Seven reasons to back off the ledge

[tennesseekilt]

OK, I was as disappointed as anyone in the team’s performance last night, but I’m also not ready to write this team or this season off based on one bad performance. Here are a few key reasons why:

1.) Sure, we should have hammered them, but App State is a dang good team. They just are. Veteran led, tough, smart, determined… you name it, they were it last night and they played like warrior-priests. People forget they were actually rated ahead of several SEC teams, including several currently on UT’s schedule. This game is the 6th toughest we’ll play this year. They’ll win at least 9 games this season, if not 10+, and they’ll likely give Miami a run for their money.

2.) The breaks were nearly back-breaking. The touchdown that wasn’t (shades of Florida), the muffed punt, the ‘targeting’ call, even the Josh Smith non-catch (mainly the late review) – these were all things that got the team down early. But hey, they overcame it and got a key break at the end

3.) The biggest jump for teams is between weeks 1 and 2. The SEC analysts said this after the game. Expect a HUGE improvement for VA Tech. After all, they’ve got a LOT to work on.

4.) Many solid teams, including Florida and Georgia last year, play horribly for a game or two against an opponent that, on paper, they should do better against. It’s just the nature of the beast. Thankfully, we got the win.

5.) Adjustments in the second half. Halftime adjustments are key, and show good coaching. The defense didn’t allow any points. The offense did better, albeit not nearly at the level we were hoping.

6.) No major injuries. Always a good thing!

7.) Another thing the analysts said that resonated with me is that this could very well be the best thing to happen to Tennessee. I agree. Going forward, I’d rather the team learn to overcome adversity with a close win like this than waltz over a paper tiger and think they’re better than they are.

Are there reasons for concern? Of course! My biggest at this point is the O-line and Dobb’s passing ability, but the O-line showed improvement from game to game last year, as did Dobbs, so I’m expecting both to improve.

 

[Rocky_Top_Vol13]

OK, I was as disappointed as anyone in the team’s performance last night, but I’m also not ready to write this team or this season off based on one bad performance. Here are a few key reasons why:

1.) Sure, we should have hammered them, but App State is a dang good team. They just are. Veteran led, tough, smart, determined… you name it, they were it last night and they played like warrior-priests. People forget they were actually rated ahead of several SEC teams, including several currently on UT’s schedule. This game is the 6th toughest we’ll play this year. They’ll win at least 9 games this season, if not 10+, and they’ll likely give Miami a run for their money.

2.) The breaks were nearly back-breaking. The touchdown that wasn’t (shades of Florida), the muffed punt, the ‘targeting’ call, even the Josh Smith non-catch (mainly the late review) – these were all things that got the team down early. But hey, they overcame it and got a key break at the end

3.) The biggest jump for teams is between weeks 1 and 2. The SEC analysts said this after the game. Expect a HUGE improvement for VA Tech. After all, they’ve got a LOT to work on.

4.) Many solid teams, including Florida and Georgia last year, play horribly for a game or two against an opponent that, on paper, they should do better against. It’s just the nature of the beast. Thankfully, we got the win.

5.) Adjustments in the second half. Halftime adjustments are key, and show good coaching. The defense didn’t allow any points. The offense did better, albeit not nearly at the level we were hoping.

6.) No major injuries. Always a good thing!

7.) Another thing the analysts said that resonated with me is that this could very well be the best thing to happen to Tennessee. I agree. Going forward, I’d rather the team learn to overcome adversity with a close win like this than waltz over a paper tiger and think they’re better than they are.

Are there reasons for concern? Of course! My biggest at this point is the O-line and Dobb’s passing ability, but the O-line showed improvement from game to game last year, as did Dobbs, so I’m expecting both to improve.

I fully agree. I think this was a wake-up call that we desperately needed.

 

[derekewhitlock]

Let's hope you are right. In the meantime, can someone please explain to how a review can take place after a subsequent play has run? Did I hallucinate or was a review called on a play with no timeout by anyone taken and after a subsequent play had been completed? WTF?

