Predictions

[sjt18]

First of all, Green and Gordon would not be Vols if not for Kiffin. We have gotten visits from Montgomery, Jeffery, and now we are getting visits from Kendall Kelly, Patterson, Patrick, and we got Bryce Brown thinking about us. You think Fulmer would have gotten that? Montgomery said Fulmer and staff never really recruited him all that hard. He is one of the top DE's in the country! You gotta be kidding me.

You are dealing only in the "possibles". Most of those guys aren't going to sign with UT. At the same time, UT seems to be losing quality guys who were once committed and pretty firm.

I don't want it to go badly. I'm hoping for the best... but I'm very concerned about it... and after thinking it through a great deal, CLK and UT simply can't afford a mediocre much less bad class this year.

 

[sjt18]

Kiffin should not take the blame for this class...

what he has done in 2 short months is going to be nothing short of incredible come NSD. just wait and see.

Teague and Myles were both off our radar with CPF and now look like probable signees

It isn't about blame... blame whoever and it won't change what happens on the field for the next 3-4 years. He MUST have a very good class this year or else he will head for greener pastures or be fired before he wins a championship. After this year, there simply won't be enough left in the tank unless it comes from this class.

 

[sjt18]

He's only had a month & 1/2 to recruit. Remember it's not his fault. Fulmer put us in this position. Now Kiffin is trying to turn it around. It's not gonna happen overnight.

It doesn't matter who takes the blame. UT NEEDS PLAYERS who can contribute as Sophs.

 

[JMBIGORANGE]

You are dealing only in the "possibles". Most of those guys aren't going to sign with UT. At the same time, UT seems to be losing quality guys who were once committed and pretty firm.

I don't want it to go badly. I'm hoping for the best... but I'm very concerned about it... and after thinking it through a great deal, CLK and UT simply can't afford a mediocre much less bad class this year.

I agree but that happens when you have a complete staff overhaul unfortunately. If they are visiting that means we at least have a shot. Due to Fulmers poor efforts last year we are in this position.

 

[utVOLman]

You are dealing only in the "possibles"

exactly...this is your problem as well.

we have not lost any of the recruits you are so worried about except for Tajh Boyd...

also, since NSD is not here yet, you are worrying about a recruiting class that is still not finalized and therefore also qualifies as a "possible"

 

[OHvol40]

wow sjt18, you do know that the program is not full of a new coach's recruits until the 5th year? And you also know that we spent alot of money to buy out our old coach and that we are committed to this staff for several years via contract right?

No matter what you or anyone thinks, Kiffin and Co. are not going anywhere so sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[sjt18]

CLK will NOT risk being fired by UT.

Nor will the old timers who will start rethinking the CPF firing tolerate anything less than a championship within 3 years. It doesn't make sense to fire a guy who had been loyal to UT for 30 years.... and who was politically tied in... to get a guy who produced basically the same results.

I'll make another prediction... several who are defending CLK right now will turn on him if UT doesn't win a championship within 3 years.

 

[JMBIGORANGE]

It doesn't matter who takes the blame. UT NEEDS PLAYERS who can contribute as Sophs.

I don't think there was a coach out there who UT could have hired that could have done a better job than Kiffin has so far with the exception of maybe Cowher. As far as taking the blame, it kind of seems like you are putting blame on Kiffin for not getting commitments from all these top guys. At least that is how it sounds.

 

[sjt18]

No matter what you or anyone thinks, Kiffin and Co. are not going anywhere so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Don't delude yourself. This is a career move for Kiffin. It is very unlikely he'll stay very long under any set of circumstances: fail=fired, succeed=USCw after Carroll retires... or some other job he'll think is more prestigious.

 

[JMBIGORANGE]

CLK will NOT risk being fired by UT.

Nor will the old timers who will start rethinking the CPF firing tolerate anything less than a championship within 3 years. It doesn't make sense to fire a guy who had been loyal to UT for 30 years.... and who was politically tied in... to get a guy who produced basically the same results.

I'll make another prediction... several who are defending CLK right now will turn on him if UT doesn't win a championship within 3 years.

You could say that about any coach that they hired. I for one know that it will take some time. I predict within 5 years we will have an SEC championship and be at least in the conversation for a NC. Unfortunately we do not have a stocked cupboard like Meyer had when he took over.

