played his HS ball in Alabama, and has been attending the Mississippi Delta CC the last couple years/

 

WEEK 11 brings more bad news than good:

we did sign the #28 rated Free Safty, Larry Studsill signs with the Vols. #457 overall, the cover safety from Long Beach MS will provide some depth in the defensive backfield. Depending on which recruiting service the Star gazers read, he is a 3 or 4 star recruit. Either way, we are happy to have him.

 

the downside is a host of highly sought after guys signed elsewhere

top OG prospect Chesire goes to Clemson. OT Moore has us atop his list, but then signs with Bama. LB Rivera to Auburn. LB Arnold to Miami. Over the next couple weeks, we will lose out on Dixon (RB) and the other OL prospects we were after. Definite time to regroup and see what our plan B list looks like!!

[olympia]

Week 14 signed 4star ILB Gaffney, pair of 3 star Ots (Harrison and Woodson), and 3 star FS Buckman.

 

week 15: LB Shlesinger, 3* RB Thompson, 4* ath WR Kline Reed, OG Moreau

 

week 16: WR Cunningham, RB Bennett

 

last week: couple 3* DE's, Breaux and Kramer and a warm body for DT 2* Conwell

 

#17 ranked recruiting class, kind of dissapointing after the last couple years. Most of the guys will be for depth purposes only and not expected to make an impact

 

Nebraska ended up with #1 class followed by USC and Michigan State

 

Tennessee had the top ranked class in the SEC!! Followed by LSU at 23, Alabama 24, Auburn 27. Florida was #40

Bama had 8 4-5 stars but also 8 1 stars, so feast or famine for them'

 

3 from TN, 4 from GA, 5 from FLA. 1 each from Alabama (MS Juco), Ark, MS, and LA

[olympia]

TE Keith Porter, 5-stars

Mississippi Delta CC (MS), Demopolis, AL, HS - AL

National Rank: 23, Regional: 6, Position: 1

 

ILB Will Gaffney, 4-stars

Lakeside (Lake Village, AR)

National Rank: 357, Regional: 78, Position: 29

 

RB Rickey Bennett, 4-stars (3 stars on another site)

Coffee County Central (Manchester, TN)

National Rank: 702, Regional: 173, Position: 64

 

OT Curtis Harrison, 4-stars (3)

Bayshore (Bradenton, FL)

National Rank: 422, Regional: 95, Position: 28

 

WR Kline Reed, 4-stars

Colquitt County (Moultrie, GA)

National Rank: 325, Regional: 68, Position: 30

 

SS Carl Compton, 3-stars (4 star on other site)

Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

National Rank: 328, Regional: 71, Position: 19

 

FS Shawn Buckman, 3-stars

Stephenson (Stone Mountain, GA)

National Rank: 439, Regional: 101, Position: 26

 

OT Ken Woodson, 3-stars

Stephenson (Stone Mountain, GA)

National Rank: 536, Regional: 127, Position: 38

 

FS Larry Studstill, 3-stars (4)

Long Beach (Long Beach, MS)

National Rank: 457, Regional: 105, Position: 28

 

OG Nate Moreau, 3-stars

Wolfson (Jacksonville, FL)

National Rank: 538, Regional: 128, Position: 29

 

ILB Travis Schlesinger, 3-stars (or 4 star / TOS)

Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, FL)

National Rank: 395, Regional: 88, Position: 33

 

WR Terry Cunningham, 3-stars

Mandeville (Mandeville, LA)

National Rank: 370, Regional: 84, Position: 38

 

RB Willie Thomason, 3-stars

Donelson Christian Academy (Nashville, TN)

National Rank: 890, Regional: 224, Position: 77

 

DE Bobby Kramer, 3-stars

Pike County (Zebulon, GA)

National Rank: 442, Regional: 102, Position: 20

 

DE Larry Breaux, 3-stars

Fort Walton Beach (Fort Walton Beach, FL)

National Rank: 622, Regional: 151, Position: 38

 

DT Lloyd Conwell, 2-stars

Upperman (Baxter, TN)

