Tennessee fans sound off on coaching staff after blowout loss to Vanderbilt: ‘Fire Tim Banks’
By David Wasson
Published:
Tennessee Volunteers fans took to social media Saturday night to voice their displeasure about defensive coordinator Tim Banks in the wake of a 45-24 home loss to No. 14 Vanderbilt.
The setback was the second time this season the 19th-ranked Volunteers allowed at least 40 points (44 to No. 6 Georgia in a 44-41 loss on Sept. 13) , and Tennessee’s biggest loss to Vanderbilt since 2018 – the final game of a 3-game Commodores run in a rivalry that UT leads 79-33-5.
Vandy (10-2 overall, 6-2 SEC) gashed Tennessee (8-4, 4-4) for 582 yards of total offense. Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia excelled in his final SEC game, throwing for 268 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 165 yards on 20 carries and another score. Running back Sedrick Alexander also popped off for 115 yards on 10 carries and 3 TDs as part of a 314-yard Vanderbilt rushing effort.
Tennessee’s defense entered the week ranked 14th in the SEC allowing 27.27 points per game – trailing only Mississippi State and Arkansas. The Vols pass defense also entered the week ranked 14th in the SEC by allowing 247.1 passing yards per game.
Banks has coordinated the Tennessee defense since 2021 and also coaches the Volunteers safeties.
Here’s a sampling of the reaction from Tennessee fans:
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
