I remember watching the University of Tennessee line up and play smackmouth football back in the 70's when I was single digit age. 
I was hooked from the first time I saw them on tv.
Later in life I had the honor of seeing them in person and I seriously enjoyed the tradition of the pre-game events, the band, the walk etc.
Through the years I've known 2 head coaches. Johnny Majors and Philip Fulmer. Both coaches, in my mind are about equal in coaching style and game technique. (Wide open, then conservative, strangely at the same time)
I consider myself a Volunteer fan through and through. I've sat through awesome victories, and utterly embarrassing defeats. Through it all however I've remained true to the University of Tennessee.
After Saturday, this still rings true.
We lost to a good, and possibly excellent Florida team. Why?
Is it due to coaching? Recruiting? Play calling?
In my mind (and I could easily be wrong) I truly think it comes down to this. In the Tennessee teams that I have watched through the years become successful, even legendary, one thing was a common link. The football team was exactly that, a team. I recall Von Reeves, Chris White to name a few who come to mind that were part of something bigger than themselves.
I remember a no name unknown Andy Kelly burning Miami. I remember a track star, even called out as such by the announcers being so darn fast that the "World Class" speed that Miami had, couldn't catch.
Those teams, including 1998 and some of our recent teams since gelled to become a single unit. Not caring for individual glory but instead reaching for a team victory.
In this current Volunteer group, I don't see it......yet.
There is still time however for it to happen. It's possible that the players anger of the status of the season may settle in to become something else...determination. If, and only if that occurs, then our Volunteers could have a great season still.
No matter who the head coach is, the players on the field must at some point decide to become a cohesive unit and play as such.
Just two cents from a Vol Fan.
Best regards!
Go Vols!
I was hooked from the first time I saw them on tv.
Later in life I had the honor of seeing them in person and I seriously enjoyed the tradition of the pre-game events, the band, the walk etc.
Through the years I've known 2 head coaches. Johnny Majors and Philip Fulmer. Both coaches, in my mind are about equal in coaching style and game technique. (Wide open, then conservative, strangely at the same time)
I consider myself a Volunteer fan through and through. I've sat through awesome victories, and utterly embarrassing defeats. Through it all however I've remained true to the University of Tennessee.
After Saturday, this still rings true.
We lost to a good, and possibly excellent Florida team. Why?
Is it due to coaching? Recruiting? Play calling?
In my mind (and I could easily be wrong) I truly think it comes down to this. In the Tennessee teams that I have watched through the years become successful, even legendary, one thing was a common link. The football team was exactly that, a team. I recall Von Reeves, Chris White to name a few who come to mind that were part of something bigger than themselves.
I remember a no name unknown Andy Kelly burning Miami. I remember a track star, even called out as such by the announcers being so darn fast that the "World Class" speed that Miami had, couldn't catch.
Those teams, including 1998 and some of our recent teams since gelled to become a single unit. Not caring for individual glory but instead reaching for a team victory.
In this current Volunteer group, I don't see it......yet.
There is still time however for it to happen. It's possible that the players anger of the status of the season may settle in to become something else...determination. If, and only if that occurs, then our Volunteers could have a great season still.
No matter who the head coach is, the players on the field must at some point decide to become a cohesive unit and play as such.
Just two cents from a Vol Fan.
Best regards!
Go Vols!
