VolinArizona
not in Arizona anymore
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... that need to play well:
Florida
5. Jim Tartt - The starting LG for Florida could be the youngest starter on the offensive line for the Gators on Saturday. He is the least experienced lineman on an already young, questionable offensive line. If redshirt freshman OG Ronnie Wilson and JR OT Carlton Medder start, it will be 3 new starters playing their 1st start at Neyland Stadium. Tartt was a highly rated prospect coming out of high school, and played in 3 games last season before being injured. He's a big, strong kid, but behind him is a true freshman in Maurice Hurt. Tartt and company will be called upon early and often against what will likely be a fast, aggressive front 7 from Tennessee. If Tartt and the other new starters can give Leak some time, while also creating holes for Wynn and Moore, Florida will be in good position to score often.
4. Brian Crum - The SR starting OLB had 13 tackles last season and played next to 2 excellent LBs in Earl Everett and Brandon Siler. Crum has great size at 6'3", 237 and will need to play strong in run support. However, his real test could be seen in coverage. As the weakside LB, Crum could see some coverage against a slot receiver or a back coming out to the flats. Crum will need to play disciplined and make sure tackles to reduce extra yardage on short receptions.
3. Ryan Smith - The graduated Utah transfer will play his first game in Neyland stadium against an offense that seems to be clicking. Smith took advantage of a new rule that allows graduates to transfer without sitting out a year, granted they have eligibility remaining. Smith was a starter at Utah, but can he cover some of the SEC's best athletes? Reggie Lewis plays the opposite corner, and while Lewis has some experience, he isn't a lockdown corner. If Florida hopes to stop Tennessee's rejunenated passing game, Smith will need to play with a lot of speed and discipline, or he'll end up like Syd'Quan Thompson.
2. DeShawn Wynn - Wynn has 6 starts in the last 3 seasons, and has averaged a solid 4.5 yards per carry. While the nation's best runners typically average over 5 yards a carry, if Florida gets 4.5 out of Wynn on Saturday, Tennessee could be in for some trouble. Last season, the Gators managed only 68 rushing yards on 37 carries against Tennessee, and they only made 13 First Downs. Wynn, along with Kestahn Moore, will play huge roles not only in trying to add another dimension to the Florida attack, but also in pass protection. Tennessee blitzed a lot under John Chavis, so Wynn and Moore will need to block well to keep Chris Leak upright. Last season, Florida allowed 5 sacks against Tennessee.
1. Chris Leak - Much has been written and discussed about the less than amicable end of a relationship between Chris Leak and the University of Tennessee. That alone will cause debate amongst Vol and Gator fans about the value of Chris Leak. The stats speak for themselves: Leak is a good quarterback who may or may not play well against the best defenses in the country. Leak is 1-2 against Tennessee, but the 2 losses were in his first 2 seasons. Leak is a gifted quarterback physically, but some critics have said he isn't a big game quarterback. After looking at a set of pass defense efficiency ratings from 2005, here is how Chris Leak played against the 6 teams he faced in the top 30 of passing defense:
vs. Wyoming (#30/207.4 yards per game) - 26-34, 320
vs. Tennessee (#29/215.7 per game) - 17-26, 179
vs. Georgia (#27/169.6 per game) - 15-20, 108
@ S. Carolina (#22/186.5 per game) - 18-31, 210
@ LSU (#5/175.3 per game) - 11-30, 107
@ Alabama (#3/160.8 per game) - 16-37, 187
Against Wyoming, he performed well over what Wyoming allowed. Also, against South Carolina, he faired better than most QBs in 2005. However, notice the dropoff against the other 4 pass defenses.
There is no doubt in my mind that Chris Leak is and can be an excellent quarterback, but the stats show that he hasn't always played his best in the big games. He will need to show why he's been an almost 4-year starter and why he chose Florida over Tennessee. If Leak has a big game, you can expect Florida to win. If not, who knows?
Tennessee
5. Michael Frogg - Frogg had only played in 4 games coming into the 2006 season, yet was named starting C for the season opener. Against Air Force, after Ramon Foster went down to injury, Frogg slid over to OG and Josh McNeil took over at C. Frogg is a large kid, even after losing weight in the offseason. Frogg will need to supply the offensive line with solild minutes at either G or C against Florida. The Gators have transformed from a pass happy offensive team to a team that prides itself on great defense. With Foster questionable at OG, and McNeil playing as a redshirt freshman, Frogg has to play strong, yet still get to the outside on sweeps and pulls.
4. Erik Ainge - Everyone and their mother has heard about Erik Ainge's struggles in 2005. Now, all of those people have probably heard about his successes so far in 2006. Ainge looks better than ever, but against an Air Force defense that didn't have the speed to keep up with UT's receivers. His stat sheet also benefits from long receptions that were truly 5 yard completions turned into huge gains after the catch. However, Ainge looks incredibly different from the way he walks, to the way he talks, even in the way he claps his hands when leaving the huddle. David Cutcliffe has already worked wonders with Ainge, and don't be surprised if they open the playbook up against Florida. Ainge will need to remain calm WHEN, not if, he gets knocked down. Florida's front 7 will challenge him to make quick, correct decisions in the pocket. If he gets rattled, it could get ugly.