 

[ButchPlz]

Let's hope you are right. In the meantime, can someone please explain to how a review can take place after a subsequent play has run? Did I hallucinate or was a review called on a play with no timeout by anyone taken and after a subsequent play had been completed? WTF?

The refs appeared to say that the review call was made before we started.

The problem is the refs did not kill the play immediately when they received the call (apparently). They did not stop the clock, wave the play dead, or anything.

I don't care whose mistake that was, it wasn't ours and we got punished for it. As bad as we looked, if officials are going to be this bad all year this will be a tough season for SEC football.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

I liked how after the game and it showed them walking into the locker room there was no celebrating. All the players basically looked like they actually lost the game. They know this wont get it done against other teams. Theyll learn from this.

 

[VolInDayton]

The o-line, especially the guards and the center were getting beat all night. This is the first game that I remember Dobbs having negative rushing yards for. A quarterback who is not a good thrower should at least be picking up a couple first downs with his legs. I just saw a lot of players who I know played better last have a awful game and I hope that changes. The one bright spot was how Cortez made some big plays filling in early for JRM

 

[ClearwaterVol]

My biggest concern is the oline and the play calling. Dobbs is serviceable. Defense was solid.

 

[Iam4utalways]

After the fact we won the game, what I liked most was that our players weren't scared to gamble. Cam with the muffed punt was trying to make things happen. JRM not being afraid to hit someone. Dobbs throwing the 50/50 ball at the end of the half trying to make things happen. Berry bringing out the 2nd half kickoff from 5 yards deep making things happen. Dobbs diving for the TD making things happen.

They stared a loss down and didn't blink.

Live and learn. Win and move on.

Bring on VTech.

 

[TennesseeRhett]

My biggest concern is the oline and the play calling. Dobbs is serviceable. Defense was solid.

I'm not worried about play calling yet. DeBord did a fine job calling plays last year against very good competition, and it's the same DeBord doing it this year. Vanilla offense for a home opener does not give me worries for a season's worth of play calling, even though it nearly cost us the game.

 

[checkerboards09]

The OL was awful. Dobbs barely had any time to go deep. We could have had multiple long TD throws like the one to Malone if they would have protected better.

 

[dhb92]

I agree we need to come back for the VT and lay some lumber and come out with a multiple TD win. If we do that I think the players/fans will have renewed confidence and we can get it down in time for UF.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

After the fact we won the game, what I liked most was that our players weren't scared to gamble. Cam with the muffed punt was trying to make things happen. JRM not being afraid to hit someone. Dobbs throwing the 50/50 ball at the end of the half trying to make things happen. Berry bringing out the 2nd half kickoff from 5 yards deep making things happen. Dobbs diving for the TD making things happen.

They stared a loss down and didn't blink.

Live and learn. Win and move on.

Bring on VTech.

That wasnt even close to a 50/50 ball. That was like a 5/95 ball. Completely unacceptable and careless.

 

[SupremeVol]

I have got to say this might be the smartest post on this message board. First game of the season. A lot of our star guys went thru a very light practice (green jerseys) and they were rusty. Thats just a fact. There were a few good things in this game I liked:
1. Barnett was disruptive. He played fast and hard.
2. Cortez McDowell stepped in and minus the first few plays, he played smart.
3. And the most important thing, this team did not "Dooley" away the game. A few years ago we would have wilted away because we couldn't handle pressure situations.
Take nothing away from App State. They played hard, milked the clock and they had nothing to loose. That is a good team. We didnt look great but fighting off a team like that will go a long way. Side note: how many other SEC teams would App State have beaten last night? Vandy, Kentucky, Mizzou, SC, etc. Cheer up VolNation. We got over a tough hurdle. Lets get behind our boys. Vols Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sarms58]

OK, I was as disappointed as anyone in the team’s performance last night, but I’m also not ready to write this team or this season off based on one bad performance. Here are a few key reasons why:

1.) Sure, we should have hammered them, but App State is a dang good team. They just are. Veteran led, tough, smart, determined… you name it, they were it last night and they played like warrior-priests. People forget they were actually rated ahead of several SEC teams, including several currently on UT’s schedule. This game is the 6th toughest we’ll play this year. They’ll win at least 9 games this season, if not 10+, and they’ll likely give Miami a run for their money.

