Probably not going to be a popular opinion, but I see the argument that this should be eliminated.  First off, I am a Christian and believe in prayer.  I also believe in witnessing to those who are not saved.  I just believe that in this country, the Constitution does not provide for a state-funded institution to "lead" in a religious activity (thereby promoting that religion).

In my opinion, the fact that the majority wants it is irrelevant because the Constitution prohibits state controlled religion, and UT is a state institution.  I would not want a UT led activity to begin with an atheism based indoctrination simply because the majority of attendees was of that mindset.  I would not want a UT led activity to begin with a Muslim led prayer for the same reasons.  

What I would like to see instead:  A moment of silence, where the entire crowd takes it upon themselves to recite The Lord's Prayer (without the use of the PA or without a UT selected prayer-giver) - and in this scenario there would be nothing that the opposition could challenge because it would not be an institutionally orchestrated action, thereby in no way violating anyone's constitutional rights.

Just my opinion.

Without UF penalties in the first half, we probably lose that half as well.

Until we get a running game that is a threat to pu up points we will not
return to upper echelon status in this league. While I thought our ground
game was ok in the first half, it is not a threat that top SEC defenses are
gonna worry about.

I just don't think you can be successful in this league unless teams know
that they must fear your ground game first. Defenses are just too good for
that in the SEC.

I'm no Vandy fan, but fans of any team would be fuming over that non-call.  I really can't blame the 'Dore fans for being pi$$ed. 

Whether VU could have scored even with the catch, noone will ever know.  But I would say that there is at least an 8 in 10 chance that the receiver makes that catch if his arm isn't held.  Should have been a 1st and 10 beyond midfield.

J.T. was a cool and friendly dude.   He was pretty quiet and reserved but cool to talk to.  I was in a class of only a dozen people with him so we chatted quite a bit. 

Simi was a really nice guy.  He offered to help get us discounts to the local attractions and offered advise on what we should see while on the island.  We spent about 15 minutes talking about J.T. and his time at UT.

His uncle was also was very hospitable.  As we walked up to his shrimp eatery, he was standing outside (you eat outdoors under a carport type covering).  He was giving away huge pieces of chocolate melting cake - which was delicious.  As the three of us walked up, he offered each of us a slice of cake and a warm smile.  Later, as we were eating our shrimp orders, he came back out carrying about 4 huge loaves of Hawaiian sweet bread.  He cut slices about 3" thick and treated everyone who was there eating to the wonderful bread, which he had buttered hiimself.  He was a delightful individual and it was a delightful meal, and maybe the best food we had on the island - which is saying something because we had some really good food while we were there.

and the wife, son and I are driving around the island.  We stop at a beach park and there is a police cruiser parked in the parking lot.  As I get out, I see that the crusier has a UT license plate bracket.  I walk over and the officer asks what he can do for me.  "That license plate bracket is awesome", I tell him.  He immediately says "Go Vols!".  He asks where I'm from and when I tell him, he tells me that his son played football at Tennessee.  "J.T. Mapu?", I ask.  "Yes sir", he says.  It was Simi Mapu.  

Amazing coincidence.  Several days later, my son and I played golf at Turtle Bay.  After the golf, we drove to Kahuku and ate at a shrimp shack (Tita's).  Seems the place was owned by Mapu's uncle and is located directly across the road from his old high school.  Food was great.  We had a great dinner talking to locals about J.T., his dad (who played at BYU), and his uncle (who I am told played quite a few years in the CFL).

A UT professor had a student who 'payed' attention. Hmmmm

UT would not have fired Pearl except for the fact that the NCAA forced their hand. At least I do not think so.  Wins are wins.

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2012/mar/13/vols-advance-in-nit-65-51/

These are somewhat based on the above article.  First, I hope Maymon comes back soon, we need him.  Second, glad Richardson and Makanjuaola stepped up, it's great to see frosh have such a good game.  But that enthusiasm is tempered a bit by knowing it was against Savannah State.  Still, hope they continue to do so.  Third, only 6859 showed up.  WTF?  I hope some of that was due to the short notice.  People really only had a day or two to decide they were going.  I really hope that picks up in the next game.  It should.  MTSU should be more of a draw, and people will hopefully have more time to plan (game is not scheduled yet).  If I were in Ktown, I would plan to go for sure.  I want us to at least reach the Final Four of this tourney.

Finally, I have to LOL at this.  “I’m out there to battle; it’s part of my job to bring toughness to our team,” McBee said.

Yeah Skyler...that's the first thing I think about when I see you out there.  Toughness.  

He did play tough last night, but that's not really the image I have of him.  

I know what you mean, and I agree.  That said, however, I really like the energy that McBee brings to the game.  

I coach basketball, actually coached against McBee when he was at Grainger County, and I can say that I never saw this same energy level from him when he was in high school.  I actually tell our players now to watch him play and to try to bring the same energy to the game that he brings.  When he cuts, he cuts full speed.  When he defends, he does it full out.  When he runs the floor, he sprints.  He works really hard on the floor.

He was a great player in high school.  He was a scorer and was very difficult to stop.  He did not have to play with the same energy level in high school that he does now, and he therefore didn't put quite as much effort into it as he does now.  He has learned that to compete now he must bring his all, and he does.

Jefferson was "deer in the headlights" from the first series.

Bama attacked him all night.

did what it was supposed to do - identify the best college football team in the country.  Much as I hate to say it, Bama probably deserved it:  they actually had the better game the first time around, except for the fact that they couldn't get the FGs.  Well, that's my opinion anyway.

I just wish we could become relevant again - its tough watching college football knowing that the Vols are nowhere near the top level teams.  I long for the days when we competed with and beat these same teams on a somewhat regular basis.

his info says that Randy Shannon has been offered by UT.  Says that his source describes the offer as one that would be hard for RS to turn down.  He says his source is the same person who gave him the jump on the 'Nuke to UT' info, which turned out to be accurate.

While rumors abound, this is a person who has posted early accurate info in the past and many of the folks on VQ value his insight.

Just thought I'd pass this along.

I agree.  Beamer blew it.  Totally ridiculous call the way his D was handling the Michigan offense.

That said, the replay official should be hosed, cause he sure hosed the receiver on that last catch in the end zone.  I hate to see officials determine the outcome of a game, and based on every angle I saw, that kid made a miraculous catch - and was robbed.