Despite the loss, there was great improvement from week 1 to week 2. In week 1, the defense was overwhelmed on the ground, seemingly unable to even line up. This week they did an excellent job stopping the run for 3 1/2 quarters, and BYU had a much better line than GA St. They seemed to run out of gas in the overtime. The bust on pass defense with 21 seconds to play was horrible, but it was one play.
On the other hand, the offense ran the ball very well, piling up 249 yards on the ground. The problem was the red zone, where they ended up kicking 3 field goals (in regulation) Converting just one of those puts the game out of reach. Usually, when a team moves the ball up and down the field but stalls in the red zone it is because of a lack of ability to run, since pass defense becomes much easier when the field shrinks. But 249 yards belies that, so there may be another reason.
It could be simply a lack of confidence. This program seems to have lost the belief that they will win. This hasn't happened just this year, it has been building for 10 years. I think Pruitt will restore that confidence, because he has confidence in himself, but it will take time. It took time to get here, it will take time to get back. This team improved greatly from week 1 to week 2. It will continue to improve this season as the younger players gain experience and have some success, building confidence. In 1988, the last time TN started 0-2, the Vols started 0-6, finished 5-6. The next year they went 11-1, finished #5 in the country. It was the beginning of the great 90s run that included the '98 Natty.
I suggest we don't panic, look at the big picture, and support your team every week. The crowd was the reason for at least 2 procedure penalties by BYU in the 1st Qtr.
On the other hand, the offense ran the ball very well, piling up 249 yards on the ground. The problem was the red zone, where they ended up kicking 3 field goals (in regulation) Converting just one of those puts the game out of reach. Usually, when a team moves the ball up and down the field but stalls in the red zone it is because of a lack of ability to run, since pass defense becomes much easier when the field shrinks. But 249 yards belies that, so there may be another reason.
It could be simply a lack of confidence. This program seems to have lost the belief that they will win. This hasn't happened just this year, it has been building for 10 years. I think Pruitt will restore that confidence, because he has confidence in himself, but it will take time. It took time to get here, it will take time to get back. This team improved greatly from week 1 to week 2. It will continue to improve this season as the younger players gain experience and have some success, building confidence. In 1988, the last time TN started 0-2, the Vols started 0-6, finished 5-6. The next year they went 11-1, finished #5 in the country. It was the beginning of the great 90s run that included the '98 Natty.
I suggest we don't panic, look at the big picture, and support your team every week. The crowd was the reason for at least 2 procedure penalties by BYU in the 1st Qtr.
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