Butch Jones: The Choice to Conduct Yet Another Rebuild at Tennessee
This morning, the University of Tennessee announced that Butch Jones, the University of Cincinnati’s head man for the past three seasons, is the choice of Dave Hart.
As of the time of the announcement, Jones was not the choice of the majority of the Vol Nation.
Even with the lucrative price tag of $18 million over six years, he likely wasn’t Tennessee’s first choice, or second choice, or third choice. He likely wasn’t in the top twenty of desired candidates for the vast majority of fans.
But, regardless of the secrecy of the actual process, executed priorities, and actual timeline of the search, Butch Jones is now the head coach of the Vols.
Vol Nation Comes Back to Earth: Straight Down from Space without a Parachute
Grudenmania crashed and burned on Friday. The only thing that remains are ashes that still smolder.
The Dreaded Snowman
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Saturday 24 November 2012 | 12:21pm EST
Neyland Stadium (102,455) | Knoxville, TN | SEC Network
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If you are a golfer, you know what I’m talking about.
If you are a Tennessee Vols fan, you should know what I’m referring to.
Tennessee-Vanderbilt: A Microcosm of the Macrocosm
Vanderbilt 41 Tennessee 18
17 November 2012 | Vanderbilt Stadium | ATT: 40,350
Recap | Boxscore | Play-by-Play | Drive Chart | Photos | Video
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The Ancient Greeks saw the same patterns reproduced in all levels of the cosmos, from the largest scale all the way down to the smallest scale.
On Saturday night in Nashville, the Grecian Formula was in effect — the Volunteers exhibited the same deficiencies that we have seen all season long: (1) big plays/poor defense; (2) turnovers; and (3) coaching.
The Dave Hart Show
Today at 2:00pm EST, Tennessee AD Dave Hart took to the microphone. Then with his words, during an introductory statement and followup answers to questions from the media, Mr. Hart made it clear that he is his own man and is in control of the current coaching situation.
Dooley Fired
After last night’s disaster, the only surprise is that nobody knew at what time this would be announced.
An official announcement was released by the university this morning after 11:00 am EST.
Tennessee Athletic Director Dave Hart released this statement:
Derek and I met early this morning, and I informed him that I believed a change in leadership, despite the positive contributions he has made to the overall health of the program, was in the best long-term interests of Tennessee football. We will immediately begin the search for the best possible candidate to assume this leadership role.
The university’s statement also indicated that Dooley will not coach this coming Saturday against Kentucky. Offensive Coordinator Jim Chaney will be the interim.
A press conference will be held in Knoxville at 2:00pm EST. It is widely reported that Dooley will not be in attendance.
More will be posted later today, including a requiem on last night’s embarrassment.
Tennessee-Vanderbilt Preview: The Game as a Mere Distraction
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Saturday 17 November 2012 | 7:00pm EST
Vanderbilt Stadium (40,550) | Nashville, TN | ESPN2
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Absolutely everything has been discussed this week within the VolNation
. Everything except the upcoming football game.
Vol Karma: Breaking the Groundhog Day Syndrome
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In the first half, the Tennessee defense held Missouri to 7 points (scored on a kickoff return for a TD), only 27 snaps, no big plays (none >20 yards), no Red Zone visits, only 4 first downs, and only 64 total yards.
Then, after taking the second-half opening kickoff, Kendial Lawrence ran a rather simple misdirection running play up the middle for 77 yards and a TD.
It cut the Tennessee lead to 21-14.
It cut a big hole in what confidence Sal Sunseri’s defensive troops may have gathered during the opening half.
It cut open the floodgates of the habit of losing.
Good Night, Irene
Maybe someday I will write a post-game article about today’s 51-48, 4OT loss to Missouri.
But then again, maybe I won’t.
Until then…
Missouri vs Tennessee: Equally As Good As They Are Bad
Missouri Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Saturday 10 November 2012 | 12:21pm EST
Neyland Stadium (102,455) | Knoxville, TN | SECN/ESPN3
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This is one of the most interesting matchups of the season for Tennessee as well as being a game that holds little interest — all in the same bundle.
Big Things, Little Things, Everything
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Tennessee’s offense set a new school record for most number of total yards in a game (718). Tennessee’s defense set a new school record for the most number of total yards allowed in a game (721).
Both of these events happened on the same day, in the same game, which also saw the most combined yards in any Tennessee game (1,439).
During his introductory press conference in 2010, Derek Dooley said that under his leadership, the Vols would play exciting football. Saturday was exciting, but Dooley didn’t have Saturday in mind when he said this almost three years ago.
Is the Dye Cast?
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A Similar Script
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It would be easy to write something like, “It’s getting comical.”
The problem is that it isn’t.
Tennessee-South Carolina Preview: What a Difference a Month Makes
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When South Carolina destroyed Georgia on October 6 by a shocking 35-7 score, the Old Ball Coach had his program ranked 3rd on the 6-0 W/L tally. How times have changed.
This Gruden “Thing”
On Wednesday, the rumor mill regarding the imminent hiring of Jon Gruden as Tennessee’s next head football coach vortexed into a category 5 tornado.
But, why would Jon Gruden want to be the next head football coach of the Vols?
