Defense: The Big If.....

[JohnWardForever]

Originally Posted by johndoevol

if our offense is as good as we think they will be, our defense will only have to be ok, they will have the freedom of blitzing a lot and not worrying about the running game of the other team.

Big question: Can the Vols run the ball? Good defenses can stop a one dimensional offense.

[tennezz]

They will have trouble stopping our offense this year if we do not use a running back!

[Willy999]

who is the girl in your avi tennezz? she. look. good.

[pharmDvol11]

Our offense will be this good IF:
1) Tyler Bray and Justin Hunter are healthy for a full season. Although we should be better this year in terms of depth, I don't think this warrants an explanation to anyone on this board: our team will go where these guys go.
2) Our O line can at least help us mount a running game that opposing defenses will have to respect. I think we were like 117th in the nation last year in rushing. Neal and Lane are both good enough to make plays if they are given some daylight every now and then. I also think Devrin Young is going to be much improved and will get carries. Also keeping my eye out for Devante Bourque...
3) CP can find his role in the offense. The same could also be said for Pig. These guys could be difference makers especially early in the season when nobody knows anything about them.

For me, the big IF on the defensive side of the ball is their identity. Are we going to be good against the run? What about pass rushing? What about coverage skills? Can we create turnovers? The last question is the most important to me. I believe we have playmakers and at times last year they made some outstanding plays. We're going to need more of that this year especially against Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The longer our offense has the ball the better off we are- I know that sounds very basic but football's not that difficult of a concept (no offense to the coaches). It's all about execution- and that's on the coaches; what separates the good coaches from the not-so-good. With a full roster of talent, this is the first year of Dooley's tenure that truly matters to me... I'm excited nonetheless GO VOLS!!

[The Ron Mexico]

Originally Posted by Willy999

who is the girl in your avi tennezz? she. look. good.

Lindsey Lohan.

[Ashevillevol]

Originally Posted by Vols1-TN n KY

Excuse me but two words.... Reggie White!!!

Reggie was a DE, not DT of NT.

[johndoevol]

Originally Posted by JohnWardForever

Big question: Can the Vols run the ball? Good defenses can stop a one dimensional offense.

Obviously I don't know the answer to this question, but my guess is that last year awful running game, forced DD to hire a RB coach and that in itself should help the situation.

I believe that our team will be able to run enough to keep defenses honest.

[JohnWardForever]

Originally Posted by Ashevillevol

Reggie was a DE, not DT of NT.

I believe Tenn lined up in a 34, which means a nose and two dts. Reg was a dt at UT, if I remember correctly. There would have been no des, but olbs. I have the rosters, will check for sure.

[JohnWardForever]

Originally Posted by johndoevol

Obviously I don't know the answer to this question, but my guess is that last year awful running game, forced DD to hire a RB coach and that in itself should help the situation.

I believe that our team will be able to run enough to keep defenses honest.

You gotta be able to convert third and two. If you are good enough on the ol, any decent back should get that. That means you can hit em with a draw or trap and keep the d off balance. Also, if you can run it SOME, you won't be scoring too fast to let your own defense rest. Many reasons you have to run it. And why UT has sucked lately.

[JohnWardForever]

Originally Posted by Ashevillevol

Reggie was a DE, not DT of NT.

OK, Officially from the UT press guide, Reggie White in 1980--RT,-1981---RT, 1982--RT, 1983---LT. Case dismissed.

[The Ron Mexico]

Originally Posted by Ashevillevol

Reggie was a DE, not DT of NT.

Originally Posted by JohnWardForever

OK, Officially from the UT press guide, Reggie White in 1980--RT,-1981---RT, 1982--RT, 1983---LT. Case dismissed.

Boom?

[JohnWardForever]

Originally Posted by The Ron Mexico

Boom?

[Escape Goat]

Originally Posted by checkerboards09

Hall was awesome. I think he still holds the Tennessee high school state record for longest FG made. I believe it was 62 yards.

Wow! Unbelievable. Coach must have had a ton of confidence in him to trot him out to attempt one that long. In highschool no less. If kiffin was his coach he would have had him try a 70 yarder