The CheckerBoard

Another great piece of writing, Wes. One question about Dooley - based on what I have read as far as post-game comments are concerned, he seemed a little more relaxed and/or calm than he did after the Alabama game. Did you get that same vibe in person?

I hope UT plays hard the rest of the year and finishes strong. They don't have any more big games, but I hope they don't play down the the level of their opponents. We can still go 8-5. Going to a bowl would give us extra weeks of practice which we need and can really use, and sets us up well for next year. Hope these guys stay after it.

You know I've said before I am wanting to see this thing play out....but one thing that is very evident that should not be overlooked is the effort this team makes. They play hard for their coach and they never quit despite getting gashed game after game. One thing I would be taking note that it is one thing to lose to really good teams and have them on the ropes after getting hit by a freight-train, but it is another thing to completely fold the tent and quit, like Auburn has on Chizik. I find that a pretty telling sign if the players are playing hard for the coach, which they are. This defense,which I wont even sugarcoat, might be the worst defense I've seen UT put on the field, but there is something to be said for getting gashed all game long, but to get up again and again and just hang in there to where you actually make some huge plays late to actually give the offense the chance to take over. I am not making any excuses for the defense, they were terrible, but they played hard and it paid off late. I am also impressed by the way they come back every week from each disappointment and compete. It is not easy to get raped by Bama at home and then come into Columbia against a team with USC's talent and really take over late say it was game we had but let it slip away shows some character. I expect this team to come out angry and beat the hell out of Troy, Candy, Mizzou, and I do not even need to explain Kentucky.

Richardson played steller the whole entire game except for that last play. We didnt here about Clowney except when the announcers were like "where is clowney?" Cant blame him , crap happens. he played and did what he was suppose to. I think our team played ok, but still defense looks lost. its gonna take time for them to learn it.

I don't know why anyone gives Wes a hard time, he is one of the best writers in Knox. Wes just needs to work on that walking thing.....

My only problem with Dooley is, we always this close. Gotta win one guys. Loved Buzz but, he had the worst luck of any coach I've seen.

Got you back Toak. Got some touchy folks around here these days. +2

Lathers had a career game with 13 tackles and a sack.. Seeing Lathers was on a mission Sal should have blitzed Lathers more..Stupid on Sal's part..Sal could have let the defense grow up some in this game by going straight man to man and rolling the dice with more blitzes instead of letting Shaw stand there and pick us apart..No reason to keep protecting this sorry excuse for a secondary by not blitzing..Bad coaching period!!