2006 Tennessee Volunteers football team
Encyclopedia
The 2006 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee
in the college football
season of 2006–2007. Tennessee entered the 2006 season coming off an 5–6 record (3–5 SEC) in 2005. The Volunteers were given a preseason ranking of #23 in both the Coaches' Poll and the AP Poll
.
Led by head coach Phillip Fulmer
, the Volunteers played their home games at Neyland Stadium
. The 2006 season saw a turnaround from the previous years losing record. The Vols added four wins from the total of the previous season. Also notable was the breakout year turned in by wide receiver
Robert Meachem
who broke the single season school record for receiving yards.
, picking the Vols to win the East Division.
The Vols had last won a conference and national title in 1998
. Their last SEC East title had been in 2004.
(1st year)
Offensive Scheme: Multiple (I-Form, Shotgun and Singleback)
Tennessee had many changes on the offensive staff following the 2005 season. Former Offensive Coordinator Randy Sanders resigned and later took a job as quarterback coach at Kentucky
. Sanders was replaced by former Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe. Wide receiver coach Pat Washington and offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens were fired. Washington moved on to Kansas State University
, while Stephens stayed in state, taking the same position at Middle Tennessee State University
. The coaches were replaced by Matt Luke, who took over as offensive line coach, and Kurt Roper, who came in to coach running backs. Trooper Taylor
switched from running backs to wide receiver coach in response to the changes in staff.
Base Defense: Multiple (4–3 and 3–2–6 "Mustang")
The entire Tennessee defensive staff returned for the 2006 season. The group of Johnny Chavis, Dan Brooks, Steve Caldwell, and Larry Slade have been together since the 1999 season.
The Volunteers looked impressive in their first game after the 5–6 2005 season. Tennessee led 35–0 late in the 3rd quarter before putting in reserve players. Erik Ainge connected for 4 TD passes, with 4 scoring plays of more than 40 yards. Sports Illustrated
's "By The Numbers" noted that Tennessee had only 1 scoring play of more than 40 yards in the entire previous season. WR Robert Meachem caught two long touchdown passes.
On Defense, Tennessee held the highly touted Golden Bears scoreless for almost 3 entire quarters. They were led by Ryan Karl with 9 Tackles, while Antwan Stewart and Inky Johnson each had an interception. Cal QB
Nate Longshore
was held to 85 yards passing, while preseason All American RB
Marshawn Lynch
was limited to 76 yards rushing.
Erik Ainge moved into the top ranking for NCAA passer efficiency by going 24 for 29 with 1 interception and 3 touchdowns.
The Air Force Flexbone
offense gave the Tennessee defense trouble and racked up 281 rushing yards. The Vols also lost DT Justin Harrell and CB Inky Johnson for the season to injury (Though Harrell would be able to play sparingly against Florida before his surgery).
passed for 3 TD's including the game winner to Dallas Baker with 6:30 left to play.
Tennessee took the lead in the 2nd quarter after scoring on a trick play. WR Lucas Taylor took a reverse pitch and threw a pass to backup RB LaMarcus Coker. The Vols Defense sacked Leak 3 times.
One controversial play cost the Vols 7 points. MLB Marvin Mitchell intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD. The play was nullified by a roughing the passer penalty on J.T. Mapu for a hit to the head. Replays showed that Mapu was swiping at the ball and made contact with Leak's helmet.
for a safety to start the scoring. Backup RB LaMarcus Coker got his second career TD on an 89 yard run, the longest run from scrimmage for Tennessee since 1977. http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092306aad.html
. The Vols racked up 571 total yards en route to a 41–7 victory. The Vols held Memphis to 122 total yards, over 50 of which came against the reserve defense. QB Erik Ainge turned in another solid performance, going 24-for-28 for 331 yards and 4 TDs. WRs Jayson Swain
, Robert Meachem, and Bret Smith each had a TD reception, with two TDs for Swain. Memphis did have a 7–3 lead for a short time, after returning an interception for a touchdown. However, the play was called back on a penalty, and Tennessee never actually trailed the entire game.
for October 16, 2006. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/2006/1016.html
. Erik Ainge struggled early, but the Vols overcame their QB's 3 interception first half performance with strong defense and timely scoring. Tennessee held the Tide offense to 211 total yards and 13 points. Arian Foster scored the go ahead touchdown with 3:02 left to play in the game to give the Vols the 16–13 win. James Wilhoit went 3-for-4 on field goal attempts to account for the other nine points. Running back LaMarcus Coker sustained a knee injury that will keep him out until the Arkansas game.
