The bottom line after Florida

[NO SIR EEE]

Everyone is flipping their ****. Fans are calling for Dooley's head. Players are being picked apart. This is completely understandable especially after being so hyped up after the first two weeks and a promising hope for Tennessee's return to prominence.

Three things that need and I am praying will be changed.

-This team was a little arrogant, let's face it, we as fans were too. They played a decent first half and it seems that if Tennessee gets ahead or gets on a roll, they are fine. They get knocked around and go down by a couple of scores and here we go, same story from last year. Guys just giving up, almost really in a state of being intimidated. They got hit in the mouth and it showed that there is clearly a lack of heart. You don't ever quit playing your hardest, you keep hitting hard and executing. I don't wanna hear a thing about play calling, ultimately Bray is the commander, and if he would realize that and doesn't see any direction in a play called in and sees something that would be better, then call your own play. Bray is a head case also in these big game situations, he gets frustrated and starts acting like a freshman. Hell, the defense was gassed because that field became their home.

-I respect the hell out of Jay Graham, but Jay, aren't you a coach? Teach those backs to get low and run madder than hell. I get so tired of these backs, not only Tennessee but other teams also, these backs that like to dance instead of just pound the ball and drive their feet until it takes two or three guys to physically drag the back down.

-Lastly, can we please get back to the fundamentals and wrap up. Although, the defense did spend a lot of time out there tonight, there were several key missed tackles that could have put Florida in several bad situations. Quit trying to strip and wrap up and drive them into the ground. One more thing when a ball is on the ground, jump on it, and cradle that son of a *****.

My overall bottom line is that Tennessee got knocked down a level by this loss. They got hit in the mouth and had the arrogance wiped away. Will Tennessee bounce back after this loss? Absolutely, but only and I mean only if this team comes together and plays their asses off for 60 minutes, no matter if we are up by 40 or down by 40. To hell with frustration getting the best of you, play Tennessee football and represent those that played before you proudly.

GO BIG ORANGE

 

[Wezcoast]

The most frustrating part is watching our defense constantly getting juked out of their shoes or just take obscenely bad angles.

 

[O&W]

People are acting like this is the end of the world. What did we expect? To go undefeated or something? I mean yea we probably should of beat them but its not like we were suppose to beat the crap out of them or something. They are really solid.
Coming into this season everyone said they would be sastified with an 8-4 decent type season.(For the most part) We lose one game, to a rival who had plenty of hunger to beat us, and the season is a bust and we need to clean house. Lets rally around this team. I still believe they can have a nice season. Hell if it plays out right with certain teams winning and losing we could go to the dome (thats a long shot but its not too far fetched) So everyone chill out. Plenty of football to be played

 

[RichRollin]

I thought they said Neal had 23 carries for 87 yards. If that's the case I think that's pretty damn good against this defense, JMO. Especially when you consider that we quit running the ball mid 3rd quarter and his PT was limited from that point on for some odd reason. I felt that going away from the run when the game was still close was when shiz went to hell in a hand basket. The Purdue air attack from mid 3rd quarter on resulted in endless 3 and outs. Other contributing factors were involved as well, but calling out Jay Graham I have to respectfully disagree with.

 

[SamRebel35]

People are acting like this is the end of the world. What did we expect? To go undefeated or something? I mean yea we probably should of beat them but its not like we were suppose to beat the crap out of them or something. They are really solid.
Coming into this season everyone said they would be sastified with an 8-4 decent type season.(For the most part) We lose one game, to a rival who had plenty of hunger to beat us, and the season is a bust and we need to clean house. Lets rally around this team. I still believe they can have a nice season. Hell if it plays out right with certain teams winning and losing we could go to the dome (thats a long shot but its not too far fetched) So everyone chill out. Plenty of football to be played

Name one aspect of the team that has improved over the past 3 seasons?

Running game? Negligbly better if at all.
Kicking? Somehow has gotten worse.
Tackling? Nope.
Half time adjustments? Good God.
Mental toughness? Nope.
Execution? Nope.
Schemes? Nope.
Playcalling? Nope.

The talent level and depth have improved consistently, to Dooley's credit, but the rest of the issues are just serving to waste that talent.

I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the trend of not improving to continue.

 

[LHCVOLS]

I've been following TN football since I was 12 years old (I'm 51 next month), I've seen many TN/FLA games over the years. I watched the local sports casts, read the message boards, listened to the talk shows and all that I heard was how TN fans were going to rush the field WHEN TN won. I kept telling folks not to put the cart before the horse, but everyone was caught up in the hype and all the accolades over TWO ballgames! I made the trip to Lexington last year and back, it was a hell of a long ride back to Knoxville. I'm not at all shocked at what happened, hopefully these KIDS will use this game as a learning experience, correct the mistakes and move on from last night. I'll give FLA credit, that qb is going to be special for them and they played a better game.

