Just a QB away from a completely different situation.

[orangerush]

We’re a head coach away.

 

[docterjaws]

Bailey did not get a spring practice and not much of a fall camp. Once the season starts, most reps go to the starter. We're 6 games into the season and he will eventually be the starting QB. But it's not a simple transition. Peyton didn't start until midway through his freshman year, and that was only because Colquitt was hurt and Helton wanted to focus on baseball. Yes, he has had the play book for a while now, but you can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading about it.

As far as the staff not having another QB ready, QBs are recruited way in advance. There were no highly rated QBs available when Pruitt took over. Maurer and Shrout were projects, and they have both had their moments, but are not the ultimate answer. So the staff has been relegated to playing JG, who has talent but decision making in critical situations is lacking. The "leap" on Saturday which had no chance of making a first down 9 yards away which resulted in a concussion is just the latest example. Love his heart, but QB requires not panicking as well.

Problem is, when JG (or any QB) starts imploding, it effects the whole team. Football is an emotional game. Our OL can be devastating in the run game against a standard defense, but when they begin to stack the box and dare us to throw, there must be another solution. We don't have a consistent enough passing game to get them out of it. The drained emotion then carries over to the defense. Once things start going bad, it snowballs.

Vols are improved everywhere except QB. When Bailey or Salter get up to speed, this will be a different team. Pruitt has upgraded the talent almost everywhere. Get behind him.

I completely agree - this season has been a perfect a perfect storm of everyone thinking our 5th year senior qb would be much improved and is not - all qb backups have not been given the time to be ready secondary to covid and health issues - and no matter what success we have in the first half of all our games - the opposing team makes adjustments for the second half and we play into their hands doing the same things in the second half just like our opposing team wants and they shut us down - putting our defense out there time and time again until they are exhausted - we need a better qb and we need a second half offensive plan different than the first half!! so the opposing team can not key on their adjustments like they have done every game

 

[ReelfootVol]

We need to start to develop Bailey. I think he would give this team the spark they need.

EXACTLY MY SENTIMENTS.....................................just as someone else says, "what have we got to lose." ???? Play Harrison Bailey every remaining game , and ever down.

 

[1vol8]

Bailey did not get a spring practice and not much of a fall camp. Once the season starts, most reps go to the starter. We're 6 games into the season and he will eventually be the starting QB. But it's not a simple transition. Peyton didn't start until midway through his freshman year, and that was only because Colquitt was hurt and Helton wanted to focus on baseball. Yes, he has had the play book for a while now, but you can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading about it.

As far as the staff not having another QB ready, QBs are recruited way in advance. There were no highly rated QBs available when Pruitt took over. Maurer and Shrout were projects, and they have both had their moments, but are not the ultimate answer. So the staff has been relegated to playing JG, who has talent but decision making in critical situations is lacking. The "leap" on Saturday which had no chance of making a first down 9 yards away which resulted in a concussion is just the latest example. Love his heart, but QB requires not panicking as well.

Problem is, when JG (or any QB) starts imploding, it effects the whole team. Football is an emotional game. Our OL can be devastating in the run game against a standard defense, but when they begin to stack the box and dare us to throw, there must be another solution. We don't have a consistent enough passing game to get them out of it. The drained emotion then carries over to the defense. Once things start going bad, it snowballs.

Vols are improved everywhere except QB. When Bailey or Salter get up to speed, this will be a different team. Pruitt has upgraded the talent almost everywhere. Get behind him.

I know for a fact that Maurer was not considered a “project”. Idk where some people are getting that from but he was recruited by Helton to take JGs job, as a freshman. It’s understandable that you may ASSUME he was a project because he was recruited so late but that has a LOT to do with the fact that he was underrated and “lost in the mix”. But no Elite 11 qbs are “projects”. They’re considered elite within their class. But all that being said, so was JG and it’s no secret that he’s a project if we’ve ever seen one.

