Fulmer throws out 2 QB system

[mattvols]

Ainge UT's man of future

Fulmer says he tried to be fair to both QBs

By BY MIKE GRIFFITH, knsgriff@aol.com
September 19, 2005

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer ended talk of a quarterback controversy by naming sophomore Erik Ainge as the man of the future.

"It's a priority to get on the same page, and one of the ways to help that is to make a decision at quarterback and stay with Erik Ainge, and that's what we're going to do,'' Fulmer said prior to Monday's practice. "Erik doesn't have to be looking over his shoulder.''

Ainge will have plenty to focus on right before his eyes when he lines up against No. 3-ranked LSU at 7:45 p.m. Saturday night (ESPN) at Tiger Stadium.

Ainge had his moments in the 16-7 loss at Florida on Saturday night, completing 6 of 7 passes on a 12-play, 83-yard scoring drive.

Still, in the wake of the loss, questions remained over who should be the Vols' quarterback.

Some suggest Fulmer could have averted any controversy by naming Ainge the starter in the spring, when he returned from the shoulder injury that ended his freshman season against Notre Dame.

Others point out Fulmer set up a debate by pulling Ainge after he opened the UAB game with two scoring drives and inserting Rick Clausen, who proceeded to outplay Ainge.

Yet given the chance to do it all over again, knowing what he knew at the time, Fulmer couldn't say he'd do things any differently.

"Hindsight is 20-20, and I was trying to be fair to all concerned,'' Fulmer said. "Rick had really played well for us.''

Clausen has shown a better command of the playbook, two-minute offense and exhibited more poise under pressure of late.

Clausen also has the edge statistically, with a better QB rating (132.86 to 90.08) and completion percentage (65.5 to 44.2). Further, Clausen was voted a team captain and from most all quotes, was the choice of his teammates.

Ainge, however, has displayed better athleticism and a much stronger arm.

That's enough for Fulmer

"I've been second-guessed once or twice before,'' said Fulmer, who since the departure of Casey Clausen has ridden a multi-quarterback system to an 11-4 record. "We have to get on the same page from a timing standpoint, from a nobody looking over their shoulder all the time standpoint and go on about our business as a team.

"He (Ainge) gives us a little bit more mobility and a stronger arm. ... He (Ainge) gives us a better opportunity to make plays down the field.''

Which leads Fulmer to his next assignment: settling on an offensive strategy.

The Vols rank 107th in the nation in scoring, 91st in rushing, 89th in total offense and 71st in passing.

"I don't think we've established ourselves as to what we want to be yet,'' Fulmer said. "I think Erik understands what we're doing. I don't have an issue with that. He just needs to slow down and let things happen for him. It's no different than with most young quarterbacks.''

Fulmer indicated Ainge must grow up in the hurry, saying: "we're playing a much better football team this week than UAB or Florida.''

Indeed, LSU is a 7-point favorite over the Vols in Saturday's game.

Part of that might have to do with the fact that UT is deviating from its normal game preparation mode, needing to fly to Baton Rouge the day of the game.

Fulmer said that's no excuse not to win.

"Our team completely agreed that with all the hardships those people are going through and have been through, our little bit of adjustment of schedule is nothing by comparison,'' Fulmer said. "Those guys all rode busses to games in high school and got off the bus and played.''

As for Rick Clausen -- who started his career at LSU before transferring to UT after the 2002 season -- Fulmer understands his frustration.

"There's 117 schools in the country, and I'd say there's 117 not-very-happy second-team quarterbacks,'' Fulmer said. "This is no reflection on Rick. Certainly, he can help our team win. He's validated himself as a quarterback.''

 

[OWB]

I think it's the right thing to do. It will give him some more confidence, give more chances without the pressure of being replaced for a mistake and who knows, he could have a big day against LSU's secondary.

 

[GAVol]

He had to make this decision. This QB issue has gone too long.

 

[Jasongivm6]

I don't think either one of them (Ainge or Clausen) has been in a game long enough this year before being yanked out. As soon as either made a mistake, or wasn't playing well, they were "Yanked" from the game and the other QB came in. That can't help either one of them, not being able to prove they can come back from adversity and lead a comeback, or atleast make an adjustment and do better. What they've done to those poor kid's pysche is sad. No wonder neither of them is playing very well, they're more focused on not making mistakes than they are making plays.

 

[IBleedOrange24/7]

Ive been for the guy that lines up behind center. But I do agree something to the QB issue needs settled.
Both can start and both can lead, I think it works out for Ainge better in the sense of him growing in the direction of being more vocal as a leader.