Sportaholic College Football Weekend Finale

ESPN billed this weekend of games in college football as “Road Test Weekend” and the guys up there in Bristol hit it right on the head with that moniker. The top three out of four teams in the nation (Oklahoma, LSU, and Boise State) took a stiff road test and passed with flying colors. LSU with its vaunted defense held Mississippi State in check. Oklahoma weathered the storm and a more mature Seminole defense to pull out their victory and Boise trounced Toledo, who a lot of people thought were pretty good because of their play against Ohio State. That was until everyone saw the Buckeyes get demolished by Miami, who held them to almost no passing yards. Auburn finally ran out of comebacks as Clemson’s dynamic duo of Tajh Boyd and Sammuy Watkins got the best of the Tigers. Tennessee wasn’t quite ready for the big stage of the swamp and lost star receiver Justin Hunter in the process, which stinks for everyone in college football to lose one of the great receivers of the nation. Conference play begins soon and teams will look to be at their best as that part of the schedule starts.

# 1 Oklahoma 23 # 5 Florida State 13 – What a difference a year makes. This was a totally different game from last year’s massacre in Norman. The young Seminoles came to play ball but still came up short against the nation’s best team. Landry Jones didn’t put up his usual big numbers, finishing with just 199 yards 18/27 passing and had more Ints (2) then TDs (1) but it was enough for the victory. It wasn’t the most spectacular performance of offense for either side as the Sooners stifled FSU all game as Seminole QB BJ Manuel couldn’t get anything going against the relentless pressure from Oklahoma. Manuel tried his best as he scrambled for a few big gainers, but he was eventually hurt after taking a big shot from stud Sooners LB Travis Lewis. FSU freshman QB Cody Trickett came in relief and performed nicely under the pressure as he hooked up with Rashard Greene for a 56-yard TD pass but the 13-13 score would be as close as the Seminoles got as the Sooners pulled away in the late 4th. Jones hit an open Kenny Stills for a 37-yard TD and Oklahoma got a FG for even more insurance with 2:00 minutes left to play. Oklahoma proved that they are number 1 as Florida State should be proud with the performance they put on. Florida State will be around the top for awhile as they are young and will only get better.

#16 Florida 33 Tennessee 23 – Chirs Rainey put on a show against the out-manned Vols as he ran for over 100 yards and also had over 100 yards receiving as well as the Gators downed the Vols for the seventh straight time in the swamp. Rainey and other Florida speedster Jeff Demps ran circles around the UT defense but this one seemed to be over before it started as Vols star receiver Justin Hunter went down with a tore ACL on his very first catch of the game. As it turns out, that will be his last catch of this year and it took all the air out of the UT offense from that point. Tyler Bray was still slinging the ball and had a decent game going 26/48 for 288 yards and 3 TDs. Bray also had 2 interceptions and none worse than an ill-advised throw to begin the second half as the Vols were still in the game at 16-7. The UT defense held serve and only gave up a FG but on the next UT possession the Vols went three and out and Chris Rainey blocked Tennessee’s punt. This guy was everywhere and his speed gave UT problems all day. The play that broke the Vols back was the 80-yard reception that saw Rainey burst through the UT secondary off a screen past and once he got in the open field, no one was going to catch the 4.2 forty runner. UT had no way to match the speed of Florida and will continue to lose games against the Gators until they can. Another problem was the snaps form Center James Stone, who is a natural lefty but chose to switch this summer to his right hand for a more natural exchange. The Vols will get better as the season goes on but this one will stew in the minds for the next 364 days.

Miami 24 #17 Ohio State 6 – Talk about a pathetic offensive display, The Ohio State University has played a lot of football but may have never put as worse of passing numbers as they did this past weekend. Their two QBs combined to go 4/18 for 35 yards. It was just as awful a passing attack as I have ever seen. The “Canes on the other hand got a big game from Lamar Miller (184 yards 26 carries) as he repeatedly gashed and dashed the Buckeyes defense. Fresh off his suspension, Jacory Harris was decent as he went 15/23 for 123 yards with 2 TDs and of course his customary 2 interceptions. The Hurricanes also welcomed back LB Sean Spence who had a big game along with WR Travis Benjamin. The “Canes were just too tough for a lackluster Ohio State team that seems to be missing the key play makers that have made so fun to watch over the last few years. The Ineligible bowl rendered both team without some of their best players but you could tell it was Ohio State that missed theirs the most. They would probably take Terrelle Pryor back if that’s all they can do on offense.



Other Notable games and players:

Clemson: I got a chance to see the electric Tajh Boyd of Clemson for the first time this weekend and at first glance I wasn’t really impressed. Auburn stormed out to a 21-3 lead and it looked as if they would just overwhelm the Tigers. But in the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend” as Clemson stormed back thanks to the uber-athletic Boyd and the speedy WR Sammy Watkins. He made plays with his feet and arm to help Clemson ended Auburn’s 17-game win streak. Boyd and the Tigers showed a lot of resolve in that one and the most fired up guy in the stadium had to be Clemson coach Dabo Swiney. Look up his post game interview if you don’t believe me.

Marcus Lattimore continues his Heisman campaign: This is a man playing football for the South Carolina Gameocks. He absolutely shredded the defensive line of Navy (I know its just Navy but you still have to give it to him.) The super soph ran for 246 yards on 37 carries as he just bulldozed his way over the midshipman defenders. He is just a load to bring down and when you have the threat of Alshon Jeffrey on the other side it makes him even more dangerous. As long as the Gamecocks continue to win, then the better the chances Lattimore has to take the Heisman. Its funny to think that Steve Spurrier is running the ball 37 times. Boy has time changed.

