The day before the off-season ends, two quick points on the bowl win

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Even after the disaster of a beginning to our season, we ended up finishing with the 2nd best record since 2007. Last season was a comeback story we should never forget. With that, just two quick thoughts on the sweet ending to the 2019 season:

1. Indiana’s QB was a pretty solid player, they were lucky to have him. Notice I said “were”... a little-known fact: we broke their hearts so bad their QB Peyton Ramsey now plays for Northwestern. Seriously, look it up, he left the team shortly after the bowl game .... sorry about that Hoosiers....

2. Enjoy this pic of these two freshmen phenoms about to hug it out as the team celebrates the bowl win. This is what Pruitt is bringing to the table, it’s time to get excited.



GBO Volnation, IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!!

 

[Other_Guy]

I agree, a solid QB.
It also felt like the saying "2 things can be true at once". I felt during the game that Indiana shouldn't be winning this, and at the end UT shouldn't have won this haha.
I'm not super pumped about the talent Pruitt has brought in for the simple fact we said that about some of Butch's guys. If he doesn't win Saturday we're in trouble.

 

[VolinWayne]

I think the future is bright for sure for those 2 kids!! I am excited to see what our O line can bring to the table this year. I feel like we finally have a line that is legitimately as good as any other line in the SEC. FREE CADE!!!!

 

[RanMac]

it felt like about every team we played last year had better play out of their QB than we did.

 

[VolinWayne]

it felt like about every team we played last year had better play out of their QB than we did.

Hopefully JG benefits from a 2nd year under Chaney and the lights come on for him like they did for Crompton in 09. Either that or HB gets a shot and balls out.

 

[MurphyVol]

Were going to need a significant improvement in JG, the o line and a surprise from the D line to have a decent season. Last season was a nice turnaround but either UK or Indiana was our best win and the schedule is just brutal this year.

I'm tired of getting blown off the field by UF, UGA and Bana and while I don't expect to win those games it is time for JP to show some improvement and not lose those games by a combined 100 points.

 

[VolInDayton]

Even after the disaster of a beginning to our season, we ended up finishing with the 2nd best record since 2007. Last season was a comeback story we should never forget. With that, just two quick thoughts on the sweet ending to the 2019 season:

1. Indiana’s QB was a pretty solid player, they were lucky to have him. Notice I said “were”... a little-known fact: we broke their hearts so bad their QB Peyton Ramsey now plays for Northwestern. Seriously, look it up, he left the team shortly after the bowl game .... sorry about that Hoosiers....

2. Enjoy this pic of these two freshmen phenoms about to hug it out as the team celebrates the bowl win. This is what Pruitt is bringing to the table, it’s time to get excited.

View attachment 308889

GBO Volnation, IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!!

It was known before the bowl game their QB was more than likely transfering. Indiana wants to play Michael Penix (fromer UT commit) at QB. He had a season ending injury.

 

[volsrock09]

I agree, a solid QB.
It also felt like the saying "2 things can be true at once". I felt during the game that Indiana shouldn't be winning this, and at the end UT shouldn't have won this haha.
I'm not super pumped about the talent Pruitt has brought in for the simple fact we said that about some of Butch's guys. If he doesn't win Saturday we're in trouble.

I agree and I'm cautiously optimistic about the talent brought in by Pruitt vs Jones...from the outside looking in, Butch seemed to only want high rated players just because they were highly rated. It didn't matter if they didnt fit what they tried to do on Saturdays. Hurd would be a great example of it. I dont have any hard feelings towards Hurd or anything, but the Butchs system clearly favored Kamara and JKs skillset more. Hurd as a RB would be more suited towards a Pro style One Cut system that doesnt have a lot of lateral movement, but prioritizes getting North and South. Then, development of players were also a big thing, I remember TK Jr making amazing plays as a Freshman and regressing. Of course, injuries played a part, but a lot is on the coaching staff.

From my perspective at the moment, Pruitt at least has a plan to utilize each players skillsets and it helps that he knows what's going to happen before it does (calling out plays at the LOS before the snap).

 

[Proud Army Wife]

it felt like about every team we played last year had better play out of their QB than we did.

Idk, Kelly Bryant and the vandy QB were pretty terrible when they played us. We also shut down Hilinski in the 2nd half.

 

[onevol74]

My God, it was Indiana.

 

[LAVol1]

I agree, a solid QB.
It also felt like the saying "2 things can be true at once". I felt during the game that Indiana shouldn't be winning this, and at the end UT shouldn't have won this haha.
I'm not super pumped about the talent Pruitt has brought in for the simple fact we said that about some of Butch's guys. If he doesn't win Saturday we're in trouble.

I've been a skeptic re: Pruitt. But, I like his recruiting with the exception of DE. The most valued players in the NFL outside of QBs are DE's that can get to the QB. We may have a couple of freshmen that may be very good, but that is the weakest spot in recruiting. Pruitt has built quality depth most everywhere else on the roster.

