Re: Impressed with many fan's knowledge on this board. . .

[B-17 Pilot]

. . .I consider myself a knowledgeable fan as well, but not to the degree that some are on here!

From a Vol fan of 50 years - here's some questions/frustrations I have:

1. Why don't we run any quick slant passes and timing
passes to our wide outs? They certainly have the
speed and quickness needed!

2. It seems to me that we absolutely need to throw to
the Tight End position more. Even a quick three step
drop by Dobbs and a 5 yd. button hook should work!

3. Jalen Hurd is great! We need to implement Alvin
Kamara in the same backfield or the slot to create
more speed and deception!

4. I thought our new DC played an aggressive style of
Defense! Although we certainly looked better in the
last three quarters of the VT game, I think we need
to create more blitzes and stunts. Our D is too
generic!

5. I love Butch Jones and the message he preaches.
His recruiting is awesome. . .but we've got to find a
way to get these big time skill position recruits more
involved in quick hitting and creative plays. If not, it
will be harder to continue recruiting these blue chip
receivers, running backs and quarterbacks!

6. I don't need to even address the OL woes in the first
two games! Simply got to get tougher and more
cohesive or SEC foes will eat us for lunch!

Lastly, like many on this board, I'm glad we have Ohio coming up before the tough SEC schedule starts!

Started cheering for the Vols in 1965 with Dewey Warren, Flowers, Johnson, Kiner etc. and have loved the Vols ever since!

Always stay positive and we'll get it done. . .!

 

[volpreacher]

. . .I consider myself a knowledgeable fan as well, but not to the degree that some are on here!

From a Vol fan of 50 years - here's some questions/frustrations I have:

1. Why don't we run any quick slant passes and timing
passes to our wide outs? They certainly have the
speed and quickness needed!

2. It seems to me that we absolutely need to throw to
the Tight End position more. Even a quick three step
drop by Dobbs and a 5 yd. button hook should work!

3. Jalen Hurd is great! We need to implement Alvin
Kamara in the same backfield or the slot to create
more speed and deception!

4. I thought our new DC played an aggressive style of
Defense! Although we certainly looked better in the
last three quarters of the VT game, I think we need
to create more blitzes and stunts. Our D is too
generic!

5. I love Butch Jones and the message he preaches.
His recruiting is awesome. . .but we've got to find a
way to get these big time skill position recruits more
involved in quick hitting and creative plays. If not, it
will be harder to continue recruiting these blue chip
receivers, running backs and quarterbacks!

6. I don't need to even address the OL woes in the first
two games! Simply got to get tougher and more
cohesive or SEC foes will eat us for lunch!

Lastly, like many on this board, I'm glad we have Ohio coming up before the tough SEC schedule starts!

Started cheering for the Vols in 1965 with Dewey Warren, Flowers, Johnson, Kiner etc. and have loved the Vols ever since!

Always stay positive and we'll get it done. . .!

1. Don't know other than perhaps a quick slant would require getting the ball through the DL hands and they are generally on top of Dobbs.
2. I agree our TE are under used.
3. They talked about that last year and did some, but it definitely would create some indecision for defenses.
4. I have a feeling our DC isn't showing his hand just as much as we aren't showing our hand on offense either.
5. So true.
6. I think our OL problems lies in the OL coach. We have too much talent there not to perform.
7. I think we will be just fine. We will win the East at least this year.
GBO

 

[TennFan]

I've been a Vol fan since the days of the "single wing" and Dewey Warren.

Have two running backs in at the same time every now and then. Pass to TE's occassionally. Put 3 WR's on one side every now and then.

 

[jakez4ut]

1. Why don't we run any quick slant passes and timing
passes to our wide outs? They certainly have the
speed and quickness needed!

the style of defense VT plays makes the middle of the field for slants etc...going into the meat of their defense. in the app state game, we actually ran more of those, but due to consistent pressure, and some inconsistent play from Dobbs or the WR/TE, they just didn't hook up as much as was probably designed. bottom line, against VT, it was a match up issue. trying to prevent mistakes.

2. It seems to me that we absolutely need to throw to
the Tight End position more. Even a quick three step
drop by Dobbs and a 5 yd. button hook should work!

i agree, we had 1 pass to Croom right up the seam on a 1st down in the 3rd qtr that was great, but that was after we were able to establish Dobbs and Hurd as a runner. for this offense to work, we have to run first, and allow the TE's to get behind the LB's, in front of the safties. that has been difficult since we a) didn't do a good job of establishing the run early, and pass protection has been awful.