3. Montario Hardesty - Hardesty was named the #2 in 2005 behind Gerald Riggs before being injured. This season, he entered as the #2 behind Arian Foster. Hardesty had an amazing run against Cal where he was stopped for a 4-5 yard gain, but kept fighting until he broke loose for a 40 yard+ touchdown. Outside of that, he's been hit or miss. Hardesty has all the tools to become the next great SEC running back, but he needs to look forward. Hardesty has amazing moves with the ball, but sometimes moves a little too much. If Hardesty can focus on moving north and south, while tossing in a little east-west, he will become one of the best running backs in the SEC RIGHT NOW.
2. Demetrice Morley - The SO defensive back came into Knoxville as one of the most highly rated DB prospects in the country. Morley has been stuck behind some very talented corners and safeties. With the loss of Roshaun Fellows in the summer, and now Inky Johnson, Morley should be pressed into duty at either cornerback or strong safety. He either directly fills in for Johnson at corner, or Antwan Stewart slides over from his SS spot and Morley goes there. Either way, Morley will be counted on to keep the outstanding 4-headed WR dragon that Florida fields in check. Morley has speed, size, and the cover ability to be an All American DB, but will need to grow up quick this Saturday.
1. Demonte Bolden - One of the prize recruits in 2005, Bolden hasn't quite lived up to his hype yet. A top 10 DL prospect out of high school, Bolden hasn't cracked the starting rotation yet as a sophomore. With the loss of future 1st round pick (before injury) Justin Harrell, the already thin defensive line has become thinner. Turk McBride, JT Mapu, and Xavier Mitchell have already shown they can get after it, but Bolden, along with Ayers, Reynolds, and McGlothin, will need to hit their level NOW. One thing the UT defense can not allow is Florida to add the running game to their attack. Bolden will need to be able to hold blocks and allow the speedy, talented LB corps to spring full speed through lanes. If Bolden can give good minutes at tackle, the DL will be as good as they were pre-Harrell injury.
Other players needing to step up: Tremaine McCollum (UF CB), Ryan Stamper (UF LB), Dustin Doe (UF LB), Tate Casey (UF TE), Arian Foster (UT RB), Cory Anderson (UT FB), Bret Smith (UT WR), Marvin Mitchell (UT LB), Robert Ayers (UT DE)
Florida
5. Jim Tartt - The starting LG for Florida could be the youngest starter on the offensive line for the Gators on Saturday. He is the least experienced lineman on an already young, questionable offensive line. If redshirt freshman OG Ronnie Wilson and JR OT Carlton Medder start, it will be 3 new starters playing their 1st start at Neyland Stadium. Tartt was a highly rated prospect coming out of high school, and played in 3 games last season before being injured. He's a big, strong kid, but behind him is a true freshman in Maurice Hurt. Tartt and company will be called upon early and often against what will likely be a fast, aggressive front 7 from Tennessee. If Tartt and the other new starters can give Leak some time, while also creating holes for Wynn and Moore, Florida will be in good position to score often.
4. Brian Crum - The SR starting OLB had 13 tackles last season and played next to 2 excellent LBs in Earl Everett and Brandon Siler. Crum has great size at 6'3", 237 and will need to play strong in run support. However, his real test could be seen in coverage. As the weakside LB, Crum could see some coverage against a slot receiver or a back coming out to the flats. Crum will need to play disciplined and make sure tackles to reduce extra yardage on short receptions.
3. Ryan Smith - The graduated Utah transfer will play his first game in Neyland stadium against an offense that seems to be clicking. Smith took advantage of a new rule that allows graduates to transfer without sitting out a year, granted they have eligibility remaining. Smith was a starter at Utah, but can he cover some of the SEC's best athletes? Reggie Lewis plays the opposite corner, and while Lewis has some experience, he isn't a lockdown corner. If Florida hopes to stop Tennessee's rejunenated passing game, Smith will need to play with a lot of speed and discipline, or he'll end up like Syd'Quan Thompson.
2. DeShawn Wynn - Wynn has 6 starts in the last 3 seasons, and has averaged a solid 4.5 yards per carry. While the nation's best runners typically average over 5 yards a carry, if Florida gets 4.5 out of Wynn on Saturday, Tennessee could be in for some trouble. Last season, the Gators managed only 68 rushing yards on 37 carries against Tennessee, and they only made 13 First Downs. Wynn, along with Kestahn Moore, will play huge roles not only in trying to add another dimension to the Florida attack, but also in pass protection. Tennessee blitzed a lot under John Chavis, so Wynn and Moore will need to block well to keep Chris Leak upright. Last season, Florida allowed 5 sacks against Tennessee.
