South Carolina vs. Tennessee
What Mike said:
In a game billed as the SEC East Championship game, neither team disappoints. Marcus Lattimore goes crazy, scoring twice. Alshon Jeffery pumps his gas twice in the end zone as well. A furious 4th quarter comeback by Tyler Bray ensues. With time clicking off the clock Bray finds Justin Hunter in the end zone. Final score UT 31-28
7-1
What Steve said:
No rest for the weary, huh? Fourth week, fourth straight opponent that beat the Vols last season (three of the four by multiple TDs). Mr. Bray, meet Mr. Clowney. Despite the fact that this will be the fourth consecutive top twenty program the Vols will have faced, rumblings will begin in the fanbase that perhaps Coach Dooley isn’t the right man for the job. It’s not right, but it will happen. Perhaps Coach Spurrier can give him the secret to winning in Knoxville during the post-game handshake. Score: Cocks 31-17
What actually happened:
In a defensive struggle, South Carolina managed mistakes better than the Vols did. It was ugly, and when South Carolina made mistakes, Tennessee didn’t take advantage, and they made blunders nearly as big. Final score South Carolina 14-3.
Mike’s reviews, retractions, and/or mea culpas:
Hmmm, well since three of the four players I mentioned didn’t even play in this game, and the fourth was an amazing non-factor. (Partly because Stephen Garcia also is gone). This prediction wasn’t even close. Steve mentioned Dooley’s “hot seat”. He gets mad props for me on that for being right. There is talent in Knoxville, but not enough right now, and not all of it is healthy.
Steve’s reviews, retractions, and/or mea culpas:
Again, I got the winner and not much else. Tyler Bray didn’t play of course, and likely won’t again, at least not in a game where he would be a difference maker. While they didn’t make Jadaveon Clowney a complete non-factor, the offensive line did manage to keep Justin Worley on his feet most of the night with solid pass protection. What he did with that protection looked a lot like you would expect from a 3rd-string true freshman getting his first collegiate start against the best pass defense in the country.
As for the fan reaction to Coach Dooley, my inbox certainly saw it’s share of coaching criticism, including one Vols fan gloating over predicting the failure of the Worley experiment, but I haven’t seen anyone go that extra step and call for his ouster (though Roll Bama Roll‘s Meltdown Time on Tuesday will likely feature a few calls for his head). I sense a lot of people don’t want to go through even further turnover as the result of another coaching change, so they are holding their tongues. Long-term, I believe those reservations will pay off. With championships? I don’t know, but certainly with the kind of stability this program really needs which will be a solid platform for the next coach if it’s not ultimately Dooley. Vols fans bristle at the comparison, but if Dooley can do for UT what Mike Shula did for UA, that’s a net positive on Rocky Top.
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