How can Iowa possibly prepare for Tennessee

[temptn]

There is a secondary they have never seen, different running back rotation, new quarterback, probably new plays and play calling strategy, plus who knows what.

 

[just bob]

There is a secondary they have never seen, different running back rotation, new quarterback, probably new plays and play calling strategy, plus who knows what.

Probably focus on stopping our run first.

I'm sure they'll try to throw more than usual.

 

[PC Jr.]

I’d turn the question around and ask the same of the Vols with their new faces in key positions. I respect the right of players to sit out, but I don’t like it. I’m concerned the impacts will be more negative for the Vols than Iowa.

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

It’s Nico’s first start and first action against a legit defense. We’ll run the ball and they’ll sell out to stop the run. On defense we’ll try to stop the run…

 

[The Tall Gguy]

It'll be like DeBord is OC on both sides.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

I bet they plan for 11 V 11

 

[LWSVOL]

They prepare more for schemes than players. Now if you have a couple of elite level players you might have some special things.

dBs don't matter. RBs don't matter. They know the offensive playbook will be much smaller than what is on tape due to young inexperienced QB.

They will bring constant pressure on passing downs. Just what you do with youth at QB

 

[amaralfan1]

It'll be like DeBord is OC on both sides.

DeBord was a surprisingly good OC at Tennessee.

 

[Hunerwadel]

I'm glad Nico is getting the start. Getting a full game under his belt before next season is big. It can be argued that he more than any other player will determine whether CJH will be in Knoxville in 2026. I like what I've seen out of Coach Heup and I hope he's here for a long, long time. Go Nico and GBO.

 

[1973Vol]

Working on all the pressure packages to fluster the freshman quarterback! Go Vols!

 

[CAVPUT]

They prepare more for schemes than players. Now if you have a couple of elite level players you might have some special things.

dBs don't matter. RBs don't matter. They know the offensive playbook will be much smaller than what is on tape due to young inexperienced QB.

They will bring constant pressure on passing downs. Just what you do with youth at QB

I'm sure Iowa will seek to confuse Nico and disguise things, but by now, Nico will know the playbook. If his WRs are up to speed on making their reads/decisions, I hope they'll let Nico attack the entire field. They have to keep Iowa honest. If they continue with the same play calling used with Milton and lean heavily on that WR screen play, it will be a long afternoon for UT. If Nico is going to learn, they have to accept some mistakes. If he's going to make those rookie mistakes, I'd rather it be vs Iowa in a meaningless bowl game than in a critical game next season. Protect him physically, but let Nico play.

 

[VolBricks]

we use the run to setup the pass, that will not change with Nico. Iowa knows that, and will defense accordingly. All I know about Iowa offense is that it is "offensive" 3.4 yds per pass play is abysmal.

 

[brainvol]

In Heupel we trust.

 

[DarkVolder]

I think we will lose this game but in the long term it won’t matter if Nico goes on to have a great career at UT. This game win or lose will be valuable experience for him going into the offseason. A new era has begun.

 

[TheVolsFrog]

We'll probably try and run the ball and bubble screens. I hope he let's Nico air it out. If he throws picks, so be it.
Best get mistakes on film in this game so he can study them and will be able to relate to the film since it's him down there and he knows what he was seeing at the time

 

[allstar34bd]

Happy to see all the Vols who remained loyal and finished out the season. No matter the outcome, we will be a better team getting rid of the ones who didn’t want to finish what was started. Go Nico, Go Sampson, and whoever is left on Defense.

 

[chuck0303]

I think we will lose this game but in the long term it won’t matter if Nico goes on to have a great career at UT. This game win or lose will be valuable experience for him going into the offseason. A new era has begun.

I disagree, I don't think we lose this game. Limit the turnovers. Those big guys will try to punch the ball out. I think Nico will run when he has to & keep the sticks moving, that is, unless they keep calling the run 3 times into the line. If so it's 3 & out. I think Nico will be able to pass enough to keep the Hawkeyes honest. Let's just hope our guys can catch the ball.

 

[knoxvol52]

I bet they plan for 11 V 11

Top notch information here

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

It'll be like DeBord is OC on both sides.

 

[norrislakevol]

DeBord was a surprisingly good OC at Tennessee.

Agreed. Pulling the center during some runs and such. His numbers would have been better if not for all the injuries. There was generally nothing wrong with his play calling.

 

[LordBolton]

They prepare more for schemes than players. Now if you have a couple of elite level players you might have some special things.

dBs don't matter. RBs don't matter. They know the offensive playbook will be much smaller than what is on tape due to young inexperienced QB.

They will bring constant pressure on passing downs. Just what you do with youth at QB

Not sure how much smaller the playbook can get, before now you had runs between the tackles and bubble screens on 80% of plays.

 

[aRmo]

I have a feeling this is about to be the Texas A&M game all over again

 

[livefaith]

DeBord was a surprisingly good OC at Tennessee.

Remember all the swimming coach jests for the 1st year? Then, we were begging to get him back when he was gone. This place never disappoints.

 

[Lars]

There is a secondary they have never seen...

We haven't seen it, either.

 

[fossilfiction]

There is a secondary they have never seen, different running back rotation, new quarterback, probably new plays and play calling strategy, plus who knows what.

That first one is not a positive for us either.