National Rank: 1535, Regional: 402, Position: 63

 

one site gives UT five 5/4 star recruits, while the other gives me 6. Not sure how the two charts differ, but interesting (and comparable to Scout vs Rivals). Both list Shawn Buckman 3 star, but with 49 out of 72 ratings, he could develop into a fine player. Porter came in at 74 of 83, earning his 5 star status. After him, Kline Reed (55/77) and Carl Compton (52/73) are highest rated - but both expect to redshirt due to experienced talent ahead of them on the depth charts. Most will need a lot of work and development and I could see 10 of these 16 guys redshirted (just hope they see the value in that and stick around)

 

next can take a look at our Roster breakdown and prospects for the 2010 season

[olympia]

2010 roster breakdown

QB Little and Sauter are both seniors now and have the experience to lead this team to victory. Little has pulled ahead and is the clear leader here (65 of 70 and green rated). Sauter (62 of 72) is a great back-up but has been as consistent as Little. The plan is to redshirt Raymond Anderson, the Soph from Michigan (58 /68) and hope we can stay healthy. Unheralded Walter Holmes a TN native (55 / 65) would be the emergency QB.

Little commands a 73 and 79 passing skills which is 10 pts above the rest. It was his work ethic that was always called into question (75 vs 90 for the other QB's on the roster)

 

RB We have 4 "green rated" backs, so solid depth of very good backs - just not a standout to carry us (no pun intended). Miller is the senior (66/73) and plenty fast (73). He has gained 1000 yards so far in his career. Many scouts knock his instincts which has held him back (35). Glossen also a senior (65/75), also not a very instinctful runner (33), but has the ability to break tackles. Max Malinchak is the fastest back on the team (81) and once he can harness his skills that facet alone will make him a very exciting player to watch. He is a Soph and we have high hopes for him down the road (overall 66 / 76). The best all-round back is Juqua Berry (68 / 77). He is also a Soph but no real stand-out qualities. 45 speed, 59 instincts (his best attribute), 89 work ethic. If he can continue to improve, I'd expect him to be a workhorse. The 2 freshmen recruits grade out fairly low (51/63 and 52/67) so hoping they take advantage and learn behind the 4 Horsemen

 

FB 2 solid guys here - Jr M. George is 'green" (64/72) while Soph C.Scott is yellow (63/74). Both men average over 10 yards a carry in their careers, and are a brute force when it comes to 3rd and short. We can expect to work them into the game plan early and often.

 

WR Hannibal Semple is our star here. The converted RB has blazing 89 speed. 66 hands, 56 route running adds up to 65/74 overall. Orduna, Hunter, and Browning give us 3 other good targets (all 61 of 69). May be enough to keep future star Kline Reed on the bench with a redshirt (and most likely a transfer) - he is 55 of 77.

 

TE another strength of this team. Newcomer, Juco Jr Keith Porter is a solid blue chipper (77 of 84). Great hands and an excellent blocker - in fact picked by scouts to be the top run blocker in the nation. He will have senior Lamar Miller backing him up. (68 of 79). This pushes Freddie Leo to the bench and possible redshirt (64/79). IF leo will just stay with us, this extra year of development will help him a lot

 

OL Rutledge and Madise anchor the line (68 of 78), but talent drops off after them. Hopefully a couple other guys will develop into the 60's. Lot of these guys have 70+ potential, but languish in the high 50's. As a whole, they are better pass blockers than run blockers.

 

DL Skip Blair is the lone senior DE. He hasn't quite lived up to his potential (62 of 80), but had 10 sacks for the Vols last year. The interior is anchored by Burke, a Soph. (68 of 74). He'll have some guys projected to one day play on Sundays helping him out.

 

LB Linebacker has long been a strength for this team. Dave Woodall is back for his senior season. He was the #2 ILB when he came to UT, and he has been nothing short of spectacular for us and should become the all-time tackle leader for the team. 69 of 81 rating = Green and if he can continue to develop he could end up Blue. Ross, Kemp, and Tino rate in the low 60's but can be adequate on the outside for us

 

CB Dodril and Alexander, both green, can both be shut down corners. Decent speed and scary strength.

