We are better than Texas A&M

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

After seeing the opening line yesterday, I really started feeling doubtful about our chances to win Saturday. On the surface, Texas A&M looks scary. However, last night I watched Texas AM vs S. Carolina, and I became much more optimistic. Yes, I'm aware A&M was missing several starters, but IMO South Carolina was the better team on the field. They both scored on the opening drive, then they both went stalemate. Neither team scored again until the 3rd quarter. Carolina shot themselves in the foot all game long. They moved the ball fairly easily on that "stout A&M defense", then they would stall out and fail to finish the drive. Also, they missed 2 field goals.

Knight is very suspect. They call him "one-read Knight" on their message boards. He freaks out under pressure, bad. They run a 4-wide set, but they don't have the QB to use it.

Also, something else to consider,

Recruiting class rankings for the last 3 years (using 247 composite):

2016:
Tex-18
Tenn-14

2015:
Tex-11
Tenn-4

2014:
Tex-6
Tenn-7

Average class ranking for the last 3 years:
Tex: 11
Tenn: 8

Also, and I rarely say this, we have the better coach. Sumlin made his reputation by lucking out with Manzeil/Evans, since then he has frequently been on the hot seat.

We have the better team, recruiting-wise. Barnett is better than Myles Garrett. Texas A&M was 8-5 last year. We haven't been beat in 11 games, and we're supposed to be scared of this team?

I'm not saying this is an easy win. But look at the data and watch a bit of film on them this season, they're not what everyone thinks they are.

 

[jlindsa4]

All of this is speculation though. It is hard to say that we are better than a and m based off their performance against South Carolina. They could say the same stuff about us while referring to app state or Ohio.

 

[EZE]

ATM gets the edge playing at home. With that said, it is a winnable game, but UT will need to play its best, and most complete, game of the year to win.

 

[Madscientistvol]

Even if I wasn't super biased for the Vols I wouldn't think of betting money on this game. This one could be a wild one. I don't know who is better or if it's just about a push, but either team has the tools to win Saturday.

 

[LotteryPick]

I'm worried about Williams and their knack for big plays. I think this could be the game where missing Sutton, DK, and JRM really hurts us.

But I'm never going to doubt Dobbs ability to keep them in the game.

It's a coin flip to me. Couldn't predict a score if I wanted to.

 

[jakez4ut]

After seeing the opening line yesterday, I really started feeling doubtful about our chances to win Saturday. On the surface, Texas A&M looks scary. However, last night I watched Texas AM vs S. Carolina, and I became much more optimistic. Yes, I'm aware A&M was missing several starters, but IMO South Carolina was the better team on the field. They both scored on the opening drive, then they both went stalemate. Neither team scored again until the 3rd quarter. Carolina shot themselves in the foot all game long. They moved the ball fairly easily on that "stout A&M defense", then they would stall out and fail to finish the drive. Also, they missed 2 field goals.

Knight is very suspect. They call him "one-read Knight" on their message boards. He freaks out under pressure, bad. They run a 4-wide set, but they don't have the QB to use it.

Also, something else to consider,

Recruiting class rankings for the last 3 years (using 247 composite):

2016:
Tex-18
Tenn-14

2015:
Tex-11
Tenn-4

2014:
Tex-6
Tenn-7

Average class ranking for the last 3 years:
Tex: 11
Tenn: 8

Also, and I rarely say this, we have the better coach. Sumlin made his reputation by lucking out with Manzeil/Evans, since then he has frequently been on the hot seat.

We have the better team, recruiting-wise. Barnett is better than Myles Garrett. Texas A&M was 8-5 last year. We haven't been beat in 11 games, and we're supposed to be scared of this team?

I'm not saying this is an easy win. But look at the data and watch a bit of film on them this season, they're not what everyone thinks they are.

the 4 starters that didn't make the trip were all impact players, and starters. i'll be surprised if they all aren't back on the field this week.

and the recruiting rankings aren't so far apart that you should find any drastic differences in talent and depth, at least not so much that i'd just say 'we're better'.

i'm not predicting we'll lose here, but i definitely think this is by far the best team overall, top to bottom we've played so far. and it's in their house.

additionally the two biggest weaknesses they've had historically are up the middle on both sides of the ball....they seem to have fixed that, now allowing all that skill on offense to do what they can do. they lead the league in rushing and i think are 3rd in rush defense.

and trevor knight has to be the biggest pleasant surprise that aggie fans have seen this year, considering what a mess their qb situation was in at the end of last year.

couple that with our defensive injuries, and i'd say it's reasonable to think this is a spot where we drop a game.

