Injuries, Lack of Depth, the '21 Recruiting Class, and Reasons for Optimism

[DiderotsGhost]

When Heupel was first hired, I made a prediction that some called stupid. I said I thought he'd be successful in the first 2 years but there'd be a dropoff in Year 3. At the beginning of this season, I picked us to go 8-4 when most of VN was saying 10-2 or 9-3 this year. I'm not Nostradamus. It's really all about the 2021 recruiting class.

The 21 Recruiting Class

Remember, Pruitt was fired in Jan '21. But his last recruiting class was a real stinker. Take a glance at it if you'd like:
2021 Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

There are a few good players in there. Jaylen Wright in particular has developed into a great RB. Christian Charles has been a contributor, but has been injured this season. Jeremiah Crawford has been a contributor but he was actually recruited last-minute by Heupel's staff. Byron Young was good, but left for the NFL. But other than that, there's hardly anyone from that class recruited by Pruitt that's even on the roster. That should be our Junior class and will be the Senior class next season, and we have like 3 guys from that class still on the roster who have any impact whatsoever.

That's why I predicted 8-4. When Heupel came in, he had some great offensive weapons like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. I've known all along that there would be a dropoff this year and it's exacerbated even more like Hyatt leaving for the NFL.

The 22 Recruiting Class and NCAA Overhang

Heupel also came in late and got a late start on the '22 recruiting class, with an NCAA overhang that deterred recruits from coming here. It was one of our weaker ranked classes historically. But ... it's actually looking pretty good. Much better than the #23 ranking on 247 would suggest. James Pearce, Elijah Herring, Squirrel White, Dee Williams. Glance down the list and most of those guys are on the roster or contributing. Compared to the busted '21 class, the '22 class looks good, especially given the circumstances.

Next year, we'll have the #2 QB in the nation starting (Nico). Things will get better.

Injuries

Also remember that we got decimated by injuries this season. Out for the Georgia game: Bru McCoy, Donte Thornton, Christian Charles, Keenan Pili, Kamal Hadden, and Arion Carter. We also lost Cooper Mays and Elijah Simmons earlier in the season.

All in all, we had a weaker roster starting this season than the previous two, and we've had a lot of injuries to exacerbate that, and we're still 7-4 with a remaining home game against Vanderbilt. Not too bad, even if some fans don't want to see it.

QB Issues

Milton has been inconsistent, but if we're being honest, no top-tier QB was coming here as a transfer after Hooker broke out in '21. And Nico is likely the starter in '24, which is also likely why Tayven Jackson transferred. So if you're a transfer, you have to basically come here for 1 season and hope to beat out Milton, which is not a super-appealing situation. We just kinda got stuck in a less-than-ideal QB situation in '23 due to have an elite QB in 21/22 and a top recruit who presumably takes over in 24.

Summary

I never expected this to be a big season. People got their hopes up after last season, but lost too many key players (Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman, D-Wright) and were never exptected to have a lot of depth. The '22 class is looking like a big success in spite of the handicaps Heupel started with. If the '23 class pans out, particularly Nico, we're going to be good again soon. So it sucks losing the past 2 weeks, but we kinda ran into 2 steamrollers at the wrong time. And it really only takes a few great players to turn things around on offense. Look at Mizzou --- Brady Cook and Schrader have carried them this season. And you saw how good Carson Beck looked against us today. I think we'll have that with Nico soon!

Are there things that need to be fixed? Sure. But overall, Heupel has greatly exceeded expectations given the dire situation he inherited. And it's going to get better.

I still 100% think Heupel is "our guy".

 

[brentcontractor]

We need to hit the portal heavy.

 

[Bryan1]

I think ppl forget how bad things were before Heuple got here.

 

[Voltopia]

I think the people saying 10-2 at the start of the year were the same people saying Milton had turned the corner and would be a top quarterback this year. I don't know why they claimed that, any more than I know why people thought we'd go 10-2.

8-4, or 9-4, (or even 8-5, but let's hope for 9-4), it won't be sexy, but it will be acceptable. Even if some people have trouble accepting it. Anyone who can't accept it should just go back and look at Tennessee's results in the last decade.

 

[volgr]

And it's going to get better.

I hope you are right but I am not so sure.

 

[Bryan1]

I think the people saying 10-2 at the start of the year were the same people saying Milton had turned the corner and would be a top quarterback this year. I don't know why they claimed that, any more than I know why people thought we'd go 10-2.

