The CheckerBoard

I don't mean to be so negative, but it's impossible for me be positive about the state of this team. I think wehave far too much talent to be up by only 1 on Troy.

The defense has talent too. I mean how many players did we lose from last years defense? like 2 or 3. It has to be poor coaching the 3rd and 16 and the 4th down play I mean we're just way out of position on those plays.

If Sal's defense is that complicated then we don't need it. I thought we would have hiccups with a new system but a year long meltdown is unacceptable.

I wanted to back these coaches but the inability to adapt over the course of a full season is just not going to cut it. Football is a game of strategy it seems like we're just too stubborn to change what we're doing because "eventually" it will work. Well while we're waiting on it to work other teams have already adapted to something new.

Like me you didnt know what you had till it was gone. :)

Chavis is not going to leave LSU. The man is loyal, and now he's loyal to the Hat.

What's our % on 3rd and +8? Has to be less than 20%

Everybody who wants Sal taken out and shot: He looks like he might not live through the game, because this D may give him a heart attack.

He's alternated screaming and gesturing wildly with desperate pleading (which appears to be accompanied with the question, "HOW can you be so stupid??").

His whole face is turning redder and redder and veins are popping out on his forehead and neck.

I'm only half kidding, too. In all seriousness, if I was his wife or kid, I'd be concerned for his health at this rate.

I'm guessing at this point that Dooley regrets proclaiming that he was going to be more involved in the defense . . .

I still say throw the bank at Chavis and make him Ass. HC and in charge of all defensive areas including personnel, recruiting, the whole package.

Just keep piling on the good news Ryan :)

thats what i mean. can't coach them up if you can't coach

Over the season, how has the defense played in the second half? Will we begin to limit Troy some to slow them down?

Cordarrelle Patterson was late coming out of the locker room to start the second half. He wasn't back deep to return the opening kickoff.

Lane is running well today.

Vols settle for 31-yard field goal by Michael Palardy to extend their lead to 34-30 with 11:47 left in the third.