This is what went on in the conference room just before Lane Kiffin attempts to explain his sudden departure from Tennessee to the media.

Here is what they got…

From The Lane Kiffin Show, Nov 22, 2009. Coach Kiffin comments on horrible pass interference call made against Anthony Anderson. Says the “refs made the right call.” Tells Bob Kesling, “YOU can say whatever you want. Don’t worry. He (Mike Slive) can’t fine you. Go ahead. Say what I wanna.” Priceless!

In the game of chess, the pawn is the weakest piece, and it is often used metaphorically to indicate something that is unimportant or  expendable. In the game of College Football, Nu’Keese has become that pawn for the University of Tennessee football program.

Kiffin first used Nu’Keese back in February at an “energetic breakfast” with some of Tennessee’s donors and alumni. Kiffin claimed Urban Meyer broke NCAA rules by calling Richardson while he was at UT on a recruiting visit.

“I’m going to turn Florida in right now in front of you. As Nu’Keese was here on campus, his phone keeps ringing. So one of our coaches who is sitting in a meeting with him says, ‘Who’s that?’ He looks at the phone and says, ‘Urban Meyer.’

Just so you know, when a recruit is on another campus you can’t call him. But I love the fact that Urban had to cheat and still didn’t get him.”

With Kiffin’s blatant lack of knowledge of the rules,  he was able to get his national headlines after National Signing Day. With their “don’t take no for an answer” approach and his promise to turn Nu’Keese into the next Reggie Bush, Kiffin had his trophy to keep his program in the news.

Kiffin said after National Signing day, “We’re just getting started. This is just a little bit of a taste . . . There’s already been a message sent and I think there are going to be bigger ones sent soon.”

His recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron saw it fit to take some direct shots at the Gators, “In order to beat the national champ on the field, you have to beat the national champ in recruiting. We beat them twice.”

Also Orgeron made it clear the strong arm tactics they used to get Nu’ke out Florida, “‘No’ doesn’t mean anything nowadays. A commitment doesn’t mean anything nowadays. Just the fax. When you see that name come across the paper, that’s what matters.”

While Boy Blunder and his League of Super Coaches were planning their next PR move, a unsure Richardson had to live with his rushed decision. “I wanted to move it back,” Richardson said. “I wanted to wait. But I felt if I did too much thinking it would make it harder on me.”

Fast forward to November 12th –rumors are swirling about an unhappy Nu’Keese considering a transfer and skipping a practice, but what takes place around 2 AM at the Pilot gas station in Knoxville comes as a shock to us all. I won’t get into the details as they have been covered thoroughly.

What I want to focus on is the fact that a kid promised to become the next Reggie Bush sits in a Knoxville jail cell because no one has posted a $19,500 bond for Nu’Keese. So the pawn that was uprooted from his family and friends in Florida gets sacrificed. In a week where Kiffin boasted about his clean program,  he has yet to issue any disciplinary actions or shown any compassion towards his players.

Would things have been any better if Richardson came to Gainesville? That I have no clue, but one thing is for sure; Nu’Keese has been nothing but PR magic for Kiffin. He gave the UT program its only win over Florida, and in return he gives the Tennessee Football Program its biggest black eye too. Maybe going forward,  the UT advertising agency will look  a little deeper into how these headlines affect the people in them.
UT quotes from - Knoxville News Sentinel

Seems that the world of college football on CollegeFootballTalk.com would be pretty dull if it wasn’t for Coach Meyer and Brandon Spikes. I guess the Alabama vs. LSU game isn’t worth covering as the Gators have five of the eleven headlines on their home page late Wednesday night.

Lane Kiffin still can’t keep the Gators off his mind. From the Knoxville News Sentinel:

When asked of Meyer’s comments on the SEC refs UT Coach Lane Kiffin responded, “Urban Meyer? Criticized the officials, wow, that will be interesting. We’ll see.”

He went on to add, “Obviously, he’ll discipline his team - or not - however he feels.”

Did Coach Mullen Take the O with him to Miss St.

