Section KK
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1. #11 Justin Hunter This injury was the biggest play in the game. With two teams full of underclassmen an emotional, personnel, and schematic setback like this is going to play a huge factor. We let up instead of putting on more steam. Beyond the Florida game impact, this is the most disappointing thing that has happened all season, worse than anything before and everything since. We dont yet know the extent of the injury. He may be back next month, or he may never be the same player again. He is a truly elite football talent, and selfishly, we all want him back in pads as soon as possible, but regardless, he is an intelligent and disciplined young man, and he is going to be successful in life. Get well soon, Justin.
2. Tennessee Defense Slow start, they gave up a touchdown and let Florida drive the field again in the first quarter, but after a questionable penalty gave UF 1st and goal at the ten, the defense shut them down the rest of the half (27 more yards and 1 first down, 17 plays after 1st & goal on the 10 stuffing 5drives). Unfortunately, special teams gave up 2 field goals. Starting the second half, we barely missed a beautiful goal line stand starting 1st & goal at the 3, and then we missed an assignment and gave up the big play. Props to AJJ for playing for and making the break on his takeaway, next time - SCORE. This unit improves every week, and moreover they have adjusted very well during games. They pursue and gang tackle, though with Rainey thats tough. We saw this against Cincinnati last week. We need three obvious things from the defense to win us games going forward wrapping up, a stronger 1st quarter, and more turnovers.
3. Protect our kickers Probst missed a block on their best player and then Gary Danielson announced that we were about to give up our biggest punt return of the year, right before we did just that... Six points given away. Palardy missed a 38 yard field goal. This year, he has made from 37 and 20, missed from 38 and 43; we should expect 80% from under 40 yards, and he can still do that, just bad timing on the miss. If he starts missing a bunch of 30-yarders, there will be concern. Overall, the kick coverage has been great this year; I like to think we were gonna stop Rainey before he slipped on the one big punt return. We need more of a spark in the return game, though; here is where the breaks are made maybe we will see DY against Buffalo.
4. The run game 21 carries for -9 yards sums it up. We couldnt run against them (at least there were no fumbles). This is the only area of the game where I question our offensive play calling. I dont think we should have run more, but we could have run smarter. We were never going to gash the interior of their line, and Tauren Poole is not about to outrun Floridas defense on the outside. Thats fair. However, I really expected a couple of delayed draws and some screen passes. Even a designed quarterback draw or two would have been an quick 5-10 yard gain if we cleared the middle. Rivera and DaRick are perfectly capable of blocking the perimeter for a screen pass to Lane. We are a pass-first team, and we need these plays to keep them honest.
5. Fan expectations Most analysts and fans expect a 6-6 to 8-4 season from us; they expected this before our best player on both offense and defense went down and out, respectively. We went into the Swamp yesterday as a 10 point underdog, and we came out with a ten point loss. Where does the fan base think the Vegas line would be if people knew our best player would be on crutches after the first play on offense? Our team expects to win at least one or two from UF, UGA, LSU, SC, and Arky. We certainly made some major mistakes yesterday, but theres no logic in saying at this point in the season that this team is not meeting expectations.
6. Licking the wounds This is a year where our bye week(s) is perfectly scheduled. A tough SEC matchup next weekend would be tough for everyone, not that we couldnt handle it if we had too. That was the toughest loss Dooleys core group has had yet (LSU was a different situation and a different Vols team). We have a very young team, and we just played a quarter of our season. The learning curve is steepest RIGHT NOW and we actually have time to reflect, regroup, and be ready for business when the season starts again 20 days from today.
7. Looking in the mirror After we lick the wounds today and scars begin to heal, tomorrow every player needs to come back out with poise and dedication. Some players actually had a great game Rivera, J.Smith build on the success. A lot of players made mistakes, some huge mistakes dont blame or be angry, study and improve; we need you. Every non-starter you realize you are one snap away from going in, prepare for it.
8. Another door opens Hunters absence creates an enormous opportunity for our other receivers to get game experience. One true positive yesterday was seeing DeAnthony Arnett haul in a game-leading eight catches I dont think he dropped a pass. DaRick Rogers opposition just went from second best d-back to second d-back (as in double team). Hunters absence will be very difficult for DaRick and especially his stats, but its also an opportunity for him to develop against the best college players out there. If Hunter makes it back, everyone around him should be better.