Tennessee's 4th quarter touchdown against Alabama marked the first touchdown against the Crimson Tide by the Vols in 9 quarters, a streak starting in the 2nd quarter of the 2004 game.
South Carolina Gamecocks by the score of 31–24. On the second play from scrimmage, MLB Marvin Mitchell intercepted a bobbled pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown. On South Carolina's next possession, CB Jonathan Wade intercepted another tipped pass in the Tennessee endzone to stop a Gamecock drive. The Vol offense marched down the field and scored on a 10 play, 74 yard drive, capped off by a touchdown pass from Erik Ainge to Bret Smith.
South Carolina controlled the middle part of the game, and took a 17–14 lead with 4:10 left in the 3rd quarter. However, the Vols responded with a long scoring drive, and a 1 play scoring drive after a long Jonathan Hefney punt return. The Vols led 31–17 until South Carolina scored with 2:45 remaining in the game.
The Vols had to recover an onside kick and stop one last Gamecock offensive stand. An interception by Demetrius Morley on the final play of the game sealed the win.
QB Erik Ainge suffered an ankle injury.
CB Jonathan Wade was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against South Carolina. Wade had an interception in the endzone, 2 pass breakups and 4 solo tackles.
threw a touchdown pass with 9 seconds remaining to give the LSU Tigers a 28–24 victory over Tennessee. The Vols looked good at times during the game, but could not make a stop on LSU's final drive of the game, which consumed 7:14 from the clock. QB Erik Ainge, starting with a sore ankle, was replaced in the 1st quarter by redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton. Crompton performed well for his first significant action, connecting on two long touchdown passes to Robert Meachem. On Defense, Tennessee intercepted Russell 3 times and recovered 1 fumble.
. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton started his first game, after playing most of the previous week's game against LSU. Crompton struggled, going 16-for-34 with 1 interception and 2 touchdowns.
The Vols shut down an offense that had been fifth in the SEC averaging 363.1 yards per game and the nation's top receiver in Earl Bennett
. He had four catches for 16 yards a week after a career-high 220 yards receiving.
Chris Nickson, who had 517 yards total offense against Kentucky, was held to 97 yards passing and 44 yards rushing.
"We kept an eye on (him)," said Tennessee cornerback Jonathan Wade, "We never lost him."
Vanderbilt took its only lead at 7–6 when Nickson connected with George Smith on a 7-yard TD pass to culminate a drive that ate up nearly half of the second quarter. The Vols answered this score with a 6 play, 80 yard drive. The drive was capped off by an 8 yard touchdown run by LaMarcus Coker. Coker ended the day with 126 yards on 10 carries and 2 touchdowns.
Tennessee held the Wildcats scoreless in the second half, and held back a go ahead drive by the Wildcats in the 4th quarter. Kentucky drove down to the 2 yard line, before a delay of game penalty and two incompletions stifled their scoring effort. Kentucky outgained the Vols 410 to 336 yards, however, they were stopped on two trips inside the twenty, and on a 4th down play at the Tennessee 28. Kentucky K Lonas Seiber also missed an extra point and 33 yard field goal.
Robert Meachem had another good game for the Vols, with six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. With his effort, Meachem broke the UT record for receiving yards in a season.
to the Penn State
by the score of 20–10. The Vols were driving for the go ahead score midway through the 4th quarter before Arian Foster fumbled. The fumble was scooped up by the Lions' Tony Davis and returned for an 88 yard touchdown. The play proved to be decisive as Penn State added another field goal for the final margin of victory.
