A Non-Mule WV Fan Outlook

#52
#52
SaintLouisVol said:
.... Defensively, the scheme is changing but the coaches have eluded to the fact that they will only attempt what they feel the players can do. That is, I think first few games will be a very KISS approach on both sides of the ball. But, there is enough talent on the field to compete. There's no question there.
.
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I firmly agree with this take, which is why I give us the edge. I think our offense is good enough to take advantage of a simple defensive game plan. Again, if you all had time to fully implement Pruitt's schemes I think there could be a very different outcome.

Another side note: You all may beat us, but I don't see any scenario where you all win by more than 10 points or "boat race" us as some of your posters have said. Pretty much everyone agrees that your all's offensive game plan should be to run the ball and make the game shorter. This game plan makes it super difficult to build a big lead or score a lot of points. Please don't take that as a homer viewpoint, that would be my outlook if the team roles were reversed as well. I just think it's hard to get way ahead when the goal is to have 10-15 play, 7 minute drives.
 
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#53
#53
WVFan said:
Thanks for the good banter everybody, this is fun. Most of you all have done a lot of research and know our team well which I appreciate. The biggest thing I've noticed through reading this post, and many others is the differing views the two fan bases have on y'all having a new coach. Your fans are rightfully excited to have a new HC coming from the top team in college football. Most of you all think that it's an advantage that we have no idea what to expect or scheme for. The WVU fan base sees this as the first game of your rebuilding process and we will see a hangover from the Butch Jones era simply because Pruitt, or Bill Bellichek for that matter, didn't have enough time to get rid of all the bad Jones left. This is why I said I am glad that we are playing you all in the 1st game instead of the 10th. Come game time, I'm sure it will be somewhere of a middle ground between each of our fan bases thoughts. Pruitt will certainly throw something at us that we didn't know to plan for but your players will struggle at times with the new schemes that they have just recently learned. The pitcher analogy is a really good one in my opinion. Here's another part to that, how hard is it for that pitcher to go out and throw sliders when he has been practicing curve balls the last 3 years? You all clearly have the better athletes, the winner of the game will depend on if they've had enough time to learn Pruitt's schemes or not.
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I can see why you might think it was about the schemes, but really the change, although schematic vastly different, is even more cultural. Butch (or as most of us refer to him Lyle) was all talk and no walk. He got good players to come to TN but he developed a culture of entitled starters and pansy football. Perhaps it will take longer than 6 months to turn that around, but I’m afraid for your boys in blue that won’t be the case. We have a team full of players that are embarrassed about last year and were eager to buy into the new culture. No one is special on Pruitt’s team and each starter will have earned his spot with hard work. Pruitt himself said the other day that good coaches ask from their team what they are capable of giving (my paraphrase). Expect a dog fight on Saturday and expect your boys to be sore on the flight home.
 
#54
#54
WVFan said:
I firmly agree with this take, which is why I give us the edge. I think our offense is good enough to take advantage of a simple defensive game plan. Again, if you all had time to fully implement Pruitt's schemes I think there could be a very different outcome.

Another side note: You all may beat us, but I don't see any scenario where you all win by more than 10 points or "boat race" us as some of your posters have said. Pretty much everyone agrees that your all's offensive game plan should be to run the ball and make the game shorter. This game plan makes it super difficult to build a big lead or score a lot of points. Please don't take that as a homer viewpoint, that would be my outlook if the team roles were reversed as well. I just think it's hard to get way ahead when the goal is to have 10-15 play, 7 minute drives.
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By the way, thanks for bringing a level headed perspective to the discourse. Your points are valid and I hope it’s a good game!
 
#55
#55
AdmiralVFL98 said:
By the way, thanks for bringing a level headed perspective to the discourse. Your points are valid and I hope it’s a good game!
Click to expand...
Thanks! With how expensive tickets were I too am hoping for a good game and not a blow out on either side.
 
#56
#56
WVFan said:
Hi all, WVU fan here. I've never posted on a message board before (not even WVU forums) but felt compelled to create an account after reading some of the mind blowing posts made from a few of my WVU brethren. Below I'll try to outline a more sane expectation of our team and save face for the majority of the WVU fan base.

I'll start with the defense.

