DG's Takeaways from the Arkansas Debacle

[JonGrudensAgent]

Someone will get Freeze but it probably won’t be us. Besides, Fulmer is partial to up and coming assistants and giving them their chance because that’s what he was when he took over in 92. Remember, the UT job came down to Pruitt and Steele

He will probably end up at SC and spend the next decade tormenting the Vols.

 

[DiderotsGhost]

3. This team isn’t nearly as talented people think they are, do research on Dooley and Jone’s year 3 team. The talent difference is eye raising.

This team is much more talented than Dooley's 3rd year team. Which is why seeing them lose to less talented teams is frustrating. Pretty easily the 3rd most talented team in the SEC East and in the top-half of the SEC.

We have a top 5 SEC RB and some good depth at that position. Our O-line is filled with blue-chips. We have several playmakers at WR. Alright, so QB is an issue, but I'd certainly take the talent on this team over the 2012 team or the 2017 team. Frankly, this is probably the 3rd most talented roster we've had since 2008 (only 2015 and '16 were more talented) And the QB issues feel like they are on the coaching staff.

The fact that the coaching staff can't come up with any plan to utilize this talent is embarrassing.

I've not expressed much of an opinion on Weinke one way or another yet, but it is a bit concerning that none of our QBs look like they are ready to play a game. That's someone's fault; I just don't know who.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Pruitt is not a risk taker by any means. He is old school defensive minded would be very happy sitting on a 13 point lead and conservative play calling , no passing too risky, just protect that monster 13 pt lead.

He has no interest in trying to put up 40 or 50 points, he is more than happy trying to squeeze by a get a win. You just can't play that conservative in the SEC, just look at the point that teams average and figure they will put up more than their average against our defense. Arkansas has scored around 30 average this year, High of 37 and low of 21. Pruitt should have known that 13 points was not going to get it done and open up the play calling.

I don't think it is Chaney, we all saw what he did with Bray at QB, the guy was an absolute gun slinger no fear, and we could put up 40 plus no sweat. We have some big arms, JT can throw the deep ball, Pruitt decided to leave him in Knoxville for this game. JG, Maurer and Bailey can all throw the deep ball and yet here we sit 3 runs and punt.

So Pruitt is Jeff Fisher without the hair?

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

This team is much more talented than Dooley's 3rd year team. Which is why seeing them lose to less talented teams is frustrating. Pretty easily the 3rd most talented team in the SEC East and in the top-half of the SEC.

We have a top 5 SEC RB and some good depth at that position. Our O-line is filled with blue-chips. We have several playmakers at WR. Alright, so QB is an issue, but I'd certainly take the talent on this team over the 2012 team or the 2017 team. Frankly, this is probably the 3rd most talented roster we've had since 2008 (only 2015 and '16 were more talented) And the QB issues feel like they are on the coaching staff.

The fact that the coaching staff can't come up with any plan to utilize this talent is embarrassing.

I've not expressed much of an opinion on Weinke one way or another yet, but it is a bit concerning that none of our QBs look like they are ready to play a game. That's someone's fault; I just don't know who.

The QB position leave A LOT to be desired. It hamstrings the offense. We don't have a good LB opposite HT. Crouch and Banks should not be starting at LB. That experiment has failed.

 

["It's Time"]

Same c

This team is much more talented than Dooley's 3rd year team. Which is why seeing them lose to less talented teams is frustrating. Pretty easily the 3rd most talented team in the SEC East and in the top-half of the SEC.

We have a top 5 SEC RB and some good depth at that position. Our O-line is filled with blue-chips. We have several playmakers at WR. Alright, so QB is an issue, but I'd certainly take the talent on this team over the 2012 team or the 2017 team. Frankly, this is probably the 3rd most talented roster we've had since 2008 (only 2015 and '16 were more talented) And the QB issues feel like they are on the coaching staff.

The fact that the coaching staff can't come up with any plan to utilize this talent is embarrassing.

I've not expressed much of an opinion on Weinke one way or another yet, but it is a bit concerning that none of our QBs look like they are ready to play a game. That's someone's fault; I just don't know who.

Obviously you haven’t looked at the rosters..

The only players that start on that team from this team is Eric Gray and Trey Smith on offense. Maybe Cade, but I doubt he beats out Fulton.

Our best player on the entire team doesn’t start on that team because of AJ and Maggitt. DL isn’t even a comparison, DB are both slaw so it’s a wash.

