ESPN Sportscenter, K.Herbstreit 2reveal suprise SEC team, TN hi-lites

[utmba93]

Originally Posted by sjt18

BTW, rex. I never said that UT was "OK" just winning the East. I will say they are "closer" to being "OK" than many are and they could be.

The crux of the issue most of the time is whether a person believes that a coach who has consistently gotten them close is a better bet than some unknown that could very easily tank the program for decades.

True. Ironically, concerning the unknown alternative coach to be named later as a replacement for CPF, Rex is an extreme optimist. It's a fair question to ask if General Neyland or Bear Bryant could walk on the Hill in the modern era and win championships with ease as they once did. It's much bigger show now.

[kptvol]

Originally Posted by sjt18

KPT, doesn't this qualify as basically the same thing as the guy who refuses to accept anything negative?

Not really. Rex pointed out that being close to success does not equal success. Almost winning a case doesn't really help a lawyer's reputation. Rex has stated a clear goal for UT's program. Since it's been nearly a decade and that goal is still untouched, I can understand why he feels disappointed. All he seems to want is an SEC Championship, so I don't feel like he's being unrealistic. Does Rex go over the top with the criticism sometimes? Probably. But if Phil had won that game against LSU last season I really think you'd be seeing a different Rexvol these days.

The difference between rex and utmba: If UT were playing Louisiana-Lafeyette, rex wouldn't predict a UT loss. However, if 2005 UT were playing a team that was the complete opposite end of the talent/success spectrum as ULL (such as USC 2004) utmba would be picking UT in a rout.

[govols182]

Originally Posted by kptvol

Not really. Rex pointed out that being close to success does not equal success. Almost winning a case doesn't really help a lawyer's reputation. Rex has stated a clear goal for UT's program. Since it's been nearly a decade and that goal is still untouched, I can understand why he feels disappointed. All he seems to want is an SEC Championship, so I don't feel like he's being unrealistic. Does Rex go over the top with the criticism sometimes? Probably. But if Phil had won that game against LSU last season I really think you'd be seeing a different Rexvol these days.

I think we would be seeing a different...well I can name a few people.

[jakez4ut]

Originally Posted by lacrossepro70

ESPN is ruled by regional and market bias. How many broadcasters that graduated from SEC schools have any association to ESPN? Look at a list of ESPN broadcasters- Blackledge-PSU, Corso-coached at IU, Herbie- as you know tOSU, even Desmond Howard for christ's sake. On top of that you have the huge markets in Southern Cal. and the national following for Notre Dame, and there just isn't that much room for a Southern school like UT.

let me guess........you probably thought The X Files was a documentary?

[orange+white=heaven]

Originally Posted by jakez4ut

let me guess........you probably thought The X Files was a documentary?

You suggesting it wasn't?!....

[SWIL]

Love him or hate him, Herbstreit is the closest thing to an 'ally' that the Vols have at ESPN.

[IPorange]

Every team's fanbase thinks ESPN has a negative bias against them. It is really a product of a fan (short for fanatic) base's extremely positive and sunny view of the team/institution at which they are a fan (fanatic) of, contrasted against a relatively disconnected, cursory, and brief glance the media gives every school, to some extent. It seems SO negative, because how we as fans (fanatics) view our team is much more familial and personal. The truth is we get more coverage yearly than all but a dozen or so other schools, which is remarkable considering our lack of recent championships.

Even Ohio State thinks ESPN has a negative bias against them.

[utmba93]

Originally Posted by kptvol

Not really. Rex pointed out that being close to success does not equal success. Almost winning a case doesn't really help a lawyer's reputation. Rex has stated a clear goal for UT's program. Since it's been nearly a decade and that goal is still untouched, I can understand why he feels disappointed. All he seems to want is an SEC Championship, so I don't feel like he's being unrealistic. Does Rex go over the top with the criticism sometimes? Probably. But if Phil had won that game against LSU last season I really think you'd be seeing a different Rexvol these days.

The difference between rex and utmba: If UT were playing Louisiana-Lafeyette, rex wouldn't predict a UT loss. However, if 2005 UT were playing a team that was the complete opposite end of the talent/success spectrum as ULL (such as USC 2004) utmba would be picking UT in a rout.