First things first, the only exceptional player on the defense is David Long. He's undersized at LB compared to what y'all are used to but he is a stud. Unfortunately for us there is a dramatic drop off on defense from there. Dylan Tonkery was serviceable at LB last year and should be better in his second year. The third starting LB is a JUCO transfer so its hard to tell what we have there.

Safety: Dravon Askew-Henry was a Freshman AA but tore his ACL two years ago and was a huge liability last year. We are all hopeful that he can return to his pre-injury status but only time will tell. He is also playing a new position this year which is the tone setter for the D, so we really need him to be good. The other two starting safeties are decent but nothing to write home about. Kenny Robinson was a boom or bust freshman last year and, as all good homers do, we like to focus on the boom which is why WVUMULE was so high on him in his last post.

Cornerbacks: They were abysmal last year so it can only go up from there. Hopefully they can upgrade to just "liability" instead of "abysmal" this year.

That brings us to the DL. Surprisingly, it looks like the defensive line has turned into one of our strengths this year. I know, I know, you all are tired of hearing about our two transfers, but you have to understand that they actually are a really big deal for us. Our DL was miserable last year (as you guys rightfully bring up at any possible opportunity. SEE: Kansas running game). Two of our starters from last years DL left the program and it sounds like it was a mutual split with our DC even stating that one of them was like a cancer to the team. So those two transfers from big time programs, even if they didn't play much at their last schools, are an upgrade from what we have last year. Expect to see a lot of shuffling on the DL early in the game until the coaches figure out who is actually for real, because all fall they have been saying that we have 8 guys who can play. I like the optimism, but I'll believe it when I see it. Most of us fans will be ecstatic if 3 players turn out to be good (which I believe will happen).

Overall, we will be better than we were last year but we did not set the bar that high. I think of the defense like you all think of your whole team, it's a giant unknown. I do believe the talent is there, but have no idea if they will bring it all together. I would be happy if our D averaged giving up around 28PPG by the end of the year. I know, that's rough.

Offense:

QB: Will Grier will be the best player on the field, for either team. There is a reason he is a preseason first team AA.

WR: David Sills is also a preseason AA for a reason, all he does is score touchdowns. Gary Jennings is also a stud and will be playing on Sundays next year, he is the guy that you all need to shut to down really impact our offense. He has a knack for getting open and doesn't ever drop the ball. Marcus Simms is a speedster but has been known to drop the easy passes. We haven't seen T.J. Simmons yet so we don't really know what were getting but Grier has had nothing but good things to say about him (whatever that's worth).

RB: If the old saying goes "if you have two QBs, then you have no QBs" what does it mean if you have 4 RBs? Seriously, I have no idea what we have here. Some of our fanbase is excited that the coaching staff has talked up a RFrosh a TFrosh running back this fall but it worries me. I would have liked to see McCoy or Pettaway (the back-ups from last year) distance themselves as starters. Overall, I think defenses will have to account for Grier enough that the RBs will be decent but I have no idea which one will be the starter as the season goes on.

TE: I'm not buying into the TE hype until I see it. Dana has been saying for the last few years that we would start using a TE and it has yet to happen. All we really know is that Wesco is a blocker and Haskins is a pass-catcher.

Line: We have two very good lineman in Cajuste and McKivitz, both tackles. I am not drinking the cool-aid that our interior lineman will be great this year. Our interior line play last year was bad, which is the reason we either scored on a 4 play, 80 yard drive or had a three and out. Seriously, there wasn't much of an in-between last year. Our starting center from last year lost the job in the Spring, but has since pulled back even on the depth chart. This is another RB situation for me, I would have liked to see him distance himself from the backup.

Overall, our offense should be prolific if for nothing else than Will Grier and the fact it's his second year in the system. Say what you will about Dana, but returning QBs on his team have seriously improved numbers from the previous year. The interior line is my biggest fear, but I think they will be serviceable enough that we can average 35-38PPG.

Sorry for the long winded post but I wanted to give a more honest review of our team. As for a prediction of this game, I think we do end up winning, mainly because its the first game of the season. This will be one of the few games we don't have to worry about depth. I also think that you all are putting too high of expectations on your new head coach in the first game of the season. I think you all admit that he inherited a dumpster fire and I don't think he will be able to turn it around in the first game. If we played y'all in the 10th game of the year then I think there could be a very different outcome.

