The Tennessee Volunteers insisted after last Saturday night’s 37-20 loss at Alabama that they were their own worst enemies.
That way of thinking didn’t change in the days that followed.
“We knew right after the game the things that caused us to lose,” senior running back Star Thomas said Tuesday in a news conference. “Nothing against Alabama and nothing against Georgia, but we lost because of us.”
Tennessee’s hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff are teetering after last weekend’s second setback, as the No. 17 Vols are now 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Southeastern Conference play. To achieve its goal of returning to the CFP’s 12-team field, Tennessee must defeat Kentucky at Kroger Field on Saturday night (7:45 on the SEC Network).
The Wildcats are 2-4 overall this season, 0-4 in SEC play and have lost nine consecutive conference contests dating to last season.
“Obviously everybody is disappointed with the outcome from the other day,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said Monday, “but whether you win or lose, you have to flip it forward, watch the video and learn from it. That’s what we have to do. Everybody understands what this game is. It’s a border game and historically has been a trophy game.
“It’s also been one that has always been played really close with games decided in the fourth quarter.”
Both teams are seeking rebound performances, with Kentucky having lost 16-13 in overtime to visiting Texas last weekend. The Wildcats outgained the Longhorns 395-179 in total offense and tallied 26 first downs while allowing only eight.
“I felt for our team, because I know what they’ve invested,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference. “Emotions were high after that game, because they really gave it a relentless effort, but we can’t live there.
“We’ve got to focus on the things that put ourselves in that position, and we have to continue to fight. The only way to get out of this is to fight your way out.”
The past four meetings between the Vols and Wildcats in Lexington have been decided by one possession, with Tennessee winning the last three, including the two since Heupel took the reins. Three of Tennessee’s four SEC games this season have been decided by a touchdown or less, as have two of Kentucky’s four league contests.
These two teams have also combined to play three overtime outcomes within the league.
“It’s the nature of the game that we play,” Heupel said. “You have to be the same competitor every week, but also every day. It’s why your routine matters, and getting ready and prepared matters. This is our next opportunity as a football team, and we have to continue to grow.”
Said Thomas: “We don’t look down on any team. We look at every team the same.”
Thomas continues to thrive this season despite being overshadowed by DeSean Bishop’s consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. A transfer from Duke, Thomas has rushed 65 times this season for 354 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and four touchdowns.
“I’m just staying ready knowing that any time could be my time,” Thomas said.
Vitello move ‘selfish’
Former Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello issued a statement to help explain his decision Wednesday to leave for the managerial opening with the San Francisco Giants.
“There were a lot of factors,” Vitello said. “That is a brand new stadium that I’m going to miss out on. As far as anything to do with San Francisco and anything to do with Tennessee, at the end of the day, it was not relevant to the decision. It was selfish. It was for personal reasons. I’ve always tried to be a good teammate, but I feel like I made a selfish decision that was one I needed to make.
“It’s the right decision, and I just hope it doesn’t give me Lane Kiffin status around here, because I feel like I’m a VFL.”
Vitello insisted he had not made up his mind until Wednesday. He still plans to attend Tennessee sporting events when his schedule allows and would like to eventually return to the area.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com.