If you went to sleep before yesterday became today, here’s the news from late last night.
Granddaughter Kim arrived from Portland, Oregon, for Sarah’s 90th birthday. Yes, Sarah is special.
Tennessee defeated Kennesaw State in a methodical football game (that is code for not particularly exciting), 42-9.
The Vols supposedly lost most of their TV audience because weather delays elsewhere bumped their start off the SEC Network and most of America was watching Ole Miss bump off the Baton Rouge bandits and Lane Kiffin.
Tennessee did some things very well. It rushed for 268 yards despite minimum output from DeSean Bishop. He had a touchdown and 42 yards but missed much of the action because of a gimpy leg.
Daune Morris ran 14 times for 116 yards and one touchdown.
Hunter Barnes
Surprise was fifth-year veteran Hunter Barnes. His previous numbers were 12 career carries for 57 yards. Against the Owls, he gained 83 yards and scored a TD. Other running backs ran onto the field to congratulate him.
Faizon Brandon was successful but not sensational. He was 18 of 26 passing for 178 yards and a touchdown to Braylon Staley. Faizon ran 11 times for 47 and a TD.
Tennessee made a two-point conversion from something called a swinging-gate formation. Most of the special team lined up off to the side, away from the center. He snapped the ball sideways to freshman tight end Luca Wolf. That was fun.
Wide receiver Braylon Staley #14 scored on a 23-yard pass from Faizon Brandon. (Photo By Andrew Ferguson/ Tennessee Athletics)
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Susan’s mother said never put the cart in front of the horse but here I go again, looking ahead instead of elaborating more on the Vol victory.
Tennessee athletics erected the Jim Haslam statue on Friday past and will unveil two more statues on the forthcoming Friday morning at 10 at the southwest end of Neyland Stadium, preserved and enhanced by Pilot.
Believe me, old Vols will be there and maybe a thousand fans to dust off memories.
These statues will honor Phillip Fulmer and Doug Dickey and be placed near the migratory statue of Robert R. Neyland in what may hereafter be called Champions Corner.
Those three distinguished coaches produced national football championships of different varieties. There is space for Josh Heupel or someone else if ever they achieve greatness.
The athletics department says Neyland teams won titles in 1938, 1940, 1950 and 1951. Based on my personal opinion and a numerical formula created by Vanderbilt professor E.E. Litkenhous, Dickey’s 1967 Vols are champions – even though they lost their first and last games.
Fulmer’s undefeated 1998 team knocked off Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl for the national crown with the whole football world watching.
Dr. Daniel J. White, university vice chancellor and director of athletics, says the new Champions Corner will stand as a powerful tribute to three of the most influential figures in the school’s storied gridiron history.
Those are good words. I think Dr. Danny has a script writer.
“We have created a prominent space that celebrates our championship legacy. This impressive area will be accessible to Vol Nation throughout the year, showcasing our commitment to honoring those who have shaped our legacy in a truly fitting manner.”
That sounds like the Neyland statue may have regained a satisfactory landing place. In the beginning, it was in the outside middle of the west side of the stadium that still honors his name. The General was moved to accommodate the creation of the Founders’ Suites (money). He spent two years off to the side, at the north end of the Neyland Thompson Sports Center.
The new site is near Gate 9.
Larger-than-life bronze statues commemorating Lester McClain, Jackie Walker, Condredge Holloway and Tee Martin as black trailblazers are outside Gate 21.
I have long wondered why Al Wilson didn’t get a statue. In my book about legends, he is said to be the heart and soul of the national championship team.
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As of now, let us return to the regularly scheduled coverage of Tennessee football. The Vols will soon be reviewing video and correcting mistakes from their third win. There weren’t as many as the week before. The team was penalized only three times.
Heupel almost seemed satisfied.
“Ultimately, good win. Offensively, just have to be better in the red zone. But there were some real positives, too. Defensively, kept them out of the end zone.”
The coach was asked what he had wanted to see before Texas comes to town.
“I wanted to see us play smarter. Penalties last week were egregious. We did play smarter. I like the results. I like that we have gotten better every week.”
Heupel said Morris ran extremely well. He had kind words for Barnes.
“Cares about this program. Great family. Great teammate. Selfless and was prepared for his opportunity when it came. I think it is a great lesson for everybody. Not just wanting something but preparing for it.”
He implied that Bishop could have played if he had been needed. He said he didn’t think it would have been smart to put DeSean back in the game considering what is ahead.
What is immediately ahead is No.1 Texas, noon Saturday, Neyland Stadium
Scoring summary
KENNESAW – 3 0 0 6 – 9
TENNESSEE – 15 6 14 7 – 42
TENN – Bishop 3 run (Ranvier kick).
KENN – Kinney 35 FG.
TENN – Staley 23 pass from Brandon (Wolf run).
TENN – Ranvier 40 FG.
TENN – Ranvier 43 FG.
TENN – Morris 42 run (Ranvier kick).
TENN – Brandon 5 run (Ranvier kick).
KENN – Kinney 25 FG.
TENN – Barnes 3 run (Ranvier kick).
KENN – Kinney 23 FG.
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com
Outstanding column Marvin West. Statues. Well, The General obviously deserves as many as there are room for, and Phil for his National Championship, and decade of dominance. Doug Dickey (I guess) for his overall contribution to UT. Sad that Johnny Majors couldn’t quite get there. Majors was as orange blooded as they come, and listed as a “Who’s Who” in America.. Fate dealt a bad hand.
The Kennesaw game was merely a scrimmage, just get a W and get nobody hurt. Everyone left happy.
Tennessee has a history of beating the #1 team at Neyland, but this Texas team is loaded and focused. I think the Vols would have a better shot at the upset if the game was at night. Hopefully they play well and make Texas earn everything they get. Then, who knows?
Happy happy Birthday to Sarah! She must be the most amazing woman in the State of Tennessee!
There were perhaps more fireworks and dazzle inside Neyland Stadium than on the field, Preserved by Pilot. It sufficed, however, as warmup for what is to come. However unlikely, Texas can be beat; see: LSU and that other Texas crowd.
Happy Birthday, Sarah.