Your Next Tennessee Men's Basketball Coach Is.....

The Knoxville News Sentinel is reporting that a source spilled the beans as to who the five candidates are to replace Bruce Pearl.
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2011/mar/23/five-coaches-top-uts-list-search-replace-bruce-pea/


Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon.

Villanova head coach Jay Wright.

Alabama head coach Anthony Grant.

Texas A&M head coach Mark Turgeon.

Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall.

Those of us at the OSG HQ say there is no way in hell Jamie Dixon and Jay Wright would leave Big East schools to coach the Vols. Ditto for Anthony Grant, why make a lateral move.

Turgeon is on everyone's list but has stayed at Texas A&M.

Marshall? If he makes a move its to NC State.

Good luck with that list.

The March Through The Madness: Day Two Recap

Texas survives as Oakland's losing number ((four)) disturbed a lot of the prop bets on the board... here's Rick Barnes...
((HT: KVUE-TV Austin))


Michigan, probably, put Tennessee fans out of their misery with a 30-point blowout of the Vols. The HQ would only hope AD Mike Hamilton would be closely behind...
((HT: WBIR-TV Knoxville))


The HQ is fairly certain that VCU head coach Shaka Smart got Jay Bilas to watch the upset of Georgetown- especially, when you hit 12 3's in the game as a team...
Brandon Rozzell had half of them...
Here's some postgame...
((HT: FoxSports))


UGA missed a game-tying three at the buzzer and Washington moves on to Face North Carolina. The Tarheels took care of a pesky LIU-Brooklyn squad...
((HT: KING5- Seattle))


All the tournament Buzz goes to Marquette with their upset of Xavier...
Here's the Marquette head coach...
((HT: FoxSports))


And Memphis fans feel jobbed about the Arizona loss... they met the team at the airport...
((HT: MyFoxMemphis))

Tiger Fans Feel Shafted By Arizona Loss: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

DEVELOPING: Allegations Hit Knoxville...

There's only one allegation against the University itself...

The "failure to monitor" was found for basketball...
Nothing really new was found against the basketball program...
Bruce Pearl got the unethical charge we anticipated and also added a "bumping" secondary violation with contact with a junior.

A lot of stuff in the report was blacked out...
Shocking...

Here's coverage from our friends at WBIR-TV
Steve Phillips is front and center...


Young Kiffin had a prepared statement released...
"We have received the notice of allegations. On the advice of my legal counsel, we cannot comment other than to say we look forward to working through the process with the NCAA," Kiffin said.

Bob Ley, Pat Forde, and Andy Katz discuss on ESPN's "Outside The Lines..."

Derek Dooley Volunteers A Bunch Of Changes

Vols head coach Derek Dooley announced that by "mutual agreement," defensive line coach Chuck Smith will not return to his position for the 2011 season and will pursue other career opportunities.

“I am grateful for the personal investment, hard work, and passion that Chuck contributed to our program this past year,” said Dooley. “He is a dear friend to me, and more importantly, will always be a part of the Tennessee family.”

VolunteerTV has the story hyah...

Then, a lot of roster moves are on the horizon...

Sophomore safety Janzen Jackson has voluntarily withdrawn from the 2011 spring semester for personal reasons.

“We are continuing to support Janzen as he addresses his personal issues during this temporary withdrawal from school,” Dooley said in a release. “While he would still be eligible to compete if he enrolls this fall, nothing is more important than Janzen’s personal well-being.”

Also, freshman defensive back Ted Meline has permanently withdrawn from school for personal reasons. Linebacker Jerod Askew has been dismissed for a violation of team rules. Junior defensive back Art Evans has been reinstated, and junior center Cody Pope will no longer participate in football for medical reasons.

Here's how the HQ tends to remember Chuck Smith...

Tennessee steals one from Georgia or when a foul isn't a foul....

We didn't realize what happened here until we got up this morning. If you've watched the morning Sportscenter, then you've probably seen the highlights from this game. Tennessee versus Georgia in SEC Basketball.

Granted SEC hoops aren't nearly as good as the football, but both these teams are decent. The Vols, working again without suspended head coach Bruce Pearl were ranked in the Top 10 at one point this year. Georgia, they've been one of the league's biggest surprises at 13-4.

Yeah, it was a close game, back and forth and down to the last possession. And that is where the debate has now started.

Tennessee's Tobias Harris launches a 3-point shot with just a couple of seconds to go. It misses. The ball bounces out towards Georgia forward Chris Barnes. The Vols Brian Williams appears to reach around...or over Barnes, grabs the ball and throws it towards the basket. It goes in. In his follow through, Williams throws Barnes to the floor.

