As I begin today I want to take the opportunity to say that I stand with the men and women in blue around this country. If we lose the rule of law and our respect for the rule of law in our land then we cease to become a great nation. Please joining me in considering how wonderful most of these fine people are that serve in this capacity. Never has the job of wearing that uniform been more important from coast to coast. Let's pray for this land which I fear is teetering on the brink of really dark times.
What a tremendous week we had last week. And I didn't even go to Birmingham. Then again we had a terrific week BECAUSE I didn't go to Birmingham. Still, Butch Jones was there and the Vols made their presence felt. I thought Gridironnow.com's Mike Huguenin (who joined me Friday) had a wonderful final thought culminating his appearance when he was effusing in his praise of all three of the Tennessee players that made the trip to Birmingham. It was great to hear Huggie go out of his way and give it up for these guys.
Phil Steele also joined me on the final day of our stellar broadcast week with some great news. HE has Tennessee A DOUBLE DIGIT FAVORITE IN NINE FOOTBALL GAMES IN 2016. Think about that for a second. It was just a couple of years ago that Tennessee had at least 4 guaranteed losses on the schedule. Now the Vols are the hunted before they really even became the hunter. It's been a pretty amazing transformation for Butch Jones and Tennessee. The case could also be made that Florida and Georgia are both in a transition year and this helps. Phil Steele's lines were interesting.
Vegas Phil Steele
Appy State -23 -21
Va Tech -11 -10
Ohio NL -28
Florida -12.5 -14
@Georgia PK PK/Tn -1
@ A&M -4.5 -3
Bama +3 +3
@SC NL -10
Tn Tech NL -42
Kentucky NL -21
Mizzou NL -17
Vandy -14.5 -14
"Tennessee is a legitimate playoff contender because they are favored in 11 of their 12 games this season. If they get to the title game with 1 loss, they'll be halfway there. That's why I have Tennessee #6 in my power poll and #7 overall," Steele said.
Look at the above lines! It's hard to argue with Phil Steele. Those advanced personal lines that he included for us are gold for our discussion today. Tennessee won't be less than a touchdown favorite in any game until they get to Georgia. Is it even possible that Tennessee can get out of September with a less than undefeated 4-0 start? And if things go according to form, Tennessee will cruise into October with a head of steam at Georgia. The last thing any of us want to see here is Tennessee stumble in one of the first four game. If the Vols are to have a special breakout year, then they absolutely must escape September with an unblemished record. This is a non-negotiable. Period. End of Sentence.
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Hatfield's Nine
Tony,
We all mourn as once again senseless violence has once again taken lives here on American soil. Sports are one of the few distractions from the madness we have.
1. The rise of Isaiah Stokes continues. He gone from a curiosity to a priority recruit for several schools, Tennessee included.
2. 35,000 in the stands for FC Cincinnati versus Crystal Palace bodes well for soccer in America. For the sport to continue its domestic growth, it must continue to build market share in major sports cities.
3. Henrik Stenson was brilliant in capturing The Open. He simply too good to be beaten.
4. Virginia Tech made a smart move in extending the contract of Buzz Williams. The Hokies are on the verge of having an NCAA Tournament team.
5. It will be interesting to see how the media approaches the latest off the field problems at Alabama. At some point, Nick Saban's free pass has to be revoked.
6. This transfer window has shown the the top of The Premiership is tired of being a Champions League afterthought. Multiple franchises are being very aggressive in pursuing substantial talent upgrades.
7. The Marlins have positioned themselves to chase a postseason spot. If they can add some offense, it will make them a wild card favorite.
8. Boston is a starting pitcher away from taking control of the AL East. It'll be interesting to see how much in the way of prospects they are willing to give up to get that piece.
9. Jordan McRae has solidified his spot in the NBA with his play in the Summer League. Hard to envision a scenario under which he isn't safely on a roster next season.
If you are interested in helping a worthy cause and playing some 3 on 3 hoops, go to www.tennessee3on3.com. Also, remember you can follow me on Twitter at @rkeithhatfield.
Keith
Tee Mail Time...
Before you read these, here's some background. I was called out last week by Tennessee Tom for being soft. He implored me off the sidelines by calling for me to renew my Simulcast with WRUF Radio's Steve Russell in Gainesville. If you're unfamiliar with the concept, back in the day we mixed our shows together and intermixed phone calls with each other. It was highly comical and great fun until it wasn't. That's to say once the Vols ceased being competitive it was the radio equivalent of placing my hand on a hot stove. Why bother? Well. With the high hopes comes a call from Tennessee Tom that was seconded by many listeners for me to return this once beloved 90's and early 2000's tradition.
'Tony B:
First, let me thank you again for being there all the time, and for keeping we Vols who can't be in K'ville as we'd like updated on our team and university. Without you, we'd be in the dark except for what the "media" and the "administration" wants us to know and hear as we were before you started your show and blog.
"Not so fast my friend" with the claim that the people have spoken on the one win. I totally agree with the Orange Throat logic that beating AL would be a bigger prize and, therefore, more valuable than beating FL. And you can rest assured - I cringe at losing to either EVERY YEAR!