Vanderbilt 3-0 – Its hard to fathom that Vandy is off to a 3-0 start for many reasons. Head Coach James Franklin was brought to tears at his post game press conference as he described what he called as a team that has bought in to his high energy approach. The Commodores just obliterated the Ole Miss Rebels 30-7 and gave the “Dores their first 3-0 record since WWII. Vandy has used a number of offensive gadget plays and they seem to be working as their offense outgained Ole Miss 387-234 in total offense. I don’t like to see a grown man cry but I understand Franklin getting a little emotional after his team’s great effort. It was their largest margin of defeat over a SEC opponent since 1971 against Mississippi State.

Boston College: There a few teams that you just don’t lose to in college football. Duke has to be near the top of the list and the Golden Eagles were handed a dose of humility in their lost this weekend to the Blue Devils. The loss of the Blue Devils sent the Golden Eagles to 0-3 and their streak of 12 consecutive bowl appearances appear to be in jeopardy.

The Sportaholic Weekly Roundup

This has been one the busiest weeks in recent memory for me. I’ve had to take care of my daughter while her mother is out of town, and it seems she just learned the secret that if she makes a certain face at me I will turn straight into a cream puff and she can get whatever she wants. On top of that I’ve had car trouble, new training at my job, and all kind of other stuff. Thus I haven’t been able to post as much as I would like. I’ve missed a few things that I have to talk about today and I mean absolutely have speak my mind on these subjects.




So let me jump right into the weekly roundup as I touch bases on all of the biggest stories of the week.

Fan dies after falling at Texas Rangers game: For starters I want to send out my condolences to the family of Shannon Stone. As many of you already know, Stone was tragically killed attempting to secure a baseball thrown in the stands by Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton. It was just one of those freak accidents that captures everyone’s attention. Stone was a local firefighter who just wanted to give his son a souvenir from one of the games best players. Stone was reportedly coherent enough to check on his son after his fall of over 20 feet. The players all thought that he would be ok but unfortunately he was not. It just puts a damper on the game itself and humbles me as a parent to see such a untimely death of such a honorable man.

Kerry Collins calls it a career: ''The past several months have brought on much introspection, and I have decided that while my desire to compete on Sundays is still and always will be there, my willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position,'' Collins said in a statement





Kerry Collins retirement comes as somewhat of a surprise to me. There were earlier reports that Collins was looking to secure a deal with any team that was willing to give him a look at the starting QB spot but that was a pipe dream for him in the first place. The Titans drafting Jake Locker in the first lightning round and the rigors of coming back from the lockout had to play a role in



him hanging up his cleats. Collins was a steady QB in the latter part of his career after being an up and down one in his prime. Most people forget that he was the fifth overall pick in the 1995 draft for the Carolina Panthers and led them to an NFC championship game. He also led the New York Giants to the Super Bowl in 2000. He has overcome alcoholism problem and a lot of adversity to put up solid career numbers including: 40,441 passing yards, 206 passing TDs, and a career completion rate of 55.8. One thing I can say about Collins is that he was always ready when his number was called upon. As many Tennessee Titans fans will tell you, Vince Young could not be counted on as much as we would have liked. Collins always made us feel comfortable because we knew Kerry could come in and run the offense arguably better than Young could. Collins always had a cannon for an arm and as long as you protected him he could get the job done. Asking the 38 year old 16-year veteran to mentor yet another rookie QB who eventually was going to take his spot was probably just too much to ask for again out of Collins. Collins retirement puts the Titans in a precarious situation at QB with only Locker and 2nd year man Rusty Smith on the depth chart. Look for them to be active in free agency as soon as the lockout is lifted. Matt Hasselbeck and Donovan McNabb come to mind as the first choices to take overt in Tennessee and hold down the fort until Locker is ready to start. I wish you well Kerry in your next endeavor, you served admirably here in Tennessee putting up with Vince Young’s mess of an attitude, Jeff Fisher’s conservatism and uncreative play-calling and Bud Adams cheap reputation. Farewell Kerry.

Roy Williams mails it in on the field on and off: How about Roy Williams of my beloved Dallas Cowboys? Is this guy on drugs or does he really think that highly of himself? So let me get this straight, he sends his former Miss Texas girlfriend an engagement ring by way of mail? And to top it off he proposes to her by video? Can you imagine this beauty queen’s expression when she received the ring in the mail? Woman are taught from a very young age how prince charming will come in and whisk them away, but Williams’s proposal basically said “Screw all of that just put the ring on and lets get this over with.” Way to step your game up Roy that really rocked her world when she received your marriage proposal. I have to say he did give us men something to tell our women something about sports. I’m kind of glad she turned him down after such a lame excuse of a proposal, serves him right and here is the kicker he has the gall to tell her to keep it because she will come back. Then again when I think about it Roy Williams’ has been half stepping every since he was traded to Dallas so why should this surprise anyone in the first place? Thanks again Roy for making the guys who did it the right way and actually got on one knee look great in the process of your humiliation.

Watch out Tennessee Vols, Vandy has a new sheriff in town: As a Tennessee Vol football fan I have never worried about recruiting battles with Vanderbilt because quite frankly the Vols trump the Commodres every time. James Franklin has come in right away and changed that perception as he has charmed players with charismatic attitude. The former Maryland offensive coordinator has taken three of the top prospects right from under UT’s and Derek Dooley’s nose. Brian Kimbrow, a four-star recruit from Memphis was the gem of the class as he was the highest rated player in the state and had offers from the likes of Notre Dame, USC and of course Tennessee. He is only the second four star recruit in the history of the Vanderbilt program. Caleb Azubike and Corey Batey also joined Vanderbilt’s class which already is shaping up as one the best ever in school history. I’ve never met Franklin but I can tell that his approach is working with the kids. He is young and has a swagger that the young kids seem to reverberate with. This could be just the beginning for Franklin as well. He could possibly be building something at the most academic natured school in all of the SEC. Good hire by David Williams and the Vandy staff, you can’t help but to like the direction that the program is going under Franklin. The ball is in your court now Tennessee especially you Derek Dooley.