Watch the video. Does it look like a foul? What sayeth you?

Here are your 4-letter highlights, at least until they are pulled.

TWTW: Cocks Big Fourth Gives Vols 4th Loss In A Row

((HT: WBIR-TV Knoxville))

After three quarters in Columbia, South Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina were tied at 24.

The Gamecocks then hit Alshon Jeffrey on a 70-yard touchdown and added a one yard Stephen Garcia run to keep Carolina in control of its destiny in the SEC East.

South Carolina is 6-2/4-2 in conference play with Arkansas and Florida left on their schedule. A win over the Gators would give the Gamecocks their first SEC East division crown.

Yeah, good luck with that one...

Vols head coach Derek Dooley was none too pleased with Matt Simms' turnovers, so he was benched in favor of Tyler Bray at quarterback for the second half. Simms, in turn, was none too pleased with the benching.

Tough you-know-what...

Tennessee is now 2-6, the worst start for the Vols since beginning 0-6 in 1988.

Kris Budden filed quickly from the Fairgrounds...

DEVELOPING: Bruce Pearl Is In Deep Doo-Doo...

((HT: GoVolsXtra/Griffith))

The letter of inquiry came in from the NCAA today, and everyone in Knoxville gets to stare at men's hoops coach Bruce Pearl for a change...

Head coach Bruce Pearl loses $1.5 million in salary over the next five years and the $500,000 retention bonus he was supposed to get next November will be deferred until June 2015 as part of UT's self-imposed penalties that were announced today.

"I provided incorrect and misleading information to the NCAA," Pearl said. "I have no tolerable answer for why I didn't tell the truth. ... I let my family down, I let the university down, I let our fans down and I let my players down.

"I have a responsibility to lead by example, and I should expect more from myself and so should you."

Here's the presser in its entirety, thanks to our friends at WBIR-TV...
Vol fans... watch at your own peril...


The HQ was particularly fond of the fire alarm being pulled during Pearl's response... but we still think the program still has a lot of 'splaining to do...

Peyton Manning On Lane Kiffin, "We Didn't Think Tennessee Was A Transition Job."

Peyton Manning was a guest Monday's Dan Patrick's radio show where the Colts quarterback discussed a plethora of topics. They talk about Tony Dungy and some other Colts stuff but then Manning discussed Lane Kiffin's short but memorable tenure at Tennessee. Let's just say Manning wasn't that crazy about Kiffy-kins and the way he treated the Big Orange Nation.

Click on the link to listen.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/listenlive.player.html?file=http://ht.cdn.turner.com/si/danpatrick/audio/2010/08/23/DP-Peyton_Manning-08-23-10_Interview.mp3

Vols Buying Out Tarheels For Buffalo...?

((HT: GoVolsXtra/Ward))

Looks that way...

UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton told Ward today:

"It's been verbal communication to this point and in these situations there still has to be formality to any contract, and so we've let Carolina know that we're going to go a different direction since they were not able to move the game and the series to a later date in the decade," Hamilton said. "Personally, it's kind of a downer for me because I was looking forward to playing Carolina as a North Carolina native, but without the ability to move it to later in the decade, we felt like we needed to break that six-game stretch up and put a non-BCS team in there.

"We'll buy out of the series and do that and move ahead."

So much for all those quality losses Tennessee would be building in the early years of the Dooley era... this gives the Vols an eighth home game, more revenue, and an easy win to maintain bowl-eligibility...

Which, is of course, more important...

Here's what the Nation will be seeing... or, more accurately, not seeing...
It will not be a "Free Willy" moment...
((HT: ESPN/TrueBlueUBathletics))

Runaway Lane...

This song is hilarious! Nelson posted this song earlier, but here it is set to a crazy video. Some scary scenes ahead...lol!

I tip my hat to the Chris Vernon Show and 730 FOX Sports, Memphis' Sports Station (and listener Jesse)...

Would Never Leave You Like Kiffin...

UT basketball player Renaldo Woolridge, aka "Swiperboy," wrote a song in honor of the very premature departure of former Vols football coach Lane Kiffin.

Check it out...it's pretty good...

Monday SEC-ACC Tackle Football Update

Former Vols athlete Nu'Keese Richardson entered a guilty plea in Knox County Criminal Court on Monday.

The plea came before a grand jury could consider the charge.

