WALK ON: Ardent Leads the Vols; The National Championship

[Poli]

The road leading to this game has been quite interesting. I never imagined I'd ever take a snap for the team this time last year. I wasn't even in anyone's program or depth chart.

Crazy events unfolded during the offseason, and I was thrust into the starting quarterback position for the Vols.

This is my story.


(and this is how I got here:Ardent Walks On )

[Poli]

I persevered through the early season, when fans and sportswriters called for my head. My backups were eager to prove their abilities. I eventually made the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Despite some bad games from me, the Vols were able to go undefeated.

I still don't know how I was able to lead us to victory over Syracuse. This has been a dream for me.

  Week  Opponent                   Result    Attendance  Weather     Television  
1       CALIFORNIA                 W, 61-0   104,100     Sunny, 93   TV 3  
2       at (16) Syracuse           W, 27-20  49,600      Sunny, 85   TV 1  
4       NORTHWESTERN               W, 52-0   104,100     Rain, 51    TV 5  
$$6     at Mississippi State       W, 27-3   46,900      Sunny, 63   TV 3  
$$7     at Kentucky                W, 40-0   50,200      Rain, 51    TV 5  
$$8     (12) FLORIDA               W, 55-3   104,100     Sunny, 75   TV 1  
$$9     MISSISSIPPI                W, 45-15  104,100     Rain, 48    TV 5  
$$10    VANDERBILT                 W, 44-0   104,100     Rain, 46    TV 5  
$$11    at (25) Alabama            W, 19-7   83,800      Sunny, 74   TV 4  
$$12    at (8) Georgia             W, 33-0   92,000      Sunny, 63   TV 1  
$$13    SOUTH CAROLINA             W, 53-22  104,100     Sunny, 61   TV 4  
##15    vs (40) LSU                W, 24-14  48,000      Sunny, 49   TV 2  
**20    vs (3) Stanford                                              TV 1

[Poli]

The starting lineup for the Vols Offense:

QB Ardent Enthusiast

RB J.B. Brewster

FB Roman Prescott

FB Willie Jordan

WR Steven Everett

TE Thomas Kolodzik (TE Dominic Witt is healthy, but Kolodzik has improved enough to be the full time starter, Witt will be the #2 TE)

LT Sammie Lochner

LG Mack Raymond

C Kevin Peters

RG Ken Washington

RT Bubba Spangler

[Poli]

Weather forecast: Sunny, 58 degrees.

[Poli]

Stanford wins the coin toss and elects to receive. Excellent, I can try to get these butterflies out.

K Ray Alston sends the opening kick through the endzone. Stanford takes over on their 20.




I need some water.

[Poli]

Stanford puts together a nice drive, but fails to score. The Cardinal punt from the UT 41, and the pooch punt is hauled in at the 16 yard line by CB Bart Serra. Serra nets 2 on the return, and it's time to head out onto the field.

[Poli]

9:51 left in the first quarter.

I get the call from the offensive coordinator and turn to my teammates.

"Power I right, split right, option right on 2, on 2".

"Here goes nothing," I think to myself as I head out onto the field. This is biggest game of my whole life.

Stanford shows us a 34 defense, and away we go.

I take the snap and head right. The OLB comes down on me quickly, and I pitch off to Brewster. Brewster is hauled down for a yard loss by a filling ILB. Play action, and I look for TE Kolodzik. He's open but my pass sails and I miss him completely. 3rd and 11. We motion Brewster out for a pass and he makes the grab and heads up the sideline for a first down.

Flag on the play. Illegal motion. Brewster was heading upfield a little too soon off his motion. Dang it. Brewster heads off, and in comes RB Brandon Mason. Mason goes in motion, and he makes a catch on a similar play. He gets the needed 16 yards!!!

First down, UT, at our own 28.

Option right again, and this time Brewster gets 2 yards. We try to get fancy and run our option reverse. My pitch goes to WR Everett instead of Brewster, but Everett loses a yard on the play. 3rd and 9. Brewster motions out, this time toward Kolodzik instead of Everett. Fly pattern, and he's open! I lob it out there, and he makes the catch for a 20 yard gain!

First down UT!! Ball on the UT49.

We come back with a counter to the left, and Brewster finds 14 yards before going out of bounds. Ball on the Stanford 37.

We're whistled for a false start before the next play. Brewster gets 2 yards back off right tackle. He gets the other 3 up the middle on 2nd down. 3rd and 10. Stanford expects a pass, and we run Brewster up the middle for 9. Make it 4th and 1 on the Stanford 28.

What do we do, coach? I look to the sideline...

We're going for it!!

Brewster takes the handoff, and heads up the middle for 3 more and a first down! Ball on the 25 yard line.

Brewster is a workhorse, and takes 3 more off right tackle. 3 more for Brewster off left guard. 3 more over right guard. 4th and 1 on the 16.

