Hubbs on Nashville radio

[chargervol]

For those commenting on Center, it did seem that Hubbs thought Jashon was the guy... if there's any uncertainty it's just because the media has seen so many different combinations this fall.

I mentioned someone talking about Bates running with the ones the other day. But that's why I didn't make too much of a deal about it, I think everybody has started with the ones at least one practice.

As others said, it's time to narrow it down and and practice as one unit.

 

[sjt18]

if they are all good enough to start, that would be a good/great thing!

You still have to pick starters and a rotation then let those guys become cohesive. I played TE in HS years ago... which is to say I was another OT. We pounded the run game.

The most comparable thing I can think of for the teamwork a good OL has is a seal team or special ops team in the military. They practice missions and train together to the point where they practically read each others' minds. They anticipate every action and reaction by their team mate. They compensate for each other's weaknesses or mistakes fluidly and as a matter of second nature.

This isn't a plug and play situation. Good OL's become good by playing practicing together until they move as one mind.

 

[sjt18]

Frankly, I think what we are seeing is that the O-line just isnt very talented. They have struggled throughout their time together the last 3 years in pass blocking and it appears no amount of "experience " has changed that.

OL isn't like WR. You don't have to have greatly talented individuals to create a great OL. Mizzou in their better SEC years illustrated this.

 

[sjt18]

That's not quite the tone and tenor with which Hubbs discussed it this morning. It wasn't "we're not sure who's gonna play where because we have a wealth of options and everybody can play multiple positions", it was "we're not sure who's gonna play where because 5 OLs haven't stepped up and taken the positions and we're still not sure who our best 5 are".

I understand what you're saying and agree that that's ideally what Jones and Wells have tried to do. However, sure sounds like there are issues with the OL right now in figuring out pretty basic things like who are the 5 starters and where are they gonna play.....and we're only 5 days away from the opener. Cause for concern imho.

This is why at some point you just make a decision and go with it. If the choices aren't perfect then they're still vastly superior to not giving the OL's time to work together.

 

[LakeMaryFLVol]

that worries me about the O line. that it's still that unsettled at this point....you'd think with the experience this group has coming back, spring, summer and thus far in to fall camp, we should have a handle on who is going to be where, and in what order.

that we're still unsettled on the line up....is a concern imo.

Agreed. I actually also believe this is for the love of Pete unbelievable one week out?..Should have pulled trigger on a lineup and then developed with reps. Lack of communication/continuity in dome on Monday asking for trouble. Shaking my head as I type

 

[sjt18]

I don't think he can afford to lean on a completely unproven offensive unit to score. I think you pour everything you have into the defense and create opportunities for the offense by creating turnovers.

The problem there defines the strength of PJ's offense. You have to pressure them into mistakes. If you don't take risks then you are unlikely to get those turnovers. If you do take those risks then you are likely to give up a few big plays. That requires your O to score.... so we're right back to where we started. Either you take risks on D and trust your O to score or you die the death of 1000 cuts as they get 1st down after 1st down and eat up clock.

 

[thegasman54]

Relax about the OL

3 certain starters.
LT Richmond
C Robertson
RG Trey smith

Probably Jones at LG and Tatum at RT

Also Hubbs says that the media hasn't seen them practice since last Thursday so

 

[jakez4ut]

The problem there defines the strength of PJ's offense. You have to pressure them into mistakes. If you don't take risks then you are unlikely to get those turnovers. If you do take those risks then you are likely to give up a few big plays. That requires your O to score.... so we're right back to where we started. Either you take risks on D and trust your O to score or you die the death of 1000 cuts as they get 1st down after 1st down and eat up clock.

yep. it's going to be ok to give up a few plays on defense, it's going to happen. account for that, be aggressive elsewhere and ultimately put the pressure on their offense to do things it doesn't want to do.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Relax about the OL

3 certain starters.
LT Richmond
C Robertson
RG Trey smith

Probably Jones at LG and Tatum at RT

Also Hubbs says that the media hasn't seen them practice since last Thursday so

Man, your timing is exquisitely bad in this instance.

Richmond Suspended for Opener

Violation of team rules. Worst kept secret in awhile.

Posted 6 minutes after your post above. Heh.

 

[Hank Bukowski]

Notes:

Josh Smith probably won't be available this week but will be soon.

Doesn't expect a QB starter to be announced.

Expects Jumper to start in middle.

It's between Sapp and McDowell on weak side.

Will they play a 3rd backer or play 4-2-5? Will be Austin Smith in all likelihood if they play 3. Bates will see time there.

The OL has practiced every possible combination. Need to develop continuity the rest of week heading into first game.

It starts at Center and that will dictate the rest of the OL.

Blaine asked if they may play a 3rd safety instead of a nickel in the 4-2-5 to get some size in there. Hubbs think Gaulden plays corner opposite Martin. Then the other 3 are Abernathy, Warrior, Kelly. Interesting look.

I'm not nearly as informed as some of you about the Xs and Os of the game but it seems to be a triple-option would almost demand three LBs.

Further, I like TKJr as that 3rd LB. He's a baller, loves to hit, and he's fast. Just a thought.

 

[djohnnyg]

I'm considering making a running list of potential excuses Butch can use for a less than stellar 2017 campaign. Looks like O-line chemistry can potentially go in at #2 behind the loss of Kirkland.

It'll be best if he has these on hand for easy reference I'm afraid.

