Evolving an Offense

#1
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UneducatedGuess

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#1
The Vols are being managed like an NFL team this year. Each week brings a new wrinkle and a new focus. While fans are quick to jump on the latest wrinkle with comments like "Kamara should get more touches" and "why hasn't Byrd played more" and "we gotta open up the playbook", most of us fail to recognize that we are playing checkers while coaches are playing chess.

Think of it this way. Alabama has to prepare for more playmakers from Tennessee than any other team this year. Not only that, but those emerging stars are only there because of our solid foundational workhorses. They are fresher and provide explosive plays that can be disguised.

General trends include
- Tennessee is throwing the ball more vertically today than a month ago
- Tennessee is running between the tackles more today than a month ago
- Tennessee is utilizing an intermediate passing game that includes hooks and slants in addition to sceeens and quick outs

All of this has been done with keeping Dobbs in pocket, although we've rolled the pocket more recently.

I think this is set up to peak during the Alabama game. Coaches know our schedule is essentially three seasons.
1. Early Season (games 1-3)
2. The Gauntlet (where our fate is determined)
3. Final Stretch

If we can beat Alabama, it will put us in a phenomenal situation to get healthy on a bye and then install bits and pieces while leaning back on foundational football leading up to the SEC championship game which could launch us to a playoff.

I love it. I hope y'all are enjoying it to. But I wish we would quit saying that single game individual performances prove that one player should start. BecUse those games have been set up by other players. It's truly a team game.
 
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#2
#2
17fyig.gif
 
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#5
#5
I can't help but focus on your quote "this is set up to peak during the Alabama game". It's exciting to feel the momentum our team has taken during the 4 game stretch.

I feel the tide of our waters gathering speed, pressure and becoming a legit threat. I hope we explode this game with a dominant performance starting off right away in the first quarter.
 
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#8
#8
I think our WRs and Barnette win this game. Jennings ain't skeered and Tyler Byrd is about to ball out on these folks.
 
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#9
#9
UneducatedGuess said:
The Vols are being managed like an NFL team this year. Each week brings a new wrinkle and a new focus. While fans are quick to jump on the latest wrinkle with comments like "Kamara should get more touches" and "why hasn't Byrd played more" and "we gotta open up the playbook", most of us fail to recognize that we are playing checkers while coaches are playing chess.

Think of it this way. Alabama has to prepare for more playmakers from Tennessee than any other team this year. Not only that, but those emerging stars are only there because of our solid foundational workhorses. They are fresher and provide explosive plays that can be disguised.

General trends include
- Tennessee is throwing the ball more vertically today than a month ago
- Tennessee is running between the tackles more today than a month ago
- Tennessee is utilizing an intermediate passing game that includes hooks and slants in addition to sceeens and quick outs

All of this has been done with keeping Dobbs in pocket, although we've rolled the pocket more recently.

I think this is set up to peak during the Alabama game. Coaches know our schedule is essentially three seasons.
1. Early Season (games 1-3)
2. The Gauntlet (where our fate is determined)
3. Final Stretch

If we can beat Alabama, it will put us in a phenomenal situation to get healthy on a bye and then install bits and pieces while leaning back on foundational football leading up to the SEC championship game which could launch us to a playoff.

I love it. I hope y'all are enjoying it to. But I wish we would quit saying that single game individual performances prove that one player should start. BecUse those games have been set up by other players. It's truly a team game.
Click to expand...

Not sure I agree about us having more playmakers than any other Ala opponent. Ole Miss gets the nod with that. But Also has been vulnerable to the big play especially in the pass game. Chad Kelly and Austin Allen both threw for 400 yards. Both are better passers than Dobb's but the opportunity is there if we can hang on to the ball. That is a huge concern we are fumbling the ball and throwing int's at an alarming rate that gets you beat in the SEC. Without turnover issues we are 6-0 and none of our games would have been close. Ala is beatable if we don't beat ourselves. Ole Miss and Ark both killed themselves and Ala scored several non offensive TD's n both games.
 