Penn State RB Tony Hunt
turned in a strong performance, running for 165 yards. The Vols defense allowed 380 total yards, but limited the Nittany Lions to only one touchdown scoring drive and surrendered only 13 points. James Wilhoit
hit a 44 yard field goal and an extra point in his final game as a Vol. RB LaMarcus Coker
had a 42 yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
in the college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
season of 2006–2007. Tennessee entered the 2006 season coming off an 5–6 record (3–5 SEC) in 2005. The Volunteers were given a preseason ranking of #23 in both the Coaches' Poll and the AP Poll
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
.
Led by head coach Phillip Fulmer
Phillip Fulmer
Phillip Fulmer is a TV college football analyst and the former head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who compiled a 152–52 record from 1992–2008 as head coach, but was fired during a 5–7 season in 2008...
, the Volunteers played their home games at Neyland Stadium
Neyland Stadium
Neyland Stadium is a sports stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. It serves primarily as the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, but is also used to host large conventions and has been a site for several NFL exhibition games. The stadium's official capacity is 102,455...
. The 2006 season saw a turnaround from the previous years losing record. The Vols added four wins from the total of the previous season. Also notable was the breakout year turned in by wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
who broke the single season school record for receiving yards.
Preseason
The Volunteers were picked by the media as a preseason third place in the SEC's Eastern Division at SEC Media Days. Tennessee was picked as low as 4th by the preseason magazines, with only one, Phil SteelePhil Steele
Phil Steele is an American sportswriter and analyst who focuses exclusively on college and professional football. He currently writes a column for the Orlando Sentinel, and is considered a "highly respected prognosticator" within the sports media...
, picking the Vols to win the East Division.
The Vols had last won a conference and national title in 1998
1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team
The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. Tennessee entered the 1998 season coming off an 11–2 record in 1997...
. Their last SEC East title had been in 2004.
Schedule
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: David CutcliffeDavid Cutcliffe
David Cutcliffe is the head football coach of the Duke University Blue Devils. He is best known for coaching Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning at the University of Tennessee, and Manning's younger brother and fellow Super Bowl Champion Eli at the University of Mississippi...
(1st year)
Offensive Scheme: Multiple (I-Form, Shotgun and Singleback)
Tennessee had many changes on the offensive staff following the 2005 season. Former Offensive Coordinator Randy Sanders resigned and later took a job as quarterback coach at Kentucky
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, also known as UK, is a public co-educational university and is one of the state's two land-grant universities, located in Lexington, Kentucky...
. Sanders was replaced by former Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe. Wide receiver coach Pat Washington and offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens were fired. Washington moved on to Kansas State University
Kansas State University
Kansas State University, commonly shortened to K-State, is an institution of higher learning located in Manhattan, Kansas, in the United States...
, while Stephens stayed in state, taking the same position at Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University, commonly abbreviated as MTSU, is a public university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States....
. The coaches were replaced by Matt Luke, who took over as offensive line coach, and Kurt Roper, who came in to coach running backs. Trooper Taylor
Trooper Taylor
Trooper Taylor is an American college football assistant coach at Auburn University, serving as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach under head coach Gene Chizik. Prior to joining Auburn, Taylor served as co-offensive coordinator for Oklahoma State...
switched from running backs to wide receiver coach in response to the changes in staff.
