Ramblings of a Fulmer Critic

[utorangeman1]

Joe Pa , Bobby B & Tom Osbourne all have said you will need a little luck in the course of a year to go undefeated . Well we got ours there . So what if Stoerner laid it on the ground , If Darwin walker isn't hustling it doesn't matter . If Al Wilson doesn't make that incredible fourth down stop against UF it doesn't matter . There were so many huge plays that year to constantly pick on the one that could be called fortunate is really nit picking . Go Vols !!!

 

[CSpindizzy]

Fulmer spoke to the Dallas Alumni group earlier this month and had an interesting Q&A session. He didn't avoid any questions, acknowleged mistakes, and even admitted that he still wasn't sure how the QB situation should have been handled, but that it should have been handled differently.

You realize that it's easy to admit all of this now. That's the problem many have with Fulmer. Seeing bad things brewing cause most leaders to head them off or prevent in the first place. It's easy to say after the fact "yeah we made mistakes and it's my fault!" Should he even have to be in that situation in the first place?

 

[smokedog#3]

excellent point dizzy. i believe i said the same thing when he was defending the offense again after the alabama game. he needs to go out there and turn his team loose. it won't happen as long as fulmer is around though. his game plan is, wait for the other team to lose the game.

 

[jakez4ut]

Nevertheless, I can agree that CRP should have one more year. If he goes 5-7, 6-6 or 7-5 I think most of us (except for a few zealots) would agree that he needs to go. If he goes 12-0 or 11-1 almost 100% of us would agree he stays with a contract extension. However, what I see coming is a record somewhere in between these extremes and at this time next year we will be arguing the same points!

i agree 100%. I think we'll finish 8-4 or 9-3....and the arguement will continue...looking forward to it...

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

I'm not going to assume that Wilburn is a Bammer. I found this site this season in September after the FL loss. I waited a couple of days to join though and happened to get on board after we beat LSU. Nothing but timing saved me from being pegged a Gator troll and I can assure you that I dislike UF more than any other team in the SEC (even Bama). Let's give each other some credit. No one would be for months on end if they did not have an interest in the Vols (clearly identified fans of other teams excepted).

 

[OldVol]

No one would be for months on end if they did not have an interest in the Vols (clearly identified fans of other teams excepted).

Or a hatred for the Vols.

When every keystroke punched has something negative about UT I'll make my assumptions and you can make your own.

This is supposed to be about fans of the university, not opponents.

It really isn't that difficult to spot the trolls.

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

Sooner or later everyone will reach their own crescendo of venting and then they can start to let it go. Give it time. If we close strong in recruiting then I think things will calm down a bit.

 

[jakez4ut]

I agree w/you HB, but you got admit there are a few here that really won't let stuff go, and by that i mean those that never have anything postive to say, o/t being positive they hate CPF, and do nothing but ridicule those that do support him...i rarely see an actual point to some of Wilburn's posts o/t to reply to others to instigate an argument, which is fine, that's what this thing is for...but let's call a troll a troll here.

 

[hohenfelsvol]

Sooner or later everyone will reach their own crescendo of venting and then they can start to let it go. Give it time. If we close strong in recruiting then I think things will calm down a bit.

Lots of folks, to include yourself, thought the sky was falling in December and early January. Myself and some others kept pointing out that the push would come from mid to late January. We are going to do ok in recruiting but this isn't the source of the issues. Some folks just love to b*tch. It doesn't matter how good things are going there will always be a negative thing to say. Kind of taking a schadenfruede (Taking a pleasure in the suffering of others) when the bad things happen. I actually like discussing opposing views with Vols and other team fans as long as there are points to be made. Some issues by some folks are brought up just to stir and nothing else.

 

[OldVol]

Lots of folks, to include yourself, thought the sky was falling in December and early January. Myself and some others kept pointing out that the push would come from mid to late January. We are going to do ok in recruiting but this isn't the source of the issues. Some folks just love to b*tch. It doesn't matter how good things are going there will always be a negative thing to say. Kind of taking a schadenfruede (Taking a pleasure in the suffering of others) when the bad things happen. I actually like discussing opposing views with Vols and other team fans as long as there are points to be made. Some issues by some folks are brought up just to stir and nothing else.

Excellent points all!

There's no cry for censorship, no call for everyone to agree on every subject. There's very little intelligent debate as you have suggested. Most of the detractors here like to use hot button words that push people's emotions.

It doesn't take a genius to understand the difference between interest in the program and hatred for it.

 

[allvol]

The Stoener fumble was not a gift. It was caused by Billy Ratliff forcing the center into his foot which caused him to stumble and lose the ball. It's clear when you watch the tape. That play was as much a result of good defense as it was Stoener not securing the ball.

I've seen the play a million times, and you are correct.... Billy Ratliff made an awesome play. It also helped that the Arkansas defense could not stop Travis Henry on that final drive AFTER the fumble too. AND the fumble was a legitimate play... unlike the 5th down that Colorado got or the illegal kick in the endzone that Nebraska got.

