Where I'm at with TN football

#1
gvol

gvol

IWGMAFTT
Joined
Oct 12, 2009
Messages
602
Likes
202
#1
After spending well over $20,000 as a season ticket holder for 23 years, I've gotten to experience many wonderful things with the Vols. For over 20 years, I only missed 3 home games.

BUT, it gets harder and harder to continue to subject myself, and my finances, to this type of play. For the past 6 or so seasons, the rationality gets harder and harder to justify. Will I give up my tix...probably not, but for the first time, I'm thinking about it.

After driving 5 hours to Ktown yesterday, spending $150 for gas, $20 for parking, $20 for refreshments, $50 for pregame grilling supplies, driving 5 hours home (getting home around 3:30 AM)...if I step back and look at the investment it's quite honestly stupid. Had considered getting a room for the night...glad I didn't wase that money, too. That's not even factoring in the ticket costs.

Losing the game is one thing. Watching the struggles we have is another. I can take the FLA phantom catch much better than what we have now. It's one thing to be angry over being robbed, it's another to see the quality of play being where it is.

I don't think Dooley is the wrong guy for TN. I like and suport him, and feel that he will eventually get us to a higher level. How high, who knows. I'm not holding my breath for championships anytime soon...I just want to be competitive and have SOME quality wins. I do wonder if his coaching staff is right for the job, though. But, in the end, the HC is a reflection of his staff.

Youth has been an excuse for a couple of years, but how long can we keep going to that well?

After watching a defense get gashed all night by a team that is not all that superior at HOME, just horrible. We didn't look like we were confident nor "pumped up" for the game last night...that's inexcusable when you're playing at home, at night on national TV against an East opponent. Inability to adjust or put together any kind of scheme to prevent big plays over the top...unreal.

NO running game. Period. No defensive backfield. Poor blocking, poor pass rush, dropped balls, fumbles, poor center play, confusion in getting plays in or set up. Jeez. Although our O-Line is primarily sophomores, most have many starts under their belts. I don't expect them to be perfect, but I also don't expect them to snap the ball into the ground or over the QB's head. I also expect them to open up SOME holes to run through. SOME, not NONE.

A five hour drive home after this type of performance gives alot of time to think about the the "worthwhile-ness" of attending the games. Right now, I have to say it isn't worth the cost nor the time and exhaustion of the trip.

Will I return, I'm sure I will, I'm sure I'll keep kicking myself for doing the same thing, over and over. Not sure if I'll make the investment in the LSU game, though.

But, it begs the question of when enough is enough. I'm sure I'm not the only "long distant" season ticket holder and regular attendee of the games that are questioning their logic on this Sunday after another meltdown in Neyland.

UT is my Alma Mater, and I'll support it forever. I'm a VFL, and no doubtedly will fall back into the "we'll be better next week/year" syndrome...but right now, all that's going through my mind is "I spent how much money and how much time and energy for THAT?"

If things don't turn around fairly quickly on the competitiveness level, attendance is only going to get lower and lower. Not many people will want to pay the price to watch us beat up the Montana's, Vandies and Kentuckies of the college football world...and get manhandled by everyone else.


Yeah, this is a rant. Still don't feel any better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 13 people
#3
#3
I understand. ....hard times shake the loose change.
 
#4
#4
I only get one trip per year....and we planned for the LSU game back in June. Looking like it might be an investment lost too. I've already paid for the room and taken off work. I am looking foward to seeing my vols play but still know the reality of playing LSU. If you don't decide to go, let me know - I still need tix - pacer35_80@yahoo.com
 
#5
#5
We feel your pain. Here's a suggestion. Stay home next week. Even if we get dominated, I'll bet you'll be sorry you didn't come. It's impossible to flush that orange out of your veins.
 
#6
#6
pacer35_80 said:
I only get one trip per year....and we planned for the LSU game back in June. Looking like it might be an investment lost too. I've already paid for the room and taken off work. I am looking foward to seeing my vols play but still know the reality of playing LSU. If you don't decide to go, let me know - I still need tix - pacer35_80@yahoo.com
Click to expand...