As a result, Richardson avoids jail time and gets judicial diversion.

Whatever that means...

Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap and center Maurkice Pouncey are leaving school early and entering the NFL draft joining cornerback Joe Haden and tight end Aaron Hernandez who would like to get paid to play from now on.

Guard Mike Pouncey, however, says he is returning for his senior season.

Over at Georgia Tech, three juniors are out the door. Jonathan Dwyer, Morgan Burnett, and Derrick Morgan are all gone leaving a big restructuring job for head coach Paul Johnson. They join WR Demarious "Be-Be" Thomas in the pay world.

The AJC's Mark Bradley analyzes here...

Alabama All-American linebacker Rolando McClain has declared as well.
McClain said he would skip his senior season to turn pro.

He's a projected first-rounder after leading the team with 105 tackles and 14.5 stops for loss, two interceptions, and four sacks to go along with that national title thing.

Al.com's Gentry Estes discusses here...

Heating Up The Florida/Tennessee Rivalry

As if the recruiting throw down between Florida head coach Urban Meyer and Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin wasn't enough, here's some more bulletin board material for the Florida - Tennessee game.

In a Q and A with the Gainesville (Fla.) Sun, Florida offensive lineman Matt Patchan was asked this question:

What would you say to Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin if you passed him on the street?
I probably wouldn’t say anything to him. I’ve got nothing to say to that guy. He’s a bozo.

And I only thought Barry Switzer was "Bozo The Coach".

I can't wait until the Vols and Gators mix it up at the Swamp on September 19.

Photo Courtesy: Doug Finger/Gainesville Sun

13 Year Old Commits To Tennessee

Evan Berry is 13 years old, is the younger brother of Tennessee All-American Eric Berry and hasn't played a game of high school football yet he has verbally committed to the Vols.

By NCAA rule, Tennessee can't offer a scholarship to an athlete that young and the Vols haven't offered one to Evan Berry.

Berry told Rival.com who first reported the story: "It's the only college I know right now and it seems the best for me," Berry, 13, said. "My dad went there and my brother is there now. I know I can do the same things there. I have a real friendly relationship with the coaches there. I don't know them too well, but I know I will have plenty of time to get to know them."

Evan, who will begin his high school career at Creekside High School in Fairburn, GA is projected to be a quarterback or safety, just like his big brother.

Let's see how his high school career progresses and if he changes his commitment along the way.

Knoxville News Sentinel

Lane Kiffin Signs A Convicted Rapist

Those of us at the OSG HQ have gotten a good laugh from Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin since he was hired. Whether it's getting under rival Urban Meyer's skin or telling a recruit he would be pumping gas if he went to South Carolina, Kiffin has provided us with some knee slappin' humor. Let's face it, he can be a bonehead and poking fun has become a rite of passage in the OSG break room. The latest Kiffin capade is not a laughing matter.

In an era where universities want "good character guys" representing their athletic teams Lane Kiffin is taking a chance on a kid with a criminal record that involves rape. The Vols signed TE/DE Daniel Hood from Knoxville Catholic High School who is a convicted rapist.

At age 13 Hood was tried as a juvenile and according to court records a jury found him to be delinquent “on the basis that he had committed the adult offenses of kidnapping and aggravated rape.” The victim was Hood's at the time 14 year old cousin. A co-defendant, who was 17 at the time of the assault, is currently serving a 10-year sentence for the same crime.

Duct tape, a plunger and cellophane were used in the attack. You can read the gruesome details here.

Court documents state that Hood little remorse for his actions but he told the Knoxville News-Sentinel in a recent interview that he is sorry.

“I know people are going to form their opinions about me,” Hood told the Knoxville News - Sentinel. “Everybody’s entitled to that. The only thing I can do is prove who I am now. Every day is a new battle. There’s a new person I can meet. They may have a prejudice set up against me. But I have a chance to prove who I am every day and not only to be a witness to some of the correctional facilities and the jobs they’re doing of putting out rehabilitated people, but more directly be a witness for Christ for the sake of his church.”

Kiffin defends his decision saying in a statement, “We didn’t go about this lightly,” Kiffin said in a statement Tuesday. “We spent a lot of time researching the issue and talking to a lot of people who are well-respected in the community. Everyone spoke very highly of Daniel. He’s a very bright young man who wants to move past this incident and be a good representative for the team, the university and the community.”

Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton statement defends his coaches decision of offer Hood a scholarship. “Daniel made a terrible mistake a number of years ago and was involved in a very bad thing. He’s very remorseful and has worked hard to turn his life around. Catholic High gave him a second chance, and he lived up to expectations. We feel like he has earned the chance to continue that.”

