The Official Countdown To Tennessee Football 2024 (ITS FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE)

[gnm53108]

My post was not meant to be an attack on your post. It is just how I think. To me, punting means the offense was stopped. I never understood celebrating a punting record. It is like celebrating failure. JMHO

The General disagrees. Maxim #6.
Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.

 

[Tin Man]

32 Days!

Hubert Simpson wore #32. He burst onto the scene in 1979 and helped Tennessee to one of the first signature wins under third-year head coach Johnny Majors.

From down the road in Athens, Tennessee, Simpson played at McMinn County High School before joining the Vols in 1976. It took some time for him to impact Tennessee's offense, but he had a memorable--and historic--starting debut against No. 13 Notre Dame at Neyland Stadium on Nov. 10, 1979.

Coming off of an upset loss to Rutgers at home the week before, the Vols reversed course vs. the Fighting Irish. Behind Simpson and quarterback Jimmy Streater, Tennessee routed Notre Dame, 40-18.

Playing fullback, Simpson tied a program record with four rushing touchdowns to go along with 117 yards, out-shining touted Fighting Irish Vagas Ferguson, who was held to just 88 yards and was stopped by the Tennessee defense in a game-altering goal-line stand in the first half.

Simpson had his most productive season that year, rushing for 792 yards and six touchdowns on 157 carries.

In three seasons, Simpson combined for 1,516 yards and 11 scores, which ranks 32nd in program history.

View attachment 662998

Imagine being at Notre Dame in 1979. You’re ranked #13, and you’re playing a road game at Tennessee, who just lost at home to Rutgers the previous Saturday.

 

[StarRaider]

Imagine being at Notre Dame in 1979. You’re ranked #13, and you’re playing a road game at Tennessee, who just lost at home to Rutgers the previous Saturday.

Imagine going to play a road game in Athens, TN in 1975 and not knowing you were fixing to get run over by a freight train.

 

[Snapper58]

35 Days!

#35 William Howard was a four-year letter winner and All-SEC running back at Tennessee between 1984-87 before a productive two-year stint in the NFL.

Howard signed with the Vols out of Lima Senior High School in Ohio in 1984, and was a reserve running back on Tennessee's 1985 SEC Championship team that beat Miami in the Sugar Bowl.

Howard had his best campaign as a junior in 1986, rushing for nearly 800 yards and 14 touchdowns in just eight games. He was key in helping turn the Vols' season around after a 2-5 start. Tennessee won its last five games to finish 7-5, and Howard was named Second Team All-SEC.

Over four seasons, Howard accounted for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns on 398 carries, and caught 70 passes for more than 600 yards and another score.

Howard remains in the Vols' record books in consecutive rushes by the same player with 16 against Ole Miss in 1986.

View attachment 662112

at one time that was an NCAA or SEC record

 

[Vol524]

The General disagrees. Maxim #6.
Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.

Receiving kicks, yes, punting not so much. It is really hard to score when you kick the ball to the other team.

 

[Tin Man]

Receiving kicks, yes, punting not so much. It is really hard to score when you kick the ball to the other team.

You remind me of a friend from Michigan who would regurgitate a weak point and chew on it over and over again, subjecting everyone to repetitious argument. Punting effectively is a critical element of the game. Pin your opponent deep in their own territory, increasing your opportunity to thwart their drive, and take over possession at an advantageous field position. Maxim #6 isn’t just about blocking kicks or receiving your opponent’s kicks and mounting a return.

 

[StarRaider]

You remind me of a friend from Michigan who would regurgitate a weak point and chew on it over and over again, subjecting everyone to repetitious argument. Punting effectively is a critical element of the game. Pin your opponent deep in their own territory, increasing your opportunity to thwart their drive, and take over possession at an advantageous field position. Maxim #6 isn’t just about blocking kicks or receiving your opponent’s kicks and mounting a return.

if you have the lead this always works

 

[Tin Man]

Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.

 

[IndianaVol]

Receiving kicks, yes, punting not so much. It is really hard to score when you kick the ball to the other team.

Heck, arguably the worst coach in Volunteer history scored off a "punt"...an onside kick goes in the records as a punt.

Also, how many times did the 2022 team capitalize off a muffled punt?...that's as much punt technique as it is the guy dropping the ball.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

31 Days!

Curt Watson wore #31 at UT. He was a standout fullback and three-time All-SEC player at Tennessee in the late 1968-70.

Watson was a Crossville, Tennessee native and played at Cumberland County High School before signing with the Vols in 1968. Known as the "Crossville Comet," Watson made an immediate impact as a sophomore during Tennessee's SEC Championship run in 1969.

Watson rushed for more than 600 yards on 146 carries and averaged 5.5 yards per carry that season, but swelled those numbers the following year as a junior.

During the Vols' 10-win campaign in 1970, Watson carried the ball 190 times for nearly 800 yards, helping lead Tennessee to the Sugar Bowl in head coach Bill Battle's first season.

As a senior in 1971, Watson racked up 766 yards on 193 carries as the Vols won nine games for the third-straight season, including a 14-13 victory over Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.

