A quote from the legendary Tennis player Jimmy Connors “I hate losing more than I like winning”
Firstly, I must say any loss stings. Josh Heupel clearly doesn’t subscribe to moral victories as he turned down a number of field goals to try to keep the score closer, he showed again he is only committed to win. This policy resulted in a bigger loss than we deserved and the same happened against Alabama. I salute you Coach Heupel for installing the attitude than no stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of victory. Jimmy Connors was partially right but closing the gap from losing to winning is also important. Please don’t forget the job CJH inherited was like climbing Thunderhead Mountain in your shorts and flip-flops.
Before we drill down into “the weeds” of last night’s performance I wish to highlight one point, The match result was in no doubt to me after the 3rd quarter field goal leaving us three scores behind, yet Smart left Davis and Wyatt (their two Defensive Tackles and their most important players re their national championship aspirations) in the game right to the very end. After years of watching our elite opponents “clearing the bench” in the third quarter, we clearly now have respect and that we cannot be treated lightly any longer. That to me is a true measure of have far we have come already.
QUARTERBACKS
It is important not to go overboard about last night’s performance because Hooker’s development has been sensational this season and we were against the best defense this century (according to some). That said I still rated this as his worst performance of the season. The ball sailed on him a number times, he overthrew three touchdown certainties and his decision making regarding handing off to the RB was also suspect. Oh, and the bad Interception was a back breaker as it was at the time I felt we really had Georgia worried. Despite that his figures were not so bad and when we talk about bad nights for Tennessee Quarterbacks Worley, Peterman, Dormady and Guarantano had far worse days. By accident we may have just caught a break here as if he had delivered a Kentucky like performance last night, not only would his Heisman chatter would have taken off but so would his draft ranking (already as 8th Quarterback according to McShay). He must seriously consider one more year, this would include the extra bowl practices followed by Spring and Fall camp to hone his skills, look what that did for Burrow and Pickett. The Vols will be even stronger next season with a year 2 Hooker. Finally, the original prom dance tease reappeared with an impressive cameo from Milton, he must be driving Heupel crazy, but it was impressive
RUNNING BACKS
I thought Small put up an admiral performance against the aforementioned historic Georgia defense, he may not see a defensive line like that the rest of his college career. With Hooker losing 51 yards the box score could have looked even better. We will be fine next season with Evans, Small and Wright.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The stars of the team for me last night. When you mention Cedric Tillman, I see the number 2. He was a 2* recruit, who posted 200 receiving yards against possibly the national champions, astounding. Don’t forget he also posted 152 yards against the No 2 team Alabama. 8 catches for Jones and 5 for Hyatt and Keyton (I truly forgot about him) and all this from an under-par performance from Hooker. This offensive system in LEGIT.
TIGHT ENDS
I did see some good blocking from Fant, however, Warren tripped when his number was called in the red zone. We still can’t quite get the output right from this department
OFFENSIVE LINE
Everything is relative and I though the Offensive Line “held their own”. Early on I thought they gave Hooker a lot of time to throw, far more than I expected, although as the pressure was ratcheted up, they did get overpowered a few times. There were very few running lanes but then who has created them against Georgia this season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Much maligned last week I thought the D Line did well last night. There were more than a few 3 and outs especially early on when Butler and Thomas were getting penetration. Not the first time this season, they did wear down as the game went on, but that is more down to the lack of roster depth and our hurry up offense than their effort. I will make my weekly mention of Young, shame about the horse collar otherwise it would have been another couple of sacks. I can’t wait to see him becoming “Barnettesq” next season.
LINEBACKERS
Total effort as always but the lack of Mitchell and the dearly lamented Bituli is obvious. The number of runs up the middle and missed tackles is clear. But again, all you can ask of a player is that he gives his all and both Banks and Beasley do that. So, it is what it is.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Taylor was the standout at the back, however I thought the safeties missed a number of tackles, I was hoping that they would have developed more this season (similar to Warrior). But, again no compliant here about effort.
Yes Jimmy, I don’t like losing as well but would I swap last night with Dan Mullen (the guy that Florida “stole” off us)?. NO
I always enjoy your comments and observations
GO VOLS
