How Do You Explain Such Improvement in Just Two Years?

[JohnTN]

We were 3-7 before Heupel was hired and we lost 25 or so players to transfers, some of them starters. I don't remember how Heupel's first recruiting classes were ranked but don't remember them being real high. We did get a great QB transfer in Hooker plus some others.

So is this success due to getting Hooker plus a few talented receivers plus a coach with a system/scheme that fit perfectly?

And, what will we look like with Hooker gone next year? If we are good next year then more credit to the coaching staff.

 

[MiramarVol]

Buy in....

 

[vanillagorilla]

Having an actual football coach helps. A lot.

 

[grandjason]

Years of growth and improvement are in front of us. As Trump once said, “…you’re going to get tired of winning.” Now we need to keep CJH, and more importantly, his wife happy!!!

 

[ReadCT]

Just one man's opinion as to why the improvement:

--the right QB
--Heupel's system
--second year in said system

 

[VFL-82-JP]

1. Roster talent was better than we thought; it was disguised behind some god-awful coaching in previous years.
2. The Portal. Reflect on who we got from the portal the past two off-seasons. A lot of the names we shout on Saturdays, those are portal arrivals.
3. Heupel & Crew are no-joke next level genius at patterning the Xs and Os to make the absolute most of what the lads can do.
4. They are also incredibly talented leaders, who can mold extremely cohesive teams.

Think it's as simple as that.

 

[VolunteerVandiver]

A great coaching staff that players believe in. Influx of talent on the offensive side of the ball. A genius-level offensive mind that tailors his offense to the strengths of his personnel and takes advantage of opposing defensive coaches.

 

[Allvols1996]

We were 3-7 before Heupel was hired and we lost 25 or so players to transfers, some of them starters. I don't remember how Heupel's first recruiting classes were ranked but don't remember them being real high. We did get a great QB transfer in Hooker plus some others.

So is this success due to getting Hooker plus a few talented receivers plus a coach with a system/scheme that fit perfectly?

And, what will we look like with Hooker gone next year? If we are good next year then more credit to the coaching staff.

C-O-A-C-H-I-N-G

 

[VAVolsFan2009]

MiramarVol is absolutely right. BUY IN!!! Big time. Plus the staff is excellent at teaching. Each and every player has improved in strength, fundamentals, and tactical awareness. The staff has also installed schemes that fit the players on the roster, ie putting players in positions to succeed.

Also notice that CJH and the staff don't ever criticize the players. The message is always "there are things we need to improve on and we're working to get better". I'm sure we all remember how Pruitt and the previous head coaches would single out players for their errors and lack of success. Blame game. And there was no surprise that the players had no buy in.

Coach Heupel is an amazing breath of fresh air. The program needed it, the players needed it, and we needed it.

 

[Arrested Devolopment]

Excellent head coach and assistant coaches
Experienced QB leader who studies and executes coach's plan
Team members who trust the coaches and support each other
Culture of learning and excellence
Championship mentality

 

[Southeastern VFL]

Being modernized really helps a lot. If Hooker throws for over a 188 yards on Saturday then he will become first Tennessee QB to throw for over 3,000 in a season since 2012 and Tyler Bray. We have been so far behind the numbers over everybody else and it has showed in the W-L. The offensive system has sent shock waves though out this football program and you can see where everybody on both sides has bought in because they know that it is a winning product in what Coach Hepuel has brought in. Offense breads confidence and it shows because when you really have it everybody no matter the position tries harder and plays harder.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

Because contrary to popular opinion, it’s the x’s and o’s no more and no less than the Jimmies and Joes.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

Buy in....

Beat me to it! And a freakin great QB helps!

 

[Jeff Clark]

This is as close to a miracle as you're ever going to likely ever see.

 

[cgrish]

We were 3-7 before Heupel was hired and we lost 25 or so players to transfers, some of them starters. I don't remember how Heupel's first recruiting classes were ranked but don't remember them being real high. We did get a great QB transfer in Hooker plus some others.

So is this success due to getting Hooker plus a few talented receivers plus a coach with a system/scheme that fit perfectly?

And, what will we look like with Hooker gone next year? If we are good next year then more credit to the coaching staff.

I think Hype has done an outstanding job. I am somewhat concerned about the players he has recruited play out. Most of our offense is Pruitts recruits or transfers. lf Hype can recruit quality players we are in great shape. Hype has developed the players on the roster tremoundsly. I think if Pruitt was coaching we may be 6-4 on the year, we would have been beat by, Fla, Lsu, Bama,

 

[ACvol3]

The biggest difference is scheme, imo.. We also have a very veteran, mature team.

 

[WillisWG]

Being modernized really helps a lot. If Hooker throws for over a 188 yards on Saturday then he will become first Tennessee QB to throw for over 3,000 in a season since 2012 and Tyler Bray. We have been so far behind the numbers over everybody else and it has showed in the W-L. The offensive system has sent shock waves though out this football program and you can see where everybody on both sides has bought in because they know that it is a winning product in what Coach Hepuel has brought in. Offense breads confidence and it shows because when you really have it everybody no matter the position tries harder and plays harder.

Bray owns the series record with 368 in 2012. Hoping #5 breaks that tomorrow.

 

[Sudden Impact]

CC - Coaching & Culture.

 

[TheGoodStuff]

Because contrary to popular opinion, it’s the x’s and o’s no more and no less than the Jimmies and Joes.

I think the X’s and O’s are a tad bit more important than the Jimmies and Joes. Which is why we are competing with teams with better recruiting averages

 

[Sam I Am]

I'm not saying its aliens.......



....but it's aliens.

 

[tim]

Offense. Defense is important but having a great offense is why we’re where we are

 

[The Tall Gguy]

Having an actual football coach helps. A lot.

This is the absolute truth!

 

[CAVPUT]

Perfect storm. Right set of coaches and a solid group of upperclass guys that fit and work well together in this scheme. Right guys in the right places. And our schedule was put together very, very well. No "gauntlet" for this bunch to run this year.

 

[N.ohio vol]

I'm not saying its aliens.......



....but it's aliens.

 

[Orangepantsforever]

CC - Coaching & Culture.

Sometimes it’s addition by subtraction…..and not just coaches. Probably a lot of those guys that left (and had to leave) were probably cancerous in the locker room. Just my humble opinion.
That’s one reason I don’t care to get any Texas A&M guys in the portal. I sense a lot of selfish entitlement in College Station. We don’t have that here….or at least don’t seem to.