Good luck on Saturday and no matter the outcome, I will be rooting for the Vols to win every game the rest of the year.
Click to expand...

It will be difficult for "Grier will be the best player on the field for either team," when he sees the game from his azz, which he will be sitting on all afternoon.
 
#57
#57
WVFan said:
...You all may beat us, but I don't see any scenario where you all win by more than 10 points or "boat race" us as some of your posters have said...
Click to expand...

Short of a couple of TDs off turnovers and/or special teams scoring, I agree. If UT wins, it will be fairly tight.
 
#58
#58
WVFan said:
I firmly agree with this take, which is why I give us the edge. I think our offense is good enough to take advantage of a simple defensive game plan. Again, if you all had time to fully implement Pruitt's schemes I think there could be a very different outcome.

Another side note: You all may beat us, but I don't see any scenario where you all win by more than 10 points or "boat race" us as some of your posters have said. Pretty much everyone agrees that your all's offensive game plan should be to run the ball and make the game shorter. This game plan makes it super difficult to build a big lead or score a lot of points. Please don't take that as a homer viewpoint, that would be my outlook if the team roles were reversed as well. I just think it's hard to get way ahead when the goal is to have 10-15 play, 7 minute drives.
Click to expand...

Yep, I agree with you. If we win, it'll be a close one. If y'all win, it could conceivably be by 3 or 30 depending on how our DBs hold up. There are enough question marks regarding scheme and personnel (both new and old faces) on our end that (to me, at least) it's all "wait and see" until the game is underway.
 
#59
#59
WVFan said:
Hi all, WVU fan here. I've never posted on a message board before (not even WVU forums) but felt compelled to create an account after reading some of the mind blowing posts made from a few of my WVU brethren. Below I'll try to outline a more sane expectation of our team and save face for the majority of the WVU fan base.

I'll start with the defense.

First things first, the only exceptional player on the defense is David Long. He's undersized at LB compared to what y'all are used to but he is a stud. Unfortunately for us there is a dramatic drop off on defense from there. Dylan Tonkery was serviceable at LB last year and should be better in his second year. The third starting LB is a JUCO transfer so its hard to tell what we have there.

Safety: Dravon Askew-Henry was a Freshman AA but tore his ACL two years ago and was a huge liability last year. We are all hopeful that he can return to his pre-injury status but only time will tell. He is also playing a new position this year which is the tone setter for the D, so we really need him to be good. The other two starting safeties are decent but nothing to write home about. Kenny Robinson was a boom or bust freshman last year and, as all good homers do, we like to focus on the boom which is why WVUMULE was so high on him in his last post.

Cornerbacks: They were abysmal last year so it can only go up from there. Hopefully they can upgrade to just "liability" instead of "abysmal" this year.

That brings us to the DL. Surprisingly, it looks like the defensive line has turned into one of our strengths this year. I know, I know, you all are tired of hearing about our two transfers, but you have to understand that they actually are a really big deal for us. Our DL was miserable last year (as you guys rightfully bring up at any possible opportunity. SEE: Kansas running game). Two of our starters from last years DL left the program and it sounds like it was a mutual split with our DC even stating that one of them was like a cancer to the team. So those two transfers from big time programs, even if they didn't play much at their last schools, are an upgrade from what we have last year. Expect to see a lot of shuffling on the DL early in the game until the coaches figure out who is actually for real, because all fall they have been saying that we have 8 guys who can play. I like the optimism, but I'll believe it when I see it. Most of us fans will be ecstatic if 3 players turn out to be good (which I believe will happen).

Overall, we will be better than we were last year but we did not set the bar that high. I think of the defense like you all think of your whole team, it's a giant unknown. I do believe the talent is there, but have no idea if they will bring it all together. I would be happy if our D averaged giving up around 28PPG by the end of the year. I know, that's rough.

Offense:

QB: Will Grier will be the best player on the field, for either team. There is a reason he is a preseason first team AA.