 

[Tin Man]

UT has met IU on the gridiron twice, winning both games - 27-22 at the Peach Bowl, Jan. 2, 1988 (I was there), and 23-22 at the Gator Bowl, Jan. 2, 2020.

 

[LAVol1]

I'm tired of getting blown off the field by UF, UGA and Bana and while I don't expect to win those games it is time for JP to show some improvement and not lose those games by a combined 100 points.

We showed marked improvement against Bama last year. We'll be better this year. Bama is the ONLY one of those three that might blow us out. We're almost on par with UF talent-wise and UGA, which should be great defensively, will struggle on the OL.

 

[JettVol]

Best thing, we won seven straight and now have a chance to make it 8 straight. When is the last time that has happened? Yes it was Indiana, yes it wasn't pretty. However we got the W. I'm cautiously optimistic about our team moving forward. GBO!

 

[FranklinVFL]

I agree and I'm cautiously optimistic about the talent brought in by Pruitt vs Jones...from the outside looking in, Butch seemed to only want high rated players just because they were highly rated. It didn't matter if they didnt fit what they tried to do on Saturdays. Hurd would be a great example of it. I dont have any hard feelings towards Hurd or anything, but the Butchs system clearly favored Kamara and JKs skillset more. Hurd as a RB would be more suited towards a Pro style One Cut system that doesnt have a lot of lateral movement, but prioritizes getting North and South. Then, development of players were also a big thing, I remember TK Jr making amazing plays as a Freshman and regressing. Of course, injuries played a part, but a lot is on the coaching staff.

From my perspective at the moment, Pruitt at least has a plan to utilize each players skillsets and it helps that he knows what's going to happen before it does (calling out plays at the LOS before the snap).

I believe (a) that Pruitt is bringing in better players and players suited for what he wants to do, and (b) the coaching staff is much better at developing these players into higher caliber men and football players. Also, staff stability should help both offense and defense (guess that would be (c)).

Now, we'll see if that comes to pass; however, I do believe Pruitt is a no-nonsense coach who had to purge some of Butch's players who did not want to do it Pruitt's way...and that should improve how we start, play and finish this entire season....

 

[BenGrimm]

.....
I'm not super pumped about the talent Pruitt has brought in for the simple fact we said that about some of Butch's guys. If he doesn't win Saturday we're in trouble.

I hear you but I think Butch had a pretty talented group in 2015-2016. Good enough to contend for the East and even win the SEC in 2016. He just mismanaged it so bad that the opportunity was blown.

We have some young talent and it appears Pruitt is a better talent manager. The jury is still in deliberation though.

Will be a little tougher to judge this year though.

 

[GRRN7MAXIMS]

I think the future is bright for sure for those 2 kids!! I am excited to see what our O line can bring to the table this year. I feel like we finally have a line that is legitimately as good as any other line in the SEC. FREE CADE!!!!

Amen! Do you all remember two years ago to start the season we watched West Virginia absolutely push our O line around like rag dolls??? Bring me the 9 deep Road graters we have on our team now!! FREE CADE!

 

[EODVOL]

Were going to need a significant improvement in JG, the o line and a surprise from the D line to have a decent season. Last season was a nice turnaround but either UK or Indiana was our best win and the schedule is just brutal this year.

I'm tired of getting blown off the field by UF, UGA and Bana and while I don't expect to win those games it is time for JP to show some improvement and not lose those games by a combined 100 points.

I think the O-line excuse isn't going to fly this year. It is going to be all on the QB play, solid backs, and a solid O-line should slow things down for JG but this is yet to be seen. I am wondering how long of a leash Pruitt gives JG this year. Going into is the umpteenth year at TN the lights should have already came on.

 

[VolinWayne]

Amen! Do you all remember two years ago to start the season we watched West Virginia absolutely push our O line around like rag dolls??? Bring me the 9 deep Road graters we have on our team now!! FREE CADE!

Yes thats a memory I keep trying to erase! Our line was the definition of bad. So glad to have big nasties up front again.

 

[Other_Guy]

I agree and I'm cautiously optimistic about the talent brought in by Pruitt vs Jones...from the outside looking in, Butch seemed to only want high rated players just because they were highly rated. It didn't matter if they didnt fit what they tried to do on Saturdays. Hurd would be a great example of it. I dont have any hard feelings towards Hurd or anything, but the Butchs system clearly favored Kamara and JKs skillset more. Hurd as a RB would be more suited towards a Pro style One Cut system that doesnt have a lot of lateral movement, but prioritizes getting North and South. Then, development of players were also a big thing, I remember TK Jr making amazing plays as a Freshman and regressing. Of course, injuries played a part, but a lot is on the coaching staff.

From my perspective at the moment, Pruitt at least has a plan to utilize each players skillsets and it helps that he knows what's going to happen before it does (calling out plays at the LOS before the snap).

