Toughness, Effort and Team Personality

#1
MikeTheVol

MikeTheVol

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#1
ESPNU ran the 1990 Tennessee vs. Auburn game Sunday and I'm watching the recording of it. The game was a push at 26-26. No overtime in those days. But something in this game and MANY more since that stands out to me is that the team was mentally and physically tough, they played with great effort and the team played as a team. To me it's like night and day between some of those "old time" teams and the teams of the last 15 years. I KNOW there have been periods where we have recruited right along with the Alabama's and LSU's of the world during this lull. But also I KNOW that we've had some less than stellar head coaches and position coaches. What are your thoughts about this? Is it ALL coaching? Have we not considered grit when recruiting new guys? Have ALL the coaches we've had over the last 15 years NOT been able to instill these values into our players? Have kids in general changed since then? I think not . . . . see Bama, LSU and others. Just venting here.
 
#2
#2
Is it ALL coaching? NO
Have we not considered grit when recruiting new guys? I would think the assumption that kids playing at the level to get a major D1 scholly "have grit".
Have ALL the coaches we've had over the last 15 years NOT been able to instill these values into our players? Obviously not.
Have kids in general changed since then? Without a doubt. Much softer, and too many options to focus their energies on just 1 thing.
 
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#3
#3
If our facilities had a better nutrition and juice bar service, then I think we could get back to that kind of intensity.
 
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#4
#4
As a general matter, the kids today are just different than those in 1990. Maybe softer isn't the right word but what I'm trying to say is it was easier to sell the team concept back then and most of the kids back then (and adults too for that matter) had a higher threshold as to the amount of adversity they'd endure before pointing fingers. I am really hoping one of the consequences of this pandemic on people's attitudes is a greater appreciation for how fortunate we are in this country most of the time, and a bit more toughness in the face of adversity, since we have all actually faced some real adversity this year.
 
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#5
#5
unfrozencvmanvol said:
As a general matter, the kids today are just different than those in 1990. Maybe softer isn't the right word but what I'm trying to say is it was easier to sell the team concept back then and most of the kids back then (and adults too for that matter) had a higher threshold as to the amount of adversity they'd endure before pointing fingers. I am really hoping one of the consequences of this pandemic on people's attitudes is a greater appreciation for how fortunate we are in this country most of the time, and a bit more toughness in the face of adversity, since we have all actually faced some real adversity this year.
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That is a pretty accurate assessment, adversity is handled as well per se but I think that is also somewhat regional. If someone has experienced adversity, they generally react to it much differently than someone who hasn’t. The game is different today. The days of smash mouth football are over. It isn’t as physical as it used to be
 
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#6
#6
When Burke missed that potential game winning FG with 15 seconds left, a teammate threw something at his head.
 
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#8
#8
butchna said:
When Burke missed that potential game winning FG with 15 seconds left, a teammate threw something at his head.
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That was Fisher from Milan. I believe Fisher was in Burke’s wedding. Burke married a family friend. I’ve told this before but here goes.

We were at the Burke’s house years later and my son mentioned the Auburn game to Greg. I was in shock until I realized he was talking about the 97 SECCG.

After that tie I realized I had to change the way I conducted myself after being disappointed by the Vols. I still consider that our worst loss.
 
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