It appears this season is starting to be defined by games that got away, winnable contests that somehow have eluded the Vols. Those games, if won, could have changed the outlook for the season and made achieving team goals reachable. Instead, Tennessee is likely to spend the rest of the season playing catch up.
Win the UCLA game and they enter last week’s game at 3-1 not 2-2. A win against UCLA or Auburn and all of sudden the Vols are three wins away from being bowl eligible, which certainly has to be one of the team goals this season.
Now, they have to win four of their last seven games which include three of the nation's top 25 ball clubs, one of which might be the best in college football.
The Vols are back in action tomorrow at home against Georgia with an offense that is still struggling to find consistency. Jonathan Crompton doesn’t always have confidence in his wide receivers to run the correct route; therefore, the late throws especially on slants. The receivers are dealing with passes that are off target and for some unexplainable reason dropping some that are catchable.
Add to this frustration a losing record, a month of October that is loaded with quality opponents and a receiving depth chart that just got smaller with the suspension of Brandon Warren Monday for the remainder of the season.
Then there are the special teams’ deficiencies that continue to hurt this team and were a major contributor in the latest loss to Auburn.
Lucky for the Vols things can get better in a hurry with a win against Georgia. The odds are with the Vols this time as they will face an undisciplined Bulldog team that leads the SEC in penalty yardage. With the Vols being the least penalized team, that differential could be huge in a close game.
Besides, the Vols have a running game led by Senior Montario Hardesty who continues to be the MVP on the offensive side of the ball.
All SEC contests are important but this game holds special significance if the Vols are to play football past November. The early losses to UCLA and Auburn were disappointing but they don’t have to be the defining moments of this season. The Vols can get to .500 for the season with their first conference win and that would be a start to salvaging a season where becoming bowl eligible might have to define success this year.
Looking at Vanderbilt’s schedule, Jim Butler’s ‘Dores have an equally hard road to become bowl eligible; one that runs right through Neyland Stadium. It appears that the Tennessee-Vandy game could have a whole lot more significance than just our friendly wager.
The last time Georgia was in Neyland Stadium they left with "Rocky Top" ringing in their ears and a 35-14 loss. That win put the Vols above .500 and led to a 10 win season including an appearance in the SEC Championship Game. The vision for this team might not be that lofty but the season can certainly look brighter by beating the Dogs. ‘It is time’ for the Vols to parlay all their hard work into a win and send their crowd home with a smile this Saturday with hope for the remainder of this season. GO VOLS!!
(Frank Gale is a Chronicle correspondent and his column appears regularly.)
Tansi Smoke Signals
ROCKY TOP BEAT: 2009 season being defined by victories which have eluded the UT Vols
- Tansi Smoke Signals
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Exchange Club enjoys Christmas party
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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