That's a good news/bad news assessment...Apply State is ranked #42 - ahead of South Carolina (43), Missouri (49), Vanderbilt (65), Kentucky (89) and Ohio (102)...

We came out as flat as I've ever seen a team on opening night...let some calls get in our heads...and allowed a smaller, more determined team dominate the LOS for the entire first half...we put the ball on the ground at least three times, had unforced penalties, and didn't show much heart until late in the game...

If we play like we did last night, we'll be a 6-6 or 7-5 team...

BUT, I don't expect we will play like that...our guys clearly believed all the hype and more or less just showed up...Hopefully this will be a huge wakeup call...but the senior leadership must be the ones to step up...

Let's put it behind us and focus on VT...

 

[Vols_14]

What happened to Preston Williams in the 2nd half? That first drive he was on fire

 

[Thump]

After the fact we won the game, what I liked most was that our players weren't scared to gamble. Cam with the muffed punt was trying to make things happen. JRM not being afraid to hit someone. Dobbs throwing the 50/50 ball at the end of the half trying to make things happen. Berry bringing out the 2nd half kickoff from 5 yards deep making things happen. Dobbs diving for the TD making things happen.

They stared a loss down and didn't blink.

Live and learn. Win and move on.

Bring on VTech.

Some of those 50/50 balls would have been taken the other way. Those little hitch routes he throws might cost us six.

The JRM hit was a guy getting low and a BS targeting foul. They need to fix that part of the rule. Overall, the rule is good but when someone ducks then it should be a penalty without ejection.

The Muffed punt is just built up emotion and trying to make a play happen. Will be a good lesson for him going forward.

The premise that we weren't afraid to gamble is a problem though. You shouldn't have to gamble vs the Sunbelt. Stick to the gameplan (assuming there is one) and beat your opponent. If we are as good as everyone seems to think all offseason then we shouldn't have to make so many gambles...

 

[walkenvol]

After the fact we won the game, what I liked most was that our players weren't scared to gamble. Cam with the muffed punt was trying to make things happen. JRM not being afraid to hit someone. Dobbs throwing the 50/50 ball at the end of the half trying to make things happen. Berry bringing out the 2nd half kickoff from 5 yards deep making things happen. Dobbs diving for the TD making things happen.

They stared a loss down and didn't blink.

Live and learn. Win and move on.

Bring on VTech.

Which shows how little you know about playing winning football.

#1 rule of winning football is ball security. Turnovers allow inferior teams to defeat better teams. Cam would tell you that as the punt returner above all else he must cleanly field the punt.

JRM has never been afraid to hit anyone and his penalty / ejection was just bad luck IMO. No fair catch was called, of course JRM was going to lay the lumber. JRM was aiming to hit the guy in his mid section and had no way on such a bang bang play to anticipate the punt returner would squat down so low.

If Dobbs throws that pass into the bleachers, then Medely gets an opportunity to kick at a makeable FG. 3 points there would have completely changed the complexion of the game in the 2nd half. I'd bet my house Dobbs would say it was a moronic decision and he doesn't want to repeat it.

Berry's been doing it for 2 years now!

Dobbs running is his strength.

 

[Stoked]

I didn't realize this until after the fact, but App State is actually a top 50 team (#50 to be exact per CBS) I guess I overlooked them just like the team did. I don't think our team will play this bad again this year. I think this team will make a huge leap between week 1 & 2. It helps that we get a few extra days to break some film down and improve on weaknesses.

 

[Iam4utalways]

That wasnt even close to a 50/50 ball. That was like a 5/95 ball. Completely unacceptable and careless.