Same here, and all intentions of coming to the lsu game this weekend, after being in Wyoming for two weeks. Don't think I'm gonna come down now and drop a boat load to get upset!!
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#7
#7
I've been a season ticket holder for 7 years now. You can imagine how 6 of my 7 years have been. I drive 350 miles one way to get to Knoxville. Before I call and cancel my future donations, how much $ do other SEC schools require for the right to buy season tix? Just trying to justify having UT season tix, because the product on the field certainly does not.
 
#8
#8
If you cant support your team win or lose go become a Bama fan.See ya,and wouldnt wanna be ya.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#9
#9
Thanks for nailing it on the head for many of us OP. I live here and read the paper, listen to the sports talk shows, etc. Many of them have been negative and called the season for what it is going to be barring unexpected miracles, 6-6. Many of the fans expect better. When it does not happen they grow tired of the grind in getting back to the top, the high financial cost, the lousy/cramped seating, and the hype that comes out of the university itself. The university seems to forget that it is a major employer and the local economy is highly dependent on the fans coming to Ktown and spending money. They take it for granted that the donations and season ticket sales will always be there. That is a major mistake.

As the product on the field stays mediocre or even deterioates, the support will crumble. The now departed and discredited Hamilton bet the house on CDD and he will be here for at least 2 more seasons regardless of the record unless the attendance at the house that Neyland built consistently becomes less. In our "glory" years we had 6-8 quality players from TN commit and would fill in the gaps primarily from the southeast. Most all of those TN players became major contributors. Many made it in the NFL. Today - not so much. With the growth and increased use of recruiting services it becomes all about recruiting wars and stars versus player development. Give me the Boise method, which used to be our method, every day of the week. In other words we are sheep now, following whatever trend others start. So welcome mediocrity and not excellence.

It kills me that serious fans, former coaches and former players can see the issues in schemes, player techniques, players in the wrong role (one of CPF's favorite things to do), game plans, game management, playcalling on both sides of the ball, etc. Somehow CDD does not see it. Here is one of several examples: a potential high round NFL pick at OG in Stone is converted to C knowing that he is naturally left handed and does not have significant experience at a critical line play calling position and when you have a 6'6" QB that has to scoop snaps or play baskeball catching one. That's like asking a left handed first baseman to be a catcher and use his right hand to throw the ball. As dumb as it gets. The solution is to play a guy who is a center or already has signifcant experience as a center, who is right handed and can be coached up or helped on his blocking assignments by the good OG that you just screwed up.

In recruiting its the thought process that you would not recruit for a couple of years and then offer the best QB in the state at the periennial state championship HS when he has already proved himself to be a top ten QB nationally at the Elite 11 QB camp. Think Andy Dalton of TCU/Bengals and you will have some idea who this kid is. There is a sophmore RB at the same school that will be a great one is college if he stays healthy and keeps his grades up, which is highly likely. Are we in on that kid making sure he never leaves the state. The same team has one of the best OL prospects in the south going to Clemson next year. Where were we on this kid?

I am tired of hearing how we have to go outside of the state or region to find quality players. It is a lie. Invest time and effort developing what you have control over and things will improve. Ask Serrano if he had a problem coming to east TN and this region and finding quality baseball prospects. Nope. Loaded up and ready to turn things around. Will develop his players and succeed. But they hired one of the top 5 college coaches in America and then let him do his thing. Can't say the same in football.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#10
#10
Vols4us said:
Thanks for nailing it on the head for many of us OP. I live here and read the paper, listen to the sports talk shows, etc. Many of them have been negative and called the season for what it is going to be barring unexpected miracles, 6-6. Many of the fans expect better. When it does not happen they grow tired of the grind in getting back to the top, the high financial cost, the lousy/cramped seating, and the hype that comes out of the university itself. The university seems to forget that it is a major employer and the local economy is highly dependent on the fans coming to Ktown and spending money. They take it for granted that the donations and season ticket sales will always be there. That is a major mistake.

As the product on the field stays mediocre or even deterioates, the support will crumble. The now departed and discredited Hamilton bet the house on CDD and he will be here for at least 2 more seasons regardless of the record unless the attendance at the house that Neyland built consistently becomes less. In our "glory" years we had 6-8 quality players from TN commit and would fill in the gaps primarily from the southeast. Most all of those TN players became major contributors. Many made it in the NFL. Today - not so much. With the growth and increased use of recruiting services it becomes all about recruiting wars and stars versus player development. Give me the Boise method, which used to be our method, every day of the week. In other words we are sheep now, following whatever trend others start. So welcome mediocrity and not excellence.