Its sad that a few people are so much into hating Phil Fulmer that they are now trying to tarnish the 13-0 National Championship Season of 1998. The season in which the Vols beat 6 top 25 teams, including 4 ranked in the top 10. The Vols were the best team in 1998!

 

[OldVol]

I've seen the play a million times, and you are correct.... Billy Ratliff made an awesome play. It also helped that the Arkansas defense could not stop Travis Henry on that final drive AFTER the fumble too. AND the fumble was a legitimate play... unlike the 5th down that Colorado got or the illegal kick in the endzone that Nebraska got.

Its sad that a few people are so much into hating Phil Fulmer that they are now trying to tarnish the 13-0 National Championship Season of 1998. The season in which the Vols beat 6 top 25 teams, including 4 ranked in the top 10. The Vols were the best team in 1998!

The 98 team was like a man on a mission. Billy Ratliff was all heart. And you're right. Even after we got the ball we still had to march down and score.

The 98 team has a special place in Vol lore. Tee has his likeness in wax for his great accomplishments during that season. There's no need for Vol fans to cut at each other because one player is perceived greater than another. Tee has his place for his accomplishments and Peyton has his place as do scores of other great former Vols.

It takes a really warped sense of Tennesssee to attempt to create division between fans of Tee and fans of Peyton. There's room for both in all Tennessee Hearts. Anyone who can't love both aren't real Tennessee fans.

 

[hatvol96]

I've seen the play a million times, and you are correct.... Billy Ratliff made an awesome play. It also helped that the Arkansas defense could not stop Travis Henry on that final drive AFTER the fumble too. AND the fumble was a legitimate play... unlike the 5th down that Colorado got or the illegal kick in the endzone that Nebraska got.

Its sad that a few people are so much into hating Phil Fulmer that they are now trying to tarnish the 13-0 National Championship Season of 1998. The season in which the Vols beat 6 top 25 teams, including 4 ranked in the top 10. The Vols were the best team in 1998!

Pointing out that we received some good fortune along the way doesn't tarnish the '98 team. My point, obviously lost on you, was that the Fulmerphiles all use the National Championship as Exhibit A as to why everyone should give Fulmer leeway. I'm simply pointing out that, but for that play, the defense of Fulmer would be much less persuasive.

 

[hatvol96]

The 98 team was like a man on a mission. Billy Ratliff was all heart. And you're right. Even after we got the ball we still had to march down and score.

The 98 team has a special place in Vol lore. Tee has his likeness in wax for his great accomplishments during that season. There's no need for Vol fans to cut at each other because one player is perceived greater than another. Tee has his place for his accomplishments and Peyton has his place as do scores of other great former Vols.

It takes a really warped sense of Tennesssee to attempt to create division between fans of Tee and fans of Peyton. There's room for both in all Tennessee Hearts. Anyone who can't love both aren't real Tennessee fans.

Does the same unconditional love apply to Jamal Lewis, Carl Pickens, Kelly Washington, or any of a host of Vols who have been unfairly maligned on this board? Or does this mandatory affection only apply to sacred cow QBs?

 

[allvol]

Pointing out that we received some good fortune along the way doesn't tarnish the '98 team. My point, obviously lost on you, was that the Fulmerphiles all use the National Championship as Exhibit A as to why everyone should give Fulmer leeway. I'm simply pointing out that, but for that play, the defense of Fulmer would be much less persuasive.

You can't base an entire career on 1 play. If you excuse that play for Arkansas, you set precendant to allow CPF do the same for last season's bad plays. Now the 10 or so plays that compile to create 6 losses this past season, I don't excuse..... but the Vols were awesome in 1998 and no one can take that away. If Fulmer's job was based on the 2005 season... or even the 2002 season, then he should be fired. But should be judged on ALL his seasons since 1992. If the Vols don't win more than 7 games next season, then alot of people will get their wish and Fulmer will be gone. However, if the Vols win the sec or even the national championship next season.... will those same people be happy or crying????

 

[hatvol96]

You can't base an entire career on 1 play. If you excuse that play for Arkansas, you set precendant to allow CPF do the same for last season's bad plays. Now the 10 or so plays that compile to create 6 losses this past season, I don't excuse..... but the Vols were awesome in 1998 and no one can take that away. If Fulmer's job was based on the 2005 season... or even the 2002 season, then he should be fired. But should be judged on ALL his seasons since 1992. If the Vols don't win more than 7 games next season, then alot of people will get their wish and Fulmer will be gone. However, if the Vols win the sec or even the national championship next season.... will those same people be happy or crying????

I will be thrilled if we win the SEC next season. In the interest of fainess, I'll admit that I personally dislike Fulmer. Always have. I find him to be a manipulative, whining phony. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of people who act as informants. That said, I don't think the time has arrived to fire him. I prefer to let the '06 season play out, then assess where the program is headed.

