Prove it on the Field

[VolSince69]

First Post… I have frequented this board for a few years (as a guest) considering myself a member of the silent majority, those who choose not to post but visit to gage the overall sentiment of the Vol Nation. This board has grown in numbers and the insight provided by the various opinions here is enlightening. Thanks to all those that make this happen.

Much has been written here regarding CLK’s remarks during the recruiting celebration yesterday. Words like “swagger” have been used by those that approve and “class” (lack thereof) by those that disapprove. Some threads have been downright heated between fans. All in good fun / debate I suppose.

I try to make a habit of thinking things through and seeing both sides of an argument. Ultimately we Vols share a common goal, to WIN. However, I am not certain I am buying into this “swagger” endorsement of CLK’s behavior when he has proven nothing on the field.

Now for those who will immediately label me a “Fulmerite” I was an advocate of change prior to this season. I wish the coaching transition had been smoother but that is for another discussion. I also like the hires that have taken place over the last couple of months though I will reserve judgment as to whether they were good or bad based on results. Not just wins / losses but progress in recruiting, player development, discipline, academics, ability to compete and how the staff represents the University. I also realize it will take time to build a championship caliber program in this conference.

Getting to the point… remember how no matter who you were a fan of in the 80’s everyone hated Miami? Remember how when the Gators started winning in the 90’s we hated them because they couldn’t handle success? I even remember non SEC people saying “Florida is like Miami of the 90’s”. Their fans were the worst. Remember Spurrier’s snide comments? It wasn’t just Vols that hated these teams; it was a good portion of the country.

By contrast remember Bama under Bear. Now I dislike giving Bama props, but any college football fan that has been alive long enough and kept up with the game respects Bear “Act like you have been there” Bryant. Florida is not Bama but they have handled their success in recent years under Meyer much more graciously than the 90’s teams. Meyer may be a cry baby but he is not an IN YOUR FACE type guy.

Anyway, we have not won a game yet and already Kiffin sounds worse than Spurrier. He is like Spurrier too in that he initiates these verbal assaults without provocation. If these barbs were sent as counter punches to blows initiated by Meyer or Saban perhaps it wouldn’t seem like juvenile insecurity. He11, I admit I am still processing it. I really like his behavior on some levels and believe he has a vision / plan, but yesterday was a little over the top.

Were any members of VN at the event? Has this been overblown by the media?

These are uncharted waters for this Vol fan. It seems Kiffin is setting us up to be the most laughed at / ridiculed program if we don’t succeed and one of the least popular outside our own ranks if we do.

Sorry for such a long first post.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Meyer may be a cry baby but he is not an IN YOUR FACE type guy.

Tell that to current Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead. Urban told him that he was recruiting Tim Tebow as a linebacker. Flat-out lying to a recruit is okay, but Urban still prides himself on doing everything the right way?

(You've put out a great first post, and one that I might figure out next week. Will respond point by point before then.)

 

[tenntom1000]

VolSince69,
I agree with the majority of your veiws. I can relate to being a Vol Fan for 50 years. We have enough haters developed during the PF years.Telling on Alabama will never be forgiven only forgotten. Opposing fans dislike winning programs. So true. Running off at the mouth when you have accomplished squat. Disrespectful not only to opposing programs and fans,but to Vol fans as well. Times have changed.That's for sure. @ years from now when we are back winning some of those games which have been embarassing loses the last few years, we will be hated. If LK is not successful we will be hated and the laughing stock of the SEC.Hopefully Monte will take Lane out behind the woodshed and have a little chat. PROVE it on THE FIELD.The mojority of real Vol fans agree. Nice post.GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ksushalovesthevols]

First Post… I have frequented this board for a few years (as a guest) considering myself a member of the silent majority, those who choose not to post but visit to gage the overall sentiment of the Vol Nation. This board has grown in numbers and the insight provided by the various opinions here is enlightening. Thanks to all those that make this happen.

Much has been written here regarding CLK’s remarks during the recruiting celebration yesterday. Words like “swagger” have been used by those that approve and “class” (lack thereof) by those that disapprove. Some threads have been downright heated between fans. All in good fun / debate I suppose.

I try to make a habit of thinking things through and seeing both sides of an argument. Ultimately we Vols share a common goal, to WIN. However, I am not certain I am buying into this “swagger” endorsement of CLK’s behavior when he has proven nothing on the field.

Now for those who will immediately label me a “Fulmerite” I was an advocate of change prior to this season. I wish the coaching transition had been smoother but that is for another discussion. I also like the hires that have taken place over the last couple of months though I will reserve judgment as to whether they were good or bad based on results. Not just wins / losses but progress in recruiting, player development, discipline, academics, ability to compete and how the staff represents the University. I also realize it will take time to build a championship caliber program in this conference.

