Dooley hits recruiting ground running
New UT coach holding his own despite late start
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing writer Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
After Lane Kiffin abruptly left Knoxville like a villain in the middle of the night questions arose. How could Tennessee keep their highly recruited class intact? Who would do the recruiting while they searched for a new head football coach? Once the coach was hired, could he keep this class together and could he get others to come to Knoxville?
In the last few weeks Derek Dooley has answered the questions soundly. He was given three weeks to assemble a staff and then hit the recruiting trail. He has been able to keep eight kids from this class and has made strides out in the field. He may not be able to compete with Alabama or Florida yet but his no drama, respect for the game and university approach is getting some attention. It has made some take notice after the abandon ship move by Kiffin.
The approach has not worked with all recruits, as would be expected. Players such as Michael Taylor, a four-star linebacker from Westlake (Ga.) High School, have already de-committed. He will now be going to Florida. Others may follow as well.
On the other side of the coin, assistant coach Terry Joseph made a trip to Mississippi to visit with highly regarded prospects Shon Coleman and Damien Robinson. Both are offensive linemen and Robinson has gotten about 30 or so offers already. After the visit Robinson decide to visit Knoxville next weekend after his visit to Mississippi this weekend.
Dooley himself was in Florida at weeks end to visit with defensive linemen Calvin Smith and Corey Lemonier from Hialeah High. Lemonier has not yet committed but Smith has been on board since before Kiffin left. He still has other visits to the likes of Alabama, North Carolina, Florida State and Illinois too. As for Lemonier, he likes Auburn, Florida State and Miami.
So the work continues for Dooley and his staff with signing day just a few days away. He will not be expected to have a class ranked in the top 10, or to compete with Florida or Alabama right now. He will be expected to put this program back in order the way it should be. He needs to get the kids to buy into football without the media hype that Kiffin brought with him. He will need to get the kids that were here last year to believe in him and his system. If he can do that he can have a good year and then build with his own class next year.
He won’t make noise and he won’t talk when he is not supposed to. He will do it the right way, the way he was taught by his dad, the legendary Vince Dooley. He will not embarrass himself or the university, because if he does, he has a firecracker for a mom and I have a feeling she will let him have it if he tries. One thing is for sure, respect is being restored in Knoxville.
Showing posts with label SEC Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SEC Football. Show all posts
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SEC Bowls Part 2 A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far
SEC Bowls Part 2
A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
Outback Bowl
Auburn 38 Northwestern 35
This was one of those games you had to be at to enjoy to the fullest. There was offense all day and some crazy plays and in the end Auburn and first year coach Gene Chizik had their bowl win. There was over 1,000 yards of offense that included a 47-78 for 532-yard performance by Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka. He had four touchdown passes but was picked five times. Two of those were in the end zone with one returned 100 yards for an Auburn score. The win would not come easy as the Tigers gave up over 600 yards on defense with two Wildcat receivers getting over 200 each. They committed 12 penalties for 140 yards and had only 18 first downs. They won the turnover battle forcing six. Ben Tate ran strong and finished with 108 yards on 20 carries with a pair of scores. At one point it was 35-21 but Northwestern came storming back. They almost won the game on an Auburn mistake but the Tigers held on and finished the year at 8-5. They will look to see what their younger players bring to the table for next year. Chizik won the most games for a first year coach
At Auburn since Tommy Bowden went undefeated in 1993. We will see if he can take them one step further as they have a chance to compete in the West of the SEC in 2010.
Cotton Bowl
Mississippi 21 Oklahoma State 7
Once again it was the Dexter McCluster show on display. He was named offensive MVP after his 34 carry 184-yard performance. It started in the second quarter when he took a handoff and went 86 yards for the score. On the play his breakaway speed was clearly evident. Jevon Snead however had a tough night going 13-23 for just 168 yards and three interceptions. The story of this game was the Ole Miss defense and the game they had. They forced six of the Cowboys seven turnovers in the fourth quarter. They gave up only nine first downs and 259 total yards. They also held the Cowboys to 2-13 on third down conversions and held the ball for almost 10 minutes more. Still it was all about McCluster and the show he put on. It was an ugly game with a lot of mistakes by both teams. Two teams that were supposed to be amongst the best in the nation just didn’t pan out. What transpired for both was the truth that they were playing just a bit out of their leagues.