 

Safety Ford and Thomas give us some experience (65/75) in the deep slots. 3 solid frosh coming in and also JR Johnson backing them up, we could eventually have the best DB's in the nation

 

Special Teams

Courtney Johnson has fans excited (83 of 86). The Soph replaces Locket who was all world but missed a lot of key kicks last year. If Johnson gets on a roll early, the fans will rally to him big time. 97 leg strength and 84 accuracy give us reason to hope. Mark Anderson (65 of 68) is a good punter (green) - avg 42 yards per punt last year. The coach expects him to be one of the most consistent punters in the SEC.

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Looking at the season ahead, we lined up a tough schedule

 

Hawaii, LA Tech, and Wisconsin agree to games this year (only Minnesota turned me down, but the Badgers were eager to prove how good they really are and jumped at the chance), plus we travel to West Virginia for the home and home repay from last year - that will be the season opener. Wisconsion is the last game of the season - they are preseason ranked in the top 25/.

 

Everyone knows we have good talent this year, but the SEC is stacked top to bottom - and we are projected 6th. Board would love a top 10 finish to the season (somehow I think a top 10 ranking would require finishing higher than 6th in the SEC!)

 

Experts opinion on how our season might go:

The talented Offensive Line has been inconsistent - if they can get it together anchored by Eric Madise, we should be able to put up some pts. MLB Woodall will be the standout on defense. The DBs have improved every year and this could be a breakout season for the defense. We just need to be consistent and play smart.

If he stays healthy, Woodall should pass Raymond Erickson as the all-time tackle leader for the Vols

 

We'll find out what we are made of very soon, as the first game is West Virginia. Vols ranked #25, WVa is #30

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Tennessee vs West Virginia

 

The Vols get the running game going early and FB Scott gives them a quick TD lead. Mountaineers mounted a couple drives - one stopped by an INT and the other ends in a FG. Little is rang up trying a pass and fumbles giving WVU great field position, but our defense stood tall and holds them to a FG. Sauter replaces Little for a couple series so he can clear cobwebs. Result: Sauter goes down with a groin injury and back-up running back Glossen breaks a clavicle. Little comes back and moves the Vols to FG range where they connect from 33 yards out (15 yard line). Defense gets us the ball back but the drive stalls on the 30 yard line. We attempt a fake FG on 4th and 2, but come up just short. After a 3 and out punt, Vols get the ball on the 20 with just under 2 minutes to go in the half. Thoughts of running out the clock were erased after a nice pass to Browning. Little is sacked but hurries the team to the line and lofts a nice deep ball the Charles Hunter who races 52 yards for a score as the whistle sounds!!

 

Vols take 17-6 half-time lead. We have dominant stats in all areas but the key one is 12 first downs to 4 and 222 total yards to 78. Fullback Scott is the surprise leading rusher with 37 yards on just 3 carries. Dissappointed with 5 penalties though.

3rd qtr starts with turmoil as the WR is hit and fumbles allowing WVU to get another FG. Then after WVU misses another FG attempt, the Vols are called for holding which allows them another chance and a TD this time (plus 2 pt conversion). Penalties and mistakes are costing us big time. Vols finally get a good drive going now with the score tied 17-17. However it stalls at the 10 and Courtney Johnson our all-american kicker sends the ball wide right!! ARGH! I've never seen a team that just laid down and quit like this. WVU marches down to start the 4th qtr and gets another TD to take the lead. Vols drive goes nowhere. Defense holds them to a FG att that is wide left - alright...no wait, illegel substitution is called (where have I seen that before?!) WVU gets another try a little closer and drills it. Little throws 2 picks, then gets a pretty much meaningless 54 TD strike to TE Porter to cut the lead to 3 with a few ticks left on the clock. WVU recovers the onside kick and steal the win from us 24-27.

