Has a pinky finger ever caused such consternation? The news of Erik Ainge’s injured pinky (on his throwing hand, no less) has caused the Volunteer Nation to hold its collective breath this week on the eve of a primetime showdown with the Cal Golden Bears. Our worst fears were allayed when Fulmer confirmed that Ainge will indeed start on Saturday. But the rumor mill has been working overtime this week with every orange-and-white clad blogger from Soddy-Daisy to Sardis concocting their own theories about how the Vol signal caller suffered his “mystery” injury. At various points this week, these were just a few of the rumors I heard in these here parts about Ainge’s pained pinky:
- At first, word was that Ainge simply “jammed” his pinky finger in practice on Monday.
- Then it was revealed that he injured the finger taking a snap from center during a handoff drill.
- Early Wednesday afternoon, when asked by a reporter if his pinky was broken, Ainge replied with a curt, “Nope”.
- Within a matter of hours, X-rays confirmed that Ainge’s pinky was in fact broken, leading to rampant speculation as to how a quarterback breaks a pinky taking a snap from center.
- Rob Lewis says the injury occurred as the result of a shotgun snap, not a snap from center. Even more curious. Mid-afternoon Wednesday, word leaks out that Ainge will not play at all in the Vols first two games and that he was 50/50 for the Florida game.
- Another report says EA hurt his finger playing a game of pickup basketball. In the words of my friend Greg, “He shouldn’t be allowed to do anything other than go to class and play football once August hits!” Amen, Greg.
- My friend John Paul heard backup QB Jonathan Crompton “accidentally” stepped on Ainge’s finger. This particular rumor remains largely unconfirmed.
- Yesterday, Allen tells me that his Dad read on a message board that Ainge hurt his finger horsing around at a high school football practice. This is getting ridiculous.
- Orange Clockwork puts the over / under on the number of times ABC commentators say the word “pinky” at 37.
After a week of blogs and message boards and disinformation and injury reports, I’m just ready for kickoff. Any thoughts on the game from my fellow Vol fans? Matt’s weighed in, saying we have better players. Given the massive distraction of the week, I’m predicting a Cal win. But I’d love to be pleasantly surprised. Your thoughts.
already & not yet 
I predicted Cal, but then again, I predicted Cal last year and look how that ended up. My reasoning is that TN had a game last year where they could do no wrong (which was fun to watch). Cal has had a year to stew over that embarrassment. I sure hope I’m wrong again, but I’m picking Cal by 3. Still… Go Vols!
I’m picking UT to eek this one out in the end. I think it will be a really close game, but I think the home crowd at Neyland will push us through in the end. Just as long as Ainge is alright.
Dylan,I wish we played at Neyland, but unfortunately we’re the away team. But I’m feeling a little better as kickoff nears.
I guess it is obvious now that pinkeys are the least of our problems. A soft and slow front 7 killed us. #4 for Cal is going to be incredible if he stays 4 years.At least we’re not Michigan. I’m still loving that.
I expected the offense to be sluggish given Ainge’s injury. But I was really surprised by how poorly the defense played. Seemed like we overpursued everything. We need to coach ’em up this week to make sure we don’t fall to Southern Miss.