Randy Smith: What Would Vol Football Be Without A QB Controversy

  • Tuesday, September 14, 2021
  • Randy Smith
Randy Smith
Randy Smith
I have laughed to the point of tears this week regarding posts on Tennessee football sites. The fans have created a quarterback controversy where there really isn't one. There are several die hard Harrison Bailey fans who have been pushing for him to start since the season began. "We better get him on the field or he'll transfer."

Or how about this comment from yesterday on Facebook: "Down 27-24 with 1:36 to go in the fourth with the ball on my own 27, I'm benching Brady and starting Harrison Bailey 10/10 times.
These coaches won't even let him sniff the football. PA-THE-TIC."

That one was funny enough because of the sheer nonsense it exuded. However, the responses are even more laughable, "Weed went on discount for you tonight. You're supposed to use it sparingly and not go full blown stupid with it."

Or how about this one. "100% agree. But then I didn't realize we had a seven time Super Bowl winner on the bench." (Did that guy actually think Tom Brady was available?)

I could go on and on with this, but I think I've made my point. I've written many times about the lack of knowledge exhibited by Tennessee football fans through the years, about how insanely ridiculous some of their comments can be. There is something about social media that brings on an arrogance and unwarranted confidence in some people. And it's not just sports, it's also politics, but that's a story for another day. It seems that some so-called fans sit down and just write something hurtful or even stupid without thinking about what they've written.

Have you ever gone to a game and just listened to the people around you? It's been a while but I have. I have always been amazed at how some of the things said by people in the stands can be completely off the wall. (I'm really trying not to use the word stupid any more than I have to.) Very few of those comments have ever been made by women by the way. They're mainly made by men who may be trying to show off their knowledge of football but boy do they ever miss the boat. Most of the games I've attended in the last 30 years or so, I sat in the press box where the people there are arguably more knowledgeable than the fans. If you ever want to actually learn about the game of football, sit around guys like Tim Priest or Pat Ryan. Or any former college, pro player or coach. You will be surprised at what you can learn.

It was actually Tim Priest, the former Vol and analyst on the Vol Network, who once said, "Every man thinks he can cook a steak and coach football." No truer words have ever been spoken.


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Randy Smith can be reached at rsmithsports@epbfi.com

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