 

[allvolbaker12]

ok well sjt18 are you stupid or something cause i dont think people will want him fired in 3 years if he dont win a national championship okay what about CPF hasnt won one since 1998 what about that... Tennessee done what they thought was right an i hate to see CFP gone but it was time for a change.....An i dont think berry will go pro next year has he came out an said he is uhhhhh no

 

[kotheb]

He MUST have a very good class this year or else he will head for greener pastures or be fired before he wins a championship.

This is yet another instance of "my opinion is fact."

I'm happy for you that you think this way. It must suck though, because all you're doing is trying to set yourself up for extreme disappointment if for some reason the class isn't top 15.

Here's MY opinion - which in this case is just as good as yours. If Kiffin were to get fired, it will not be based on anything that has to do with this class. Hamilton has invested a lot in him succeeding (possibly even his job) and will not let him fail so easily. Kiffin will be given 3-4 years to show what he can do both on the field and in recruiting.

If his recruiting efforts don't pay off in 2010 and 2011, things may be different. But until the guy has actually had legitimate time to recruit (i.e. more than only 2 short months), he just can't be judged harshly.

 

[sjt18]

I don't think there was a coach out there who UT could have hired that could have done a better job than Kiffin has so far with the exception of maybe Cowher. As far as taking the blame, it kind of seems like you are putting blame on Kiffin for not getting commitments from all these top guys. At least that is how it sounds.

I don't necessarily disagree. CLK may have done the best job anyone could... and it doesn't change the realities of the competition or UT's roster.

Just using the Rivals rankings as a ruler... if he has a mediocre class this year, he'll be trying to win the SEC with classes ranked 20something, 35th, 3rd (minus Berry), and whatever they get next year.

If UT stays down that long, do you really think he'll be able to sustain recruiting momentum? Do you really believe Saban et al won't be reminding recruits that UT fired Fulmer for no less and that CLK flopped in Oakland?

There is no margin for error here. He needs a great class THIS YEAR. It isn't fair. It may not be reasonable. It is none the less reality.

 

[OHvol40]

Don't delude yourself. This is a career move for Kiffin. It is very unlikely he'll stay very long under any set of circumstances: fail=fired, succeed=USCw after Carroll retires... or some other job he'll think is more prestigious.

If you are so in tune then I guess you could tell all of us when Carroll is gonna leave? Or what Kiffin considers prestigious? You can't.

Get over Fulmer dude, its over.

Kiffin gets his turn, whether you like it or not. You can make all the "predictions" you want.

Prediction: When the program starts to succeed again either A: we never see you again ; or B: you will claim that you never said any of the stuff you are saying now.

Book it.

 

[sjt18]

ok well sjt18 are you stupid or something cause i dont think people will want him fired in 3 years if he dont win a national championship okay what about CPF hasnt won one since 1998 what about that... Tennessee done what they thought was right an i hate to see CFP gone but it was time for a change.....An i dont think berry will go pro next year has he came out an said he is uhhhhh no

Ummm no, I can assure you I'm not stupid. And I thought CPF's firing was correct. AND... people will most definitely want CLK gone if UT isn't making serious noise within 3 years.... AND that won't happen unless this class is a very good one... and they'll STILL need a great class next year.

You are stupid if you think there's more than a sliver of a chance that Berry stays. He'll finish his degree before his senior year and will be a top 15 draft pick. Just get used to that.

 

[sjt18]

This is yet another instance of "my opinion is fact."

Believe whatever you like. The guy is NOT going to risk his career if he doesn't see things going his way. Why do you think he's been so frantic this recruiting season? He realizes the same things I do. He's looked at the roster and knows the expectations.

I'm happy for you that you think this way. It must suck though, because all you're doing is trying to set yourself up for extreme disappointment if for some reason the class isn't top 15.

No. I'm just realistic about things. Look at the roster. Look at the competition... and then be realistic about how long he's going to be given and how much risk he's likely to accept to his career. If he goes three years without at least winning the East and doesn't break 10 regular season wins.... he'll be under tremendous pressure and will be unlikely to sustain recruiting momentum or hold his staff together.

Hamilton has invested a lot in him succeeding (possibly even his job) and will not let him fail so easily. Kiffin will be given 3-4 years to show what he can do both on the field and in recruiting.

Hamilton won't survive either. He can't control anything that happens on the field nor the reaction by fans and boosters.

