Published: November 25, 2009 01:28 pm      

ALL IN THE GAME: Vanderbilt plays well in another loss to UT Volunteers

Yes, I'll get around to commenting on that game in a moment, but first let's discuss some more important stuff.

First of all, I want to congratulate my buddy Ed Greif for the outstanding Winter Sports Guide that he put together for last Friday's paper. A lot of work goes into that and he covers every aspect of sports here in Cumberland County. I trust that each of you saw that and if you run into Ed, let him know that you appreciate his coverage.

Next, I must mention another friend, Jim Young, and his takeoff of an old Jimmy Buffett song as he put together a touching ballad called "Big Orange Holdup."

You can view and listen to this if you go to YouTube and click on "Big Orange Holdup."

I think even you Vol fans will enjoy it.

Next, let me offer my congratulations to some other Cumberland County folks. Food City gives an award for "Tailgaters of the Year" at Tennessee ballgames and, along with a couple of folks from Memphis, Jack Napier, Jason Napier, Clark Napier, Joe Young and Ralph Bilbrey won this year's prize. All those folks are very orange and they are friends of mine in spite of that. I guess the Clay County tie-in has something to do with that. I don't know just exactly what the prize was but I understand that it was valued at something less than $1 million.

MTSU continues to roll on and I have to mention their successes as I spent a whole semester there. There are a lot of Blue Raider fans in the area and they have to be proud of the job that Rick Stockstill has done.

Can Les Miles tell time? What a poor job of clock management as the Bayou Bengals could have beaten Ole Miss with a mid-range field goal if Miles had planned effectively. I'm glad it ended the way it did.

Now, let's talk about the Commodores' clash with the Volunteers. Yes, I lost again and will fulfill my obligation, whatever it is, in the Christmas parade. I need to point out the high points from my side.

Warren Norman, a freshman from Vandy broke Herschel Walker's record for total all-purpose yards by a freshman. Surely you Tennessee fans remember Walker. I know Bill Bates does. Then again, after that hit maybe he doesn't. Anyway both teams were decimated by injury and UT also by extra curricular stuff.

After a lackluster first half the 'Dores displayed excellent defense in the second half by holding the Vols scoreless except for the fluke desperation play at the end. I can only hope that you Big Orange "good-time faithful" are as proud of yours as I am of mine.

I had no trouble going to sleep after the game. I didn't even think "what if."

I believe that I heard that Jonathan Crompton shared some kind of touchdown passing record. I don't know exactly what the record was but, regardless, it seems impossible after all he's been through, either self or fan inflicted.

Oh, yes there was a feel good story on the Vol side as the new place kicker who came out of nowhere did a good job for Tennessee. I'm tickled with that and I've previously stated my dislike for Daniel Lincoln and his cavalier attitude.

All you coaching wannabes, now is your chance as there will be several vacancies coming up such as Memphis, TSU and possibly Notre Dame and Michigan. Just lock in your severance package up front.

Congratulations Frank Gale and both your readers on another win over the men from Middle Tennessee. I'll look forward to next year when I will decide on the wager. To quote an old song title, "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose."

I know that there's nothing I can say to assuage the feelings of the Michigan faithful but there's always next year and if Rich Rodriguez continues on his path you may go winless.

Once again folks, we have so much to be thankful for on this beautiful mountain. I want to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to everyone no matter what color you bleed. Just remember to be good to those around you, especially the less fortunate. Remember, you could have come into this world as a turkey. How would that have been at this time of year?

Go Panthers!!! Go Jets!!! Go USA!!!

(Jim Butler is a Chronicle contributor and his column appears weekly. He can be reached at vandyzmyhorse@yahoo.com.)