That shows your bias. Your example for Rex is generous--implying that he uses careful analysis in criticizing UT. For me, you go over the top as far as you can. There are matchups in which I wouldn't predict a Vol victory.

I've said I expect a loss at Auburn this season, during the regular season, but that the Vols will avenge that loss in the SECCG game. I admit that may be biased in favor of the Vols. Thus, realistically, the Vols might lose in OT to Auburn in the SEC CG. Fair and balanced!

I think Rex is calling for a 6-6 season or something absurd like that.

Both are somewhat extreme (biased, lack objectivity, etc.). If I had to be negative, I don't see 6-6 this season in any scenario. 8-4 is worst case.

[I MISS THE BOWL BROS.]

Originally Posted by orangeblood

Lou Holtz- LOL He's a walking joke- would pick Notre Dame if they were playing the Colts
Corso- Fair, but if he picks your team, its the kiss of death
Herbstreit- Still doesn't get it that the SEC is dominant
May-fair and balanced for the most. I think he secretly regrets the whole Heisman thing.

WOW Mark May has Mark Richt on the brain, he loves the dogs!!!!!!

[kptvol]

Originally Posted by utmba93

That shows your bias. Your example for Rex is generous--implying that he uses careful analysis in criticizing UT. For me, you go over the top as far as you can. There are matchups in which I wouldn't predict a Vol victory.

Rex and I have had plenty of arguments. I'm not biased toward him. He will occasionally mention something positive about the Vols, making him more objective than you.

[rexvol]

Originally Posted by kptvol

Rex and I have had plenty of arguments. I'm not biased toward him. He will occasionally mention something positive about the Vols, making him more objective than you.

I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that had we won last year in Atlanta you guys might well be calling me a Fulmerite.
What I cannot understand is why there is not more of an outcry over our current inability to break through and win more than the SECE. Is an SECC every four years really too much to ask? Is a BCS bowl once a decade setting the bar too high?
kpt and I have argued to point that I had to pm him and apologize, so I can assure you he's not biased toward me.
Let me go on record yet again and post some positive things;
1) Clawson and his guys were great hires on paper. Im excited about what they bring to the table.
2) Latrell Scott will make everyone forget about TT.
3) GJ's is as exciting a playmaker as I've seen on the Hill in some time.
4) EB is as exciting a playmaker on D as Ive seen in many years. Every time I think of him I also think of Terry Fair.
4) I honestly think that Phil will let CDC call his own game.....right up until UF comes to town.
5) This year Bama catches a beat down in K-Ville just like they handed us last year.

Now all that being said, Phil has allowed our program to slip. I just dont think you can deny that. I also believe that for the Vols to get back to where we deserve to be (relevant on the national scene) it's going to take a coaching change at the top. If you look around the nation the days of coaches like Phil are over. No more grandfather figures, modern players want a guy that can relate. Our program is not some jack leg johnny come lately like Rutgers. We deserve more than we're getting, period.

[rexvol]

Originally Posted by sjt18

Thanks for making my point for me.

KPT, doesn't this qualify as basically the same thing as the guy who refuses to accept anything negative?

rex is negative and apparently relishes in it for some unknown reason. He's offended by positive statements like this made by people who believe that recent moderate successes might just point to greater success in the very near future. Apparently he thinks a string of near misses are an indication that the future is hopeless. Others think they are an indication of being at the brink of success.

Im offended by people who measure the state of our program by SEC East "Championships".

[rexvol]

How many years do you get to be a bridesmaid before you're no longer at the "brink of success"? Is 10 years enough?

[NochNoch]

Originally Posted by rexvol

How many years do you get to be a bridesmaid before you're no longer at the "brink of success"? Is 10 years enough?

I'm not saying that I disagree with what's at the crux of your arguement, in fact I find myself agreeing with you more often than not, but if winning the SECC last year would have brought you to the brink of being a Fulmerite, what are you really judging him on? The difference would be, essentially, two horrible passes from Ainge? I would definitely say that Fulmer should be taking the blame for the losses against UF & UA but if a win against LSU would have you on board, I don't know that THAT blame would rest as squarely on his shoulders.

[rexvol]

Originally Posted by NochNoch

what are you really judging him on?

Championships....pure and simple. I would also like the occasional BCS bowl.