After watching Kiffin speak at the media day...I have to say, the guy really seems to be on top of things. He seems to have a good sense of humor and seems to realize the only way he'll be respected is to show some. However, I believe he's pulling our leg a bit. There's no way that he accused Meyer of cheating for "press"...nor did he call the entire town of Pahokee a bunch of crooks for "attention". He thought Meyer violated at rule and probably intended to give the NCAA a call. As far as his comments concerning Pahokee...he was speaking to some UT boosters and thought his comments wouldn't leave the room.

Using the "we needed the attention" excuse is plausible...but he contradicts himself afterward saying, "I was speaking at a breakfast with UT boosters and didn't realize there was a camera on me." So...he didn't want the comments to go national...yet, when they do, it's for attention?

Either way...I've changed my perceptions of Kiffin a bit since watching him speak. He's young...a little stupid (like us all) made some mistakes, but truly looks to be passionate about what he's trying to do. Can't wait to see him on the sidelines...maybe there is method to his madness.

I agree. His errors show his youth and inexperience at leading a team, but to make one correction, both the comments regarding Meyer and the Pahokee comments were made in the same setting, but I agree with your assessment. Some of the things he has done may have been for publicity, but to think that was planned is just stupid.

Whether Kiffin turns out to be a good coach or not is still up in the air. He is showing a lot of the signs that good coaches show, but there is more to being a successful coach than recruiting well, practicing hard, and maintaining discipline and a high average GPA amongst your players. His youth concerns me, although I do think he will absolutely end up being a good head coach one day. I just hope it's sooner rather than later.

This team is talent-deprived right now, but the next generation of players shows a lot of promise and there is no question that we are bringing in the right guys. We have filled holes early in this class and higher ranked prospects at need positions are a certainty. If he can do a lot with a little and improve each year, I think he'll be okay. If we take a step back next season though, his seat will get hot very quickly.

completely agree.............dude screwed up, he knows it and is now covering

UTK's Trinity (father, son & orger) is gonna need a pocket full of miracles in 2009 to breakeven. 2010 will be the time to raise expectations. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

I don't necessarily think so. Tennessee has a very favorable schedule. The games nobody is giving us a chance at winning (UF and Bama) where ever they are played are both on the road as well as Ole Miss and UK. UCLA won't be much improved from last year, they come to Knoxville as well as Auburn who beat us because of our mistakes. Home field advantage will help alot with those two games. It is very possible UT can be 4-1 heading into the showdown with UGA. UGA has alot of questions with the talent they lost. If we were to lose to UGA and Bama we would be 4-3 with the easier part of our schedule to come. USC, Memphis, and Vanderbilt at home, Ole Miss and UK on the road. Of those final 5 games, I see two wins for sure and a real good chance of Ole Miss as our only loss. If UK or Vandy couldn't beat us last year I have a hard time seeing them do it this year. We didn't lose much talent, our freshman class has a ton of potential, and our program has so much momentum going for us now. After that being said, do you still think it will take a pocket full of miracles for us to break even?

My expectations are higher this year than they will be next year, personally. Our offensive line will be decimated by graduation and very young next year and the DT position is the same. I think if we can win 7 or 8 this year -- a real possibility and do about as well next year, we will be meeting expectations.

i think ut will surprise a few people this year. it's not hard to pull off upsets when no one gives you a chance. i don't think they'll be contenders for the championship this year, but they will surprise some. Just like UT fans can't say how good we are until we prove it, you can't dog them until they have a chance to show themselves. no one really knows anything about this ut team yet.

Crack kills.

Cut Kiffin loose while you still have the chance. He's going to "Croom" your football program....

you just hope he doesn't "meyer" our program

Please.......


Comparing Kiffin to Meyer is like comparing a Chevrolet Aveo to a Dodge Viper.

Kiffin is the only man alive to make Al Davis appear lucid.

Whatever, dude. Has he done nothing good since arriving in Knoxville? He stirred the hornet's nest by hiring a few rival coaches. Other than that he has shot off at the mouth a few times, BUT ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER, he has done well so far. Of course, the ultimate thing that matters is winning and that is yet to be seen.
You. like the rest of us, have no earthly idea how well Kiffin will do as coach of UT. You're just guessing man and you have a right to that. You ought to call it what it is though.

i didn't compare him to meyer.....only said you only hope he doesn't do anything close to what meyer has done there. kiffin has already done tons for ut football and it'll get better.

...........

ok well i forgot we were counting ut out this year even though no games have been played. i guess lucky for us that's why games aren't decided on paper.