From CFN: My main question revolves around CFN's apparent faith in David Cutcliffe to completely turn the Tennessee football program back around in one year's time. I'm sorry, I just don't see that much of a difference between this fall's squad & last year's 5-6 team that lost to Vandy & nearly lost to "powerhouses" UAB & Memphis. I know Tennessee has talent, but there's a big difference between simply having talent & getting something out of it. – AS A: It’s easy to dump on last year’s Tennessee team, but it really wasn’t all that bad. Yeah, it lost to Vanderbilt, but the team was demoralized by the end of the year that it was a shadow of its former self. Look at the other five losses: 16-7 at Florida. 27-14 vs. Georgia. 6-3 at Alabama helped by a bad bounce fumble through the end zone and a long pass at the end that probably should’ve been offensive pass interference on the Tide. 16-15 to South Carolina on a late field goal. 41-21 at Notre Dame. Those aren’t losses to be all that ashamed of. Just a little bit more offensive production makes the Vols at least 7-2 going into the Vanderbilt game and everything would be fine. While the defense might take a little bit of a dip this year, the offense is almost certain to be better. The quarterbacking can’t be worse with Cutcliffe tutoring Erik Ainge. I think Tenn is one of if not THE biggest mysteries this college football season. Who can tell exactly where the Vols are headed. Tom....what do you think?
MCG, Thank you for asking. It is not Cut that will be the savior of the offense. It is Randy Sanders not being an influence on the offense that will be the savior. Anyone, in my opinion, would be better than Sanders. I would be better than Sanders and that is pathetic! Cutcliff is a major Offensive Coordinator. I am ecstatic to have him back but I am even more happy to see Sanders’ arse walking down the highway to anywhere but Tennessee. I no longer have to hide Cindy's credit cards. As was said in the answer, we went 5-6 but were in every game we lost with the possible exception of Notre Dame. Cut gives me the confidence that our offense will be improved. A little improvement last year would have led to at least a bowl game. Look for Tennessee to have a possible 10-3 season. Is that acceptable to Tennessee fans? As a first step after hitting the bottom… Yes. As long as the next year shows more improvement, and the next, and the next, etc. Actually, 12-2 is not out of the question. 14-0 is just wishful thinking at best.
Tom, you are apparently pretty darned optimistic about Tenn's chances this season. Are you in the majority of Vol fans with those opinions?
I can say without a doubt: My opinions are in the majority of all Vol Fans... on this board! :shock: :wink:
:idea: That Cal-Vol game will give a lot of momentum to one of those two teams and both have rosters loaded with talent... Cutcliffe is a big-time offensive/QB guru for sure. I expect the Vols to make fewer mistakes and score more points on offense with him there...
Glad to see such serious football talk as we near kickoff! :twisted: :twisted: Seriously, I have never looked at Tennessee's record last year as any kind of indication as to what kind of team they will be. They had one of those years and I think anyone that thinks Tennessee will not be a good team is whistling past the graveyard.
I agree with Tom <r>Cutcliffe's arrival should bring a degree of discipline and stability to the offense that has been lacking. He has shown he can coach quarterbacks! As for the D, I finally feel comfortable just knowing Chavis is in control. He seems to be able to put together a GOOD defense with average players. I too, am glad that he bland, vanilla, predictable Sanders is gone.<br/> <br/> I would be happy with a 10-3 season. We will have a tough time beating Florida, Georgia, and LSU. The California game will be decisive in that a win will give the team some much needed confidence.<br/> <br/> DocDan in Chattanooga<br/> <IMG src="http://www.geocities.com/dbowden1951/oval1.jpg"><s></e></IMG></r>
I'm not buying for a minute that David Cutcliffe isn't the "Savior" for Fulmer. If Fulmer's job is saved, he'll have David Cutcliffe to thank for that. Watch and see.
Doc Dan, welcome back to the boards. Our plans have changed in the past two days to include making it to the Airforce game on 9-Sep. Hope to see you and Jeff there. TB, Please do not think because of my comments that I do not consider Cutcliff to be the savior of Fulmr's job. My comments meant that getting rid of Sanders was 80% of what Fulmer needed to do. He could have hired anyone to do a better job than Sanders. Cutcliff is just icing on the cake that will propell the ofense to greater heights. Yes, Cutcliff is a much needed addition to our offense. Did we have to have someone as good as Cut? No, anyone would have been an improvement.
Cutcliffe <t>Savior? Not at all...just a refreshing change. As I said, I think Cut will add some discipline that has been missed of late! Too many people got away with too much stuff last year. <br/> <br/> Dan<br/> <br/> P.S. Thanks, it is good to be back. I have lurked a little, but I have been busy of late mixing formula, changing diapers, etc. My internet time has been limited. Also, I guess I am still sulking a little over the 2005 season.</t>