Tin Man
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Periscope Depth
- Thread starter SubVet676
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Up Scope…
If VN was a nuclear power plant, this week is Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima all rolled into one out-of-control, self-destructive, core-melting mass of uncontrolled chain reactions and system failures. I haven’t seen this level of implosion since my attempt to build a 3-level jungle gym in the backyard for my boys. And that was many years ago, so…
And yes, I was right there in the thick of it. Passions run deep here, and the loss to OU uncorked an emotional champagne bottle roughly the size of Neyland Stadium. Been a tough week to be a Vol fan. "Dark Mode" led to many a dark mood on VN. Even the media has picked up on it. Never a good sign.
So now what?
Well, the CFP is no longer an achievable goal, nor an SEC title, or a Natty. And while I thought…way back in September…that we had a fair shot at #1, I also knew that #2 and #3 likely hinged on UT getting a few breaks along the way. We got ‘em, but they broke the wrong way. And so the 2025 season, for most of us, will be filed in the category of “what might have been”. But now, "what might have been" needs to be replaced with "what needs to be done". You don't get better by hoping, but by doing.
UT is 6-3, and if you’ll forgive me for being a bit on the skeptical side at this point, staring 7-5 in the face. I’ll trust UT in Gainesville when they finally win there, and even though I believe UT is a better team than Vandy, they might come into Neyland for their final game with an outside shot at the CFP. I’ve never drank an entire bottle of Elijah Craig in one sitting, but that just might be the day I have to do it.
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch…Josh Heupel has some tough decisions to make at seasons end. He is, in my opinion, among the top offensive minds in the sport, and a good head coach. But if he’s going to win consistently in the SEC, and compete for conference and national titles, he has to make some adjustments, and some changes. I’m on record as to where I stand on those, so no need to rehash it all here. But Josh clearly needs to find his inner Nick.
I think Heupel would benefit from having a GM on staff. A solid GM can handle the NIL and portal issues, and let Josh spend more time being the head coach. That, coupled with the changes I think he needs to make on the staff, would possibly push UT into the upper tier of the SEC, at which point those more lofty goals are now within reach.
What is clear to me at this point, and to anyone with an unbiased eye, is that what he is doing right now, and throughout the ’25 season, is not working. We can agree to disagree on what needs to be done, but clearly something must be done. This team is actually less than the sum of its’ parts, injured parts included. There’s a chemistry issue here.
UT has been here before. Let’s learn from our previous mistakes and missteps. Fix what needs to be fixed, and trust that which does not. Heupel could be at UT for 15 more years if he wants.
Or 2. It’s up to him.
Y’all be safe out there.
If VN was a nuclear power plant, this week is Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima all rolled into one out-of-control, self-destructive, core-melting mass of uncontrolled chain reactions and system failures. I haven’t seen this level of implosion since my attempt to build a 3-level jungle gym in the backyard for my boys. And that was many years ago, so…
And yes, I was right there in the thick of it. Passions run deep here, and the loss to OU uncorked an emotional champagne bottle roughly the size of Neyland Stadium. Been a tough week to be a Vol fan. "Dark Mode" led to many a dark mood on VN. Even the media has picked up on it. Never a good sign.
So now what?
Well, the CFP is no longer an achievable goal, nor an SEC title, or a Natty. And while I thought…way back in September…that we had a fair shot at #1, I also knew that #2 and #3 likely hinged on UT getting a few breaks along the way. We got ‘em, but they broke the wrong way. And so the 2025 season, for most of us, will be filed in the category of “what might have been”. But now, "what might have been" needs to be replaced with "what needs to be done". You don't get better by hoping, but by doing.
UT is 6-3, and if you’ll forgive me for being a bit on the skeptical side at this point, staring 7-5 in the face. I’ll trust UT in Gainesville when they finally win there, and even though I believe UT is a better team than Vandy, they might come into Neyland for their final game with an outside shot at the CFP. I’ve never drank an entire bottle of Elijah Craig in one sitting, but that just might be the day I have to do it.
