Recruiting Forum: UNofficial Oregon Pre-Game Thread

[nicksjuzunk]

This week, the Vols head out west to Eugene Oregon to test the #2 Ducks. Two things we know for sure:

1. Oregon is sure to feature some bizarre combination of chrome, green, and possibly, Nickelodeon "Gak" yellow in their uniforms.

2. They fast.

How Tennessee matches up against that speed is going to be the story of this ballgame. Let's take a look at some of the keys to victory:

1. Turnovers: I prefer cherry turnovers, but the TN defense prefers interceptions, with an occasional fumble. The Vols lead the nation with 9 turnovers, but Oregon leads the nation in not turning the ball over (0). Tennessee cannot afford to play a game in which the turnover battle is =. The defense must play a game in which they FORCE turnovers, and the offense cannot let the ball get away.

2. Tale of two QB's: Marcus Mariota was 1st team PAC12 as a freshman last year. He is mobile, accurate, and doesn't throw many interceptions (only 1.5% of his throws). Just swell. Let's look a little bit at his stats last year, since the first two opponents this year have not provided any real test.

2012
Rushing: 752 yards, 7.1 YPC
Passing: 2,677 yards, 68.5 Com. %, 32 TD, 6 INT
QBR: 163.2

2013
Rushing: 26.1 YPC
Passing: 53.1 Com. %
QBR: 147.5

Though the sample size is small, his completion % has dropped over 15%. Hopefully, our newly improved secondary will be able to take advantage.

Regarding Justin Worley, he cannot continue to throw some of the same passes he has been getting away with. Against a quality opponent, he would likely have at least 4 picks so far. When he is flustered in the pocket, and throws off of his back foot, it is a disaster. Worley needs to get in a rhythm, and the coaches can help him by dialing up the short passing game. Dink and dunk may be enough to put enough points on the board to keep TN in it.

3. Running Game: Oregon has a dynamic running game based on smaller, quick offensive linemen and explosive running backs, not to mention QB Mairotta, who takes off about 9 times per game. In 2013, they are rushing for 425 yards... yes, 425 yards per game. That is 2nd in the nation. De-Anthony "Black Mamba" Thomas gets 8.7 a pop, and as a team, the average an unbelievable 10 YPC. Tennessee needs it's front 7 to play out of their minds on Saturday. It is time for McCullers size to not be the only thing that is talked about. The ends must set the edge and contain, and the linebackers must play fast and hit hard. These are a lot of things what we have not seen in the first 2 games, so get ready for fireworks... of the Green variety.

Expect Tennessee to make the running game their bread and butter, and have moderate success with it. Three years ago, the Vols rushed for 182 yards against Oregon... with almost our entire current offensive line, three years younger! Marlin Lane has been showing signs of a player not thinking about his knee, and Neal has been pretty good. The OL will need to play with a nasty streak and punish the smaller Oregon DL and LB's. The Vols will need to rush for over 300 yards to be in the game.

4. Pace: Though TN and OR both run fast paced offenses, look for TN to slow down their approach. This is the Vol's first attempt at such an approach, and Oregon has been running it for years. Add to that, the fact that TN does not have the playmakers at QB and WR... they will not be wanting to sprint to 3 and outs, wearing out our own defense within the first half.

TN can keep the Oregon offense from finding a rhythm, by finding their own, namely, controlling the running game, and letting Worley get to work with the short passing game.

5. Headlines: Each team wants to win this game... badly. For Tennessee, the reason is obvious. Win against a top 2 team, shock the world. For Oregon, they still have to live under that banner of "not the SEC." Thrashing an SEC opponent, no matter how bad they are, would be a boost to their image and make a statement.

Prediction: In the end, I think the perfect scenarios that TN needs to see fall into place just don't happen enough. TN is able to stick around in the game, but not really long enough to be a threat. I think Worley throws 2 interceptions and though the team plays hard...

TN 24
OR 42

Fire Away...

 

[DuckIt]

I'd have to say pretty spot on.

Definitely not concerned with Mariota's drop in completion percentage. A new head coach and new O-coordinator (first time for each in those roles) are testing some new schemes and receivers. There have also been at least 8 drops in the first two games. Like wide open, no one around, this is a catch my dog makes kind of drops. And lastly, while "inaccurate" in regards to completion percentage these first 2 games, the dude simply doesn't throw picks. Almost ever. As you alluded to. Or turn the ball over in general. He can overthrow a receiver 40 yards down field every now and again. So long as he protects the ball, and keeps it in the hands of our offense, I'm happy.