Getting to the point… remember how no matter who you were a fan of in the 80’s everyone hated Miami? Remember how when the Gators started winning in the 90’s we hated them because they couldn’t handle success? I even remember non SEC people saying “Florida is like Miami of the 90’s”. Their fans were the worst. Remember Spurrier’s snide comments? It wasn’t just Vols that hated these teams; it was a good portion of the country.

By contrast remember Bama under Bear. Now I dislike giving Bama props, but any college football fan that has been alive long enough and kept up with the game respects Bear “Act like you have been there” Bryant. Florida is not Bama but they have handled their success in recent years under Meyer much more graciously than the 90’s teams. Meyer may be a cry baby but he is not an IN YOUR FACE type guy.

Anyway, we have not won a game yet and already Kiffin sounds worse than Spurrier. He is like Spurrier too in that he initiates these verbal assaults without provocation. If these barbs were sent as counter punches to blows initiated by Meyer or Saban perhaps it wouldn’t seem like juvenile insecurity. He11, I admit I am still processing it. I really like his behavior on some levels and believe he has a vision / plan, but yesterday was a little over the top.

Were any members of VN at the event? Has this been overblown by the media?

These are uncharted waters for this Vol fan. It seems Kiffin is setting us up to be the most laughed at / ridiculed program if we don’t succeed and one of the least popular outside our own ranks if we do.

Sorry for such a long first post.

Well put... but you will probably still get called a Fulmerite.

 

[tm3]

good points and you should post more often.

times have changed in many ways and being "gentlemanly" is becoming a thing of the past. with all of the money riding on the various outcomes it is easy to see why things are now dog eat dog. might be right, might be wrong, but it is what it is.

i think that CLK knew what he was doing, i.e. he knows the rule. he wanted to gig CUM, and he wanted to energize the fan base. mission accomplished.

several years ago the Vol Caravan came to town. my wife and i stood in line for over an hour to meet Coach Summit. CPF was all by himself, no line, over in the corner. i felt sorry for him and eventually went over and shook his hand.

i don't think that CLK is going to be lonely at fan gatherings. and those same fans are going to buy tickets, merchandise, etc.

toss an SEC title into the mix, and we have a money machine.

 

[DeepSpringsVol]

I am STOKED!!! Bring on the Gators! Rivalry just got hotter. For years Gator players have popped off at the mouth and guaranteed wins and Fulmer made our guys keep their mouths shut. This year we gonna talk those boys out of their game and Take The SWAMP Back from Urban Meyer. Its our time! Lets roll after all even if Mike Slive and The SEC want to coddle the National Chumps thats fine because a new Sheriff is in town. Ladies and Gentleman I'd like to introduce you to the quickest Wit in the SEC ...... Lane Kiffin!

 

[PineyBluff Vol]

Some people just can't deal with change. IMO, it is refreshing to see someone come in with a wild eyed glare and hopefully the experience to back up his comments. As of this moment no one knows what the football program will do. All we can hope for is a change from the last few years. I think CLK and staff will make that change a reality.

 

[barnyburn]

Anyway, we have not won a game yet and already Kiffin sounds worse than Spurrier. He is like Spurrier too in that he initiates these verbal assaults without provocation. If these barbs were sent as counter punches to blows initiated by Meyer or Saban perhaps it wouldn’t seem like juvenile insecurity. He11, I admit I am still processing it. I really like his behavior on some levels and believe he has a vision / plan, but yesterday was a little over the top
.

holy shizzit! A VOICE OF REASON in the vol nation! What happened yesterday is that every sec team just circled the date on the calendar with the vols and put a bullseye on your back. I dont think thats wise for a coach in his first year to bring that extra level of difficulty to his team for no reason at all. He should have talked soft and brought a big stick! Stay under the radar so to speak and let the games on the field get the attention of others....but he's done nothing on the field and he's made you guys public enemy #1.

 

[DC Vol]

Output on the field is the culmination of mental and physical focus. If you haven't noticed... this team has had very little of either of those things.


How could you possibly, as a coach, expect your team to beat the UF's, Bamas, etc. on the schedule if you, as their coach, don't think they can. In case you haven't noticed, look at the UF-UT scores over the last couple of years. This starts in the locker room, not at kickoff.

 

[KB5252]

Well put... but you will probably still get called a Fulmerite.

The difference between what he posted here and what you were blasted for in the other threads is that while some may disagree with his post it is still a well thought out and explained explanation of his views. Not a chicken little, sky is falling, CLK sucks and is doomed to fail post based on misinformed information.