3. Jalen Hurd is great! We need to implement Alvin
Kamara in the same backfield or the slot to create
more speed and deception!

some of the swing passes to Kamara have become predictable, especially when on 2nd/3rd down, behind the chains. as good as Hurd is, he's not great laterally. he's a straight ahead runner. use him as such. i think as the season goes on, we'll see more plays with both lined up in the backfield.

4. I thought our new DC played an aggressive style of
Defense! Although we certainly looked better in the
last three quarters of the VT game, I think we need
to create more blitzes and stunts. Our D is too
generic!

to me this about match ups, the two offenses we've played have had option elements, and not your traditional drop back passer, i formation run game. that's what we're built to stop effectively. credit the defense for making adjustments as the game went on. but as we get lined up against more traditional offenses, i see the defense, especially the D line, being able to assert itself.

5. I love Butch Jones and the message he preaches.
His recruiting is awesome. . .but we've got to find a
way to get these big time skill position recruits more
involved in quick hitting and creative plays. If not, it
will be harder to continue recruiting these blue chip
receivers, running backs and quarterbacks!

im firmly in the camp that CBJ was the right coach for this rebuild. that Sunday thru Friday he's been outstanding. i don't know that he'll ever be the Saturday coach we need to truly compete with the upper echelon of the SEC year in and year out. he has a lot of the right pieces, but he doesn't ingratiate himself to the fanbase, makes excuses and continues to leave me wondering in the game management department. i don't want him to throw players under the bus mind you, but i do just want him to call it what it is sometimes.

6. I don't need to even address the OL woes in the first
two games! Simply got to get tougher and more
cohesive or SEC foes will eat us for lunch!

aside from every other issue you could find with this team thus far, there's absolutely no doubt the offensive line is the single most disturbing issue we have.

 

[allenrikvik]

. . .I consider myself a knowledgeable fan as well, but not to the degree that some are on here!

From a Vol fan of 50 years - here's some questions/frustrations I have:

1. Why don't we run any quick slant passes and timing
passes to our wide outs? They certainly have the
speed and quickness needed!

2. It seems to me that we absolutely need to throw to
the Tight End position more. Even a quick three step
drop by Dobbs and a 5 yd. button hook should work!

3. Jalen Hurd is great! We need to implement Alvin
Kamara in the same backfield or the slot to create
more speed and deception!

4. I thought our new DC played an aggressive style of
Defense! Although we certainly looked better in the
last three quarters of the VT game, I think we need
to create more blitzes and stunts. Our D is too
generic!

5. I love Butch Jones and the message he preaches.
His recruiting is awesome. . .but we've got to find a
way to get these big time skill position recruits more
involved in quick hitting and creative plays. If not, it
will be harder to continue recruiting these blue chip
receivers, running backs and quarterbacks!

6. I don't need to even address the OL woes in the first
two games! Simply got to get tougher and more
cohesive or SEC foes will eat us for lunch!

Lastly, like many on this board, I'm glad we have Ohio coming up before the tough SEC schedule starts!

Started cheering for the Vols in 1965 with Dewey Warren, Flowers, Johnson, Kiner etc. and have loved the Vols ever since!

Always stay positive and we'll get it done. . .!

Generic thoughts.

1) YES. I agree with quick slants. My fear is that we do not get sufficient separation at the line of scrimmage. Not sure about the timing patterns. Again, my fear is our WR release at the line. Second, I am still assessing the O-Line for quick plays. Also, watch for match-up. We did a couple in Ap St, but none in VT.

2) YES+. We did a couple of quick hits in game one, but we have some real mis-matches at TE if the running game can get established. J Croom opens a huge list of options. The risk is our O-Line not holding adequate protection and having to hold the TE to block. It is more a match-up discussion.

3) Always thought about Kamara and Hurd in same backfield, then Kamara splits. Kinda a decision between Kamara and TE, which tied back to the O-Line blocking. also, is predictable that we try to get Kamara wide or swing passes.

4) After 1Q, D has stepped up and played very aggressive. Not sure how to assess the personnel usage. The solid line play should allow for excessive backfield gambling, but our offense cannot 'recover'. Think about the older St Louis Ram with K Warner.

5 and 6: agree. issues are exposed, it is up to the coaches to remedy, via gameplans or technique.

 

[ptcarter]

. . .
Started cheering for the Vols in 1965 with Dewey Warren, Flowers, Johnson, Kiner etc. and have loved the Vols ever since!

My first game was in 1965 at the age of 8. UT-Army. Sat in Section K. I didn't realize it until recently when I read an article on VOL history - that was the first time they ran through the T. Funny how time flies. Last season they honored the '65 team on the field. Brought back a lot of great childhood memories.