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch…Josh Heupel has some tough decisions to make at seasons end. He is, in my opinion, among the top offensive minds in the sport, and a good head coach. But if he’s going to win consistently in the SEC, and compete for conference and national titles, he has to make some adjustments, and some changes. I’m on record as to where I stand on those, so no need to rehash it all here. But Josh clearly needs to find his inner Nick.
I think Heupel would benefit from having a GM on staff. A solid GM can handle the NIL and portal issues, and let Josh spend more time being the head coach. That, coupled with the changes I think he needs to make on the staff, would possibly push UT into the upper tier of the SEC, at which point those more lofty goals are now within reach.
What is clear to me at this point, and to anyone with an unbiased eye, is that what he is doing right now, and throughout the ’25 season, is not working. We can agree to disagree on what needs to be done, but clearly something must be done. This team is actually less than the sum of its’ parts, injured parts included. There’s a chemistry issue here.
UT has been here before. Let’s learn from our previous mistakes and missteps. Fix what needs to be fixed, and trust that which does not. Heupel could be at UT for 15 more years if he wants.
Or 2. It’s up to him.
Y’all be safe out there.
Tin Man
Dirt's Childhood Playmate
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We can agree to disagree. At the outset of the season, most of those now growling about “necessary changes” were predicting an 8-4 or 7-5 record for these Vols (with everyone healthy). The consensus was that 2025 was a throw away year.
Now, nine games into the season, with the Vols being the only 3-loss team in the CFP rankings, it’s “self-evident” that there must be changes to the coaching staff for the Vols to meet the expectations of the fans. Nodding in agreement with each other, the self-anointed poobahs proclaim that, with the money being spent, the Vols should be competing for the national title every year. The fevered few seek to infect the many.
All around you is evidence of programs imploding due to this kind of thinking. How many P4 head coaches have been fired? How many of those programs are going to improve with their next coaching hire? How many will be competing for the national championship every year? None. Oh, but there will be chaos…
Hope? CFB is hope eternal. If you lose that aspect of it, it will become soulless.
Danny White and Josh Heupel are the best AD and head football coach that Tennessee has had in a very long time. Their decision making may not be perfect, but it’s better than that of any of the spoiled fans grumbling for changes. I pray that no one in the administration gives any heed to the lot of you. I pray that you snap out of it, have an epiphany, or whatever brings you back to being a true fan of the Tennessee Volunteers with the perspective to find fulfillment and joy in doing so, even when our teams lose a tough one.
Now, nine games into the season, with the Vols being the only 3-loss team in the CFP rankings, it’s “self-evident” that there must be changes to the coaching staff for the Vols to meet the expectations of the fans. Nodding in agreement with each other, the self-anointed poobahs proclaim that, with the money being spent, the Vols should be competing for the national title every year. The fevered few seek to infect the many.
All around you is evidence of programs imploding due to this kind of thinking. How many P4 head coaches have been fired? How many of those programs are going to improve with their next coaching hire? How many will be competing for the national championship every year? None. Oh, but there will be chaos…
Hope? CFB is hope eternal. If you lose that aspect of it, it will become soulless.
Danny White and Josh Heupel are the best AD and head football coach that Tennessee has had in a very long time. Their decision making may not be perfect, but it’s better than that of any of the spoiled fans grumbling for changes. I pray that no one in the administration gives any heed to the lot of you. I pray that you snap out of it, have an epiphany, or whatever brings you back to being a true fan of the Tennessee Volunteers with the perspective to find fulfillment and joy in doing so, even when our teams lose a tough one.
Tin Man
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Either I wrote it wrong or you read it wrong. I’m not out on Josh Heupel. I think he is one of the best offensive minds in the game. I think he is a good head coach. But I think there are some details that come along with being a head coach that Josh needs to work on. This is why I think a GM would help quite a bit. I also think Josh needs to replace his defensive coordinator and let that defensive coordinator pick his assistants.
The difference between good and great is attention to detail. The devil, as we know, lies in the details. Josh needs to get better at those details. And he needs to learn how to make hard decisions when hard decisions need to be made.