When it's man coverage and you throw it up for grabs our guys have got to grab it or at least protect the ball. He could have thrown it away and we would have kicked a long FG and won in regulation.

 

[Orange Alert]

When it's man coverage and you throw it up for grabs our guys have got to grab it or at least protect the ball. He could have thrown it away and we would have kicked a long FG and won in regulation.

That was a terrible decision by Dobbs. Their DB was in a better position to catch that ball than our WR. He should have put it 3 rows in the stands and give Medley a chance to put points on the board before half.

 

[Iam4utalways]

That was a terrible decision by Dobbs. Their DB was in a better position to catch that ball than our WR. He should have put it 3 rows in the stands and give Medley a chance to put points on the board before half.

For sure. Live and learn.

 

[JohnMcA60]

OK, I was as disappointed as anyone in the team’s performance last night, but I’m also not ready to write this team or this season off based on one bad performance. Here are a few key reasons why:

1.) Sure, we should have hammered them, but App State is a dang good team. They just are. Veteran led, tough, smart, determined… you name it, they were it last night and they played like warrior-priests. People forget they were actually rated ahead of several SEC teams, including several currently on UT’s schedule. This game is the 6th toughest we’ll play this year. They’ll win at least 9 games this season, if not 10+, and they’ll likely give Miami a run for their money.

2.) The breaks were nearly back-breaking. The touchdown that wasn’t (shades of Florida), the muffed punt, the ‘targeting’ call, even the Josh Smith non-catch (mainly the late review) – these were all things that got the team down early. But hey, they overcame it and got a key break at the end

3.) The biggest jump for teams is between weeks 1 and 2. The SEC analysts said this after the game. Expect a HUGE improvement for VA Tech. After all, they’ve got a LOT to work on.

4.) Many solid teams, including Florida and Georgia last year, play horribly for a game or two against an opponent that, on paper, they should do better against. It’s just the nature of the beast. Thankfully, we got the win.

5.) Adjustments in the second half. Halftime adjustments are key, and show good coaching. The defense didn’t allow any points. The offense did better, albeit not nearly at the level we were hoping.

6.) No major injuries. Always a good thing!

7.) Another thing the analysts said that resonated with me is that this could very well be the best thing to happen to Tennessee. I agree. Going forward, I’d rather the team learn to overcome adversity with a close win like this than waltz over a paper tiger and think they’re better than they are.

Are there reasons for concern? Of course! My biggest at this point is the O-line and Dobb’s passing ability, but the O-line showed improvement from game to game last year, as did Dobbs, so I’m expecting both to improve.

My thoughts exactly. During the game I wouldn't have agreed but we did get the win. We do have a lot to work on and if we don't then we should all really panic. A loss to VT or FL and we are in for a very long year. Well said

 

[Buster1972]

The Vols got some dang lucky good breaks as well. They should have lost last night and I hope the coaches and players realize this, instead of patting themselves on the back for resiliency.

A muffed extra point. An extra point that should be automatic and they missed it. If that extra point was made there would be a completely different tone on this board this morning.

And I won't even mention their other missed field goal, numerous opportunities they had to recover fumbles when having the numbers advantage, awful clock management at the end on their part.

No, the Vols were dang lucky last night.

 

[bkbasketball]

What happened to Preston Williams in the 2nd half? That first drive he was on fire

It appeared he tweaked his hamstring in the 4th quarter and did not return to the game.

 

[Iam4utalways]

The Vols got some dang lucky good breaks as well. They should have lost last night and I hope the coaches and players realize this, instead of patting themselves on the back for resiliency.

A muffed extra point. An extra point that should be automatic and they missed it. If that extra point was made there would be a completely different tone on this board this morning.

And I won't even mention their other missed field goal, numerous opportunities they had to recover fumbles when having the numbers advantage, awful clock management at the end on their part.

No, the Vols were dang lucky last night.

Anytime a live ball is bouncing around luck is involed. Glad our players weren't cought watching.