WR: David Sills is also a preseason AA for a reason, all he does is score touchdowns. Gary Jennings is also a stud and will be playing on Sundays next year, he is the guy that you all need to shut to down really impact our offense. He has a knack for getting open and doesn't ever drop the ball. Marcus Simms is a speedster but has been known to drop the easy passes. We haven't seen T.J. Simmons yet so we don't really know what were getting but Grier has had nothing but good things to say about him (whatever that's worth).

RB: If the old saying goes "if you have two QBs, then you have no QBs" what does it mean if you have 4 RBs? Seriously, I have no idea what we have here. Some of our fanbase is excited that the coaching staff has talked up a RFrosh a TFrosh running back this fall but it worries me. I would have liked to see McCoy or Pettaway (the back-ups from last year) distance themselves as starters. Overall, I think defenses will have to account for Grier enough that the RBs will be decent but I have no idea which one will be the starter as the season goes on.

TE: I'm not buying into the TE hype until I see it. Dana has been saying for the last few years that we would start using a TE and it has yet to happen. All we really know is that Wesco is a blocker and Haskins is a pass-catcher.

Line: We have two very good lineman in Cajuste and McKivitz, both tackles. I am not drinking the cool-aid that our interior lineman will be great this year. Our interior line play last year was bad, which is the reason we either scored on a 4 play, 80 yard drive or had a three and out. Seriously, there wasn't much of an in-between last year. Our starting center from last year lost the job in the Spring, but has since pulled back even on the depth chart. This is another RB situation for me, I would have liked to see him distance himself from the backup.

Overall, our offense should be prolific if for nothing else than Will Grier and the fact it's his second year in the system. Say what you will about Dana, but returning QBs on his team have seriously improved numbers from the previous year. The interior line is my biggest fear, but I think they will be serviceable enough that we can average 35-38PPG.

Sorry for the long winded post but I wanted to give a more honest review of our team. As for a prediction of this game, I think we do end up winning, mainly because its the first game of the season. This will be one of the few games we don't have to worry about depth. I also think that you all are putting too high of expectations on your new head coach in the first game of the season. I think you all admit that he inherited a dumpster fire and I don't think he will be able to turn it around in the first game. If we played y'all in the 10th game of the year then I think there could be a very different outcome.

Good luck on Saturday and no matter the outcome, I will be rooting for the Vols to win every game the rest of the year.
Click to expand...

Just wanted to say as a WVU fan I second this. Read Mule's post the other day and immediately created an account to correct him but I was just now approved. Hoping the rain holds off and both teams can have an injury free game.
 
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#61
#61
WVFan said:
Hi all, WVU fan here. I've never posted on a message board before (not even WVU forums) but felt compelled to create an account after reading some of the mind blowing posts made from a few of my WVU brethren. Below I'll try to outline a more sane expectation of our team and save face for the majority of the WVU fan base.

I'll start with the defense.

First things first, the only exceptional player on the defense is David Long. He's undersized at LB compared to what y'all are used to but he is a stud. Unfortunately for us there is a dramatic drop off on defense from there. Dylan Tonkery was serviceable at LB last year and should be better in his second year. The third starting LB is a JUCO transfer so its hard to tell what we have there.

Safety: Dravon Askew-Henry was a Freshman AA but tore his ACL two years ago and was a huge liability last year. We are all hopeful that he can return to his pre-injury status but only time will tell. He is also playing a new position this year which is the tone setter for the D, so we really need him to be good. The other two starting safeties are decent but nothing to write home about. Kenny Robinson was a boom or bust freshman last year and, as all good homers do, we like to focus on the boom which is why WVUMULE was so high on him in his last post.

Cornerbacks: They were abysmal last year so it can only go up from there. Hopefully they can upgrade to just "liability" instead of "abysmal" this year.

That brings us to the DL. Surprisingly, it looks like the defensive line has turned into one of our strengths this year. I know, I know, you all are tired of hearing about our two transfers, but you have to understand that they actually are a really big deal for us. Our DL was miserable last year (as you guys rightfully bring up at any possible opportunity. SEE: Kansas running game). Two of our starters from last years DL left the program and it sounds like it was a mutual split with our DC even stating that one of them was like a cancer to the team. So those two transfers from big time programs, even if they didn't play much at their last schools, are an upgrade from what we have last year. Expect to see a lot of shuffling on the DL early in the game until the coaches figure out who is actually for real, because all fall they have been saying that we have 8 guys who can play. I like the optimism, but I'll believe it when I see it. Most of us fans will be ecstatic if 3 players turn out to be good (which I believe will happen).