#10
#10
UneducatedGuess said:
The Vols are being managed like an NFL team this year. Each week brings a new wrinkle and a new focus. While fans are quick to jump on the latest wrinkle with comments like "Kamara should get more touches" and "why hasn't Byrd played more" and "we gotta open up the playbook", most of us fail to recognize that we are playing checkers while coaches are playing chess.

Think of it this way. Alabama has to prepare for more playmakers from Tennessee than any other team this year. Not only that, but those emerging stars are only there because of our solid foundational workhorses. They are fresher and provide explosive plays that can be disguised.

General trends include
- Tennessee is throwing the ball more vertically today than a month ago
- Tennessee is running between the tackles more today than a month ago
- Tennessee is utilizing an intermediate passing game that includes hooks and slants in addition to sceeens and quick outs

All of this has been done with keeping Dobbs in pocket, although we've rolled the pocket more recently.

I think this is set up to peak during the Alabama game. Coaches know our schedule is essentially three seasons.
1. Early Season (games 1-3)
2. The Gauntlet (where our fate is determined)
3. Final Stretch

If we can beat Alabama, it will put us in a phenomenal situation to get healthy on a bye and then install bits and pieces while leaning back on foundational football leading up to the SEC championship game which could launch us to a playoff.

I love it. I hope y'all are enjoying it to. But I wish we would quit saying that single game individual performances prove that one player should start. BecUse those games have been set up by other players. It's truly a team game.
Click to expand...

My biggest complaint has been the under use of Kamara since he has been in Knoxville. He has gone games where he got 3 or 4 touches the entire game and there is no excuse for that. He and Hurd compliment each other well and should split touch's as we just saw from AK when he does get more involved.
 
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#11
#11
OrangeCooter said:
I can't help but focus on your quote "this is set up to peak during the Alabama game". It's exciting to feel the momentum our team has taken during the 4 game stretch.

I feel the tide of our waters gathering speed, pressure and becoming a legit threat. I hope we explode this game with a dominant performance starting off right away in the first quarter.
Click to expand...

I do agree that our offense in particular is peeking right now. If we can stop killing ourselves with turnovers and penalties we will be hard to stop. We are getting good WR and RB play,D Dobb's is throwing the ball well but the 4 turnovers he had last week has to stop. Luckily after this week our schedule softens up. Defense is what is concerning right now with all of the injuries. We haven't played well when healthy. Been disappointed in Shoop so far. We don't always tackle well an the secondary stays out of position. Expected more from our defense and Shoop.
 
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#13
#13
UneducatedGuess said:
The Vols are being managed like an NFL team this year. Each week brings a new wrinkle and a new focus.
Click to expand...

Great post. I just have one concern. Since we have almost the same offensive players as last year, why do we have to reinvent the same wrinkles we used last year? By now those wrinkles should have wrinkles. I know CBJ wants to show something that our opponents might not have prepared for but I really hate the fact that most of our games come down to desperation. Desperate for a stop or desperate for a score. I would say desperate for a first down to end the game but 3 runs and punt is how we play that situation.

Again great post.
 
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#14
#14
Good post. While I can see UT winning this game, I think our injuries on the defensive side, and vulnerability to the deep ball will simply be too much for us to overcome against a very talented, deep, Bama roster.

To win, we cannot start slow. If Bama gets up by a couple of scores, they'll go for the throat with deep balls and blitzes. Kiffin won't blink at piling on the points.

Win the turnover battle, control the ball, solid special teams, and keep the Bama WR's in front of us. Do that, and I believe the Vols can pull this one off.

Don't, and we're 5-2.

Go Vols.
 
#16
#16
A little hesitant to post this on y'all's board since it's Bama-biased, but it's a pretty dang good "chess match" analyisis. Thought some of y'all might enjoy the article. Two very talented and very well-coached teams squaring off in a great rivalry game, with a lot at stake. Even with some key injuries, Vols are still the real deal, VERY capable of beating ANY team they play. Vols would've beaten ATM, if not for so many costly turnovers. Should be a great game! Will be a physical one for sure. Hope no serious injuries happen on either side.