Also, thanks for compiling those rushing stats. Our rushing numbers have been so gaudy over the past few years I stopped recognizing how crazy they are. Most of my Duck friends and I don't even clap on 8 yard rushes anymore. We think, "Crap, 8 yards? Who missed a block?" As crazy as that sounds. We've just come to expect a 30 yard run every other play, and it's warped our view in regards to how effective our run game actually is when the team is in a rhythm. Haha. But really, those are some wild numbers.

The only thing I take issue with in your summation of both teams is:

The OL will need to play with a nasty streak and punish the smaller Oregon DL and LB's. The Vols will need to rush for over 300 yards to be in the game.

Look at Oregon's 2 deep at Dline. It's huge and supremely athletic. Our Dline was once well undersized. But those days are over. This front is thick, tall, fast, and athletic. I think this is going to be an awesome matchup because of your all-world, massive, and experienced Oline. That matchup will actually be the first one I focus on when the game starts.

In years past, we had too many easy games to open the schedule (thanks Kansas State, for backing out), which didn't provide enough of a test for future slugfests - especially for the freshmen. I'm really glad you guys are coming into town this year. Nothing like a big, talented, and well-coached team to prepare our team and the youngins for future battles.

Also curious: you say the Vols need to rush for over 300 yards to be in the game. First off, I'm curious when the last time Oregon has given up 300 yards rushing, and how many times in the last 3 years. I know it's not often. If you guys did that, it would be quite a statement and would certainly keep you in it.

But if you want to win it, it's all about turnovers. You have to win the turnover battle against Oregon to have the chance. It's the most effective way of getting the ball away from our offense, resting your defense, and allowing the offense to attack.

Take LSU-Oregon 2 years ago. Oregon scored more points against that LSU defense than any team all year. We out gained them in yards. We compiled I believe the second most yards against them all year (behind WVU). And we led them at halftime with a noticeable amount of momentum (I was at the game, and LSU fans hanging out with me definitely had that "here we go" worried look).
But what happened? Ultimately, Oregon lost the turnover battle 4-1, one of which was a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, and ultimately lost the game.

It was a Bam!-Bam!-Bam! turn of events. There we were, moving the ball up the field and finding that "rhythm" that everyone fears when playing us, in control of the stats and scoreboard and momentum and feeling good. Then, before we knew it, 3 turnovers quick (to add to another one earlier) that made my friends and I think, "What in the HELL just happened?" We're talking everything from muffed punts by our established star Kenjon Barner to 2 huge fumbles by our freshman RB playing his first college game: none other than one DeAnthony Thomas. I forget what the final turnover was, but I can only assume it didn't help us
Either way, that gave LSU an effortless 7 points on the he muffed punt and subsequent stroll for a touchdown, as well as two possessions inside our 40 yard line. It's the death knell. That simple.

Point is, against bad to average teams, Oregon can easily get away with losing the turnover battle (though we rarely lose that battle), as any good team should. But against good to great teams (like Tennessee), losing that battle dooms us. Every statistical performance in the LSU game would suggest that the Ducks would have come out on top in the end. We didn't. Because LSU capitalized on turnovers, like any great team should. Sure, this Tennessee team isn't as dominant or talented as that 2011 LSU team. But if we lose the turn over battle 4-1, I'd be shocked if we were to win the game.

Again, great write up. You nailed the keys: rush the ball for long drives (keeping it away from our O), and win the turnover battle at least 3-1. You do that, the Ducks will win this game by no more than 3 and likely lose to you by 10+

You guys are great. Lots of information on here I plan on sharing with my Duck friends come game time. This Duck fan, to be sure, will be nervous as hell come kick off, despite feeling rather positive we'll win. Never underestimate the power of a team hungry for a big win on the national stage - especially one with talent and coaching! Good luck (but not really...but sure...but never mind...but...)

 

[ChattaTNVol]

I'd have to say pretty spot on.


Also curious: you say the Vols need to rush for over 300 yards to be in the game. First off, I'm curious when the last time Oregon has given up 300 yards rushing, and how many times in the last 3 years. I know it's not often. If you guys did that, it would be quite a statement and would certainly keep you in it.

Only one time since the 2007 season has the Oregon defense given up 300+ yds rushing and it was the first game of that season to Houston (315 yds). Never since.