Overall, we will be better than we were last year but we did not set the bar that high. I think of the defense like you all think of your whole team, it's a giant unknown. I do believe the talent is there, but have no idea if they will bring it all together. I would be happy if our D averaged giving up around 28PPG by the end of the year. I know, that's rough.

Offense:

QB: Will Grier will be the best player on the field, for either team. There is a reason he is a preseason first team AA.

WR: David Sills is also a preseason AA for a reason, all he does is score touchdowns. Gary Jennings is also a stud and will be playing on Sundays next year, he is the guy that you all need to shut to down really impact our offense. He has a knack for getting open and doesn't ever drop the ball. Marcus Simms is a speedster but has been known to drop the easy passes. We haven't seen T.J. Simmons yet so we don't really know what were getting but Grier has had nothing but good things to say about him (whatever that's worth).

RB: If the old saying goes "if you have two QBs, then you have no QBs" what does it mean if you have 4 RBs? Seriously, I have no idea what we have here. Some of our fanbase is excited that the coaching staff has talked up a RFrosh a TFrosh running back this fall but it worries me. I would have liked to see McCoy or Pettaway (the back-ups from last year) distance themselves as starters. Overall, I think defenses will have to account for Grier enough that the RBs will be decent but I have no idea which one will be the starter as the season goes on.

TE: I'm not buying into the TE hype until I see it. Dana has been saying for the last few years that we would start using a TE and it has yet to happen. All we really know is that Wesco is a blocker and Haskins is a pass-catcher.

Line: We have two very good lineman in Cajuste and McKivitz, both tackles. I am not drinking the cool-aid that our interior lineman will be great this year. Our interior line play last year was bad, which is the reason we either scored on a 4 play, 80 yard drive or had a three and out. Seriously, there wasn't much of an in-between last year. Our starting center from last year lost the job in the Spring, but has since pulled back even on the depth chart. This is another RB situation for me, I would have liked to see him distance himself from the backup.

Overall, our offense should be prolific if for nothing else than Will Grier and the fact it's his second year in the system. Say what you will about Dana, but returning QBs on his team have seriously improved numbers from the previous year. The interior line is my biggest fear, but I think they will be serviceable enough that we can average 35-38PPG.

Sorry for the long winded post but I wanted to give a more honest review of our team. As for a prediction of this game, I think we do end up winning, mainly because its the first game of the season. This will be one of the few games we don't have to worry about depth. I also think that you all are putting too high of expectations on your new head coach in the first game of the season. I think you all admit that he inherited a dumpster fire and I don't think he will be able to turn it around in the first game. If we played y'all in the 10th game of the year then I think there could be a very different outcome.

Good luck on Saturday and no matter the outcome, I will be rooting for the Vols to win every game the rest of the year.
Click to expand...

Appreciate your post. Best of luck to you and your team. If you travel to the game stay safe.

First games are always an unknown. I think Tennessee has a chance if they win the possession game, meaning, establish the running game, throw to TEs, and eat up as much clock per possession as they can to keep the WVU offense off the field. If this turns into a shootout we'll lose.
 
#63
#63
Good post OP. Personally, I think WVs strength is suited for Pruitt and this coaching staff. He should expect a ton of pressure in this game. This will come down to the team that controls the line of scrimmage and execute in the redzone. I think we will get a pretty good feel for how the game will go by halftime. If Will Grier gets time to throw the football, it pretty much means that Tennessee will have to match WV on offense...that fits WVs style. The talent is there but is the execution, who knows? One thing i will say, if Tennessee gets good o-line play, look out. This is by far, the biggest issue I have seen with Tennessee over the past few years. Josh Dobbs somewhat nullified that but the problems were still there. Though I don’t think Pruitt is a miracle worker, I do believe you’ll see a difference out of the gates.
 
