Column writing isn’t just business to me. It’s personal.
Since it is personal, I don’t have a problem with literary contributors attacking me as both a columnist and as a human being.
Take it away, Ed.
Ed writes: I read your article about you subtracting 45-24 and coming up with 14. This initially appears to be a lack of proof reading. However, you compounded this error by attempting to be "cute" and blaming your inadequacy on the Louisiana school system.
What a slap in the face to your former teachers! People who do not accept their errors and attempt to blame someone or some institution not only show poor taste but also a total lack of character. The education was there if you wanted it badly enough.
My response: Thanks for the grim response, Ed.
Near the end of each year, I publish some of the most entertaining emails from my readers. You are now the leader in the clubhouse, and I can’t imagine anyone surpassing you.
I was making fun of myself in the column; the comment on my education was tongue-in-cheek. I had wonderful teachers who effectively prepared me for college courses, including math.
But your email was much funnier than my column. And it was so well crafted that you also might be a product of the Louisiana school system.
Please write often.
Jimmy writes: I’ll take Faizon Brandon over LSU’s Sam Leavitt (supposedly, the best transfer QB) any day. Brandon had to play this year to get the experience for 2027, which will be UT’s make-or-break year.
Forget the upcoming Texas massacre. It’s required preparation for next season.
My response: Texas massacre? Don’t be giving people ideas. Chainsaws aren’t allowed in Neyland Stadium.
Shemp writes: I am glad that you didn’t mention one of the national contenders that Archie Manning beat in 1969.
Tennessee had just moved to No. 1 in Football News. I was practicing basketball in Alumni Gym with my fraternity brothers on that Saturday afternoon. We couldn’t believe that Ole Miss could beat us 38-0.
That was following Steve Kiner’s comment about Ole Miss being a bunch of mules or something similar.
My response: Peyton isn’t the only Manning who should have won the Heisman Trophy.
In 1969, junior Ole Miss junior quarterback Archie Manning finished fourth in the Heisman vote behind Oklahoma running back Steve Owens, Purdue quarterback Mike Phipps, and Ohio State quarterback Rex Kern. But Manning was the best player in college football that year.
And he was at his best against the best teams. Ole Miss finished 8-3 but – mainly because of Manning − beat No. 6 Georgia, No. 8 LSU, No. 3 Tennessee, and No. 3 Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.
Sir James writes: My thoughts so far on Tennessee football:
The offensive line certainly hasn't dominated. The favorable rushing stats have been created by the running backs, not the line. The defense is better but not really tested yet. The quarterback play has been about as expected.
Improvement is needed to win big games.
My response: The time for improvement would be Sept. 26 against No. 1 Texas.
But it’s not as though the Vols are hopelessly overmatched. The Longhorns are only a 5.5-point favorite for a reason.
Doug writes: I am concerned that our passing game still hasn't shown that it can produce the big gains that are usually required to win against superior competition. Maybe, Coach Heupel has some cards up his sleeve?
My response: The Vols didn’t need big plays against three nonconference pushovers. So, they took a patient approach with true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon.
But, as I put on my offensive coordinator’s hat, I would recommend a different approach against Texas.
The Longhorns likely will expect Tennessee to come out running while mixing in short passes. So, why not – as UT offensive coordinator Joey Halzle likes to say – “let it rip”?
Translation: Throw deep early.
Glenn writes: The Vols' three-game rehearsal for more serious competition is now over. In the current era of college money ball, we are about to see how our Vols' $30 million roster competes with the Longhorns’ $50 million.
Money talks. Come Saturday, we'll see how much.
My response: The big-money programs already are thinking about how they will invest their NIL money in the transfer portal next January. I wonder how much the Longhorns will be willing to pay Mississippi State sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor.
Of course, they might have to outbid Texas Tech and Miami.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: One reader attacks my character. Another predicts 'Texas massacre' | Adams
