Ten Thoughts against Memphis

[zjcvols]

1. I assume Janzen Jackson is suspended and I think the staff deserves some props for that. Teach the kid to be mature and realize who he represents.

2. Let's see if Kiffin airs the ball out. He played it close to the vest against USClite with a big lead early and the rain, I'm curious to see if he wants to expand the passing game against Memphis.

3. I would not expect Hardesty to get 20 carries if we get a big lead. We need him healthy and we can easily win with just Brown/Oku carrying the ball.

4. Really look to see how Nigel Mitchell-Thornton and Herman Lathers perform. Let's see how comfortable they are and if one stands out over the other.

5. I would be absolutely shocked if Nukeese isn't involved early in the offense. I'm expecting the Pahokee Package in the first offensive series. Look for screens, slants, etc. to get Nuke the ball.

6. Brent Vinson is going to get some snaps with Marsalous Johnson out. I really want to see Brent step up. He's been very disappointing during his career, and this might be his last chance to prove he can contribute.

7. I pray to God the special teams coverage have improved. It was...better against USClite, but it still needs lots of work.

8. Last two weeks we haven't had any big plays from our WR's. Hopefully they can pick up the momentum from the UGA game and make some plays. Take pressure off Crompton and the run game.

9. Can the Vols find an answer for the punt return woes? We have not had a good, solid punt return in a while. Who is the answer?

10. I think the Vols are ready to come out and continue to play well. They have some momentum going and this staff does not take anyone lightly. I expect a good, solid performance and a 41-10 UT victory.

Go Vols

[Vol-Fox]

Are Prentiss Wagner or Darren Myles Jr. capable of holding their ground back there? I'm not too worried because it's Memphis, but even so.

[GiveMyAll]

What I would like to see is an opportunity for some of our younger guys to be in a game during a time that counts... help to develop some depth/experience for the rest of the season and future.
That being said, we also need to come out with intensity and stick to our strengths (running game, qb movement, and defense). I see no reason to just be airing out the ball unless we will continue to do so down the road.

[westtnvol]

I would be shocked if we threw it more than 15-18 times in this game. Alot of Hardesty, a whole lot of Brown, Oku, and Poole. It would be really good to get a big lead a let some of the guys (berry, Montario, Walker, Dan Williams, McCoy) have a little time off and get ready for the big game in Oxford next weekend.

[BACKDOC]

When will M. Johnson return??

[Mullet Vol]

If Nuke gets more opportunitiues it will be b/c of playing an inferior opponent not b/c he whined about playing time. I don't think this staff will give in to threats like this. If they give him more plays then what kind of precedent does that set for the rest of the team? Cry and threaten to leave and we will get you more involved in the game?

[hmanvolfan]

Originally Posted by GiveMyAll

What I would like to see is an opportunity for some of our younger guys to be in a game during a time that counts... help to develop some depth/experience for the rest of the season and future.
That being said, we also need to come out with intensity and stick to our strengths (running game, qb movement, and defense). I see no reason to just be airing out the ball unless we will continue to do so down the road.

Excellent thoughts. Welcome aboard the crazy train.....
YouTube - Randy Rhoads - Crazy Train Video (From Tribute Album)

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by Mullet Vol

If Nuke gets more opportunitiues it will be b/c of playing an inferior opponent not b/c he whined about playing time. I don't think this staff will give in to threats like this. If they give him more plays then what kind of precedent does that set for the rest of the team? Cry and threaten to leave and we will get you more involved in the game?

no, but b/c its an inferior opponent, they can give him the ball early, even if he did whine or didn't. I think they want to give him more opportunities anyway, it's just a good time to do it.

[RoanokeVol]

I don't mean to bring up bad memories, but all I can think about going into this game is 1996. Let's not go into this game too confident.

[hmanvolfan]

Originally Posted by RoanokeVol

I don't mean to bring up bad memories, but all I can think about going into this game is 1996. Let's not go into this game too confident.

I was there and this game ain't being played in the Liberty Bowl by blind coaches and officials. By blind coaches I'm referring to Phil Fulmer who was going against a run defense ranked in the top five, had Peyton Manning as his qb and refused to utilize the passing game because he was convinced he could run the ball down their throats. Vol fans should've known at that point there was a flaw in the coaching philosophy of CPF.

[saxvol]

Originally Posted by hmanvolfan

I was there and this game ain't being played in the Liberty Bowl by blind coaches and officials. By blind coaches I'm referring to Phil Fulmer who was going against a run defense ranked in the top five, had Peyton Manning as his qb and refused to utilize the passing game because he was convinced he could run the ball down their throats. Vol fans should've known at that point there was a flaw in the coaching philosophy of CPF.

This.

I was there too, it was a cold wet day, had to dig a used poncho out of a trash can.
When I returned 10 years later it was a bright, sunny day, and we blew them out.

[hmanvolfan]

Originally Posted by saxvol

This.

I was there too, it was a cold wet day, had to dig a used poncho out of a trash can.
When I returned 10 years later it was a bright, sunny day, and we blew them out.

Wasn't raining in 96 but the latter game was a blowout that should be customary against the Tigers. I believe the rainy day you're referring to was between those two games.

[BeecherVol]

1. Show up.

Win the game, get out healthy. Get ready to finish the SEC schedule strong.

I expect a flat game, that we win by 17.

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by BACKDOC

When will M. Johnson return??

a few weeks according to Kiffin.

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by BeecherVol

1. Show up.

Win the game, get out healthy. Get ready to finish the SEC schedule strong.

I expect a flat game, that we win by 17.

With the old regime, yes. Not with the new regime. And I know people look at the Ohio game, but that was a wet, rainy game with terrible Crompton.