Shock is the description I am still left with in the wake of Tennessee’s defensive performance against perhaps the most talented player in college football. The Vols came with a defensive presene and intensity reminiscent of another unlikely stand by a group of eleven angry men.
Number one ranked Auburn came to Knoxville in 1985 with their eventual Heisman Trophy running back Bo Jackson ready to make an imprint on voters with a big performance against a rival SEC team on national television. Tennessee was unranked and many doubted if the Vols could slow down the immensely talented back. Arkansas is not even close to being the best team in America, but their pill carrier is every bit as dangerous.
Against Auburn in 1985, Tennessee swarmed to the football and played with the kind of passion necessary to derail a dominant runner. Tennessee’s defense played with that same passion and intensity last week. Darren McFadden had 92 of his 117 yards in the second half when Tennessee had clear control of the game. The Hogs, ultimately, were little threat.
Speaking of the 1985 game, I remember riding Nashville to Knoxville with my grandparents on a beautiful late September Saturday. I was told that Tennessee did not match up well but that we would see the best player in college football. I said the same thing many times on our show last week about Arkansas and Darren McFadden. Oh, I also remember many balloons being released as the team ran through the “T†and shakers on wooden sticks. Ok, back to organization…
We have been told that the Tennessee defense was tired of people talking about what Darren McFadden would do to them. The defensive ends got up the field forcing Arkansas back inside or causing them to give ground in an attempt to get outside. The defensive tackles kept Hog linemen off linebackers and safetys and Arkansas was taken out of their game plan. The offense controlled the clock, took advantage of great field position and Tennessee cleared its most imposing hurdle on its way to Atlanta.
That brings us to this week’s challenge of Vanderbilt. The Commodores need a win to get Bowl eligible for the first time since 1982. But, the Commodores do not match up well with Tennessee. The Vols have won 6 out of 7 and we have all talked about what is on the line for them. The last time Vandy took two of three from Tennessee in this series was 1937. Not going to happen this year. The Vols continue their path to the Georgia Dome. Tennessee 34 Vanderbilt 13.
Tebow for Heisman:
I’m sure you all want to read my praise for a Florida quarterback but let’s all be honest for a second. Has anyone seen a better individual performance in this conference than Tebow against South Carolina on Saturday?
Consider this stat line:
- 22-32 304 yards and 2tds
- 120 yards rushing and 5 more scores
That’s seven touchdowns if you’re scoring at home. Of course, if you’re scoring at home, you’re probably not reading this. At least I hope not.
Tebow has tied the SEC record for rushing touchdowns and broken the record for most total touchdowns. He has over 3500 yards and 42 touchdowns. Unreal! He’s also the #2 rated passer nationally. Dennis Dixon has Jonathon Stewart. Florida has Tim Tebow. I will be sending in Tebow’s name for my Heisman vote unless something dramatic happens.
Let’s talk hoops:
My initial thought as I continued to see the enormous games freshmen are putting up early is what these players and teams will be like in March? How will Tennessee compare to these guys? The Vols may have their best team ever, but is that good enough to compete for a National Title? One game in, we see a Tennessee team who can beat people easily with little contribution from Chris Lofton. Last year’s Sweet 16 team needed Lofton to play and playe well to have a chance to win. Tyler Smith is the real deal. Brian Williams and Cameron Tatum appear ready to contribute and we won’t see J.P. Prince in a game until mid December. If this team can buy into the us against the world mentality, remember the second half meltdown against Ohio St. in the Tourney last year and have players not care about the amount of minutes they or someone else are getting they will have a shot. Coach Pearl will be able to sell this team on the fact that they have exactly zero McDonald’s All-Americans. By the way, do you know the last time Tennessee won at least 22 games three consecutive years? Never. It’s never happened. And less than 22 wins will be a disappointment with this group. Bruce Pearl continues to take this program infinitely further than anyone could have imagined.
One Last Prediction:
Georgia will survive Kentucky 41-27.
Thanks for reading. E-mail me comments or concerns at your leisure and/or pleasure. brentd@wlac.com
Brent Dougherty
News Radio 1510 WLAC
Nashville, TN
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