8-4, or 9-4, (or even 8-5, but let's hope for 9-4), it won't be sexy, but it will be acceptable. Even if some people have trouble accepting it. Anyone who can't accept it should just go back and look at Tennessee's results in the last decade.

Because they bought too much into the bowl game win over Clemson. They thought Milton turned the corner.

 

[UTvols#1]

Dam that's was just me ****** class..

 

[The Tall Gguy]

I think the people saying 10-2 at the start of the year were the same people saying Milton had turned the corner and would be a top quarterback this year. I don't know why they claimed that, any more than I know why people thought we'd go 10-2.

8-4, or 9-4, (or even 8-5, but let's hope for 9-4), it won't be sexy, but it will be acceptable. Even if some people have trouble accepting it. Anyone who can't accept it should just go back and look at Tennessee's results in the last decade.

I have looked and it has been awful for longer than a decade.

 

[tennrich1]

Everything you said is true but most of the dissenters are not overly interested in truth It’s easier to be upset, vent a lot, take things personal and be miserable. We had walk ons playing against 5* kids a lot today. And a couple of freshmen played the entire game. Man we’ve had a ton of injuries to key players this year. Recruit and transfer portal our way back. Thanks for the post.

 

[RAVOL]

When Heupel was first hired, I made a prediction that some called stupid. I said I thought he'd be successful in the first 2 years but there'd be a dropoff in Year 3. At the beginning of this season, I picked us to go 8-4 when most of VN was saying 10-2 or 9-3 this year. I'm not Nostradamus. It's really all about the 2021 recruiting class.

The 21 Recruiting Class

Remember, Pruitt was fired in Jan '21. But his last recruiting class was a real stinker. Take a glance at it if you'd like:
2021 Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

There are a few good players in there. Jaylen Wright in particular has developed into a great RB. Christian Charles has been a contributor, but has been injured this season. Jeremiah Crawford has been a contributor but he was actually recruited last-minute by Heupel's staff. Byron Young was good, but left for the NFL. But other than that, there's hardly anyone from that class recruited by Pruitt that's even on the roster. That should be our Junior class and will be the Senior class next season, and we have like 3 guys from that class still on the roster who have any impact whatsoever.

That's why I predicted 8-4. When Heupel came in, he had some great offensive weapons like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. I've known all along that there would be a dropoff this year and it's exacerbated even more like Hyatt leaving for the NFL.

The 22 Recruiting Class and NCAA Overhang

Heupel also came in late and got a late start on the '22 recruiting class, with an NCAA overhang that deterred recruits from coming here. It was one of our weaker ranked classes historically. But ... it's actually looking pretty good. Much better than the #23 ranking on 247 would suggest. James Pearce, Elijah Herring, Squirrel White, Dee Williams. Glance down the list and most of those guys are on the roster or contributing. Compared to the busted '21 class, the '22 class looks good, especially given the circumstances.

Next year, we'll have the #2 QB in the nation starting (Nico). Things will get better.

Injuries

Also remember that we got decimated by injuries this season. Out for the Georgia game: Bru McCoy, Donte Thornton, Christian Charles, Keenan Pili, Kamal Hadden, and Arion Carter. We also lost Cooper Mays and Elijah Simmons earlier in the season.

All in all, we had a weaker roster starting this season than the previous two, and we've had a lot of injuries to exacerbate that, and we're still 7-4 with a remaining home game against Vanderbilt. Not too bad, even if some fans don't want to see it.

QB Issues

Milton has been inconsistent, but if we're being honest, no top-tier QB was coming here as a transfer after Hooker broke out in '21. And Nico is likely the starter in '24. So if you're a transfer, you have to basically come here for 1 season and hope to beat out Milton, which is not a super-appealing situation.

Summary

I never expected this to be a big season. People got their hopes up after last season, but lost too many key players (Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman, D-Wright) and were never exptected to have a lot of depth. The '22 class is looking like a big success in spite of the handicaps Heupel started with. If the '23 class pans out, particularly Nico, we're going to be good again soon. So it sucks losing the past 2 weeks, but we kinda ran into 2 steamrollers at the wrong time. And it really only takes a few great players to turn things around on offense. Look at Mizzou --- Brady Cook and Schrader have carried them this season. And you saw how good Carson Beck looked against us today. I think we'll have that with Nico soon!

Are there things that need to be fixed? Sure. But overall, Heupel has greatly exceeded expectations given the dire situation he inherited. And it's going to get better.

