The sun has been brighter, the temperatures less chilly and the clouds less gloomy this week for Vol fans. What a difference an SEC victory over a border rival can do for the mental health for Tennessee supporters.
With Georgia firmly in the win column, the Vols can now turn their attention to Alabama with a week off to prepare for one of the best teams in the country.
Last week we had the coming out party for Jonathan Crompton and his receivers that had been among the missing since the opening game of the season. Crompton, who had been the target for criticism for the offensive woes this season, played a spectacular game, one that earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
The offense has something to build on for the rest of the season but Alabama’s defense will certainly be a step up from Georgia’s and they will need to stay focused if they want to have success.
Just how good is the Alabama defense that the Vols will face next week? They have surrendered but 75 points and 1,308 total yards in their first six games. Two weeks might not be enough for the Vols to prepare for this stingy defense.
While the Big Orange was rolling over the Bulldogs last week, Vanderbilt was busy dropping a game to Army on the road.
Jim Butler’s favorite warriors are asking the fans to all wear BLACK to the game against Georgia tomorrow.
Might I suggest that they add BLUE to the wardrobe since that is probably what the Commodores will be (black and blue) after dealing with an angry Bulldog team coming off a dominating loss to the Vols. These two teams might just set an NCAA record for the number of penalties called in a single game.
Meanwhile, the Vols will take advantage of the off week falling at the halfway point of the season which gives the walking wounded a chance to recover.
The extra time to address the special teams’ woes that have plagued the Vols this season can’t hurt either.
While the players took advantage of the schedule break this past week, the majority of the coaching staff was busy racking up their frequent flyer miles visiting recruits throughout the country.
The 2010 class is still a top 10 or better class, but this staff has high hopes of making it one of the nation’s best before signing day.
The Vols will go into Tuscaloosa next weekend healthier and with a renewed confidence looking for their first SEC road win of the season. Things are finally coming together and "Rocky Top" never sounded sweeter than last week when they destroyed a good Georgia team 45-19.
With the season now headed in the right direction, is it possible to upset this highly ranked Tide team? History isn’t with Lane Kiffin when you consider the last Tennessee head coach to beat the Tide in Alabama on their initial try was Bowden Wyatt back in 1955.
Monte Kiffin’s defense has shown they can keep the Vols in games especially if the offense helps to keep them off the field. Alabama could be coming off a very physical game with South Carolina who, despite their offensive problems, has a solid defense. ‘It’s time’ for the Vols to take advantage of an opportunity to shine on national TV and restore this rivalry to significance again. GO VOLS!!!
(Frank Gale is a Chronicle correspondent and his column appears weekly.)
Tansi Smoke Signals
ROCKY TOP BEAT: What a difference an SEC win makes
- 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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