Seven games into the 2009 season and the sputtering offense is the hot topic. It seems to be the question that Coach Meyer is asked week in and week out now. Last week leading into the Mississippi State game he had this to say about the offense:

“I remember one time, someone said, ‘Coach Mullen is going to catch a lot of heat’ or something like that and I responded, ‘The only person he would get heat from is me’ and no he is fine.  We are just maneuvering through a difficult part of the schedule and trying to get some things worked out.  Anytime there is transition and changes in staff, I’m very pleased with the job Coach Addazio has done.  The wrist above the elbow was a problem.  Chris Rainey probably scores after the unbelievable move he put on the guy.  It wasn’t a freak fumble, it was a great play.  We’re going to be nuts about taking care of the football in practice this week.  We made a film for the guys to watch.  It wasn’t just the balls on the ground.  The catch Deonte Thompson made was holding the ball like this [extends arms and holds them out].  Old habits tend to show up.  That’s coaching.  That was the number one thing we will work on; and red zone production.  We didn’t get stopped, we fumbled the ball.  Over the past few years, we have been very good in those two areas and it did not look that way.  I think we’re leading the SEC in offense; total yards, pass efficiency, third down and all that stuff.  Turnovers in the red zone are critical.”

After the Mississippi State game Coach Meyer continued his message, “I know people are going to take shots,” Meyer said. “I think we’re pressing like crazy. I think the head coach wants to score so #@$% bad. We’re not used to this.”

The Gators problems on offense has even fueled hope for Georgia. UGA has three wins since 1990 in this match up, but them Dawgs could be one of the last major test before the SEC Championship game. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party could still play a role in deciding the SEC East. Coach Meyer addressed the upcoming game at his Monday press conference:

“Georgia has great receivers, including one of the best in the nation.  He has the ability to go up and over us, like he did last year.  We have to find a way defend him and not be so concerned about him [that] they can run the ball.  Offensively, we will need to do a better job in some areas.  We were not good on third downs and red zone production.  We will spend time on those things early this week.”

Also on the mind of SEC Football fans has been the role of the refs in games this year. There is a good chance Coach Dan Mullen is going to get a letter from the SEC regarding his criticism of the refs. “I don’t even know why we have replay right now in the Southeastern Conference if they’re not going to utilize it,” Mullen said Sunday.

Does he have a point? You be the judge.

Coach Mullen is not the only SEC coach in trouble for his comments on the refs. Lane Kiffin once again gets on the bad side of Mike Slive. Slive said “further violations of SEC policies by Kiffin will subject the coach to additional penalties, including suspension.”

Tim Tebow was able to tie Herschel Walker’s SEC rushing TD record of 49 against Mississippi State. The first thing that many were to point out is Herschel Walker set the record in three years. Tebow tied the record in three and a half years, and oh by the way he is a Quarterback. Mark Bradley over at the AJC still says that Herschel Walker is the best ever (he makes some great points) , but in pointing out “Tebow has demonstrably more talent around him” there is no mention of the “demonstrably” better defense Tebow or any player in the SEC faces now verses the early 80’s.

With his sub-Tebow preferences since the UK game, Tim has now dropped behind  Mark Ingram in ESPN’s latest Heisman watch. Everyone has seen that Tim has held onto the ball longer than he should have when there is no one open, but it seems to me that Tebow’s throwing motion has gotten longer and at times slower than in years past. Two of his fumbles this year have come from defenders knocking the ball out when the ball is as the back of his throwing motion. (looking for photos)

Also a big thanks for the RTs, comments, and general discussion during the game goes to @Pattric, @HankatMarlows, @whitegatorz, @osgators, @LisaHorne, @ThatGuyBama, @deann16, @SirGQHollyWood, @ fuddmain, @DJBobbyV32, @kjhurst15, @AndyR24, @EricMcDonald, @thechodog, @edsbs, @Matti09, @ObiSun, @JrCoram, @Gatrbate, @SwamiG8R, @Sara6590, @guiltyofcraving, @theNFLguy, @GulfCoastGold, @gatormiami, @pixie1212, @1996Gator, @KyleHagler, @wealthdocintl, @rickydee1955, @donwb, @_karthik, @brianjsmith, @Umlat, @_CReX_, @CTiffany24, @dreamscometrue_, @Bgator13, @GOPMichael, @DALLASHALL. Sorry to anyone I missed.

Lane crashes the party.

2009 SEC Football Week 3

Tim Pollock gives us a wrap-up for week three in the SEC

Ryan Mallett looks every bit the elite quarterback he was touted to be, but it appears Georgia is out to kick-start every quarterback’s 2010 Heisman campaign.  First the Dawgs gave up 37 to South Carolina, then 41 to Arkansas.

Maybe Stephen Garcia and Ryan Mallett really are Heisman hopefuls.  Chances are, though, that Georgia’s defense is just bad.  The true test will be when Georgia plays Tennessee.  If Crompton completes more than seven passes—not including catches by the Bulldog defenders—then all is lost for the Georgia hopeful.

I’m not saying Willie Martinez is going to get fired—he’ll just be encouraged by Georgia officials to get a new start at a different school.

Randall Cobb, you can be on my flag football team.

