Impressed with Kiffin

[lylsmorr]

I, for one, am impressed that Kiffin is sticking to his guns about not rotating quarterbacks. He is not throwing any of his players to the wolves known as the media(just look at his interviews and claiming credit for the loss). It's called loyalty, and it's a good thing. I believe it helped to land us some recruits and think it will continue to help on the recruiting front. Sure, some coaches promise you the world but will not hesitate to throw you under the bus at the first sign of trouble. I mean, what player doesn't want a coach that will stay behind you 100% even when you play arguably the worst game of your career? It shows character and it's something that has been missing at UT for quite some time IMO. However, I do believe that if Crompton struggles against Florida then Kiffin will open up the competition for the starter job again and give Nick his shot(simply because it's best for the team). Here's hoping....no, PRAYING, that Crompton can turn it around at some point and simply MANAGE the game. I believe good things are happening with our Vols, folks. Keep supporting the orange and white, VolNation. Go Vols.

 

[utmba93]

Yea, but I don't think the 'wolves' in Knoxville are the media.

Instead, they're the ones 20k strong on a popular internet website.

 

[shades_of_orange]

that is what a coach is suppost to do but hardly any of them do it. i dont want anyone else but kiffin in HC position. BELIEVE IN THE ORANGE

 

[solo_hensley]

I watched those vids on utsports from today. I really like what kiffin is doing. He's taking responsibility for Cromptons performance, and to be honest, I was thinking they needed to go deep with Crompton more in the first quarter. Do a little streak or something. The hitches were not working, the corners were up to tight. Kiffin didn't do the best play calling, in my opinion. He should have gotten Cromp daddy envolved early in the game. He never seem to try to beat the guys deep. Cromp daddy didn't have the best game, but I think Kiffin will get him ready this week. I'm not saying we are going to win, but hopefully this weekend, Cromp daddy will get some confidence. This is the first week for us to play an SEC opponent. I'm ready for Saturday. GO VOLS.

 

[JoeKyleVol]

I'll be honest--I was calling for Crompton's head after Saturday. But, I agree with you, Kiffin has done an honorable job of protecting Crompton and taking the blame, himself. If Kiffin believes he can still have a chance against the Gators with Crompton, then I believe him, too (be it misguided or not). Let's go Crompton! Let's go VOLS!

 

[lylsmorr]

I'll be honest--I was calling for Crompton's head after Saturday. But, I agree with you, Kiffin has done an honorable job of protecting Crompton and taking the blame, himself. If Kiffin believes he can still have a chance against the Gators with Crompton, then I believe him, too (be it misguided or not). Let's go Crompton! Let's go VOLS!

Agreed. If Kiffin believes in him, then we should too. Like it or not, he is our quarterback against UF.

 

[sjt18]

I still can't figure out why UT didn't throw down the middle more. I don't think CLK is just "protecting Crompton". I think he's being stone cold honest... he called a pretty poor game.

Concerning the OP's desire that JC just "manage the game"- if that's all he does then UT is a 5-7 or worse team. They have an opportunity to be a very good running team but JC MUST be able to hit passes in all 6 sectors... left, right, center... deep or short.

The beauty of a strong running game should be that the D has to give you something in the passing game. To me, UCLA seemed to be giving up wide runs and throws down the middle. We saw one sweep that went for good yardage. We saw one throw down the middle seam that turned into a INT but should have been at TD if JC hadn't overthrown it.

Crompton didn't play well but Kiffin isn't just blowing smoke. He really didn't help.

 

[solo_hensley]

I still can't figure out why UT didn't throw down the middle more. I don't think CLK is just "protecting Crompton". I think he's being stone cold honest... he called a pretty poor game.

Concerning the OP's desire that JC just "manage the game"- if that's all he does then UT is a 5-7 or worse team. They have an opportunity to be a very good running team but JC MUST be able to hit passes in all 6 sectors... left, right, center... deep or short.

The beauty of a strong running game should be that the D has to give you something in the passing game. To me, UCLA seemed to be giving up wide runs and throws down the middle. We saw one sweep that went for good yardage. We saw one throw down the middle seam that turned into a INT but should have been at TD if JC hadn't overthrown it.

