Volosaurus rex
Doctorate in Volology
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With an uncle who coached baseball there during the late 1960s and 1970s, I have endured 40 years of intrafamilial trash-talking, regardless of the football fortunes of our respective programs. Consequently, I have developed a Cafegoesque contempt for the Commodes. For that reason, I must confess that any shred of objectivity gets thrown out the window when Vanderbilt football, let alone James Franklin, is mentioned. However, after viewing the Vanderbilt-Kentucky game, I will say only that this Commode squad, with the exception of Jordan Matthews, does not impress me. I know that they will come into Neyland brimming with confidence and they would love nothing better than to knock us out of bowl contention. They create turnovers, most notably interceptions, and maximize their scoring opportunities. I would be more concerned about this years edition of the Black and Gold if our annual matchup was held in Nashville, on the last game of the season, and both teams were fighting to earn bowl eligibility.
None of this really matters, however, because I am convinced that Butch will approach this game as a stake-your-lance-in-the earth, draw-a-line-in-the-sand-and-fight-to-the-death game, one in which he will leave no motivational tool unused. He has made it abundantly clear that achieving bowl eligibility is of paramount importance to Team 117 and that the recruitment of instate talent will be the foundation of his recruiting strategy for the program. He understands the need to leave no doubt whatsoever that the University of Tennessee is the only logical choice for any home-grown, SEC-caliber football player, and the best way to communicate that message is by annually beating the unholy feces out of Vanderbilt.
I would imagine that Butch will repeatedly challenge the manhood of our offensive linemen this week and exhort them to collectively take the team on their backs. To paraphrase a quote from Rudy, pound on [Vandy] like they were your worst enemies and drive them all the way into the Tennessee River (when moving toward the south end zone) or to the top of the Hill (when scoring in the North end zone). If we can unleash a dominating ground game, minimize turnovers and keep Josh out of risky down-and-distance situations, we will emerge victorious.
Under ordinary circumstances, I would consider a Beat Vandy bonfire beneath the dignity of the University of Tennessee, but these are not ordinary times. Butch will marshal every scintilla of support possible from the student body and Big Orange Nation. I will refrain from predicting a final score as rivalry games can go from nailbiters to routs in a relative heartbeat, but I do expect Butch to secure his second victory over Vanderbilt. What are your expectations/predictions?
None of this really matters, however, because I am convinced that Butch will approach this game as a stake-your-lance-in-the earth, draw-a-line-in-the-sand-and-fight-to-the-death game, one in which he will leave no motivational tool unused. He has made it abundantly clear that achieving bowl eligibility is of paramount importance to Team 117 and that the recruitment of instate talent will be the foundation of his recruiting strategy for the program. He understands the need to leave no doubt whatsoever that the University of Tennessee is the only logical choice for any home-grown, SEC-caliber football player, and the best way to communicate that message is by annually beating the unholy feces out of Vanderbilt.
I would imagine that Butch will repeatedly challenge the manhood of our offensive linemen this week and exhort them to collectively take the team on their backs. To paraphrase a quote from Rudy, pound on [Vandy] like they were your worst enemies and drive them all the way into the Tennessee River (when moving toward the south end zone) or to the top of the Hill (when scoring in the North end zone). If we can unleash a dominating ground game, minimize turnovers and keep Josh out of risky down-and-distance situations, we will emerge victorious.
Under ordinary circumstances, I would consider a Beat Vandy bonfire beneath the dignity of the University of Tennessee, but these are not ordinary times. Butch will marshal every scintilla of support possible from the student body and Big Orange Nation. I will refrain from predicting a final score as rivalry games can go from nailbiters to routs in a relative heartbeat, but I do expect Butch to secure his second victory over Vanderbilt. What are your expectations/predictions?
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