Saturday, the Vols came out and played hard, and got a big win. Fulmer surprised everybody by going for it all on 4th and goal at the 2, and made it pay off.
When you're overmatched, say, gambling in Las Vegas, if you take the safe bet, all you do is minimize your losses.
But you still lose.
The way to win when the odds are against you is to throw down big on the first bet, cutting down on the house advantage.
But was it genius, or desperation?
Tennessee ranks 9th in rushing, 8th in passing, and 10th in total offense in the SEC. Only Mississippi St. and Kentucky are worse. Fulmer knew his offense was not getting the job done, and he had to make the most of the opportunity.
So he went for it, and it paid off. But what does this win really mean for the future of the Vols? After reading the rosy coverage in the KNS, and hearing the folks on WNOX talking about getting to the SEC Championship, I have to throw the BS flag. We had fewer yards rushing than Miami had in penalties. The offense was held to under 200 yards. We won because of an outstnading defensive effort that forced three turnovers, recovered a 4th, and the 'Canes penalty laden performance.
The Vols most likely opponent in the SEC championship, Ole Miss or LSU, ranks 1st and 2nd in total offense. LSU also ranks 2nd in total defense. We can't hope that either team will pull a repeat of Miami's performance, so we'll have to see a tremendous improvement in the Vol offense if we hope to have a shot at winning the SEC.
And we're going to get the chance to play, because Georgia will lose to Auburn.
The good news is that Saturday's game reminded me of the '98 team. It wasn't always pretty, but the team alwaysfound a way to win. If the current team can keep that kind of intensity and attitude, we've got a chance.
And you can throw the stats out the window.
Vols 45 Miss St 14
UPDATE: According to the forecast, Saturday will be cold and rainy. WE all know how well Casey plays in bad weather, so I have to change my prediction.
Miss St 28 Vols 12
OK, it won't be that bad. Here's the real one:
Vols 28 Miss St 17
Posted by Rich at November 10, 2003 11:29 PM | TrackBackOne thing you have to take into consideration is that we never trailed after tying 3-3, and never had to do anything except play it safe. There was no need to go pass-wacky while we watched Miami self-destruct. If it looked like they were starting to mount a comeback (on the scoreboard) then they would've opened it up.
It's like stepping back and watching the other boxer swing so hard he knocks himself out. You have the presence of mind not to get in his way...
Posted by: Barry on November 13, 2003 9:03 AMyou make a good point Barry, one that I wold accept, except that our offense has been anemic all season long. If we had just once showm the ability to really move the ball consistently, I'd feel a whole lot better.
Posted by: rich on November 13, 2003 10:32 AM