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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Jay Greeson: Dooley’s pep talk needs ‘Why?’ and ‘Why not?’

photo Tennessee coach Derek Dooley

For all the question marks about Derek Dooley – and the glaring stat that he’s 0-11 against ranked foes as Tennessee’s football coach – we bet he gives an awesome pregame speech. He’ll need one today when his Volunteers visit the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

We bet Nick Saban does too, but Saban’s is likely a sentence or two and filled with intimidation and the threat of dark days. Something along the lines of, “You boys better win. Or you know what happens Monday.” With a shot of the Gimp from “Pulp Fiction” standing in the corner of the locker room.

Still, it’s easy to believe Dooley’s normal pregame speech being thoughtful and well-rehearsed and motivating.

Maybe today’s pregame talk would sound something like this:

Why do you play the game? Why? For moments like this and the chance to be better than one of the best in the country with the nation watching.