Published: October 16, 2009 08:56 am      

ALL IN THE GAME: Who would have dreamed it?

Yes, I'm referring to the big University of Tennessee win over the Bulldogs of Georgia.

Jonathan Crompton finally played like Frank Gale and his Lake Tansi pals have been dreaming about.

Apparently, Georgia was nowhere as good as the pre-season predicters had thought. On the other hand, the Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy were really underrated, as they defeated my Commodores in overtime. They must have been threatened with overseas duty in the event of a loss. It was another case of Vandy being favored by the oddsmakers and they just don't respond well to the favorite's position. They played like the Vanderbilt of old and fumbled away their chance at victory.

Regardless, I'm over it and I was over it about five minutes after the game ended. I just hope that the Bulldogs play this weekend like they did in Knoxville.

Congratulations, Frank, and I know that you are looking forward to your next game against the Crimson Tide. I saw 'Bama fan Ronnie Pugh the other day and he was drooling over the upcoming contest. I'm sure that Bob Wilson and Christy Lewis are also tingling with excitement.

I also ran into former Rockwood and Tennessee Tech football player Tom Pemberton and he was attired in Alabama clothing. There is something about winning that draws fans. Maybe that's why the new applications for membership in the Commodore club have slacked off. Even Tom Looney asked for his application back after the Vol win and Vandy loss.

So be it, he would have been rejected anyway.

I hate to mention it but a Commodore has been arrested for creating a disturbance in downtown Nashville. I would have referred to it if it had been a Volunteer so don't ever accuse me of being biased. It will be interesting to see how Bobby Johnson handles it.

Come on L.A. and beat those Yankees. I hate to see championships purchased by those who have an endless supply of cash. I predict a series between the Phillies and Angels. Talk about wishful thinking.

What's up with the Titans? After being soundly drubbed by Jane Way's boyfriend Peyton Manning and the Colts their road gets no easier as they now go to take on Tom Brady and the Patriots. Oh, to be able to go back and take Jay Cutler in the draft. He doesn't play defense though, does he?

Congratulations to the CCHS Jets on their claiming of the "King of the Mountain" trophy via a 12-9 win over Stone Memorial.

Coach Mark Wattenbarger and the Panthers have a really tough task this Friday as they visit the Alcoa Tornado. Alcoa has won numerous state titles and is undefeated this season. Count on the Panthers to give their all as they have all season.

There was a very sad story in the Nashville newspaper regarding former Memphis University and NBA star David Vaughn. He has gone from a life of being in the spotlight to being homeless on the streets of Orlando, FL.

Sadly, drug usage was a big factor in his downfall. Now some friends are sponsoring a fundraiser to try and help him regain his life. How many star athletes does this happen to? Us mediocre wannabes have a hard time understanding how this can happen.

The Blue Raiders of MTSU have a tough weekend game following their loss to Troy. They will be hosting the Mississippi State Bulldogs this weekend. I look for them to win. They seem to have as much talent as any college team in the state. There are reports that MTSU quarterback Dwight Dasher, who leads the Sun Belt in total offense, may be relegated to the second team. I hope not. The Raiders have also encountered some discipline problems that are being handled in-house.

Let's all get out and support our favorites this weekend. Tennessee is off so you folks can travel to Nashville and watch the big encounter there. Parking and traffic are never a problem there.

The only sunshine we have had lately has been created by all the smiles so keep it up. We need that glow here on the "mountain."

Good luck to all and have a good week.

GO PANTHERS!!!  GO JETS!!!  GO USA!!!

(Jim Butler is a Chronicle contributor and his column appears weekly.)