Apologies to Kentucky fans,who are justifiably proud of the improvement in their Wildcats, but c'mon!
Four overtimes to beat Kentucky? After leading by 17 points with just over a minute to go in the 3rd quarter?
Sorry, but I'm not ready to join in the beatification of Saint Fulmer just yet.
Yes, I'm happy that the Vols are playing for the SEC championship, and I think this team has more heart and guts than the last three editions put together. The return of David Cutcliffe has nearly doubled the offensive output of the Big Orange offense, nearly countering John Chavis's defensive doldrums. (Here's a hint for Chavis; if the opposing team needs only 2 yards for a touchdown,if your coverage gives them a five yard cushion, they will score. Unless you're playing Ole Miss.)
Yes, I'm happy to see Eric Ainge breaking records and completing passes and not taking sacks. The offensive line is playing better than they have in quite a while, which means the running game is beginning to come back to life as well.
At least in the first half.
And that's the heart of my issues with Fulmer and his coaches. In big time college football, each half is almost like a separate game. The adjustments made at halftime will usually determine who wins and who loses. How long many second halves have the Vols won this season?
| Second Half | |||
| Opponent | Result | Opp | Vols |
| California | L 31-45 | 14 | 10 |
| Southern Miss | W 39-19 | 3 | 22 |
| Florida | L 20-59 | 31 | 7 |
| Arkansas State | W 48-27 | 10 | 17 |
| Georgia | W 35-14 | 14 | 7 |
| Mississippi State | W 33-21 | 7 | 16 |
| Alabama | L 17-41 | 17 | 0 |
| South Carolina | W 27-24 | 24 | 3 |
| Louisiana-Lafayette | W 59-7 | 7 | 35 |
| Arkansas | W 34-13 | 10 | 14 |
| Vanderbilt | W 25-24 | 7 | 16 |
| Kentucky | W 52-50 | 24 | 7 |
| Totals | 168 | 154 |
By my count, we beat 6 teams in the second half. 6 teams with a combined record of 35-37. Contrast that to the combined record of the teams that outscored us in the second half, 44-27. Winning teams win the second half; it is as simple as that. We had a 24 point lead against South Carolina,and wound up needing them to miss a game tieing field goal. We had a 17 point lead over Kentucky, and let them score 24 points to tie the game. Leading 24-17 at the half, 6-6 Bama, losers to Louisiana Monroe, posted 17 points and blanked the Vols in the second half. And let's not talk about Florida. By way of contrast, let's look at UT's opponent in the SEC championship, LSU. The Tigers have outscored their opposition 282-99 in the second half.
Like I said, it's all about the adjustments you make at halftime,and our adjustments just don't work. We get too conservative on offense,too soft on defense. We are consistently outcoached in the second half of big games. This is why Fulmer is on the hot seat, despite his winning record. Too often, it feels like he plays "not to lose" in the second half, instead of playing to win.
Saturday's SEC Championship game represents a test for Fulmer and his staff. LSU is beatable; Arkansas proved that. A good game plan will see the Volunteers playing in a BCS Bowl on New Year's Day. The team has the talent,the heart, and the drive to win.
All they need is the coaching.
Well, I must be missing something...now I hear he's up for a raise! If he is going to give us seasons like this one and can afford to give back a cool million...he don't need no stinking raise!
Posted by: Mushy on November 26, 2007 5:12 PMNothing to be proud or excited about at all. I for one was sitting there at the end of the first O-T ready to sling my empty Mich Amber bottle through the TV.
Yay Vols! You boys really showed 'em who's who, didn'tcha? The asshats had the game won and it was a matter of playing smart to keep them off. Not a matter of letting them play catch-up and almost whipping the orange poo out of ya!
Sorry. That game annoyed me. I feel better now.
Posted by: Diva on November 27, 2007 2:18 PMDon't worry about the Vols winning. It won't happen. GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TigerGal on November 27, 2007 9:59 PM