I’m not claiming Dooley was a great coach or anything, I’m just telling you a fact.. 2012 vs 2019...

That score is about 56-21, and that’s even with Sal Suckseri. That’s how bad this offense is, I don’t care how many blue chips you have. Look, I don’t like it any better than you do, but suggesting this roster is Uber talented isn’t accurate. We have a few nice pieces, and most of them are along the OL.

 

[BruisedOrange]

I'm thinking the empty-backfield sets were utilized against Arkansas to limit their ability to zone-blitz and create easy interceptions. That is their strength.

 

[ShoalCreekVol]

Good writeup.

I love me some Eric Gray, but he's not big enough or bruising enough to ride herd on for an entire game. He's best used in change-of-pace mode to cross up the defense as a component of a balanced attack. Arky got his measure after a while because we never adjusted to their stacking the box. Gray can only do so much.....the QB, at some point, has to make some plays.

Meanwhile, our 6'4 220 lb running back sits there on the bench completely unused. Then tweets his frustration after the game.

 

[Tnphil]

Meanwhile, our 6'4 220 lb running back sits there on the bench completely unused. Then tweets his frustration after the game.

LOL....yep

 

[OldVol]

It was clear by the game plan last night that this staff has zero confidence in its QB. Can't blame them. The ball's in his hands on every play. If Franks was wearing orange last night, we would have won the game. JG has given his all and I'm grateful for his dedication but it's time for everyone to accept that he's not SEC caliber and never will be. Of all the starting QBs I've lived through, and there's been a lot, he is the worst we've ever had to have had as much opportunity as he has had. Blame the coaching if you will. Were all of the many coaches who have coached him failures? When no one can help him, it's time to accept that they're not the problem. Why isn't Mauer and Shrout better? They were ranked in the 400s and 600s respectively. This thing gets changed through recruiting. Bailey has a huge upside and so does Salter.

As long as we were able to run the ball we dominated the game. When they took that away, and it was easy to do, then we became one dimensional and the rest is history.

When you can't play at the QB position you're not going to win many games. It not only impacts the offense, but when you're 3 and out in the second half, don't blame the Defense when things get out of hand. Yeah, we have problems on that side of the ball and there is a problem in the secondary right now that goes beyond what I'll talk about here, but that side of the ball is very fixable. We're losing because we have zero option at QB besides the freshman and I'm not sold on throwing him to the lions.

Think Clemson missed Trevor Lawrence last night? With Lawrence they beat ND by 3 scores.

 

[DiderotsGhost]

Same c

Obviously you haven’t looked at the rosters..

The only players that start on that team from this team is Eric Gray and Trey Smith on offense. Maybe Cade, but I doubt he beats out Fulton.

Our best player on the entire team doesn’t start on that team because of AJ and Maggitt. DL isn’t even a comparison, DB are both slaw so it’s a wash.

I’m not claiming Dooley was a great coach or anything, I’m just telling you a fact.. 2012 vs 2019...

That score is about 56-21, and that’s even with Sal Suckseri. That’s how bad this offense is, I don’t care how many blue chips you have. Look, I don’t like it any better than you do, but suggesting this roster is Uber talented isn’t accurate. We have a few nice pieces, and most of them are along the OL.

You must not have watched Sal Sunseri's defense if you believe any of this garbage you're spewing. That was the worst defense I've seen in UT in 30+ years. Even this terrible offense could score virtually every time on that defense just by running the ball every single play. This defense is not even comparable to that.

Offense has 2 great WRs (Palmer and Hyatt) at the very least. Maybe 3-4. This is the same squad that looked competitive last season, minus a few players (Jennings, Callaway, Taylor, Bituli).

It's not a talent issue. Stop making excuses.

Dan Mullen is 4-2 or 5-1 with this roster.

Coaching has been awful.

 

[nomads-11]

“Defense wins champion....”. Err... not anymore. It’s very noticeable that defense doesn’t win championships anymore. You have to put points on the board to win. Even Saban has admitted that in the past few years, the best teams have been those with a high powered offense. Pruitt needs to either let his offensive coaches coach or get offensive coaches that can coach.

^^ This.

Defense wins games.......such that LSU's defense keeps a CFP opponent in the low 30s, while its offense puts up 50+. Just as Bama did to Georgia. This year Florida has that LSU feel to it. In short your defense's ppg potential needs to be well below that of your offense.

Our D hasn't been spectacular but for the most part they've held opponents pretty low compared to today's game. Our offense.......is a no-show. Calling them bad is being kind.