9. Tyler Bray We love him, and he has the potential to challenge Peyton Manning in Tennessee legendry. Because he has our 100% support, we can be blunt hes not superman (not yet). The first interception, he misjudged his ability to clear their back; hes only 66 (sarcasm) and some people can jump. This play could have been the difference between 23-7 and 16-14, and we could have made it a game in the second half this throw let the team down. He threw into double and even triple coverage a couple times against Montana, and a few times yesterday, and it finally caught up with him on the last drive, granted it was in desperation time. The team that made the fewest mistakes did win. The play where he motioned DaRick toward the hole in the zone on a well covered play is the x factor that Tennessee quarterbacks have been without. The criticism and the praise unfairly falls on your shoulders, Tyler, get used to it, and keep stepping up.
10. Florida expectations As a program and a fanbase, we expect to beat Florida as often as they beat us. 20 years ago, we expected to whip the Gators at least 4 out of 5 times. It is hard to stomach a seven game losing streak, but lets take that streak into perspective. The last time, we were comparable in talent was probably 2005, maybe 2006; this year was probably the closest since. As Dooley said, the team cannot be held hostage to the past; only three players on our team had ever started in Gainesville. Next year, most of our starters from yesterday will line up against most of their starters from yesterday, and well get our third (maybe second is more descriptive) look at Vols vs. Gators in the Dooley era. Dooley and these players did not lose the majority of those games, and they dont deserve blame for this repulsive streak. Next year Florida will not make nearly as many mistakes (~400 penalty yards), but neither will we.
11. 2011 Outlook The Vols have played an average game, a great game, and below average game this year, and so it goes with a young team. Our chances of beating the remaining teams on our schedule is not drastically changed by the game yesterday (acknowledging the loss of Hunter). The guys grew up a little, and we have three weeks until Georgia comes to town. Well have exciting opportunities four weekends in a row. If 9-3 was the expectation, I would be much more disappointed in the teams performance, but the fact that 9-3 seems like a possibility maybe a stretch but a real possibility should have Vol fans as excited as ever.
Sometimes the breaks dont go our way; sometimes the Patriots get blown out by Cleveland (11/7/10). Were right where we thought we might be a month ago, and weve got a great chance to be there or higher a month from now. Its just one game. Nine more chances, keep carrying the fight to them.
Go Vols,
Section KK
2. Tennessee Defense Slow start, they gave up a touchdown and let Florida drive the field again in the first quarter, but after a questionable penalty gave UF 1st and goal at the ten, the defense shut them down the rest of the half (27 more yards and 1 first down, 17 plays after 1st & goal on the 10 stuffing 5drives). Unfortunately, special teams gave up 2 field goals. Starting the second half, we barely missed a beautiful goal line stand starting 1st & goal at the 3, and then we missed an assignment and gave up the big play. Props to AJJ for playing for and making the break on his takeaway, next time - SCORE. This unit improves every week, and moreover they have adjusted very well during games. They pursue and gang tackle, though with Rainey thats tough. We saw this against Cincinnati last week. We need three obvious things from the defense to win us games going forward wrapping up, a stronger 1st quarter, and more turnovers.
3. Protect our kickers Probst missed a block on their best player and then Gary Danielson announced that we were about to give up our biggest punt return of the year, right before we did just that... Six points given away. Palardy missed a 38 yard field goal. This year, he has made from 37 and 20, missed from 38 and 43; we should expect 80% from under 40 yards, and he can still do that, just bad timing on the miss. If he starts missing a bunch of 30-yarders, there will be concern. Overall, the kick coverage has been great this year; I like to think we were gonna stop Rainey before he slipped on the one big punt return. We need more of a spark in the return game, though; here is where the breaks are made maybe we will see DY against Buffalo.
4. The run game 21 carries for -9 yards sums it up. We couldnt run against them (at least there were no fumbles). This is the only area of the game where I question our offensive play calling. I dont think we should have run more, but we could have run smarter. We were never going to gash the interior of their line, and Tauren Poole is not about to outrun Floridas defense on the outside. Thats fair. However, I really expected a couple of delayed draws and some screen passes. Even a designed quarterback draw or two would have been an quick 5-10 yard gain if we cleared the middle. Rivera and DaRick are perfectly capable of blocking the perimeter for a screen pass to Lane. We are a pass-first team, and we need these plays to keep them honest.