That’s what I meant.
Tin Man
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Up Scope…
A submarine at periscope depth is in the most vulnerable condition it will find itself in during normal operations. Shallow and slow, the sub depends on precise control input to avoid broaching or exposing too much mast; effective active and passive sensor employment; good judgement; and every eye on the task at hand to minimize this vulnerability. It is also on occasion the chance to get rid of some trash (long story) and discharge CHT tanks. I always used to breathe a bit easier once we were safely back down in the depths where we really belonged.
So too, now, I think the UT Football program finds itself at “Football PD.” Slow, shallow, and vulnerable to enemies and dangers both known and unknown. Looking around to size up the environment; get a solid fix on its current location; and with antennas tuned for message traffic and mission orders. It’s also time for UT Football to discharge some rubbish, and perhaps pump out a couple of tanks that are full of, well…you know.
I am equal parts amused, confused, and sometimes irritated by some of the postings about UT Football, the coaching staff, the players, etc. I guess most of us are at some level. We all want to win every game, win the SEC Championship, make the CFP, and go get another handful of Natty’s. What rabid football fan doesn’t? And with a program like UT, all of those goals should be within reach at least once every 4 years, or so I think (hope).
And then the hard hammer of reality comes crashing down, and here we sit at 7-3, hoping with every fiber in our being that the Vols can somehow, some way, Lord…please, find a way to 9-3 and a warm-weather bowl game. A 10-win season is still, somehow, within reach.
Except it’s not. I don’t gamble, but if I did, I’d wager against it. Nothing in this teams’ body of work to this point tells me it’s a safe, fair, or even likely outcome. Just not in the cards this year.
We all have our opinions on what, if anything, ails this football team. Remember that players come and go, and thus there is a natural ebb and flow to any football program. But when the ship isn’t sailing like she should, at some point you have to stop yelling at the crew, and start to look at the Officers. I’ve seen it before, both in football, at sea, and in my current line of work. A good crew can make an average Captain look great. A bad Captain, on the other hand, will eventually lose the faith, and respect, of his crew.
I think Josh Heupel is one of the top offensive minds in college football. I’ve said it before, and I stick by it. I think he is capable of putting an offense on the field that can go toe-to-toe with any other team out there. But that’s only 1/3 of the winning equation. Takes a similar level of performance from the defense, and special teams. Here, IMO, is where UT is lacking, and because of that limited in what this team can accomplish. Both this year, and in seasons yet to come.
I’m wrong a lot, and I could well be wrong (again) here, but I think in order for UT to reach the level of success that it should (and is capable of), then it’s time for a new DC. He gets to pick his assistants. We also definitely need improvement at the S&C position. When NMSU is pushing you around, you have work to do. And a GM. Coach Heupel seems a bit overwhelmed by some of the details in being a HC. A solid GM could take the NIL and portal responsibilities off his plate, and let Josh focus on what happens on the field. That might clean up some of his minor, but recurring, head-scratchers there.
I worry that if changes are not made, and made soon, the program will settle in to an 8-4 +/- level, where the recruiting will eventually fall off, and in 3 or 4 years we start all over again.
It’s a dogsled race world in CFB, and Josh is going to have to either work on becoming the lead dog, or get used to running along sniffing another dog’s butt. Not much of a view, either.
So, just got a TLDR alert on Sat HiCom. Too much time with a mast up, so back to the comfortable embrace of the deep we go.
Until next time, Lord willing.
Down Scope.
A submarine at periscope depth is in the most vulnerable condition it will find itself in during normal operations. Shallow and slow, the sub depends on precise control input to avoid broaching or exposing too much mast; effective active and passive sensor employment; good judgement; and every eye on the task at hand to minimize this vulnerability. It is also on occasion the chance to get rid of some trash (long story) and discharge CHT tanks. I always used to breathe a bit easier once we were safely back down in the depths where we really belonged.