 

[DustyRockSolid]

This team is much more talented than Dooley's 3rd year team. Which is why seeing them lose to less talented teams is frustrating. Pretty easily the 3rd most talented team in the SEC East and in the top-half of the SEC.

We have a top 5 SEC RB and some good depth at that position. Our O-line is filled with blue-chips. We have several playmakers at WR. Alright, so QB is an issue, but I'd certainly take the talent on this team over the 2012 team or the 2017 team. Frankly, this is probably the 3rd most talented roster we've had since 2008 (only 2015 and '16 were more talented) And the QB issues feel like they are on the coaching staff.

The fact that the coaching staff can't come up with any plan to utilize this talent is embarrassing.

I've not expressed much of an opinion on Weinke one way or another yet, but it is a bit concerning that none of our QBs look like they are ready to play a game. That's someone's fault; I just don't know who.

Dude.. Dooleys 3rd year team? Bray would absolutely piss all over our defense. He would easily throw for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. Imagine bray throwing slants against our defense. It would be over before halftime. Dooleys defense was bad.... But this current offense still wouldn't score. Dooleys year 3 team would humiliate this team.

 

[MeanOrange]

Another ugly game. I have forced myself to do a write-up and here it is.


Big Picture

Maybe JG is not the biggest problem. Watching Kentucky, I was convinced that JG was the biggest problem. After all, he had 3 extremely egregious turnovers. Watching us play against Alabama and Arkansas, however, I have to think that while JG may be flawed, the bigger problem is higher up.

Pruitt is turning into Muschamp. I really really really hate to say this, but I'm starting to worry Pruitt is just a repackaged Muschamp. Defense didn't play perfect last night, but outside of that 3rd Quarter onslaught, they played well. Offense did absolutely nothing. Again. And it's like we're not even trying.

Ultra-conservative. Look at the teams competing for national titles and none of them are running ultra-conservative offenses. Pruitt wants to run the ball every down. You have to be able to pass the ball and make big plays to win in the modern game. That's how we had success last season; throwing to Jennings, Callaway, and Palmer. We've totally moved away from that and we're running at nearly a 4-to-1 ratio. You can't win games like that! There is no innovation. There is no surprise. Opposing defenses know exactly what we're going to do.

Announcer was flat-out wrong. Announcer saying "Tennessee moved away from what they were good at." No we didn't. It's like he wasn't even watching the same game. We did exactly what we were good at (run the ball). We just did it so many times it became predictable and Arkansas' defense made 2nd half adjustments to stop it. Not that difficult for defenses to adjust when you can only do 1 thing well.

Passing game. Unless Pruitt opens up the passing game soon, he's done for. This is absolutely ridiculous. When Maurer took over in the 3rd after JG's injury, we'd only thrown 8 passes, versus something like 32 runs. That's not balance. That's not unpredictable. That's a recipe to finish at the bottom of the SEC. You have to be able to pass the ball and get big plays in the passing game, like we did last year. It feels like Pruitt is playing scared right now. JG had one disaster game against Kentucky and Pruitt responded by coaching ultra-conservative.


Offense

Maurer. Struggled, but also difficult to evaluate, because we didn't throw him in until things looked ugly. And then we kept running the ball when the defense knew we were going to run it. He also had a rough week to begin with. I wouldn't read too much into his performance.

Bailey. Played reasonably well given the circumstances. Yeah, 2 INTs, but at that point, we had to pass and the defense knew we had to pass. Once again highlighting the fact that our gameplans make it so the defense knows what we're going to do at all times. We're going to run almost literally every down till we're behind. Then when we fall behind a bunch with a conservative game plan, we'll be forced to pass in bad circumstances.

Start Bailey. Even though I now believe JG isn't the biggest problem, I still think I'd start Bailey next week. Feels like he's the best QB on the roster, but small sample size and less-than-ideal circumstances make it difficult to ascertain.

Eric Gray. He's playing so well and it sucks to watch his performances wasted by inept offensive coaching. He's a great player, but you can't put 100% of the offensive burden on him. Feels a bit like 2017 when John Kelly struggled because he was literally the only weapon on our offense. Except, Gray is not the only weapon on our offense; we have plenty of weapons we aren't using. That's what's so frustrating.

