Hosak8

Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope. So, interesting story, and one of the reasons I am glad Fulmer is gone. This is from Arian Foster's brother... Nick Stephens goes to the coaching staff to complain about Josh Briscoe's playing time and effort in games where Stephens was playing QB. (Remember that Briscoe is the player that Stephens chewed on the sideline on National TV after Briscoe gave up a sure first down and proceeded to joke about it during the South Carolina game.) The coaching staff's response? Crompton starts the final two games of the year and Stephens doesn't see the field. Was that the reason for the benching, or is it because Nick Stephens sucks, sucked while he was playing and doesn't have close to the potential of Crompton? I don't know, but there was ample reason without his complaint to bench him. Perhaps that was why he was benched, but I'm not sure you can just assume it. Again, this is all according to Foster's brother. Apparently, it was common knowledge among players that Briscoe (and a handful of others) dogged it when Crompton was benched. I'm not saying Briscoe didn't dog it - though I don't necessarily blame him too much for that play. At the time, I felt like he was fighting for more yardage. Seemed more like being dumb than dogging it on that particular play. Stephens might have sucked a little less than Crompton, but Crompton has a lot more potential than Stephens. Once the season was toast it would make sense to give Crompton more playing time in hopes he can figure something out as opposed to spending time on a career backup. I wanted Coleman at the time anyway, though. Out of curiosity, what gives you any confidence at all that Crompton has more potential? You are, unquestionably, the only Tennessee fan I have heard say that since August. Personally, I think he was all hype, and apart from Meachem making two amazing grabs against LSU in 2006, I just don't see what anyone sees in him. He's not very mobile, he's not very smart, and he's just a terrible, terrible decision maker with the ball and cannot hit open receivers. Why the love?

Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope. So, interesting story, and one of the reasons I am glad Fulmer is gone. This is from Arian Foster's brother... Nick Stephens goes to the coaching staff to complain about Josh Briscoe's playing time and effort in games where Stephens was playing QB. (Remember that Briscoe is the player that Stephens chewed on the sideline on National TV after Briscoe gave up a sure first down and proceeded to joke about it during the South Carolina game.) The coaching staff's response? Crompton starts the final two games of the year and Stephens doesn't see the field. Was that the reason for the benching, or is it because Nick Stephens sucks, sucked while he was playing and doesn't have close to the potential of Crompton? I don't know, but there was ample reason without his complaint to bench him. Perhaps that was why he was benched, but I'm not sure you can just assume it. Again, this is all according to Foster's brother. Apparently, it was common knowledge among players that Briscoe (and a handful of others) dogged it when Crompton was benched. And, did Crompton really suck less than Stephens? Doubtful. There is a reason why Cutcliffe was not high on Crompton and we all saw it this year.

Maybe McTebow should be playing safety?

Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope. So, interesting story, and one of the reasons I am glad Fulmer is gone. This is from Arian Foster's brother... Nick Stephens goes to the coaching staff to complain about Josh Briscoe's playing time and effort in games where Stephens was playing QB. (Remember that Briscoe is the player that Stephens chewed on the sideline on National TV after Briscoe gave up a sure first down and proceeded to joke about it during the South Carolina game.) The coaching staff's response? Crompton starts the final two games of the year and Stephens doesn't see the field.

Yeah, I can't believe he wouldn't take your moronic, one sided bet, either. Why don't we make a bet? If Florida wins by 22+, I won't respond to your e-fellation of McTebow for a week. If they don't, you don't post on NSBB until March. How does that sound? Not terribly far off from the original bet, I'd say.

(This isn't directed at you rocket, but unless you are being sarcastic, you are the only one who thinks Alabama can win) All I know is this---craziness aside---is that Alabama plays a full "60 minutes of hell" kind of football. I promise everybody here---head is calm---Florida will have to match Alabama's physicality, to beat Alabama. I know Florida advantages, but I am putting my money on the better prepared team, and trust me when I say this, regardless of what you think of Nick Saban, nobody outworks Nick Saban. NOBODY. This isn't LSU, this isn't Kentucky, this isn't Arkansas, Florida facing. This is Alabama. Alabama isn't going to win with some pretty offense, they will win because they CAN bully any team in America. Alabama will win because they will control the LOS. The will beat Florida because Tebow and that offense will be on the sidelines moreso then the field. Yes, Florida is "pretty" and I know ESPN has gone gay for Tebow and whatnot, but let's face it, even Superman has a kryptonite. A kryptonite has a name: Nick Saban. Florida may win, I will concede but anybody who thinks Florida is going to be blowing out Alabama is simply leaving in a la-la land of candy canes, unicorns and endless rainbows. The simple truth, Alabama IS 12-0 for a reason and not all of it being luck---cause if you say it's luck, then Florida is 11-1 can be said as being based on luck, like facing a Kentucky team ravaged by injuries basically due to the Alabama game, or Arkansas running out of gas---and the absuridity of Alabama being such a gross underdog is monumentally stupid. If anybody here is putting money on the game, put it on Alabama, cause come Monday you will be happy, cause they are not only going to beat the spread, they will be the Gators. Alabama will show people why you don't underrate a team that is better then the sums of it's part. Alabama will win 31-17. Start crying, Alabama haters. Start crying. Exhibit B as to why I hate the rest of the conference. Only someone like this Bammertard could ever make me utter the following words: Go Gators. I will go shower now.