Papajohns.com Bowl
Connecticut 20 South Carolina 7
This was one of those games where the offenses decided not to show up. South Carolina was such a disappointment that coach Steve Spurrier called it embarrassing. Quarterback Stephen Garcia called it disappointing and one would hope he meant himself. Garcia was a miserable 16-38 for only 129 yards and an interception. He also had a fumble and led his team in rushing with 56 yards. Both teams combined for less than 500 yards of offense and 29 first downs. The Gamecocks were just 3-15 on third downs and could not run the ball or get their offense on track. It was as if the desire to play had left them before they ever showed up. Andre Dixon ran all over them for 126 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. Still the theme here was not offense and it did not fall well with the Ole ball coach. He knows that he needed and wanted a strong finish to get off on the right foot for next year.
Liberty Bowl
Arkansas 20 East Carolina 17
This one can be billed the Great Escape for the Hogs as they got away with a win over the Pirates. They were pushed around and basically dominated by East Carolina. They had only 10 first downs and 81 yards rushing. They had the ball for just 22 minutes and did not make the most of that. The worst stat of all was the fact that they were 0-13 on third downs. What helped them more than anything was opposing kicker Ben Hartman. He had chance after chance to be a hero but instead missed field goals in regulation and overtime that would have won the game for the Pirates. Yet when the Razorback had a chance to win the game they found a way t give the ball right back and then Hartman missed again. It was a sloppy performance but in the end it added up to a win. Ryan Mallett had been looking sharp recently but was ineffective though he was named MVP. Dominique Lindsay was the show for the Pirates running for 151 yards on 33 carries and some of those were of the smash and crunch kind. The one bright spot for the Hogs was kicker Alex Tejada and his game winning kick. He had been struggling on occasion this season and the kick helped end his season on a positive note
A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
Outback Bowl
Auburn 38 Northwestern 35
This was one of those games you had to be at to enjoy to the fullest. There was offense all day and some crazy plays and in the end Auburn and first year coach Gene Chizik had their bowl win. There was over 1,000 yards of offense that included a 47-78 for 532-yard performance by Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka. He had four touchdown passes but was picked five times. Two of those were in the end zone with one returned 100 yards for an Auburn score. The win would not come easy as the Tigers gave up over 600 yards on defense with two Wildcat receivers getting over 200 each. They committed 12 penalties for 140 yards and had only 18 first downs. They won the turnover battle forcing six. Ben Tate ran strong and finished with 108 yards on 20 carries with a pair of scores. At one point it was 35-21 but Northwestern came storming back. They almost won the game on an Auburn mistake but the Tigers held on and finished the year at 8-5. They will look to see what their younger players bring to the table for next year. Chizik won the most games for a first year coach
At Auburn since Tommy Bowden went undefeated in 1993. We will see if he can take them one step further as they have a chance to compete in the West of the SEC in 2010.
Cotton Bowl
Mississippi 21 Oklahoma State 7
Once again it was the Dexter McCluster show on display. He was named offensive MVP after his 34 carry 184-yard performance. It started in the second quarter when he took a handoff and went 86 yards for the score. On the play his breakaway speed was clearly evident. Jevon Snead however had a tough night going 13-23 for just 168 yards and three interceptions. The story of this game was the Ole Miss defense and the game they had. They forced six of the Cowboys seven turnovers in the fourth quarter. They gave up only nine first downs and 259 total yards. They also held the Cowboys to 2-13 on third down conversions and held the ball for almost 10 minutes more. Still it was all about McCluster and the show he put on. It was an ugly game with a lot of mistakes by both teams. Two teams that were supposed to be amongst the best in the nation just didn’t pan out. What transpired for both was the truth that they were playing just a bit out of their leagues.
