Negavols and Fulmerites United!

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On Saturday night, Tennessee fans flocked to Neyland Stadium, hoping for nothing less than a miracle. A win could salvage the season, while a loss could mean the end of an era.

The Alabama game represented the season’s last opportunity for the Vols to redeem itself in a “big game”. It would take a gargantuan effort, but Fulmer’s teams always play best with their backs to the wall. They play best when no one gives them a chance.

When game time finally arrived, the excitement was obvious. Neyland Stadium under the lights was booming as the players ran through the ‘T’ onto the sidelines. The crowd roared at the possibility of taking out some of the season’s frustrations on the Crimson Tide.

Early on, it looked as if maybe, just maybe, the dream would become reality. Tennessee recovered a fumble inside Alabama’s five yard line and had an opportunity to grab the early momentum. But hopes quickly changed to doubts when the Vols were unable to gain any positive yardage and settled for a field goal. It was a sure sign that Tennessee’s offensive woes would continue.

The rest of the game was more of the same – ineptness on offense. Not even Eric Berry’s two kick returns or his 3-yard reception was enough to keep this one close and Alabama won going away.

Following the loss, the mood of fans and media could be described as ‘sentimental’. Many are looking back over Fulmer’s career, some celebrating his accomplishments and others cringing as they remember his shortcomings. Everyone is trying to pinpoint exactly what went wrong and when the program began its descent into mediocrity (or worse).

Regardless of what happened or when, this chapter in the book of Tennessee history is likely over.

Change is unavoidable. All great programs experience periods of success and periods of decline. Alabama, Notre Dame, Nebraska, USC, FSU, Miami, LSU — all have suffered through it.

Tennessee’s accomplishments under Coach Fulmer’s leadership are many, more than any other coach in history except General Neyland. His record speaks for itself, and he’s had an immensely successful run by nearly every standard. This season shouldn’t diminish the last 16 years.

Whether you like Fulmer or you hate him, it doesn’t matter anymore. There are no Fulmerites or Negavols, at least not in the traditional sense, because it’s no longer a question of when or if there will be a change, it’s only a question of whom. No, at this point there is only one team, and united, we can look to the future together.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]