| Position | Number | Name | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | 10 | Erik Ainge Erik Ainge Erik Douglas Ainge is a retired American football quarterback formerly of the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Jr. |
| QB (vs. Ark) | 8 | Jonathan Crompton Jonathan Crompton Jonathan David Crompton is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
RS-Fr. |
| TB | 27 | Arian Foster Arian Foster Arian Foster , is an American football running back for the Houston Texans. He was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and was added to their active roster from the practice squad on November 17, 2009. He played college football at Tennessee... |
RS-So. |
| TB | 22 | LaMarcus Coker LaMarcus Coker LaMarcus Darnell Coker is a former college football player for the University of Tennessee and Hampton University who currently plays as a running back for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.-College:... |
RS-Fr. |
| FB | 45 | Cory Anderson | RS-Sr. |
| TE | 28 | Chris Brown | Jr. |
| TE | 86 | Brad Cottam Brad Cottam Bradley Joseph "Brad" Cottam is an American football tight end formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League.-Early years / Personal:... |
Jr. |
| WR | 9 | Bret Smith Bret Smith Bret Smith is an wide receiver for the Kansas City Command of the Arena Football League. He played college football at Tennessee.-High school:... |
Sr. |
| WR | 1 | Jayson Swain Jayson Swain Jayson Swain was a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He attended the University of Tennessee. Currently, he is back in Knoxville, Tennessee co-hosting a radio sports talk show on ESPN Radio Knoxville 1180 AM called "The Swain & Rucker Show."-High school:Swain was born in Chicago, Illinois, but... |
Sr. |
| WR | 3 | Robert Meachem Robert Meachem Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... |
RS-Jr. |
| LT | 76 | Arron Sears Arron Sears Arron Eugene Sears is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... |
Sr. |
| LG | 66 | David Ligon | RS-Sr. |
| C (Beginning of Season) | 73 | Michael Frogg | RS-Jr. |
| C (Replacement) | 50 | Josh McNeil | RS-Fr. |
| RG | 75 | Anthony Parker | RS-So. |
| RT | 54 | Eric Young Eric Young (American football) Eric Darrell Young is an American football guard for the San Diego Chargers. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at the Tennessee.... |
RS-Jr. |
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: John Chavis (19th year)Base Defense: Multiple (4–3 and 3–2–6 "Mustang")
The entire Tennessee defensive staff returned for the 2006 season. The group of Johnny Chavis, Dan Brooks, Steve Caldwell, and Larry Slade have been together since the 1999 season.
| Position | Number | Name | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE and LT | 90 | Turk McBride Turk McBride Claude Maurice "Turk" McBride is an American football defensive end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Sr. |
| LE (Post Harrell Injury) | 93 | Xavier Mitchell Xavier Mitchell Xavier Mitchell is a professional Canadian football defensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the BC Lions as a street free agent in 2009. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.-External links:*... |
Jr. |
| LT (Until Injury) | 92 | Justin Harrell Justin Harrell Justin Tyrell Harrell is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 16th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.-Early years:... |
Sr. |
| RT | 68 | Matt McGlothlin | Sr. |
| RE | 89 | Antonio Reynolds | Jr. |
| SLB | 39 | Ryan Karl | Jr. |
| MLB | 40 | Marvin Mitchell Marvin Mitchell Marvin Mitchell is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Sr. |
| WLB | 7 | Jerod Mayo Jerod Mayo -2008 season:Mayo was drafted by the New England Patriots with the tenth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was signed on July 24, 2008, to a five-year contract worth $18.9 million, including $13.8 million in bonuses and guarantees... |
RS-So. |
| LCB | 4 | Jonathan Wade Jonathan Wade -St. Louis Rams:Jonathon Wade was the 84th pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Wade signed a three-year deal worth $1.635 million that included a signing bonus of $516,375 Over the course of his rookie season at cornerback, Wade played 16 games and made one start as a... |
Sr. |
| RCB (Until Injury) | 29 | Inquoris Johnson | Jr. |
| SS-RCB | 24 | Antwan Stewart | Sr. |
| FS | 33 | Jonathan Hefney Jonathan Hefney Jonathan Jerrod Hefney is a Canadian Football Defensive Back who is currently playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
Jr. |
| SS (After Johnson Injury) | 20 | Demetrice Morley Demetrice Morley Demetrice Morley is an American football defensive back who has been ousted from the Tennessee Volunteers for "butting heads" with the new coaching staff, especially Ed Orgeron... |
So. |
Special teams
| Position | Number | Name | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| K | 25 | James Wilhoit James Wilhoit James Howell Wilhoit II was the placekicker for the University of Tennessee football team between 2003 and 2006.- High school :... |
Sr. |
