Published: November 06, 2009 03:00 pm      

ALL IN THE GAME: It really is just a game

For about three quarters on Saturday night, I thought that I was really going to have something to crow about this week as Vandy was leading the 11th ranked team in the country. What happened after the Commoddores led 31-28, I just don't know, as I refused to read about it. Sometimes even I have trouble digesting a loss, especially when my team is outscored 28-0 to take a huge defeat. I'm over it.

There really are a lot of large smiles around here now as so many people feel that Tennessee has finally turned the corner. I heard so many people groaning and giving up on the Vols early in the season and now its like they're playing for a national championship. I noticed that even my banking buddy Joe Young is back in the fold. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend." Remember they haven't played Vandy yet and that game is all that I have to hang my hat on for this season.

To make things even worse, Steinbrenner's bunch took their 27th World Series championship. However, on to the bright side. The Stone Memorial Panthers are in the playoffs and I give them a very good chance to come out of Overton County with a large win on Friday evening. They played well against Scott County last week and if they can keep from turning the ball over, they can get it done. Also, the Jets came ever so close to advancing. I wish that could have happened.

Then there's the rebounding Titans for another bright spot. Maybe they can get their ship righted and produce some big wins. We've just all got to remember that though there is some gloom out there there are always some good things that can make us smile. MTSU pulled off a comeback victory over Florida Atlantic for another sunny moment. Then there's the region wins for the Stone boys and girls cross country teams. They now advance to state competition. Congratulations to both squads. So much good happening.

Frank Gale called me the other day to make sure that I would live up to our somewhat friendly wager. He never really mentioned it until the Volunteers started playing better. We must always remember to be leery of UT fans. They can be very wishy-washy. Anyway, I stand prepared for the outcome. The only thing for sure about a Vol fan is that there is no sure thing about a Vol fan. They change on a weekly (weakly) basis. A loss to Memphis this weekend would completely erase all the good that has been accomplished recently.

It seemed that the Gamecocks never were in the game with Tennessee. Two quick turnovers ended that contest early. I guess they were still celebrating the thrill of a comeback win over Vanderbilt. Big wins like that do have that effect.

As much as I would like to see my Commodores take a win at Florida, I would much rather savor a victory in Knoxville later on. Expect a close game at the home of the Gators because Vandy always plays the good teams tough.

Well, let's get out there this weekend and look for the bright spots. I know they are there and sometimes it just takes a little looking and a little imagination. Though sometimes it is a little difficult, remember, it is just a game. Have a great week as we approach the Thanksgiving season and let's start being thankful early this year.

GO JETS!!! GO PANTHERS!!! GO USA!!!

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