Crompton didn't play well but Kiffin isn't just blowing smoke. He really didn't help.

not only that, but we should of tried some streaks or flys. Or those post routes we hit moore with last year. Kiffin didn't try any of those types of plays that would have made the corners have to cushion more. It was horrible play calling. He ran all the way down the field and failed at goal line. This show Crompton that he didn't have confidence is his ability to throw. Then he wants Crompton to throw it all the way down the field on the last drive. To me, that seems crazy. I am all for Kiffin though. He is my coach. Just wish the play calling would have been different.

 

[lylsmorr]

not only that, but we should of tried some streaks or flys. Or those post routes we hit moore with last year. Kiffin didn't try any of those types of plays that would have made the corners have to cushion more. It was horrible play calling. He ran all the way down the field and failed at goal line. This show Crompton that he didn't have confidence is his ability to throw. Then he wants Crompton to throw it all the way down the field on the last drive. To me, that seems crazy. I am all for Kiffin though. He is my coach. Just wish the play calling would have been different.

I think it's still a learning process for both the coaches and the players. Now by no means am I giving anyone a free pass, nor am I expecting it to stay like this. I expect to see a more aggressive team this saturday. Hopefully, it will pay dividends. :good!:

 

[sjt18]

I really understand the playcalling on that drive. He had them on the ropes and knew it. IMHO, the breakdown there was that he didn't realize how bad off Vlad was. That guy was completely gassed and then they brought their AA DT back in after being rested when UT got down to the goal line.

CLK is going to have to hold his nose and rotate some OL's in.

 

[lylsmorr]

I really understand the playcalling on that drive. He had them on the ropes and knew it. IMHO, the breakdown there was that he didn't realize how bad off Vlad was. That guy was completely gassed and then they brought their AA DT back in after being rested when UT got down to the goal line.

CLK is going to have to hold his nose and rotate some OL's in.

Good point. I think all in all, the playcalling wasn't terrible. Could it have been better? Maybe, I have no idea. I'm not the head coach for a reason. We were definitely having mroe success running the ball than passing so it's hard to argue why he went with a run inside the 5 yard line. We just have to keep the faith. This staff will adjust

 

[solo_hensley]

Good point. I think all in all, the playcalling wasn't terrible. Could it have been better? Maybe, I have no idea. I'm not the head coach for a reason. We were definitely having mroe success running the ball than passing so it's hard to argue why he went with a run inside the 5 yard line. We just have to keep the faith. This staff will adjust

Agreed, but with 4th and a long 1, you have to hit them with something they are not expecting. They had 11 in the box and our line was exhausted. 4th and a short 1 would have been a different story. I believe in our run, but only so far. If I was coaching I probably would have done the same thing though in that situation, so I really can't hate on Kiff to much.

 

[RockyTopSgt]

Given how outspoken ( read outrageous) Kiffen has been, I expect him to pull out all the stops on Saturday. I have a hard time believing he would stick with Crompton on principle. He must think he can win with him. He knows more about the sport than I so i am wirh him.

 

[sjt18]

No guys... I understand the playcalling on that drive. The playcalling generally was pretty bad on O.

I'm also somewhat disappointed that the D isn't producing more INT's.

 

[lylsmorr]

No guys... I understand the playcalling on that drive. The playcalling generally was pretty bad on O.

I'm also somewhat disappointed that the D isn't producing more INT's.

While we may not be getting as many turnovers, we are allowing fewer yards...and not giving up the 3rd and Chavis. It's a give and take...

 

[solo_hensley]

While we may not be getting as many turnovers, we are allowing fewer yards...and not giving up the 3rd and Chavis. It's a give and take...

Not only that, we are getting to the qb before he even has time to throw the ball. With EB playing a stunting free safety, he will most likely be causing fumbles than ints this year. I believe against FL we will see more passes which will give us more of a chance to get some ints.

 

[VolNC2316]

Kiffin is doing what he has to in the press..He isn't throwing his QB under the bus...He is deflecting the criticism....That's what he should be doing....

I would LOVE to hear what is being said in those coaches meetings behind closed doors though....

See how fast Stephens starts warming up if Crompton throws a couple INTs or fumbles a snap or messes up a hand-off on Saturday....