| KR | 22 | LaMarcus Coker LaMarcus Coker LaMarcus Darnell Coker is a former college football player for the University of Tennessee and Hampton University who currently plays as a running back for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.-College:... |
RS-Fr. |
| KR | 6 | Ja'Kouri Williams | RS-So. |
| KR | 12 | Lucas Taylor | So. |
| P | 47 | Britton Colquitt Britton Colquitt Britton Colquitt is an American football punter for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, having been signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in December 2009... |
So. |
| PR (Until Injury) | 21 | Austin Rogers Austin Rogers Austin Rogers is an American actor. Rogers was born in New Port Richey, Florida, and currently lives in Southern California.-Filmography:-External links:... |
So. |
| PR (After Rogers Injury) | 33 | Jonathan Hefney Jonathan Hefney Jonathan Jerrod Hefney is a Canadian Football Defensive Back who is currently playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
Jr. |
California
Pregame Line: California −3The Volunteers looked impressive in their first game after the 5–6 2005 season. Tennessee led 35–0 late in the 3rd quarter before putting in reserve players. Erik Ainge connected for 4 TD passes, with 4 scoring plays of more than 40 yards. Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
's "By The Numbers" noted that Tennessee had only 1 scoring play of more than 40 yards in the entire previous season. WR Robert Meachem caught two long touchdown passes.
On Defense, Tennessee held the highly touted Golden Bears scoreless for almost 3 entire quarters. They were led by Ryan Karl with 9 Tackles, while Antwan Stewart and Inky Johnson each had an interception. Cal QB
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Nate Longshore
Nate Longshore
Nate Longshore is an arena football quarterback for the San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League. He played collegiately at California, where he was a three year starter and led the Golden Bears to a share of the Pac-10 title in 2006.-High school:Longshore graduated from Canyon High School...
was held to 85 yards passing, while preseason All American RB
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
was limited to 76 yards rushing.
Air Force
Tennessee avoided an upset by stopping a two point conversion with less than two minutes remaining. DE Xavier Mitchell made the stop in the backfield as the Vols avoided the late charge. Tennessee led 31–17 late in the 4th quarter before an interception and onside kick recovery allowed the Air Force Academy to close the gap.Erik Ainge moved into the top ranking for NCAA passer efficiency by going 24 for 29 with 1 interception and 3 touchdowns.
The Air Force Flexbone
Wishbone formation
The wishbone formation, also known simply as the ’bone, is an offensive formation in American football. The style of attack to which it gives rise is known as the wishbone offense...
offense gave the Tennessee defense trouble and racked up 281 rushing yards. The Vols also lost DT Justin Harrell and CB Inky Johnson for the season to injury (Though Harrell would be able to play sparingly against Florida before his surgery).
Florida
The Vols lost their SEC Opener in a hard fought battle with the Florida Gators. Florida held the Tennessee offense to −11 rushing yards en route to a 21–20 victory. Florida QB Chris LeakChris Leak
Christopher Patrick Leak is an American professional football player who is currently a quarterback for the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League. He played college football for the University of Florida, and led the Florida Gators to victory in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game...
passed for 3 TD's including the game winner to Dallas Baker with 6:30 left to play.
Tennessee took the lead in the 2nd quarter after scoring on a trick play. WR Lucas Taylor took a reverse pitch and threw a pass to backup RB LaMarcus Coker. The Vols Defense sacked Leak 3 times.
One controversial play cost the Vols 7 points. MLB Marvin Mitchell intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD. The play was nullified by a roughing the passer penalty on J.T. Mapu for a hit to the head. Replays showed that Mapu was swiping at the ball and made contact with Leak's helmet.
Marshall
The Volunteers took a while to get going... but only because the kickoff was postponed for 1 hour due to lightning. Soon after, Tennessee rolled to a 33–7 victory. The Defense led the way, holding Marshall to 236 total yards. Xavier Mitchell and Matt McGlothlin sacked Marshall QB Bernard MorrisBernard Morris
Bernard Raphael Morris is an American football quarterback, who is currently a Free Agent of the Arena Football League. He was signed as a street free agent by the Arkansas Twisters in 2009. He played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd.-Early years:Morris was born on May 29, 1985 in...
for a safety to start the scoring. Backup RB LaMarcus Coker got his second career TD on an 89 yard run, the longest run from scrimmage for Tennessee since 1977. http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092306aad.html
Memphis
Tennessee out manned unranked Memphis coached by former Vol Tommy WestTommy West
-External links:* *...