Personally i like the swagger but think it has become a distraction and has gone a little too far. For the record I also believe this has been blown out of proportion and the SEC reacted quickly to save face for it's current poster boy. That aside I agree with the original poster and think it's time to reel it in and focus on the upcoming season. Save all this energy for the season.

Good post VS69 welcome to the board.

 

[KB5252]

holy shizzit! A VOICE OF REASON in the vol nation! What happened yesterday is that every sec team just circled the date on the calendar with the vols and put a bullseye on your back. I dont think thats wise for a coach in his first year to bring that extra level of difficulty to his team for no reason at all. He should have talked soft and brought a big stick! Stay under the radar so to speak and let the games on the field get the attention of others....but he's done nothing on the field and he's made you guys public enemy #1.

Those other sec teams could care less what CLK says about CUM. Most of them are aware of the things that coaches do and say to get recruits on board.

Don't pretend other coaches in the SEC are going to carry water for CUM, they could care less at this point they just want to win games.

 

[barnyburn]

I am STOKED!!! Bring on the Gators! Rivalry just got hotter. For years Gator players have popped off at the mouth and guaranteed wins and Fulmer made our guys keep their mouths shut. This year we gonna talk those boys out of their game and Take The SWAMP Back from Urban Meyer. Its our time! Lets roll after all even if Mike Slive and The SEC want to coddle the National Chumps thats fine because a new Sheriff is in town. Ladies and Gentleman I'd like to introduce you to the quickest Wit in the SEC ...... Lane Kiffin!

First of all, you being stoked has nothing to do with a W against FLA...It wont help your team one bit. Fulmer made people keep their mouth shut? Thats called class and even he had a little bit. Talk them out of their game? lol. Your gonna talk smack till they forfit? Let me know when that works....kick an ant hill is all he did. Coddle the National Champs? lol..your coach claimed another coach broke the rules and called him out on it in public. Which turned out NOT TO BE AGAINST THE RULES! Which makes him look more like a clown. The funniest part is he himself broke a rule by doing so! A real one! Oh and a new sheriff in town? Thats rich....he has done NOTHING! He is the laughing stock of the NCAA and has put UT in a bad light...people who arnt even fans in the SEC look upon UT badly right now.
So, this year he has talked all that smack.....and now when each and every sec team beats him....he is just going to look like what he is! A clown.

So with that I will say Congrats Junior, you sure have got the attention of all the coaches now.......The rest of us are just going to sit back and let the "L"s this year make a fool out of you.....wait...to late...you've already done that anyway and had to appologize after the spanking you got from the sec...good job.

 

[GmanTN]

The comment on the Bear " act like you've been there" was about players celebration after a TD. Truth is the Bear was just as much of an intimidator to SEC coaches then as Spurrier, Meyer and Saban are today. I recall numerous games of the Bear pacing up and down the sideline in his Houndstooth hat involking fire and rage into his teams. If you are a fighter you better be able to take a punch and deliver one. The passive approach from the former regime may look respectful on the outside but cuts like a knife on the inside.

 

[Jack Burton]

I don't understand this mentality of "you guys just put a target on your back" or "wait until you get to the Swamp we're going to show you".

Saying those things makes it sound as if these teams were going to take it easy on us this fall. Regardless of what CLK said, all of our opponents were planning on attempting a beat down in the first place. What has changed?

 

[utvolpj]

I'm so tired of all the "he's going to make everyone mad" comments. Do you think it makes a difference? I'm of the opinion you go out swinging from the first bell and that bell rang in December. Some of you have been taking the 30pt blowout losses to our biggest rivals and losing seasons for so long that you seem scared to fight back. CLK is not and I for one love it. It lets me know that a guy who quits on an extra point or is yukking it up on the sidelines while getting embarrassed on national tv will not be on this team.

And if CLK's popping off causes opposing fans to dislike us, but we have the success of the 80's Miami and 90's UF (examples you used), then I will take it everyday.

 

[barnyburn]

Those other sec teams could care less what CLK says about CUM. Most of them are aware of the things that coaches do and say to get recruits on board.

Don't pretend other coaches in the SEC are going to carry water for CUM, they could care less at this point they just want to win games.

lol, he has pissed on UM, NS, SS all in like a month...and he called out a coach in public! Thats a no no among coaches, and yes the other coaches have taken notice and have circled the date.....so when you lose a game....people will just point and laugh.

 

[cd12]

I don't understand this mentality of "you guys just put a target on your back" or "wait until you get to the Swamp we're going to show you".

Saying those things makes it sound as if these teams were going to take it easy on us this fall. Regardless of what CLK said, all of our opponents were planning on attempting a beat down in the first place. What has changed?