I know better this time. I know we'll kick this. I head to the sideline as Alston and Wheeler head onto the field for the field goal.

Alston nails the 33 yard kick and we take the lead.


1:41 left in the 1st; UT 3, Stanford 0.

[Poli]

Stanford moves the ball to their own 40 yard line as the 1st quarter comes to an end.


End of the 1st; UT 3, Stanford 0.

[Poli]

Stanford is unable to move the ball in the 2nd quarter, and is forced to punt from their own 45. The short punt is caught via a fair catch by Serra at the UT 26 yard line.

[Poli]

13:05 left in the half.


We come back out to pound the ball, and Brewster starts it off with 3 up the middle. 3 more for the big guy off right guard. 3rd and 4, and he breaks off a 9 yard run, again off right guard.

1st and 10 on the UT41. Stanford's D gets motivated and they crash through our line and stop the next Brewster run for a 2 yard loss. A pass to Mason falls incomplete as the rush from a Stanford defender forces me to make a horrible throw. 3rd and 12, and Everett curls up on the marker. He makes the catch and spins off the defender that's covering him. He's going up the sideline!!

Will anyone catch him??? Yes, he's finally brought down on the Stanford 22. Gain of 39 on the play!

Brewster takes 4 more yards from the defense off left tackle. J.B. plows off left guard for another 6 and a first down. Ball on the 12, and a first down for the Vols.

Play action, and I'm looking for Kolodzik. HE'S OPEN!! I throw into the endzone, but a streaking safety shows up out of nowhere and intercepts the pass!

NOOO!!!!!!!!

I hang my head in shame. I just cost us a touchdown.


9:25 left in the half; UT 3, Stanford 0.

[Poli]

Stanford moves the ball, but again falters at the UT 41. Another pooch punt from the Cardinal, and Serra makes the fair catch at UT 21 yard line.


6:28 left in the half.


Drop back pass, and I'm rushed out of the pocket. I get a yard before sliding on the grass. Mason in the backfield, and we run option right. Mason takes the pitch and heads upfield for 8 before being stopped. 3rd and 1. Again, we go with a trick play. Again, it's the option reverse to Everett. This time he gains 2 off the pitch. First and 10 for the Vols. Ball on the UT 33.

4:39 left in the half. Brewster takes a pitch right but Stanford is all over him as he juggles the pitch. He loses 6, but holds on to the ball. Technically, the ball was fumbled, though. A holding call on the next play negates a 3 yard run. 2nd and 25 on the UT 18 yard line. A pass to Everett is tipped away, and Brewster runs for 4 off right tackle on 3rd and forever.

In comes P Daniel Wheeler, who had a forgettable half in the SEC Championshp Game. Wheeler sends a 38 yard punt downfield, but a 12 yard return gives LSU the ball on the UT 48 yard line.


2:48 left in the half; UT 3, Stanford 0.

[Poli]

Stanford takes the ball and moves downfield, kicking a 36 yard field goal with just seconds left in the half.


Everett makes a nice return to the UT 28, but we go into the victory formation and I take a knee to end the half.


Halftime; UT 3, Stanford 3.

[Poli]

The locker room is pretty somber at the half. The Cardinal came to play. They are moving the ball on our defense. We're doing well offensively ourselves. My INT hurt, but so did the 6 yard loss and holding call that set up the Cardinal FG.

We set out to make history and for the 2nd half.

I will not lose this game.

[Poli]

Everett takes the short 2nd half kickoff 23 yards to the UT 38 yard line.

Time to score.

Brewster punches the first play up the middle for 8. He gains 7 off right guard for a first down on the next play. 1st and 10 on the Stanford 47.

A pass to Everett sails over his head as I tried to elude the rush during the throw. I can't throw on the run. I can't throw well in the pocket, for that matter. Defensive holding on the next play gives us a 1st and 10 on the Cardinal 37.

Mason takes a pitch left for 4. An ill fated option loses 3 as Brewster is swallowed up after taking the pitch. 3rd and 9. Brewster motions to Kolodzik's side. Pump to Brewster, and a lob to Kolodzik over the middle. HE MAKES THE CATCH! 23 yard gain on the play!

1st and 10, ball on the Cardinal 13 yard line. We are in business. Brewster takes the ball up the middle for 8. 2nd and 2 on the 5. Brewster takes a pitch right for 3, and it's 1st and goal on the 2.

Brewster off tackle for 1. COME ON!! Let's score! Brewster up the middle...he dives! He's in!!!

TOUCHDOWN, TENNESSEE!!!!

Let's hear some Rocky Top!!!!

Alston adds the extra point.


10:06 left in the 3rd; Tennessee 10, Stanford 3.

[finkenst]

i can't believe i'm going to say this...


Go Vols..

atrgh!