If his recruiting efforts don't pay off in 2010 and 2011, things may be different. But until the guy has actually had legitimate time to recruit (i.e. more than only 2 short months), he just can't be judged harshly.

Recruiting efforts that don't pay off until then won't impact the field performance until 2012-2013 at best. You can't seriously believe he'll be given that much rope by the boosters... several of whom were probably resigned to CPF's firing rather than supporters of it.

 

[kotheb]

Again, I'm happy you think that way.

Fact is, however, that your opinion is not the Alpha and Omega, it is not the be all end all of opinions.

I (and apparently many other posters on this forum) disagree with you.

Now let's move on.

 

[sjt18]

If you are so in tune then I guess you could tell all of us when Carroll is gonna leave? Or what Kiffin considers prestigious? You can't.

Please don't tell me that you don't believe Kiffin will be in line as soon as PC leaves....

Get over Fulmer dude, its over.

This isn't about Fulmer. Fulmer is gone and I completely and totally agree that he should have been canned. In fact, I said he should have been fired had he lost 4 games...

This is about UT, CLK, and the reality of his situation. Neither he nor UT's program can afford a mediocre class. Just look at the roster and the competition.

Kiffin gets his turn, whether you like it or not. You can make all the "predictions" you want.

I hope he stays longer than JoPa and wins 20 NC's. It is his turn... but his turn isn't an easy one. None of you have dealt with the simple facts of his predicament. He needs players to get the program turned around and if it doesn't come in this class we can full well look for a decline and probably one losing season within the next 3. That will prevent him from getting recruiting momentum and will put extreme pressure on him.

Ole Miss is out recruiting UT as is UGA, Aub, Bama, UF, LSU, Ark, UCLA, etc...

Prediction: When the program starts to succeed again either A: we never see you again ; or B: you will claim that you never said any of the stuff you are saying now.

Book it.

No. There will be no one happier to be wrong than me. I hope he hangs on to the guys who seem to be leaning away and gets other great recruits.

I don't think he will get 3 mediocre or less seasons before things start to turn around but that is exactly what the roster says they'll have if he doesn't get a very good class this year and a great one next year.

Just look at the roster, look at the competition, and be realistic about it. CLK's window is very, very small.

 

[sjt18]

Again, I'm happy you think that way.

Fact is, however, that your opinion is not the Alpha and Omega, it is not the be all end all of opinions.

I (and apparently many other posters on this forum) disagree with you.

Now let's move on.

Did someone request that you post a response? Did someone put you in charge of when we move on? Move on if you like but I'm waiting on someone to give a reasoned response as to why I shouldn't believe as I do.

Those who have seen my post KNOW I would much rather be optimistic. I like Kiffin and even if I didn't I'd want UT to be successful. I am hopeful but it is tempered by recent recruiting news and the reality that he loses several players after this year without the talent on the current roster to replace them.

If they get some quality guys THIS YEAR then they can be ready to take a major role and compete in '10.

 

[kotheb]

Did someone request that you post a response? Did someone put you in charge of when we move on?

It's pretty simple. On a forum, if someone responds to my post, I respond to theirs. As for moving on, you can keep posting if you like, I was referring to moving on from my posts, because you obviously haven't (and won't) convinced me of anything (as is apparently the case with you).

 

[OHvol40]

Please don't tell me that you don't believe Kiffin will be in line as soon as PC leaves....

This isn't about Fulmer. Fulmer is gone and I completely and totally agree that he should have been canned. In fact, I said he should have been fired had he lost 4 games...

This is about UT, CLK, and the reality of his situation. Neither he nor UT's program can afford a mediocre class. Just look at the roster and the competition.

I hope he stays longer than JoPa and wins 20 NC's. It is his turn... but his turn isn't an easy one. None of you have dealt with the simple facts of his predicament. He needs players to get the program turned around and if it doesn't come in this class we can full well look for a decline and probably one losing season within the next 3. That will prevent him from getting recruiting momentum and will put extreme pressure on him.

Ole Miss is out recruiting UT as is UGA, Aub, Bama, UF, LSU, Ark, UCLA, etc...

No. There will be no one happier to be wrong than me. I hope he hangs on to the guys who seem to be leaning away and gets other great recruits.

I don't think he will get 3 mediocre or less seasons before things start to turn around but that is exactly what the roster says they'll have if he doesn't get a very good class this year and a great one next year.

Just look at the roster, look at the competition, and be realistic about it. CLK's window is very, very small.