I still 100% think Heupel is "our guy".

Great Post Ghost. Beginning of year I said 9-3 with one cavout no serious injuries because of Quality depth issues. Hopefully we get some players back next week Hammer Vandy and finish off this recruiting class. Fill in with Portal let's do this again next year. In CHRIST Alone

 

[#1fulmerite]

OP, good summation. Just think had we played LSU later in the season, that game may have been different and last year different as well.

 

[stillavol]

When Heupel was first hired, I made a prediction that some called stupid. I said I thought he'd be successful in the first 2 years but there'd be a dropoff in Year 3. At the beginning of this season, I picked us to go 8-4 when most of VN was saying 10-2 or 9-3 this year. I'm not Nostradamus. It's really all about the 2021 recruiting class.

The 21 Recruiting Class

Remember, Pruitt was fired in Jan '21. But his last recruiting class was a real stinker. Take a glance at it if you'd like:
2021 Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

There are a few good players in there. Jaylen Wright in particular has developed into a great RB. Christian Charles has been a contributor, but has been injured this season. Jeremiah Crawford has been a contributor but he was actually recruited last-minute by Heupel's staff. Byron Young was good, but left for the NFL. But other than that, there's hardly anyone from that class recruited by Pruitt that's even on the roster. That should be our Junior class and will be the Senior class next season, and we have like 3 guys from that class still on the roster who have any impact whatsoever.

That's why I predicted 8-4. When Heupel came in, he had some great offensive weapons like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. I've known all along that there would be a dropoff this year and it's exacerbated even more like Hyatt leaving for the NFL.

The 22 Recruiting Class and NCAA Overhang

Heupel also came in late and got a late start on the '22 recruiting class, with an NCAA overhang that deterred recruits from coming here. It was one of our weaker ranked classes historically. But ... it's actually looking pretty good. Much better than the #23 ranking on 247 would suggest. James Pearce, Elijah Herring, Squirrel White, Dee Williams. Glance down the list and most of those guys are on the roster or contributing. Compared to the busted '21 class, the '22 class looks good, especially given the circumstances.

Next year, we'll have the #2 QB in the nation starting (Nico). Things will get better.

Injuries

Also remember that we got decimated by injuries this season. Out for the Georgia game: Bru McCoy, Donte Thornton, Christian Charles, Keenan Pili, Kamal Hadden, and Arion Carter. We also lost Cooper Mays and Elijah Simmons earlier in the season.

All in all, we had a weaker roster starting this season than the previous two, and we've had a lot of injuries to exacerbate that, and we're still 7-4 with a remaining home game against Vanderbilt. Not too bad, even if some fans don't want to see it.

QB Issues

Milton has been inconsistent, but if we're being honest, no top-tier QB was coming here as a transfer after Hooker broke out in '21. And Nico is likely the starter in '24, which is also likely why Tayven Jackson transferred. So if you're a transfer, you have to basically come here for 1 season and hope to beat out Milton, which is not a super-appealing situation. We just kinda got stuck in a less-than-ideal QB situation in '23 due to have an elite QB in 21/22 and a top recruit who presumably takes over in 24.

Summary

I never expected this to be a big season. People got their hopes up after last season, but lost too many key players (Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman, D-Wright) and were never exptected to have a lot of depth. The '22 class is looking like a big success in spite of the handicaps Heupel started with. If the '23 class pans out, particularly Nico, we're going to be good again soon. So it sucks losing the past 2 weeks, but we kinda ran into 2 steamrollers at the wrong time. And it really only takes a few great players to turn things around on offense. Look at Mizzou --- Brady Cook and Schrader have carried them this season. And you saw how good Carson Beck looked against us today. I think we'll have that with Nico soon!

Are there things that need to be fixed? Sure. But overall, Heupel has greatly exceeded expectations given the dire situation he inherited. And it's going to get better.

I still 100% think Heupel is "our guy".

Only speaking for myself but the 8-4 is irrelevant. I want to compete for SEC Championships and once we do that bigger things lie ahead. We finished 4-4 in the SEC (marking Vandy as a win). As for recruiting, with the transfer portal and NIL money you can make up ground immediately without the best class. It's said we spend about as much as anyone. The team just doesn't look inspired. Why redshirt Nico? If he's as good as ppl are saying, he won't stay but 3 years anyway. Look forward to next year and as always GBO!