As for us Trash Talking back at FL - I am immensely proud of our players for not lowering themselves to the same level the FL people live at? Will it prove anything even if we make a good showing in spouting off? Will it help our team beat them? Will it replace playing the game? A friendly brow beating, or tongue-in-cheek bantering is one thing, but sounding like an arrogant, ignorant ass is something else. I prefer to act like a UT fan that has respect for the game and myself. To be sure, all fans have the right to do as they wish, but showing class (aka Peyton) is our tradition, not mouthing off.
Finally, while I've got your attention, I want to say that I really appreciate the Vol Colonel's remarks on everything UT - ESPECIALLY his lost composure ranting that seems to have concerned some of us. I say especially because he has said what I have felt on the same subjects, and he aired my feelings when he aired his. Thanks again for being there Tony - Peace!
Mike in NC (UTK '66)'
Mike: Great hearing from you. Thanks for the kind words. About some of that inside information. I'm just blessed to have wonderful sources that see the value in what I provide to this market. We've got a super strong team around us right now. I feel fortunate to be orchestrating. Along those lines, I've got something involving Dave Hart from late last week that I really want to share, but am going to keep it under my hat for a day or so. Let's just say that this item would go under Dave Hart's Greatest Hits. The Hitman Commeth! On VC. The guy has a great spirit! On the simulcast, I would love to do it but I'm extremely concerned with the backlash of getting in the middle of the mix if we lose the game.
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'Tony:
On your simulcast dilemma....I'll break it down for you in plain English. Pro...Taunt Gators for a week about one thing after another (with a little 8 mile self depreciation before they can rip)
Con...deal with the 11 year bluster
Pro...Be the Exorcist, cast out the Demon, call Muschump, Cracklwain, and Urbane Cryer every name in the book...and remind them how Urbane jilted them for a better job, Spurrier wanted the NFL more than them, ect
Con...deal with the 11 year bluster
Pro...make hilarious predictions about outrageous things you'd like to see with Hurd, Kamara, Barnett, Berry, Sutton, Dobbs, ect. Needle, needle, and needle some more. And as you have said the streak ends in a BIG WAY
Con...deal with 11 year bluster
Pro...CALL THE SHOT FOR BASILIO NATION...FOR THE COMMON FAN IN THE IGYV
Con...listen to South Georgia runoff predict a 12th year
Pro...BASK...LOUNGE...REVEL...BATHE...IN THE SUNSHINE OF YOUR BIG ORANGE LOVE AS THE STREAK ENDS
CON...Suffer through the bluster of #12
If you're gonna talk the talk...walk the walk.
There is absolutely NO ONE, NOBODY ELSE, in this market who could pull it off but you, it takes a brass set...I think you got em.
Do It Tony!
Ward, Houston'
Ward: I love it! Really thoughtful stuff. And yes...I believe we are in the IGYV. The Inter Geophysical Year Of The Vols. But if we lose to Florida and I stir it up all week on that simulcast it could become IGYTWGR. I don't want this to turn into the Inter Geophysical Year The Wop Gets Run! Do you feel me?
'Hey Tone: Interesting stuff posted by you and our Vol Colonial over the past couple of days on our losing streak to Florida. First, I too believe that when the streak ends, it will not be close. I was convinced that last year was the year, and I texted my brother before the game that this would be a replay of ’95 Alabama, and we would crush them 41-14. In fact, we were on our way, leading 27 - 14 in the 4th quarter. I figured we’d stop one of those 4th down plays, cash it in, and then get a pick 6 and win 41-14. (I was even relieved when we did NOT go for two at 26 - 14.) Alas, the Gators' steroid-fueled QB kept making plays by the skin of his teeth…
Regarding the effect of trash talk, we all remember well Spurrier’s jive and jabs while they were beating us in the mid-90’s, through 1997. A strange thing happened in 1998. Before that game, Spurrier turned his needle toward his own team because Tennessee had won the East and the SEC title in 1997, and he kept saying that Florida had more to prove because they didn’t win any Championships in 1997. I truly believe that twist was enough of a psychological difference for us to get the monkey off our back that September evening.
Busted
Posted: Sun, Mar 24th, 4:22 PM Remember Bruce Pearl saying, “We’re gonna kick Florida’s Ass!” before doing just that? I also remember Pearl convincing Fulmer to say something of similar effect the Friday before a Florida game, and that didn’t work out. I think it works best when its part of the Coach’s DNA rather than going through the motions. Otherwise, your team doesn’t know what to think.
Finally, what a blast having the Vol Colonial respond to my volley about him becoming the Neutron Colonial. I thought he was going to blow me up double barrel style, but his response was a riot. “Not guilty by temporary insanity” on Butch Jones! Classic! I will continue reading the Vol Colonial columns, and I am a bigger fan now. Respect, Vol Colonial!
Bigger Al'
Bigger Al: Great hearing from you. Glad I could be a conduit between you and VC. He's great people. As for the Florida series....I just can't take it anymore. I just can't do it. I can't stand losing to those idiots. It's got to stop.
Your Vol Colonel returns tomorrow to Tonybasilio.com
Wednesday Y aka CC Hoops will have a UT Hoops recruiting update. The Vols are actually making offers to some pretty good players. They're not close to landing anyone of repute as of now, but at least they are picking it up somewhat.
Final Thought: Please do something nice for the policeman or policewoman in your life. These folks lay their lives on the line every minute of every day. They are heroes among us, and I celebrate and stand with them today. Will you join me in praying for our nation today? Enough is enough. The killing must stop. ALL lives matter.
Tony