Derek Jeter can you please get your 3,000th hit: I admit I am a lifelong Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves fan so the whole DJ3K thing doesn’t really get me excited. But I respect greatness from any player that fits the bill and Jeter certainly does. He is slowly declining and the ‘Ol bat speed isn’t what it use to be but when you really sit back and think about it, Jeter may is the last great positional player the Yankees have from their dynasty days in the early 2000s. Jorge Posada still plays sparingly and Mariana Rivera is the closer so technically Jeter is the last everyday player the linked to those glory days in Yankee lore. He represents everything the Yankees are about and with him getting his 3,000th hit it should be rightfully celebrated. But all I’m saying is just get it over with already please. The media insatiable thirst for anything Yankees, Jeter, or New York has led to bat by bat coverage and all kinds of over-sensationalism in the media. The good thing is he is only two hits away from putting away this media frenzy that has been bestowed upon him. As a Red Sox fan I hope Jeter gets his 3,000 hit in the next game and everyone celebrates and all of that good stuff only to have the Yankess lose. Sorry that’s just the way it goes in Red Sox nation.

Deron Williams in talks to play overseas due to lockout: The first salvo has been fired in the NBA lockout as the first superstar of the league has reportedly come to terms to play for Besiktas, a Turkish team in the euroleague. This comes as a bit of a surprise that Williams would put himself in harms way just to play during the lockout. But upon further examination this is exactly what the players should do I when think about it. If the owners wants to lockout its players what other options are out there for guys who in the prime of their athletic lives? Williams’s decision is based on his assumption that the league will be locked out for an extended amount of time and his signing could open the gates for other players to join him. The same club that has a deal in the works for Williams is also reaching out to the black mamba himself Kobe Bryant. I doubt if many of the leagues premier players jump overseas just to play but it’s good to have all of your options open. The players know that this will anger their NBA teams and could lead to all kind of legal ramifications but if the owners wouldn’t have cried wolf and created this situation then it wouldn’t be necessary in the first place. FIBA has a long standing relationship with the NBA and knows that making David Stern and co angry isn’t the route to go. They have to take a long look at the current situation and hope that it doesn’t interfere with the relationship that they have cultivated with the premier basketball league in the world. Stay tuned as this could just be the first of many players including Pau Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Rudy Fernandez who have all publicly said they would consider playing elsewhere if the lockout continues.



Alright, that does it for me this week. I hope everyone reading has a great weekend. I look forward to posting my articles daily as I have always done next week now that my daughter’s mother is back in town (Thank you God). Also be on the lookout for my new radio show: The Sportaholic radio hour on Beatknockin.com. It’s an online radio station so tune in on Saturday’s from 10-12 pm if you happen to be by a computer or device that allows you listen.

Music City Bowl Preview

Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl

Time: 6:30

Channel: ESPN

Weather: 50 ° with a 50% chance of rain.

Commentators: Sean McDonough, Matt Millen & Holly Rowe

The Tennessee Vols look to cap off an improbable season with a bowl victory in the Music City Bowl. Its fitting that they landed in Nashville for a showdown with the North Carolina Tar Heels, as both teams have fought off obstacles to just make it to a bowl game. Tennessee started the year off a disheartening 2-6 under first year coach Derek Dooley but upon inserting freshman sensation QB Tyler Bray for Matt Simms, the Vols and their once anemic offense took off. Bray would spark a unit that was previously ranked near the bottom of all the major passing categories in the SEC. Bray was just sensational in his 4 start as he took home freshmen of the week honors in two of his starts. Tauren Poole and the run game also benefited from Bray’s presence in the pocket. The Vols rolled to four straight victory earning them there second consecutive bowl berths. This is basically a home game for the Vols as the expected crowd is predicted to be 90% in Vol Orange. Local players like Eric Gordon, James Stone and Marsalis Teague will have to find a lot of tickets to accommodate family and friends. Although this should make for a familiar atmosphere, it can sometime become a distraction before the game itself. Coach Derek Dooley will be participating in just his second bowl game and is also learning the ropes of the bowl game aura as this basically amounts to a home bowl game in Nashville.

The North Carolina Tar Heels season has been mired in controversy. They started off the season suspending thirteen players including standouts defensive end Marvin Austin and Michael McAdoo, starting cornerbacks Kedric Burney and Charles Brown, wide out Greg Little, Tailbacks Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston; safeties Brian Gupton, Da'Norris Searcy and Jonathan Smith; and defensive end Linwan Euwell for receiving improper benefits. And yet another scandal rocked Chapel Hill as the NCAA investigated a former tutor who was employed by the University committed academic misconduct by performing players’ papers for class. And lastly (I promise you North Carolina I’m not trying to pile on your guys) assistant John Blake was accused of setting up a meeting between an active college athlete and an agent could be a major NCAA violation. Blake resigned as the defensive line coach at UNC amid allegations that he was siphoning Tar Heel players to an agent. That is just the type of year it has for the guys in powder blue. Even with all the off-field distractions Coach Butch Davis and his team have weathered the storm though and finished up with a 7-5 record and were in contention for the ACC Coastal division to very end. While speaking of suspension, yet another was handed down for the Tar Heels as starting running back Anthony Elzy was suspended for as Coach Butch Davis termed it “Failure to meet his obligations as a student-athlete”.



Keys to the game:

1. T.J Yates vs. Tennessee defense: Yates was the glue that held this ravaged roster together as he finished the regular season with 3,184 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 148.78 passer efficiency was good enough for second in the conference. Tennessee will have to find a way to counter Yates. The Vols secondary actually is best unit they have on defense with the likes of Janzen Jackson and Prentiss Waggner. If the Vols can frustrate Yates it could lead to turnovers as Yates has been prone to interceptions. Who ever win this match-up will have the inside track to winning the game.

