What's our biggest weakness this fall?

#101
#101
VKAman said:
I agree with you except for the bolded part. If anything, kickers are less prone to sophomore slumps than other positions, because no one is gameplanning to stop them.
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Well, that is definitely true, you're right.

On the other hand, kicker is the most "mental" of all positions on a football team. It's where a kid can most easily psych himself out and get down into a slump of his own making. No one "ices" the left tackle or middle LB. :)

I think maybe that's what happened to Aaron in the early half of last season. Maybe he got himself jinxed, just by thinking about it in the off season after a great frosh year.

Either way, Go Vols! :hi:
 
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#102
#102
KBVol said:
I've heard Doug Mathews say that Jones has and will continue to handle the primary coordination of the specials teams. Special teams has been a huge bright spot and strength of the team each of the last two seasons. While I can somewhat understand your concern about Elder's departure, I fully believe our STs will continue to be outstanding this year and can become elite if Medley can finally show some consistency beyond 40 yards.
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I've not heard though neither am I doubting Mathews (Jones will takeover ST responsibilities). Certain positions need a primary position coach and imo ST is one. The fact that under Elder's guidance Tennessee lead the nation in KR's (33.41 ypr), ranked second in PR's (18.26 ypr), had the second best KO defense in the SEC and 15th-best in the nation (18.23 ypg) speaks to this. As I previously stated we've witnessed firsthand the poor results in being without a primary at that position. I'm a bit more cautious than you but we both hope for / want the same thing --- Jones to continue Elder's success
 
#103
#103
VFL-82-JP said:
I think you're mis-remembering what Medley did last year.

Sure, he had a slump in the first half of the year. Was just 9 of 17 through the 'Bama game, and only hit one FG of 40+ yards. He contributed his part to the Oklahoma and Florida losses (along with several other players and coaches). Not very good at all.

But the second half of the season, the final six games, he went 12 of 14, including a 47-yarder and 3 from 44 yards. He was 4 of 5 (80%) from 40+ in those six games.

The kid just started the season with a slump. No biggie, it happens, sophomore slumps are a thing, esp. among kickers. He was back to excellence by the end of October.

Overall, our ST was most definitely not a weakness in 2015. In fact, it was one of our great strengths.
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The fact remains that Medley missed a FG in every game we lost. He also missed a FG in 3 of our biggest games. I honestly don't care that he was hitting FGs against Vandy and UK when the pressure was off him. Lot of mediocre players at UT have had good days against those schools
 
#104
#104
VFL-82-JP said:
I think you're mis-remembering what Medley did last year.

Sure, he had a slump in the first half of the year. Was just 9 of 17 through the 'Bama game, and only hit one FG of 40+ yards. He contributed his part to the Oklahoma and Florida losses (along with several other players and coaches). Not very good at all.

But the second half of the season, the final six games, he went 12 of 14, including a 47-yarder and 3 from 44 yards. He was 4 of 5 (80%) from 40+ in those six games.

The kid just started the season with a slump. No biggie, it happens, sophomore slumps are a thing, esp. among kickers. He was back to excellence by the end of October.

Overall, our ST was most definitely not a weakness in 2015. In fact, it was one of our great strengths.
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The only problem with thinking the Medley just started the season off with a "sophomore slump" last year is his performance as a freshman from 40+ yds when he was dreadful as well. Fortunately, as you stated as well, he finished the season on a very high note....hit several 40+ yarders, only one bad miss from about 30 yards iirc. He clearly has the talent, we just need him to put it all together in year 3 and become the reason we wins some games rather than the other way around.
 
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#109
#109
Biggest weakness would probably be outside expectations. This team needs to circle the wagons and make it all about the team. Have an us vs. them mentality all year. Weakness 1a would be history. We absolutely have to get over the hump against Florida and Alabama. Until we break those losing streaks, I'm afraid we won't be where everyone wants to be.
 
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#111
#111
1982Alum said:
Fans assuming a better than 9-3 season. Now that would be very good year but this team is NOT an SEC championship caliber team yet and is certainly not a NC contender.

And I am assuming Dobbs stays healthy which I feel is a rash assumption.
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That seems out of nowhere. He hasn't been injury prone at all and our O line should be a lot better. As for expectations, I don't assume anything but I do reasonably expect 10-2 and a trip to Atlanta.
 
#116
#116
BucksnortVol said:
Dline depth in general, passing game in particular.
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Half of yours is all of mine. The passing game, everything about it is our biggest weakness IMO. If we can hold pass blocks for time, if we can be accurate, if we can get off press coverages, if we can run routes, if we can improvise well when a play breaks down, these are our previous biggest weaknesses IMO. How we close the gap on our overall previous passing game weaknesses will determine if we perform at a higher level this year IMO.
 
#118
#118
1982Alum said:
Never said that. Read again. I said Butch WILL cost us a game in addition to the TEAM losing to FL and "Bama.
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Negavol....

get-out.gif
 
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#119
#119
82_VOL_83 said:
This. Not to say we don't have a shot in the east but for a NC, don't think we are there.
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With this years signing class we were able to really get detail with depth and not need 1/2 the class to contribute as freshmen. We are primed for a NC run in 2016, we were on the verge of an SECe and a trip to Atlanta. I expect more this year.

Jump higher Vols.
 
#122
#122
Webbvol32 said:
Is it the arm of Dobbs? I've been in Yankee prison and would like VN opinions and realistic expectations.
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Injuries have plagued the team, especially the receivers, for the last 3 seasons. Maybe that is the norm now, but inability to keep key players healthy is our biggest weakness.
 
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#124
#124
Dobbs inability to anticipate where to throw the ball IMO. He doesn't lead receivers well or throw it to the right spot to help them make plays.

I don't think it is related to his arm or ability to throw accurately.
 
#125
#125
1982Alum said:
Other than GA, this team has not shown they can beat teams like 'Bama or FL. And neither will be worse next year. So that leaves only 1 game more that Butch will choke over and lose. So this team AT BEST will be 9-3.
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So... because last year's team could not beat some opponents from last year.... they are at best 9-3? One of the great things about college football is that teams change or have the possibility of change every year as they gain and lose players, talent, skill, experience, etc.

There's no logic in what you said. If there were.... every team would have the same record every year. Based on comparative talent, experience, and maturity/development.... this team SHOULD win 10+ games and should compete for the SEC.

If you want to argue that the coaching staff can't get it done... then maybe you'd at least have an open argument. But UT has talent, experience, and depth everywhere headed into this fall.

FWIW, I think UT made a major upgrade at DC. I'm not high on Azzani either but I still think Dobbs' inability to properly anticipate and place the ball is the biggest hold up in the passing game.
 
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