 

[sjt18]

The UT game that showed up for the 2nd half of UF can beat anyone in the country if they play 4 qtrs. If UT again fails to show up in the first half.... the next two games are not going to go well.

 

[chargervol]

I believe the true difference in talent will be the return of their starters, versus the continued absence of ours.
I will not rule UT out, but I'm very skeptical with DK and Sutton gone for this game. It's not about believing they are the better team, it's about believing our injuries are borderline critical.

Honestly, the absence of Sutton is the one that I believe gives them the advantage. We've all made comments about the drop off in play without him, but this week will expose that position, more than any game we've played.

 

[vtvol98]

Their receiving corps are fast and lethal. Sumlin is an offensive mastermind of a HC and Chavis is one of the best in the biz. Tennessee will have to get the running game on track early in this one and control the ball and TOP. I don't know if Tennessee's offense can keep up in a shoot-out but if their defense holds A&M under 30 points the Vols can win. College Station will be rockin' with the 12th man. This goes without saying but this will be UT's toughest game to date. Thankfully A&M is undefeated as well so the possibility of the Vols overlooking them for Bama next week is out the window. This is not a trap game but rather a heavy weight battle. Hopefully, after the "Cardiac Vols" have come from behind so many times this season, they will not suffer from the hangover of the UF and UGA games and come out focused from the get go. This is the first game I have not felt good about Tennessee's chances. I hope it is just heartburn from today's lunch.

 

[ntxVOL]

A&M is playing better football than the Vols right now.

If we don't come out firing on all cylinders we may get boat raced. Must protect the ball and sustain drives in what will very hostile environment.

 

[Volsick]

We will be fine. Just have to spot them 17 and we will be good.

 

[ChattaTNVol]

If you're going to use the 247 composite then the most accurate measurement isn't the recruiting rankings - it's who is on the team now. 247 did a talent ranking based on the 2016 roster for each of the college football teams so this takes into consideration all the attrition/additions that occur from season to season that are not accounted for in the recruiting rankings. We have the 12th most talented team in the country. We just beat the 5th most talented team in the country and before that beat the 16th most talented team. Texas A&M is one notch below us, sitting at the #13 spot in team talent rankings.

2016 College Football Team Talent Composite

I think the key for us is to stop their run and not let Knight get comfortable in the passing game. The talent rankings don't account for injuries and we are down both starters at LB and of course an all-American cornerback. I think we can pass on them if we can protect Dobbs. On defense it's mostly all going to be on the defensive line. jmo.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

After seeing the opening line yesterday, I really started feeling doubtful about our chances to win Saturday. On the surface, Texas A&M looks scary. However, last night I watched Texas AM vs S. Carolina, and I became much more optimistic. Yes, I'm aware A&M was missing several starters, but IMO South Carolina was the better team on the field. They both scored on the opening drive, then they both went stalemate. Neither team scored again until the 3rd quarter. Carolina shot themselves in the foot all game long. They moved the ball fairly easily on that "stout A&M defense", then they would stall out and fail to finish the drive. Also, they missed 2 field goals.

Knight is very suspect. They call him "one-read Knight" on their message boards. He freaks out under pressure, bad. They run a 4-wide set, but they don't have the QB to use it.

Also, something else to consider,

Recruiting class rankings for the last 3 years (using 247 composite):

2016:
Tex-18
Tenn-14

2015:
Tex-11
Tenn-4

2014:
Tex-6
Tenn-7

Average class ranking for the last 3 years:
Tex: 11
Tenn: 8

Also, and I rarely say this, we have the better coach. Sumlin made his reputation by lucking out with Manzeil/Evans, since then he has frequently been on the hot seat.

We have the better team, recruiting-wise. Barnett is better than Myles Garrett. Texas A&M was 8-5 last year. We haven't been beat in 11 games, and we're supposed to be scared of this team?

I'm not saying this is an easy win. But look at the data and watch a bit of film on them this season, they're not what everyone thinks they are.

You're missing the most important point.