2. Tyler Bray’s Poise vs. North Carolina’s Pass Rush: North Carolina came into this year boasting a defensive line that featured two projected NFL draft picks in Mario Austin and Michael McAdoo but due to the suspensions at the beginning neither player has played a down for the Tar Heels this year. Even without those two they’ve managed 25.0 sacks. Bray has stood tall all year since he was handed the keys to the Vols offense but he is still a freshman. The Tar Heels must get pressure on him if they expect to have chance in this one.

3. Turnover battle: The team that usually wins the turnover battle wins the game and both North Carolina and Tennessee prove that theory to be true. North Carolina is +6 in that department this year and UT is +2 so neither team is terrible at this statistic. When teams are this evenly matched as they are in this one, it’s the little mistakes that lead to turnovers that so often determine the game.



Prediction: This is a game of evenly matched teams. Both have good passing games and decent running attacks. The difference in the game will be which defense can apply pressure to the opposing QB. UT will also have the crowd on their side and should use that to their advantage. I can’t go against the “home” team on this one. UT 28-24

UT Report

Tennessee earned their bowl eligibility with a high flying offensive attack, defeating the Kentucky Wildcats for the 26 straight time 24-14. This so called rivalry has been one sided but the Wildcats have been on the verge of beating the Vols, including an overtime loss to Tennessee just a couple of seasons ago. This is a remarkable turnaround for a team that was 2-6 entering the month of November and had a slim chance of going bowling for the second consecutive year; but by beating Memphis, Mississippi, Vanderbilt and now Kentucky, the Vols are bowl bound. If you notice the momentum began with freshman sensation, Tyler Bray being inserted as the starting QB.




The Vols offense was on the attack for most of the afternoon thanks to it new found leader, in Bray. He would throw for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns in the victory. Bray's main target was senior Denarius Moore who caught 7 passes for 205 yards and 1 TD and became the first ever Vol to have two 200 yard games in a season.



The game itself started out with a bang for Tennessee as Freshman receiver Da'Rick Rogers flashed his speed and returned the opening kick-off 78 yards to Kentucky's 17-yard line. The Vols however would end up with no points on the drive after rushing the ball twice and incompleting a pass on third down. The previous perfect Daniel Lincoln (9-9 on FGs) missed a 29-yard field goal.



The Wildcats took on their own 10 yard line and promptly took the ball down the field for a touchdown. The drive featured RB Derek Locke and do-it-all receiver Randall Cobb. The two would combine for 68 yards on the drive, with Locke taking it on a 17-yard burst up the sidelines. Tennessee would go three-and-out on the next series. The Wildcats would drive the ball to the goal line of the Vols again, with a series of runs to Locke and play-actions passes. However, the Vols would force Locke to fumble and LB Nick Revivz would recover in the end zone for a UT touchback.



That was a momentum shifter as Tennessee got the ball on their 20 yard line and looked like a different offensive team. The drive began with a incompletion but from there Bray would hit his next three passes to TE Luke Stocker for 17-yards, then a 44-yard sling to Moore and finally a 12-yard TD pass to WR Gerald Jones. The quick lighting drive only lasted 61 seconds and tied the score at 7-7. Kentucky would get a one first down on their next series before being forced to punt. The deadly combo of Bray to Moore would strike again as freshman found his senoir wide out for a 49-yard bomb and again on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Vols offense was red hot now and they took a 14-7 lead.



It would be the defense's turn next to heat up as they tackled Kentucky's Locke behind the line of scrimmage for a loss and DE Chris Walker sacked QB Mike Hartline for a 12-yard loss, ensuing another Wildcat punt. The Vols were penalized on the first two plays of the drive but on the second Bray again was able to find Moore for another 48-yards. The resulting penalty would make it 1st and 20 for the Vols and Bray would be sacked for another 10-yard loss. After the sack Bray would incomplete his next two passes and the red hot offense of the Vols had been cooled and forced to punt.



The Wildcats took over from the 26-yard line and after four plays fumbled as Alcoa native Randall Cobb was hit and coughed up the ball. As good as Bray is, we have to remember this only his fourth game starting and he would throw an interception on the Vols first play after the Cobb fumble. Kentucky got the ball back with 4:01 left in the first half. They would drive the ball all the way to the Tennessee 25-yard line to set up a Field Goal, only to the miss the 42-yard attempt. The score at half was UT 14 Kentucky 7



Kentucky coach Joker Phillips must have said the right things as The Wildcats scored on their opening possession to tie the game at 14-14. The combination of Locke and Cobb was at it again on the scoring drive. Tennessee’s Bray would misfire on his next three passes and UT looked to punt on the 4th and 10. The Vols however pulled out the trick play as punter Michael Parlardy scampered 17-yards for a UT first down. It would be short lived for the Vols as that drive ended with the second of the two picks for Tyler Bray. Kentucky would stall however and go three and out. The Vols would ride the hand of Bray again on the next drive as he hit Gerald Jones for a 21-yard gain on the first play. The run game also got cranked up as Tauren Poole had 13 rushing yards on the drive and capped it with a 2-yard touchdown run that put the Vols up 21-14.



Entering the fourth quarter, Kentucky would go three and out again on their initial drive and UT would move the chains on their next as Bray got TE Stocker involved as he hit him for 21-yard gain. The drive would continue and eventually lead to a field goal for the Vols as Daniel Lincoln would connect from 36 yards out, making the score 24-14



That would all that was needed as the Vols defense held the Wildcats offense in line for the rest of the game. Once again Tyler Bray was the star of the show with his performance. The freshman has all of Vol nation talking with his rocket arm. The win sets up a bowl berth for the Vols, who after a 2-6 start, turned things around to finish 6-6.



The Vols will likely end up with a Music City Bowl appearance for there efforts. The future looks very bright for the Vols with Bray, Justin Hunter, Da’Rick Rogers and Tauren Poole all returning next year. The defense also was key to their success as they ratcheded it up for the second half of the season. The Vol faithful should be proud of this bunch, as they came from the depths to have a classic Vol November finishing 4-0 for the month. Congrats to the Vols on a better than expected season.

