Last week, columnist Jim Butler said that early retirement might be in his future if the Vols did the unthinkable in Tuscaloosa and beat the Crimson Tide.
Well, Jim, you can keep on working, but the effort by the Vols might have you considering at least a sabbatical! Vol fans can see light at the end of the tunnel while Jim’s Commodores’ view of the future is not so bright.
The one thing most Vol fans wanted with the coaching change was to see the Vols narrow the gap against the upper echelon teams in the SEC. Coach Kiffin and his staff have done that while making those rivalry games significant once again. Even the most skeptical Vol fans going into this season have begun to change their opinion about the new coaching staff.
The Vols must now look to the future and put the disappointing loss at Alabama behind them. Next up will be South Carolina, one more top 25 team for the Vols to play this season.
Apparently, the Vols have impressed the odds makers as they enter the game with a 3-4 record but are favored to win at home against the ranked Gamecocks.
Once again Monte Kiffin will be asked to come up with a defensive game plan to confuse South Carolina’s inconsistent offense that plays several true freshmen that were recruited by the Vols.
Running back Jarvis Giles is back in the rotation after finding himself suspended recently for violating team rules. The Vols, with the signings of David Oku and Bryce Brown, certainly got the best of that particular defection.
The one freshman that probably could have helped the Vols is Alshon Jeffery, a 6-4 receiver with speed that has been coming on strong for the Gamecocks.
The Vols have a chance to finish strong in their final five ball games.
A win against the Steve Spurrier-coached South Carolina team would be a great way to even this season’s record. Optimism is high surrounding the Vols despite their record and with three of the final five games at home; many of the Big Orange faithful are expecting a strong finish to the regular season.
The Vols tried to shore up the special teams this week and have taken a step in the right direction by moving defensive linemen Dan Williams and Montori Hughes onto the field goal team to add size to the left side of the line. Perhaps the Vols can have future place kicks make it past the line of scrimmage.
The Vols are 13-1 against South Carolina in games played in Knoxville and hold a 21-4-2 all time record against them.
Last year, the Vols “treated” the Gamecocks to a win with the help of two critical turnovers in the first half that led to touchdowns. The Vols have owned the fourth quarter this season but can’t afford early mistakes tomorrow night if they want to put this game in the win column.
With the visit of the coach that Vol fans love to hate, a team that has found its offensive stride with a hot quarterback, and 100,000 fans singing "Rocky Top," look for the Vols to continue to improve and “trick not treat” the Gamecocks on Halloween night. GO VOLS !!!!
(Frank Gale is a Chronicle correspondent and his column appears weekly.)
Area Sports
ROCKY TOP BEAT: Tennessee faces South Carolina in big SEC match-up Saturday
- Area Sports
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Hook, line and sinker
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Cole signs with Bryan College
Another Stone Memorial basketball player will be calling Bryan College home for the 2012-'13 school year, as senior Brandon Cole signed scholarship players to play for the Lions and join his former Panther teammate Robert Troino at the Dayton school.
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Lady Jets softball team closes season with banquet
The Cumberland County High School Lady Jet softball team was honored with a banquet Tuesday night at Mitch's in Lake Tansi.
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Jet soccer team honored for great season
The Cumberland County High School Jet soccer team was recognized May 22 at their annual banquet, after finishing third in the district and posting a school-record 11 wins. The team finished with an 11-7-1 record, after losing 4-3 to Coffee County in the district tournament.
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Volleyball tryouts set
Tryouts for the 2012 Cumberland County High School Lady Jet volleyball team will be May 30-June 1 from noon to 2 p.m. in the CCHS gym.
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Taylor, Green co-champs of Tennessee Senior State Open
Professional Harry Taylor and amateur Danny Green were declared co-champions of the third annual Tennessee Senior State Open presented by the City of Crossville May 21-22 at Stonehenge Golf Club. The 36-hole tournament was shortened to 18, as the second round was canceled due to unplayable course conditions, according to the TPGA.
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Iles, teammates win AAU Div. I state title
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McNeely named CCHS wrestling coach
Cumberland County High School didn't have go far to find a wrestling coach for 2012-'13, as former assistant and Phoenix School teacher Wes McNeely will replace retiring coach James Brady.
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Nelson signs to play tennis at Cumberland
Stone Memorial senior tennis player Dylan Nelson recently signed to play tennis with Cumberland University in Lebanon.
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