First, let me say that I am not from Knoxville and did not attend UT though I did graduate from another SEC school, but I have become a UT fan living in Knoxville. I do not know Coach Fulmer, I do not know Mike Hamilton and am not encumbered by the "history" of things, I therefore come from a neutral. I also have no doubt that Coach Fulmer is a great guy and that he bleeds orange in every respect.
Having said this, a few observations:
Having said this, a few observations:
- This program has been on a downward spiral for at least the last 5 years. Complacency is rampant and though unintended, reliance upon crutch that "this is the way things have always been done" permeates the whole program. These characteristics now are becoming the perception of the fans, media and likely potential recruits.
- Though unintentional, the style of play has become stagnant, vitality has left the program and people seem to be simply going through the motions of trying to become excited about "Big Orange" football. This is reflected in the way fans are reacting to upcoming games, the way the media (even local) covers the games and the continuing acceptance of mediocrity is becoming the norm for Tennessee football.
- Tennessee fans' willingness to accept marginal play with an absence of the "swagger" of a winning program will, if not corrected, become more and more accepted. Human nature dictates that as the quality decreases, more people will accept this as the norm, expectations will diminish and people will become more and more accepting of an occasional good season, surrounded by series of poor seasons.
- The national media will continue to loose interest in Tennessee football and stop covering it, or totally disregard it, recruits will no longer see it as competitive and the whole things spins further downward. The Urban Meyers, Nick Sabans, Pete Carrolls' and and hosts of new and upcoming coaches will dominate the game, while the loyal but tired coaches will fade from public view.
- Attendance and excitement will wane, the students will stop attending, and what we know as "Tennessee Football" will become a fleeting memory.
