The win last week against Ohio didn’t have that exhilaration associated with most wins. Sure, the Vols won the game 34-23 and evened their season’s record at 2-2, but the mood was dampened with the season ending injury to Nick Reveiz and the inability to distance themselves from Ohio throughout the game.
The Vols now have to find an answer at middle linebacker and a way to slow down an undefeated Auburn team Saturday night. Both could be daunting tasks for Head Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff.
Injuries and Dennis Rogan being suspended for the game helped the Bobcats to move the ball through the air last week. To the Vols' credit, they were able to limit the Ohio offense to one touchdown and shut down the running game which went a long way to ensuring a victory.
The Vols' offense continues to evolve this season, trying to find their identity. This week would be a great time for the wide receivers and the quarterback to make some positive game changing plays.
Jonathan Crompton and Marsalis Teague just missed connecting on a sure long touchdown pass last week; however, the Vols go into the game Saturday still looking for that big play receiver.
Meanwhile, Bryce Brown and Monterio Hardesty continue to be the best options on offense.
The Vols should have Wes Brown and Chris Walker back on the defensive line Saturday, hopefully for the entire game. Walker, fresh off scoring a touchdown last week, should be a handful for Auburn to deal with this week.
Chances are that Coach Monte Kiffin has had a few restless nights this week as he prepares his defense to defend an Auburn team averaging 45 points and over 500 yards of total offense a game.
Auburn’s Head Coach Gene Chizik and Lane Kiffin have some history against each other. As assistant coaches, they squared off in the 2005 National Championship game won by Texas when USC failed to score on a fourth and one at the goal line. (I imagine the UCLA game brought back some bad memories for the head Vol coach.)
Auburn is soaring high coming into Knoxville with a perfect 4-0 record. The Tigers are on the road for the first time this season where their no huddle offense will not only deal with a Monte Kiffin coached defense, but a loud Neyland Stadium crowd. With injuries and inexperience on defense, the Vols will need the 12th man to step up with a lot of noise.
While the football Vols try to get healthy, the depth chart of Bruce Pearl’s men’s basketball squad suffered yet another blow this week.
Emmanuel Negedu, the sophomore forward from Nigeria, collapsed following a workout at the indoor football field and had to be resuscitated by UT trainers. He is resting comfortably at UT Medical Center but his basketball future with the Vols is now in the hands of the doctors looking for what caused this cardiac event.
The quick response by the UT trainers probably prevented this from having a tragic ending. Our prayers are with Emmanuel for a full recovery and his ability to continue playing the game he loves.
Looks like Jim Butler’s jubilation after a victory over Rice could be short lived. Ole Miss visits the boys in Black this weekend, fresh off a loss to South Carolina. It could be a long night in Nashville for Commodore fans.
This week’s game is on ESPN Saturday at 6:45 CDT, which will allow the nation to enjoy the atmosphere of Neyland Stadium with "Rocky Top" filling the night air. It’s time for Tennessee to grab those Tigers by the tail and start October with that initial SEC victory. Go Vols!!!
(Frank Gale is a Chronicle correspondent and his column appears regularly)
Tansi Smoke Signals
ROCKY TOP BEAT: Vols open SEC schedule against Auburn
- Tansi Smoke Signals
-
-
The Frank and Larry Show
Frank Gale and Larry Robertson are famous in Cumberland County, as they cover UT sports and write and take photographs for the Crossville Chronicle, as well as the Smoke Signals.
-
After 37 years at Tansi, golf pro Aubrey King retires
After nearly four decades of promoting Lake Tansi golf, teaching hundreds of youngsters the art of the game and arguably being one of the leaders in making Cumberland County the Golf Capital of Tennessee, golf pro Aubrey King is retiring.
-
GENERALLY SPEAKING: Common Interest Communities face continuing financial issues
Most of you are aware that the LTVPOA has been struggling with many issues related to the economy. Some of this is perceived to have been self imposed but the following article demonstrates the additional dilemma that the POA is facing. Be rest assured that the LTVPOA Board of Directors and Management are constantly evaluating policies and procedures to find ways to get through these troubling times. This will only be accomplished by working together with the membership.
-
Remembering Pearl: Seals recounts experience aboard USS Pennsylvania at Pearl Harbor
On the morning of Dec. 7, an aircraft bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan appeared out of the clouds above Hawaii. More than 300 other Japanese warplanes followed it with plans to descend on the Pearl Harbor Naval Yard, where a young private named James Allen Seals was stationed.
-
Christmas is the season to bake with hearts of love
One of the ladies at the Chronicle spent last weekend with her family women making holiday candies, cookies, and treats of all kinds. On Monday, there was a break room table at the Chronicle laden as full of treats as the bakers' hearts. What a wonderful way to show how much you care for your co-workers and friends, and how special the memories are when you spend time cooking with the women in your family.
-
Exchange Club enjoys Christmas party
-
BOL — Hope is alive down on Fourth Street
There is an amazing story that has been happening and continues to unfold right now, right here in Crossville.
-
Lake Tansi Pan Fish Club names anglers of the year
On Oct. 25, Lake Tansi Pan Fish club held its last fish fry/awards/ election of officers dinner for the 2011 season.
-
Honor Air escort to speak at Exchange Club January meeting
The Lake Tansi Exchange Club will meet at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the Thunderbird. Our special guest will be Gus Gocella, a volunteer escort, presenting a program on Honor Air.
-
Join the Tansi Dance Party in January
Everyone is most welcome to join the fun at the Tansi dance party Jan. 6 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Thunderbird Activity Center. Frank Byars will entertain for your dancing and listening pleasure.
- More Tansi Smoke Signals Headlines
-
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
Coroner: Houston Autopsy Results Weeks Away
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
Severe Cold Wreaks Havoc in China
Fuel Removal Under Way on Capsized Italian Ship
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