 

[macrovol]

I know for a fact that Maurer was not considered a “project”. Idk where some people are getting that from but he was recruited by Helton to take JGs job, as a freshman. It’s understandable that you may ASSUME he was a project because he was recruited so late but that has a LOT to do with the fact that he was underrated and “lost in the mix”. But no Elite 11 qbs are “projects”. They’re considered elite within their class. But all that being said, so was JG and it’s no secret that he’s a project if we’ve ever seen one.

Perhaps "project" is not the right word. He was a 3* for a reason. Not to say a 3* can't be successful, but when you combine that with his reckless play and the injuries, it just didn't pan out.

 

[JoAllan]

So your saying Tennessee is just a QB away from Pruitt being here way longer than he should be?

kind of like the whole Butch thing?

If you people haven’t found out by now that “Tennessee is a coach away”......I don’t think anyone can help you.

 

[Boston_Vol]

This has been the case for 3 seasons. I doubt he does it. I hope he does though. It won't matter if the QB is elite if he's stuck on playing like offense like the 09 Bama team

 

[G8rh8r]

I agree, we need a better QB.

However, at this point in the Pruitt era, I have to ask why we don’t currently have one. We have recruited for three years, we have had three years to develop, and yet we are still right back where we started.

I have to believe poor QB play is just one symptom for a much more serious disease. Something is not right, nor has it been for a while. Ultimately, the decision to play JG and not actively seek a better option is all on Pruitt. I also believe Pruitt could have Peyton Manning at the helm and still have similar results.

 

[1vol8]

Perhaps "project" is not the right word. He was a 3* for a reason. Not to say a 3* can't be successful, but when you combine that with his reckless play and the injuries, it just didn't pan out.

Actually if we’re being honest he was a high 4* after his performance at the Opening. Hence the term “underrated”. He just never got his bump in the rankings because he signed early in Jan and the next update wasn’t until Feb of 2019. The reason he was a 3* was because of the team he played for being so bad. No one knew how he’d perform against other “elite” athletes until he made the Elite 11 and showed out at the Opening. He was guaranteed a major bump into the top 5 of his class.

 

[m1al]

Perhaps "project" is not the right word. He was a 3* for a reason. Not to say a 3* can't be successful, but when you combine that with his reckless play and the injuries, it just didn't pan out.

QBs for 200 Alex..

What 5th year QB is currently in concussion protocol because he tried to magically fly 7 yds to gain a first down?

 

[TNbuc2]

Its year 3, its not rocket surgery. If he hasn't figured things out by now then he's never going to. Time for JP to head back to Alabama so we can hire another lame duck coach

Rocket surgery sounds like something that could blow up in your face.

 

[beamerman]

JG did not give up 24 points to Arky in the 3rd quarter Sat. We are more than just a QB away. We are a couple full rosters away.

True. However, if we answer the first score of Arky with one of our own, the momentum returns to us. We didn’t because we can’t. Defense lost their focus because of it. It is a team game and our offense is letting the defense down, then they cannot play and as others have said it spirals down. Personally I am ready for the youngsters. Perfect time for free experience with no impact on their eligibility.

 

[CAVPUT]

Bailey did not get a spring practice and not much of a fall camp. Once the season starts, most reps go to the starter. We're 6 games into the season and he will eventually be the starting QB. But it's not a simple transition. Peyton didn't start until midway through his freshman year, and that was only because Colquitt was hurt and Helton wanted to focus on baseball. Yes, he has had the play book for a while now, but you can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading about it.

As far as the staff not having another QB ready, QBs are recruited way in advance. There were no highly rated QBs available when Pruitt took over. Maurer and Shrout were projects, and they have both had their moments, but are not the ultimate answer. So the staff has been relegated to playing JG, who has talent but decision making in critical situations is lacking. The "leap" on Saturday which had no chance of making a first down 9 yards away which resulted in a concussion is just the latest example. Love his heart, but QB requires not panicking as well.

Problem is, when JG (or any QB) starts imploding, it effects the whole team. Football is an emotional game. Our OL can be devastating in the run game against a standard defense, but when they begin to stack the box and dare us to throw, there must be another solution. We don't have a consistent enough passing game to get them out of it. The drained emotion then carries over to the defense. Once things start going bad, it snowballs.