In 2010 in Knoxville Oregon scored 2 passing TDs (17-32-202) no Ints. The ducks rushed 44 times for 245 yds and also scored 2 TDs from that. They returned a punt for a TD and returned an interception 76 yds for a TD. Their scoring was capped off with 2 field goals.

We were coached by he who will not be named, had Simms at QB and a freshman OLine. We had a slew of new coaches. I won't comment further on that roster.

We passed 15-29-151 no TD's 1 Int. We rushed 36 times for 182 yds and 1 TD. Our Rush Avg was 5.06 ypc while the ducks managed 5.57 ypc. Our scoring was also capped off by 2 FGs.

The game was Poole's high game of the year rushing with 162 yards on 23 carries. He garnered 1 TD. The Ducks were led on the ground by James who had 16 carries for 134 yds and 1 TD.

Last week the Ducks had Virginia and we had WKU. Both Virginia and WKU imploded on offense and both the Ducks and Vols repectively capitalized.

I think it's obvious the 2013 Vols show promise of being a more disciplined team. Those freshmen Olinemen of 2010 are now Seniors for the most part. We do have a lot of youth at key positions on both sides of the ball so I think the game comes down to maturity. Contrary to what I've heard this week I don't really think WKU tested our resiliency. Oregon on the other hand will be a marquee test. This team we believe has a tougher mentality and unquestionably better staff leadership.

I don't think there is any one metric that we have to excel at beyond what we're capable of. We have to play our game. We have to play with physicality and discipline and we have to protect the football. We can't afford special team mistakes and we need to improve the timing and ball placement between our QB & receivers. Our OLine and backs need to keep Worley as clean as a whistle. In 2010 they gave up 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Our defense had 1 sack and 4 TFLs.

Oregon is penalty prone but protects the football. We need to challenge their ability to protect the rock and we will. We'll get to see how well our defense has progressed with pursuit angles and leveraging the football. This year I actually think they at least know what those concepts mean.

Tennessee 45 Oregon 24

Let the debate...

 

[nicksjuzunk]

I'd have to say pretty spot on.

Definitely not concerned with Mariota's drop in completion percentage. A new head coach and new O-coordinator (first time for each in those roles) are testing some new schemes and receivers. There have also been at least 8 drops in the first two games. Like wide open, no one around, this is a catch my dog makes kind of drops. And lastly, while "inaccurate" in regards to completion percentage these first 2 games, the dude simply doesn't throw picks. Almost ever. As you alluded to. Or turn the ball over in general. He can overthrow a receiver 40 yards down field every now and again. So long as he protects the ball, and keeps it in the hands of our offense, I'm happy.

Also, thanks for compiling those rushing stats. Our rushing numbers have been so gaudy over the past few years I stopped recognizing how crazy they are. Most of my Duck friends and I don't even clap on 8 yard rushes anymore. We think, "Crap, 8 yards? Who missed a block?" As crazy as that sounds. We've just come to expect a 30 yard run every other play, and it's warped our view in regards to how effective our run game actually is when the team is in a rhythm. Haha. But really, those are some wild numbers.

The only thing I take issue with in your summation of both teams is:



Look at Oregon's 2 deep at Dline. It's huge and supremely athletic. Our Dline was once well undersized. But those days are over. This front is thick, tall, fast, and athletic. I think this is going to be an awesome matchup because of your all-world, massive, and experienced Oline. That matchup will actually be the first one I focus on when the game starts.

In years past, we had too many easy games to open the schedule (thanks Kansas State, for backing out), which didn't provide enough of a test for future slugfests - especially for the freshmen. I'm really glad you guys are coming into town this year. Nothing like a big, talented, and well-coached team to prepare our team and the youngins for future battles.

Also curious: you say the Vols need to rush for over 300 yards to be in the game. First off, I'm curious when the last time Oregon has given up 300 yards rushing, and how many times in the last 3 years. I know it's not often. If you guys did that, it would be quite a statement and would certainly keep you in it.

But if you want to win it, it's all about turnovers. You have to win the turnover battle against Oregon to have the chance. It's the most effective way of getting the ball away from our offense, resting your defense, and allowing the offense to attack.

Take LSU-Oregon 2 years ago. Oregon scored more points against that LSU defense than any team all year. We out gained them in yards. We compiled I believe the second most yards against them all year (behind WVU). And we led them at halftime with a noticeable amount of momentum (I was at the game, and LSU fans hanging out with me definitely had that "here we go" worried look).
But what happened? Ultimately, Oregon lost the turnover battle 4-1, one of which was a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, and ultimately lost the game.

