Closing out 2021...

[VFL-82-JP]

This isn't specifically about the bowl game, though of course that weighs heavily at the moment.

This is broader...it's a bit of a fond farewell to the 2021 season as the depressing gulf of 8 months without Volunteer football yawns in front of us.

-- I'm proud of what the program has accomplished in 12 short months. Bright new AD who seems to be making all the right choices thus far...innovative young head coach who seems to have a very bright future ahead of him in orange...a capable, respected coaching staff, several of whom seem destined for head coaching gigs of their own at some point down the road...a laudable group of departing seniors, redshirt seniors, and covid super-seniors, who stuck with the program another year in spite of a huge amount of turmoil and doubt...and an up-and-coming roster of younger fellas whose turn to start (or keep) leading begins NOW.

-- I'm appreciative of their efforts. No one's perfect. No coach always makes the right call. No player ever executes every single play well. But these fellas, every single one of them, had their hearts in the right place. They spilled gallons of sweat on the practice fields, and more than a drop or two of blood. Some gave up their health (hopefully just for the short term). We have to tip our caps to them for the tremendous effort.

-- I'm amused at (though still regretful for the impact of) the Ole Miss flop-a-thon. I'll always think of golf balls when Kiffin's name comes up in the future. Mustard bottles are now somehow a part of the Volunteers culture. Hooker jokes have gotten old, but really looking forward to seeing this particular Hooker again in the new year. Facing down three Heisman-invite-worthy QBs over the space of the season was a blast. Putting Kentucky, Vandy, USCe, and Mizzou behind us was a nice return to form.

-- I'm eager for the future. Hate that we have so many months now until the next game. I always dread this chasm. But there's sooooo much to look forward to this time around.

We went 7-6. We could very easily have been 9-4. That's something to build on.

Go Vols!

 

[perico]

I’m going to do an analysis of the numbers later, but statistically speaking, Hooker just finished the second greatest single season performance by a QB in school history.

 

[agent|orange]

I’m going to do an analysis of the numbers later, but statistically speaking, Hooker just finished the second greatest single season performance by a QB in school history.

He had 2 golden opportunities to seal the same handed to him by the staff. He couldn't hit what should be a routine pass either time and that isn't exactly an aberration given his 4th Quarter struggles this year.

Look at his stats: Hendon Hooker Stats, Splits | ESPN

He's awesome in the 1st then slides in the 2nd. The 4th Quarter is statistically his worst quarter by a large margin in comp %, rating, TD/INT, yardage... everything.


Hooker needs to find consistency or we won't be much better next year. In fact, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see us take a step back given how atrocious our defense is.

 

[Bigorange123]

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Agree with this A/O. Hooker was wildly inconsistent yesterday. Maybe the long layoff or the field looked like getting footing was tough but for whatever reasons he was not at his best yesterday. Disappointed with the loss, thought Heupel made some questionable play calls but can't argue with playing to win the game. Its a bowl game that really doesn't matter for this season.

Secondary is just bad and needs to be upgraded badly or a new DC I don't know. D has to improve a lot or next season ceiling may be 7 wins again.

 

[LTVol]

He had 2 golden opportunities to seal the same handed to him by the staff. He couldn't hit what should be a routine pass either time and that isn't exactly an aberration given his 4th Quarter struggles this year.

Look at his stats: Hendon Hooker Stats, Splits | ESPN

He's awesome in the 1st then slides in the 2nd. The 4th Quarter is statistically his worst quarter by a large margin in comp %, rating, TD/INT, yardage... everything.


Hooker needs to find consistency or we won't be much better next year. In fact, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see us take a step back given how atrocious our defense is.

Offensive coaches will have to seriously examine dropoffs in off production in the even numbered quarters. Such huge differences in effectiveness between quarters has got to be corrected in 2022.

 

[perico]

He had 2 golden opportunities to seal the same handed to him by the staff. He couldn't hit what should be a routine pass either time and that isn't exactly an aberration given his 4th Quarter struggles this year.

Look at his stats: Hendon Hooker Stats, Splits | ESPN

He's awesome in the 1st then slides in the 2nd. The 4th Quarter is statistically his worst quarter by a large margin in comp %, rating, TD/INT, yardage... everything.