UT vs. Vandy Game Review

This was a game of two teams going in opposite directions. UT has strung together a three-game win streak now and still has a chance at a bowl game. Vandy has lost its last 6 games and likely just wish the season would be over at this point. The Vols continued their streak of 28 consecutive defeats of Vandy in Nashville. UT is coming together at the right time and has Kentucky left as their only obstacle in the way of their second straight bowl appearance. That is a long way from where they begin the year under first year coach Derek Dooley.




Now for the break down of the game:

Tyler Bray got started early for the Vols as he connected on nine of his first ten passes. On the Tennessee’s second possession Bray was firing on all cylinders. First he hit wide-out Da’Rick Rogers for a 5-yard gain. After a Tauren Poole rush up the middle for 5 yards, Bray found David Oku sneaking out the back field for a 34 yard gain. That would set up a Justin Hunter 15-yard touchdown pass. Bray floated a soft pass in the corner of ther end-zone and the athletic Hunter went up and snagged it for his UT record tying sixth receving touchdown of the year. Vandy would go three and out and their next drive. Tennessee connected on a few plays on its next drive but would be forced to punt as well.

Vandy’s first drive in the second quarter ended the same way their first one did, with a punt. The Vols received the ball on their 19-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Bray found Denarius Moore for an 11-yard strike for a first down and then Rogers again for another 27-yard gain. From their UT turned to the run game and Poole. He would get the next three carries for no gain, 9-yards, and a 2-yard gain up the middle. Gerald Jones got in on the action as he took a toss sweep to the left for a 8-yard gain. Another another two rushes from David Oku and Bray, The freshman QB found Denarius Moore on an out pass. Moore was able to shake off a defender and take the pass in for a 20-yard TD pass. That score put Tennessee up 14-0 in the mid second quarter.

On the Commodores very next play on offense QB Larry Smith was intercepted by the Vols Prentiss Waggner. Tennessee now had a chance to really take control of the game but on their third play, Tyler Bray suffered his first interception since becoming the starter as he picked off by Heyward of the Commodores. Vandy would march down the field only to be stalled at the 13 yard line and with only 3 seconds left on the clock before halftime, the Commodores settled for the field goal. Halftime score: 14-3 Tennessee.

After intermission, the Commodores received the ball first and promptly went three and out. Vandy got lucky on UT next possession as Anderson of the Vols fumbled on their first play and Vandy recovered. Vandy moved the ball well and got another gift from the Vols as they committed an 11-yard pentalty. That would put Vandy in field goal range and after two runs for a net gain of 3 yards and an incomplete pass, the Commodores attempted and missed a 25-yard field goal.

The Vols took over from there but Tyler Bray would be intercepted again The Commodores got down the field again and set up for another field goal attempt. This time it was blocked by the Vols and Gerald Jones returned it for 8-yards. The teams would trade punts from there to end the 3rd quarter.

UT had the ball entering the final quarter and would put together a nice drive that would net them a 29-yard field goal by Daniel Lincoln. The Vols and Commodores again would trade punts on the next few possessions. Vandy finally got into the end zone of their next last possession on the game when back-up QB Jared Funk hit wide out J. Matthews for a 16-yard TD pass, making the score 17-10. It seemed for a minute there we might see some magic at Commodores stadium but it was short lived. The Vols marched right down the field and Tauren Poole put the dagger in Vandy, with a 28-yard burst for a game-clinching touchdown.



The Vols could have really blown the doors off of Vandy if they didn’t commit some timely turnovers. As it stands the Commodores once again just couldn’t find any offense when they needed it most. It has to be frustrating for Vandy as this whole year their defense has played admirable but isn’t getting any help from its offense. UT played OK considering it was coming off a blow out victory over Ole Miss.



Both teams now have one game remaining with the Vols welcoming Kentucky to Neyland stadium and Vandy going on the road to finish its season against the Wake Forest Deamon Deacons. Great game for the locals here in Nashville, now lets all pull for UT to beat the Wildcats and get in a bowl game.

UT and Vandy Report week 11

Tennessee and Vandy both  looked like the teams of their past this week. UT came out early and dominated the game versus the Ole Miss rebels, giving them an old-fashioned Vol beat down. Vandy on the other hand is looking more and more like the old SEC laughingstock they have for so much of their history.

Now for the breakdown of both games:

UT 52 Ole Miss 14 - The Tennessee Vols look to have their QB of the future in Tyler Bray. The freshman continues to impress as he put up gaudy numbers and led the Vols to their second straight victory, and first in the SEC this year. Bray got a break on his first pass of the game. On the play, Bray attempted a pass to Gerald Jones which was tipped by Mississippi's Jonathan Cornell right into the hands of Justin Hunter. Hunter had 80 yards of open field and and was able to race to the end zone. From their the route was on for the Vols. Bray would go on to finish 18 for 34 with 323 yards 3 touchdowns and no picks.

This guy has brought some swagger to the offensive side of the ball for Tennessee. The Vols have put up plus 50 points in their two games with Bray as the starter. Wide Receiver Justin Hunter received a lot of praise as well coming into the season and finally has shown what he can do. Hunter finished with 3 receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Taurean Poole led the Vols in rushing with 107 yards on 12 carries.

The defense got involved as well picking off Jeremiah Masoli 3 times and the Rebels a total of 4 times. Eric Gordon and Prentiss Waggner both took their INTs back for touchdowns. The defensive line is finally showing signs of life as well as they pressured Masoli all day long. It was just as through of a victory you can have for the young Vols.

