Did some research on GT

82, I love your posts and agree with ya 99.9% of the time ... but I am pretty sure I've seen numerous times, a running wishbone team burn their opponents with a deep threat, vertical threat, when least expected. If I am misunderstanding you, then set me straight. :hi:

No, man, you're definitely right. A wishbone with a QB who can actually throw well further than a screen or a quick slant, that's really dangerous.

But if the downfield pass were a real money maker for them, more than a handful of times per game, they sure wouldn't keep running the wishbone. They'd go with some pro set or a spread.

In short, I think of the downfield pass (any downfield pass) as the trick play of the wishbone. Works well specifically because it's unexpected...and uncommon.

That's how I see it, anyway. Could be wrong.
 
I have no one on ignore. You don't have to use the ignore feature to keep from engaging in a conversation with someone. Like ktown, I enjoy the entertainment.

I totally understand the reservations of playing GT. Or damn near anyone at this point. I gaurenteed a 24 point beat down of SC last year.

I think we win, but it won't surprise me if we don't.

Sucks feeling that way. Is what it is.

I am in a similar boat, because we have so many UNKNOWNS......

In the past we knew that our team was definitely going to perform at a certain level. Not so much in the last decade.

As a fan base I think we want to be optimistic but lately that comes back to bit us in the rear.

This is why the games are played on the field, not in the media or chat rooms.
 
If our D can make good choices. the game is in the bag.

Maybe not "in the bag", but I think UT will win the game. Tech's defensive talent is not good, IMO, especially their defensive line. They also lost their best linebacker, PJ Davis, and another starting LB, I think. I expect Tennessee to run very effectively, which takes pressure off your quarterback.

Tech's offense can be hard to stop when it's clicking, but probably won't be at full efficiency with a new quarterback. In that offense, the qb is critical for both running and passing, and it's prone to turnovers from fumbles if the timing is off. I wouldn't be surprised to see them have several turnovers.

If your defensive line is reasonably healthy, I'd expect UT to win by a couple of touchdowns.
 
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Maybe not "in the bag", but I think UT will win the game. Tech's defensive talent is not good, IMO, especially their defensive line. They also lost their best linebacker, PJ Davis, and another starting LB, I think. I expect Tennessee to run very effectively, which takes pressure off your quarterback.

Tech's offense can be hard to stop when it's clicking, but probably won't be at full efficiency with a new quarterback. In that offense, the qb is critical for both running and passing, and it's prone to turnovers from fumbles if the timing is off. I wouldn't be surprised to see them have several turnovers.

If your defensive line is reasonably healthy, I'd expect UT to win by a couple of touchdowns.

Fair enough.
 
Informed GT fan here...

I am open to questions if you have them.

We do cut block more than your average team. Every team cut blocks, even Tenn. The more you run, the more likely you are to cut block. If you pass more, you pass block. GT runs 80% of the time, and, therefore, cut blocks more.

The penalty issue is the cut block back towards the ball or if you chop block (one high and one low). The chop block calls normally come from a defender engaging the center, that would rather avoid the defender, with the guard cutting from the back side.

Every play is designed to be a TD no matter the offense. Assignment football is important for a defense no matter the offense. If both side do their assignments, the play's successes or failure is based on Jimmys and Joes.

GT has 4 QBs. The starter is currently in a "boot" but is expected back for fall camp. He played for the full VT game last year. If you watch the VT v GT game you will see everyone that will play for the GT offense v Tenn. game (with the exception that GT's best back was out for the game). Mathew Jorden is a fast/tank like QB with an average passing arm. He has some good speed, but can also run up the gut. He is very different than last years QB and more like Navy's 2016 QB. Mathew has 3 years in the system and knows the option well.

The other 3 QBs are closer to a hybrid of Mathew and JT. Some say that their ceilings are higher as they are faster, more elusive, and pass better. That is yet to be seen, but they looked good in the spring game.

It is not about the QB this year. It is all about the experienced OL and all the experience returning in the skill positions. I expect the O to have a good first game and only improve as the year progresses. If the QB can make the reads and pitches, the plays will happen.

The defense is the issue. GT lost some great players on a already struggling DL and LB team. The backfield should be solid, but cannot cover all day. The defense plays to stop the big play and allows 3rd down conversions. I go to all the home games and have 3rd down fatigue. I am hoping that we mix the scheme up a little in 2017 and new stars arise on defense.

This is not going to be an easy game for either team. This is going to be a good game!
 
Their offense is dependent on good A backs, and they've got one in Qua Searcy. Timing is vital, and that's what this game will hinge upon -- will the new quarterback have the timing down by the time we play in The Sphincter?


Playing a flexbone or wing-t or any triple option offense is just like playing any other team. They're still playing football, and every maxim of the game still applies: no turnovers, don't give up the big play, limit penalties, protect the football, make the most of your offensive possessions, and win the kicking game.

The only thing is, every mistake is magnified since their ball-control offense shortens the game.

Very good post, couldn't agree more with all your points. Timing is crucial for our offense.

One thing I'd like to add. Qua is very good but Clinton Lynch is our playmaker.

Last year he had 37 carries for 415 yards (11.2 ypc) and 2 TDs. Had 16 receptions for 490 yards (30.6 avg) and 6 TDs. Total he had 53 plays for 905 yards while averaging 17.1 a play.

Qua does have a soft spot in my heart for that game winning TD vs UGA though.

Looking forward to a great game!
 
Very good post, couldn't agree more with all your points. Timing is crucial for our offense.

One thing I'd like to add. Qua is very good but Clinton Lynch is our playmaker.

Last year he had 37 carries for 415 yards (11.2 ypc) and 2 TDs. Had 16 receptions for 490 yards (30.6 avg) and 6 TDs. Total he had 53 plays for 905 yards while averaging 17.1 a play.

Qua does have a soft spot in my heart for that game winning TD vs UGA though.

Looking forward to a great game!

Welcome GT fans, you seem to be a knowledgeable bunch and your input is always welcome.

P.S. I like your username.
 
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Maybe not "in the bag", but I think UT will win the game. Tech's defensive talent is not good, IMO, especially their defensive line. They also lost their best linebacker, PJ Davis, and another starting LB, I think. I expect Tennessee to run very effectively, which takes pressure off your quarterback.

Tech's offense can be hard to stop when it's clicking, but probably won't be at full efficiency with a new quarterback. In that offense, the qb is critical for both running and passing, and it's prone to turnovers from fumbles if the timing is off. I wouldn't be surprised to see them have several turnovers.

If your defensive line is reasonably healthy, I'd expect UT to win by a couple of touchdowns.

^^^^^^^
This.
Might seem pretty obvious but QB experience and talent is everything in the triple-O. If he can make good decisions and clean tosses/handoffs, the chains move continuously. Our D was worn slap out by the 4th last year. The TN game will be a solid test for both teams that early. The team with the best QB will win.
 
My main concern for this game is injuries. I believe we will win this game but I'm nervous about all the cut blocking
 
Is Tech planning to do anything to create a home field environment? Will the Tech band be lined up somewhere to give Vols fans the directions to Knoxville? Will they tote the steam whistle across downtown? Will there be any sort of mutual homage to Bobby Dodd? I'm wondering what sort of atmospheric feel that the event will have.
 
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