It kills me that serious fans, former coaches and former players can see the issues in schemes, player techniques, players in the wrong role (one of CPF's favorite things to do), game plans, game management, playcalling on both sides of the ball, etc. Somehow CDD does not see it. Here is one of several examples: a potential high round NFL pick at OG in Stone is converted to C knowing that he is naturally left handed and does not have significant experience at a critical line play calling position and when you have a 6'6" QB that has to scoop snaps or play baskeball catching one. That's like asking a left handed first baseman to be a catcher and use his right hand to throw the ball. As dumb as it gets. The solution is to play a guy who is a center or already has signifcant experience as a center, who is right handed and can be coached up or helped on his blocking assignments by the good OG that you just screwed up.

In recruiting its the thought process that you would not recruit for a couple of years and then offer the best QB in the state at the periennial state championship HS when he has already proved himself to be a top ten QB nationally at the Elite 11 QB camp. Think Andy Dalton of TCU/Bengals and you will have some idea who this kid is. There is a sophmore RB at the same school that will be a great one is college if he stays healthy and keeps his grades up, which is highly likely. Are we in on that kid making sure he never leaves the state. The same team has one of the best OL prospects in the south going to Clemson next year. Where were we on this kid?

I am tired of hearing how we have to go outside of the state or region to find quality players. It is a lie. Invest time and effort developing what you have control over and things will improve. Ask Serrano if he had a problem coming to east TN and this region and finding quality baseball prospects. Nope. Loaded up and ready to turn things around. Will develop his players and succeed. But they hired one of the top 5 college coaches in America and then let him do his thing. Can't say the same in football.
Click to expand...

you speak the truth and most of us who have spent many dollars supporting this program know it. Here is the problem caused by the inept hiring of MH, when is the right time to pull the plug on this loser???
 
#11
#11
orangetaz said:
If you cant support your team win or lose go become a Bama fan.See ya,and wouldnt wanna be ya.
Click to expand...

My friend, I don't recall saying I won't support the team nor continue to be a Vol. My point is simple that if we are unable to use the resources we have to put a competitive team on the field, it is very difficult to continually spent hundreds or thousands of dollars and spend countless hours driving and walking and making an effort to attend the games. As stated, I've been a Vol season ticket holder for 23 years. I have endured MANY unsuccessful seasons. I attended the university during Major's early years, and went to all the games. I endured most of the 11 years of losing to Bear Bryant until we finally beat him in 1982.

The HUNDREDS of ballgames I've been to (bowl games included), along with the support through $ I've provided, gives me the right to express my frustration over lackluster performances.

To simply make your statement is a bit presumptious...don't you think? Not sure how old you are, what your "commitment" to the Vols are regarding tickets, attendance, etc...but don't throw out that kind of statement about anyone who has a ligitimate frustration over how things are ... or are not... progressing. I've paid my dues as a Vol for many, many years. Expecting more than what we got yesterday is more than fair.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#12
#12
I feel ya. We thought about giving up our season tickets last year, but decided to wait and see what this year brought. I doubt we will renew. We'll still go to games, but we can buy tickets when we come and not have to try and sell tix when we don't. We have had excellent seats for years, and I know we'll never be able to get those again, but the donor fee is ridiculous. It was like extorting money out of UT's most loyal fans when the team was good, but it's just an outrageous expense when the team is bad.

The deciding factor for us isn't the constant losses-- though those are depressing enough-- it's the sense that the team doesn't care and the players don't give their all. Last night, the team just quit, and they weren't even behind by much. We played passively and sloppily, but it was a winnable game until the end. We sit up behind the bench, and it was shocking to watch. The players showed little passion or emotion. It was like they were expected to lose, so they did what was expected. The team was getting their a$$ handed to them, and the players were laughing and talking and not even watching the field. The apathy was unreal.

The coaches were even harder to watch. The reaction ranged from frantic to befuddled, and it was clear that they knew they had a huge problem, but didn't know how to fix it. Dooley spent a lot of time shaking his head, burying his forehead in his palm or throwing his headset. I have never seen such chaos and near-panic on the UT sideline before, and I grew up sitting behind the Vols.

