Update from NJ

#1

SyracuseVol

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#1
Hey all. Haven't posted here in a LONGGGGG time. The Vols playing toe-to-toe with the national champs in the SEC title game was the highlight of an otherwise god-awful sports year (Mets, Jets, two bitter rivals playing in the Super Bowl and the winner having a parade in my backyard, Cuse in the NIT...). I immediately thought of this place when my New York Jets picked Ainge in the 5th round.

I'll attempt to update you guys as to his progress. Jaws on ESPN said the Jets had him as a 3rd round grade...and GM Mike Tannenbaum was quoted in an interview last night saying he reminded them of Chad Pennington. It's up to you whether you consider that a compliment or a back-handed one. :blink:

The starting job is going to be an "open competition" in camp this year. The coaching loves Chad with his intangingles and intelligence and such, so I suspect the competiton won't be open at all. So, I guess I'd assume that Ainge will be a third-stringer for this season barring injury.

I think it helps him that the staff already considers him to be a Chad-like player, but I don't see Ainge nearly as smart a QB as Chad is (or at least was in 2002 and 2004). I'd love to see how Ainge benefits from a year with no pressue and holding a clipboard. He really started to get it last year and seemed more relaxed, and at least limited his bonehead interceptions. I'm not sure what the common thought about Ainge is down Tennessee way, but it was always my belief that there is something deep down in Ainge that hasn't been brought out yet. Maybe the Jets coaching staff--by simplifying things with their offense which might make things easier on him--can bring that out.

The Jet fan reaction to the pick is I'd say 60/40 dislike versus like. There was a need at WR that at least they filled with Marcus Henry in the next round.

An aside... I have a question for Vol Nation. I am attempting a trip to Neyland this coming season, and am setting my sights high on going to the Florida game. Here are my questions:

1) Are the stubhub/ticket broker site prices of at least 250ish ever going to go lower, or should I look strongly at that?

2) I know that UT puts some single-game tickets on sale during the summer... any chance Florida tickets will be on there?

Thanks for any help anyone can give on this... and I hope this helped people still interested in Erik Ainge's progress.
 
#3
#3
You won't find UF tickets available on the UT website...just no chance at that.

You can do much better than $250 a piece though...I'd stay away from stubhub.
 
#4
#4
If you are daring enough to come down without tickets, you should be able to buy them around the stadium. The closer to kick-off the better the deal.
 
#5
#5
I've been to every florida home game since '94 and never had tickets in hand until game day. Most I've ever paid was $125 each.
 
#6
#6
The fact of not having tickets and making the trip is not the problem.

The problem would be making the trip with no tickets and expecting to pay face value before the game starts.
 
#7
#7
You can definitely get them on the streets before the game, no worries.
No chance at them releasing any on the website either.
 
#10
#10
The Jet fan reaction to the pick is I'd say 60/40 dislike versus like. There was a need at WR that at least they filled with Marcus Henry in the next round.

Thats pretty good for jets fans he might be the most loved qb
 
#11
#11
Thats pretty good for jets fans he might be the most loved qb

Heh well they haven't seen him take the field yet. The Jet fan stance on the QB has been pretty fickle over the last few years obviously. There's still a faction that likes Kellen Clemens. There's a faction that likes Chad too. I'm torn because neither looked impressive last year with a horrible offensive line. They've spent money to rebuild the line so hopefully whichever QB gets the nod will actually have time to throw this year.
 
#12
#12
You won't find UF tickets available on the UT website...just no chance at that.

You can do much better than $250 a piece though...I'd stay away from stubhub.


Thanks for the help. Are there any ticket brokers/sites that generally have better rates for SEC games?
 
#13
#13
I've been to every florida home game since '94 and never had tickets in hand until game day. Most I've ever paid was $125 each.

I've been to Neyland twice before, have been on the UT campus a few times more than that... I can't seem to remember a ton of tickets being available the day of the game for the games I went to (Memphis homecoming 99, Syracuse opener 01). Where have you seen the majority of tickets on sale?

I obviously wouldn't be looking for face value... I'm fine with 150/200 depending on how good the game looks/how good both teams are.
 
#14
#14
Phil Fulmer Drive, Volunteer Drive, the entire strip, even parts or Neyland Drive are where the scalpers are SyracuseVol.
 
#15
#15
Basically all roads leading to the stadium, minus The Hill, although there are some scalpers where The Hill meets Neyland, where a lot of tailgating goes on.
 
#16
#16
You can also usually find several scalpers by the "money wall" (collection of ATMs near the UC, just up from the stadium on Phillip Fulmer). I went to the last FL game in Knoxville and only paid $75 for my ticket (lower level just behind the student section). I wouldn't expect to find a deal like that, but StubHub and other such websites offer incredibly inflated prices. I have found tickets on ebay for a decent price. I think I paid $150 for 2 Cal tickets last year on ebay which was a steal compared to what StubHub was charging for comparable tickets.
 
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