After that miraculous win last week, our players have got a jet fuel of confidence. They now believe no matter what adversity hits they will win. Our opponents also know no matter what they will lose.

Its our destiny.

Its just time to enjoy the ride.

 

[Jax_Vol]

I felt like the Vols would win the first five games. But, without Kirkland, Sutton, and JRM, I think we have too many holes on D to win this one on the road.

Hope I am wrong!

 

[VolsSportsFan]

You're missing the most important point.

After that miraculous win last week, our players have got a jet fuel of confidence. They now believe no matter what adversity hits they will win. Our opponents also know no matter what they will lose.

Its our destiny.

Its just time to enjoy the ride.

You never learn do you?

 

[utfan089]

Sadly I have a really bad feeling Tennessee loses this one. I really hope not, but I'm not doing any trash talk for the next two weekends.

 

[jakez4ut]

The UT game that showed up for the 2nd half of UF can beat anyone in the country if they play 4 qtrs. If UT again fails to show up in the first half.... the next two games are not going to go well.

agreed, but the problem is we've, to this point, not been that 4 qtr team. so, until we see different, aren't we just who we are at this point?

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Their receiving corps are fast and lethal. Sumlin is an offensive mastermind of a HC and Chavis is one of the best in the biz. Tennessee will have to get the running game on track early in this one and control the ball and TOP. I don't know if Tennessee's offense can keep up in a shoot-out but if their defense holds A&M under 30 points the Vols can win. College Station will be rockin' with the 12th man. This goes without saying but this will be UT's toughest game to date. Thankfully A&M is undefeated as well so the possibility of the Vols overlooking them for Bama next week is out the window. This is not a trap game but rather a heavy weight battle. Hopefully, after the "Cardiac Vols" have come from behind so many times this season, they will not suffer from the hangover of the UF and UGA games and come out focused from the get go. This is the first game I have not felt good about Tennessee's chances. I hope it is just heartburn from today's lunch.

If South Carolina can hold them to 24 we can hold them under 30.

 

[orangemadam]

The UT game that showed up for the 2nd half of UF can beat anyone in the country if they play 4 qtrs. If UT again fails to show up in the first half.... the next two games are not going to go well.

In playing the devil's advocate, we have not played 4 qtrs in 5 straight games, what makes anyone think we will do it this week - especially with 3 or 4 defensive starters out.

What is status of Hurd and Martin, also?hmy:hmy:

 

[VolsSportsFan]

You're missing the most important point.

After that miraculous win last week, our players have got a jet fuel of confidence. They now believe no matter what adversity hits they will win. Our opponents also know no matter what they will lose.

Its our destiny.

Its just time to enjoy the ride.

You got a frog in your pocket? You aren't on this ride anymore, remember? You got off a few stops ago.

Get bent.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

If South Carolina can hold them to 24 we can hold them under 30.

Transitive property does not work well in college football.

 

[chargervol]

In playing the devil's advocate, we have not played 4 qtrs in 5 straight games, what makes anyone think we will do it this week - especially with 3 or 4 defensive starters out.

What is status of Hurd and Martin, also?hmy:hmy:

Hurd is fine, Martin will depend on attitude and practice.
As I stated earlier, I honestly think this is the game where Sutton's absence is the deciding factor.

 

[jakez4ut]

If South Carolina can hold them to 24 we can hold them under 30.

defensive end Myles Garrett, wide receivers Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor —these are the guys that didn't play.

ignoring that is perilous at best. i haven't heard any updates for any of them for this week, but i'll be surprised if they're all 4 out again this week.

 

[Bigorangejumpsuit]

Chavis will blitz every play. Hope we're planning for this.

 

[ChattaTNVol]

agreed, but the problem is we've, to this point, not been that 4 qtr team. so, until we see different, aren't we just who we are at this point?

I may be wrong in this but I actually think that last play on Saturday changed everything. I do expect us to come out executing better in the first half this week. I don't think it's a matter of we haven't been playing with confidence - I think it's been a lack of focus in the beginning of games that has led to poor execution. Saturday's play of the year was one of those moments where the capacity and importance of focus and commitment to execution could have lasting implications for Team 120. I expect everyone to be more dialed-in from the start going forward. Something happened Saturday that is difficult to teach - and it's all mental. I think the team is more apt to "get it" now than any endless coaching might achieve. jmo.