nicksjuzunk
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A recently played opponent (2009) rolls back into Knoxville this weekend. A lot has transpired since the 63-7 shellacking Tennessee dished out in Lane Kiffin's debut. At the time, hopes were high on Rocky Top, as the hot shot young coach rolled into town and made a lot of noise on the recruiting trail. Sound familiar? Western Kentucky was one of the worst teams in Division 1 football. A lot has changed since then.
Willie Taggert took over the team in 2010 and had the following records:
2010: 2-10
2011: 7-5
2012: 7-6
He parlayed that notable success into a better job, and Bobby "Easy Rider" Petrino jumped onto the saddle, giving the Hilltoppers a chance at sustaining success and possibly building a strong program from nothing, ala Boise State.
Although comically disloyal, both to his teams (Louisville & ATL Falcons) and to his own wife, Petrino can coach ball. He can really coach ball. His offensive mind is top 5 in the nation.
So what does the game this week look like for Tennessee? Well, a good % of posters are concerned because of Petrino, and the fact that the Hilltoppers have defeated KY 2 years in a row. What we must keep in mind is that last year's KY team was horrifically terrible... even by KY's standards. This year's team, in spite of all of the recruiting hype for 2013 is still horrible.
Let's analyze why TN will not have a problem:
1. Athletes: Western KY does not have the athletes TN has. They can not match us physically or athletically with our 1's. Our 2's? Well, that may be a bit closer.
2. TN Rushing Attack: KY rushed for over 200 yards, with an eye popping 6.8 yards per carry. KY, y'all. What do you think our OL will do to their undersized defensive line? Even if Neal and Lane are average, we will rush for over 300 yards.
3. 3rd Down Conversion: KY only averaged a 40% 3rd down conversion rate. That will not win ball games. TN should be able to be able to at least convert 65%.
4. Return Game: West KY was weak defending the return game against KY. KY averaged nearly 25 yards per kick return and 27 per punt return. If TN can force enough punts, they will be able to flip the field position and be in scoring position more often. Also, DY is due one.
5. Revenge: Maybe it's an angle that's being played, maybe not. But knowing how Butch likes to motivate his players, I would be willing to bet he has reminded the upperclassmen of the 49-7 thrashing they received from Petrino at Arkansas in 2011. That loss stung, and the older players will be ready at a little redemption.
TN 45
WKY 24
Willie Taggert took over the team in 2010 and had the following records:
2010: 2-10
2011: 7-5
2012: 7-6
He parlayed that notable success into a better job, and Bobby "Easy Rider" Petrino jumped onto the saddle, giving the Hilltoppers a chance at sustaining success and possibly building a strong program from nothing, ala Boise State.
Although comically disloyal, both to his teams (Louisville & ATL Falcons) and to his own wife, Petrino can coach ball. He can really coach ball. His offensive mind is top 5 in the nation.
So what does the game this week look like for Tennessee? Well, a good % of posters are concerned because of Petrino, and the fact that the Hilltoppers have defeated KY 2 years in a row. What we must keep in mind is that last year's KY team was horrifically terrible... even by KY's standards. This year's team, in spite of all of the recruiting hype for 2013 is still horrible.
Let's analyze why TN will not have a problem:
1. Athletes: Western KY does not have the athletes TN has. They can not match us physically or athletically with our 1's. Our 2's? Well, that may be a bit closer.
2. TN Rushing Attack: KY rushed for over 200 yards, with an eye popping 6.8 yards per carry. KY, y'all. What do you think our OL will do to their undersized defensive line? Even if Neal and Lane are average, we will rush for over 300 yards.
3. 3rd Down Conversion: KY only averaged a 40% 3rd down conversion rate. That will not win ball games. TN should be able to be able to at least convert 65%.
4. Return Game: West KY was weak defending the return game against KY. KY averaged nearly 25 yards per kick return and 27 per punt return. If TN can force enough punts, they will be able to flip the field position and be in scoring position more often. Also, DY is due one.
5. Revenge: Maybe it's an angle that's being played, maybe not. But knowing how Butch likes to motivate his players, I would be willing to bet he has reminded the upperclassmen of the 49-7 thrashing they received from Petrino at Arkansas in 2011. That loss stung, and the older players will be ready at a little redemption.
TN 45
WKY 24