Exactly! Saban and Meyer keep their foot on the gas regardless!

 

[utvolpj]

lol, he has pissed on UM, NS, SS all in like a month...and he called out a coach in public! Thats a no no among coaches, and yes the other coaches have taken notice and have circled the date.....so when you lose a game....people will just point and laugh.

you mean like SOS did on Lane's first day on the job? Take your double-standards and shove it

 

[barnyburn]

Exactly! Saban and Meyer keep their foot on the gas regardless!

Might be right as far as a coach goes...but you just stoked up the other team in the locker room! And now you cant lose without everyone rubbing it in and saying we told you so and humiliating you your team and your fans.

 

[KB5252]

First of all, you being stoked has nothing to do with a W against FLA...It wont help your team one bit. Fulmer made people keep their mouth shut? Thats called class and even he had a little bit. Talk them out of their game? lol. Your gonna talk smack till they forfit? Let me know when that works....kick an ant hill is all he did. Coddle the National Champs? lol..your coach claimed another coach broke the rules and called him out on it in public. Which turned out NOT TO BE AGAINST THE RULES! Which makes him look more like a clown. The funniest part is he himself broke a rule by doing so! A real one! Oh and a new sheriff in town? Thats rich....he has done NOTHING! He is the laughing stock of the NCAA and has put UT in a bad light...people who arnt even fans in the SEC look upon UT badly right now.
So, this year he has talked all that smack.....and now when each and every sec team beats him....he is just going to look like what he is! A clown.

So with that I will say Congrats Junior, you sure have got the attention of all the coaches now.......The rest of us are just going to sit back and let the "L"s this year make a fool out of you.....wait...to late...you've already done that anyway and had to appologize after the spanking you got from the sec...good job.

I'll admit he could have used better tact to get everyone fired up, but to call this a spanking? Come on it was at best a slap on the wrist, a teacher telling to kids on the playground to play nice.

As far as your assertion that all of the NCAA is laughing is probably true, but keep in mind that many of them are laughing because Florida fans are acting so butt hurt right now acting like a bunch of drama queens.

Some people who ARNT (I hope that was a typo) look at UT badly right now? Most are indifferent but some like and others don't. Get over it, the SEC rubbed CUM hand put a bandage on his boo boo and told CLK he was bad and slapped him on the wrist. It is over!

 

[cd12]

Might be right as far as a coach goes...but you just stoked up the other team in the locker room! And now you cant lose without everyone rubbing it in and saying we told you so and humiliating you your team and your fans.

it gets no worse than losing to Wy!
plus we have been through it before...atleast we are through trying to sneak up on people.

 

[aaronvol]

i have a couple of thoughts on this.

1. I would like for kiffin to think about what he says first. I'm not for sure that he knew it would make a big splash. Being in California, where football is about as big as ultimate frisbee, the war of words is often overlooked. This is the SEC...we bleed this stuff, and I am not for sure CLK understands that yet. He hasn't been immersed in this culture long enough to get that. I doubt he does something this public again. Atleast I hope not. That being said I think he will do an amazing job, but I would like for him to handle himself with a little more class...this is not WWF.

2. I find it strange that if this was Basketball we would all be laughing. If the new B-Ball coach came to town and pulled these antics we would all be like, "dude is silly, funny, etc." Which brings me to this. We don't really give a crap about B-ball. And we don't necessarily treat coaches on a fairness level the same. If CBP said this there would be no issue...CLK...he can be the devil.

 

[KB5252]

lol, he has pissed on UM, NS, SS all in like a month...and he called out a coach in public! Thats a no no among coaches, and yes the other coaches have taken notice and have circled the date.....so when you lose a game....people will just point and laugh.

How did he piss on NS or SP?

The man who putt you on the map, created your program (before Spurrier the football team was indistinguishable from the cheerleaders) was the master at using these tactics and your fans worshiped him. Another guy from another school does it and now your offended?

Save your righteous indignation, it won't play well here.

 

[tnvolsfan85]

you mean like SOS did on Lane's first day on the job? Take your double-standards and shove it

Exactly...I want to know why Spurrier wasn't publicly reprimanded when he made those comments about Kiffin...why wasn't he made to publicly apologize?

 

[CountVolcula]

lol, he has pissed on UM, NS, SS all in like a month...and he called out a coach in public! Thats a no no among coaches, and yes the other coaches have taken notice and have circled the date.....so when you lose a game....people will just point and laugh.[/QUOT

Spurrier called out Kiffin the day he was hired for recruiting violations and those were false. You didnt hear Kiffin going out demanding an apology. The fact is the bullys on the block dont like it when you stand up to them. I bet you couldnt line up all the male students at Florida and collect a whole set of balls!!!