Two most important things that NEED to happen today...win or lose

[VOL 4 Life 83]

1. We MUST come out fast, aggressive, and motivated. This will tell us a lot about the coaching staff and players...have they thrown in the towel already or will they fight until the clock strikes zero. We may not win, but I want to see this team keep the game competitive until late in the game.

2. The play-calling HAS TO improve, specifically by throwing it on early downs and moving the pocket. Our OL deficiencies aren't going to improve any time soon it seems. Mix it up by throwing quick slants, screens, and dump routes to the RB/TE or slot man on 1st/2nd down. Then move the pocket frequently to keep UGA on their toes. This will tell me that our OC and HC are actually adjusting to our deficiencies and giving us the best chance to win.


P.S. Holding onto the ball might also be important

 

[Jack Burton]

We all need hopes and dreams.

 

[VFLCodyGBO]

I’d be willing to say THE most important thing we have to do is show up for all 4 quarters.

 

[VOL 4 Life 83]

We all need hopes and dreams.

I'm not hoping or dreaming anything, and I damn sure am not suggesting we win. These fixes are relatively simple in the grand scheme of things. NOT adjusting is more damning in my opinion than continuing to employ status quo

 

[VFL-82-JP]

83, I'm not sure either of those are key.

I think the keys for the future go more in this direction:

1. Play hard for 60 minutes, as Cody said. No matter the circumstances. Develop a professionalism in their outlook, a "this is who I am, it is what I do, I'm going to do my best no matter what." Emotion is great, fire is awesome, but beneath it the lads have to have mettle, an iron will that neither bends nor breaks.

2. Tamp down on mental mistakes. At the top end, eliminate them altogether.

3. Execute the playbook. Everyone on the same play, everyone doing their job.

Your #2 pre-supposes that the play-calling has been bad so far this year. I'm not sure that's right. We can't know that until the players start doing my #3. My gut tells me the play calling has actually been good to very good; we simply can't see it because every play breaks down from poor or improper execution.

So yeah, I'll be looking for those three aspects of the game, myself.

Go Vols!

 

[VOLfrombama]

We must sustain some drives and score

Get some turnovers/3 and outs on D

 

[volsportsfan]

The most important thing that needs to happen today is for us to consistently gain at least 1 yard rushing when we go I formation or 2 te sets. 1 yard is not even good, but consistently gaining 1 yard against a quality opponent, sadly, would be an improvement.

Secondly, our defense HAS to show up for us to keep this game from being an embarrassment. Bottom line, no if ands or butts. CJP has a strong defensive background and at some point we need that pedigree to shine. Maybe it will happen this game, but chances are, it's still to early. If that doesn't happen, it WILL be a blowout.

I'm also holding out hope that we come out firing with the pass game. Lean on the pass to set up the run instead of vice versa. I seriously doubt that happens though. This staff seems pretty committed to getting our run game clicking.