This was the first time all season I watched a Vols game and got a glimpse of what this team could be. The offense finally looked like an SEC caliber unit with playmakers on the field. Bray has certain type of presence in him that can't be taught. They call it the "IT" factor and all the good ones have it. Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter have the potential to become one of the best 1-2 tandem of receivers in college football over the next couple of years. If Dooley can find a way to add depth in the defense and continue to develop his players on the offensive side of the ball, The Vols will be a scary team in the upcoming future.

With the win the Vols still have a shot at a bowl game this year. All they need to do now is beat Vandy and Kentucky. The way they are playing now with Bray at the helm, I don't see why they couldn't run the table.

Kentucky 38 Vandy 20 - It seems every time I turn away from a Vandy game and then turn back, the score has changed dramatically and usually not in favor of the Commodores. As it stands, Vandy has now lost 5th straight and no longer have a chance at a bowl game under first year coach Robbie Caldwell.

Randall Cobb of the Wildcats had a career day rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Locke ran for 145 yards and two scores in his first game in a month and quarterback Mike Hartline threw for 232 yards and a touchdown. The Commodores had a bright spot in RB Kennard Reeves who rushed for a career high 105 yards.

Vandy got off to a good start, driving down the field 60 yards and picking up a field goal, on their first drive. The Commodores actually showed some offense in the first half as they were able to drop 262 yards on the Wildcats. They would go up 13-10 going into halftime. In the second half however, the wheels would come off as they always seemingly do for the 'Dores. Randall Cobb took over the game, lining up in the apporiately named " Wild Cobb" formation and just feasted on the Dores defense. On the Wildcats initial possession of the half, Cobb was able to run to his left and make a deep cut back to his right and take it 73 yards for a touchdown to give the Wildcats the lead.

The best play that Cobb made of the day in my opinion came on Kentucky's two possessions later. He was able to take the snap and maneuver his way through defenders, going backwards and sideways some 10 yards back, then darted through the line and raced for a 52-yard gain. Vanderbilt's defense had no answer for Cobb and the Kentucky offense as they continued to make a mockery of the Commodores defense. Kentucky pretty much rolled after the Cobb pair of spectacular plays and would go on to win the game 38-20. They use to call this one a rivalry but Kentucky has now won six out of the last seven meetings against the "Dores.

Vandy did make some strides from last week. The offense looked in sync in the first half with the revelation that was Keenard Reeves and wide receiver Jonathan Krause made a couple of big plays to keep the Wildcats on honest. But it was more of the same offensive ineptitude that doomed Vandy in the second half. The Dores couldn't get it going as Kentucky started to find their  offense and as the momentum shifted to the Wildcats side, Vandy was never able to recover. With that being said, it was a much better effort than last weekend's debacle that was the Florida game. The Vols come to town next week as the rivalry between the two schools heats up. Both teams have had underwhelming season's and would both would love to beat the other one. It makes for a fun week in Nashville (Not to mention making my job a lot easier covering both teams) and in the entire state of Tennessee. To bad one team has to lose.

Sportaholic Mid-Week Speed Drills

Predators Update - The Nashville Predators got off to a hot start this year, but now are just as cold. The Preds are in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Their last loss may have been the toughest defeat yet. Nashville lost to Anaheim 4-3 on a last second goal by the Ducks defensemen Paul Mara. The game winner came in with 1.7 seconds remaining in the final period. The Preds haven’t won since Oct. 24, a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nashville has went from first to last in the division in a matter of weeks. One reason of the slide has been the rash of injuries multiple players are facing.The Preds did get some good news. Top defensemen Ryan Suter was able to skate individually Tuesday morning for the first time in three weeks. Coach Barry Trotz would not give a date for his return but team doctors are saying the earliest he could possibly play would be Saturday versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Said Suter "I wish that it was something that I could just take a shot and jump in and it would be fine." Also forward Martin Erat practiced after missing three games with an undisclosed injury. No timetable has been set for Erat's return. The Preds return to the ice Thursday facing the St. Louis Blues. Hopefully they can get one in the win column and start a new winning streak.

Randy Moss update - There has been a Randy Moss sighting in Nashville. The seven-time pro bowler arrived in Nashville on Sunday afternoon. He was accompanied by head coach Jeff Fisher. On Monday, the receiver passed a physical, worked out and met with coaches to start learning the offense. He was introduced to the team and was seen working out on the Titans outdoor practice facility. That is good news for Titan fans. Sounds like Moss and willing and will be ready to go this Sunday when the Titans face the Miami Dolphins.  Coach Jeff Fisher had the best line of the day when he put into perspective what he and Moss have in common. I don't have a ring. He doesn't have a ring, so we're going to try," Fisher said.

UT Men's Basketball - UT men's basketball team suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of a division II opponent. Indianapolis beat the 23rd ranked Vols 79-64 on the strength of a 15-0 run to open up the second half. Tennessee's embattled head coach Bruce Pearl responded by giving the team a morning film session at 5:30 am. The Vols have little time to recover from the lost. They play again versus Chattanooga this Friday. I look for the Vols to come out aggressive to prove the loss was a fluke.

Another Tribute for Don Meyer - College Basketball's all-time wins leader will be inducted into the Tennessee sports hall of fame class of 2011. Meyer was courtside for the inaugural Don Meyer classic, which featured his former team Northern State took on Belmont. The announcement came at halftime of the game. It is a great honor for Meyer and he deserves it. He coached Lipscomb for 24 years compiling 665 wins for the Bison. He is a great man who faced even greater adversity in his life. He is an inspiration to all that he has touched in his life  The state of Tennessee and basketball as whole is better because of him. Congratulations to you coach Meyer, one of Tennessee finest.

Tyler Bray claims freshman honors - Tennessee freshman Tyler Bray was honored as SEC freshman of the week after his thrilling performance against the Memphis Tigers. Bray was 19/33 for 325 yards and 5 touchdowns passes. He set the UT record for most passing yards in a half with 308 and touchdown passes with 3. Congrats Tyler, we needed something to cheer about this year as Vols fans. UT faces Ole Miss this weekend in Knoxville. Be sure to Tune in to see how Bray follows up his record setting day from last week.