 

stats: We end up leading first downs 19-15, total yards 404-239. Little ends game 19/31 for 288 yards. 2 TD and 2 INT. 37 rushes for 99 yards total. Rutledge had 3 pancakes, Yates gave up 3 sacks.and we lost 3 fumbles. On Defense, FS Ford has 6 tackles. Woodall with 5 including two stuffs. DT Hamlin has 3 big sacks, Johnson, Rogers, and Abraham with 1 sack apiece. 5 turnovers and 9 crucial penalties for 75 yards ruined what would have been a good game, and cost us dearly. Not a good start to the year, but as we get adjusted to the new offensive schemes, hopefully we'll get it together and bounce back

 

in other top 25 games, Michigan State routs #24 Notre Dame 41-20 and #23 Texas Tech holds on to defeat Marshall 24-19

 

4 starters and 4 key reserves get some extra study hall hours to try to keep them eligible. Sauter could be ready to play if needed, Glossen is out for sure with the fractured clavicle

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Tennessee vs Hawaii

 

The Vols return home after a heart-breaking loss to West Virginia.

 

Barry and George get 3 yards each on the first drive before Little is hit and fumbles the ball away! The Dave Woodall show holds the Rainbow Warriors to a 43 yd FG. Hawaii holds our anemic offense and tacks on another FG. Again we punt and watch their "so-called pitiful offense" drive down to the 4 yard line before the defense got fired up. 3 times we stuff them in the backfield so the 40 yard FG seems like a minor cause for celebration. However the 3 touchdown favorite Vols find themselves behind 3 FG's. Finally with a minute to go in the half the offense finds a pulse - Little leads the Vols downfield and we get a 35 yard FG, but its not enough to quiet the restless fans who boo their performance - and to add insult, Hawaii drives 80 yards to get the FG back as the half ends. Fans boo the Vols into the lockerroom - trailing 3-12

 

This video played at halftime which reminded both fans and players alike what the tradition of Tennessee was all about - and that is truly much more than just a game to a lot of folks:

 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TiQb4RyyRFU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

The fans seemed energized by the halftime show, and the players fed off that energy. Both defenses played lights out in the 3rd qtr. Senior QB Little seemed confused by what they were throwing at him and often took to scrambling and running for short gains as the receivers could not get open. We tried running behind our big line with minimal success.

With several players for both teams going down to injuries on the slippery field, our depth maybe helped change the course of the game. After a turnover, the Vols drive down with short passes. 4 and 2 on the 7 yard line, trailing 3-12, it wasn't a tough decision to get the "easy" 3. That would put us to within a TD of the lead anyway. Hawaii starts to drive against our tiring defenders but Brunson's pass is picked off by Kemp who returns it to the 32. Little promptly returns the favor - ARGH - but wait! Hawaii is called for roughing the passer and we have new life!! 1st and 10 at our 40. Little hits TE Miller for a 30 yard streak, then follows it up with another 30 yard bomb to Ordona!! Vols take the lead 13-12 with the XP. 7:17 left in the game. DE Skip Blair sacks Brunson on 4th down to get the ball back for the Vols with 4:14 left. We decide to feed them a steady dose of our running backs. The power running game works to perfection as we drive the ball to the 13 yard line and let the clock expire. It may have been ugly, but our team battled back to get the win 13-12.

 

Stats: both teams had 16 first downs. We outgain 326 to 301 (We have 141 yards rushing led by Barry with 19 carries / 82 yards). Little goes all the way at QB, 17 of 27 for 185 yards. Favorite target was Ordona who had 7 catches for 75 yards. Thomas was the defensive star of the game with 9 tackles and an INT. Woodall adds 6 tackles. We had sacks from Burke, Blair, and Carroll

 

In other key games: #16 Auburn defeats #22 Ga Tech 37-16, LSU knocks Notre Dame out of the top 25 28-16. Alabama upsets #10 Oregon State 17-16. #19 North Carolina destroys #13 Nebraska 37-16. #20 Oklahoma loses at #14 Ohio State. Michigan and Southern Cal win laughers to remain atop the rankings.

 

Injury report from the last game: QB Sauter is battling a hernia and should continue to sit. TE Porter (Broken finger), OT Sweeney (muscle strain), OG Rentzel (Hamstring pull), C- Young (tennis elbow) are all cleared to play if needed. Other good news is that NO Vols were suspended for acedemics. We should be pretty much 100% (minus Sauter and Glossen) for LA Tech