[Poli]

Stanford drives downfield thanks in part to their great RB. He has 100 yards in the game already.

Their kicker hits a 40 yard FG to cut the lead.


4:30 left in the 3rd; UT 10, Stanford 6.

[JonInMiddleGA]

This is all quite horribly nerve-wracking.

Go Vols !

[Poli]

The kick goes through the endzone. The kicker must have taken some steroids. His previous kicks were short.

Pitch left. Brewster gains 8. J.B. loses 2 on the next play off left tackle. In comes Mason, and the ball goes to him. He gets the first down on the pass gaining 12 yards on the play.

1st and 10 Vols on the UT 38. Deep ball to Everett...complete! 20 yards and we're in Stanford territory again. Unfortunately, FB Prescott is limping off the field. Get a replacement in here, and fast!!

Ball on the Cardinal 42. Screen to Brewster, but I throw the ball away as the Cardinal were all over me and Brewster. Quick out to Kolodzik nets 14 as he breaks a tackle and rumbles upfield.

Ball on the 28 yard line. Brewster takes a pitch left for no gain. Brewster in motion, and the pass goes to him. Unfortunately, a safety bats the ball away. 3rd and 10. Pass to Jordan in the flat, but it's tipped away as well.

4th down and 10. What do we do, coach? I look to the sideline...

We're going for it! Pass to Everett who has curled up on the first down marker, but my pass sails over his head as I'm force out of the pocket.

Dang it.



Stanford moves the ball to their own 48 yard line as the 3rd quarter comes to an end.


End of the 3rd. Tennessee 10, Stanford 6.

[Poli]

Stanford caps a 10 play drive with a 12 yard TD pass. The extra point is good.


12:02 left. Stanford 13, UT 10.

[Poli]

Everett takes the kickoff in the endzone and tries to return the ball. He shouldn't have. He's stopped at the UT 17 yard line.

Come on, Scooby Doo. We've got some work to do now.


Screen pass to Jordan, good for 10 and a first down. Brewster up the middle...and he breaks a tackle, and another. He springs loose!!

There he goes!!!! Finally taken down after a 30 yard gain!!


First down, Tennessee!! Ball on the Stanford 43. Brewster off right guard for 2 more. He's stopped in the backfield for a yard loss on the next play. 3rd and 9. Out pattern by Everett. I throw it to him. Picked off.

NO!!!!!!

I scramble to gain depth, but the corner runs past me before I even get close.

He scores. Extra point is good.


9:12 left in the game; Stanford 20, UT 10.

[Poli]

Stanford sends the ball into the endzone. Touchback.


Everett gains nothing on a reverse. Brewster in motion but I underthrow the ball to him. 3rd and 10. Screen to Jordan. Complete for a gain of 5. 4th and 5. In comes the punt team.

Wheeler gets of a bad punt, but the returner tries to get fancy and loses 6.

1st and 10, Stanford, on their own 42.


7:59 left. Stanford 20, UT 10.

[Poli]

Stanford goes 3 and out. The punt and 4 yard return by Serra puts us back on the UT 20. We're running out of time.


6:26 left in the game; Stanford 20; UT 10.

[Poli]

Deep ball to Everett.

Intercepted at the Stanford 21. The return goes to the Cardinal 37.

I hang my head in shame.

I'm losing this game for us.

6:15 left in the game; Stanford 20, UT 10.

[Poli]

Stanford takes their time, and a pooch punt goes out of bounds at the UT 14.

3:09 left in the game.

A false start and then I'm sacked for a 6 yard loss. This game is starting to unravel. Ball on the UT 3 yard line. 2nd and 21. Deep ball to Everett...

Complete!!! 42 yards on the play. Jordan hobbles off the field...replaced by Mason.

Deep ball to Everett falls incomplete. Brewster in motion, and a deep ball goes to him....

COMPLETE!!! Gain of 32 on the play!! Ball on the Stanford 23 yard line!

I scramble for 8 on the next play, and then find TE Kolodzik in the endzone for the touchdown!!!!

TOUCHDOWN, TENNESSEE!

Alston adds the extra point.

1:38 left in the game; Stanford 20, UT 17.

[Poli]

Stanford gives us three shots with their RB, and we hold. We used a time out after each play. Stanford's punter shanks the punt, and Serra calls the fair catch at the Stanford 48.


49 seconds left in the game. Stanford 20, UT 17.

[Poli]

Defense: 34 Alignment, Man-to-Man (Bump & Run), Pass - Aggressive.
TENN 15 AE sacked by STAN 94 Henderson for a loss of 3 yards.
Sack allowed by TENN 77 Lochner.
Ball was fumbled and recovered by STAN 46 Malone for 0 yards to the TENN49.

[Poli]

Stanford takes a knee. The game is over.

Final. Stanford 20, UT 17.

I'm off to shoot myself.

