The Orange Rush

Phil Fulmer, emboldened by the return of his offensive mate David Cutcliff, is reportedly tinkering with running a spread'em out, fling it around, no huddle offense this spring. They've even told the fullbacks to find employment elsewhere. Erik Ainge is said to be so excited he is considering spelling his name correctly. My heartfelt concern for the Big Urnge: Who is Erik going to be throwing the ball to? They lost almost all of their proven receivers last year, so it looks like they'll rely on Lucas Taylor, a junior college transfer, a prep school guy, and true freshmen.

This is the type of move you'd expect out of Randy Sanders. After all, the Vols were 96th in rushing last year. So, if you can't run it, tell your fullbacks to get lost in the spring. Where are you Jamal Lewis, Travis Stephens, Travis Henry, James Stewart, etc.? Where will the power T come from? Adrian Foster in a single back set or LaMarcus Coker running sprint draws? That's not UT football. The Vols were at their best when they were running the ball down your throat, hitting a deep ball, and stuffing you with a nasty defense. This seems like a gimmick from the least gimmicky team in the league.

Also, I guess Mr. Fulmer has had a change of heart about the clock rules relating to the no huddle offense. He complained that Georgia's no huddle attack of 2001 didn't give his defense time enough to adjust and it was therefore against the rules. Be sure to remember that complaint Phillip when Erik is standing around waiting for the snap.