 

[agman]

Everyone is flipping their ****. Fans are calling for Dooley's head. Players are being picked apart. This is completely understandable especially after being so hyped up after the first two weeks and a promising hope for Tennessee's return to prominence.

Three things that need and I am praying will be changed.

-This team was a little arrogant, let's face it, we as fans were too. They played a decent first half and it seems that if Tennessee gets ahead or gets on a roll, they are fine. They get knocked around and go down by a couple of scores and here we go, same story from last year. Guys just giving up, almost really in a state of being intimidated. They got hit in the mouth and it showed that there is clearly a lack of heart. You don't ever quit playing your hardest, you keep hitting hard and executing. I don't wanna hear a thing about play calling, ultimately Bray is the commander, and if he would realize that and doesn't see any direction in a play called in and sees something that would be better, then call your own play. Bray is a head case also in these big game situations, he gets frustrated and starts acting like a freshman. Hell, the defense was gassed because that field became their home.

-I respect the hell out of Jay Graham, but Jay, aren't you a coach? Teach those backs to get low and run madder than hell. I get so tired of these backs, not only Tennessee but other teams also, these backs that like to dance instead of just pound the ball and drive their feet until it takes two or three guys to physically drag the back down.

-Lastly, can we please get back to the fundamentals and wrap up. Although, the defense did spend a lot of time out there tonight, there were several key missed tackles that could have put Florida in several bad situations. Quit trying to strip and wrap up and drive them into the ground. One more thing when a ball is on the ground, jump on it, and cradle that son of a *****.

My overall bottom line is that Tennessee got knocked down a level by this loss. They got hit in the mouth and had the arrogance wiped away. Will Tennessee bounce back after this loss? Absolutely, but only and I mean only if this team comes together and plays their asses off for 60 minutes, no matter if we are up by 40 or down by 40. To hell with frustration getting the best of you, play Tennessee football and represent those that played before you proudly.

GO BIG ORANGE

This is the best post I have seen on here following the Florida game. I have been following the VOLS since 1966 with season tickets and also a 45 year donor. You are right about the running game. We need some power runners grinding it out. We will lose one or two where we are favored but will win one or two with an upset. Still plenty of football for a great season. GO VOLS

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

People are acting like this is the end of the world. What did we expect? To go undefeated or something? I mean yea we probably should of beat them but its not like we were suppose to beat the crap out of them or something. They are really solid.
Coming into this season everyone said they would be sastified with an 8-4 decent type season.(For the most part) We lose one game, to a rival who had plenty of hunger to beat us, and the season is a bust and we need to clean house. Lets rally around this team. I still believe they can have a nice season. Hell if it plays out right with certain teams winning and losing we could go to the dome (thats a long shot but its not too far fetched) So everyone chill out. Plenty of football to be played

Plenty of non inportant football left. We had a shot at the big time. We blew it. Next year can't get here fast enough. This was a LONG wait since last September. Florida has killed our hopes again. Really sick of them. Somebody has to step up and slay the dragon. Any Volunteers?

 

[Cartervol]

Florida took advantage of a aggressive defense. After they got gassed they couldn't tackle either. The offense was supposed to carry the defense early this year. Most knew we weren't going to be able to lean on them, especially early. The offense just didn't get much done in the second half and the defense was out there too long.... We all know were not going to be a power running team. You could counter that with short passes and sustaining drives. They're looking for the big play too much and it got them beat....

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

I'll give FLA credit, that qb is going to be special for them and they played a better game.

We gave him all the confidence he needs to blossom now. God forbid they get some wideouts. The play in the third proved it when MG went out. I knew they would not give it to Mack Brown. It was MG or those TE's. Right on cue, td to Reed. Driskell is now unleashed. Look out. He will be there two more years. Streak is solidly intact.

 

[Volinnooga]

Name one aspect of the team that has improved over the past 3 seasons?

Running game? Negligbly better if at all. -9 last year; much better this year.
Kicking? Somehow has gotten worse. AgreedTackling? Nope. Missed assignments killed us. JSmith will not contain
Half time adjustments? Good God. I still say missed assignments defensively make any adjustments useless.
Mental toughness? Nope. agreed
Execution? Nope. dropped passes hurt
Schemes? Nope. Poor execution of defense schemesPlaycalling? Nope. It's too easy to point to this--what does it really mean?
The talent level and depth have improved consistently, to Dooley's credit, but the rest of the issues are just serving to waste that talent.

I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the trend of not improving to continue.

Let's hope we see some improvement.

