OrangeEtBlanc
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Thinking back to some old games, I was reminded of the 2009 contest against UCLA at Neyland in Kiffin’s only season here. We had just beaten WKU 63-7 before the Bruins came to Knoxville, and most expected a good victory. It was not to be.
I think there are some parallels we can draw between that match and the Pitt game.
Both Kiffin & Heupel began their career with less-than-stellar depth and both had QB issues—Kiffin with Crompton and Heupel with Milton. If we recall, Crompton had his own fair share of terrible throws and bad reads early that season.
Both teams had a chance to win near the end, and both failed. But, the defenses played tough through adversity and it was something to build on. As the season progressed, the team got better, especially on offense, and the QB play picked up.
While many here would have taken Kiffin back this last coaching search, we have to recall that his tenure started very similar to how Heupel’s has, though CJH was dealt a much tougher hand.
If Heupel is the guy to bring us back, we have to exercise patience as he builds this team through this season and next.
Despite the tough loss to Pitt, I think this season will bear some good fruit for the future. I think we will be surprised how well this team improves from now til the end of the season...and a decent bowl win...
I think there are some parallels we can draw between that match and the Pitt game.
Both Kiffin & Heupel began their career with less-than-stellar depth and both had QB issues—Kiffin with Crompton and Heupel with Milton. If we recall, Crompton had his own fair share of terrible throws and bad reads early that season.
Both teams had a chance to win near the end, and both failed. But, the defenses played tough through adversity and it was something to build on. As the season progressed, the team got better, especially on offense, and the QB play picked up.
While many here would have taken Kiffin back this last coaching search, we have to recall that his tenure started very similar to how Heupel’s has, though CJH was dealt a much tougher hand.
If Heupel is the guy to bring us back, we have to exercise patience as he builds this team through this season and next.
Despite the tough loss to Pitt, I think this season will bear some good fruit for the future. I think we will be surprised how well this team improves from now til the end of the season...and a decent bowl win...