Chip on His Shoulder

[NJCat83588]

Fitzgerald had a funny remark in his first press conference today.....said the only person picking NU to win is his 6-year old son. I suspect he likes being a big underdog.

Turns out NU and the TN staffs had a seminar together in the off season . He and Butch Jones are friends back to their midwest roots. Pat put on his best Lou Holtz when describing the TN team, not sure why NU even bothers to show up Friday TN is so good.

 

[utvolman99]

Fitzgerald had a funny remark in his first press conference today.....said the only person picking NU to win is his 6-year old son. I suspect he likes being a big underdog.

Turns out NU and the TN staffs had a seminar together in the off season . He and Butch Jones are friends back to their midwest roots. Pat put on his best Lou Holtz when describing the TN team, not sure why NU even bothers to show up Friday TN is so good.

Did you listen to Butch. He was even more complementary to NU.

 

[YesterdaysCat]

Did you listen to Butch. He was even more complementary to NU.

I like Butch. But he's a big favorite in this one.

 

[utvolman99]

I like Butch. But he's a big favorite in this one.

How do you figure? I know Vegas has the Vols big but you guys are ranked 13th and we are 23rd. Most of the posters on this site are spending there time making a case as to why Tennessee doesn't stand a chance.

 

[YesterdaysCat]

How do you figure? I know Vegas has the Vols big but you guys are ranked 13th and we are 23rd. Most of the posters on this site are spending there time making a case as to why Tennessee doesn't stand a chance.

Where is one single, serious post saying "Tennessee doesn't stand a chance"? I have not read that at all.

If Vegas does not determine the favorite, who does? We are 9 point underdogs.

 

[utvolman99]

Where is one single, serious post saying "Tennessee doesn't stand a chance"? I have not read that at all.

If Vegas does not determine the favorite, who does? We are 9 point underdogs.

8.5

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

How do you figure? I know Vegas has the Vols big but you guys are ranked 13th and we are 23rd. Most of the posters on this site are spending there time making a case as to why Tennessee doesn't stand a chance.

Vegas has Oklahoma favored to beat Clemson by 3.5 even though Clemson is ranked #1. Most of the pundits have Oklahoma too. So ranking and point spread don't correlate . For the record, I took the points with Clemson.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Where is one single, serious post saying "Tennessee doesn't stand a chance"? I have not read that at all.

If Vegas does not determine the favorite, who does? We are 9 point underdogs.

Actually, I think it is the opposite. Show me one post where the UT fan is predicting a Cat victory? It doesn't exist. We certainly have NU fans predicting a UT win. In the end, what any of us think doesn't matter.

 

[GlideCat]

Most of the posters on this site are spending there time making a case as to why Tennessee doesn't stand a chance.

Most? I think I have seen two posts which described a strong belief in an NU win. What you are doing is reading posts where we believe that our team does have a shot to win this game. You find it insulting that lowly Northwestern has any hope at all against you. It happens to us all of the time. Re-read MOST of the posts and you will see our fans hopeful but not cocky. Certainly not saying the UT does not stand a chance.

 

[utvolman99]

Most? I think I have seen two posts which described a strong belief in an NU win. What you are doing is reading posts where we believe that our team does have a shot to win this game. You find it insulting that lowly Northwestern has any hope at all against you. It happens to us all of the time. Re-read MOST of the posts and you will see our fans hopeful but not cocky. Certainly not saying the UT does not stand a chance.

You are correct. It would be more accurate to say that a lot of posts on this site are geared towards rationalizing why Northestern should win. Many make fun of the SEC or the idea of a speed/talent gap. Others talk about how Tennessee has no good wins and has proven nothing.

Looking back, I now see that this is not Wildcat cockiness but a fan base trying to convince themselves as to why they should win. I should have recognized it as we do the same on the Vol boards every year against UF and Bama.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

8 and 47.5

 

[xxxbobxxx]

8.5

8 and 47.5

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

You are correct. It would be more accurate to say that a lot of posts on this site are geared towards rationalizing why Northestern should win. Many make fun of the SEC or the idea of a speed/talent gap. Others talk about how Tennessee has no good wins and has proven nothing.

Looking back, I now see that this is not Wildcat cockiness but a fan base trying to convince themselves as to why they should win. I should have recognized it as we do the same on the Vol boards every year against UF and Bama.

How did that work out for you?

 

[utvolman99]

How did that work out for you?

