Penalties

[Squoshua17]

While watching the A&M replay the other night, I couldn't help but notice that we committed 12 penalties that game. Unfortunately, that was the norm for our 2016 campaign. Say what you will about Butch, but last year's penalties were an anomaly for him. In his previous 3 years, we ranked 21st, 6th, and 17th nationally in fewest penalty yards. In 2016, however, we dropped all the way to 75th. Was this a byproduct of the well-documented Strength & Conditioning issues? Or was it indicative of something else? Also, has Butch addressed this at all? And should it be a cause for concern going into the 2017 season?

 

[Boca Vol]

I think Butch took a more relaxed stance and let the team leaders do more of the leading last season and it backfired.

 

[VolBricks]

Rule changes accounted for some of the calls but for the most part I think a penalty could be called on every play. I see holding almost every play.

 

[UT Hill Man]

In all seriousness, injuries caused us to put weaker, less experienced players on the field last year.

Over-matched players tend to commit more penalties.

 

[RollerVol]

brutal game...many reasons for loss...also had about 6-7 TO's...still almost pulled it off...

GO VOLS!

 

[Pacer92]

In all seriousness, injuries caused us to put weaker, less experienced players on the field last year.

Over-matched players tend to commit more penalties.

Agree...lesser talented and experienced players played a big role. Not to mention, playing out of position... and chemistry was close to nil..

 

[UT Hill Man]

Agree...lesser talented and experienced players played a big role. Not to mention, playing out of position... and chemistry was close to nil..

And I'm not one of those people that give Butch a pass because of the injuries - I put it on him that after 4 years he doesn't have quality depth on the roster.

And we've been hearing that we will be "young" this year....

 

[BigOrangeMojo]

The 2016 team did not prepare properly (mentally or physically) for the 2016 season and it showed throughout. That led to the bad first halves, the penalties, TOs, being manhandled up front by Ap State, the USCe and Vandy games, the Bama decimation, the injuries, etc. Hopefully, lessons were learned and 2017 will be different....

 

[ALLVOL 4LIFE]

And I'm not one of those people that give Butch a pass because of the injuries - I put it on him that after 4 years he doesn't have quality depth on the roster.

And we've been hearing that we will be "young" this year....

Completely Agree!

 

[Iam4utalways]

While watching the A&M replay the other night, I couldn't help but notice that we committed 12 penalties that game. Unfortunately, that was the norm for our 2016 campaign. Say what you will about Butch, but last year's penalties were an anomaly for him. In his previous 3 years, we ranked 21st, 6th, and 17th nationally in fewest penalty yards. In 2016, however, we dropped all the way to 75th. Was this a byproduct of the well-documented Strength & Conditioning issues? Or was it indicative of something else? Also, has Butch addressed this at all? And should it be a cause for concern going into the 2017 season?

120 was over confident and play with reckless abandon. Gambling at times in their talent and training came back to bite them. Being too comfortable sometimes comes out as being undisciplined. Other times it is undisciplined. I don't see Butch as a guy that sees something and let's it go. That game was a film day disaster.

I see 121 as a team that will be willing to grind out a conservative game plan for wins each week. No frills, just a steady diet of a Vol fist in their face, all day long, "Ya better pack a lunch.".

 

[SayNoToJorts]

Part of it was our offensive line jumping offside because they were getting whipped. Too nervous and trying to get a jump on defenders that were out-playing them

 

[Iam4utalways]

Part of it was our offensive line jumping offside because they were getting whipped. Too nervous and trying to get a jump on defenders that were out-playing them

I would do the same thing. I sure wouldn't tell them to send my backup in.

Sometimes the guy across from you is more talented. That's when your competative nature has to kick in and figure out ways to win the one in one battles and not just get whipped everytime.

Being on offense and knowing the count helps. I don't like the silent count for that reason.

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

While watching the A&M replay the other night, I couldn't help but notice that we committed 12 penalties that game. Unfortunately, that was the norm for our 2016 campaign. Say what you will about Butch, but last year's penalties were an anomaly for him. In his previous 3 years, we ranked 21st, 6th, and 17th nationally in fewest penalty yards. In 2016, however, we dropped all the way to 75th. Was this a byproduct of the well-documented Strength & Conditioning issues? Or was it indicative of something else? Also, has Butch addressed this at all? And should it be a cause for concern going into the 2017 season?

Part of it was greenhorns taking over for starters but all in all, it was a sloppy year regarding penalties and turnovers too.

 

[Grudenator]

I really really hope it turns around this year.. No need to act like thugs on the field, thats up to Alabama to take the prize.

 

[Roustabout]

I think losing Elder was huge. I don't think Butch was getting a lot from his staff and the trust factor wasn't there.

With all the changes and additions in QC, I think you'll see a much better team. They'll have to be to make up for the huge play makers that are gone.

 

[Squoshua17]

I think losing Elder was huge. I don't think Butch was getting a lot from his staff and the trust factor wasn't there.

With all the changes and additions in QC, I think you'll see a much better team. They'll have to be to make up for the huge play makers that are gone.

I didn't even think about Mark Elder, but you may be on to something. Special teams definitely took a step back last year too. I know he wanted to be a head coach, but I wish we could have kept the guy.