. The Vols racked up 571 total yards en route to a 41–7 victory. The Vols held Memphis to 122 total yards, over 50 of which came against the reserve defense. QB Erik Ainge turned in another solid performance, going 24-for-28 for 331 yards and 4 TDs. WRs Jayson Swain
Jayson Swain
Jayson Swain was a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He attended the University of Tennessee. Currently, he is back in Knoxville, Tennessee co-hosting a radio sports talk show on ESPN Radio Knoxville 1180 AM called "The Swain & Rucker Show."-High school:Swain was born in Chicago, Illinois, but...
, Robert Meachem, and Bret Smith each had a TD reception, with two TDs for Swain. Memphis did have a 7–3 lead for a short time, after returning an interception for a touchdown. However, the play was called back on a penalty, and Tennessee never actually trailed the entire game.
Georgia
Georgia took advantage of Special teams play to jump out to a 24–7 lead in the 2nd quarter. However, Tennessee stiffened its defense and scored on every possession but one in the second half to record a 51–33 victory over the ninth ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia entered the game with the #1 ranked scoring defense in the nation, but the Vols dropped them to #17. Erik Ainge was 25-of-38 with 2 TD's and no interceptions. Georgia scored twice on Special teams, with one long kickoff return for a TD in the first half and a long punt return for TD in the second half. Tennessee DB Antonio Wardlow blocked and punt and recovered the ball in the endzone to post a TD for the Vols in the 2nd half. Robert Meachem had 7 receptions for 98 yards and moved into first place nationally for receiving yards per game. A photo of Wardlow's punt block and recovery made the cover of Sports IllustratedSports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
for October 16, 2006. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/2006/1016.html
Alabama
The Vols won a close contest, regaining bragging rights for the Third Saturday in OctoberThird Saturday in October
The Third Saturday in October, also known as the Alabama–Tennessee football rivalry, is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Alabama Crimson Tide football team of the University of Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers football team of the University of Tennessee...
. Erik Ainge struggled early, but the Vols overcame their QB's 3 interception first half performance with strong defense and timely scoring. Tennessee held the Tide offense to 211 total yards and 13 points. Arian Foster scored the go ahead touchdown with 3:02 left to play in the game to give the Vols the 16–13 win. James Wilhoit went 3-for-4 on field goal attempts to account for the other nine points. Running back LaMarcus Coker sustained a knee injury that will keep him out until the Arkansas game.
Tennessee's 4th quarter touchdown against Alabama marked the first touchdown against the Crimson Tide by the Vols in 9 quarters, a streak starting in the 2nd quarter of the 2004 game.
South Carolina
Tennessee took advantages of some early turnovers and finished strong as they beat Steve Spurrier'sSteve Spurrier
Stephen Orr Spurrier is an American college football coach and player. Spurrier is the current head coach of the University of South Carolina's Gamecocks football team. He is also a former professional player and coach...
South Carolina Gamecocks by the score of 31–24. On the second play from scrimmage, MLB Marvin Mitchell intercepted a bobbled pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown. On South Carolina's next possession, CB Jonathan Wade intercepted another tipped pass in the Tennessee endzone to stop a Gamecock drive. The Vol offense marched down the field and scored on a 10 play, 74 yard drive, capped off by a touchdown pass from Erik Ainge to Bret Smith.
South Carolina controlled the middle part of the game, and took a 17–14 lead with 4:10 left in the 3rd quarter. However, the Vols responded with a long scoring drive, and a 1 play scoring drive after a long Jonathan Hefney punt return. The Vols led 31–17 until South Carolina scored with 2:45 remaining in the game.
The Vols had to recover an onside kick and stop one last Gamecock offensive stand. An interception by Demetrius Morley on the final play of the game sealed the win.
