Riddle me this dear readers:

What is the one thing that is older than God?

The answer is simple really, it’s time. Jim Croce wanted to bottle it, Pink Floyd sang about it on their Dark Side of the Moon album and Styx claimed to have to much of it on their hands.

Time is one thing we waste while at the same moment wishing we had more. At 1-3 time is seemly running out on the Fulmer era and time is quickly closing in on the realization that Crompton simply is not the best option at QB for this team.

Fulmer announced yesterday that Crompton and Stephens will split practice time at the QB position. That is an excellent sign that a change at the QB position is coming.

“I’d much rather the guy we anticipated being the starter play well and execute like we want,” Fulmer said during his weekly teleconference Sunday. “But that’s not happening for us on a consistent basis right now. I think we have to take a look at our options.”

Of course the Mountain (False) Messiah doesn’t see things that clearly. If his talent and decision making were as great as his arrogance, he would own every Tennessee passing record there is today.

“It brings out the best in me and I have every confidence in the world in myself that I’m going to be fine and I’m still going to be the guy,” Crompton said Sunday night. “That’s just how I go look at it.”

In my opinion Crompton is the reason Tennessee lost this game. If it wasn’t for the fumble that resulted in an Auburn touchdown, Tennessee would have won the game.

Crompton must have some dirt or something against Fulmer because Fulmer states the fumble was Foster’s fault. I’ve watched that play over and over in slow motion and zoom and I just don’t see it the way he does.

Fumble Explained: The fumbled handoff between Crompton and tailback Arian Foster that resulted in an Auburn touchdown was a result of Foster holding his right elbow too low on the exchange, Fulmer said.

“It hit Arian’s elbow,” Fulmer said. “He didn’t quite have his elbow up as high as he should have.”

Either way it’s time for some significant changes either with the coaching and play calling or at the QB position.

Ladies and Gentlemen: let’s open this week’s grade book.

Quarterbacks F

Even Peyton Manning’s presence couldn’t help the Mountain Messiah. Jonathan Crompton’s fumble was the reason this game was a loss for Tennessee. He was 8-of-23 for 67 yards. Not good. In fact that’s downright embarrassing. Crompton looks like he has ADD. He clearly isn’t focused at times and appears confused. While the G-Gun option was successful at times it obviously wasn’t enough to secure the points needed to win. Crompton and UT’s receivers clearly weren’t on the same page on several plays.

Running Backs C-

Even though Fulmer has pinned the fumble on Arian Foster, saying he had his arm too low on the exchange, I whole hardly disagree with that assessment. Crompton did not look the ball in. It’s that simple. Hardesty looked great and Fosters had some decent runs.

Receivers D

Lucas Taylor dropped a perfect pass out of the G-Gun.. The Vols didn’t look dynamic but they proved the ability to get open at times against a good Auburn secondary. However I’ll admit there were some plays that they could have done more to help a struggling QB out.

Offensive line D-

UT’s top two rushers, Foster and Hardesty, averaged less than four yards a carry. The Vols allowed six tackles for a loss, including two sacks.

Secondary A+

UT’s vaunted secondary allowed one Auburn touchdown, and played to win in the second half. Dennis Rogan’s interception and exceptional run back set up Tennessee’s only touchdown and was a big momentum changer.

Linebackers A-

Nevin McKenzie had two pass breakups, including a big-time play the ended an Auburn drive in the fourth quarter. Ellix Wilson had 10 tackles, including one for a loss. Rico McCoy had six tackles.

Defensive Line A+

The D-Line showed serious ability defending two quarterbacks with far different styles. Ben Martin registered the first sack of the season by a UT defensive end. Fellow end Chris Walker had another. Tackle Dan Williams had eight tackles, two for a loss. Robert Ayers also recorded a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

Special Teams B+

Chad Cunningham’s leg finally woke up & dropped three punts inside the 5 and kicking two touchbacks. Daniel Lincoln made both his field-goal tries, his first attempts since UT’s opener. Gerald Jones provided a spark on punt returns, including a 40-yarder that flipped the field.

Coaching D/C

Tennessee couldn’t get 11 men on the field in the first quarter when linebacker Adam Myers-White had to sprint onto the field as Auburn snapped the ball. That play defines the first month of the season. The offensive play calling is atrocious. When is the last time Tennessee has called for a screen play?

The “C” is for the great job Chavis has done with the defense this season. Tennessee is ranked 4th nationally in interceptions. The secondary is plain nasty and the linebackers are great. I’m confused as to why everyone wants Chavis gone.

Overall D-

Perhaps UT has enough talent to compete for a championship. However unless fundamentals improve dramatically this team will go down in the books as one of the worst Tennessee teams in the storied history that is Tennessee Football. The Vols better get better play from their quarterback, whoever he might be.