Recruiting Forum: Football Talk II

[AbarVolfan15]

Originally Posted by vol2002

Was just reading Mr. SEC's power rankings. Saw where they have Tennessee in "bottom dwellers" and outside of the bowl contender category. Like many commentators, part of the reason they said this was the meme that Tennessee is a bunch of quitters that will fold down the stretch, like last year.

MrSEC.com Power Rankings – 10/30/12
Thats absolute B.S.

The only way the VOLS wouldn't be bowl eligible is if they lost to Vandy and Mizzou. I think there is a slim chance that UT will lose either of those. It just shows who ever wrote that article doesn't watch espn on Saturday's. TN has been contenders in every game but Bama and a quarter of FL which is common for every team who has played these two.

Being in the stands for the USC game gave me a lot of hope for the "second season". Honestly many fans thought UT wouldn't be as motivated after the crushing loss to Bama, but they came fired up and fought until the end. It's clear that the VOLS have better leadership and they are staying focused compared to the last 2 years.

[Tha Don]

Originally Posted by SpringBokVol

Aside from occasional terrible play calling, there is nothing wrong with UT's offense.

+1

[jjay2518]

Originally Posted by NMVol

Teams don't always pass more to score in critical drives. Seems like to me T. Henry ran the ball right down Arkansas throat to score after the fumble. I appreciate that the running game has improved. Maybe the trend recently is toward the run in these situations but the stat seems telling to me.

One that one particular drive, we recovered a fumble in Arkkansas territory with plenty of time on the clock. Go back and watch our late game drives this year. We had further to go and not much time.

[skeeter33418]

Originally Posted by SpringBokVol

Aside from occasional terrible play calling, there is nothing wrong with UT's offense.

We have a good offense despite the play calling.

[98vol]

Originally Posted by skeeter33418

We have a good offense despite the play calling.

Skeeter any coach news?

[AbarVolfan15]

four of TN's five losses are to opponents in the top10 and MSU is in the top20

[vol2002]

Originally Posted by AbarVolfan15

Being in the stands for the USC game gave me a lot of hope for the "second season". Honestly many fans thought UT wouldn't be as motivated after the crushing loss to Bama, but they came fired up and fought until the end. It's clear that the VOLS have better leadership and they are staying focused compared to the last 2 years.

I agree - they played hard.

I'll be honest. I'm probably the only person on here who thinks this, but this team generally has exceeded my expectations.

When I looked at our schedule at the start of the year, I thought we'd be 4-4 right now, with the only difference being a win over Florida. (Florida is obviously much better than we all thought).

Outside of that game, I thought we may get blown out by Georgia and South Carolina, in addition to Bama. Instead, we played very competitively in those games and I'm proud of the team for that.

Dooley did a great job with team building this offseason and deserves a lot of credit for it.

[NMVol]

Originally Posted by jjay2518

One that one particular drive, we recovered a fumble in Arkkansas territory with plenty of time on the clock. Go back and watch our late game drives this year. We had further to go and not much time.

This is not quite right. The fumble occurred with 1:43 left in the game on the Tennessee 43.

[theutvolunteers]

Originally Posted by AbarVolfan15

four of TN's five losses are to opponents in the top10 and MSU is in the top20

It would be nice to have a plan to get us in that top ten rather than use it to defend terrible performances against good teams.

[TriCitiesVol]

A poster on VQ asked Hubbs if Bray, JH, and CP would all leave for the NFL.

I think Patterson and Hunter are the most likely to leave. Now I don't think they will get the draft grade they thought they would get back a couple of months ago, but I think they have played on leaving since before the season started.

Another poster asked Hubbs about the Cheek-Hart fighting.

I don't know that fighting is the right word, but I don't think Hart feels like Cheek is moving fast enough in doing things. There's admission issues that Fulmer talked about when he was coach. Those issues still exist. There are financial things and things like who will get to use the land where Stokley is at when that building is empty.

Hubbs also mentioned that there is a "legit" chance that Darrr transfers after the season.

[skeeter33418]

Originally Posted by 98vol

Skeeter any coach news?

Not really. Some boosters want Hart to make a move soon, but Hart is stubborn and really likes Dooley. So who knows.

[SPEDVoL14]

If we did make a move, who would be the leaders in the clubhouse to get the job... of course assuming Gruden says no?

[babyavi]

Originally Posted by skeeter33418

Not really. Some boosters want Hart to make a move soon, but Hart is stubborn and really likes Dooley. So who knows.

well lets hope he can recruit well this year.

[AbarVolfan15]

Originally Posted by skeeter33418

Not really. Some boosters want Hart to make a move soon, but Hart is stubborn and really likes Dooley. So who knows.

It honestly wouldn't be smart from a recruiting standpoint to fire a coach without a big name waiting to accept. If and only IF Dooley gets fired, there should be a 3-day fire&hire window. If anything, nothing should happen IMO until after the Kentucky game.

[fearsvols]

Originally Posted by skeeter33418

Not really. Some boosters want Hart to make a move soon, but Hart is stubborn and really likes Dooley. So who knows.

Something to think about, its entirely possible that Vols win last 4 by double digits each game. If by chance they then win the bowl game i think perception wise it might be difficult to replace DD.