5. Fan expectations Most analysts and fans expect a 6-6 to 8-4 season from us; they expected this before our best player on both offense and defense went down and out, respectively. We went into the Swamp yesterday as a 10 point underdog, and we came out with a ten point loss. Where does the fan base think the Vegas line would be if people knew our best player would be on crutches after the first play on offense? Our team expects to win at least one or two from UF, UGA, LSU, SC, and Arky. We certainly made some major mistakes yesterday, but theres no logic in saying at this point in the season that this team is not meeting expectations.
6. Licking the wounds This is a year where our bye week(s) is perfectly scheduled. A tough SEC matchup next weekend would be tough for everyone, not that we couldnt handle it if we had too. That was the toughest loss Dooleys core group has had yet (LSU was a different situation and a different Vols team). We have a very young team, and we just played a quarter of our season. The learning curve is steepest RIGHT NOW and we actually have time to reflect, regroup, and be ready for business when the season starts again 20 days from today.
7. Looking in the mirror After we lick the wounds today and scars begin to heal, tomorrow every player needs to come back out with poise and dedication. Some players actually had a great game Rivera, J.Smith build on the success. A lot of players made mistakes, some huge mistakes dont blame or be angry, study and improve; we need you. Every non-starter you realize you are one snap away from going in, prepare for it.
8. Another door opens Hunters absence creates an enormous opportunity for our other receivers to get game experience. One true positive yesterday was seeing DeAnthony Arnett haul in a game-leading eight catches I dont think he dropped a pass. DaRick Rogers opposition just went from second best d-back to second d-back (as in double team). Hunters absence will be very difficult for DaRick and especially his stats, but its also an opportunity for him to develop against the best college players out there. If Hunter makes it back, everyone around him should be better.
9. Tyler Bray We love him, and he has the potential to challenge Peyton Manning in Tennessee legendry. Because he has our 100% support, we can be blunt hes not superman (not yet). The first interception, he misjudged his ability to clear their back; hes only 66 (sarcasm) and some people can jump. This play could have been the difference between 23-7 and 16-14, and we could have made it a game in the second half this throw let the team down. He threw into double and even triple coverage a couple times against Montana, and a few times yesterday, and it finally caught up with him on the last drive, granted it was in desperation time. The team that made the fewest mistakes did win. The play where he motioned DaRick toward the hole in the zone on a well covered play is the x factor that Tennessee quarterbacks have been without. The criticism and the praise unfairly falls on your shoulders, Tyler, get used to it, and keep stepping up.
10. Florida expectations As a program and a fanbase, we expect to beat Florida as often as they beat us. 20 years ago, we expected to whip the Gators at least 4 out of 5 times. It is hard to stomach a seven game losing streak, but lets take that streak into perspective. The last time, we were comparable in talent was probably 2005, maybe 2006; this year was probably the closest since. As Dooley said, the team cannot be held hostage to the past; only three players on our team had ever started in Gainesville. Next year, most of our starters from yesterday will line up against most of their starters from yesterday, and well get our third (maybe second is more descriptive) look at Vols vs. Gators in the Dooley era. Dooley and these players did not lose the majority of those games, and they dont deserve blame for this repulsive streak. Next year Florida will not make nearly as many mistakes (~400 penalty yards), but neither will we.
11. 2011 Outlook The Vols have played an average game, a great game, and below average game this year, and so it goes with a young team. Our chances of beating the remaining teams on our schedule is not drastically changed by the game yesterday (acknowledging the loss of Hunter). The guys grew up a little, and we have three weeks until Georgia comes to town. Well have exciting opportunities four weekends in a row. If 9-3 was the expectation, I would be much more disappointed in the teams performance, but the fact that 9-3 seems like a possibility maybe a stretch but a real possibility should have Vol fans as excited as ever.
Sometimes the breaks dont go our way; sometimes the Patriots get blown out by Cleveland (11/7/10). Were right where we thought we might be a month ago, and weve got a great chance to be there or higher a month from now. Its just one game. Nine more chances, keep carrying the fight to them.
Go Vols,
Section KK