Not a fan of No-RB set. Perhaps the only innovation we used last night was the no-RB set, but I hated that look. Why? If the strength of your team is the run game and you have an RB that is also an excellent WR (Eric Gray), then why use a formation with no RB? You can use Eric Gray as a receiver. I don't know what's going on with the offensive coaches, but nothing they are doing makes that much sense to me lately. The gameplans are strategically confused. It feels like 5 different coaches are all arguing about what to do and they come up with some terrible worst-of-all-worlds compromise each week.


Defense

Playing well most of the time. In spite of the gloom and doom here (and I'll admit I'm in that gloom-and-doom camp at the moment), the defense is playing extremely well for long stretches of the game. Almost all of the issues came in the 3rd Quarter. The offense deserves some blame on that, with nothing but 3-and-outs putting even more pressure on the defense. But still, we needed to make some better defensive adjustments sooner.

Slants. If I were an opposing coach, I think I'd just throw the slant 80 times in a row against us. I've yet to see any evidence that our defense can stop it. It seems like every opposing coach realizes we can't defend it well.

To'o To'o. Played very well. Sucks to see great performances on D get squandered.


End Thoughts

We lost 2 games with superior talent. While it sucks to lose to Georgia and Alabama, at least we know both teams are loaded with 5-star talent. Losing to 2 teams that we were clearly more talented than (Kentucky and Arkansas) simply due to poor coaching and execution sucks.

Big Picture. D didn't play perfectly, but you can't win games in the modern game when you only score 13 points. And running the ball 80% of the time is a recipe for only scoring 13 points.

Hate to say it, but this is the most depressed about Vol football I've been since 2017.

GBO!

Very good essay! Except you left one thing off. Fire JP immediately. It's only going to get worse with him around. Two more years of this and we become Vandy (if we are not there already).

 

[VOLnMiami]

Someone will get Freeze but it probably won’t be us. Besides, Fulmer is partial to up and coming assistants and giving them their chance because that’s what he was when he took over in 92. Remember, the UT job came down to Pruitt and Steele

Then Fulmers ass needs to go...AGAIN!...It's heartbreaking seeing what this program has become...It's pathetic and everybody involved should be held accountable....If they don't want to give us a winner at coach then we should not spend money supporting a crappy product.

 

["It's Time"]

You must not have watched Sal Sunseri's defense if you believe any of this garbage you're spewing. That was the worst defense I've seen in UT in 30+ years. Even this terrible offense could score virtually every time on that defense just by running the ball every single play. This defense is not even comparable to that.

Offense has 2 great WRs (Palmer and Hyatt) at the very least. Maybe 3-4. This is the same squad that looked competitive last season, minus a few players (Jennings, Callaway, Taylor, Bituli).

It's not a talent issue. Stop making excuses.

Dan Mullen is 4-2 or 5-1 with this roster.

Coaching has been awful.

I’d like to know how I’m making excuses when I’m saying the coach has recruited sub par talent and can’t coach them worth a darn.

Also the 4 players you mentioned are Butch recruits, which further strengthens my point, as you can see the drop off that’s occurred. No leadership, abysmal effort, no development, and below poor execution.

Last point, if you think JG could score on any defense that many times, you obviously not been watching anything the last 4 years. I watched Sunseri, he did suck, but JG has lead our offense over 24 points in SEC games like 3 or 4 times. In case you didn’t notice Arkansas D was sub par talent, and we were scared to throw the football.

 

[ThreatLevelOrange]

Kentucky proved you could run this much if your QB is a great runner. Ours is not. Plus, we have no bootleg game to the TE.

 

[Longshank]

Pruitt is not a risk taker by any means. He is old school defensive minded would be very happy sitting on a 13 point lead and conservative play calling , no passing too risky, just protect that monster 13 pt lead.

He has no interest in trying to put up 40 or 50 points, he is more than happy trying to squeeze by a get a win. You just can't play that conservative in the SEC, just look at the point that teams average and figure they will put up more than their average against our defense. Arkansas has scored around 30 average this year, High of 37 and low of 21. Pruitt should have known that 13 points was not going to get it done and open up the play calling.

I don't think it is Chaney, we all saw what he did with Bray at QB, the guy was an absolute gun slinger no fear, and we could put up 40 plus no sweat. We have some big arms, JT can throw the deep ball, Pruitt decided to leave him in Knoxville for this game. JG, Maurer and Bailey can all throw the deep ball and yet here we sit 3 runs and punt.

