Upon Further Review: Swamp music sounds sweet to Volunteers
Last Saturday, the Tennessee Volunteers showed college football fans they might be a better team than many people thought they would.
After the Vols’ first two games many people — including myself — had already decided this could be a long year for Tennessee. Yes, they won their first two games over Fresno State and Marshall, who gave them all they wanted, but not in a very impressive style. The offense seemed to struggle and the defense still had a few questions to be answered up front in the line.
Maybe some of the questions were answered with Tennessee going to the “Swamp” and beating the Gators 24-10. This was Tennessee’s second straight victory at the “Swamp,” a feat our beloved Payton Manning never accomplished.
With four seconds before halftime Casey Clausen stepped up in the pocket and threw it up for grabs. The result was a 48-yard “Hail Mary” touchdown to give the Vols not only the lead, but also the momentum going into the half.
The hound dog was singing in the “Swamp,” and to take a few words from the Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song “Swamp Music,” “when the hound dog (Smokey) starts barking it sounds like old son-house is singing the blues.”
In this case, old son-house was the Gator fans. After Miami came from behind and beat Florida and now Tennessee’s second straight win in the “Swamp” Florida was left singing the blues — and will be for some time to come.
In 2001 Tennessee’s defense stopped Florida’s Rex Grossman’s 2-point conversion try to beat the Gators 34-32. Tennessee was a 17-point underdog coming into that game, and if I remember right ESPN’s Lee Corso picked Florida — just like he did last weekend. Come on Lee, give the Volunteers a little respect. Corso and his cast of ESPN characters have always dogged the Big Orange. Maybe because of the past history Tennessee has had with Florida, but that’s what it is — “HISTOOORY.”
Since 1990 the Vols are 5-9 against the Gators and have been out-scored 349-393. The point spread is not as bad as one might have thought. Considering the fun-and-gun offense Florida had when Spurrier was coaching the games have been very even.
Tennessee still has a tough road ahead of it, but the LSU win over Georgia has cleared a path for the Big Orange.
If they don’t stump their toe, Tennessee (should I dare say it?) could be in line for a national title.
Casey Clausen stood proud Saturday afternoon and led the Pride of the Southland band in a rendition of Rocky Top, but I still say they should have played “Swamp Music” and let “Smokey” lead the band. This was the second time Clausen has led the band at the “Swamp” and drowned a few Gators.
A few folks — mainly Florida fans (you can tell them by the way they are hanging their heads) — say the win was lucky, because of the “Hail Mary.”
If you take seven points off the scoreboard by my math (and remember, I went to Tennessee) you still walk away with a 17-10 win.
The fact is, Tennessee is now 3-0 and hopefully on its way to another SEC Championship.
Clausen has not been a fan favorite over the last four years, but I suspect fans will somewhat forget about Manning and Martin if Clausen leads the Volunteers to a championship. “Clausen’s Path” could be the next street sign on Tennessee’s campus.