Volosaurus rex
Doctorate in Volology
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- Dec 2, 2009
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(1) Justin Worleys toughness. There are no redeeming benefits associated with watching your starting quarterback be pummeled from pillar to post, but one can rest assured that Justin emerged from this game with a large measure of additional respect from his coaches and teammates for the toughness that he exhibited Saturday.
(2) Splash plays. Going into the season, Butch made it a point of emphasis to increase the number of splash plays, ones that consume large chunks of yardage. Although they ultimately resulted in only seven points, Tennessee achieved four against a defensive front seven that was clearly one of the best in the country: 43- and 29-yard runs by Jalen Hurd and 43- and 30-yard pass completions to Josh Smith and Jalen Hurd, respectively.
(3) Despite their youth and inexperience, Tennessees defense held a legitimate top-5 opponent to 27 offensive points on their field. Although this was a credible achievement in its own right, our defense actually improved as the game wore on. After surrendering thirteen points on three consecutive scoring drives in the first quarter and roughly 300 yards total offense in the first half, our defense held the Sooners to only 151 yards and seven offensive points on 30 plays in the second half.
(4) Relative success in containing Oklahomas ground game. Despite being outweighed by almost 50 pounds per man by Oklahomas experienced and senior-laden offensive line, our defensive line did a credible job of containing Oklahomas running game, which amassed only 146 yards on 34 carries. As commentators observed, this required selling out by stuffing the box and putting our cornerbacks on an island.
(5) 3rd down conversion defense. Oklahoma finished only 3-12 on third down conversions and did not successfully convert a third down in the second half. Thus far, we are allowing opponents to successfully convert only 23% of third downs.
(6) No retreat, no surrender attitude. In recent years, how many times have we seen Tennessee surrender a backbreaking score, comparable to Oklahomas 100-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, only to wilt and then give up points in bunches thereafter? This team responded with fortitude and resolve not displayed by its predecessors.
(7) Surprisingly improved success running the ball later in the game. Our offensive line was absolutely dominated for most of the first three quarters and our running game amassed -11 yards on our first 19 rushing attempts. However, in the last 16:16 of action, we ran the ball 14 times for 123 yards. See Tennessee Volunteers vs. Oklahoma Sooners - Play By Play - September 13, 2014 - ESPN.
(8) Jalen Hurd. tis no great surprise but Jalen is truly coming into his own: 97 yards rushing on 14 carries against a very stout Oklahoma front seven, including runs of 43 and 29 yards, as well as a 30-yard pass reception.
(2) Splash plays. Going into the season, Butch made it a point of emphasis to increase the number of splash plays, ones that consume large chunks of yardage. Although they ultimately resulted in only seven points, Tennessee achieved four against a defensive front seven that was clearly one of the best in the country: 43- and 29-yard runs by Jalen Hurd and 43- and 30-yard pass completions to Josh Smith and Jalen Hurd, respectively.
(3) Despite their youth and inexperience, Tennessees defense held a legitimate top-5 opponent to 27 offensive points on their field. Although this was a credible achievement in its own right, our defense actually improved as the game wore on. After surrendering thirteen points on three consecutive scoring drives in the first quarter and roughly 300 yards total offense in the first half, our defense held the Sooners to only 151 yards and seven offensive points on 30 plays in the second half.
(4) Relative success in containing Oklahomas ground game. Despite being outweighed by almost 50 pounds per man by Oklahomas experienced and senior-laden offensive line, our defensive line did a credible job of containing Oklahomas running game, which amassed only 146 yards on 34 carries. As commentators observed, this required selling out by stuffing the box and putting our cornerbacks on an island.
(5) 3rd down conversion defense. Oklahoma finished only 3-12 on third down conversions and did not successfully convert a third down in the second half. Thus far, we are allowing opponents to successfully convert only 23% of third downs.
(6) No retreat, no surrender attitude. In recent years, how many times have we seen Tennessee surrender a backbreaking score, comparable to Oklahomas 100-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, only to wilt and then give up points in bunches thereafter? This team responded with fortitude and resolve not displayed by its predecessors.
(7) Surprisingly improved success running the ball later in the game. Our offensive line was absolutely dominated for most of the first three quarters and our running game amassed -11 yards on our first 19 rushing attempts. However, in the last 16:16 of action, we ran the ball 14 times for 123 yards. See Tennessee Volunteers vs. Oklahoma Sooners - Play By Play - September 13, 2014 - ESPN.
(8) Jalen Hurd. tis no great surprise but Jalen is truly coming into his own: 97 yards rushing on 14 carries against a very stout Oklahoma front seven, including runs of 43 and 29 yards, as well as a 30-yard pass reception.
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