All this e-felating of Tebow, and you can't even get his school right? It's Nease High School, not McNeese.

Thanks. That's interesting, hopefully he's right about Coleman but last year's play from all three gives me exactly zero confidence any of them can compete, much less win, in the SEC. Is Phillip Simms related at all to Phil and Chris Simms? I would assume so, but hadn't heard a thing about him. Finally, am I just being paranoid or are we bringing in a bunch of recruiters and no coaches? The more I think about it we've got Lane Kiffin (awesome recruiter, questionable coach), David Reaves (great recruiter, coached the SC QB debacle) and are about to bring in Ed Orgeron (awesome recruiter, terrible, terrible coach). The other names I've heard you mention are in much the same vein as these guys, awesome recruiters but questionable coaches. We saw what a great recruiter and terrible coach can do in the SEC (Ole Miss under Orgeron). Maybe I'm paranoid, but it worries me a bit. No. Phillip Simms is a black quarterback from Virginia. A top QB in 2010. I woulnd't be too paranoid about the coaching staff just yet. Orgeron is actually an excellent defensive line coach. OMC will tell you... great Captain, terrible General. Monte is going to be a stellar coach as well. Truth be told, however, it will likely be 2010 before we really know what we have. If we lose 8 games next year, that will be attributed to the lack of talent left behind. If we win 8, it will likely be due to a weaker schedule. 2010 will tell the story, but I think we've got the right guy.

It sounds like bad stuff is going on with higher-ups at Auburn. I don't have a clue what, but my guess would be that there's some shady dealing going on behind the scenes at Auburn and Tuberville got out. Again, though, I don't have any info whatsoever. By the way Hosak, give me a reason, if you would, to not be bothered by Kiffin not wanting Tajh Boyd. We need help at QB and Boyd, though he's not a terrific pocket passer right now, is a talented QB who could likely be as good or better than any QB on our roster. It worries me that Kiffin couldn't tweak his offense a bit to keep the door open for a very good, athletic QB. I don't mind it for a couple of reasons, which I will get into in a second. But, I have to give respect to a coach who calls a recruit and tells him that his scholarship offer still stands, but that he doesn't think he'll be as successful in his system as in another... especially on the heels of an all out QB disaster this year. Plus, there are rumors that Boyd's dad may be another "Juicy" Locke. From what I understand, Kiffin may feel like he has a quality QB already on the roster. Keep in mind that Cutcliffe felt the same way- he was super high on Coleman. Enough to let a Top 250 QB leave the state and go to Wisconsin. Also, I think Kiffin is extremely high on 2010 recruit Philip Simms. It is my understanding that Kiffin believes that what we currently have is capable of winning in this conference, and that we can afford to wait. Simms is who he is apparently waiting for. TIFWIW. Also, I am hearing some stuff from players families regarding why certain players did not play and how the underclassmen felt about Fulmer. It does not sound good, and if what this sibling and uncle (of two different players) are saying is true, Fulmer helped dig his own grave.

Regardless of what you may be hearing, Tuberville was NOT pushed out. Sure, there are boosters out there who wanted him gone, but the decision was his, and his alone. Again, I don't claim sources ever, and I'm not a rumor-monger at all. I am not even certain that the info I've been given is 100% accurate, so that's another part of the reason why I'm holding onto what I've heard for now.

Why would you tease something like that? Seriously, what is the point? Sorry. If I were at liberty to explain it, I would. However, since I only have the word of one alumni/booster, I don't think it would be very responsible on my part to divulge the info. I'll ask and see if there is any reason to keep it under my hat.