Hopefully, the same as for you

 

[YesterdaysCat]

You are correct. It would be more accurate to say that a lot of posts on this site are geared towards rationalizing why Northestern should win.

I don't even see that AT ALL. I see Northwestern fans trying to justify to UT fans why we deserved to be in the Outback Bowl. By and large, Tennessee fans are bitterly disappointed to be playing what you felt was an underwhelming, joke of an opponent. We have just been trying to say, "Give us some respect. We graduate 97% of our guys and we still won 10 games. Give us credit for deserving to be your opponent."

 

[Deeringfish]

I like it when coaches have an off field friendship. I think it sets the tone for the players and in a bowl game that doesn't really determine much more than bragging rights, the guys should be having a little fun on the field not fueled up by hate and venom. Much less likely to see head shots and temper tantrums.

 

[utvolman99]

I don't even see that AT ALL. I see Northwestern fans trying to justify to UT fans why we deserved to be in the Outback Bowl. By and large, Tennessee fans are bitterly disappointed to be playing what you felt was an underwhelming, joke of an opponent. We have just been trying to say, "Give us some respect. We graduate 97% of our guys and we still won 10 games. Give us credit for deserving to be your opponent."

That is funny. If you asked Tennesee fans, they would say the opposite. I sensed a lot more disappointment from the Northwestern fans for having to play a four loss team.

 

[shakes3858]

You are correct. It would be more accurate to say that a lot of posts on this site are geared towards rationalizing why Northestern should win. Many make fun of the SEC or the idea of a speed/talent gap. Others talk about how Tennessee has no good wins and has proven nothing.

Looking back, I now see that this is not Wildcat cockiness but a fan base trying to convince themselves as to why they should win. I should have recognized it as we do the same on the Vol boards every year against UF and Bama.

There's no rationalization or cockiness from me... Only confidence. We have an elite defense that is geered to shutting down the run... And is especially talented as stopping the spread type runs that Tennessee employs. If Tennessee can run, their offense will fall apart.

Defensively, Tennessee has gotten worn down late in games. That's because the great Tennessee pass rushers get tired after being hit by 300lbs oline man all day. I'm running at Barnett all day and focus wearing him down. Wanna know how I know this? Because I watched 6 Tennessee games on YouTube. We also are going to be better on offense. That's what happens when a RS freshman who was splitting reps with 2 very different guys up until the start of the season is taking a vast majority of your snaps. You give him a month of being the starter. You give our OC a month to tailor the offense to him. He's going to be better and our offense will be better.

I'm not going to be intimidated by Tennessee, the SEC, or a giant fan base. Guess how many teams we've beaten this year with bigger fan bases, better tradition... 7 of our 10 wins. How did we do against the SEC the last couple times we played? We won those. Tennessee also didn't beat the top SEC teams.... Or the 2nd tier either. You can't intimidate me and the team won't be intimidated either even if some posters on here lack the faith in the program.

Do i give Tennessee no chance? Of course not. Tennessee is a big play team on offense and special teams. You get off to a quick start, it could be a long day. 70% cats 30% vols makes sense to me.

 

[Deeringfish]

There's no rationalization or cockiness from me... Only confidence. We have an elite defense that is geered to shutting down the run... And is especially talented as stopping the spread type runs that Tennessee employs. If Tennessee can run, their offense will fall apart.

Defensively, Tennessee has gotten worn down late in games. That's because the great Tennessee pass rushers get tired after being hit by 300lbs oline man all day. I'm running at Barnett all day and focus wearing him down. Wanna know how I know this? Because I watched 6 Tennessee games on YouTube. We also are going to be better on offense. That's what happens when a RS freshman who was splitting reps with 2 very different guys up until the start of the season is taking a vast majority of your snaps. You give him a month of being the starter. You give our OC a month to tailor the offense to him. He's going to be better and our offense will be better.

I'm not going to be intimidated by Tennessee, the SEC, or a giant fan base. Guess how many teams we've beaten this year with bigger fan bases, better tradition... 7 of our 10 wins. How did we do against the SEC the last couple times we played? We won those. Tennessee also didn't beat the top SEC teams.... Or the 2nd tier either. You can't intimidate me and the team won't be intimidated either even if some posters on here lack the faith in the program.

Do i give Tennessee no chance? Of course not. Tennessee is a big play team on offense and special teams. You get off to a quick start, it could be a long day. 70% cats 30% vols makes sense to me.

I guess you are the cocky confident fan he was talking about.

