Another Vol giveaway, 14-12

As this scenario plays out week after week, Tennessee fans are no longer is shock, rather we are numb. .....Yes, Tennessee gave another game away by fumbling the ball inside their own 5 year line. This one came at the 3, on a botched handoff from QB Jonathan Crompton to RB Arian Foster. Had it not been for this fumble which was ponced on in the end zone by defensive tackle Jake Ricks for an Auburn touchdown, Tennessee would have won the game, instead of loosing 14-12. Perhaps this Tennessee team should consider punting on first down inside the 5.

It was a traditional SEC defensive struggle. Very physical, with both defenses playing very well. Hand it to Auburn. When they needed a critical stop, they usually got it. Auburn held Tennessee to only 191 yards of total offense. Auburn had only 221. The Tennessee punting was excellent in the second half, resulting in Auburn starting from deep in their own territory most of the time.

The Tennessee offense again sputtered throughout the game. What few drives the Vols were able to mount usually came to an end with questionable calls such as long passes on 3rd and short. QB Jonathan Compton was able to keep a couple of drives going by scrambling for first downs when his receivers were covered, but was unable to pass effectively. Credit part of that to the Auburn defense and part to bad decisions and poor throws.

The Auburn fans appeared disappointed in their teams offensive performance, at times booing, perhaps failing to fully appreciate the defensive efforts of the Vols. The biggest cheers came when Auburn inserted QB Kodi Burns late in the first half and again near the end of the game.
Burns was able to scramble effectively and complete some critical passes in the first half, but could not move the ball late in the game, except for a critical third down pass for a first down which allowed Auburn to run out the clock.

For Tennessee fans, perhaps the highlight of the day was the presence of Peyton Manning on
the Tennessee sideline. Auburn fans enjoyed seeing him as well. We missed out favorite song, "Rock Top" which was heard very few times.

Looking ahead, without drastic improvement in the offense, the Vols will be fortunate to come away with a 6 and 6 season. Next weeks game at home against Northern Illinois will likely result in many of the normally sold out 106,000 plus seats in Neyland Stadium being vacant, as UT fans show their displeasure.

My family and I appreciated the great atmosphere of Jordan-Hare stadium and the courtesy shown to the considerable number of Tennessee fans by the Auburn crowd. My daugher spent as much time talking to Auburn fans as watching the game. It again made me proud of the SEC, and this part of the country.

Congratulations to Ole Miss and to Alabama. Goes to show that anything can happen on any given Saturday,especially in the SEC.

Thanks.