Why would you tease something like that? Seriously, what is the point? The only thing I've heard is that they told him to fire his entire staff or leave. So basically he fell on his sword instead of killing all his captains. Think about this for a sec... He had no problem firing Borges, and he had no problem firing Franklin. The defense was not the source of the problem, and if he's fired two Offensive Coordinators in less than a year, do you really think that staff changes were the issue? I'm not saying that I am right, but that is not the reasoning I heard today.

For those of you bashing Tuberville, I heard something interesting today. I am not one who claims "sources", least of all at Auburn, but I do know a alumni/booster at Auburn who told me some behind the scenes reasons why Tuberville resigned. I am not at liberty to expound on what I heard, but IF there's truth to what was told me, then I respect Tuberville immensely for resigning. Immensely.

Two groups of morons: 1. The people who decided to play the UNC-MSU game in Ford Field. That place was an absolute ghost town. 2. Anyone who has voted Michigan State in their Top 20. UNC will pants alot of schools this year, but MSU has no business baing ranked in the Top 20.

New Head Coach Lane Kiffin meets with QB commit Tahj Boyd to tell him that he will honor his commitment, but that he is not a good fit for Kiffin's system. Boyd has now decommitted from Tennessee and will open it back up. Before anyone asks, this has nothing to do with the Matt Barkley rumors that have been swirling on the internet. THose rumors are unfounded, and Barkley will enroll at USC at semester's end.

What are you talking about? You and I have never had any discourse that I recall. I have never felt the need to refute any of your arguments, because- for the most part- I either agree with your points or think you far too convinced of your own "rightness" that you won't have an open discussion. I think this thread bears that out fairly well. Dude, do you really have to be so dramatic? I really do not need you to translate for me, because you obviously suck at it. I'm not calling your points "stupid". I am not saying that you have said anything that is stupid. I called your tone arrogant. How are you incapable of understanding that? And really, the "bitch" translation is the most dramatic of all. I don't think you're a bitch. I actually do think you're quite intelligent when it comes to math. I don't think you know sports nearly as well as you think you do, but I hardly think you're a "bitch". Arrogant jerk sometimes, sure, but not a bitch. Why don't we just call off the dogs? I have no interest in bickering, and I know that I can be every bit as contrary as you, and I'm sure that no one else in this thread wants to watch it or wade through it. So, let's just stick to the point at hand. How does that sound?

Perhaps if you would have taken the time to actually read the entire conversation instead of targeting me with the specific purpose of a headshot to take me out on personal attacks, you would have gotten my point. Let's revisit the conversation in sequence. Dew: If we had a little bit of offense this year and our QB could hand the ball off, it wouldn't have been an embarrassment this year. That said, if Tebow and Harvin are back next year you may be right. Meph: The offense is in another gear with [Demps and Rainey] in the mix. In fact, Demps didn't even play on offense in that game. If Tennessee played the Gators in November you and I both know it would have probably wound up 55-3 or something worse. Dew: Probably, but ya'll have done that to pretty close to everybody. cubsweiser03: Not to be a dick but you dont have to be dick about this, show some respect. Its not like UT is Vanderbilt, they bring in some very good players and have talented players on the current roster. Meph: It's not like [Tennessee] is UGA, FSU or LSU either. How'd that help them? It shouldn't be hard to see my point looking at the conversation in sequence instead of taking comments out of context to help achieve your agenda. I'm not the one who called you a dick. I took out my initial shot, because it was silly and ridiculous, and amended my initial comments. Other than that, please point out where I have insulted you. I called the tone of your posts arrogant, and I'm sure that there are many here who would agree with that. There is a reason you've been banned, no? Subtlety doesn't make your posts any less offensive, and I am sure that you are intelligent enough to understand that. Of course, judging by past posts, I am not so sure that the infallible Meph is capable of such admission.