Editors note: Remember to follow me on Twitter and also on Thenashvillewire.com

College Football Weekend Setup

Week 10 is already here and the national championship picture now has taken shape. Two teams know that if they win out they should be in the championship game (Auburn and Oregon), three non AQ teams looking for one of them to fall (Boise St.,Utah, and TCU), and then you have the one loss teams praying for the right set of circumstances to get in (Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Ohio St, LSU, Missouri, Stanford, Michigan St, Iowa, Oklahoma St.).

There are some tremendous games of importance this week starting with BCS No.3 ranked TCU as they take thee spotless record to Utah, the No.5 ranked BCS team. Alabama is the highest ranked one loss team (and that is huge with their upcoming showdown with Auburn) and will be taking on LSU in an SEC showdown. Arizona faces Stanford with the loser falling out of the Pac-10 race. It's just a big defining weekend in College Football. Let's break down the three biggest games of the weekend

TCU vs. Utah - This is the first time the Mountain West Conference has two teams facing off ranked in the top 10. Both of these teams hang their hat on their defense. TCU is vying to lead the nation in total defense for third straight season. TCU also leads the nation in scoring defense, pass defense, fewest first downs allowed per game and opponent third-down conversion percentage. The Utes are no slouches either, Utah is ranked in the top 10 in the nation in total defense, scoring defense, pass defense, opponent first downs, opponent third-down conversions and opponent fourth-down conversions. With two great defenses on the field, Quarterback play will be at a premium. Andy Dalton is the more experienced one in this game. He is the active leader in wins with 38 and hopes to add one more to his total with this game. Jordan Wynn of Utah is more athletic than Dalton and leads the MWC in passing averaging 238.5 yards a game. This is an epic clash of two similar teams. Since the they are so evenly matched, the team that limits its mistakes will win the game. I look for it to be a close game but TCU's experience will pull this one out in a close one. The Pick: TCU

Alabama vs. LSU - Bama has positioned themselves perfectly in the scheme of things. If they can win out the rest of the year (which is no easy task with LSU,Mississippi State, and and the Iron Bowl with Auburn, then the SEC championship with a likely rematch against South Carolina) than they would deservedly be in the National title game. No team has played a slate like Alabama, and thats why they should be where they are now. I still will take them on a neutral field against ANYBODY, including Oregon. LSU(with my favorite coach of all-time Les Miles) still has an outside shot for the SEC west crown. LSU needs to win out in the SEC against Alabama, Mississippi and No. 17 Arkansas then hope unbeaten Auburn - the only team to beat LSU - loses to Georgia or 'Bama. Sorry Tigers fans but thats not happening. I look for Bama to wear down the Tigers with their dual RB threats Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. There is just no way the anemic offense of the Tigers will be able to score on the Crimson Tide. LSU will keep it close thanks to there good defense but just don't have a offense capable to beating Bama. The Pick: Bama

Arizona vs. Stanford - Andrew Luck is probably the best QB in the nation. He just annihilated Washington in the much hyped battle with Jack Locker (so much for him going number 1 in the draft, thanks Mel Kiper) and will lead his Cardinal versus the multi faceted offense of the Wildcats. Something has to give in this game as Stanford (7-1, 4-1) is fifth in the FBS in scoring at 42.4 points, while Arizona (7-1, 4-1) seventh in the nation in scoring defense at 14.4 points. Arizona's injured starter Nick Fowles will try to give it a go but even if he doesn't, Arizona looks to be fine at that position. The offense put up 583 yards with backup Matt Scott directing last week. I am interested in seeing what kind of defensive scheme Jim Harbaugh comes up with. If you haven't seen the Wildcats play, then your in for a treat. They are multi-talented with a two headed running back tandem featuring Nic Grigsby and have some of the best receivers in college football especially Juron Criner. I predict a high scoring game and think Stanford is in for a let down. The Pick: Arizona

Game of the Week - TCU vs. Utah. This is easily the biggest game of the year for non BCS conference teams.

Most Intriguing game - Boise St. vs. Hawaii. This is another huge game for Boise. They have a chance to show the pollsters just how good they are.

Rivalry Game - Tennessee vs. Memphis. In-state game with two not very good teams. Freshman Tyler Bray gets the start for the Vols.

Under the Radar game - South Carolina vs. Arkansas. This could very well turn out to be the best game of the day

Wake me when it over game - Akron vs. Ball St.

Coach better get it right game - Illinois vs. Michigan. Both coaches are on the hook if they don't produce more wins by the end of the year. I think the seat is hotter for Ron Zook than Rich Rodriguez but both are warm.

Editor's Note: Remember to follow me on Thenashvillewire.com

Sportaholic Mid-Week Speed Drills

The Nashville Predators seem to be cooling down after their hot start. They lost last night to the Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 to extend their season high losing streak to 3 games. The veteran defensemen Ed Jovanoski posted a hat trick for the Coyotes. Nashville had been the NHL’s best team in one-goal games, going 23 straight without losing in regulation, dating to Feb. 9 but were unable to pull this one out. The Preds entered the 3rd period up 3-2 but allowed two power play goals, one by Lee Stempniak and another one to Ed Jovanski. Steve Sullivan had a breakway before the two goals were allowed in the 3rd but could take advantage of it.Pekka Rinne did have 28 saves in the losing effort. "We did a decent job, but we’re going to need to find a way to win some games here,” Predators coach Barry Trotz said. The Preds looking to get back on their winning ways begining this Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Vandy's and Tennessee's men basketball teams both began their season on on the right note. The 23rd ranked Vols defeated Brevard 91-42. Scotty Hopson led the Vols with 17 points and super freshman Tobias Harris added 16 as UT looks to put the Bruce Pearl allegations to the side for the moment. Vandy defeated Alabama-Birmingham 69-53. Sophomore Jeff Jenkins sparked the Commodores with 19 and Jeffrey Taylor chipped in with 11. "I think it was just what we hoped to get in an exhibition game - a team that's well coached and stuck with their plan," said head coach Kevin Stallings of Alabama-Huntsville. "