Papajohns.com Bowl
Connecticut 20 South Carolina 7
This was one of those games where the offenses decided not to show up. South Carolina was such a disappointment that coach Steve Spurrier called it embarrassing. Quarterback Stephen Garcia called it disappointing and one would hope he meant himself. Garcia was a miserable 16-38 for only 129 yards and an interception. He also had a fumble and led his team in rushing with 56 yards. Both teams combined for less than 500 yards of offense and 29 first downs. The Gamecocks were just 3-15 on third downs and could not run the ball or get their offense on track. It was as if the desire to play had left them before they ever showed up. Andre Dixon ran all over them for 126 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. Still the theme here was not offense and it did not fall well with the Ole ball coach. He knows that he needed and wanted a strong finish to get off on the right foot for next year.
Liberty Bowl
Arkansas 20 East Carolina 17
This one can be billed the Great Escape for the Hogs as they got away with a win over the Pirates. They were pushed around and basically dominated by East Carolina. They had only 10 first downs and 81 yards rushing. They had the ball for just 22 minutes and did not make the most of that. The worst stat of all was the fact that they were 0-13 on third downs. What helped them more than anything was opposing kicker Ben Hartman. He had chance after chance to be a hero but instead missed field goals in regulation and overtime that would have won the game for the Pirates. Yet when the Razorback had a chance to win the game they found a way t give the ball right back and then Hartman missed again. It was a sloppy performance but in the end it added up to a win. Ryan Mallett had been looking sharp recently but was ineffective though he was named MVP. Dominique Lindsay was the show for the Pirates running for 151 yards on 33 carries and some of those were of the smash and crunch kind. The one bright spot for the Hogs was kicker Alex Tejada and his game winning kick. He had been struggling on occasion this season and the kick helped end his season on a positive note
SEC Bowl Season Part 1 A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far
SEC Bowl Season Part 1
A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
Music City Bowl
Clemson 21 Kentucky 13
It was another cold day in Nashville and the fans not only represented the teams playing, they also wore jerseys of their favorite college teams. It was definitely a college type atmosphere with the face paint and the bands playing loudly. Clemson came in with the ACC player of the year in C.J. Spiller and he did not disappoint. He had 15 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for 58 yards as well as his usual return yards. In all he had 172 all-purpose yards and became the first player in the ACC to have 1,00 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in the same year. Even though the stats will show that Kentucky had the advantage it was Clemson that made the most of its opportunities. They were able to keep the Wildcats from scoring holding them to 6-16 on third downs. Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton was only 13-23 for 98 yards but had a chance for a big play. With 5:39 left in the fourth Kentucky went for it on fourth and eight but Newton could manage just seven of those yards and Clemson began to celebrate. After the game Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks said he was 80% sure he would retire. Well I am not exactly sure what that means but he was trying to get his fourth straight bowl win and fell short. As for Spiller, well he will now move on to the next level and see if he can be as productive there as he has been in his career at Clemson. The Tigers end the season 9-5 and won their first bowl game in four years. Kentucky was in it but could not capitalize and will see where the program goes now if Joker Phillips takes over soon. They finished 7-6, which is probably a game worse than they should have but give them credit as an SEC representative.
