A community of reasonable fanatics.
Butch Jones is scheduled to give his regular weekly press conference today at noon. It could be an especially interesting one with all of the rumors and reports swirling around concerning meetings behind closed doors about Jones’ future with the program. He’s certain to get asked, and who knows what he’ll say?
We’ll be posting comments below in real time as much as possible.
Opening statements: Just way too many missed opportunities. Defense did a good job with turnovers, but could only get field goal attempts. Had field position and didn’t take advantage of it. Too many big plays given up on defense. Couldn’t stop the run. Some positives: Three running backs did well. Ty Chandler had 120 yards plus an 80-yard run called back. Jarrett Guarantano continues to improve. Trey Smith is one of our best players. Great consistency, intensity, energy. Re: Southern Miss: very talented, veteran group. Disruptive. Good against the run. 27th in total defense and 12th in TFLs. Play two… Read more »
Q: Unsportsmanlike penalty. Rare. What explanation did you get?
A: Very rare. Maybe only once in the SEC. But they wanted to make sure everything was under control. We talked to the players. Now, you’re one and done. It took two of our best players later on, but it affected both teams. That’s very, very rare.
Q: Follow up. [something about whether things were chippy]
A: It was a hard fought contest. [with a faint smile]
Q: First season you’ve regressed in win total. How are you dealing with that? A: Disappointed, but not discouraged. Understand expectations of UT football. Four games came down to final play of the game. Things don’t go according to plan. Football is life sped up faster. Have to go about your business and be better for it and learn from it. Keep doing things in the right manner. In terms of family, a lot of people have been supportive. We have a lot of great friends here. I understand everyone being upset; if I was a fan, I’d be upset,… Read more »
Q: What has Currie’s message to him been? His message to recruits?
A: Message has stayed the same. This is where your character is tested. You find out about yourself. Our recruits understand. They understand our relationships. Re Currie. We talk every day. He’s a great person to work for.
Q: More success against bear front. Why?
A: Offensive coaches did a good job. It’s a challenging front. They’ve been very good. We ran off the ball well. Sustained blocks. RBs got yards after contact. Combination. JG made a few plays iwth his legs as well. Some was scheme against bear front.
Q: [Can’t hear this long question from Brent, I think.]
A: They were reminded at every change of possession. Both personal foul penalties; we’ve looked at them. Suspensions: by rule, doesn’t carry over. [Question must have been about the two players ejected for their second personal fouls.]
I’m afraid that, especially with rumors floating around about Jon Gruden getting $10mil/year to coach at Tennessee, and the seeming chokehold that both our athletic department and coach have on releasing any information that our fanbase is going to simply get more and more pissed off the longer Jones continues to roam the sideline. I understand that firing him midseason might not be the most productive action in terms of getting positive results in terms of winning football games… but the athletic department needs to realize that there is a finite amount of goodwill towards the department and that now… Read more »