--- none of us want Butch to have or utilize excuses...but its what we've seen alot of in his tenure. His worst losses imo were not candy and usc last yr but Oklahoma and Florida 2 years ago. Games we had IN THE BAG...and Butch inexplicably found a way to lose them. Vandy and Usc were games we were already sliding but Ok and Fla demoralized and destroyed a potentially HUGE season before it got started. If you're up 27-14 in the 4th on the road in an intense rivalry game...and u find a way to blow that game? Its hung over his head ever since and it should. I don't think he has the luxury of excuses anymore. No matter how valid. This is still a big time program with every game on network it national TV..and winning needs to be expected. I like butch..I really do but he has to win..period.

 

['Boro-vol]

--- none of us want Butch to have or utilize excuses...but its what we've seen alot of in his tenure. His worst losses imo were not candy and usc last yr but Oklahoma and Florida 2 years ago. Games we had IN THE BAG...and Butch inexplicably found a way to lose them. Vandy and Usc were games we were already sliding but Ok and Fla demoralized and destroyed a potentially HUGE season before it got started. If you're up 27-14 in the 4th on the road in an intense rivalry game...and u find a way to blow that game? Its hung over his head ever since and it should. I don't think he has the luxury of excuses anymore. No matter how valid. This is still a big time program with every game on network it national TV..and winning needs to be expected. I like butch..I really do but he has to win..period.

Can't argue with any of this.

 

[vtvol98]

Wells is doing a lot of cross training because we have depth. If one goes down, it's easy to plug and play because of the cross training of multi positions. This still gives us a solid group of OL regardless of who may go down.

It's a good plan as long as they avoid "the strong and the quick."

 

[bktennbear]

Relax about the OL

3 certain starters.
LT Richmond
C Robertson
RG Trey smith

Probably Jones at LG and Tatum at RT

Also Hubbs says that the media hasn't seen them

practice since last Thursday so

Kendrick is the starting RT after game one. Tatum had worked at RT all fall due to Kendrick needing to play LT in game one. Tatum is going to be really good if he can gain weight and strength.

 

[LittleVol]

Got d*** that's a stacked secondary!

A lot of physicality.

But coverage liability.

That's basically 4 safeties.

Your best secondaries are when all guys have good coverage ability.

 

[dcm3w]

I think our DEs could wreak havoc especially with a rotation of Phillips and Butler.

DTs seem a little thin but a healthy KMAC and Tuttle could create one of the best DL in the nation.

Our DBs are filled with enough talent and experience to make them a strong point this year. Abernathy and Gaulden are too good to keep off the field. They might not start but they'll play a key role.

 

[Vol737]

I think our DEs could wreak havoc especially with a rotation of Phillips and Butler.

DTs seem a little thin but a healthy KMAC and Tuttle could create one of the best DL in the nation.

Our DBs are filled with enough talent and experience to make them a strong point this year. Abernathy and Gaulden are too good to keep off the field. They might not start but they'll play a key role.

Don't disagree, but everybody likes to leave out Kendall Vickers. He's been solid the whole time he's been here on the DL and has a ton of experience. I'm hoping Quay Picou starts breaking out. Paul Bain played well for the most part when he got in. Geeez, just everybody stay healthy, please!

 

[Backwards K]

A lot of physicality.

But coverage liability.

That's basically 4 safeties.

Your best secondaries are when all guys have good coverage ability.

Thought the same thing. The Vols' defensive backfield is not among the SEC's best.

 

[armchair]

that worries me about the O line. that it's still that unsettled at this point....you'd think with the experience this group has coming back, spring, summer and thus far in to fall camp, we should have a handle on who is going to be where, and in what order.

that we're still unsettled on the line up....is a concern imo.

gets overplayed. Players like to have positions and roles. Players are who switching positions a lot /tend/ not to be especially good at any of them, IMO. There is no reason not to have a starting lineup by now.

 

[mitzustu]

A lot of physicality.

But coverage liability.

That's basically 4 safeties.

Your best secondaries are when all guys have good coverage ability.

We are playing a like 85% run offense.

 

[onevol74]

that, and the only way you build continuity is to pick a line up, and go practice. less than a week to the game and we're still trying to figure out who the center is???

not good.

Waiting to game week to set the OL does not allow continuity. Hope this does not come back to bite us.

 

[onevol74]

Most media have complained about not having much access this camp, therefore they know less than usual, they spin that into skepticism and the LOM eat it up like snack cakes.

Unfortunately we have a coaching staff that has performed at a level to support that skepticism. Hopefully with the new coaches that can change.

 

[Remy]

the only one out is Hall. dont recall if anyone else was out during spring or summer.

but even still...this group has a ton of film to review. over 100 starts between the whole group.

it's concerning that with experience like that, there wasn't/isn't a better handle on who would be where, and in what rotation.

figuring out Trey Smith and where he fits in should be the biggest challenge at this point.

You cats haven't visited the depth chart thread yet?

 

[jakez4ut]

You cats haven't visited the depth chart thread yet?

Yeah. This was a conversation on hubbs speculation...

 

[JacketVol]

For those commenting on Center, it did seem that Hubbs thought Jashon was the guy... if there's any uncertainty it's just because the media has seen so many different combinations this fall.

Uncertainty cause the media has seen hardly anything this camp. GT has four QB's listed but CPJ said he knows who is starting. CBJ does as well. Watched both teams for a long time and would much rather have Butch than Paul leading my team.