 

[JasonCajun]

Recruiting doesn't mean jack-squat if it doesn't get done on the field. Winning championships on the field is everything. Winning championships from Max Emfinger or Rivals is pointless if it doesn't mean winning on the field.

Bottom line is this - no SEC championships since 98, no BCS bowls since 99, and we have finished out of the top 25 more times than we have finished in the top 10.

Who the hell here says that is acceptable for a school with the history of this program, 100000 seat stadium, a $60 million budget or so, a $2million head coach, and all the fan support that this program gets?

I am all for giving Fulmer 2006 to show he can turn it around, but if he doesn't compete for the SEC championship and beat at least half of our biggest rivals, his butt needs to be gone.

Bruce Pearl has shown what a good coach with fire who instills discipline in his players can do. Fulmer right now is looking more like Wade Houston than Bruce Pearl.

 

[allvol]

Recruiting doesn't mean jack-squat if it doesn't get done on the field. Winning championships on the field is everything. Winning championships from Max Emfinger or Rivals is pointless if it doesn't mean winning on the field.

Bottom line is this - no SEC championships since 98, no BCS bowls since 99, and we have finished out of the top 25 more times than we have finished in the top 10.

Who the hell here says that is acceptable for a school with the history of this program, 100000 seat stadium, a $60 million budget or so, a $2million head coach, and all the fan support that this program gets?

I am all for giving Fulmer 2006 to show he can turn it around, but if he doesn't compete for the SEC championship and beat at least half of our biggest rivals, his butt needs to be gone.

Bruce Pearl has shown what a good coach with fire who instills discipline in his players can do. Fulmer right now is looking more like Wade Houston than Bruce Pearl.

Reality check. Last season was bad.... but let's not go overboard. Wade Houston was a sub-.500 coach. He had the worst season in Tennessee basketball history, losing more than 20 games in one season. At least Fulmer has the highest winning percentage of any Vols head coach since Neyland retired in 1952, 53 years ago.

 

[GAVol]

The only way Fulmer would start looking like Wade Houston is if Brittany Fulmer could run a 4.3 40 and played tailback.

 

[JasonCajun]

Reality check. Last season was bad.... but let's not go overboard. Wade Houston was a sub-.500 coach. He had the worst season in Tennessee basketball history, losing more than 20 games in one season. At least Fulmer has the highest winning percentage of any Vols head coach since Neyland retired in 1952, 53 years ago.

You're right, maybe Buzz Peterson would have been a better comparison. And I said Fulmer looked more like Wade Houston than Bruce Pearl now. I didn't say Fulmer was Wade Houston. Imagine if Bruce Pearl were 100 and Wade Houston were 0, then Fulmer's efforts the past 5 years would be about a 45.

As far as highest winning percentage, that is all the Fulmer supporters have. None of them still address the lack of high payout BCS bowl games, drought of SEC championships, finishing out of the top 10, or general lack of productivity since 98.

Did Fulmer win his NC in 98 and feel like he had a free ride the rest of his life? I know that isn't how it works in my line of work.

 

[hatvol96]

The only way Fulmer would start looking like Wade Houston is if Brittany Fulmer could run a 4.3 40 and played tailback.

I am trying very hard to suppress a number of tasteless, but hilarious, responses to that one.

 

[JasonCajun]

The only way Fulmer would start looking like Wade Houston is if Brittany Fulmer could run a 4.3 40 and played tailback.

Is she the one on the swim team there? That might be our solution, move him up to women's swim coach.

 

[smokedog#3]

:lolabove: :lolabove: :lolabove: :lolabove: :devilsmoke:

 

[OldVol]

Does the same unconditional love apply to Jamal Lewis, Carl Pickens, Kelly Washington, or any of a host of Vols who have been unfairly maligned on this board? Or does this mandatory affection only apply to sacred cow QBs?

I've always had a warm spot in my heart for all the young men who have chosen to come to Tennessee. That doesn't mean I condone bad behavior from them any more than I would from my own sons. But I won't stop loving them because some of them made some mistakes along the way either.

All of the young men you mentioned have good reason to be applauded for their accomplishments at UT.

It is also true that some of our young men have endeared themselves even more with their behavior while on campus, and after they left or graduated.

I guess you missed, or just chose to ignore my comment about the "scores of other great former Vols." That sort of diminshes your Sacred Cow QB commentary.

 

[OldVol]

The only way Fulmer would start looking like Wade Houston is if Brittany Fulmer could run a 4.3 40 and played tailback.

Here's an idea. Put her in one of those low-cut jersies, place her at left offensive tackle, get her in that 3 point stance and no one, and I mean no one would ever again beat us off the snap count. No one would be watching the ball.

It would be like in the movie Replacements with Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves when the opposing coach kept telling the ref, "Ref, that cheerleader's hitting her on the a$$."