I Actually Like What I Saw Today

[Matt2496]

Upon reflecting on the game, I actually think we played much better than previously under Pruitt. Sure, we had lots of penalties and heupel made a few bad decisions, but the scheme overall was very solid. With decent QB play we would have been up 28 points early on. Special teams played incredibly well. Defense played very well at key points in the game.

Bear in mind also that we were missing many key players in this game. The team never looked like they gave up, unlike during Pruitt's tenure where once we were down a TD or two you knew the game was over.

Of course a loss hurts, but there's a lot to be hopeful about. Also, typically coaches struggle in their first year. It's normally their 2nd year in which they get it figured out.

 

[VolBricks]

I totally agree. This team looks like it has been coached by someone who knows how to "teach". The team is getting better and will continue to improve. Hooker has to start next week.

 

[Rylee_Vol18]

Special teams is definitely WAY better.

 

[supersmo18]

Upon reflecting on the game, I actually think we played much better than previously under Pruitt. Sure, we had lots of penalties and Heupel made a few bad decisions, but the scheme overall was very solid. With decent QB play we would have been up 28 points early on. Special teams played incredibly well. Defense played very well at key points in the game.

Bear in mind also that we were missing many key players in this game. The team never looked like they gave up, unlike during Pruitt's tenure where once we were down a TD or two you knew the game was over.

Of course a loss hurts, but there's a lot to be hopeful about. Also, typically coaches struggle in their first year. It's normally their 2nd year in which they get it figured out.

I would agree with this. Many things did not go our way and we were our own worst enemy too many times; but, these guys didn’t give up. I still think we can pull off 6-6 off if we beat two off the three between UK, SC, and VU, but that’s still a tall order.

 

[VolMarine1371]

I would agree with this. Many things did not go out way and we were our own worst enemy to many times; but, these guys didn’t give up. I still think we can pull off 6-6 off we beat two off the three between UK, SC, and VU, but that’s still a tall order.

I think we will beat all 3 of them.

 

[McDad]

There is improvement compared to previous coach. One can, at least, remain optimistic for now.

But the ones calling out our issues have valid points, too. I didn't like what I saw in total. But there are things I liked within the total picture.

 

[VoLBall86]

They worked hard the entire time. One thing I noticed under Pruitt was once they were on their heels they just gave up the rest of the game. I was kind of meh on the whole "buying in" because that's the quote every year but I genuinely believe these guys are going to get better as they smooth stuff out. A Pruitt team missing it's #1 qb,rb,de,back up rb, etc would have been blown out by 20+ or more. I liked Hooker's elusiveness. Reminded me of dobbs. That spot on 3rd down was terrible. Considering we were not even at 3/4 potential we gave Pitt hell. I'm pleased.

 

[greenbacknative]

The game turned on the 3 straight penalties on the pitt goal line. shot ourselves in the foot right there.

 

[overseasorange2]

I think we will beat all 3 of them.

Minus UK

 

[TC 83]

Special teams is definitely WAY better.

Ekeler earned his paycheck today. One of the few coaches who did.

 

[37620VOL]

I agree. This team has a decent ceiling. They looked a lot better than in the BGSU game. Let's roll with Hooker, give him a tune up game, and give UF everything they can handle.

 

[supersmo18]

I think we will beat all 3 of them.

I’m saving this post. You have more faith than I, sir.

 

[Volbrando]

I actually feel better after this loss than I did after the opening game win

 

[TNHopeful505]

Our defense has played infinitely better than I thought they would with the depth we have.

Today hurt because we should have won. Turnovers and penalties killed us. Not having Evans and Young hurt too. Injuries hurt us some as well.

Undisciplined play cost us today. But was proud of effort and conditioning. Hooker reminds me so much of Dobbs.

We will get better. Saw a lot of good things today.

 

[Matt2496]

There is improvement compared to previous coach. One can, at least, remain optimistic for now.

But the ones calling out our issues have valid points, too. I didn't like what I saw in total. But there are things I liked within the total picture.

This is definitely fair. I understand we have issues. However, just the simple fact there was improvement today gives me hope for the future and Josh Heupel. Never saw this kind of improvement, especially offensively, under Pruitt.

 

[nomads-11]

Was hoping to see the emergence of a capable offense and today didn't disappoint. They're going to get better. They left 14+ points out there and put up 34. The potential is there, if they can figure out how to be dangerous throwing deep and cut way back on penalties. All largely within their control. So yes, much more exciting and productive offense.

Pitt waited around for the Vols to beat them. They had their chances, and screwed it up.

 

[VolArmy74]

Probably the most stark contrast is look how this team responded when things went bad vs how we responded vs Kentucky last year.

 

[OldLofter]

A lot of things to like about today’s game. Special teams, some good running, and some good pass defense, maybe an improvement at QB.
But, the defensive line could not assert itself when it needed to. I don’t think coaching is going to overcome this weakness. We need some new horses. Recruiting is the only real way to solve this.

 

[Gladiator1]

It's true, it's always better to shart yourself than completely s**t yourself. We make look a little better but some of these coaching decisions we not much better than years past.

 

[Backwards K]

UT lost at home to a team picked to finish 4th in their division in the ACC. The Vols were 14 points better than Pitt with any semblance of QB play. There is not a winning QB on the roster.

 

[imavolfan]

I would agree with this. Many things did not go out way and we were our own worst enemy to many times; but, these guys didn’t give up. I still think we can pull off 6-6 off we beat two off the three between UK, SC, and VU, but that’s still a tall order.

Pitt would beat VU and SC

 

[VolMarine1371]

I’m saving this post. You have more faith than I, sir.

After what I seen today I like our chances. We had a TD called back, committed 3 turnovers and 13 penalties for 150 yards, and lost 3 starters in the game along with having 3 starters out before hand and still had a chance to win late in the 4th. This team showed grit snd fight and that you can build on. We are better team this year than last. We didn’t deserve to win today due to all the mistakes but I beleive if Hooker started the games we would have won.

 

[VolMarine1371]

Minus UK

They are not special!!

 

[VolMarine1371]

Minus UK

If Hooker starts rest do the way out we will win 7 games this year.

 

[FiremedicVOL127]

Ekeler earned his paycheck today. One of the few coaches who did.

They all earned it today, leaps n bounds above where we were last year!! Defense played good, special teams was great and offense was clickin as well. Saw improvements from last week to this week. Still not sure Milton needs to start need to start Hooker but they looked better. As long as they keep improving and gettin better instead of goin backwards!! Last years team would’ve quit around the 2nd quarter and the score woulda been worse!!