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

A great analysis by the thread starter. I do remember you saying the 3rd year would be a tough one. We did lose a ton of impact players from a team that wasn’t super deep anyway. Next year we will be on the young side but very talented. How many seniors come back that can and can we land some impact players in the portal. But I do think quarterback will be a bright spot. But one thing is we have to get our players committed to the strength and conditioning program. We must keep getting stronger and faster as a team. We have to be become more physical. GBO

 

[feathersax]

I have looked and it has been awful for longer than a decade.

Tennessee's B.M. (Beginning of Misery) began in 2005 when we lost to vandie in Neyland Stadium. I was there & the thought still makes me ill.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

Dam that's was just me ****** class..

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

When Heupel was first hired, I made a prediction that some called stupid. I said I thought he'd be successful in the first 2 years but there'd be a dropoff in Year 3. At the beginning of this season, I picked us to go 8-4 when most of VN was saying 10-2 or 9-3 this year. I'm not Nostradamus. It's really all about the 2021 recruiting class.

The 21 Recruiting Class

Remember, Pruitt was fired in Jan '21. But his last recruiting class was a real stinker. Take a glance at it if you'd like:
2021 Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

There are a few good players in there. Jaylen Wright in particular has developed into a great RB. Christian Charles has been a contributor, but has been injured this season. Jeremiah Crawford has been a contributor but he was actually recruited last-minute by Heupel's staff. Byron Young was good, but left for the NFL. But other than that, there's hardly anyone from that class recruited by Pruitt that's even on the roster. That should be our Junior class and will be the Senior class next season, and we have like 3 guys from that class still on the roster who have any impact whatsoever.

That's why I predicted 8-4. When Heupel came in, he had some great offensive weapons like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. I've known all along that there would be a dropoff this year and it's exacerbated even more like Hyatt leaving for the NFL.

The 22 Recruiting Class and NCAA Overhang

Heupel also came in late and got a late start on the '22 recruiting class, with an NCAA overhang that deterred recruits from coming here. It was one of our weaker ranked classes historically. But ... it's actually looking pretty good. Much better than the #23 ranking on 247 would suggest. James Pearce, Elijah Herring, Squirrel White, Dee Williams. Glance down the list and most of those guys are on the roster or contributing. Compared to the busted '21 class, the '22 class looks good, especially given the circumstances.

Next year, we'll have the #2 QB in the nation starting (Nico). Things will get better.

Injuries

Also remember that we got decimated by injuries this season. Out for the Georgia game: Bru McCoy, Donte Thornton, Christian Charles, Keenan Pili, Kamal Hadden, and Arion Carter. We also lost Cooper Mays and Elijah Simmons earlier in the season.

All in all, we had a weaker roster starting this season than the previous two, and we've had a lot of injuries to exacerbate that, and we're still 7-4 with a remaining home game against Vanderbilt. Not too bad, even if some fans don't want to see it.

QB Issues

Milton has been inconsistent, but if we're being honest, no top-tier QB was coming here as a transfer after Hooker broke out in '21. And Nico is likely the starter in '24, which is also likely why Tayven Jackson transferred. So if you're a transfer, you have to basically come here for 1 season and hope to beat out Milton, which is not a super-appealing situation. We just kinda got stuck in a less-than-ideal QB situation in '23 due to have an elite QB in 21/22 and a top recruit who presumably takes over in 24.

Summary

I never expected this to be a big season. People got their hopes up after last season, but lost too many key players (Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman, D-Wright) and were never exptected to have a lot of depth. The '22 class is looking like a big success in spite of the handicaps Heupel started with. If the '23 class pans out, particularly Nico, we're going to be good again soon. So it sucks losing the past 2 weeks, but we kinda ran into 2 steamrollers at the wrong time. And it really only takes a few great players to turn things around on offense. Look at Mizzou --- Brady Cook and Schrader have carried them this season. And you saw how good Carson Beck looked against us today. I think we'll have that with Nico soon!

Are there things that need to be fixed? Sure. But overall, Heupel has greatly exceeded expectations given the dire situation he inherited. And it's going to get better.

I still 100% think Heupel is "our guy".

Thanks, this post was needed. I say 15-0 every year, tongue in cheek, putting it in the atmosphere. It has been a bad year for injuries for our team. 8-4 is good considering all the injuries we had this year.

 

[volpadre]

OP, great write up and all valid points. The idea that people want CJH fired is ludicrous. We live with the “Legion of the Miserable” every year.

