For Fulmer- A Tough Decision

Peyton Manning was at the game.  But he was in street clothes and out of college eligibility.  Too bad.  The Vols needed him. 

After their 14-12 loss to Auburn, Tennessee coaches admitted they considered a quarterback change DURING the game.  That's drastic, but it's become obvious the team's issues on offense begin and end there. 

What makes this difficult is that Jonathan Crompton plays his heart out.  His run for a first down on 3rd and long ended with a jaw-jarring hit.  Crompton bounced-up and continued to play.  It helped Tennessee score their only touchdown of the game.

Expect coaches to give the quarterback position serious thought.  Phillip Fulmer's options are limited. Nick Stephens is a sophomore from Texas who has thrown two passes.  B.J. Coleman is a freshman from Chattanooga.  Gerald Jones?  Possibly, but I doubt it-- not fulltime.

One fear fresh in Phillip Fulmer's mind is the Great Quarterback Controversy of 2005.  He's sworn he will never get into that again. 

The Vols could use the Northern Illinois game to get Stephens more experience.  They could also use it to give Crompton some confidence. 

If a move is made, it likely will happen early in the week.