QB Erik Ainge suffered an ankle injury.
CB Jonathan Wade was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against South Carolina. Wade had an interception in the endzone, 2 pass breakups and 4 solo tackles.
LSU
LSU QB JaMarcus RussellJaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
threw a touchdown pass with 9 seconds remaining to give the LSU Tigers a 28–24 victory over Tennessee. The Vols looked good at times during the game, but could not make a stop on LSU's final drive of the game, which consumed 7:14 from the clock. QB Erik Ainge, starting with a sore ankle, was replaced in the 1st quarter by redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton. Crompton performed well for his first significant action, connecting on two long touchdown passes to Robert Meachem. On Defense, Tennessee intercepted Russell 3 times and recovered 1 fumble.
Arkansas
The Razorbacks dominated the Vols on both sides of the ball and took a 28–7 lead into the locker room at half time. Arkansas won the game 31–14, predominantly by controlling the line of scrimmage. Arkansas out rushed Tennessee 259–92, with 191 yards by Razorback Darren McFaddenDarren McFadden
Darren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton started his first game, after playing most of the previous week's game against LSU. Crompton struggled, going 16-for-34 with 1 interception and 2 touchdowns.
Vanderbilt
Tennessee avenged last year's upset loss to Vanderbilt by beating the Commodores, 39–10. The Vols took a 19–7 lead into halftime and were not in any danger of giving up the lead in the second half. Ainge capped the victory with a 17-yard TD toss to Robert Meachem early in the fourth quarter for a 36–7 lead. Meachem had seven catches for 95 yards, and Wilhoit had a career-high 15 points with field goals of 43, 27 and 41.The Vols shut down an offense that had been fifth in the SEC averaging 363.1 yards per game and the nation's top receiver in Earl Bennett
Earl Bennett
Earl Bennett is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. He had four catches for 16 yards a week after a career-high 220 yards receiving.
Chris Nickson, who had 517 yards total offense against Kentucky, was held to 97 yards passing and 44 yards rushing.
"We kept an eye on (him)," said Tennessee cornerback Jonathan Wade, "We never lost him."
Vanderbilt took its only lead at 7–6 when Nickson connected with George Smith on a 7-yard TD pass to culminate a drive that ate up nearly half of the second quarter. The Vols answered this score with a 6 play, 80 yard drive. The drive was capped off by an 8 yard touchdown run by LaMarcus Coker. Coker ended the day with 126 yards on 10 carries and 2 touchdowns.
Kentucky
The Vols scored their 22nd consecutive victory over the Wildcats of Kentucky with a 17–12 win. The 22 game streak is currently the longest in the nation after Navy defeated Notre Dame in 2007.Tennessee held the Wildcats scoreless in the second half, and held back a go ahead drive by the Wildcats in the 4th quarter. Kentucky drove down to the 2 yard line, before a delay of game penalty and two incompletions stifled their scoring effort. Kentucky outgained the Vols 410 to 336 yards, however, they were stopped on two trips inside the twenty, and on a 4th down play at the Tennessee 28. Kentucky K Lonas Seiber also missed an extra point and 33 yard field goal.
Robert Meachem had another good game for the Vols, with six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. With his effort, Meachem broke the UT record for receiving yards in a season.
Outback Bowl: Penn State
The Vols ended the season on a sour note by dropping the 2007 Outback BowlOutback Bowl
The Outback Bowl is an annual New Year's Day college football bowl game played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The event was originally called the Hall of Fame Bowl from 1986 to 1994 until being renamed in 1995 for its new title sponsor, Outback Steakhouse...
to the Penn State
2006 Penn State Nittany Lions football team
The 2006 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented the Pennsylvania State University in the 2006–2007 college football season. The team's head coach was Joe Paterno. It played its home games at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania....
by the score of 20–10. The Vols were driving for the go ahead score midway through the 4th quarter before Arian Foster fumbled. The fumble was scooped up by the Lions' Tony Davis and returned for an 88 yard touchdown. The play proved to be decisive as Penn State added another field goal for the final margin of victory.