It was a Bam!-Bam!-Bam! turn of events. There we were, moving the ball up the field and finding that "rhythm" that everyone fears when playing us, in control of the stats and scoreboard and momentum and feeling good. Then, before we knew it, 3 turnovers quick (to add to another one earlier) that made my friends and I think, "What in the HELL just happened?" We're talking everything from muffed punts by our established star Kenjon Barner to 2 huge fumbles by our freshman RB playing his first college game: none other than one DeAnthony Thomas. I forget what the final turnover was, but I can only assume it didn't help us
Either way, that gave LSU an effortless 7 points on the he muffed punt and subsequent stroll for a touchdown, as well as two possessions inside our 40 yard line. It's the death knell. That simple.

Point is, against bad to average teams, Oregon can easily get away with losing the turnover battle (though we rarely lose that battle), as any good team should. But against good to great teams (like Tennessee), losing that battle dooms us. Every statistical performance in the LSU game would suggest that the Ducks would have come out on top in the end. We didn't. Because LSU capitalized on turnovers, like any great team should. Sure, this Tennessee team isn't as dominant or talented as that 2011 LSU team. But if we lose the turn over battle 4-1, I'd be shocked if we were to win the game.

Again, great write up. You nailed the keys: rush the ball for long drives (keeping it away from our O), and win the turnover battle at least 3-1. You do that, the Ducks will win this game by no more than 3 and likely lose to you by 10+

You guys are great. Lots of information on here I plan on sharing with my Duck friends come game time. This Duck fan, to be sure, will be nervous as hell come kick off, despite feeling rather positive we'll win. Never underestimate the power of a team hungry for a big win on the national stage - especially one with talent and coaching! Good luck (but not really...but sure...but never mind...but...)

Good to have an intelligent Oregon poster posting here. :hi: Please post in this thread leading up to, and post game if you would like. You may find the conversation a bit better than what you would find in the football forum.

Regarding your comment and question, I must admit, that I have not been as thorough in my research this week as I like to be. My comment on the size of your DL, was based more on your previous history, rather than what you have now. I just didn't check the numbers there. eace2:

As for us rushing for 300 yards... I don't expect us to do that... thus, my final score prediction. If we did, we may be in the thick of a battle though. There is a possibility we may approach that number, just from shear volume of rushes. Worley has a weak arm and is not extremely accurate. If the only yards we can get is on the ground, we will go there all day long. A stat line of 124 yards passing and 310 yards rushing still probably doesn't win the game unless we win the turnover battle.

 

[nicksjuzunk]

Only one time since the 2007 season has the Oregon defense given up 300+ yds rushing and it was the first game of that season to Houston (315 yds). Never since.

In 2010 in Knoxville Oregon scored 2 passing TDs (17-32-202) no Ints. The ducks rushed 44 times for 245 yds and also scored 2 TDs from that. They returned a punt for a TD and returned an interception 76 yds for a TD. Their scoring was capped off with 2 field goals.

We were coached by he who will not be named, had Simms at QB and a freshman OLine. We had a slew of new coaches. I won't comment further on that roster.

We passed 15-29-151 no TD's 1 Int. We rushed 36 times for 182 yds and 1 TD. Our Rush Avg was 5.06 ypc while the ducks managed 5.57 ypc. Our scoring was also capped off by 2 FGs.

The game was Poole's high game of the year rushing with 162 yards on 23 carries. He garnered 1 TD. The Ducks were led on the ground by James who had 16 carries for 134 yds and 1 TD.

Last week the Ducks had Virginia and we had WKU. Both Virginia and WKU imploded on offense and both the Ducks and Vols repectively capitalized.

I think it's obvious the 2013 Vols show promise of being a more disciplined team. Those freshmen Olinemen of 2010 are now Seniors for the most part. We do have a lot of youth at key positions on both sides of the ball so I think the game comes down to maturity. Contrary to what I've heard this week I don't really think WKU tested our resiliency. Oregon on the other hand will be a marquee test. This team we believe has a tougher mentality and unquestionably better staff leadership.

I don't think there is any one metric that we have to excel at beyond what we're capable of. We have to play our game. We have to play with physicality and discipline and we have to protect the football. We can't afford special team mistakes and we need to improve the timing and ball placement between our QB & receivers. Our OLine and backs need to keep Worley as clean as a whistle. In 2010 they gave up 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Our defense had 1 sack and 4 TFLs.

