Vol Vibrations and Pop Culture

Some random mid-October thoughts:

Hip Phrases

When did "random" become a hip everyday phrase? As in, I bumped into George Bush at the supermarket on Sunday. Random, huh?

That TV Thing Again

The Vols are playing better football, but they're still not prime time material. CBS has opted out of televising this weekend's game against Alabama. The announcement comes a week after the Vols were left high-and-dry, and only available on pay-per-view, for the Mississippi State game.

The Vols-Bama game has been televised nationally by CBS, ABC, or ESPN-- every year since 1989. Vol fans can still watch this week's game on Lincoln Financial Sports-- so long as you live in the Southeast. If you're a living in Portland-- Maine or Oregon, it doesn't matter--you may be out of luck.

Of course, there's always the internet and sometimes ESPN GamePlan picks-up regional telecasts-- for a fee. Turns out, the Vols aren't prime time -- it's more like prime rate.

Out In The Cold

The new UT basketball practice complex looks great-- on video. With construction of Pratt Pavilion incomplete, the media isn't allowed inside the new $16 million dollar facility. Please don't let other coaches know about this! Next thing, we'll be barred from football practice due to (wink-wink) dry field conditions.

UT's ace video services staff shot highlights of the first practices for us. It was a nice gesture, but frankly, I thought our hard heads would be acceptable replacements for hard hats.

Pearl Power

Another sign UT men's head coach Bruce Pearl really does own this town. Check out the six-page feature story in this week's Sports Illustrated. He even made the front cover (banner). A few months after Pearl arrived in Knoxville, and before the bandwagon started rolling, I was convinced Athletic Director Mike Hamilton hit a home run with his hire. Now, it's looking more like a bases-loaded grand slam!

Pearl did a wonderful job in a recent interview (not SI) addressing the high expectations placed on this year's team. Pearl agreed the Vols may be capable of challenging for a national title-- but actually doing it is different. I know, it sounds lame. But, as usual, Pearl sold it.

Arena Odor

Thompson-Boling Arena debuts its new $20 million redesign next week--- with-- are you ready for this? A circus! Yep, complete with clowns and elephants! How did that happen? Last thing I want parading around the new basketball arena are 2 ton pachyderms that, well, need a guy with a shovel following close by. They've got two-weeks to air-out the place before the Vols and Lady Vols take the court.

Helton's Postseason

Former Vol Todd Helton has three hits in the postseason. But his play at 1st base has been (as usual) remarkable. Helton is a 3-time Gold Glover who often gets more attention for his bat, than his defense. Don't let the lack of hits deceive you. Helton has drawn walks and scored runs. He's no longer the only key player on the Rockies. He's sharing the spotlight with guys like Holliday, Tulowitzki, and Atkins. And he's enjoying it. The Rockies are one-win away from the World Series! How random is that!?