Penn State RB Tony Hunt
Tony Hunt
Antonio Christopher Hunt is an American football running back for the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna of the Austrian Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.-Early years:A standout player at T. C...
turned in a strong performance, running for 165 yards. The Vols defense allowed 380 total yards, but limited the Nittany Lions to only one touchdown scoring drive and surrendered only 13 points. James Wilhoit
James Wilhoit
James Howell Wilhoit II was the placekicker for the University of Tennessee football team between 2003 and 2006.- High school :...
hit a 44 yard field goal and an extra point in his final game as a Vol. RB LaMarcus Coker
LaMarcus Coker
LaMarcus Darnell Coker is a former college football player for the University of Tennessee and Hampton University who currently plays as a running back for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.-College:...
had a 42 yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
Honors
- Erik Ainge – Cingular All-America Player of the Week (Oct. 13)http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101306aaa.html
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- SEC Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 9) http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100906aaa.html
- Walter CampWalter CampWalter Chauncey Camp was an American football player, coach, and sports writer known as the "Father of American Football". With John Heisman, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Pop Warner, Fielding H. Yost, and George Halas, Camp was one of the most accomplished persons in the early history of American football...
National Player of the Week (Oct. 8) http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100806aad.html- Johnny Chavis – Assistant Football Coach of the Year (by the American Football Coaches AssociationAmerican Football Coaches AssociationThe American Football Coaches Association is an association of over 11,000 football coaches and staff on all levels. According to its constitution, some of the main goals of the American Football Coaches Association are to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and the profession of...
).http://www.afca.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=61515&SPID=6696&DB_OEM_ID=9300&ATCLID=697177 - Britton Colquitt – The Sporting NewsThe Sporting NewsSporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Johnny Chavis – Assistant Football Coach of the Year (by the American Football Coaches Association
- Coaches 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120506aae.html
- APAssociated PressThe Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html- LaMarcus Coker – The Sporting News 1st team Freshman All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- SEC Coaches All Freshman teamhttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120706aac.html
- Jonathan Hefney – Rivals.com 2nd team All-Americahttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aac.html
- The Sporting News 2nd team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Coaches 2nd team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120506aae.html
- AP 2nd team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Jerod Mayo – Rivals.com 2nd team All Americanhttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aac.html
- Turk McBride – SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Nov. 28)http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aaa.html
- The Sporting News 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- AP 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Rico McCoy – SEC Coaches All Freshman teamhttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120706aac.html
- Josh McNeil – The Sporting News 1st Team Freshman All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- SEC Coaches All Freshman teamhttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120706aac.html
- Robert Meachem – Football Writers Association of AmericaFootball Writers Association of AmericaThe Football Writers Association of America is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA...
1st team All-Americahttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120806aaa.html
- Robert Meachem – Football Writers Association of America
- Rivals.com 1st team All-Americahttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aac.html
- The Sporting News 1st team All SEC http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Coaches 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120506aae.html
- AP 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Arron Sears – Walter Camp 1st team All-America http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120806aaa.html
- AFCAAmerican Football Coaches AssociationThe American Football Coaches Association is an association of over 11,000 football coaches and staff on all levels. According to its constitution, some of the main goals of the American Football Coaches Association are to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and the profession of...
1st team All-America http://www.secsports.com/index.php?url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=8033&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 - Rivals.com 3rd team All-Americahttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aac.html
- The Sporting News 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Coaches 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120506aae.html
- AP 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Jacobs Award (Top Blocker in the SEC)http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120606aac.html
- Jonathan Wade – SEC Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 30) http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103006aab.html
- The Sporting News 2nd team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Coaches 2nd team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120506aae.html
- AP 2nd team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- James Wilhoit – SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (Nov. 21)http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112106aaa.html
- The Sporting News 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
- Coaches 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120506aae.html
- AP 1st team All SEChttp://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120406aam.html
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External links
- Tennessee 2006 Schedule/Results at ESPN.comESPN.comESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...