So too, now, I think the UT Football program finds itself at “Football PD.” Slow, shallow, and vulnerable to enemies and dangers both known and unknown. Looking around to size up the environment; get a solid fix on its current location; and with antennas tuned for message traffic and mission orders. It’s also time for UT Football to discharge some rubbish, and perhaps pump out a couple of tanks that are full of, well…you know.
I am equal parts amused, confused, and sometimes irritated by some of the postings about UT Football, the coaching staff, the players, etc. I guess most of us are at some level. We all want to win every game, win the SEC Championship, make the CFP, and go get another handful of Natty’s. What rabid football fan doesn’t? And with a program like UT, all of those goals should be within reach at least once every 4 years, or so I think (hope).
And then the hard hammer of reality comes crashing down, and here we sit at 7-3, hoping with every fiber in our being that the Vols can somehow, some way, Lord…please, find a way to 9-3 and a warm-weather bowl game. A 10-win season is still, somehow, within reach.
Except it’s not. I don’t gamble, but if I did, I’d wager against it. Nothing in this teams’ body of work to this point tells me it’s a safe, fair, or even likely outcome. Just not in the cards this year.
We all have our opinions on what, if anything, ails this football team. Remember that players come and go, and thus there is a natural ebb and flow to any football program. But when the ship isn’t sailing like she should, at some point you have to stop yelling at the crew, and start to look at the Officers. I’ve seen it before, both in football, at sea, and in my current line of work. A good crew can make an average Captain look great. A bad Captain, on the other hand, will eventually lose the faith, and respect, of his crew.
I think Josh Heupel is one of the top offensive minds in college football. I’ve said it before, and I stick by it. I think he is capable of putting an offense on the field that can go toe-to-toe with any other team out there. But that’s only 1/3 of the winning equation. Takes a similar level of performance from the defense, and special teams. Here, IMO, is where UT is lacking, and because of that limited in what this team can accomplish. Both this year, and in seasons yet to come.
I’m wrong a lot, and I could well be wrong (again) here, but I think in order for UT to reach the level of success that it should (and is capable of), then it’s time for a new DC. He gets to pick his assistants. We also definitely need improvement at the S&C position. When NMSU is pushing you around, you have work to do. And a GM. Coach Heupel seems a bit overwhelmed by some of the details in being a HC. A solid GM could take the NIL and portal responsibilities off his plate, and let Josh focus on what happens on the field. That might clean up some of his minor, but recurring, head-scratchers there.
I worry that if changes are not made, and made soon, the program will settle in to an 8-4 +/- level, where the recruiting will eventually fall off, and in 3 or 4 years we start all over again.
It’s a dogsled race world in CFB, and Josh is going to have to either work on becoming the lead dog, or get used to running along sniffing another dog’s butt. Not much of a view, either.
So, just got a TLDR alert on Sat HiCom. Too much time with a mast up, so back to the comfortable embrace of the deep we go.
Until next time, Lord willing.
Down Scope.
Not demanding anything, just posting my opinion, same as most everyone else here.
And like I said a ways back, the future will judge us all equally. I'm wrong a lot, but confident at this moment that I can see what needs to change.
Let's see what 2026 brings. I could not care less about "internet cred". I come here to read and share opinions.
Go Vols.
Tin Man
Dirt's Childhood Playmate
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For reasons unknown to me, you seem to have singled me out for your personal venom. I'll have no part of it. I stand by, and behind, my words.
No need to reply...you will anyway...but I'll not see another word you post here, or on VN. You have roughly 6,000 posts/year average over 10+ years. That works out to about 17 posts per day, 365 days a year. The very definition of an internet troll.
Get a life.
Tin Man
Dirt's Childhood Playmate
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“Nico and Boo”
(sung to the tune of “Pancho and Lefty”)
Losing on the road my friend,
Is gonna be your seasons end.
Now you wear your skin like tin,
Your act has finally just worn thin.
You weren’t your Alma Mater’s fave,
But a favorite for some it seems.
Not many cried when you said goodbye,
And sank into your schemes.
Nico was a Cali boy,
His arm was fast, his aim a joy.