Lane Kiffin still hasn’t figured out that talking doesn’t win games.  And I have no clue what “powerful message” Tennessee is sending recruits when the Vols are on a two-game losing streak.

Urban Meyer, meanwhile, was uncharacteristically happy after his team’s less-than-impressive 23-13 win.  Meyer wanted to watch tape before commenting on his team’s national championship win, yet a 10-point win over a one-dimensional Tennessee team needs to be “enjoyed”?  What in the world is going on?

Alabama just picked up another first down.

After spotting West Virginia 14 points, Auburn finally woke up and dropped 41 on the Mountaineers.  Is Guz Malzahn the Tim Tebow of offensive coordinating?  Methinks yes.

Jordan Jefferson’s yards per completion average is becoming comical.  The man still hasn’t thrown for even 175 yards in a game.  How many more pedestrian efforts do we have to watch this kid play before we stop calling him a good quarterback?

If you’ve never watched true freshman cornerback Stephon Gilmore play, do us all a favor and punch yourself in the face.  This kid demands your television-viewing prowess.  Circle this Thursday on your calendar—when Gilmore faces off against Jevan Snead and his posse of receivers.

And also be sure to watch South Carolina’s top receiver, Tori Gurley.  I used to think he was the most physical receiver in the country because he always gets tangled up with whoever is defending him, but I finally figured it out after looking at the kid’s shoes: the dude has Ronald McDonald feet. DVR the game, replay a slow motion sideline shot and marvel at his size 19s.

For all the hype around Tennessee’s “amazing” recruiting class, we certainly aren’t seeing big-time results.  Bryce Brown looked great against Western Kentucky, but in games against UCLA and Florida, his production was average at best—45 yards on 19 carries, or under three yards per carry.

Marsalis Teague and Nu’Keese Richardson, meanwhile, combined for zero catches against UCLA and Florida.  Return man David Oku is dangerous, but he’s only on the field a handful of times.

And don’t tell me they need time.  Look around the league—and the nation, for that matter—over the last few years.  True freshmen are not only contributing, they are starring.

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin responds to Urban Meyer’s comments that UT wasn’t playing to win.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4494316

By showing you couldn’t beat a mid-level Pac-10 team, you got Vegas to put up a 30-point spread (which no SEC team should ever have).

It is time to give the media an “aw shucks” and start talking about how great the Gators are. Everybody is now set up for the blowout and only a 50-point win will satisfy most of the Gators fan base and media.

• ESPN.com’s Pat Forde—Florida looks vulnerable in win, Tennessee looks tough in loss

• New York Times—A Letdown, but Not a Loss, for Florida.

• Mike Strange—Loss but not lost

• Orlando Sentinel Mike Bianchi—Gators win but Kiffin’s still laughing

• Palm Beach Post Ben Volin—Tennessee frustrates Florida

• SI.com’ndy Staples—Florida scored more points, but this felt like a victory for Tennessee

So how do you keep from getting blown out by the Gators? First you clearly go into the game with no plans to throw the ball over five yards deep and hope your ground game can eat up clock.

Somehow you knew you would catch a break with Deonte Thompson out due to a hamstring injury and Jeff Demps, Aaron Hernandez, and Jermaine Cunningham all battling the flu.

Kiffin told Matt Hayes of SportingNews “I started slowing down getting the plays to take time off the clock. I didn’t want to tell our players what the plan was.”

Coach Urban Meyer said that Tennessee’s apparent lack of interest in actually winning the game, as opposed to keeping it close, meshed perfectly with Florida playing conservatively.

“It was unbelievable,” he said of Tennessee’s ambivalent offense. “They were taking their time snapping the ball when they could go win the game. There was no two-minute drill.”

The conservative game calling was just as catching as the flu with Steve Addazio also unwilling to take any chances down field. Tim Tebow carried the bulk of the load with 24 rushing attempts, but it was an uncharacteristic Tebow fumble deep in Vol’s territory allow Tennessee to avoid their second 30-6 loss.

It is great to see the Vols Nation happy being mentioned as one of the best 1-2 teams in the nation. All is great since you didn’t get embarrassed in Kiffin’s first SEC game.

What seems to be missed is the program has reached a level that a loss is considered a win in anyone’s book.

Seems that the Vols have taken a page from Randy Shannon with the “This will help us more than you will ever know” philosophy.