Hooker needs to find consistency or we won't be much better next year. In fact, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see us take a step back given how atrocious our defense is.

61.0% of his passes in the fourth quarter is hardly pedestrian.

 

[agent|orange]

61.0% of his passes in the fourth quarter is hardly pedestrian.

I'll post the #s just for posterity:

1st Quarter: 87 attempts | 70.1% completion | 983 yards | 11.3YPA | 14 TD | 0 INT | 4 sacks | 218 rating
2nd Quarter: 94 attempts | 66.0% completion | 836 yards | 8.9YPA | 9 TD | 1 INT | 13 sacks | 170.1 rating
3rd Quarter: 68 attempts | 73.5% completion | 648 yards | 9.5YPA | 4 TD | 0 INT | 11 sacks | 173 rating
4th Quarter: 52 attempts | 61.5% completion | 472 yards | 9.1YPA | 4 TD | 2 INT | 7 sacks | 155.5 rating


There is definitely a drop-off there that needs to be addressed. The Defense nor does Tim Banks have anything to do with that drop-off in numbers.

 

[agent|orange]

Offensive coaches will have to seriously examine dropoffs in off production in the even numbered quarters. Such huge differences in effectiveness between quarters has got to be corrected in 2022.

Absolutely. Even the commentators were commenting on how Hooker got uptight and he needs to loosen back up.

I've felt this year that when the game is on the line he definitely tightens up and that affects his mechanics which in turn affects his accuracy. He feels like he needs to do too much and all at once. I think that's why we lost the Pitt and Purdue games if not also the Ole Miss game this year.

 

[perico]

I'll post the #s just for posterity:

1st Quarter: 87 attempts | 70.1% completion | 983 yards | 11.3YPA | 14 TD | 0 INT | 4 sacks | 218 rating
2nd Quarter: 94 attempts | 66.0% completion | 836 yards | 8.9YPA | 9 TD | 1 INT | 13 sacks | 170.1 rating
3rd Quarter: 68 attempts | 73.5% completion | 648 yards | 9.5YPA | 4 TD | 0 INT | 11 sacks | 173 rating
4th Quarter: 52 attempts | 61.5% completion | 472 yards | 9.1YPA | 4 TD | 2 INT | 7 sacks | 155.5 rating


There is definitely a drop-off there that needs to be addressed. The Defense nor does Tim Banks have anything to do with that drop-off in numbers.

What is says is that in the second quarter, the line is getting tired. Look at the number of sacks compared to the first Q.

And nowhere does he drop below 60.0% completion. If he was at 55 or below, then yes, there’s a legit argument.

 

[agent|orange]

What is says is that in the second quarter, the line is getting tired. Look at the number of sacks compared to the first Q.

And nowhere does he drop below 60.0% completion. If he was at 55 or below, then yes, there’s a legit argument.

Look. I think Hooker is a good QB. He's playing behind what has been a very suspect OL this year.

However, stats are stats. He's AA in the 1st Quarter but otherwise is a very average QB. Purdue's DC said as much and everyone on here got upset. In the end, he was right.

 

[MSME Vol]

Agree on the point of hooker needing to be more level through four quarters. He's done it a few times (Missouri), but honestly if we can get upgraded in the run game that might help him the most. 4.5 offensive linemen along with 1.5 running backs you can count on for most of the season just won't cut it. Hopefully the incoming freshman, transfers, and a year to get stronger in the weight room blesses them in that regard.

 

[jim pique]

Kind of fitting,the first game there were three to four overthrows for td's-the last game there were three to four overthrows for td's.Getting the qb's to keep emotionally settled during the game will help out.Think about the wonderful possibilities.GBO.

 

[Volintheswamp]

He had 2 golden opportunities to seal the same handed to him by the staff. He couldn't hit what should be a routine pass either time and that isn't exactly an aberration given his 4th Quarter struggles this year.

Look at his stats: Hendon Hooker Stats, Splits | ESPN

He's awesome in the 1st then slides in the 2nd. The 4th Quarter is statistically his worst quarter by a large margin in comp %, rating, TD/INT, yardage... everything.


Hooker needs to find consistency or we won't be much better next year. In fact, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see us take a step back given how atrocious our defense is.