He wore his heart upon his sleeve
For all the UT fans to feel.
Nico met his match you know,
When he faced New Mexico
Nobody heard his losing words,
Ah, but that’s the way it goes.
All the Volunteer fans say
They never liked him anyway.
They only let him hang around
Out of kindness, I suppose.
Boo, now he can’t make a play,
His Momma’s crazy, like cray-cray.
The dust that Nico left behind,
Ended up in Boo’s weak mind.
The day that Nico went out west,
Boo decided to quit was best.
So he split for the portal now,
And nobody wonders how.
All the Volunteer fans say
They never liked him anyway.
They only let him hang around
Out of kindness, I suppose.
The media tells how Nico fell,
And Boo is living in N-I-L.
The market’s quiet, the future’s cold,
And so their careers end we’re told.
Nico needs your prayers, it’s true,
But save a few for Boohoo too.
He only did what he had to do,
And now his act is old.
All the Volunteer fans say
They never liked them anyway.
They only let them hang around
Out of kindness, I suppose.
(sung to the tune of “Pancho and Lefty”)
Losing on the road my friend,
Is gonna be your seasons end.
Now you wear your skin like tin,
Your act has finally just worn thin.
You weren’t your Alma Mater’s fave,
But a favorite for some it seems.
Not many cried when you said goodbye,
And sank into your schemes.
Nico was a Cali boy,
His arm was fast, his aim a joy.
He wore his heart upon his sleeve
For all the UT fans to feel.
Nico met his match you know,
When he faced New Mexico
Nobody heard his losing words,
Ah, but that’s the way it goes.
All the Volunteer fans say
They never liked him anyway.
They only let him hang around
Out of kindness, I suppose.
Boo, now he can’t make a play,
His Momma’s crazy, like cray-cray.
The dust that Nico left behind,
Ended up in Boo’s weak mind.
The day that Nico went out west,
Boo decided to quit was best.
So he split for the portal now,
And nobody wonders how.
All the Volunteer fans say
They never liked him anyway.
They only let him hang around
Out of kindness, I suppose.
The media tells how Nico fell,
And Boo is living in N-I-L.
The market’s quiet, the future’s cold,
And so their careers end we’re told.
Nico needs your prayers, it’s true,
But save a few for Boohoo too.
He only did what he had to do,
And now his act is old.
All the Volunteer fans say
They never liked them anyway.
They only let them hang around
Out of kindness, I suppose.
Last edited:
Up Scope…
The Nuclear Option. There are different versions of it, but in the Tennessee Football version, there comes a point where you realize that no matter what you do, you are not going to win the big ones. And it’s time to push that red button that makes sirens blare and red lights flash.
Win games? Yes. SEC? No. Natty? Never. When you take 3 of your 4 losses at home, including…excuse me while I gag here…Vandy, well…that’s what the FBI would call a “clue”.
Josh Heupel is a nice guy. He’s a solid OC. He has a very fun offense to watch. But none of those gaudy numbers, through 5 seasons now, have produced anything other than disappointment when it matters most.
Same goes for Tim Banks. What a pair they make. Big numbers, disappointing results.
I could make a deep dive into the stats to prove my point, but there’s no point. If you won’t believe anything else, just believe your eyes. This team…Heupel’s team…Banks’ team…does not pass the eye test. They’re flashy, but put them up against a physical opponent like tOSU, or (ugh) Vandy…and they cannot win the fight. This is an 8-4 team, and program. We’re Missouri.
A few weeks ago, I thought we needed to replace Banks and Martinez. Then I added Gilbert and the S&C coach to the “list of things we have to change in order to win.” Today, I’m adding Josh Heupel. Go watch the last half of the Vandy game if you think I’m wrong here.
Josh has to do better, or he has to go.
I’m a Vol fan. Born and raised. Through the Majors, Fulmer, and following years, I have always been a Vol. I still am.
But in my family, we call it like we see it. And I’m done with this staff. They have proven that they do not deserve my loyalty, my money, or my time. Danny White won't miss my few hundred a year, and I definitely won't miss the zero on the dollar ROI that I get in return. UT Football is a bad investment. Not worth my time or money at this point.
