Okay, I'll say it: If B.J. Coleman was still a student at the University of Tennessee the chances are pretty good he'd be the Vols' starting quarterback this week against top-ranked Florida. That's not hyperbole, but it is a question the answer of which we'll never know after the talented Coleman abruptly transferred to UT-Chattanooga during the summer.
Jonathan Crompton's start as Tennessee's quarterback was solid in the opener, a 63-7 rout over outmanned Western Kentucky, but things got sour in a hurry last week when, on three straight possessions, the addled senior threw as many interceptions, winding up with four on a night where the Vols, favored by 10, lost by 4 (19-15).
Hello? Are you with me here? I don't know that anybody, other than B.J. and UT head coach Lane Kiffin, will ever know what really happened, but news accounts this summer held sway that B.J. offered Coach Kiffin something of an ultimatum -- "name me as the starter or I quit."
Later there proved to be an underlying story, one where Byron Coleman, B.J.'s proud dad and a former UTC player, wanted his handsome son to wear the blue-and-gold, to play in Chattanooga where B.J. had been a spectacular high school quarterback for McCallie, and where the entire Coleman family is so admired. It makes sense, particularly with B.J's hurt over Crompton being selected as UT's summer leader.
When I heard about B.J. leaving Tennessee I was shocked, knowing the old adage, "If you stay, you'll play," but Chattanooga boosters mistook my intent, thinking I was demeaning the Moc program which was not the case at all.
No, my take on the deal was B.J. has the gift to play at college football's highest level. He had just thrown three TDs for 275 yards in the UT spring game -- albeit to better receivers against better defenders - and I'm not so sure he wouldn't have beaten the ill-fated Crompton out during August camp. He's that kind of kid.
Thus far he's been good as a starter for the Mocs. He's already passed for 483 yards in two games and, even better, provided a leadership spark his teammates and Chattanooga's fans adore. The opener Thursday a week ago was the best atmosphere seen at a UTC game in years.
Last week a tremendous crowd was again on hand with over 11,000 watching on a Saturday night that was crowded with a full slate of TV games. Chattanooga lost to Furman, 38-20, but the tantalizing story was how Coleman threw an interception in the opening minute and then rallied the team to not give up later in the game.
Make no mistake, the UTC-BJ deal is a good one, but when Tennessee goes to Florida Saturday, you've got to wonder "what might have been" if Coleman had stayed the course with the Volunteers. I know this, he is missed by his teammates. That tells the naysayers a lot.
Tennessee's backup quarterback is Nick Stephens. What you need to know here is that Nick was a very definite No. 3 behind B.J. Coleman. If B.J. had been there, and had been ready last Saturday before all those screaming maniacs in Neyland Stadium, I don't see how the best of purists would have not inserted him in the UCLA game.
Please, the kid is a winner. Say what you will, but I think Tennessee would have had a chance with B.J. The Vols were playing a signature game for first-year coach Lane Kiffin and, quite plainly, couldn't cash. I think if B.J. had been there, he could have turned the dime. Yes, we'll never know, but I think he could have done it.
Is this unfair, as he and his new UTC teammates are getting ready for this Saturday's game at Presbyterian at Clinton, S.C.? Please don't take it that way. I know that he's got to do what is best for him, that he's got to be the "best he can be" wherever he stands, but if he were mine he's starting Saturday in Gainesville and that's because he's a champion. That's because I would hold the belief he's the best I've got.
And no matter what happens in tiny Clinton this Saturday, I can only dream "what might have been" at 3:30 on national television in Gainesville.
royexum@aol.com