That is the problem with most defensive head coaches. The other is the really elite QBs often go to play for the offensive head coaches that have proven to be able to bring the best out in the QBs.
I'm a florida fan. I admit it. I have lurked around this site for years because you guys are awesome fans and many are the funniest in the nation. Just like the gators from tebow to trask, we had crap at QB. Well a few games of grier. It was horrible watching way lesser school that had way better QB play..as some have said here, pruit is like chump is. College football is too wide open to be conservative. QB play is extremely important.
I really dont like defensive head coaches for 2 reasons. (I know saban is)
1. To me defense is about players. Good players make the coach look good. Dont get me wrong some coaches seem to get the best out of players.
2. As soon as an offensive coach has 2 good seasons, he will get a head coaching job. Then you have to start all over and hope that the next guy is as good.
To me, if you take the cost of firing a coach off the table, you would fire them, then its time to fire them.
Best of luck. I miss the days of our top 10 matchup. Dont beat me up to bad.

 

[TJVol95]

No interceptions no fumble recoveries no coaching. Tennessee football

 

[bornbleddinorange]

I will give my opinion on where (big picture) Pruitt is making his big mistake.

When Spurrier had players who were not "getting it", he did not change his system or who he was because the player had an issue. So, he didn't "dumb down" his offense. He didn't run the ball on 3rd and 7 and punt. You throw the ball on 3rd and 7 and he wasn't going to do different because someone was struggling.

Pruitt and the staff have decided to dumb down the offense and it's not helping anyone. Qb's aren't getting any better. The offense isn't any better. You aren't winning. etc.

So, everything you are doing to "give you the best chance to win" is hindering the growth and development of the players who need it and you still aren't winning.

You run your offense. And if it doesn't work, at least you ran your offense and the players may be better next year for it.

Hiding in a shell and being a team that you don't want to be in the first place is stupid. If this is the offense he wants, fine. But, it isn't.

I appreciate the insight. It’s good to see it from an outside perspective.

 

[I4Vols]

You must not have watched Sal Sunseri's defense if you believe any of this garbage you're spewing. That was the worst defense I've seen in UT in 30+ years. Even this terrible offense could score virtually every time on that defense just by running the ball every single play. This defense is not even comparable to that.

Offense has 2 great WRs (Palmer and Hyatt) at the very least. Maybe 3-4. This is the same squad that looked competitive last season, minus a few players (Jennings, Callaway, Taylor, Bituli).

It's not a talent issue. Stop making excuses.

Dan Mullen is 4-2 or 5-1 with this roster.

Coaching has been awful.

I agree with most of your post, but I do not think we have 2 great receivers this year. Cover Palmer and the rest is not SEC caliber proven. Hyatt and the height of Wideman might prove out, but still young. I think this position, including the lack of a tight end who can run a route and catch, has (will) hamstrung any of our 2020 qbs. I just can't compare Jennings & Callaway to any pair this year... not even close.

 

[BleedinOrange98]

The biggest difference to me is that our QBs have zero poise. They can't stand tall, look off defenders and step up in the pocket. That is it. If you can't do that, your passing game is gonna suck.

Mauer ran backwards, JG doesn't step up until it's too late. HB is too inexperienced.

Franks did this in the 2nd half and was able to deliver the ball confidently down field. And to no one's surprise, it worked.

 

[amorange]

I'm definitely not a football genious but I don’t think it takes one to figure this one out...

Too many times in the first half when we were running at will, we neglected opportunities to throw on downs that weren't obvious run or passing downs. By not mixing it up just a little in the first half, we missed the chance to keep the defense guessing. They adjusted to our one dimensional approach and by the time we tried to counter, it was too late...

BAD game plan, play calling, coaching, etc., etc..... Take your choice or all of the above.

Where is our genius offensive coordinator?

 

[LakeMaryFLVol]

"Losing to 2 teams that we were clearly more talented than (Kentucky and Arkansas) simply due to poor coaching and execution sucks. "

This is true.

 

[sjt18]

JG is a huge problem. Pruitt's decision to invest the future of the program in him almost two years ago... is what you are seeing now.

There are other problems. Some are big. The defensive problems are very troubling considering Pruitt's credibility as a candidate for the job was built on him being a defensive guru.

 

[sjt18]

I think between time of possession in the first half in favor of UT... Briles making some bad calls in the first half....and Franks being a marginally better version of Guarantano.... the defense looked better than they actually are last night.

You think Franks was only "marginally" better than JG?

Franks was and is MUCH better than JG... and that's not saying Franks is good.