Independence Bowl
Georgia 44 Texas A&M 20
It has not been the type of season that Georgia would have hoped for so they came into this one hungry. What they got was bailed out by their excellent special teams play that lead to 24 points. They were able to block two kicks and got a spectacular 81-yard kickoff return from Brandon Boykin. Quarterback Joe Cox went 15-28 for 158 yards and two touchdowns and a pick. The running game was effective as they got 208 yards and two touchdowns. On the downside they gave up 471 total yards to the Aggies with QB Jerrod Johnson accounting for 362 on 29-58 passing. He did have two touchdowns but threw two picks that helped the Bulldogs in the third. It was a spectacular defensive effort by the Dawgz considering they had fired their defensive coordinator and two others on that side of the ball. Then in the second half the offense showed up and out scored A&M 30-13 for the winning margin. Head coach Mark Richt will end his season with a little satisfaction after this one. It could have been so much worse but players like Caleb King (16-60 and two scores) and the special teams would not let them give in on this day. The season ends at 8-5 for a team that had hoped to compete for the SEC crown. It won’t get any easier next year but that is football in this conference.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Virginia Tech 37 Tennessee 14
It has been a crazy season for the Volunteers. First, they lose they long time coach Phillip Fulmer and watch Lane Kiffin take over and take on all comers. He has opened his mouth when some said he shouldn’t have and has stirred up feeling among coaches in the SEC. There have been violations and drama in Knoxville. So it came down to this game against the Hokies to see if they could end it on a good note. What they could not do was run the football at all. They had a total of five yards on the ground and 240 total yards. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton made some key errors when he was picked to set up a touchdown and then fumbled late to set up another. The offense was on the field for just 26 minutes and could never get any momentum. Meanwhile, the Hokies were getting another big game from their freshman sensation runner Ryan Williams (25-117 and two touchdown runs). He finished the year with 1,655 yards to become Tech’s single-season leader, and his 21 rushing touchdowns and 22 total set the ACC mark. Tech had a balanced offense all day getting 229 yards on the ground and 209 through the air. They also outscored the Vols 20-0 in the second half when the Tennessee seamed to have lost interest. It was the first time Tech has won back-to-back bowls in school history.
Sugar Bowl
Florida 51 Cincinnati 24
It has been one of the best four-year runs in college football history and AT&Tebow left his best for last. If anyone wondered if the Gators would come to play Tebow answered them soundly. He threw for a career-high and a BCS record 482 yards on 31-35 passing. He had three touchdown passes and added 52 yards rushing. In all he had a whopping 533 of offense and coach Urban Meyer was sent off with a win in what may be his last game. Cincinnati was looking forward to playing this game to show it could hang with and SEC team and to win it after losing their coach to another job. What they found was a defense unlike any other they had faced all year. The Gator defense held Cincy’s offense to 246 total yards and never let them in the game. The loss of Brian Kelly to Notre Dame may have hit them harder than they thought it would. Florida would finish with a Sugar Bowl-record 659 yards and it ended one of the best careers ever witnessed. They are also the first team to win 13 games two straight years in history. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez were the beneficiaries of Tebow’s great day. Cooper finished with seven catches for 181 yards and a score and Hernandez chipped in with nine grabs for 111 yards and his own touchdown. In the end it was all about Tebow and his will to win. He came in determined to lead his team to victory and rallied his troops all day. At the end it was Tebow and Meyer walking off together after four great years. It will be on to the NFL now for Tim and we will see what decision coach Meyer makes. Whatever happens to the two of them form here on out they have given us some of the best memories in recent college football memory.
A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
Music City Bowl
Clemson 21 Kentucky 13
It was another cold day in Nashville and the fans not only represented the teams playing, they also wore jerseys of their favorite college teams. It was definitely a college type atmosphere with the face paint and the bands playing loudly. Clemson came in with the ACC player of the year in C.J. Spiller and he did not disappoint. He had 15 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for 58 yards as well as his usual return yards. In all he had 172 all-purpose yards and became the first player in the ACC to have 1,00 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in the same year. Even though the stats will show that Kentucky had the advantage it was Clemson that made the most of its opportunities. They were able to keep the Wildcats from scoring holding them to 6-16 on third downs. Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton was only 13-23 for 98 yards but had a chance for a big play. With 5:39 left in the fourth Kentucky went for it on fourth and eight but Newton could manage just seven of those yards and Clemson began to celebrate. After the game Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks said he was 80% sure he would retire. Well I am not exactly sure what that means but he was trying to get his fourth straight bowl win and fell short. As for Spiller, well he will now move on to the next level and see if he can be as productive there as he has been in his career at Clemson. The Tigers end the season 9-5 and won their first bowl game in four years. Kentucky was in it but could not capitalize and will see where the program goes now if Joker Phillips takes over soon. They finished 7-6, which is probably a game worse than they should have but give them credit as an SEC representative.