The victim wrote a letter urging UT to admit him. The higher ups at Knoxville Catholic High School gave a recommendation as well. Hood did carry a 3.8 GPA.

It's a moral dilemma for the University of Tennessee especially in this day of intense media scrutiny and political correctness. There are those who believe that Hood deserves a second chance and that he learned a lesson. There are those who want this kid to pay dearly for an bad early life decision.

If Hood has clearly learned his lesson and is very remorseful then yes he deserves a 2nd chance. Know this, he will live under zero tolerance his entire career at UT. I wouldn't recommend attending any frat parties.

Photos Courtesy: Knoxville News-Sentinel

Pearl Jams & Raps

What the hell has gotten into the head coaches at the University of Tennessee? First Lane Kiffin constantly tried to top himself this winter with pure stupidity until the SEC had to step in and reprimand his ass. Now this, Bruce Pearl the rapper.


Here's the video evidence for your enjoyment thanks to VolunteerTV.com




Nothing like a middle aged Jewish guy gettin' his rap on. I could have done without the chest hair. It will be a long time before I get this image burned out of my memory.

This took place Monday night at the 3rd annual VOLSCARS in Knoxville. It's put on by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at U-T to showcase and celebrate the accomplishments of the Vols men's and women's athletic teams.

Kiffin Speaks

Tennessee Head Coach Lane Kiffin appeared on the 4-letter this morning explaining himself on First Take.




OK, I liked the "full-service" gas station comment. Dude's got a sense of humor. I just wondering when was the last time Kiffin pumped his own gas.


Someone tell coach Kiffin wearing a visor inside a studio is not a good look. Maybe he is going for the Steve Spurrier look. At least Kiffin didn't toss it.

Your Friday the 13th Picture Fun

A friend of mine sent me this picture, and I couldn't help but share it...

This is awesome...have a great weekend...

Kiffin The Comedian

"Lovable" Lane Kiffin spoke Wednesday night. It's the first time boy wonder has spoken since being sent to time out by SEC commissioner Mike Slive for calling another SEC school and its head coach cheaters and his wrist slapped by the University of Tennessee for a pair of minor recruiting violations.

Has Kiffin learned his lesson?

"We'll make sure we're aware of how sensitive people are around here," Kiffin told a crowd of UT supporters Wednesday at the Big Orange Tip-Off Club.

Callling a conference rival a cheater tends to fire up the masses. That should have been Kiffin's first clue.

Its all in good natured humor, at least that's how Kiffin is trying to sell to you. He's just having a good time and all those incidents are blown way out of proportion. Yeah... right.

"I like to have fun with some things. The example I can give you is that Steve Spurrier came out the first day I was here and accused me of recruiting without having passed the test. I didn't call the commissioner whining about it." Kiffin said Wednesday night.

"I just shot back at him, joking around with him."

We here at OSG HQ like our comedy funny and not getting Kiffin's strange sense of humor, not to mention lack of class. We can't wait for Lane Kiffin's opening night at The Chuckle Hut.

Read all about it from The Tennessean.

Photo Courtesy: UT Sports.com

Kiffin's Boss Has His Back

Called it blind loyalty or making the best of a touchy situation but Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton feels his hire, Lane Kiffin, now has a sense of the enormity of his job which happens to be the head football coach of the UT Vols.

After wrongfully accusing a conference rival of cheating and then getting his wrist slapped by SEC commissioner Mike Slive and then having to turn his university in for 2 recruiting violations, it's safe to say Kiffin has had his "oh s*$^" week.

"I think it's an indication that he understands fully that in any environment, the comments of the head football coach at the University of Tennessee are going to be listened to and often quoted," UT athletic director Mike Hamilton told The Tennessean. "You have to be sensitive to that, especially at a place like the University of Tennessee."

Where Joe Billy Vol Fan hangs on every word from the leader of the Vol nation.

After being sent to his room by conference commissioner Slive, Kiffin got a letter of admonishment as did recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron from the university after UT reported to the NCAA and SEC 2 minor recruiting violations.

Those violations were" 1) using a fog machine as a recruit ran onto the field at Neyland Stadium [not enough students willing to help form the "T" on the field] and 2) The second violation came when recruits took part in a mock press conference at the football stadium. Simulating game situations to recruits doesn't sit well with the NCAA.

Click here for the Tennessean story.