[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][[My apologies to Brent, I overlooked his email and did not get this posted on Friday — vol.freak]]
Talk about the elephant in the room. Well, that elephant has obviously been let out, and in a very strange and phenomenal fashion. There are so many elements to Phillip Fulmer exiting stage left that are intriguing talking points. Here are ten from my perspective. Share yours if you would like.
- What had been purported to be true in the media, that Phillip Fulmer was in trouble should his Vols fail to find success in 2008, was true.
- Phillip Fulmer’s “resignation” speech was a beautifully written and delivered message by a man that cares for and loves my alma mater deeply.
- CPF’s players displayed sincere loyalty and vocal emotion at the press conference for the man that tries to help them transition from adolescence into men and win games.
- Mike Hamilton was able to put an enormous buyout into motion for a Hall of Fame coach and then sit next to said coach as he delivers his terse outgoing message.
- Super agent Jimmy Sexton was able to get said outgoing coach 6 million on the back end of a deal. Does Jimmy handle broadcasters?
- Vol players vow that they will win out, though I’m sure they realize that had they come up with that idea a bit earlier, CPF would still be there in ’09. Not an easy thought to absorb I’m sure.
- Fans were conflicted emotionally. Sad that a true Tennessee football icon would no longer be at the helm and excited that a new day would soon be born.
- A stagnant fan base begins to quiver with anticipation. We took 24 calls in two hours on “Overtime” on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville Wednesday about possible successors.
- Phillip Fulmer appears willing to stay on with the University of Tennessee in some kind of glad handing capacity, and then also talks about his possible interest in exploring other head coaching opportunities.
- The desired short list, as I have been given: Lane Kiffen, Tim Brewster, Brian Kelly and Mike Leach.
Thanks Phillip:
Here is a quick personal note for which many in my business are allowing time and/or space. I have always been treated in a first class way by Phillip Fulmer. My job is to give my opinion while also providing sports figures an outlet to communicate a message while allowing fans to get a glimpse of where their favorite sports figures are coming from at various points.
Coach Fulmer ALWAYS made time to talk Tennessee football with me. Whether it was on the air or not, CPF was a class act and always allowed us in. He also understands that it is my job to offer my opinion. Thanks for everything Coach!
A Look Back At Last Week:
A week ago provided another reason for me to clearly understand that my work here is for amusement purposes only. Though I did pick LSU to win 38-13 and the final was 35-10, that was the end of any success story. I finished up 2-5 ATS and 5-2 overall. My season totals now sit at 39-29 against the spread and 52-18 overall.
This week’s Picks:
TN-Martin at Auburn: War Eagle by 27. Auburn needs a win to break up the consistent losing and they’ll obviously get it here. But by 27? I’m not sure Auburn can score 27.
The Pick: Auburn 24
TN Martin 0
Wyoming at Tennessee: Vols by 26 ½. Obviously this will be an emotionally charged Tennessee team and Wyoming is really bad.
The Pick: Tennessee 34
Wyoming 6
Arkansas at South Carolina: Chicks by 13. Man that’s a lot of points for that offense to accumulate. Weird feeling. I’ll go Hogs with the points.
The Pick: South Carolina 20
Arkansas 10
Georgia at Kentucky: Dawgs by 12. Georgia will win big in Lexington.
The Pick: Georgia 34
Kentucky 13
Florida at Vanderbilt: Gators by 24. I keep coming back to this one. Tim Tebow sleeps with a night light. Not because Tim Tebow is afraid of the dark, but because the dark is afraid of Tim Tebow.
The Pick: Florida 38
Vanderbilt 20
Alabama at LSU: Bama by 3. Nick Saban jumps back into Death Valley and flat out gets it done.
The Pick: Alabama 20
LSU 13
Thanks for reading. Hit me up at brent@1045thezone.com
-Brent.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]