Tennessee Volunteers football team will start freshman QB Tyler Bray for the first time vs. Memphis this year. With the Vols going nowhere this year (2-6, 0-5 SEC) this was the logical move for coach Derek Dooley. I'm very high on Bray. I like his arm and moxie. He showed what he could do against Georgia this year, making some beautiful throws and showed confidence. The future is now in Knoxville and it looks bright at QB with Bray at the helm. Check out Bray's cool tattoo as well: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Headlinin-Tyler-Bray-and-his-amazing-back-tat-;_ylt=AnV6qVqo.g4Sut_c_2luYz3ynYl4?urn=ncaaf-281854

Vandy's football team welcomes Florida to town this weekend. The Commodores will try move on without leading rusher Warren Norman. Norman dislocated his right wrist in a loss to Arkansas on Saturday. Vandy's offense has already been dreadful this year, scoring 18.2 ppg this season while generating 286.8 total ypg, so it going to be tough sledding without their top back.

The talk of town has been the Randy Moss signing. Everyone seems to be excited to see what's in store for the Titans. It's good that they have a bye week to get Moss acclimated to the team. I'm still curious to see which Moss will show up here in Nashville. I think coach Jeff Fisher will get the best out of him though. He has way more control of his team than Brad Childress. I look for the Titans to have a special package for him when they face Miami in two weeks. Chris Johnson will benefit the most because you can't put eight in the box versus Moss. Do so at your own risk. The arrival of Moss came at the right time, with sources close to the team reporting that Kenny Britt could be out for 6 to 8 weeks.

UT Report week 9

UT has just owned South Carolina in the past. Tennessee holds a 21-6-2 all-time advantage in the series but have lost the last two games. The Gamecocks were too much for the Vols this time around also, defeating them 38-24 in Columbia. This equal the Vols worst start (0-5) since 1977 in the SEC. The Vols did look good on some fronts. Tyler Bray and Matt Simms would combined to go 19/28 for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bray, in particular showed a lot of promise making strong throws all over the field.  Denairus Moore would go on to have a career game posting 6 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown. Those 228 yards receiving is second all time ever for a UT receiver.Tennessee just could not contain freshman sensation Marcus Lattimore who went on to rack up 184 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. The Vols continue to have trouble up front on the defensive line and this game showed their venerability to the run. South Carolina just pounded the Vols.

On several occasions the Gamecocks just lined up and played smashmouth with Tennessee. Oh have the tables have turned in this series, I remember when UT was doing the running on South Carolina. UT continued its trend of being tied going into halftime with its opponents, only to lose the game in the second half.  After Julio Jones torched the secondary last week, I was predicting similar results for the long athletic Alshon Jeffrey of the Gamecocks. He didn't post the big numbers like Jones but did have the game changing play with a 70 yard pass play from Stephen Garcia. The Gamecocks would not look back after the play which put them ahead 31-24. The Vols would not score again and South Carolina rolled to the victory. Tennessee has been in every game they have played. They just don't have the experience and athletes they usually have by this time of year.

Everyone knew this was going to be a tough one this season and they are just proving us right. Derek Dooley will continue to lead his troops on the field. Only time will tell if they can make it to a bowl game but it doesn't look good for them so far. Next game they face Memphis and definitely have a chance to win that but nothing is a given now days for the Volunteers.

UT report

vs.

Alabama vs. Tennessee is a game that dates back to back to 1901 and is referred to as "The Third Saturday in October. It is one of the best rivalries in the south and usually has championship implications on it. Let's just say this year not so much. UT was handed its 4th consectutive lost in the series after being bulldozed by the Crimson Tide 41-10.The Alabama offense had its way with Tennesse. Julio Jones shredded the Vols secondary for 12 catches and 221 yards receving (but failed to get a touchdown, weird huh?) and the Crimson Tide running backs combined for 210 yards. Trent Richardson finished with 119 yards on 12 carries and defending Heisman winner Mark Ingram had 14 carries for 88 yards.

The bright spots for far and few for the Vols.Tennessee was actually in this game in the first half. Matt Simms lead a drive at the end of the 2nd quarter that ended up with a field goal and UT went to the locker room down just 13-10. But their fortunes quickly turned in the 2nd half of play. The first play of the 3rd quarter for Alabama resulted in a 38-yard strike from Greg McElroy to Jones. The next play after Mark Ingram ran for a 12 yard gain, McElroy found Jones again for 19 yards.From there Mark Ingram punched it in and the game began to slide for the Vols from there.  Michael Palardy missed a 52-yard field goal on the next possession. Alabama in turn scored on its next drive with a 65-yard rumble from Richardson.

The game was not in doubt after that. Tauren Poole ran for 117 yards and a score on 14 carries and looked especially strong in the first half game. Matt Simms finished 11 of 22 for 117 yards and one interception. Tennessee did have some big plays in the game including a 59 yard burst for Poole for a touchdown. That was the longest rush of the year for the Vols. UT would go on to have carries of 59, 15 and 13 yards on Bama. They just cannot sustain those drives enough to get scores out of them. Matt Simms as tough as he is, does not have the arm of most SEC quarterbacks. He can only make a limited amount of throws and thus limit the offense. The offensive line seems to be getting better every week and was very strong in the run game this game.

All in all, it is about what I anticipated this game to be. Alabama's talent and depth eventually took over as the game went on. UT fought a good battle but wasn't able to contain Bama's stable of athletes. It will take awhile and a few more good recruiting classes from Derek Dooley and staff to be able to compete with the Crimson Tide.