Vols are improved everywhere except QB. When Bailey or Salter get up to speed, this will be a different team. Pruitt has upgraded the talent almost everywhere. Get behind him.

The Auburn game is iffy at best. That gives them 2 full weeks to rep him and put a package together. Let's see how that turns out. I'm betting more of the same.

 

[JMSqb11]

Agree, the question is why hasn't it happened yet ?

Its simple. Maurer is unreliable from a health consistency and I hate to say this, but he's also not reliable from a mental health side as well. He's really had a crazy year. I pray the kid is alright and makes huge progression in his life away from football.

For Bailey, he didn't get a spring camp and I believe he didn't get a S&C program either so he's legit learning first since the fall. At some point, we just have to throw him in and just say whatever happens, happens. I do think Fitzgerald leaving right in the midst of Covid prolly hurt us more than anything.

Its a throw away year at this point. Let Bailey finish it out and roll into 21 with him the clear starter.

 

[savannahfan]

Bailey did not get a spring practice and not much of a fall camp. Once the season starts, most reps go to the starter. We're 6 games into the season and he will eventually be the starting QB. But it's not a simple transition. Peyton didn't start until midway through his freshman year, and that was only because Colquitt was hurt and Helton wanted to focus on baseball. Yes, he has had the play book for a while now, but you can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading about it.

As far as the staff not having another QB ready, QBs are recruited way in advance. There were no highly rated QBs available when Pruitt took over. Maurer and Shrout were projects, and they have both had their moments, but are not the ultimate answer. So the staff has been relegated to playing JG, who has talent but decision making in critical situations is lacking. The "leap" on Saturday which had no chance of making a first down 9 yards away which resulted in a concussion is just the latest example. Love his heart, but QB requires not panicking as well.

Problem is, when JG (or any QB) starts imploding, it effects the whole team. Football is an emotional game. Our OL can be devastating in the run game against a standard defense, but when they begin to stack the box and dare us to throw, there must be another solution. We don't have a consistent enough passing game to get them out of it. The drained emotion then carries over to the defense. Once things start going bad, it snowballs.

Vols are improved everywhere except QB. When Bailey or Salter get up to speed, this will be a different team. Pruitt has upgraded the talent almost everywhere. Get behind him.

Very good and intelligent post!!! However on this site very little of either gets noticed. Mostly "one liners, fire'um, it's all his faults and they can't coach type" catch our impatient brothers attention.

The only problem I see is Coach Pruitt wants to use the OLD Sabin style of play which calls for a manager at QB. As has been stated by Salty Dog post in this thread, even his lordship changed with the hiring of Kif and others with the new offensive minded approach. Our man Pruitt (like his boss) and the guy now at Ga. cling to the old style. ANT gonna work this day and time. If Pru can't be made to see this change in football and at least get a good offensive set up (coach and QB) then he will be placed on the huge pile of fired HCs on the hill. Now as to his boss will he be a part of the "can't teach old dog, new tricks" group??????

 

[bigorangepoppa]

I will also add a TE, ILB, S, and a bruising RB. QB is not our only weakness this year. We likely have one or two of those already on the team in our 2020 Freshman class, and the rest are committed in the 2021 ln the class. Need more depth and a QB coach.

I agree with you. We have one of the top rated QB's on the team, but due to Covid, he was not able to go through spring training, then quarantined on two occasions in the fall really hurt, Austin Pope is the best blocking TE on the team and lost due to back surgery, inside linebacker is a position that seems to be lacking, safety seems to be by committee this year, and I have wondered myself as to why Pruitt doesn't put one of the bigger backs in on short yardage situations, even if it's just as a blocking back. Like it or not, I am not in the fire Pruitt camp. We have got to start having stability in this program.

 

[photovol]

Not only is this Vol team in need of a QB, it needs players that have much more talent than what Pruitt is trotting on to Shields Watkins field

 

[butchna]

Bailey did not get a spring practice and not much of a fall camp. Once the season starts, most reps go to the starter. We're 6 games into the season and he will eventually be the starting QB. But it's not a simple transition. Peyton didn't start until midway through his freshman year, and that was only because Colquitt was hurt and Helton wanted to focus on baseball. Yes, he has had the play book for a while now, but you can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading about it.