Go Vols

 

[VolnTEARS?]

More posts like these guys. More like these.

 

[finn]

I was expecting lots of blue font from the OP. Instead we got a legit post about something other than who should be fired this week. Thanks!!

 

[volboy81]

We've tried some slants & quick outs but no one is there to block so we go 15 yds east & west & nowhere north & south!

 

[Orangedogsrule]

Kamara goes in, D keys on Kamara. Only near perfect execution by the whole team will get him into the opponents secondary. But with Dobbs and two RB's in the backfield, and doing it enough the opponent's DC actually has to set his D for all three, ... and as good a receiver as Kamara is, with our receiver corps... talk about misdirection....oh how I hope this is what our playbook is full of instead of what we see, the old timey 4 yards and a cloud of dust approach. (With new plays, of course).

 

[Sea Ray]

I'd like to see more passes to Wolfe but the truth is we're a rarity in college football because we even field a TE. That's becoming a dying breed in college.

We did some quick outs to the WRs early in the VT game as I recall but it really comes down to the defense. If they are playing tight then you gotta try something else. The O-line problems do necessitate very quick passes of some sort.

 

[ALLVOL 4LIFE]

Kamara goes in, D keys on Kamara. Only near perfect execution by the whole team will get him into the opponents secondary. But with Dobbs and two RB's in the backfield, and doing it enough the opponent's DC actually has to set his D for all three, ... and as good a receiver as Kamara is, with our receiver corps... talk about misdirection....oh how I hope this is what our playbook is full of instead of what we see, the old timey 4 yards and a cloud of dust approach. (With new plays, of course).

I have really wondered if something was wrong with Kamara! Why would he be used so little unless there is an issue? He is way too fast to get as few of snaps as he has had in the first two games. Way under utilized as well!

 

[LouderVol]

its never seemed like the timing routes have ever worked for us under Butch. If its a throw Dobbs should make early, ball in the air before the WR completes his route, he is always late. How many times have we seen a WR finish his route and have to sit there for a second or two for the ball? North's injury comes to mind.

 

[ntxVOL]

I am more than a little disappointed with our offense. It looks the same as last year to me but this year teams know how to prepare for us. I expected the offense to continue to evolve to address shortcomings in the passing game and these slow developing running plays drive me nuts.

This may be a 10 win team but ONLY if our FG kicker can hit a few from 40+ yds and be money inside 40 yds. I seriously doubt that will be good enough to win the east and I have serious doubts we will be able to beat Fla.

 

[vtvol98]

Kamara goes in, D keys on Kamara. Only near perfect execution by the whole team will get him into the opponents secondary. But with Dobbs and two RB's in the backfield, and doing it enough the opponent's DC actually has to set his D for all three, ... and as good a receiver as Kamara is, with our receiver corps... talk about misdirection....oh how I hope this is what our playbook is full of instead of what we see, the old timey 4 yards and a cloud of dust approach. (With new plays, of course).

This is just as predictable as calling for jet sweeps when Pig Howard was lined up in the slot. Opponents and fans alike can spot it a mile away.

 

[ImportedVoL]

I can answer most if not all of these questions with this..

Even with how nationally watched these first two games were for UT..we could drop both of them and still go to atlanta..

That is the priority for this year, we are not going to show all of our SEC foes what we are going to do against them in OOC games that only matter when it comes to a NC..and even then we could lose those games and still make it theoretically.

2 OOC losses but we beat Bama/UGA/UF. Bama is #1 at the time..then we win SECCG...you better believe we would still have a playoff spot.

Just sayin, we still have a lot in the playbook on both sides just waiting for the big boys.

 

[Other_Guy]

This is just as predictable as calling for jet sweeps when Pig Howard was lined up in the slot. Opponents and fans alike can spot it a mile away.

Do you recall all ythe screens to Cooper that Bama threw all the freaking time? They almost always worked, because the WRs executed their blocking.

 

[B-17 Pilot]

I can answer most if not all of these questions with this..

Even with how nationally watched these first two games were for UT..we could drop both of them and still go to atlanta..

That is the priority for this year, we are not going to show all of our SEC foes what we are going to do against them in OOC games that only matter when it comes to a NC..and even then we could lose those games and still make it theoretically.

2 OOC losses but we beat Bama/UGA/UF. Bama is #1 at the time..then we win SECCG...you better believe we would still have a playoff spot.

Just sayin, we still have a lot in the playbook on both sides just waiting for the big boys.