Oregon is penalty prone but protects the football. We need to challenge their ability to protect the rock and we will. We'll get to see how well our defense has progressed with pursuit angles and leveraging the football. This year I actually think they at least know what those concepts mean.

Tennessee 45 Oregon 24

Let the debate...

 

[wU-Tang Vol]

Oregon- 49
UT- 17

 

[Ron Swanson]

Great posts by Nick, Duckit and ChattaTNVol. Well done, fellas. :hi:

I said it the other day and it seems you guys agree, turnovers and running the ball will be the key to UT having a chance for a W. And since I'm an eternal optimist with my orange shades permanently glued to my face, I'm going with ChattaTNVol...Vols win.

Our defense is going to create big play turnovers, similar to WKU, Oregon is going to have too many penalties (giving UT good field position) and mental mistakes, Worley and our OL are going to play their best games, controlling the clock and sustaining long drives and the Vols will score early and often and take the wind out of Oregon's sails. Butch is about to show the CFB world what he's building at UT and that's an extremely disciplined, well coached, hardworking, championship program in Knoxville. Get ready boys, the fun begins this Saturday...


42-28 Vols

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Great analysis...I am not sold on what Worley has shown us the first two games. He threw off of his back foot in the AP game and did it a few times in the WK game. That needs to stop. I believe our defense will be disciplined and shut down their run game for the most part. I hope that our offense can sustain drives and put points on the board.

28-17 Vols

 

[nicksjuzunk]

Great analysis...I am not sold on what Worley has shown us the first two games. He threw off of his back foot in the AP game and did it a few times in the WK game. That needs to stop. I believe our defense will be disciplined and shut down their run game for the most part. I hope that our offense can sustain drives and put points on the board.

28-17 Vols

That's pretty stout juice, my friend.

 

[Ericvol2096]

Great thread so far, here are my thoughts.

I feel good about our ability to run the ball, but only if Worley can keep our passing attack somewhat in order. I am really worried about Pig not playing (Which Hubbs hasn't said for sure, he almost made it sound like they were holding him out to make sure he could play). Pig would be our only real mismatch in the passing game IMO against Oregon.

Our fans want to act like Oregon doesn't have any defense, that they are small and give up tons of points. That isn't true at all. They have a top 20 defense that would fit into the SEC very well.

I think if Pig can go, Worley looks for him early and often as he can hit him on quick routes in space and let him get 5-10 yards to keep the Ducks somewhat honest in the pass game. Then we continue to pound the rock, over and over again hopefully being able to average 4-5 yards per carry. (this is not anywhere close to a certainty because like the Duck poster said their DLine is much better than usual.)

On defense, I just don't see us being able to stop them consistently at all. I think we slow them down, make them earn everything they get but I think they have 4 or 5 drives each half that get them deep into our territory. The key is to hold them to some FGs and create some turnovers when the field gets shorter (it is easier to do here because they don't have as much room to hit explosive plays on us).

So in summary I think we do a lot of that well enough to be hanging around at halftime (20-14 Ducks type score) but I think we just aren't able to create ENOUGH breaks to get the win and I see them pulling away in the second half.

Oregon - 41
Vols - 24

 

[volfan5589]

SEC predictions: Week 3 - ESPN
heres Aschoff and Low's predictions
They have oregon beating us worse then louisville beating kentucky???

 

[nicksjuzunk]

I never really buy into this, but it's fun to look at.

Computer simulation for this week's game. The computer simulates the game 100 times and this is the composite.

2013 Week 3 - Tennessee Volunteers vs. Oregon Ducks From WhatIfSports.com

 

[chavisut]

60-17 Ducks

 

[ChattaTNVol]

Great analysis...I am not sold on what Worley has shown us the first two games. He threw off of his back foot in the AP game and did it a few times in the WK game. That needs to stop. I believe our defense will be disciplined and shut down their run game for the most part. I hope that our offense can sustain drives and put points on the board.

28-17 Vols

I haven't studied the film of the AP game but I did a review of the WKU Passing game and I think it's obvious that when the passing game goes good the QB most often gets the credit and it when things don't look so hot he get's the heat. The truth as they say is often somewhere in-between. Azzanni yesterday put a lot of the cause for our under performance on the receivers and CMB said Worley still needs to improve.