You go right on ahead and think what you want.

You think like Al Davis and YOU don't have the realistic expectations. But lucky for the rest of us, and our program, you don't make the decisions. :hi:

 

[Jphill1989]

Did someone request that you post a response? Did someone put you in charge of when we move on? Move on if you like but I'm waiting on someone to give a reasoned response as to why I shouldn't believe as I do.

Those who have seen my post KNOW I would much rather be optimistic. I like Kiffin and even if I didn't I'd want UT to be successful. I am hopeful but it is tempered by recent recruiting news and the reality that he loses several players after this year without the talent on the current roster to replace them.

If they get some quality guys THIS YEAR then they can be ready to take a major role and compete in '10.

Okay now lets shut up with all the negative comments. Nothing has happened yet, and Kiffin hasnt even had a team on the field. This is pure speculation by you, and you can not predict the future saying Kiff cant produce without a good class in the next 3 years. Yeah its more likely with a stellar class but its not impossible. So first and foremost, i respect your opinion, but remember its your opinion.. And not a fact. So until your comments actually prove something, lets not go on here and pick some fights with people on here by thinking you know everything

 

[sjt18]

You go right on ahead and think what you want.

You think like Al Davis and YOU don't have the realistic expectations. But lucky for the rest of us, and our program, you don't make the decisions. :hi:

No. Not even close. Davis expected success with his constant meddling.

I'm not making any decisions just trying to get you guys to look at this realistically. Fulmer left him with a small and mediocre class last year. The #3 class has had several disappointments like the "spotted ape" and will probably see its best player and leader go pro next January. If CLK has a mediocre class this year then he is depending on Fr/Sophs for the next two years to compete with the SEC elites... and none of them are going to stop getting players just because UT changed coaches.

Without a very good class this year and a great one next year, CLK will not have the players to compete with UGA, Ole Miss, LSU, Ark, Bama, and UF. All of those teams will be on the schedule over the next 4 seasons along with UCLA and Oregon. If he doesn't get players, expectations for more than 8 wins won't really be realistic... and at least one losing season will be a real possibility. If UT has 8 wins, 8 wins, and 5/6 wins over the next 3 years... there will be calls for his head regardless of the fact that it won't be fair.

In case you hadn't noticed, college football generally and the SEC specifically isn't about "fair"... it is about wins.

 

[sjt18]

Okay now lets shut up with all the negative comments. Nothing has happened yet, and Kiffin hasnt even had a team on the field. This is pure speculation by you, and you can not predict the future saying Kiff cant produce without a good class in the next 3 years. Yeah its more likely with a stellar class but its not impossible.

LOOK AT THE ROSTER. Of the guys who have proven they are even close to SEC ready about half will be done next year.

It isn't about opinions or speculation. All you have to do is look at the roster. No one wants to be positive more than I do. But unless the class goes better than many are projecting at this point, CLK will have a very, very rough tenure at UT.

So first and foremost, i respect your opinion, but remember its your opinion.. And not a fact. So until your comments actually prove something, lets not go on here and pick some fights with people on here by thinking you know everything

The roster is a FACT... as is the recruiting success and rosters and coaches of the opponents. The current projections for UT's 09 class are the "opinions" of experts that I am predicating my predictions on.

IF UT gets a top 12 class then I believe they have the BEST coaching staff in the SEC and will make noise almost immediately.

I never claimed to "know everything" but I can read... and do before drawing conclusions. I have READ the roster. I have looked at who will be done next year. I KNOW what kind of talent UT's rivals are bringing in and the quality of their programs.

You claim that I'm only giving opinion but my opinion has consistently been based on facts that everyone else seems to be ignoring... without bringing in any facts of their own.

You all are assuming next year's class will be good and that UT can get away with a bad class this year. Those aren't facts and the latter isn't even a reasonable assumption.

 

[Jphill1989]

So you dont agree with kids being able to improve from last year and improve under different coaches and schemes? First of all our defense wasnt terrible last year and will be even better this year. So personally by looking at our roster i see talent and opportunity. Our offense was terrible and predictable, which Lane will make sure is better. We have a new system and I think we already have the players the be able to play in the system, therefore your roster assumption and us not having the players is not true. So say what you want about the roster, but we do have talent on this team and we do have tremendous coaching. So what other "facts" do you have to prove this team will not be good under lane?