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

Florida took advantage of a aggressive defense. After they got gassed they couldn't tackle either. The offense was supposed to carry the defense early this year. Most knew we weren't going to be able to lean on them, especially early. The offense just didn't get much done in the second half and the defense was out there too long.... We all know were not going to be a power running team. You could counter that with short passes and sustaining drives. They're looking for the big play too much and it got them beat....

For all of Brays accuracy on the deep ball he sucks on the crosses and slants. He doesn't recognize zone drops and threw two almost pics that JH saved. He should have been picked across the middle thrice. He threw two actual pics. So he is where he was last year. JC is forced to throw long because there is less risk of a pick.

 

[orangecherokee]

People are acting like this is the end of the world. What did we expect? To go undefeated or something? I mean yea we probably should of beat them but its not like we were suppose to beat the crap out of them or something. They are really solid.
Coming into this season everyone said they would be sastified with an 8-4 decent type season.(For the most part) We lose one game, to a rival who had plenty of hunger to beat us, and the season is a bust and we need to clean house. Lets rally around this team. I still believe they can have a nice season. Hell if it plays out right with certain teams winning and losing we could go to the dome (thats a long shot but its not too far fetched) So everyone chill out. Plenty of football to be played

undefeated? hardly but it's not like Florda is at the top of their game right now. what were you thinking the 8 were? I had Florida as one of my 9 :crazy:

Florida didn't beat us. We beat ourselves. We folded like a cheap suitcase when we lost the momentum. I remember in the 3rd quarter last night after Florida scored for the second time (I think) and they showed a Peyton Manning clip. Everyone knew what was going on in my section. We all had a laugh about it. They had to try and keep the fans in it so they showed a clip to keep everyone cheering when no one wanted to. Everyone saw the signs of the inevitable.

Anyway back on topic, why would we not think we could beat them? They had a way to close game with Bowling Green and a so-so game with TAMU. Our offense has been looking sharp. One example when it showed was against NC State when Hunter took it to their All American CB Amerson. Not by a little, he smoked the guy and numerous times. There's been Heisman talk about Bray and we look like we can rush the ball. No this game is not the end all for us but it shows a lot about our character and what it will be like when we face tougher opponents.

 

[Carl Pickens]

Florida took advantage of a aggressive defense. After they got gassed they couldn't tackle either. The offense was supposed to carry the defense early this year. Most knew we weren't going to be able to lean on them, especially early. The offense just didn't get much done in the second half and the defense was out there too long.... We all know were not going to be a power running team. You could counter that with short passes and sustaining drives. They're looking for the big play too much and it got them beat....

spot on and FL ate Cheyney's lunch

 

[bluetickhound16]

Name one aspect of the team that has improved over the past 3 seasons?

Running game? Negligbly better if at all.
Kicking? Somehow has gotten worse.
Tackling? Nope.
Half time adjustments? Good God.
Mental toughness? Nope.
Execution? Nope.
Schemes? Nope.
Playcalling? Nope.

The talent level and depth have improved consistently, to Dooley's credit, but the rest of the issues are just serving to waste that talent.

I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the trend of not improving to continue.

This is the best assessment of UT over the past 3 years i have yet read..

 

[voltnh]

I think it is fair to say most people thought an 8-4 season was most likely, possibly 9-3.

Who did these people think we were going to lose to??? GA St, Akron, Troy, and Vandy???

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

TBL is Driskell grew up. The Gators got confidence in their game last night. The have a qb who will be there for two more years. Dominant on D. They made it again without getting burned deep. Will they be scared next year in the swamp? This was a huge setback. Huge.

 

[NEVolFan]

Florida took advantage of a aggressive defense. After they got gassed they couldn't tackle either. The offense was supposed to carry the defense early this year. Most knew we weren't going to be able to lean on them, especially early. The offense just didn't get much done in the second half and the defense was out there too long.... We all know were not going to be a power running team. You could counter that with short passes and sustaining drives. They're looking for the big play too much and it got them beat....

Agree with this. Vols did not show up in the second half. Likey they could not on D...gassed and not sufficient quality subs to take the pressure off the starters. So, in a fast paced game (moving forward in the schedule), I expect to see more of the same in the second half. Close games will not favor the Vols.

On the O side, just not a functional offense, again an impactful running game is not there, and that has huge implications on where this team will end up in the SEC standings.

 

[calban]

What frustrates me the most is that this team has problems and the head coach hasn't shown that he has a clue about how to fix them.
We can sit around and complain and try to figure the whys and wherefores , but that's Dooley's job and he's evidently Out Of His Depth.

With an Athletic Department that's in the red financially, I fear it's more of the same until his contract is up, so get used to it.