Hope for the Best: Tennessee edition - Roll 'Bama Roll
 
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#17
#17
Mick said:
Great post. I just have one concern. Since we have almost the same offensive players as last year, why do we have to reinvent the same wrinkles we used last year? By now those wrinkles should have wrinkles. I know CBJ wants to show something that our opponents might not have prepared for but I really hate the fact that most of our games come down to desperation. Desperate for a stop or desperate for a score. I would say desperate for a first down to end the game but 3 runs and punt is how we play that situation.

Again great post.
Click to expand...

I look at it as "What are you putting on film for teams?" I don't think our team this year is the same as our team last year. Largely drawing that conclusion because we have wide receivers that can go up and make a play. Last year we ran a horizontal passing scheme that was predicated with all quick read plays. This year we are hanging in the pocket a bit longer and looking at more of an intermediate game sprinkled with longer balls. I also think we have shifted our dependence away from the run... as a trend...

I, for one, pray that we come out in an I-formation inside of the 5 yard line. I hate running the pistol at the goal line.

I don't have a keen enough eye to tell you if our blocking scheme has evolved this year, or how our sets give D coordinators fresh looks to think about. But I've seen enough to feel like we are balanced enough to execute any play we want to over the course of a game.

I also think that Dobbs checking in with the sidelines has immensely improved our play selection. He's able to get a defensive read from above that is relayed down to the sideline. Not saying Dobbs isn't smart, but that extra set of eyes has made a big difference. I didn't see the sideline checks last year or earlier this year.
 
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#18
#18
Tidal Surge said:
A little hesitant to post this on y'alls board since it's Bama-biased, but it's a pretty dang good "chess natch" analyisis. Thought some of y'all might enjoy the article. Two very talented and very well-coached teams squaring off in a great rivalry game, with a lot at stake. Even with some key injuries, Vols are still the real deal, VERY capable of beating ANY team they play. Vols would've beaten ATM, if not for so many costly turnovers. Should be a great game! Will be a physical one for sure. Hope no serious injuries happen on either side.

Hope for the Best: Tennessee edition - Roll 'Bama Roll
Click to expand...

Read this and thought it was clear that the author only bothered to watch the A&M game, and even in doing so, we saw the game differently between his Crimson colored glasses and my Orange colored glasses.

1. I thought the UT OLine won their battle with the A&M DLine. A glance at running and passing yards - you don't rack up that kind of production without owning the trenches. Furthermore, Tennessee used A&M's over aggressiveness against them. Alabama typically plays with a little more control. However, if it is anything like last year, I expect UT's O Line to handle the Alabama D Line that is always touted a little too much for my liking. Tennessee last year was simply more physical.

2. Pointing out UT's DLine as their weakness is amateur hour. It's the men behind the DLine that is the absolute weakness of the D, as is, the men playing the corners and edges. And, I hate to say it, but our safety's played a C- game against A&M. Lane may try to run, but Alabama hasn't been successful yet this season, as their offense is evolving from a physical to a finesse offense under the Mr. Former USC.

I think OJ Howard is Alabama's wildcard and I think Kiffen will use him to exploit the middle of the field and the LBs. Maybe not huge plays, but back breaking third down conversions, etc. Howard hasn't done a lot this year, however, I expect that to change.

I think this game comes down to two things
1. Turnovers
2. Dobbs vs Hurts. Who plays better? Hurts hasn't played like a true freshman all year. I think tomorrow he might.

Go Vols
 
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#19
#19
jasonvol18 said:
Not sure I agree about us having more playmakers than any other Ala opponent. Ole Miss gets the nod with that. But Also has been vulnerable to the big play especially in the pass game. Chad Kelly and Austin Allen both threw for 400 yards. Both are better passers than Dobb's but the opportunity is there if we can hang on to the ball. That is a huge concern we are fumbling the ball and throwing int's at an alarming rate that gets you beat in the SEC. Without turnover issues we are 6-0 and none of our games would have been close. Ala is beatable if we don't beat ourselves. Ole Miss and Ark both killed themselves and Ala scored several non offensive TD's n both games.
Click to expand...