September 20, 2008 - Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America

Michael Oleszek takes a look at the first SEC match up for the No. 1 Florida Gators (2-0) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (1-1)

What Happened Last Week

Florida looked every bit like the No. 1 team in the nation—after the first quarter, in a 56-6 win over Troy. The opening period wasn’t kind to the Gators, as a driving rainstorm combined with sloppy ball handling left the Gator Nation feeling a little uneasy. The Gators would go on to score on their next four possessions, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Tennessee took all of the good feelings and optimism from their week one blowout win over Western Kentucky and completely flushed it down the toilet against UCLA. The Vols took their third consecutive loss to a Pac-10 team, despite holding the Bruins to only 186 yards of total offense and a dismal 3 of 14 on third down. The Tennessee offense failed to capitalize late in the game, and the Bruins came away with an upset in Neyland Stadium.

Florida will win if…

They Win the Three and Out Battle

Three plays and get the defense off the field. That’s a pretty simple philosophy that the Gators need to mandate for Saturday. Tennessee’s offense held the ball for 14 of the last 18 minutes against UCLA and had two drives totaling 30 plays.

If Florida’s offense is parked on the sidelines that long, it will allow the Vols to control the tempo of the game and hang around longer than most people expect. Tennessee can parlay this and a solid defense into keeping the game tight heading into the fourth quarter.

Getting the Vols to go three and out gives the Gators two positives: The high-scoring Gator offense comes back on the field, and Brandon James is back to return punts.

They Take Care of the Football

There were six fumbles by Florida last Saturday, with three of them being lost. Good teams can get away with that against the Troys of the world. Florida will not win if they have three turnovers against Tennessee. Eric Berry, the best defender in the country, is a ballhawk who can take turnovers back to the house from anywhere on field. Rico McCoy is an All-SEC caliber linebacker who can cause havoc at any time. And linebacker Nick Reveiz is an underrated talent who is playing well in his first year as a starter.

They Just Play Football

It is beyond time for everyone on both teams in this rivalry to just shut up and play some football. Lane Kiffin started at his press conference with “singing Rocky Top all night when we beat Florida.” Then, he (incorrectly) said that “he loved the fact that Urban had to cheat, and still didn’t get him,” (referring to recruit Nu’Keese Richardson). Florida lineman Matt Patchan has called Kiffin a “bozo,” and quarterback Tim Tebow has said that he “doesn’t like anyone talking about Coach Meyer.”

Everybody needs to shut up, immediately. Play the game on the field Saturday between the white lines, within the rules, and settle everything then. If you need an example of how to settle things on the field, just watch the tackle Brandon Spikes made early in the Georgia game on Knowshon Moreno. The talent levels at every position favor the Gators (except for Eric Berry), and when the Gators play up to their talent level—they win, and win big.

Florida will lose if…

Eric Berry dictates the pace of Florida’s offense

The best defensive player in college football, coached by one of the best defensive minds at any level (Monte Kiffin), is lining up against arguably the best offense in the game, and do you think he’s going to just sit back and play cover two the whole game?

Um, I don’t think so.

Eric Berry will have to blitz, play man to man, play cover two, play cover three, line up in the box, and then make enough big plays on top of it to disrupt and confuse the Florida offense enough to make the Gators second guess themselves.

The Tennessee defense feeds off of Berry’s play, and they will need to do so if they want to beat the Gators.

There is no doubt that the Gators will game plan for him and where he lines up, but Florida’s offensive coordinator Steve Addazio cannot allow his play calling during the game to be dictated by one person.

Tennessee doesn’t kick the ball to Brandon James

Everyone in Tennessee should know who Brandon James is by now. If they don’t know him by name, then they should know him by the number 25 he wears on his jersey. And, if that still doesn’t work, Brandon James is the guy who has torched Tennessee’s special teams for 410 return yards and two touchdowns in the last three games.

Now think about the touchdown in 2006 that was taken away on a borderline penalty, and the one also in 2006 where the kicker tripped him in the open field, and it is enough to give any special teams coach an ulcer.

Keeping the ball away from James should be at the top of the list in the Vols’ game plan for Saturday, as it will force the Gators into either bad field position or doing something different in the return game.

The X-Factors will be…

Lane Kiffin and Nu’Keese Richardson

Is this really a shock? I think every Gator fan who hasn’t been living under a rock has been waiting for this game and these two people to come to town since signing day in February.

Personally, I could not care less what Lane Kiffin has to say about anything, but some Gator fans took it as a slap in the face. I could also not care less where Nu’Keese Richardson decided to go to school. That was his choice, and it is unfortunate for him that he was the one dragged into it.

Game Prediction

Florida has won the last four games in a row, and more than likely it will be five in a row on Saturday. Eric Berry can’t overcome the deficiencies at quarterback and receiver for Tennessee; and the Gators win with a score closer than most people think.

Florida 38 – Tennessee 13