As far as the staff not having another QB ready, QBs are recruited way in advance. There were no highly rated QBs available when Pruitt took over. Maurer and Shrout were projects, and they have both had their moments, but are not the ultimate answer. So the staff has been relegated to playing JG, who has talent but decision making in critical situations is lacking. The "leap" on Saturday which had no chance of making a first down 9 yards away which resulted in a concussion is just the latest example. Love his heart, but QB requires not panicking as well.

Problem is, when JG (or any QB) starts imploding, it effects the whole team. Football is an emotional game. Our OL can be devastating in the run game against a standard defense, but when they begin to stack the box and dare us to throw, there must be another solution. We don't have a consistent enough passing game to get them out of it. The drained emotion then carries over to the defense. Once things start going bad, it snowballs.

Vols are improved everywhere except QB. When Bailey or Salter get up to speed, this will be a different team. Pruitt has upgraded the talent almost everywhere. Get behind him.

Helton got hurt too. He didn’t suddenly decide to focus on football...it was after Peyton had seized the job.

 

[savannahfan]

I know for a fact that Maurer was not considered a “project”. Idk where some people are getting that from but he was recruited by Helton to take JGs job, as a freshman. It’s understandable that you may ASSUME he was a project because he was recruited so late but that has a LOT to do with the fact that he was underrated and “lost in the mix”. But no Elite 11 qbs are “projects”. They’re considered elite within their class. But all that being said, so was JG and it’s no secret that he’s a project if we’ve ever seen one.

Maybe not.... But sure looks that way if his production to date is considered. Had he been elite, he would have taken over like most elites do. He did not and I don't think he ever could have.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

Its year 3, its not rocket surgery. If he hasn't figured things out by now then he's never going to. Time for JP to head back to Alabama so we can hire another lame duck coach

Do you need brain science to do rocket surgery?

 

[TheFlash1971]

I think what this poster ment to say was.
JUST A COACH AWAY FROM A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SEASON.

 

[whodeycin85]

Maybe not.... But sure looks that way if his production to date is considered. Had he been elite, he would have taken over like most elites do. He did not and I don't think he ever could have.

Same could he said for certain composite 4* QBs that people like to say is a blue chip star....my point is the guy ranked behind him in GA has forced a ranked OKLAHOMA st team to play a 2 QB system...he had the same covid and no spring restrictions...
So does that mean HB is a bust...nope....just saying unless the HC is in your corner 100% making an instant impact is harder then most think

 

[GVol1966]

No need in piling on JG, he is what he is. It’s a recruiting, then a development issue. JP needs to not sleep until he finds an elite HS, JUCO, or a transfer portal QB for the 2021 season. I don’t think he’ll survive next season without one.

I can not in any way understand why some of you assume Bailey is NOT a QB that can be very good! He may or may not , time will tell.

But if you’re basing it on him not already playing and CJP continued saying that JG gives us the best chance to win , You ALL are crazy!
The team as a whole looks like it’s poorly coached , not a single group looks as it should, and his in game decision making leads one to question any decisions he makes.
So to believe all we need to really look better is a QB , that we don’t have, is ridiculous!

 

[1vol8]

Maybe not.... But sure looks that way if his production to date is considered. Had he been elite, he would have taken over like most elites do. He did not and I don't think he ever could have.

He did. That’s what most seem to be forgetting. There was no reason for Pruitt to go back to him for UK if he didn’t earn the spot previously. No matter the outcome of that game (JG playing well) Maurer did not play like a qb that deserved to be benched. He played like a freshman qb that was rusty coming back from injury. I think some are under estimating the importance of preparation for a qb as well as over estimating the expectations of a freshman in the SEC playing for a poorly coached, middle of the pack team.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Remember, JG has pictures of Beldar, Kiffin, and Bobby Petrino hanging out at the Mouse's Ear.

So sad the one in JC burned down.