And with this post, almost every one of you can understand why I do not root for the conference. I sincerely hope that Florida beats Alabama in the SEC Championship, and that they do not make the MNC game. It is my hope that Florida then gets drilled in the Sugar Bowl by their opponent, and that Texas gets slaughtered by Oklahoma (just because Meph pimps the Longhorns as well). And for those of you who complain about the SEC and their fans, I understand why... I really do. It's fans like this. And believe me, this is TYPICAL of most Florida and Alabama fans I know. They talk an awful lot for people who don't contribute to anything that affects the game itself. I do hope Team Jorts will beat the Criminal Tide, and then get left out of the MNC game. It doesn't matter, though, because wins and losses are irrelevant, remember? I have no respect for any person who makes generalizes about a population of fans. It's absurdly naive and stupid. My point is that Tennessee's defense, while talented, is no more talented than Georgia's, LSUs or Florida State's and they had no prayer stopping the Gators offense. Lost in all of your blinded generalizes you missed the entire point of my post (and you do this with all of mine, you never sit there and actually look at what I said and think about it). Your respect for me- or lack thereof- is quite inconsequential. However, your point- if about defense (which was actually not the topic)- was extremely unclear. Perhaps you should do a better job clarifying the point of your post, and what you think about the topic? And, not to belabor the point, but perhaps your "points" are not what I (and several others here) take issue with. Maybe it's your tone. I'm sure you've never set out to make the point that you are arrogant. However, your tone would suggest otherwise, and in that sense, you are typical of my experience with Florida fans. And perhaps it is you who may want to go back and reread my post. I did not generalize all Florida or Alabama fans. I pointed out specifically that this arrogance was typical of MOST FLORIDA and BAMA FANS I KNOW. Not a generalization at all. In fact, I'd say that was very direct and specific. You could say the same about Tennessee fans, and I have no basis for debate. That's your personal experience, and I am no one to question that. Somehow I cannot imagine that you will understand that.

And your post was going so well. That's what I get for playing for style points, I guess. Who cares if it hurt me in the human polls, though. The computers loved me. SSR is a hater. True, but he had a point. I guess that "stuck in front of my work computer at 9pm on a Monday night facing a severe budget deficit and wishing I had done anything else" was probably not the mindset with which I should have visited this forum... or read anything that Meph has to say.

And your post was going so well. That's what I get for playing for style points, I guess. Who cares if it hurt me in the human polls, though. The computers loved me.

And with this post, almost every one of you can understand why I do not root for the conference. I sincerely hope that Florida beats Alabama in the SEC Championship, and that they do not make the MNC game. It is my hope that Florida then gets drilled in the Sugar Bowl by their opponent, and that Texas gets slaughtered by Oklahoma (just because Meph pimps the Longhorns as well). And for those of you who complain about the SEC and their fans, I understand why... I really do. It's fans like this. And believe me, this is TYPICAL of most Florida and Alabama fans I know. They talk an awful lot for people who don't contribute to anything that affects the game itself. I do hope Team Jorts will beat the Criminal Tide, and then get left out of the MNC game. It doesn't matter, though, because wins and losses are irrelevant, remember?

No way Michigan State deserves to be ahead of Tennessee. None. That said, if MSU and Xavier were switched, I could live with that.

Bammers never do.

Tennessee loses against a bigger, tougher, better shooting team in Gonzaga in the Old Spice Classic Finale. It was a good loss, in that Tennessee can see how far they have to go in a couple of phases. They had no answer for the 2-3 zone, which is markedly different from last year's team. They also had trouble with Gonzaga's length inside (ironic, as pointed out by the ESPN crew, as UT is long in the backcourt), and did not defend well once the ball was moved quickly. Did not shoot well enough to set up their press, either. Still, this is a young team, and it was a great game in which to learn a lesson. I expect (hope) that the next meeting will be different. Good game, Zags.

Stinks. I was enjoying watching State stink under him. Question now becomes who are they gonna get. Any SEC head coaching spot is highly coveted. I doubt this happens, but I wonder what kind of interest Phil Fulmer would have in that job (and likewise, what kind of interest MSU would have in Phil). This morning on Volquest, someone wrote "Take it to the bank... Fulmer will be coaching Miss St next year. Book it." 6 hours later, Croom is out. TIFWIW. A little unpacking of the names. Yogi Roth is on Pete Carroll's staff at USC right now, though I'm not entirely sure what he does. I think he's still got a Grad title, and his responsibility is breaking down film, but Carroll is high on him, so there are some who feel that this would be a move to get an up-and-comer. Honestly, I'd prefer to keep Scott (or have Trooper back), but Roth's name has been linkes to the WR/TE position at UT. Bill Callahan is still thought to be a pretty good offensive mind, but I do not want him anywhere near the program. We would almost certainly see the West Coast Offense at UT if Callahan is on the staff. Art Kehoe was the OL coach at Ole Miss under Orgeron. Other than bring in Michael Oher, I'm not sure what Kehoe is like (perhaps OMC could answer that...) but I agree with you.. I don't think I want him anywhere near this program. Not sure that cast-offs from a pitiful Ole Miss program are the way to get UT back to the top of the SEC. (The only reason I feel any differently about Orgeron is because he would not be a head coach, and strictly a position coach here.)