I think Tennessee has better receivers than Ole Miss and Arkansas.
 
#20
#20
UneducatedGuess said:
I look at it as "What are you putting on film for teams?" I don't think our team this year is the same as our team last year. Largely drawing that conclusion because we have wide receivers that can go up and make a play. Last year we ran a horizontal passing scheme that was predicated with all quick read plays. This year we are hanging in the pocket a bit longer and looking at more of an intermediate game sprinkled with longer balls. I also think we have shifted our dependence away from the run... as a trend...

I, for one, pray that we come out in an I-formation inside of the 5 yard line. I hate running the pistol at the goal line.

I don't have a keen enough eye to tell you if our blocking scheme has evolved this year, or how our sets give D coordinators fresh looks to think about. But I've seen enough to feel like we are balanced enough to execute any play we want to over the course of a game.

I also think that Dobbs checking in with the sidelines has immensely improved our play selection. He's able to get a defensive read from above that is relayed down to the sideline. Not saying Dobbs isn't smart, but that extra set of eyes has made a big difference. I didn't see the sideline checks last year or earlier this year.
Click to expand...

I compiled some stats yesterday and thus far this season we run the ball 72% on first down and 24% of all first down plays go for 0 or less yards. This is one trend we must break. We run on 60% of all plays but that is not concerning since we are a run first team but 72% on first down. Almost takes the guess work away from opposing defenses. First and Hurd. I would be shocked if Hurd did not get the first carry on the first offensive play.

Here is to breaking trends.:good!:
 
#21
#21
@UneducatedGuess

Thanks for reply.

Those artcles are done on that site for all Tide games. There are also two others for each game -- offense vs defense and vice versa -- that are even more in-depth. Iirc, the other two on Tide vs Vols made mention of Vols performance, stats, etc. in some other games. I really enjoy them each week -- they give me a better feel for the strategic side of the upcoming game.

You make good points. :thumbsup:
 
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#23
#23
Tidal Surge said:
A little hesitant to post this on y'all's board since it's Bama-biased, but it's a pretty dang good "chess match" analyisis. Thought some of y'all might enjoy the article. Two very talented and very well-coached teams squaring off in a great rivalry game, with a lot at stake. Even with some key injuries, Vols are still the real deal, VERY capable of beating ANY team they play. Vols would've beaten ATM, if not for so many costly turnovers. Should be a great game! Will be a physical one for sure. Hope no serious injuries happen on either side.

Hope for the Best: Tennessee edition - Roll 'Bama Roll
Click to expand...

Article seems to miss out on the fact this is largely the same team that fought Bama tooth and nail last year. Think it might be closer than the article seems to indicate.
 
#24
#24
Nice read and thanks for the link.

The main thing that most miss about the aTm game last week is simple...Tennessee beat Tennessee.

aTm played a decent game BUT the simple fact is that if we didn't have 7 turnovers our Vols would still be undefeated.

The simple fact that with 6 turnovers we still outplayed aTm and took them to overtime 2 times speaks volumes.

Even with so many critical injuries, 7 total turnovers and the loss all the AP voters were still so impressed that Tennessee did NOT drop even 1 spot in the national rankings and I can't recall when that has happened in the past.

Bama fans, coaches and players all know that last season on the alaBubba field they simply got lucky to escape without the Loss.

We're injured, have played several games without some of our all SEC and best players BUT we never quit, never backed down and HAVE gotten lots of our backups loads of real game knowledge and experience.

I hope alaBummer comes in cocky, overconfident and thinks they can cruise with us having so many injuries.

alaBubba just might leave Neyland stadium crying after they Lose too.

TODAY is the time Tennessee starts our WIN streak and our LOUD fans will be a big part of that!

Team 120, Earning their respect and climbing the rankings WIN by WIN...VFL...GBO!!!
 
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#25
#25
Would love to see Hurd and Kelly in the back field, Kamara and Byrd in the slot and JJ or Malone on the outside. That, along with Dobbs will be most of our playmakers at the same time on the field.
 
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