When UT gets serious about football, I’ll get serious about it as well. I’m fortunate in that regard; I have my 364 team at UGA to follow. They know how to play tough football.
Flame away if you so choose, but go look in the mirror when you’re done. Tell yourself I’m wrong. And then go watch the 2nd half of the Vandy game again…
Down Scope.
The Nuclear Option. There are different versions of it, but in the Tennessee Football version, there comes a point where you realize that no matter what you do, you are not going to win the big ones. And it’s time to push that red button that makes sirens blare and red lights flash.
Win games? Yes. SEC? No. Natty? Never. When you take 3 of your 4 losses at home, including…excuse me while I gag here…Vandy, well…that’s what the FBI would call a “clue”.
Josh Heupel is a nice guy. He’s a solid OC. He has a very fun offense to watch. But none of those gaudy numbers, through 5 seasons now, have produced anything other than disappointment when it matters most.
Same goes for Tim Banks. What a pair they make. Big numbers, disappointing results.
I could make a deep dive into the stats to prove my point, but there’s no point. If you won’t believe anything else, just believe your eyes. This team…Heupel’s team…Banks’ team…does not pass the eye test. They’re flashy, but put them up against a physical opponent like tOSU, or (ugh) Vandy…and they cannot win the fight. This is an 8-4 team, and program. We’re Missouri.
A few weeks ago, I thought we needed to replace Banks and Martinez. Then I added Gilbert and the S&C coach to the “list of things we have to change in order to win.” Today, I’m adding Josh Heupel. Go watch the last half of the Vandy game if you think I’m wrong here.
Josh has to do better, or he has to go.
I’m a Vol fan. Born and raised. Through the Majors, Fulmer, and following years, I have always been a Vol. I still am.
But in my family, we call it like we see it. And I’m done with this staff. They have proven that they do not deserve my loyalty, my money, or my time. Danny White won't miss my few hundred a year, and I definitely won't miss the zero on the dollar ROI that I get in return. UT Football is a bad investment. Not worth my time or money at this point.
When UT gets serious about football, I’ll get serious about it as well. I’m fortunate in that regard; I have my 364 team at UGA to follow. They know how to play tough football.
Flame away if you so choose, but go look in the mirror when you’re done. Tell yourself I’m wrong. And then go watch the 2nd half of the Vandy game again…
Down Scope.
Last edited:
Up Scope…
A Tale of Three Teams: Those who love to compare Team A to Team B when it comes to relative success, or failure, can often find a way to parse the numbers and stats to support their particular point. Expect no different here, although I’m going to avoid the “9th Level of Hell” stats dive, and keep it simple. W/L record; Conference record; Points for; and Points against. It makes sense to compare similar records, and at the end of the day points are what determines who won and who lost. So with a tip of the hat to those MLB announcers who love to point out that Lenny Dykstra (yeah, I’m that old) is batting .350 against left-handed pitchers on a Tuesday with one out and 2 RISP…at the end of the day his .287 average is most likely what happened.
BTW, the Kirk Gibson HR in ’88 was epic. Dude could barely walk. Pitcher should have busted him inside and dared him to turn on the ball. But I digress…
So, without further ado, a Tale of Three Teams.
Team A: 8-4 overall; 4-4 conference; 32.16 PPG; 19.42 PAPG; +12.74 PPG average. Against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, Team A was 0-4.
Team B: 8-4 overall; 5-4 conference; 33.75 PPG; 19.42 PAPG; +14.3 PPG average. Against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, Team B was 0-3.
Team C: 8-4 overall; 4-4 conference; 40.75 PPG; 28.75 PAPG; +12 PPG average. Against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, Team C was 0-4.
All 3 fairly similar. Team C has a better PPG average, but the worst PAPG average, and the lowest PPG +/- average. Against Top 25 opponents the three teams combined for an 0-11 record against current Top 25 teams. Not ready for prime time.