I wonder how much of that is actually HH or o-line as subs begin to check-in.

 

[Raebo]

I'll post the #s just for posterity:

1st Quarter: 87 attempts | 70.1% completion | 983 yards | 11.3YPA | 14 TD | 0 INT | 4 sacks | 218 rating
2nd Quarter: 94 attempts | 66.0% completion | 836 yards | 8.9YPA | 9 TD | 1 INT | 13 sacks | 170.1 rating
3rd Quarter: 68 attempts | 73.5% completion | 648 yards | 9.5YPA | 4 TD | 0 INT | 11 sacks | 173 rating
4th Quarter: 52 attempts | 61.5% completion | 472 yards | 9.1YPA | 4 TD | 2 INT | 7 sacks | 155.5 rating


There is definitely a drop-off there that needs to be addressed. The Defense nor does Tim Banks have anything to do with that drop-off in numbers.

But how does his drop off in the 4th quarter compare to other QBs 4th quarter? In a way, it might make sense. If we are ahead, it probably means we are playing a poor team, running more and not passing much (but his passing completion is good since it is a poor team). If we are behind, we are playing a better team (Alabama/Georgia, etc), we are passing more trying to catch up but the completion rate will be down since they have better defenses. Hope that makes some sense and it is just a guess on my part.

 

[Rabid Vol]

I'll post the #s just for posterity:

1st Quarter: 87 attempts | 70.1% completion | 983 yards | 11.3YPA | 14 TD | 0 INT | 4 sacks | 218 rating
2nd Quarter: 94 attempts | 66.0% completion | 836 yards | 8.9YPA | 9 TD | 1 INT | 13 sacks | 170.1 rating
3rd Quarter: 68 attempts | 73.5% completion | 648 yards | 9.5YPA | 4 TD | 0 INT | 11 sacks | 173 rating
4th Quarter: 52 attempts | 61.5% completion | 472 yards | 9.1YPA | 4 TD | 2 INT | 7 sacks | 155.5 rating


There is definitely a drop-off there that needs to be addressed. The Defense nor does Tim Banks have anything to do with that drop-off in numbers.

Thanks for posting these stats, have you looked at the team/individual rushing stats for the year?

 

[TJVol95]

This team never gave up. More talent and depth we will get there. No doubt they play for our coach and fans!! GBO!!

 

[Matt2496]

This isn't specifically about the bowl game, though of course that weighs heavily at the moment.

This is broader...it's a bit of a fond farewell to the 2021 season as the depressing gulf of 8 months without Volunteer football yawns in front of us.

-- I'm proud of what the program has accomplished in 12 short months. Bright new AD who seems to be making all the right choices thus far...innovative young head coach who seems to have a very bright future ahead of him in orange...a capable, respected coaching staff, several of whom seem destined for head coaching gigs of their own at some point down the road...a laudable group of departing seniors, redshirt seniors, and covid super-seniors, who stuck with the program another year in spite of a huge amount of turmoil and doubt...and an up-and-coming roster of younger fellas whose turn to start (or keep) leading begins NOW.

-- I'm appreciative of their efforts. No one's perfect. No coach always makes the right call. No player ever executes every single play well. But these fellas, every single one of them, had their hearts in the right place. They spilled gallons of sweat on the practice fields, and more than a drop or two of blood. Some gave up their health (hopefully just for the short term). We have to tip our caps to them for the tremendous effort.

-- I'm amused at (though still regretful for the impact of) the Ole Miss flop-a-thon. I'll always think of golf balls when Kiffin's name comes up in the future. Mustard bottles are now somehow a part of the Volunteers culture. Hooker jokes have gotten old, but really looking forward to seeing this particular Hooker again in the new year. Facing down three Heisman-invite-worthy QBs over the space of the season was a blast. Putting Kentucky, Vandy, USCe, and Mizzou behind us was a nice return to form.

-- I'm eager for the future. Hate that we have so many months now until the next game. I always dread this chasm. But there's sooooo much to look forward to this time around.

We went 7-6. We could very easily have been 9-4. That's something to build on.

Go Vols!

I agree the future certainly looks bright. We haven't had a coach go to a bowl game his first season since Kiffin. If Heupel hits the transfer portal hard for defensive players we could be scary good next season.