 

[Brucifer13]

Great post. Those of us who have a higher football acumen could see this coming and not get caught up in the delusional thought of competing for a national championship in year three. Considering the adversity and talent gap this team has dealt with this year, 8-4 is a remarkable regular season finish. Nothing to hang our head about. And those that are calling for CJH's head are clearly knee jerk, emotionally charged reactionaries. I am personally more excited for the future of the program than I have been in 20 years.

 

[LWSVOL]

When Heupel was first hired, I made a prediction that some called stupid. I said I thought he'd be successful in the first 2 years but there'd be a dropoff in Year 3. At the beginning of this season, I picked us to go 8-4 when most of VN was saying 10-2 or 9-3 this year. I'm not Nostradamus. It's really all about the 2021 recruiting class.

The 21 Recruiting Class

Remember, Pruitt was fired in Jan '21. But his last recruiting class was a real stinker. Take a glance at it if you'd like:
2021 Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

There are a few good players in there. Jaylen Wright in particular has developed into a great RB. Christian Charles has been a contributor, but has been injured this season. Jeremiah Crawford has been a contributor but he was actually recruited last-minute by Heupel's staff. Byron Young was good, but left for the NFL. But other than that, there's hardly anyone from that class recruited by Pruitt that's even on the roster. That should be our Junior class and will be the Senior class next season, and we have like 3 guys from that class still on the roster who have any impact whatsoever.

That's why I predicted 8-4. When Heupel came in, he had some great offensive weapons like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. I've known all along that there would be a dropoff this year and it's exacerbated even more like Hyatt leaving for the NFL.

The 22 Recruiting Class and NCAA Overhang

Heupel also came in late and got a late start on the '22 recruiting class, with an NCAA overhang that deterred recruits from coming here. It was one of our weaker ranked classes historically. But ... it's actually looking pretty good. Much better than the #23 ranking on 247 would suggest. James Pearce, Elijah Herring, Squirrel White, Dee Williams. Glance down the list and most of those guys are on the roster or contributing. Compared to the busted '21 class, the '22 class looks good, especially given the circumstances.

Next year, we'll have the #2 QB in the nation starting (Nico). Things will get better.

Injuries

Also remember that we got decimated by injuries this season. Out for the Georgia game: Bru McCoy, Donte Thornton, Christian Charles, Keenan Pili, Kamal Hadden, and Arion Carter. We also lost Cooper Mays and Elijah Simmons earlier in the season.

All in all, we had a weaker roster starting this season than the previous two, and we've had a lot of injuries to exacerbate that, and we're still 7-4 with a remaining home game against Vanderbilt. Not too bad, even if some fans don't want to see it.

QB Issues

Milton has been inconsistent, but if we're being honest, no top-tier QB was coming here as a transfer after Hooker broke out in '21. And Nico is likely the starter in '24, which is also likely why Tayven Jackson transferred. So if you're a transfer, you have to basically come here for 1 season and hope to beat out Milton, which is not a super-appealing situation. We just kinda got stuck in a less-than-ideal QB situation in '23 due to have an elite QB in 21/22 and a top recruit who presumably takes over in 24.

Summary

I never expected this to be a big season. People got their hopes up after last season, but lost too many key players (Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman, D-Wright) and were never exptected to have a lot of depth. The '22 class is looking like a big success in spite of the handicaps Heupel started with. If the '23 class pans out, particularly Nico, we're going to be good again soon. So it sucks losing the past 2 weeks, but we kinda ran into 2 steamrollers at the wrong time. And it really only takes a few great players to turn things around on offense. Look at Mizzou --- Brady Cook and Schrader have carried them this season. And you saw how good Carson Beck looked against us today. I think we'll have that with Nico soon!

Are there things that need to be fixed? Sure. But overall, Heupel has greatly exceeded expectations given the dire situation he inherited. And it's going to get better.

I still 100% think Heupel is "our guy".

excellent post.

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

Good post. My biggest concern for next year though is the offensive line. We have seniors starting at every position there and it’s likely none of them return. Normally you just reload but unfortunately there is significant drop off when we’ve seen the backups in there. They’ll need to not miss on any targets in the portal.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

I think ppl forget how bad things were before Heuple got here.

It's crazy. Had a taste of success last season and now all the sudden it's Atlanta or bust. Wasn't that long ago we could only dream of a 9 or 10 win season.

 

[BIG SEXY]

I agree with OP but the field goal attempts in the last two games when the game was over make me question his leadership.