#64
#64
A WV teacher asks her students if they are Mountaineer fans. Everyone raises their hands but one little girl. The teacher asks " Why aren't you a Mountaineer fan?" The little girl says "Because I'm a Tennessee Volunteers fan." The teacher asks why. "Because my Dad and Mom are Tennessee fans so I am too!" The teacher replies "What if your Dad and Mom were morons, then what would you be?" The little girl answers "Then I'd be a WVU fan!" 😂😆😜
 
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#66
#66
sjt18 said:
About the only thing really, really disagreeable about that whole post is Grier being the best player on the field. He's very good. But get used to the name Trey Smith. Some have said he was the best individual OL in the SEC last year... as a freshman.
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Problem is his ability to impact a football game is slim to nil if the rest of the OL sucks and the QB also sucks.

Grier will be the best player on the field who can actually impact the game.
 
#68
#68
MWAVolfan said:
Problem is his ability to impact a football game is slim to nil if the rest of the OL sucks and the QB also sucks.

Grier will be the best player on the field who can actually impact the game.
Click to expand...
You apparently think the players were more of the problem than I do... or that Jones was less of the problem than I do... or some combination thereof.

I think this team has fairly decent talent if Pruitt has had the time to develop it... and is a good enough coach to use it well.

Whether they'll be any good as a unit or not is yet to be seen... but UT has talent besides Smith on the OL. Better yet... they all appear to be healthy and ready to play.
 
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#69
#69
WVFan said:
I firmly agree with this take, which is why I give us the edge. I think our offense is good enough to take advantage of a simple defensive game plan. Again, if you all had time to fully implement Pruitt's schemes I think there could be a very different outcome.

Another side note: You all may beat us, but I don't see any scenario where you all win by more than 10 points or "boat race" us as some of your posters have said. Pretty much everyone agrees that your all's offensive game plan should be to run the ball and make the game shorter. This game plan makes it super difficult to build a big lead or score a lot of points. Please don't take that as a homer viewpoint, that would be my outlook if the team roles were reversed as well. I just think it's hard to get way ahead when the goal is to have 10-15 play, 7 minute drives.
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The resist to say “y’all” is strong in this one.
 
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#70
#70
sjt18 said:
You apparently think the players were more of the problem than I do... or that Jones was less of the problem than I do... or some combination thereof.

I think this team has fairly decent talent if Pruitt has had the time to develop it... and is a good enough coach to use it well.

Whether they'll be any good as a unit or not is yet to be seen... but UT has talent besides Smith on the OL. Better yet... they all appear to be healthy and ready to play.
Click to expand...

we will have to see. I was just making the point that as far as single player impact, its kind of hard for an offensive lineman to compete with a QB for best/most impactful player. That's all. The OL as a cohesive unit led by Smith all playing great and giving our QB time to work can have a big impact for sure, but not just Smith alone.
 
#71
#71
WVFan said:
Hi all, WVU fan here. I've never posted on a message board before (not even WVU forums) but felt compelled to create an account after reading some of the mind blowing posts made from a few of my WVU brethren. Below I'll try to outline a more sane expectation of our team and save face for the majority of the WVU fan base.

I'll start with the defense.

First things first, the only exceptional player on the defense is David Long. He's undersized at LB compared to what y'all are used to but he is a stud. Unfortunately for us there is a dramatic drop off on defense from there. Dylan Tonkery was serviceable at LB last year and should be better in his second year. The third starting LB is a JUCO transfer so its hard to tell what we have there.

Safety: Dravon Askew-Henry was a Freshman AA but tore his ACL two years ago and was a huge liability last year. We are all hopeful that he can return to his pre-injury status but only time will tell. He is also playing a new position this year which is the tone setter for the D, so we really need him to be good. The other two starting safeties are decent but nothing to write home about. Kenny Robinson was a boom or bust freshman last year and, as all good homers do, we like to focus on the boom which is why WVUMULE was so high on him in his last post.

Cornerbacks: They were abysmal last year so it can only go up from there. Hopefully they can upgrade to just "liability" instead of "abysmal" this year.

