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Orange and White Game

Submitted by Jim Wogan on April 18, 2010 - 12:01am

One of the great things about watching the Orange and White game is the lack of pressure associated with covering it.

It's not the 3rd Saturday in October. Heck, it's not even the 3rd Saturday in April.

My pregame takes:

*Another beautiful day to watch football. Sunny skies, 70 degrees, light breeze, relaxed vibe.

*Chatted with General Neyland's son Bob, Jr and the General's grandson Blake before the game. I've communicated with Blake a few times via email and was impressed with both men. It was an honor to have some time to talk with them.

*Chatted with Carson-Newman Head Coach Ken Sparks before the game. He's one of the classiest coaches I have ever met and it is always a pleasure to share time with him. Ken was this year's Neyland Award winner.

My postgame takes:

*Tennessee quarterbacks moved the ball, but had little to show for it. Freshman Tyler Bray passed for 200 yards and one touchdown. Junior college transfer Matt Simms passed for 125 yards and one touchdown, but also threw three interceptions. I spoke with Simms after the game, and he didn't seem too concerned about the turnovers. The Spring Game, he indicated, is for taking chances.

*Tauren Poole has been the King of the Spring Game the past two years. Poole rushed for 43 yards on Saturday, and he never found the endzone. After the game, Poole told me this is the year he expects to step into the Vols starting tailback spot-- and deliver. He has to, David Oku isn't ready yet and beyond Toney Williams, there aren't many other options.

*There are some big dudes on the offensive line, and Head Coach Derek Dooley offered praise. Dooley's concern isn't with the front five, it's with the depth behind them. Not such a good thing right now. Defensive lineman Chris Walker told me while people may think the offensive line is "terrible", he said that is NOT the case.

*Tennessee defense will be its strong point-- Chris Walker is a leader and a good guy. After the game, Janzez Jackson was wearing a Rosery he told me his grandmother gave him. Of course, it didn't stop Janzen from laying a huge hit on David Oku on a kick return early in the game. Pray often and hit hard.

*Most of the players told me this game will not define who they are for the 2010 season.