Independence Bowl
Georgia 44 Texas A&M 20
It has not been the type of season that Georgia would have hoped for so they came into this one hungry. What they got was bailed out by their excellent special teams play that lead to 24 points. They were able to block two kicks and got a spectacular 81-yard kickoff return from Brandon Boykin. Quarterback Joe Cox went 15-28 for 158 yards and two touchdowns and a pick. The running game was effective as they got 208 yards and two touchdowns. On the downside they gave up 471 total yards to the Aggies with QB Jerrod Johnson accounting for 362 on 29-58 passing. He did have two touchdowns but threw two picks that helped the Bulldogs in the third. It was a spectacular defensive effort by the Dawgz considering they had fired their defensive coordinator and two others on that side of the ball. Then in the second half the offense showed up and out scored A&M 30-13 for the winning margin. Head coach Mark Richt will end his season with a little satisfaction after this one. It could have been so much worse but players like Caleb King (16-60 and two scores) and the special teams would not let them give in on this day. The season ends at 8-5 for a team that had hoped to compete for the SEC crown. It won’t get any easier next year but that is football in this conference.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Virginia Tech 37 Tennessee 14
It has been a crazy season for the Volunteers. First, they lose they long time coach Phillip Fulmer and watch Lane Kiffin take over and take on all comers. He has opened his mouth when some said he shouldn’t have and has stirred up feeling among coaches in the SEC. There have been violations and drama in Knoxville. So it came down to this game against the Hokies to see if they could end it on a good note. What they could not do was run the football at all. They had a total of five yards on the ground and 240 total yards. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton made some key errors when he was picked to set up a touchdown and then fumbled late to set up another. The offense was on the field for just 26 minutes and could never get any momentum. Meanwhile, the Hokies were getting another big game from their freshman sensation runner Ryan Williams (25-117 and two touchdown runs). He finished the year with 1,655 yards to become Tech’s single-season leader, and his 21 rushing touchdowns and 22 total set the ACC mark. Tech had a balanced offense all day getting 229 yards on the ground and 209 through the air. They also outscored the Vols 20-0 in the second half when the Tennessee seamed to have lost interest. It was the first time Tech has won back-to-back bowls in school history.
Sugar Bowl
Florida 51 Cincinnati 24
It has been one of the best four-year runs in college football history and AT&Tebow left his best for last. If anyone wondered if the Gators would come to play Tebow answered them soundly. He threw for a career-high and a BCS record 482 yards on 31-35 passing. He had three touchdown passes and added 52 yards rushing. In all he had a whopping 533 of offense and coach Urban Meyer was sent off with a win in what may be his last game. Cincinnati was looking forward to playing this game to show it could hang with and SEC team and to win it after losing their coach to another job. What they found was a defense unlike any other they had faced all year. The Gator defense held Cincy’s offense to 246 total yards and never let them in the game. The loss of Brian Kelly to Notre Dame may have hit them harder than they thought it would. Florida would finish with a Sugar Bowl-record 659 yards and it ended one of the best careers ever witnessed. They are also the first team to win 13 games two straight years in history. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez were the beneficiaries of Tebow’s great day. Cooper finished with seven catches for 181 yards and a score and Hernandez chipped in with nine grabs for 111 yards and his own touchdown. In the end it was all about Tebow and his will to win. He came in determined to lead his team to victory and rallied his troops all day. At the end it was Tebow and Meyer walking off together after four great years. It will be on to the NFL now for Tim and we will see what decision coach Meyer makes. Whatever happens to the two of them form here on out they have given us some of the best memories in recent college football memory.