We have problems, big problems, and they are systemic. I believe we're seeing the beginning of an erosion of the fanbase. Everybody I know is talking about giving up their season tickets after this year. Ironically, last night was the pivot point for everyone. I believe beating UGA would have restored faith in the coaching staff and the team. A close loss would have had the same effect. But it's hard to justify spending $10K-$20K a year to watch a team mired in mediocrity play for nothing other than a crappy boondoggle of a bowl that is just another cash-suck. I will always support the Vols, but there are many levels of support. If they eliminate the donor fee, we'll renew; otherwise, we'll probably just buy tickets from others willing to pay it.
 
Last edited:
#13
#13
gvol said:
After spending well over $20,000 as a season ticket holder for 23 years, I've gotten to experience many wonderful things with the Vols. For over 20 years, I only missed 3 home games.

BUT, it gets harder and harder to continue to subject myself, and my finances, to this type of play. For the past 6 or so seasons, the rationality gets harder and harder to justify. Will I give up my tix...probably not, but for the first time, I'm thinking about it.

After driving 5 hours to Ktown yesterday, spending $150 for gas, $20 for parking, $20 for refreshments, $50 for pregame grilling supplies, driving 5 hours home (getting home around 3:30 AM)...if I step back and look at the investment it's quite honestly stupid. Had considered getting a room for the night...glad I didn't wase that money, too. That's not even factoring in the ticket costs.

Losing the game is one thing. Watching the struggles we have is another. I can take the FLA phantom catch much better than what we have now. It's one thing to be angry over being robbed, it's another to see the quality of play being where it is.

I don't think Dooley is the wrong guy for TN. I like and suport him, and feel that he will eventually get us to a higher level. How high, who knows. I'm not holding my breath for championships anytime soon...I just want to be competitive and have SOME quality wins. I do wonder if his coaching staff is right for the job, though. But, in the end, the HC is a reflection of his staff.

Youth has been an excuse for a couple of years, but how long can we keep going to that well?

After watching a defense get gashed all night by a team that is not all that superior at HOME, just horrible. We didn't look like we were confident nor "pumped up" for the game last night...that's inexcusable when you're playing at home, at night on national TV against an East opponent. Inability to adjust or put together any kind of scheme to prevent big plays over the top...unreal.

NO running game. Period. No defensive backfield. Poor blocking, poor pass rush, dropped balls, fumbles, poor center play, confusion in getting plays in or set up. Jeez. Although our O-Line is primarily sophomores, most have many starts under their belts. I don't expect them to be perfect, but I also don't expect them to snap the ball into the ground or over the QB's head. I also expect them to open up SOME holes to run through. SOME, not NONE.

A five hour drive home after this type of performance gives alot of time to think about the the "worthwhile-ness" of attending the games. Right now, I have to say it isn't worth the cost nor the time and exhaustion of the trip.

Will I return, I'm sure I will, I'm sure I'll keep kicking myself for doing the same thing, over and over. Not sure if I'll make the investment in the LSU game, though.

But, it begs the question of when enough is enough. I'm sure I'm not the only "long distant" season ticket holder and regular attendee of the games that are questioning their logic on this Sunday after another meltdown in Neyland.

UT is my Alma Mater, and I'll support it forever. I'm a VFL, and no doubtedly will fall back into the "we'll be better next week/year" syndrome...but right now, all that's going through my mind is "I spent how much money and how much time and energy for THAT?"

If things don't turn around fairly quickly on the competitiveness level, attendance is only going to get lower and lower. Not many people will want to pay the price to watch us beat up the Montana's, Vandies and Kentuckies of the college football world...and get manhandled by everyone else.


Yeah, this is a rant. Still don't feel any better.
Click to expand...

Can't disagree with much of what you posted. I, too, have wondered if I should be spending my time wisely doing something else at times, but I keep coming back. However, I don't have near the drive you do. It's tough to commit that much time to something for the return we are getting on our investment. I'm sure Bama fans were asking themselves the same thing too during their run of Mike's as head coach and LSU fans for the better part of 20 years until Saban showed up.