I hear you and agree to an extent that it makes perfect sense to "hold back" a bit. Dare we say that "we feel sorry for those Gators" when they incur the full wrath of our Mighty Vols??!! :rock:

 

[AM64]

. . .I consider myself a knowledgeable fan as well, but not to the degree that some are on here!

From a Vol fan of 50 years - here's some questions/frustrations I have:

1. Why don't we run any quick slant passes and timing
passes to our wide outs? They certainly have the
speed and quickness needed!

2. It seems to me that we absolutely need to throw to
the Tight End position more. Even a quick three step
drop by Dobbs and a 5 yd. button hook should work!

3. Jalen Hurd is great! We need to implement Alvin
Kamara in the same backfield or the slot to create
more speed and deception!

4. I thought our new DC played an aggressive style of
Defense! Although we certainly looked better in the
last three quarters of the VT game, I think we need
to create more blitzes and stunts. Our D is too
generic!

5. I love Butch Jones and the message he preaches.
His recruiting is awesome. . .but we've got to find a
way to get these big time skill position recruits more
involved in quick hitting and creative plays. If not, it
will be harder to continue recruiting these blue chip
receivers, running backs and quarterbacks!

6. I don't need to even address the OL woes in the first
two games! Simply got to get tougher and more
cohesive or SEC foes will eat us for lunch!

Lastly, like many on this board, I'm glad we have Ohio coming up before the tough SEC schedule starts!

Started cheering for the Vols in 1965 with Dewey Warren, Flowers, Johnson, Kiner etc. and have loved the Vols ever since!

Always stay positive and we'll get it done. . .!

Dewey Warren is still my favorite QB. He might have been short on talent and so slow that John Ward repeatedly beat him to the goal line, but he got it done.

 

[Biopsyman]

1. Don't know other than perhaps a quick slant would require getting the ball through the DL hands and they are generally on top of Dobbs.
2. I agree our TE are under used.
3. They talked about that last year and did some, but it definitely would create some indecision for defenses.
4. I have a feeling our DC isn't showing his hand just as much as we aren't showing our hand on offense either.
5. So true.
6. I think our OL problems lies in the OL coach. We have too much talent there not to perform.
7. I think we will be just fine. We will win the East at least this year.
GBO

We only have 1 TE...

 

[Ertel]

1. i dont think the coaches trust dobbs to thread the needle in traffic. most of his throws are designed to go towards the sidelines where only our guy has a chance at the ball. a miss by 2-3 feet as weve commonly seen him do can spell disaster in the middle of the field. also our line lacks punch in pass pro, i was always taught that on passes you have to have a good punch to get the linemens hands down so you dont have batted balls. another big danger in the middle of the field.

2. again most TE throws are in the middle of the field where dobbs has to thread a needle unless theyre wide open, with an erratic passer that can spell disaster especially if he floats one. Also our line has been so abysmal that weve had to keep our TE's at home and help in pass pro.

 

[Ertel]

also in regards to the offensive line, id give anything to get chaney and pittman back. Its absolutely terrifying to think how dominant georgias loaded stable of backs will be with those two designing plays and coaching up the line. Biggest loss our offense has suffered since Cutcliffe left us.

 

[Pacer92]

I am more than a little disappointed with our offense. It looks the same as last year to me but this year teams know how to prepare for us. I expected the offense to continue to evolve to address shortcomings in the passing game and these slow developing running plays drive me nuts.

This may be a 10 win team but ONLY if our FG kicker can hit a few from 40+ yds and be money inside 40 yds. I seriously doubt that will be good enough to win the east and I have serious doubts we will be able to beat Fla.

I agree. Our offensive scheme is frustrating to watch at times...

Just like with the wishbone or option offense of years past, I'd like to see the QB ride the RB, pull it out and take a quick 3 step drop and take a shot downfield....

Imagination is lacking and OL play isn't championship level...

 

[mrbluesky]

Thank you, Op for this post. I love posts like this. It's one thing to say you're a VFL. It's another to live it year in and year out.

 

[B-17 Pilot]

My first game was in 1965 at the age of 8. UT-Army. Sat in Section K. I didn't realize it until recently when I read an article on VOL history - that was the first time they ran through the T. Funny how time flies. Last season they honored the '65 team on the field. Brought back a lot of great childhood memories.

Go Vols

That's good stuff!! My first game at Neyland was in December of 1971 against Penn State. This was also a commemorative weekend for the Majors family with Bobby a current All-American DB. Johnny was there and it was a brilliantly blue and sunny day. PSU came in undefeated and UT had two losses. UT beat up on the Nits with a final score of 31-11. PSU went on to kick Texas's butt in the Cotton Bowl and the Vols barely got by Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl. Love those memories. . .!