That brings us to the DL. Surprisingly, it looks like the defensive line has turned into one of our strengths this year. I know, I know, you all are tired of hearing about our two transfers, but you have to understand that they actually are a really big deal for us. Our DL was miserable last year (as you guys rightfully bring up at any possible opportunity. SEE: Kansas running game). Two of our starters from last years DL left the program and it sounds like it was a mutual split with our DC even stating that one of them was like a cancer to the team. So those two transfers from big time programs, even if they didn't play much at their last schools, are an upgrade from what we have last year. Expect to see a lot of shuffling on the DL early in the game until the coaches figure out who is actually for real, because all fall they have been saying that we have 8 guys who can play. I like the optimism, but I'll believe it when I see it. Most of us fans will be ecstatic if 3 players turn out to be good (which I believe will happen).

Overall, we will be better than we were last year but we did not set the bar that high. I think of the defense like you all think of your whole team, it's a giant unknown. I do believe the talent is there, but have no idea if they will bring it all together. I would be happy if our D averaged giving up around 28PPG by the end of the year. I know, that's rough.

Offense:

QB: Will Grier will be the best player on the field, for either team. There is a reason he is a preseason first team AA.

WR: David Sills is also a preseason AA for a reason, all he does is score touchdowns. Gary Jennings is also a stud and will be playing on Sundays next year, he is the guy that you all need to shut to down really impact our offense. He has a knack for getting open and doesn't ever drop the ball. Marcus Simms is a speedster but has been known to drop the easy passes. We haven't seen T.J. Simmons yet so we don't really know what were getting but Grier has had nothing but good things to say about him (whatever that's worth).

RB: If the old saying goes "if you have two QBs, then you have no QBs" what does it mean if you have 4 RBs? Seriously, I have no idea what we have here. Some of our fanbase is excited that the coaching staff has talked up a RFrosh a TFrosh running back this fall but it worries me. I would have liked to see McCoy or Pettaway (the back-ups from last year) distance themselves as starters. Overall, I think defenses will have to account for Grier enough that the RBs will be decent but I have no idea which one will be the starter as the season goes on.

TE: I'm not buying into the TE hype until I see it. Dana has been saying for the last few years that we would start using a TE and it has yet to happen. All we really know is that Wesco is a blocker and Haskins is a pass-catcher.

Line: We have two very good lineman in Cajuste and McKivitz, both tackles. I am not drinking the cool-aid that our interior lineman will be great this year. Our interior line play last year was bad, which is the reason we either scored on a 4 play, 80 yard drive or had a three and out. Seriously, there wasn't much of an in-between last year. Our starting center from last year lost the job in the Spring, but has since pulled back even on the depth chart. This is another RB situation for me, I would have liked to see him distance himself from the backup.

Overall, our offense should be prolific if for nothing else than Will Grier and the fact it's his second year in the system. Say what you will about Dana, but returning QBs on his team have seriously improved numbers from the previous year. The interior line is my biggest fear, but I think they will be serviceable enough that we can average 35-38PPG.

Sorry for the long winded post but I wanted to give a more honest review of our team. As for a prediction of this game, I think we do end up winning, mainly because its the first game of the season. This will be one of the few games we don't have to worry about depth. I also think that you all are putting too high of expectations on your new head coach in the first game of the season. I think you all admit that he inherited a dumpster fire and I don't think he will be able to turn it around in the first game. If we played y'all in the 10th game of the year then I think there could be a very different outcome.

Good luck on Saturday and no matter the outcome, I will be rooting for the Vols to win every game the rest of the year.
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The only think I disagree with is your statement about us putting too high of expectations on our new HC. If you look, the vast majority of our posters agree that going 6-6 is the most likely scenario with a probable loss to WV. If things go right, its possible we go higher and win against WV but most people have very tempered expectations and look at reality. We have a brand new first year HC with a team that went 4-8 last year.

Now I am curious over what you think of YOUR coach's "excuses" for the game on Saturday. I find it just bizarre to me that his is spending so much time complaining about the so called advantages Tennessee has.
 
#72
#72
MWAVolfan said:
we will have to see. I was just making the point that as far as single player impact, its kind of hard for an offensive lineman to compete with a QB for best/most impactful player. That's all. The OL as a cohesive unit led by Smith all playing great and giving our QB time to work can have a big impact for sure, but not just Smith alone.
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OK. I understand. I was narrowly responding to that guy's claim that Grier will be the best player on the field. It is no disrespect at all to Grier for him to be second best to TS.
 
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