February, 2006

Vol Head Coach Phillip Fulmer's last-minute absence from a high school coaches clinic in South Carolina is making news down there-- and at first glance, the headline is less than complimentary.

Fulmer skipped the session due to bad flight conditions into Hilton Head Island.

On Monday, Bob Murrey of USA Coaches Clinics told me Fulmer's absence "was not an issue" with the high school coaches who attended.

I'm off to Little Rock later this week for the women's SEC Tournament.

I hope it's not a short stay.

The Lady Vols' stunning loss to Florida on Sunday gives college basketball fans reason to wonder about the Tennessee's chances during March. Giving up 95 points, in overtime, on their home floor, on senior day, doesn't bode well.

It's an irritating issue for UT.

And it won't go away.

For a number of reasons, Bruce Pearl has become a prime time player in college basketball-- mostly because he took a Tennessee team bound for nowhere, and made them an NCAA Tournament participant.

On Wednesday at the Big Orange Tip-Off Club meeting in Knoxville, credible college basketball writer Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News called Pearl a serious national coach of the year candidate. A few more wins, and he's a lock.

I haven't mulled over the stat sheet yet. I haven't given much thought to the hows or whys. I just went along for the ride as I watched the Vols beat Florida (again).

There's no script for this stuff. With the game tied, and Florida inbounding the ball, Dane Bradshaw steals an inbound pass and scores the game winning basket. The Vols overcome a 13-point deficit to win.

The only thing that looked worse than the beaten Gators, was Bruce Pearl's suit.

A couple of quick notes as I return from covering the Daytona 500.

My prediction that Jimmie Johnson would win should come as no surprise. Johnson ran well here in both races last season. Starting his 5th year with Hendrick Motorsports-- Johnson showed he's now a smarter driver.

Johnson has learned the hard way. Overly-aggressive driving at Daytona gets you nothing except a trip to the garage. And in some cases, the hospital.

Johnson drove a patient race, got some Daytona luck, and had the biggest day of his career.

Despite all the craziness surrounding his team-- I'll stick with Jimmie Johnson to win this week's 500.

Hendrick cars look strong--- and their engine program is even helping Sterling Marlin make some serious noise.

Marlin hasn't been the same since a bad crash at Kansas in 2002, but he keeps chugging along, and his new MB2 Motorsports ride is powered by Hendrick.

Sterling was riding in the top-10 in his Thursday qualifing race until he got caught-up in some late race trouble.

Hello from Daytona International Speedway!

My photographer, Garret Gooch, and I arrived here on Sunday night and are primed for a WATE 6's NASCAR coverage! Already, there is news down here.

It's a Jeff and Jeff front row! Burton the pole, and Gordon on the outside. While pole winners don't usually win the 500, you can't put a price on the week's worth of attention they get. Burton wil l bask in it, while Gordon tries to use this to jump-start his season.

Bruce Pearl isn't leaving.
Mike Hamilton won't let it happen.
Anyway, Bruce isn't that kind of guy.

I've been amused all week with the recent story about a proposed contract extension for the Vols new head basketball coach.

I knew it was coming. Can UT keep this guy? After two or three successful seasons, will he bolt for another school? Indiana. Arizona. Kentucky. You can make arguments for each of these.

But here's why Pearl is in Knoxville for the long haul.

I covered my first Tennessee basketball game in 1986. I know the pleasure of watching a game at Stokely Center. I've experienced a disaster (or two) at Rupp. I watched the Vols make a near-miraculous run for an SEC Tournament title at Memorial Gym. And I watched them fizzle in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen against North Carolina in Austin.

I had my ticket punched to Super Bowl XL. But the Colts lost, and with that, my credential evaporated. Although, I didn't cherish the thought of spending a week in Michigan-- in February. Next year's game is in Miami. So, Go Colts!, or Titans! My bags are packed.


A few thoughts: