Posts Tagged ‘Elvis Presley’

This is a bit of an unusual post in that it is a reference to a comment I posted elsewhere on the web, but it seemed fitting…

Rusty over at RTT has offered up 5 theories for Lane Kiffin’s (a/k/a the Blackjack General) barb to Urban Meyer yesterday.  They are worth a read.  Rusty’s theories started a rather interesting discussion on the subject.

Anyway, here are my two cents worth, which I originally posted over on RTT as a comment (with the addition of the video and image):

The comment on Meyer is simply a comment made to a closed group being taken out of context.  That is, Kiffin said “cheating” in the sense of “man, that’s some slimy stuff” but is was taken as “violation of codified NCAA and SEC rules and regulations.” In other words, he was speaking like a normal person and not like some degenerate lawyer (I can say that, I are one).

In the big picture, I think that there is a method to Kiff’s madness.  I think he realizes that the Tennessee fans need something to help rally them to “the flag,” which a little controversy will accomplish.

Furthermore, I think — rightly or wrongly — he perceives a belief among the fans that Tennessee has been the “nice guy fuddy-duddy” type for a long time and have never really stood its ground the way it could (See Charlie Brown).  I think that there is a definite feeling of this sort among many in the Big Orange fanbase.

I also think he believes that the opposite it true — that other coaches (especially Urban Meyer) have gotten used to walking on Tennessee and now feel an entitlement of sorts.  I think this is also true.  I think Kiff realizes that he has to stop that, and that the fans will gladly support him in this.

I also think — given who he has attacked and who he hasn’t (See Mark Richt, Houston Nutt, Rich Brooks, Les Miles, etc.) — that it is a calculated move to agitate those who simply cannot stand being agitated and love to agitate constantly.  Steve Spurrier was the master of this in the 1990s — and it was very effective.  Kiffin wants to try and begin to get in the heads of others who believe themselves to be mighty, but has notably spared the friendly sorts. (Oh, and for the record, Spurrier can take being agitated. In fact it often seems to make him respect others more. Plus, he was pretty affable in response to the whole recruiting test discourse.)

I think Kiff probably understands that the team might not fare well at first, but he is showing that he’s not willing to be pushed around now.  It’s the proverbial “knock me down, and I’ll get back up and say it again, so you can knock me down, so I can get up and say it again, till I get strong enough that you can no longer knock me down” approach (man what a run-on).

I also think that Kiffin is simply not the kind of guy who shirks from a challenge, and the staff he has assembled bears that out. (Compare Mr. Edward Orgeron and … the World)  Call me crazy, but he almost has me believing that he can pull it off as well.

To be able to win, you have to first believe that you can win.  To take on the invincible, you have to believe you are invincible. (See This is Sparta)

Video:  300 – “This is Sparta“

Of course, I also believe that Elvis Presley is living in Vonore, Tennessee under the assumed name “Leyland T. Vegas” and that Plate Tectonics is all part of some nefarious Communist conspiracy…

Viva, Baby... Viva!

At its basic level, however, Kiffin is accomplishing something — getting the fans and team ready for a fight and getting the media interested enough to show up and document it all.

•  HT to / via:  Five theories about Lane Kiffin’s jab at Urban Meyer | Rocky Top Talk

I suppose it all comes down to Jules Winnfield / Samuel L. Jackson’s statement: “Oh, well allow me to retort…“

At any rate, the conversation has been interesting over there, and is worth a look (and perhaps a comment).

Image Courtesy of:  Elvis Impersonators Blog

Not a lot of interest going on at present, other than the BasketVols beating the Georgia Bulldogs on the road at Athens 74-71. Despite allowing the Dawgs to stay in the game until the very end, Tennessee had four players in double figures, led by Chris Lofton who had 6 3-pointers and 22 points — 19 of which he scored in the second half. The Vols now sit with a record of 23-2, as they get ready for the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday at 7:30 at the Tommy Bowl, followed by Memphis at 9:00 on Saturday 23 February in Memphis.

With only 5 SEC games remaining, the Vols have a real chance to dominate the Conference if they can just take care of business. While the game against Memphis has the potential to be the game of the year considering that both teams will be ranked in the top four (and possibly the top 2) in the country, the Vols real focus needs to be winning a regular-season championship before the tournament begins. I’m sure Bruce and the Barbarians will do nothing less.

Ignoring what I just wrote, I sincerely hope the Vols go and beat the absolute hell out of Memphis. Back when I was in school at Tennessee, I remember having a sociology class with former BasketVol CJ Black. Once during the class the professor asked everyone in the room to identify some stereotypes that society often makes, and people who defy those stereotypes. CJ Black responded by yelling at the top of his lungs: “Everybody from Memphis got gold teeth! And it’s the truth!!!” Thus, in honor of CJ Black, Gate 21 reminds everyone to be on the lookout for gold teeth this week, if you see anyone with gold teeth, you should contact the authorities, or CJ Black.

This public service message is brought to you by the Elvis Presley House of Sideburns, just 3 blocks from Graceland…

In case you have nothing to do on Wednesday night, the University has announced there are still a few tickets available for the Auburn game. You can find more information on these over at UT Sports.com.

– Go Figure …

Image Courtesy of: View Images

Who knew that Les Miles was a singer too?

— Go Figure … lawvol

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