Team A is Missouri. Team B is Washington. Team C is UT.
Eliah Drinkwitz is 46-28 as a P4 head coach. .622 win %
Jedd Fisch is 64-31 as a P4 head coach. .674 win %
Josh Heupel is 45-19 as a P4 head coach. .703 win %
UT is paying over 9 million dollars per year for a head football coach who has almost the same record as two other P4 coaches most UT fans wouldn’t give the time of day to. No one would want them as the head football coach at UT. No one really believes either one of them will ever compete for a National Championship.
Now take another look at those numbers and explain the difference to me.
Sometimes it ain’t about the numbers it takes an MIT grad to understand when comparing Team A to Team B. In the end, the only numbers that matters is the final score.
It’s about Wins and Losses. That’s how, at the end of each season, they decide who is in the CFP; who goes to a bowl game; and who goes home.
UT is 8-4 / 4-4, unranked, and lined up for a bowl game that most of us will watch on TV rather than spend good money to drive or fly hundreds of miles to watch an underachieving team in a nobody-really-cares bowl game. The team probably cares less about it than the fans do.
It is what it is. We are Missouri. Or Washington. Take your pick. Or we can be UT.
I believe Coach Heupel is flying one level above his best altitude. He would make a great OC for any P4 team out there. He would score points. A lot of them. He’s Chip Kelly 2.0.
But he is simply not cut out to be a head football coach at this level at this point in his career arc. The job is just too demanding, detailed, and unforgiving. The only way he reaches his potential…at UT or any other P4 program with designs on the CFP…is to hire the best OC he can find, and hand them the keys to the offense. Same goes for the DC. Let them pick their staff. Both need to understand the importance of discipline and accountability at both the team and individual level. Go get Coach Ekeler, or his equal. Keep tossing suitcases full of dead presidents at his feet until he finally says “yes”. Tell them Plan A is to win. There is no Plan B.
Then step back and be the CEO of UT Football. The Saban model works, because Nick knew Rule #1 of how to succeed at almost anything when you’re the HMFIC: Surround yourself with talent, and let it do its’ thing. Just read the script and follow it, Josh. That’s all it takes.
Back in 1988, Kirk Gibson knew he had one good swing left in him. It was all or nothing on his next swing. The fate of his team; the season; and his legacy was resting on that swing.
The 2026 season may well be your Kirk Gibson swing, Coach. You might have more than one swing left at UT, but this one is still critical. Foul this one off, and there’s a decent chance you don’t get another good pitch to swing at. Now is your moment. Make it your best moment.
Hit the dinger. Please…
Down Scope.
A Tale of Three Teams: Those who love to compare Team A to Team B when it comes to relative success, or failure, can often find a way to parse the numbers and stats to support their particular point. Expect no different here, although I’m going to avoid the “9th Level of Hell” stats dive, and keep it simple. W/L record; Conference record; Points for; and Points against. It makes sense to compare similar records, and at the end of the day points are what determines who won and who lost. So with a tip of the hat to those MLB announcers who love to point out that Lenny Dykstra (yeah, I’m that old) is batting .350 against left-handed pitchers on a Tuesday with one out and 2 RISP…at the end of the day his .287 average is most likely what happened.
BTW, the Kirk Gibson HR in ’88 was epic. Dude could barely walk. Pitcher should have busted him inside and dared him to turn on the ball. But I digress…
So, without further ado, a Tale of Three Teams.
Team A: 8-4 overall; 4-4 conference; 32.16 PPG; 19.42 PAPG; +12.74 PPG average. Against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, Team A was 0-4.
Team B: 8-4 overall; 5-4 conference; 33.75 PPG; 19.42 PAPG; +14.3 PPG average. Against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, Team B was 0-3.
Team C: 8-4 overall; 4-4 conference; 40.75 PPG; 28.75 PAPG; +12 PPG average. Against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, Team C was 0-4.
All 3 fairly similar. Team C has a better PPG average, but the worst PAPG average, and the lowest PPG +/- average. Against Top 25 opponents the three teams combined for an 0-11 record against current Top 25 teams. Not ready for prime time.