 

[lylsmorr]

Kiffin is doing what he has to in the press..He isn't throwing his QB under the bus...He is deflecting the criticism....That's what he should be doing....

I would LOVE to hear what is being said in those coaches meetings behind closed doors though....

See how fast Stephens starts warming up if Crompton throws a couple INTs or fumbles a snap or messes up a hand-off on Saturday....

I honestly think Kiffin will stick to his guns and not switch quarterbacks in midgame, unless there is an injury. However, if crompton plays bad...I fully expect Stephens to get a LOT of the 1st team snaps in practices leading up to Ohio

 

[Smokeybluetick]

Kiffin is obviously a young coach! He admitted his play calling was not on par, he also admitted he played some kids that didn't practice in hopes they would help. He will live and learn. I'll take a young brash coach over some old worn out geezer. At least he accepts blame and protects his players. His recruiting class is #1 in the SEC (SCOUT) and #3 Nationally, #4 Nationally on rivals. While he is perfecting his play calling he will be filling up on talent. Most of these idiots that are questioning Kiffin's play calling are working the third shift in some factory!!!!! GO CLK AND THE VOLS!!!!!!

 

[KoachKrab127]

I was actually impreessed that we were able to move the ball really well in the 4th quarter. Complain about it if you want, but what Kiffin was doing was working, despite Crompton's horrible play.

 

[sjt18]

Kiffin is doing what he has to in the press..He isn't throwing his QB under the bus...He is deflecting the criticism....That's what he should be doing....

I would LOVE to hear what is being said in those coaches meetings behind closed doors though....

See how fast Stephens starts warming up if Crompton throws a couple INTs or fumbles a snap or messes up a hand-off on Saturday....

Read Wes Rucker's piece in the TFP. CLK isn't kidding or operating on ulterior motives. He looked back at his decisions and realizes he made some bad ones both with personnel and playcalling.

It hasn't helped "deflect" anything from Crompton, has it? The fans are still down on him regardless and CLK is plenty smart enough to know they will be.

SO if his intent is what you say then it has been an utter failure, right? Yet he's continuing to say the same things.

 

[sjt18]

BTW, they would have critiqued and coached up the players regardless of the results. Yes, their mistakes will be dealt with... but that changes nothing regarding the "TRUTH" of what CLK acknowledged.

 

[redneckerson]

I love this thread. It really seems like Kiffin shoots straight - he said he doesn't switch QBs and he didn't; said we would take on a physical identity and he committed to that. That commitment will pay off - even this year IMO but especially down the road. I still believe this is, at worst, a 7 win team and really look for them to find a way to make it 8. This staff can and will do the job.

 

[lylsmorr]

Read Wes Rucker's piece in the TFP. CLK isn't kidding or operating on ulterior motives. He looked back at his decisions and realizes he made some bad ones both with personnel and playcalling.

It hasn't helped "deflect" anything from Crompton, has it? The fans are still down on him regardless and CLK is plenty smart enough to know they will be.

SO if his intent is what you say then it has been an utter failure, right? Yet he's continuing to say the same things.

So you don't think in any way that Coach Kiffin is trying to take some heat off of Crompton?

 

[VolinDawgland]

I still can't figure out why UT didn't throw down the middle more. I don't think CLK is just "protecting Crompton". I think he's being stone cold honest... he called a pretty poor game.

Concerning the OP's desire that JC just "manage the game"- if that's all he does then UT is a 5-7 or worse team. They have an opportunity to be a very good running team but JC MUST be able to hit passes in all 6 sectors... left, right, center... deep or short.

The beauty of a strong running game should be that the D has to give you something in the passing game. To me, UCLA seemed to be giving up wide runs and throws down the middle. We saw one sweep that went for good yardage. We saw one throw down the middle seam that turned into a INT but should have been at TD if JC hadn't overthrown it.

Crompton didn't play well but Kiffin isn't just blowing smoke. He really didn't help.

Some of this is probably a function of this staff still learning their players in live game conditions.

I also expect and not surprised that there's a learning curve of Chaney and Kiffin working together during a live game.

These things will work themselves out. We probably needed at least two patsies like UF has played to work through some of the kinks.