Parker: Bowden's exit may make Fulmer think

Expectations were high throughout the summer as the Tigers were predicted to make a run through the ACC. The program took a step back when Alabama manhandled them 34-10 in the season opener in the Georgia Dome.

Tennessee is supposed to be honoring the 10-year anniversary of their national championship, not hunting for coach Phillip Fulmer's head. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Now, with a record of 3-3, Bowden is out of a job.

Recruiting wasn't the issue. Clemson is coming fresh off of what could wind up being their top class in several years.

If Clemson has that high of expectations, how hot can the seat be at Tennessee for coach Phillip Fulmer, although his buyout clause is allegedly $5.5 million and he's in real tight with the biggest boosters.

There's still time to salvage the current mess at Rocky Top if Fulmer can light a fire under his squad, take chances with the ball and finish the regular season at 7-5 or so.

I just wonder what the magical number would be for Fulmer himself to say enough is enough and step down. He obviously loves UT after spending nearly his entire adult life there. Heck, one of his former linebackers (Robert Peace) is his son-in-law and the father of his grandchild.

After talking it over with some die-hards, I agree that future moneys will have to be an issue if the university is to attempt to pull the headset off of Fulmer. Missing out on a second bowl in four years would hurt. Seeing attendance figures drop further would send a message.

The Southeastern Conference has made a name for itself as one of or the toughest football leagues in the country. An influx of widely respected coaches makes it difficult for even the most talented teams in the country to rocket through their schedule unscathed.

Coaches like Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Urban Meyer and Mark Richt all make millions of dollars and command respect on the sidelines.

Sitting back and just watching the losses pile up doesn't sit well in Knoxville, regardless.

Since 2005, Tennessee is now 14-14 against SEC opponents, including an 0-3 mark this year. The scoring margin is nearly just as close as the record with the Vols taking a 672-653 edge.

UT's rushing attack has long been their pride and joy with a slight exception for when Peyton Manning was under center. However, in the SEC losses since last season, they've gained an average of just 71.3 yards on 25 carries. In contrast, they ran for an average of 146.8 yards on 37 attempts in the wins.

The most telling statistic over that 28-game span is that they averaged 3.5 yards per carry. That's a shocking number for an offensive-minded coach who used to be an offensive coordinator and played as an offensive lineman at the school.

One scenario that would force all involved to take a step back would come on Oct. 25 when Alabama rolls into town.

Weeks ago I said if the Crimson Tide went down to Georgia, took down the Bulldogs and avoided an upset between then and UT, then Neyland Stadium would sound quite different.

It could be quite an upsetting site for Vol Nation.

Say the Vols are 3-4 or 2-5 and Alabama enters undefeated and No. 1 or 2 in the country. How many Big Orange supporters are going to keep their tickets?

Let's say history repeats itself and the game turns into a blowout and there's 30,000 folks in Crimson and White chanting "Roll Tide, Roll Tide..." throughout the second half. What then?

Florida didn't bring a vast contingent this year, but I definitely heard it when their small section of fans chanted "Keep Phil Fulmer, Keep Phil Fulmer..." during the fourth quarter of a 30-6 Gator chomp.

It's sad to see all this happening to a coach with a national championship ring and a street named after him. Someone should alert those concerned that U-turns are allowed on Phillip Fulmer Way.

Danny Parker is sports editor of the Times-Gazette. He can be reached at dparker@t-g.com.