1. Chris Leak - Much has been written and discussed about the less than amicable end of a relationship between Chris Leak and the University of Tennessee. That alone will cause debate amongst Vol and Gator fans about the value of Chris Leak. The stats speak for themselves: Leak is a good quarterback who may or may not play well against the best defenses in the country. Leak is 1-2 against Tennessee, but the 2 losses were in his first 2 seasons. Leak is a gifted quarterback physically, but some critics have said he isn't a big game quarterback. After looking at a set of pass defense efficiency ratings from 2005, here is how Chris Leak played against the 6 teams he faced in the top 30 of passing defense:
vs. Wyoming (#30/207.4 yards per game) - 26-34, 320
vs. Tennessee (#29/215.7 per game) - 17-26, 179
vs. Georgia (#27/169.6 per game) - 15-20, 108
@ S. Carolina (#22/186.5 per game) - 18-31, 210
@ LSU (#5/175.3 per game) - 11-30, 107
@ Alabama (#3/160.8 per game) - 16-37, 187
Against Wyoming, he performed well over what Wyoming allowed. Also, against South Carolina, he faired better than most QBs in 2005. However, notice the dropoff against the other 4 pass defenses.
There is no doubt in my mind that Chris Leak is and can be an excellent quarterback, but the stats show that he hasn't always played his best in the big games. He will need to show why he's been an almost 4-year starter and why he chose Florida over Tennessee. If Leak has a big game, you can expect Florida to win. If not, who knows?
Tennessee
5. Michael Frogg - Frogg had only played in 4 games coming into the 2006 season, yet was named starting C for the season opener. Against Air Force, after Ramon Foster went down to injury, Frogg slid over to OG and Josh McNeil took over at C. Frogg is a large kid, even after losing weight in the offseason. Frogg will need to supply the offensive line with solild minutes at either G or C against Florida. The Gators have transformed from a pass happy offensive team to a team that prides itself on great defense. With Foster questionable at OG, and McNeil playing as a redshirt freshman, Frogg has to play strong, yet still get to the outside on sweeps and pulls.
4. Erik Ainge - Everyone and their mother has heard about Erik Ainge's struggles in 2005. Now, all of those people have probably heard about his successes so far in 2006. Ainge looks better than ever, but against an Air Force defense that didn't have the speed to keep up with UT's receivers. His stat sheet also benefits from long receptions that were truly 5 yard completions turned into huge gains after the catch. However, Ainge looks incredibly different from the way he walks, to the way he talks, even in the way he claps his hands when leaving the huddle. David Cutcliffe has already worked wonders with Ainge, and don't be surprised if they open the playbook up against Florida. Ainge will need to remain calm WHEN, not if, he gets knocked down. Florida's front 7 will challenge him to make quick, correct decisions in the pocket. If he gets rattled, it could get ugly.
3. Montario Hardesty - Hardesty was named the #2 in 2005 behind Gerald Riggs before being injured. This season, he entered as the #2 behind Arian Foster. Hardesty had an amazing run against Cal where he was stopped for a 4-5 yard gain, but kept fighting until he broke loose for a 40 yard+ touchdown. Outside of that, he's been hit or miss. Hardesty has all the tools to become the next great SEC running back, but he needs to look forward. Hardesty has amazing moves with the ball, but sometimes moves a little too much. If Hardesty can focus on moving north and south, while tossing in a little east-west, he will become one of the best running backs in the SEC RIGHT NOW.
2. Demetrice Morley - The SO defensive back came into Knoxville as one of the most highly rated DB prospects in the country. Morley has been stuck behind some very talented corners and safeties. With the loss of Roshaun Fellows in the summer, and now Inky Johnson, Morley should be pressed into duty at either cornerback or strong safety. He either directly fills in for Johnson at corner, or Antwan Stewart slides over from his SS spot and Morley goes there. Either way, Morley will be counted on to keep the outstanding 4-headed WR dragon that Florida fields in check. Morley has speed, size, and the cover ability to be an All American DB, but will need to grow up quick this Saturday.
1. Demonte Bolden - One of the prize recruits in 2005, Bolden hasn't quite lived up to his hype yet. A top 10 DL prospect out of high school, Bolden hasn't cracked the starting rotation yet as a sophomore. With the loss of future 1st round pick (before injury) Justin Harrell, the already thin defensive line has become thinner. Turk McBride, JT Mapu, and Xavier Mitchell have already shown they can get after it, but Bolden, along with Ayers, Reynolds, and McGlothin, will need to hit their level NOW. One thing the UT defense can not allow is Florida to add the running game to their attack. Bolden will need to be able to hold blocks and allow the speedy, talented LB corps to spring full speed through lanes. If Bolden can give good minutes at tackle, the DL will be as good as they were pre-Harrell injury.
Other players needing to step up: Tremaine McCollum (UF CB), Ryan Stamper (UF LB), Dustin Doe (UF LB), Tate Casey (UF TE), Arian Foster (UT RB), Cory Anderson (UT FB), Bret Smith (UT WR), Marvin Mitchell (UT LB), Robert Ayers (UT DE)