I'm trying to put this season in perspective. We lost our best LB (Lathers) before the season even began, lost our best defensive player (J. Jackson) before the season even began, lose our best WR (Hunter) 3 games in and now Bray. You can't lose players like that, difference making players at that, and expect to keep on keeping on with the kind of depth and talent we have backing them up. Maybe in the 90's we could've, but not now.

All four of them are difference makers that can decide a game and when you lose even one it hurts. When you lose all four then you are going to struggle. We'll know more about the future of our program and the future of Dooley after the end of year 3 in my opinion. Barring no further injuries to the difference making type of players, we'll have a better gauge of where we stand.
 
#15
#15
UTVOLKeith said:
Do you spend $20,000 per year?
Click to expand...

NO WAY!

I am just adding up the years of tickets, etc. Well over 20K, but not per year. Don't want to mislead. Granted, that is over a 23 year period...but 23K would nicely have helped pay mortgages, groceries, etc. I have made sacrifices to spend the over 1K per year I've shelled out...even at times when I didn't have it.

I'm not in any high donor seats...I'm the average income Vol fan who was THRILLED to get my seats way back when.
 
#17
#17
To add...after posting this thread earlier in the day, the sting is still there, and I'm totally worn out from travelling, etc...and have a big work week ahead...but my emotions have somewhat "settled". LSU game...up in the air...just don't know about the drive/expense/result awaiting...but I have family that will gladly accept my tix if I don't go. But...I've already moved on and can guarantee ... I'll renew. As someone posted earlier, I can't stop...it's in my blood and always will be. It's just much easier to shell out the money if I feel they effort and competitiveness is there on the field.

Even with our season last year...I never thought about giving them up. But last night and today.......
 
#18
#18
I've had season tickets forever as well and don't plan on giving them up, BUT I live in Knoxville and it's a 10 minute drive for me so I can't blame you for feeling that way...10 hour round trip would be rough to see this product, since I live in Knoxville i'll continue to go.

For the people saying "OP is not a true fan" get out of here with that mess, I bet half of you don't go to every single home game, and if you do I bet you're like me and live closer...I get sick of people saying who's real fans and who's not...What about the people who never go? Becuase of Money, distance, ect?
 
#19
#19
cbbowlingmd said:
We feel your pain. Here's a suggestion. Stay home next week. Even if we get dominated, I'll bet you'll be sorry you didn't come. It's impossible to flush that orange out of your veins.
Click to expand...

So true. Will be there next week and down to Tuscaloosa the next. Win, lose, or draw.

It sucks to lose but I knew this was a 6 or seven win team from the start so if we steal one of these next 4 games, that's just extra.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#20
#20
This is only my second season as a season ticket holder. I drive 6 hours one way. Now I only make about 4 games a year because of my job. I love the Vols and always will, but I feel you on the worth-fullness of it all, but I'll never get rid of my seats unless I absolutely can't make ends meet.
 
#21
#21
orangetaz said:
If you cant support your team win or lose go become a Bama fan.See ya,and wouldnt wanna be ya.
Click to expand...

I've been a friend of gvol for many years. Out of the 102,544 fans at the game last night, nobody is a bigger UT fan than this man. If there is a VFL on this board, it is gvol.
 
#23
#23
Big Orange 1 said:
I've been a friend of gvol for many years. Out of the 102,544 fans at the game last night, nobody is a bigger UT fan than this man. If there is a VFL on this board, it is gvol.
Click to expand...

You are the man BO1. It was great seeing you yesterday, also. :hi:

No worries...my frustration has wained (again) and it will be a cold day before I give up my tix...just the way it is.
 
#24
#24
Yankee_Vol said:
This is only my second season as a season ticket holder. I drive 6 hours one way. Now I only make about 4 games a year because of my job. I love the Vols and always will, but I feel you on the worth-fullness of it all, but I'll never get rid of my seats unless I absolutely can't make ends meet.
Click to expand...

I understand.

I sold a dune buggy I was working on to buy my tickets one year when funds were low when I first got mine. Really like that thing, too.
 
#25
#25
gvol said:
You are the man BO1. It was great seeing you yesterday, also. :hi:

No worries...my frustration has wained (again) and it will be a cold day before I give up my tix...just the way it is.
Click to expand...

Good to see you too. Call me if you and John make it down next week.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top