January, 2007

Lovie Smith is being paid $1.3 million this season. Phillip Fulmer will pocket $2.05 million. Something is out of whack here. And it's not Fulmer's fault.

Smith is the former Vol assistant coach who has led his NFL team to the Super Bowl. His Chicago Bears will face the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night.

Smith is the lowest paid coach in the NFL. Absurd. True. And likely to change. By most accounts, those who run one of pro football's most storied teams (da Bears) will open up their wallet to keep Smith in Chicago.

Bruce Pearl caused quite a ruckus at Thompson-Boling Arena Monday night when he went shirtless, and painted his body orange to show support for the Lady Vols.

My take on this: No harm, no foul.

Pearl's intentions seemed sincere. And for those who say he's self-promoter. I say, so what! Don't you remember the sad state of UT men's basketball in the years before Pearl came here?

Pearl's move was a stunt. But it took some degree of courage or insanity. Probably both.

I admit it. I haven't felt like this since the Red Sox were about to close out the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. I feel what Manning and the Colts are on the verge of, and I am watching tonight as a fan. Cheering. Hoping. Wanting-- to see Indianapolis beat New England. I have cast aside objectivity. I have hung non-partisanship in the closet. I have placed my professional standards out with the trash, at least for tonight. The Colts are on the brink of something big. Last year, I was in Indianpolis to witness (and cover) the Colts loss to Pittsburgh in the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy was asked today if Peyton Manning's status as an elite NFL quarterback will be affected by the outcome of Sunday's game with New England. Will a win, and a Super Bowl bid, make-or-break Manning's legacy?

Dungy said, "Everybody in our locker room wants to do that-- coaches; Peyton is no different. I don't think it's a make or break for any one person. I don't think it's a make or break for him. Would we love to get there and play well, absolutely."

The only problem with Dungy's assessment, he's wrong.

I'm not much for the status quo. But when it comes to Tennessee football, those calling for the head of the Vols head coach, better think twice.

I'm not here to lead a crusade to save Phillip Fulmer's job. Anyone who makes $2 million a year has plenty of supporters-- most of them also making $2 million a year. And yes, I agree, a coach in that income bracket is expected to produce OUTSTANDING results. On, and off the field.

The final college football polls of the season have reinforced the call, and in many cases the outcry, for a true playoff system.

After their stunning win over Ohio State last night, Florida finished #1 in both the AP and the USA/Coaches Poll. But undefeated Boise State was 5th in the AP and 6th in USA.

I was shocked by a couple of things. First, Ohio State only fell to #2. Granted, they've got just one loss. But it was stunning. Because of their abysmal performance last night, I really thought the Buckeyes would slide, and LSU would finish #2.

Anyone who doesn't think a college football playoff can be as exciting as March Madness needs to watch the end of last night's Fiesta Bowl. Boise State's game-winning 2-pt play was every bit as thrilling as a buzzer-beater in the NCAA Tournament.

College football administrators need to wake-up and see the possibilities. Opening up the BCS to allow teams like Boise State was the right (first) step.

Mark my words, a playoff is inevitable. It will happen soon. Last night's wild finish will help speed-up the process.

The calendar says 2007, but it feels like 2005.

The Vols suffered a miserable flashback, and were sent to Outback Bowl oblivion by Penn State. The Nittany Lions beat Tennessee 20-10 on a dreary day in Tampa.

There were plenty of problems. Fumbles. Dropped passes. Interceptions. Penalties. Oh yeah, and Penn State's got a pretty good defense.

The Vols generated 350 yards offense. But most of it was inconsequential.