Watson powered through a rib injury in the second half and scored the go-ahead touchdown late in his final game at Tennessee.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

30 Days!

Jim Weatherford wore #30, and was an All-SEC and All-American defensive back at Tennessee between 1965-68.

Weatherford came to Knoxville by way of Dalton High School in Georgia and started out as a wing back on the Vols' freshman team in 1965. He apparently made an impression as a newcomer with the Tennessee football media guide describing him as, "an eager, alert youngster whose fondness for striking a blow captured coaches' fancy in spring drills."

Weatherford lead the freshman team in receiving with 10 receptions for 109 yards, but by the time he reached varsity as a sophomore in 1966, he had moved to defensive back.

He appeared in 10 games that season and recorded an interception during Tennessee's run to the Gator Bowl.

Weatherford's role increased in 1967. He played in 10 games and nabbed two interceptions, adding to the Vols' then-school record 26 interceptions on their way to a 9-win season and SEC Championship.

As a senior in 1968, Weatherford had his best season, earning First Team All-American honors and All-SEC recognition from United Press International. His most memorable play was a blocked would-be game-winning field goal as time expired to help Tennessee beat Alabama, 10-9 at Neyland Stadium.

Weatherford was taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1969 NFL Draft and spent one season with the franchise, playing in 14 games with one interception and recovering a fumble and returning 74 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

29 Days!

Inquoris "Inky" Johnson, who began his career at Tennessee a defensive back but later became a renowned motivational speaker after a career-ending, life-threatening injury in 2006 wore #29 at Tennessee.

Johnson played at Alonzo A. Crim Comprehensive High School in Atlanta before signing with the Vols in 2004.

By his junior season in 2006, Johnson was a starter and poised for the NFL Draft with 41 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 23 games, but in a game against Air Force on Sept. 9 at Neyland Stadium, one play changed that trajectory.

As Johnson went to go for what looked a routine tackle, he fell to the turf and blacked out. The clavian artery near his collar bone had ruptured and emergency surgery was performed to save his life.

Johnson's right arm was paralyzed and his football career ended for good, but he used the life-changing experience for good.

After completing two degrees at Tennessee in 2007 and 2009, Johnson became a motivational speaker, sharing his life story with sports teams, businesses and churches across the country.

“I went to make a tackle, and it changed my life forever,” Johnson said years later. “I don’t regret it.”

 

[NO SIR EEE]

28 Days!

South Carolina visited Neyland last year in what was a revenge victory for The Vols. Kamal Hadden took a pick 28 yards to the checkerboards right before half.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

27 Days!

Al Wilson, who was a decorated linebacker and was named All-SEC and All-American while serving as a key contributor on Tennessee's 1998 national championship team wore #27 on Rocky Top.

Wilson was a standout prospect at Jackson-Central Merry High School in Jackson, Tennessee, playing both sides of the ball. During his senior season in 1994, Wilson totaled 163 tackles and caused three fumbles while rushing for 1,160 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense.

Wilson was tabbed the West Tennessee Player of the Year and a High School All-American before signing with the Vols in 1995.

As a freshman, Wilson played in 12 games, splitting time between special teams and reserve linebacker where he racked up 25 tackles during Tennessee's 11-win campaign, which included a top three finish in the polls.

Wilson earned a starting role in 1996, finishing second on the team in tackles with 87, including eight tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and three pass break-ups. He battled injuries as a junior in 1997, but still managed 83 tackles and a First Team All-SEC selection.

Wilson's most recognized season came in his final campaign in 1998.

A team captain and one of Tennessee's most vocal leaders, Wilson recorded 77 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks. He caused five fumbles, three of which came in a record performance and overtime win against Florida.

Similar games by Wilson and a dominant defense allowed the Vols to pull out a number of close games to finish unbeaten in the regular season and reach the SEC Championship Game for the second-straight season.

After coming from behind again to beat Mississippi State, Tennessee clinched a berth in the inaugural BCS National Championship Game in the Fiesta Bowl against Florida State. Wilson, who earned consensus All-American honors that season, capped his career by helping the Vols to their first national title in 31 years with a 23-16 victory over the Seminoles at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona on Jan. 4, 1999

Wilson was a first round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft and spent eight seasons with the franchise, accounting for more than 700 tackles, 21.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and five interceptions in 125 career games before retiring in 2008.

In 2021, Wilson was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame, becoming the 21st former Tennessee player to be selected.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

26 Days!

Willie Gault, who starred for Tennessee as a wide receiver and kickoff returner with world-class speed and was an All-American in both football and track between 1979-82, wore #26.

Gault was a standout football and track star at Griffin High School in Georgia before signing with the Vols in 1979. He made limited contributions as a freshman, catching three passes for 95 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown reception in Tennessee's 51-18 win over Utah.

Gault had a record-breaking campaign as a sophomore in 1980, setting a single-season record for kickoffs returns for touchdowns with three, one of which went for 98 yards to headline a 51-13 victory against Vanderbilt in Nashville.