Anyway, Worley made 19 passes against WKU and I looked at each one multiple times. I wanted to see if he was stepping into his throws. I wanted to see what kind of pressure he had and how he performed with and without. I also wanted to look at ball placement but given Azzanni's comments and realizing the ball is often already out of Worley's hands before the final cut in some cases it's difficult to judge who has the timing or depth issue.

I'm not an expert but this is what I saw:

#1 Play action to Croom - Pass high off of receiver's fingertips. Left side DE is unblocked and charging as Worley releases the ball. Grade: C
#2 Pass to Smith - nearly picked off. Smith curled in while Worley's throw suggests Smith was supposed to curl out. He stepped into his throw nicely. Grade: D
#3 Sports Center Pass to North - Right side DE was supposed to be picked up by Downs. Downs completely missed the block and the DE was wrapped around Worley's legs as he stepped into and released the throw. Grade: B+
#4 3rd & Goal leading 14-3 throw away over the middle. 2 Blitzers were coming from the right side (Worley's left). One had a straight shot; no blocker. Worley just drops the ball in an open space downfield. Grade: A
#5 Pass to Smith on a curl in. Steps into and makes a good throw. Great blocking. Grade: A
#6 Rolling left fires for Pig on sideline. Almost picked off, no real pressure. Bad decision to throw imo. Grade: D
#7 Hits Pig on sideline - No Pressure - underthrown, footwork okay. Grade: C-
#8 Deep pass to Croom - Good step into throw - through Jason's hands. No Pressure. Grade: A
#9 Deep pass to North - Good form, no pressure, maybe underthrown by half a step. Pass deflected by defender as it hits North's hands. Grade: B
#10 Deep to Johnston - complete but underthrown. Hit as he throws. Could have been a TD. Grade: C+
#11 Curl in to Smith - Good throw, good form, no pressure. Grade: A
#12 Overthrow to North at leftside flag. Not catchable inbounds. North was well defended imo. No pressure, good form. Grade: B+
#13 Curl in to Carter - no pressure, okay form. Grade: B+
#14 Quick slant to Smith - Good pass, good form, no pressure. Grade: A
#15 Screen to Neal - all Okay. Grade: B+
#16 Swing pass to Pig - all Okay. Grade B+
#17 Interception - Blitz coming. Forces pass to endzone. Ball is underthrown. A couple or so feet further would likely have been a TD. Trying too hard to make a play. Grade: F
#18 Pass to Johnston - Good protection, Good form, good pass. Grade: A
#19 1 Yd TD pass to Downs crossing behind the line. Play action, looked okay. Grade: A

That was my take.

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

Great analysis...I am not sold on what Worley has shown us the first two games. He threw off of his back foot in the AP game and did it a few times in the WK game. That needs to stop. I believe our defense will be disciplined and shut down their run game for the most part. I hope that our offense can sustain drives and put points on the board.

28-17 Vols

I hope and wish that the game is this low-scoring, but it is highly doubtful. I believe that we have to score 40+ points to have a chance.

 

[Glitch]

SEC predictions: Week 3 - ESPN
heres Aschoff and Low's predictions
They have oregon beating us worse then louisville beating kentucky???

WKU beats KY.
We spank WKU.
Lousiville would spank WKU.

Therefore using the transitive property Lousiville will murder KY. I personally don't think OR beats us worse than the shalaking(sp) that Louisville is gonna hand KY.

 

[chavisut]

We'll need about eight turnovers to Oregon under 20.

 

[jjay2518]

Here's something for the group that I don't think I've seen discussed...

Everybody has been excited for Jacques Smith getting back in the lineup for Oregon. I remember even back in the Wilcox 4-3 days, his biggest issue being that he crashes inside and was really bad at setting an edge. Playing a team like Oregon will very much expose whether the coaches have broken him of his bad habits or not. It'll be interesting to watch whether he plays his assignments now or still goes off script.

 

[OCIVol]

 

[OCIVol]

Butch has a plan...

 

[OCIVol]

 

[orangeluvr]

Oregon- 49
UT- 17

:stop: :nono: :sad:

 

[Vol_sanity]

You guys are F'ing awesome..great posts!!
I had, without question the best game day with opposing fans when Oregon came to Knoxville. The Oregon fans took it all in and were very respectful before and after the game. For that reason alone, I root for them most weeks.

I think we run the ball well, for that reason I think we get Oregon out of rythem a bit. Because of that my prediction is:

38-19 Oregon

 

[orangeluvr]

Post of the week, IMO !! :good!: :hi:

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

Vols win 41-39 on a game-ending 46 yard FG from none other than Palardy.