 

[PowellVolz]

I don't even see that AT ALL. I see Northwestern fans trying to justify to UT fans why we deserved to be in the Outback Bowl. By and large, Tennessee fans are bitterly disappointed to be playing what you felt was an underwhelming, joke of an opponent. We have just been trying to say, "Give us some respect. We graduate 97% of our guys and we still won 10 games. Give us credit for deserving to be your opponent."

Show me one post where a Tennessee fan has called NU a "joke of a program".

 

[PowellVolz]

There's no rationalization or cockiness from me... Only confidence. We have an elite defense that is geered to shutting down the run... And is especially talented as stopping the spread type runs that Tennessee employs. If Tennessee can run, their offense will fall apart.

Defensively, Tennessee has gotten worn down late in games. That's because the great Tennessee pass rushers get tired after being hit by 300lbs oline man all day. I'm running at Barnett all day and focus wearing him down. Wanna know how I know this? Because I watched 6 Tennessee games on YouTube. We also are going to be better on offense. That's what happens when a RS freshman who was splitting reps with 2 very different guys up until the start of the season is taking a vast majority of your snaps. You give him a month of being the starter. You give our OC a month to tailor the offense to him. He's going to be better and our offense will be better.

I'm not going to be intimidated by Tennessee, the SEC, or a giant fan base. Guess how many teams we've beaten this year with bigger fan bases, better tradition... 7 of our 10 wins. How did we do against the SEC the last couple times we played? We won those. Tennessee also didn't beat the top SEC teams.... Or the 2nd tier either. You can't intimidate me and the team won't be intimidated either even if some posters on here lack the faith in the program.

Do i give Tennessee no chance? Of course not. Tennessee is a big play team on offense and special teams. You get off to a quick start, it could be a long day. 70% cats 30% vols makes sense to me.

So you don't consider Georgia a second tier team? Interesting

 

[YesterdaysCat]

That is funny. If you asked Tennesee fans, they would say the opposite. I sensed a lot more disappointment from the Northwestern fans for having to play a four loss team.

That's because if we were going to face an uphill battle, it's better for it to be a top 10 opponent. It's sort of like when you're asking somebody out on a date and you're staring rejection in the face. If it's likely to be a 'no'--and let's face it, our offense is top 100 worthy, not top 25 worthy--you might as well ask out someone way out of your league.

 

[YesterdaysCat]

So you don't consider Georgia a second tier team? Interesting

Shakes is one of the Wildcat Report rabble rousers. His opinions don't really reflect our fanbase at large, though he's very funny.

 

[YesterdaysCat]

Show me one post where a Tennessee fan has called NU a "joke of a program".

Ha, I don't have all day, you know? Just look through the initial series of troll jobs. And then there's that video in which the UT fan says our team is trash and UT is going to bend us over and mark us asses.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

I could go to Volnation and show you dozens of posts calling NU a joke of a program....

 

[hdhntr1]

Vegas has Oklahoma favored to beat Clemson by 3.5 even though Clemson is ranked #1. Most of the pundits have Oklahoma too. So ranking and point spread don't correlate . For the record, I took the points with Clemson.

With those guys being sent home, maybe not a good idea.

 

[PowellVolz]

I could go to Volnation and show you dozens of posts calling NU a joke of a program....

I assumed the poster was talking about this board and what Tenn fans are saying on here.

 

[GlideCat]

Show me one post where a Tennessee fan has called NU a "joke of a program".

Actually... There are dozens. A lot have been removed because they were also laced with profanity. Y'all know who your credible posters are. We really don't. We could give you a couple of names to put on ignore from our side. But there have been many, many posts from UT posters (or those claiming to be) that have referred to our football program as a joke or worse.

 

[utvolman99]

Actually... There are dozens. A lot have been removed because they were also laced with profanity. Y'all know who your credible posters are. We really don't. We could give you a couple of names to put on ignore from our side. But there have been many, many posts from UT posters (or those claiming to be) that have referred to our football program as a joke or worse.

There are always trolls like that. I don't care what the team is. I have been posting on Vol boards for fifteen years and I didn't recognize any of the early troll's handles.

 

[GlideCat]

There are always trolls like that. I don't care what the team is. I have been posting on Vol boards for fifteen years and I didn't recognize any of the early troll's handles.