Team A is Missouri. Team B is Washington. Team C is UT.
Eliah Drinkwitz is 46-28 as a P4 head coach. .622 win %
Jedd Fisch is 64-31 as a P4 head coach. .674 win %
Josh Heupel is 45-19 as a P4 head coach. .703 win %
UT is paying over 9 million dollars per year for a head football coach who has almost the same record as two other P4 coaches most UT fans wouldn’t give the time of day to. No one would want them as the head football coach at UT. No one really believes either one of them will ever compete for a National Championship.
Now take another look at those numbers and explain the difference to me.
Sometimes it ain’t about the numbers it takes an MIT grad to understand when comparing Team A to Team B. In the end, the only numbers that matters is the final score.
It’s about Wins and Losses. That’s how, at the end of each season, they decide who is in the CFP; who goes to a bowl game; and who goes home.
UT is 8-4 / 4-4, unranked, and lined up for a bowl game that most of us will watch on TV rather than spend good money to drive or fly hundreds of miles to watch an underachieving team in a nobody-really-cares bowl game. The team probably cares less about it than the fans do.
It is what it is. We are Missouri. Or Washington. Take your pick. Or we can be UT.
I believe Coach Heupel is flying one level above his best altitude. He would make a great OC for any P4 team out there. He would score points. A lot of them. He’s Chip Kelly 2.0.
But he is simply not cut out to be a head football coach at this level at this point in his career arc. The job is just too demanding, detailed, and unforgiving. The only way he reaches his potential…at UT or any other P4 program with designs on the CFP…is to hire the best OC he can find, and hand them the keys to the offense. Same goes for the DC. Let them pick their staff. Both need to understand the importance of discipline and accountability at both the team and individual level. Go get Coach Ekeler, or his equal. Keep tossing suitcases full of dead presidents at his feet until he finally says “yes”. Tell them Plan A is to win. There is no Plan B.
Then step back and be the CEO of UT Football. The Saban model works, because Nick knew Rule #1 of how to succeed at almost anything when you’re the HMFIC: Surround yourself with talent, and let it do its’ thing. Just read the script and follow it, Josh. That’s all it takes.
Back in 1988, Kirk Gibson knew he had one good swing left in him. It was all or nothing on his next swing. The fate of his team; the season; and his legacy was resting on that swing.
The 2026 season may well be your Kirk Gibson swing, Coach. You might have more than one swing left at UT, but this one is still critical. Foul this one off, and there’s a decent chance you don’t get another good pitch to swing at. Now is your moment. Make it your best moment.
Hit the dinger. Please…
Down Scope.
Up Scope...
Tough call, Josh...but you did the right thing. Now step outside your comfort zone one more time and hire the best DC you can find. You paid Banks $2 mil a year. That money is still there for the next DC, and for that money you can, should, and must find a winner. In the SpecOps community, they call their best "Meateaters". That's what you're looking for.
Next up, S&C. Ekeler's out there. Call him up and ask him what it would take. Then offer it. You can't miss on this one either, so get a proven coach.
Lots of solid 40+ PK's available. Show 'em where the portal is. Even with a better defense, at some point next season you're going to need that clutch FG. Go get a clutch kicker.
Iron sharpens iron. Tin covers outhouse roofs. It is what it is.
Down Scope.
Tough call, Josh...but you did the right thing. Now step outside your comfort zone one more time and hire the best DC you can find. You paid Banks $2 mil a year. That money is still there for the next DC, and for that money you can, should, and must find a winner. In the SpecOps community, they call their best "Meateaters". That's what you're looking for.
Next up, S&C. Ekeler's out there. Call him up and ask him what it would take. Then offer it. You can't miss on this one either, so get a proven coach.
Lots of solid 40+ PK's available. Show 'em where the portal is. Even with a better defense, at some point next season you're going to need that clutch FG. Go get a clutch kicker.
Iron sharpens iron. Tin covers outhouse roofs. It is what it is.
Down Scope.
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