 

[FlyFishnVol]

When Heupel was first hired, I made a prediction that some called stupid. I said I thought he'd be successful in the first 2 years but there'd be a dropoff in Year 3. At the beginning of this season, I picked us to go 8-4 when most of VN was saying 10-2 or 9-3 this year. I'm not Nostradamus. It's really all about the 2021 recruiting class.

The 21 Recruiting Class

Remember, Pruitt was fired in Jan '21. But his last recruiting class was a real stinker. Take a glance at it if you'd like:
2021 Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

There are a few good players in there. Jaylen Wright in particular has developed into a great RB. Christian Charles has been a contributor, but has been injured this season. Jeremiah Crawford has been a contributor but he was actually recruited last-minute by Heupel's staff. Byron Young was good, but left for the NFL. But other than that, there's hardly anyone from that class recruited by Pruitt that's even on the roster. That should be our Junior class and will be the Senior class next season, and we have like 3 guys from that class still on the roster who have any impact whatsoever.

That's why I predicted 8-4. When Heupel came in, he had some great offensive weapons like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. I've known all along that there would be a dropoff this year and it's exacerbated even more like Hyatt leaving for the NFL.

The 22 Recruiting Class and NCAA Overhang

Heupel also came in late and got a late start on the '22 recruiting class, with an NCAA overhang that deterred recruits from coming here. It was one of our weaker ranked classes historically. But ... it's actually looking pretty good. Much better than the #23 ranking on 247 would suggest. James Pearce, Elijah Herring, Squirrel White, Dee Williams. Glance down the list and most of those guys are on the roster or contributing. Compared to the busted '21 class, the '22 class looks good, especially given the circumstances.

Next year, we'll have the #2 QB in the nation starting (Nico). Things will get better.

Injuries

Also remember that we got decimated by injuries this season. Out for the Georgia game: Bru McCoy, Donte Thornton, Christian Charles, Keenan Pili, Kamal Hadden, and Arion Carter. We also lost Cooper Mays and Elijah Simmons earlier in the season.

All in all, we had a weaker roster starting this season than the previous two, and we've had a lot of injuries to exacerbate that, and we're still 7-4 with a remaining home game against Vanderbilt. Not too bad, even if some fans don't want to see it.

QB Issues

Milton has been inconsistent, but if we're being honest, no top-tier QB was coming here as a transfer after Hooker broke out in '21. And Nico is likely the starter in '24, which is also likely why Tayven Jackson transferred. So if you're a transfer, you have to basically come here for 1 season and hope to beat out Milton, which is not a super-appealing situation. We just kinda got stuck in a less-than-ideal QB situation in '23 due to have an elite QB in 21/22 and a top recruit who presumably takes over in 24.

Summary

I never expected this to be a big season. People got their hopes up after last season, but lost too many key players (Hyatt, Hooker, Tillman, D-Wright) and were never exptected to have a lot of depth. The '22 class is looking like a big success in spite of the handicaps Heupel started with. If the '23 class pans out, particularly Nico, we're going to be good again soon. So it sucks losing the past 2 weeks, but we kinda ran into 2 steamrollers at the wrong time. And it really only takes a few great players to turn things around on offense. Look at Mizzou --- Brady Cook and Schrader have carried them this season. And you saw how good Carson Beck looked against us today. I think we'll have that with Nico soon!

Are there things that need to be fixed? Sure. But overall, Heupel has greatly exceeded expectations given the dire situation he inherited. And it's going to get better.

I still 100% think Heupel is "our guy".

Fair, optimism was high by fans, depth, injuries and QB play all had parts in this.

 

[supersmo18]

Always appreciate your insights, @DiderotsGhost . You typically are able to sort these thoughts out on paper (or keyboard) better than most who have knee jerk reactions. Excellent post.

 

[JoeMiltonsAgent]

Yesterday in particular was a reminder of how thread bare this roster was with the offensive line injuries.

And Milton has certainly proven to be fools gold with that bowl game against Clemson.

He can show enough flashes to make you think theres something great there but he will.never get the nuances of the position down. Maybe some nfl guru can get through to him but I dont see how after 6 years.

Season has panned out about how a lot of people expected, its just everyone hates seeing them be completely bludgeoned the last 2 weeks. And I don't know anyone who isnt sick.of watching us lose to FL, GA, and AL almost every year.

The staff better hit that portal hard on the O line because 1 recruiting class probably doesn't solve that problem. Same for the DBs.