[tucker342]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! tough loss

[The Afoci]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Defense: 34 Alignment, Man-to-Man (Bump & Run), Pass - Aggressive.
TENN 15 AE sacked by STAN 94 Henderson for a loss of 3 yards.
Sack allowed by TENN 77 Lochner.
Ball was fumbled and recovered by STAN 46 Malone for 0 yards to the TENN49.

I hope Stanford sends you a National Title Trophy with this on it.

Good season. Lucky, but good.

[SirFozzie]

*applause for Ardent Enthusiast*

[k0ruptr]

WHAT THE HELL, ya dumb ref, he was offsides! GET SOME F**KIN GLASSES!!!

[tucker342]

Fantastic dynasty AE

[Poli]

Believe it or not. The game malfunctioned shortly after the Heisman voting. I "lost" the data previously simmed (beginning with the minor bowls and on through the National Championship). I wrote this game out as I played, and the box score and game log remained intact.

For what it's worth, UT won the remake, 17-14.

J.B. Brewster, for all that he was to the team, finished 5th in the Heisman race.

Kicker Ray Alston makes 1st team All American.

J.B. Brewster makes 2nd team All American.

Brewster was also named SEC MVP, as well as the obvious Offensive MVP.

1st Team ALL SEC:

RB J.B. Brewster
C Kevin Peters
G Mack Raymond
G Ken Washington
K Ray Alston

2nd Team All American

QB Ardent Enthusiast
FB Roman Prescott
TE Thomas Kolodzik
T Bubba Spangler
DE Doug Stanton


For as good as our defense was, it's a bit surprising that we had just one player mentioned for any awards.

I'm quite surprised to pull in any honors at all. At least I have something to place on my mantle.

[Poli]

Now that my dynasty is complete, I'd like to thank all of you for following.

This has been a whole lot of fun to write and see you pulling for the young walk on.

I kind of hate to let it go.

Best regards,

Ardent Enthusiast

[Groundhog]

Thanks for sharing it with us, it was a hell of a lot of fun to follow. Shame about the final, but it was a hell of a run for a walk on

[fantastic flying froggies]

Hopefully when somebody in Hollywood picks up your dynasty and makes a movie script out of it, that last fumble will be recovered by good ol' JB and he will return it 51 yds for a game winning TD....

Great dynasty AE, ya know I loved it.

[ardentrules]

That's a mighty fine season you had there Ardent.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by fantastic flying froggies

Hopefully when somebody in Hollywood picks up your dynasty and makes a movie script out of it, that last fumble will be recovered by good ol' JB and he will return it 51 yds for a game winning TD....

Great dynasty AE, ya know I loved it.

Agreed 100%

SI

[nfg22]

Any chance you could export the draft file and see if he would show up on the draft list then maybe follow him througha pro career? By the I watched every poist just didnt say much. Thanks, great dynasty

[Poli]

Originally Posted by nfg22

Any chance you could export the draft file and see if he would show up on the draft list then maybe follow him througha pro career? By the I watched every poist just didnt say much. Thanks, great dynasty

I have contemplated this, but the only version of the pro series I own is FOF2001. I wouldn't mind exporting the file to FOF4 or whatever. As long as it is the version that has the combine workout numbers. I'd like to see that happen.

I'd be happy to have some sort of post script write up about Ardent's attempt to make the NFL.

If anyone is willing to help out, PM me and we'll work out the details/secrets.

For what it's worth, I really miss this dynasty.

[The Afoci]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

For what it's worth, I really miss this dynasty.

Does anyone else get the feeling that AE will be the fifty year old, balding, fat man that hangs around UT the rest of his life with a tape of his games in his man bag showing everyone that will look them.

[nfg22]

I have FoF2004 and would be willing to run the draft with Ardent and stuff but I dunno know exactly what u want, Email me at [email protected]. We will talk. I miss ardent too

[fantastic flying froggies]

Any update on this project ?

[Poli]

I haven't emailed him yet, I've been contemplating buying the game myself. I went over to Mizzourah's house on Friday and really liked the game.

I may have to sell some blood or something, but I'm fairly certain I'll get it in the near future.

[MizzouRah]

Wow, what an ending! I surely thought you were going to pull it off.

How are you doing with FOF4? Had a chance to play it much since you left my house?

I don't think it has the combine scores v2k4 has... time to get out some of that gov't money.

I'm going to miss this dynasty!


Todd

[Poli]

Hope I didn't ruin the ending for you...I thought you knew the ending when I came over.

Yep, I've been playing a lot of FOF4. It's hard to not just load AE into it and go from there...but I really want to see those combine scores .

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Hope I didn't ruin the ending for you...I thought you knew the ending when I came over.

Yep, I've been playing a lot of FOF4. It's hard to not just load AE into it and go from there...but I really want to see those combine scores .

Actually, I thought I did, but then again I wasn't sure.


Todd