Butch was the knock off version of a young lane kiffin.

 

[2GeeZ4VolZ]

I agree and I'm cautiously optimistic about the talent brought in by Pruitt vs Jones...from the outside looking in, Butch seemed to only want high rated players just because they were highly rated. It didn't matter if they didnt fit what they tried to do on Saturdays. Hurd would be a great example of it. I dont have any hard feelings towards Hurd or anything, but the Butchs system clearly favored Kamara and JKs skillset more. Hurd as a RB would be more suited towards a Pro style One Cut system that doesnt have a lot of lateral movement, but prioritizes getting North and South. Then, development of players were also a big thing, I remember TK Jr making amazing plays as a Freshman and regressing. Of course, injuries played a part, but a lot is on the coaching staff.

From my perspective at the moment, Pruitt at least has a plan to utilize each players skillsets and it helps that he knows what's going to happen before it does (calling out plays at the LOS before the snap).

Hurd fit well enough to almost become our all-time leader in just about every meaningful category in less than a full career. I agree Kamara should have gotten more touches, and Hurd was well suited for Fulmer-type ball, but the kid was elite, no question. Every bit as elite a college back as Alvin. I think Pruitt will absolutely put our guys in position to be most successful, but I also hope he’ll lean on guys to do what’s best for the whole team (playing safety instead of corner if needed, playing offense and defense etc). I think what got missed about Hurd during the Butch era is he was a football player. He wanted to play another position in a different scheme etc but was very successful in a sub-optimal role. Don’t like the way he left, but the kid is a football player. Hate he got soured on his home state program forever by that idiot. I think between Pruitt and Butch, I’m confident Hurd would have played linebacker for Pruitt if asked. Just a gut-feeling though, admittedly no examples to provide.

 

[volsrock09]

Hurd fit well enough to almost become our all-time leader in just about every meaningful category in less than a full career. I agree Kamara should have gotten more touches, and Hurd was well suited for Fulmer-type ball, but the kid was elite, no question. Every bit as elite a college back as Alvin. I think Pruitt will absolutely put our guys in position to be most successful, but I also hope he’ll lean on guys to do what’s best for the whole team (playing safety instead of corner if needed, playing offense and defense etc). I think what got missed about Hurd during the Butch era is he was a football player. He wanted to play another position in a different scheme etc but was very successful in a sub-optimal role. Don’t like the way he left, but the kid is a football player. Hate he got soured on his home state program forever by that idiot. I think between Pruitt and Butch, I’m confident Hurd would have played linebacker for Pruitt if asked. Just a gut-feeling though, admittedly no examples to provide.

I agree with you. I was a huge fan of Hurd when he was here because of his willingness to tell the other team to "bring it". I remember his Freshman year playing UGA and he saw a LB coming up to blitz and did the "come hither" motion to him. He wasn't scared that's for sure. My point is as good as he was with the system he was in, he would have been even better as a RB if he wasn't getting hit in the backfield before the play could develop and run downhill before the DL had a chance. Which is also a testament of the poor OL recruiting under Butch.

 

[Gandalf]

I agree, a solid QB.
It also felt like the saying "2 things can be true at once". I felt during the game that Indiana shouldn't be winning this, and at the end UT shouldn't have won this haha.
I'm not super pumped about the talent Pruitt has brought in for the simple fact we said that about some of Butch's guys. If he doesn't win Saturday we're in trouble.

I am surely no expert in evaluating talent but there are major differences between Butch's recruiting and Pruitt's that you can see with your own eyes.

First there is actually meat on the table - look at the weight differences for our OL and DL compared to Butch teams, much less Bubbas and tell me there isnt a difference of hundreds of pounds

Second - speed, greasy fast speed. I know Butch aimed for this too since his schemes such as they were focused on finesse but Pruitt is getting crazy fast players in the positions that count (and even overall).

So of course, raw talent is wasted if you cant coach them up but I dont think anyone has doubts about Chaney's coaching (or Pruitt's line coaching for that matter) - so I think we should be fairly solid at least. Elite? that we will only know in time once/if it proves on the field.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Butch was a thin-skinned used car salesman and was a total control freak with players and asst. coaches. Not a good combination. He made promises to recruits he could not keep and caused a lot team turmoil. There is a reason he has not been hired as a HC since he was fired. But he apparently washes cars very well.

 

[ArmyVol697]

2015 and 2016 seasons. We ended 2015 with 6 wins including our bowl game and then in 2016 we had the best start in long long long time by winning the first 5 games including wins against Florida and Georgia. It would be nice if we could put the first half of 2016 with the second half of 2019 as a single season. Go Big Orange and kick some azz in 2020.

Best thing, we won seven straight and now have a chance to make it 8 straight. When is the last time that has happened? Yes it was Indiana, yes it wasn't pretty. However we got the W. I'm cautiously optimistic about our team moving forward. GBO!