I completely believe you. And you and several others that have hung with us have provided some excellent new blood around here. But you are all new names to us and we do not know who are actually even fans of UT or have ever posted before or have been banned from your boards. So, your statement that few UT fans have said the more insulting things about our program would be better stated that your more knowledgeable posters have not posted anything so demeaning.

Of course, I wrote a trolling post about UT fans to welcome y'all aboard on day one. So, there is a glass houses aspect to my saying all of this.

 

[utvolman99]

I completely believe you. And you and several others that have hung with us have provided some excellent new blood around here. But you are all new names to us and we do not know who are actually even fans of UT or have ever posted before or have been banned from your boards. So, your statement that few UT fans have said the more insulting things about our program would be better stated that your more knowledgeable posters have not posted anything so demeaning.

Of course, I wrote a trolling post about UT fans to welcome y'all aboard on day one. So, there is a glass houses aspect to my saying all of this.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of those early trolls didn't have IP address that traced back to Champagne.

 

[GlideCat]

I wouldn't be surprised if some of those early trolls didn't have IP address that traced back to Champagne.

There are not NEAR that many Illini fans. Their numbers are somewhere between the number of liberals that have been mugged and are still liberals and the number of conservatives who have been arrested and are still conservatives.

Your misspelling of their city name is appreciated.

 

[utvolman99]

Your misspelling of their city name is appreciated.

You can blame the misplelling on my hotdog fingers typing on my iPhone instead of my wit.

 

[kaTNap]

I wouldn't be surprised if some of those early trolls didn't have IP address that traced back to Champagne.

Or maybe Gainesville or Tuscaloosa?

 

[shakes3858]

So you don't consider Georgia a second tier team? Interesting

Not this year. First Tier teams are top 10. Second tier teams are top 25. Third tier teams have a winning record. 4th tier are bowl teams. Below that is bottom tier. It's a crude system but it works.

Shakes is one of the Wildcat Report rabble rousers. His opinions don't really reflect our fanbase at large, though he's very funny.

No I call it as I see it and I watched a lot of Tennessee football as I was in bed with a back issue for a few weeks. There's nothing that I see that makes them "unbeatable." If our defense plays well for 4 qtrs we can shut them down. I do believe in Thorson and think he'll be better.

 

[jrb62651_rivals92372]

There's no rationalization or cockiness from me... Only confidence. We have an elite defense that is geered to shutting down the run... And is especially talented as stopping the spread type runs that Tennessee employs. If Tennessee can run, their offense will fall apart.

Defensively, Tennessee has gotten worn down late in games. That's because the great Tennessee pass rushers get tired after being hit by 300lbs oline man all day. I'm running at Barnett all day and focus wearing him down. Wanna know how I know this? Because I watched 6 Tennessee games on YouTube. We also are going to be better on offense. That's what happens when a RS freshman who was splitting reps with 2 very different guys up until the start of the season is taking a vast majority of your snaps. You give him a month of being the starter. You give our OC a month to tailor the offense to him. He's going to be better and our offense will be better.

I'm not going to be intimidated by Tennessee, the SEC, or a giant fan base. Guess how many teams we've beaten this year with bigger fan bases, better tradition... 7 of our 10 wins. How did we do against the SEC the last couple times we played? We won those. Tennessee also didn't beat the top SEC teams.... Or the 2nd tier either. You can't intimidate me and the team won't be intimidated either even if some posters on here lack the faith in the program.

Do i give Tennessee no chance? Of course not. Tennessee is a big play team on offense and special teams. You get off to a quick start, it could be a long day. 70% cats 30% vols makes sense to me.

This has to be a troll.

 

[PowellVolz]

Not this year. First Tier teams are top 10. Second tier teams are top 25. Third tier teams have a winning record. 4th tier are bowl teams. Below that is bottom tier. It's a crude system but it works.

No I call it as I see it and I watched a lot of Tennessee football as I was in bed with a back issue for a few weeks. There's nothing that I see that makes them "unbeatable." If our defense plays well for 4 qtrs we can shut them down. I do believe in Thorson and think he'll be better.

So your D is better than Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mizzou, all top 10 in total defense and ranked higher than NU? None of them shut us down.

 

[thewildcat2011]

I wouldn't be surprised if some of those early trolls didn't have IP address that traced back to Champagne.

Why would the French be trolling us?

 

[PowellVolz]

Then you are a blind moron. Sorry to resort to name calling but your comments are asinine.

Don't worry, I've got this gem bookmarked.

 

[shakes3858]

This has to be a troll.

On my own board?