As a receiver, Gault had 14 receptions for 240 yards and a 48-yard touchdown catch in a 51-13 rout of Kentucky that season.

Gault upped his receiving numbers in each of his last two seasons with the Vols, turning a career-best 668 yards and four scores on 50 catches as a senior in 1982, earning both All-SEC and All-America status.

Away from football, Gault won six individual SEC and two national titles for Tennessee's track and field team and was an 11-time All-American. He qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, though the U.S. boycotted the event.

Gault was taken as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears where he spent five seasons and was a member of the Super Bowl XX-winning team.

After being traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, Gault played another six seasons before retiring following the 1993 season. In 11 seasons in the NFL, Gault totaled 333 receptions, 6,635 yards and 44 touchdowns as a receiver and 1,088 yards and a touchdown as kick returner.

 

[chuckiepoo]

26 Days!

Willie Gault, who starred for Tennessee as a wide receiver and kickoff returner with world-class speed and was an All-American in both football and track between 1979-82, wore #26.

Gault was a standout football and track star at Griffin High School in Georgia before signing with the Vols in 1979. He made limited contributions as a freshman, catching three passes for 95 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown reception in Tennessee's 51-18 win over Utah.

Gault had a record-breaking campaign as a sophomore in 1980, setting a single-season record for kickoffs returns for touchdowns with three, one of which went for 98 yards to headline a 51-13 victory against Vanderbilt in Nashville.

As a receiver, Gault had 14 receptions for 240 yards and a 48-yard touchdown catch in a 51-13 rout of Kentucky that season.

Gault upped his receiving numbers in each of his last two seasons with the Vols, turning a career-best 668 yards and four scores on 50 catches as a senior in 1982, earning both All-SEC and All-America status.

Away from football, Gault won six individual SEC and two national titles for Tennessee's track and field team and was an 11-time All-American. He qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, though the U.S. boycotted the event.

Gault was taken as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears where he spent five seasons and was a member of the Super Bowl XX-winning team.

After being traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, Gault played another six seasons before retiring following the 1993 season. In 11 seasons in the NFL, Gault totaled 333 receptions, 6,635 yards and 44 touchdowns as a receiver and 1,088 yards and a touchdown as kick returner.

View attachment 664865

The white shoes era!

 

[IndianaVol]

26 Days!

Willie Gault, who starred for Tennessee as a wide receiver and kickoff returner with world-class speed and was an All-American in both football and track between 1979-82, wore #26.

Gault was a standout football and track star at Griffin High School in Georgia before signing with the Vols in 1979. He made limited contributions as a freshman, catching three passes for 95 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown reception in Tennessee's 51-18 win over Utah.

Gault had a record-breaking campaign as a sophomore in 1980, setting a single-season record for kickoffs returns for touchdowns with three, one of which went for 98 yards to headline a 51-13 victory against Vanderbilt in Nashville.

As a receiver, Gault had 14 receptions for 240 yards and a 48-yard touchdown catch in a 51-13 rout of Kentucky that season.

Gault upped his receiving numbers in each of his last two seasons with the Vols, turning a career-best 668 yards and four scores on 50 catches as a senior in 1982, earning both All-SEC and All-America status.

Away from football, Gault won six individual SEC and two national titles for Tennessee's track and field team and was an 11-time All-American. He qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, though the U.S. boycotted the event.

Gault was taken as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears where he spent five seasons and was a member of the Super Bowl XX-winning team.

After being traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, Gault played another six seasons before retiring following the 1993 season. In 11 seasons in the NFL, Gault totaled 333 receptions, 6,635 yards and 44 touchdowns as a receiver and 1,088 yards and a touchdown as kick returner.

View attachment 664865

Gault was one of my favorites growing up...Wide Receiver U was in full force !!!
I read a story that after retiring from the NFL, Willie went into Masters Games and set records there too - ran the 100 meter (that's 110 yds for us freedom measuring folks) in 10.72 sec...break that down and that is 4 sec speed in the 40...oh yeah, at 47 YEARS OLD !!!

 

[NO SIR EEE]

25 Days!

 

[WillisWG]

25 Days!

The "it's good, no it's no good, no good" call.

 

[gnm53108]

25 Days!

The Miracle!

Had to watch that one in Naples Italy on my ship. Watched it in the mess deck with a whole bunch of my shipmates. All but two of us were damers. I took “heck” that whole first half. Gave it back 10 fold…on top of a table dog cussing the lot of em.

That was a good day.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

24 Days!

 

[VolDave53]

24 Days!

Loved the tearaway jerseys.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

23 Days!

 

[NO SIR EEE]

22 Days!

Jabari Davis came to UT from Tucker, Georgia. 2001-04 he rushed for 1,232 yards & 22 touchdowns on 281 carries.

 

[NO SIR EEE]

21 Days!

Heath Shuler played quarterback at Tennessee from 1991-93 and wore the #21.

He totaled 4,089 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 383 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns for the Vols.

After finishing second in the 1993 Heisman Trophy voting, Shuler was selected No. 3 overall in the 1994 NFL draft by Washington.