Problems on offense.

[VolTom1]

I know I'll get hate for this post but It needs to be said. While everyone is bashing the O-line for their poor play (which they deserve) I truthfully believe the problem lies with Nico/Josh, mostly on Josh for not preparing Nico after two years, and not scheming plays around his strengths. I also think Nico is more to blame than the O-line and WRs, but still less of a blame than Josh. I truthfully think people are not being critical enough of Nico (and Josh)
We all coronated Nico as the "chosen one" so I understand peoples hesitation to be critical of him, but the truth is he has not looked ready/prepared for this season.
The issue with this is he is getting paid millions to play the position while accounting for all of our team turn overs If I remember correctly, can you honestly say that he is helping our offense more than hindering at this point. Meanwhile you have Gaston Moore who has worked his butt off in this system for 5 years ignored. And why? What if Gaston could be a Stetson Bennett type of player, yet we would never know becasue he wont get the opportunity becasue we invested too much into Nico? And before you write me off and think I'm crazy remember Milton started over Hooker, and the only reason Hooker got a chance was because of an Injury.
All of that being said I am not "giving up on Nico" but Remember Erik Ainge, had a bad sophomore season but came back and played well as a junior/senior. Look, Tennessee is bigger than just one person, and if benching Nico and letting him learn till next season makes him transfer, well then he was never the right person to begin with. The truth is if Nico cant handle competing and earning the Job back than he should not be playing football.

 

[chattaboogie]

I really just cannot imagine a backup being better than Nico right now. But I agree he and Josh are ultimately responsible for the offense and are being paid the most to have it at least mediocre against sec teams.

 

[OrangeTsar]

I really just cannot imagine a backup being better than Nico right now. But I agree he and Josh are ultimately responsible for the offense and are being paid the most to have it at least mediocre against sec teams.

Even if I sometimes don’t like what Heupel calls or his game plans; I do know that he is light years ahead of the three stooges that came before him.

 

[ALLVOL 4LIFE]

I know someone else has said something about it, but I do believe the helmet coms are hurting the rhythm of our offense.

It was clear last night. When we went fast, the O was a machine. That getting set and then stopping for a change from the helmet slows down the momentum.

DO WHAT GOT YOU WHERE YOU ARE! Let’s go fast all the time and force the league to fix the fake injuries situation.

 

[1Big_Orange_Fan]

Nico does need to take care of the ball better but I think the OL is still the bigger issue. Every snap he is wondering if the LT is gonna get his block and it would get into any freshman’s head. Plus, both tackles had HUGE holding penalties last night and 74 is good for at least one personal foul a game. That’s needs to stop. CJH definitely need to roll Nico out more.

 

[LWSVOL]

I know I'll get hate for this post but It needs to be said. While everyone is bashing the O-line for their poor play (which they deserve) I truthfully believe the problem lies with Nico/Josh, mostly on Josh for not preparing Nico after two years, and not scheming plays around his strengths. I also think Nico is more to blame than the O-line and WRs, but still less of a blame than Josh. I truthfully think people are not being critical enough of Nico (and Josh)
We all coronated Nico as the "chosen one" so I understand peoples hesitation to be critical of him, but the truth is he has not looked ready/prepared for this season.
The issue with this is he is getting paid millions to play the position while accounting for all of our team turn overs If I remember correctly, can you honestly say that he is helping our offense more than hindering at this point. Meanwhile you have Gaston Moore who has worked his butt off in this system for 5 years ignored. And why? What if Gaston could be a Stetson Bennett type of player, yet we would never know becasue he wont get the opportunity becasue we invested too much into Nico? And before you write me off and think I'm crazy remember Milton started over Hooker, and the only reason Hooker got a chance was because of an Injury.
All of that being said I am not "giving up on Nico" but Remember Erik Ainge, had a bad sophomore season but came back and played well as a junior/senior. Look, Tennessee is bigger than just one person, and if benching Nico and letting him learn till next season makes him transfer, well then he was never the right person to begin with. The truth is if Nico cant handle competing and earning the Job back than he should not be playing football.

Nico is inexperienced. Doesn't matter that it's his second year here it's a fact the last three games he has been exposed to SEC talent. All the games prior to these that he played in, did not prepare him for SEC football. He is learning how fast and complex SEC opposition is.

I blame Heupel for not playing him last year in SEC games. He should have had at least two series in every SEC game. He would have been a ton better and understood about SEC football. It's exactly what Napier has been doing with Lagway.

To compound it, Nicos pass protection is very, very bad. Not just the OL but from TEs and RBs also. Being inexperienced and pressured is not a good mix playing SEC teams. Facing a much better defensive front this week than to date.

Jmo

 

[VolTom1]

I really just cannot imagine a backup being better than Nico right now. But I agree he and Josh are ultimately responsible for the offense and are being paid the most to have it at least mediocre against sec teams.

You're right they might not be better, but we wont know. I just assume they would not turn the ball over as much, and maybe they could make a few passes that Nico is struggling with right now.

 

[Hank Bukowski]

I know I'll get hate for this post but It needs to be said. While everyone is bashing the O-line for their poor play (which they deserve) I truthfully believe the problem lies with Nico/Josh, mostly on Josh for not preparing Nico after two years, and not scheming plays around his strengths. I also think Nico is more to blame than the O-line and WRs, but still less of a blame than Josh. I truthfully think people are not being critical enough of Nico (and Josh)
We all coronated Nico as the "chosen one" so I understand peoples hesitation to be critical of him, but the truth is he has not looked ready/prepared for this season.
The issue with this is he is getting paid millions to play the position while accounting for all of our team turn overs If I remember correctly, can you honestly say that he is helping our offense more than hindering at this point. Meanwhile you have Gaston Moore who has worked his butt off in this system for 5 years ignored. And why? What if Gaston could be a Stetson Bennett type of player, yet we would never know becasue he wont get the opportunity becasue we invested too much into Nico? And before you write me off and think I'm crazy remember Milton started over Hooker, and the only reason Hooker got a chance was because of an Injury.
All of that being said I am not "giving up on Nico" but Remember Erik Ainge, had a bad sophomore season but came back and played well as a junior/senior. Look, Tennessee is bigger than just one person, and if benching Nico and letting him learn till next season makes him transfer, well then he was never the right person to begin with. The truth is if Nico cant handle competing and earning the Job back than he should not be playing football.

This seems like reasonable thinking, to be honest. Both Heup and Nico have not performed well this season in their respective roles for our team. Their plan doesn’t seem to be working out very well, considering their experience, reputations and experience both as a coach and as an expensive player.

 

[rumaso11]

I know I'll get hate for this post but It needs to be said. While everyone is bashing the O-line for their poor play (which they deserve) I truthfully believe the problem lies with Nico/Josh, mostly on Josh for not preparing Nico after two years, and not scheming plays around his strengths. I also think Nico is more to blame than the O-line and WRs, but still less of a blame than Josh. I truthfully think people are not being critical enough of Nico (and Josh)
We all coronated Nico as the "chosen one" so I understand peoples hesitation to be critical of him, but the truth is he has not looked ready/prepared for this season.
The issue with this is he is getting paid millions to play the position while accounting for all of our team turn overs If I remember correctly, can you honestly say that he is helping our offense more than hindering at this point. Meanwhile you have Gaston Moore who has worked his butt off in this system for 5 years ignored. And why? What if Gaston could be a Stetson Bennett type of player, yet we would never know becasue he wont get the opportunity becasue we invested too much into Nico? And before you write me off and think I'm crazy remember Milton started over Hooker, and the only reason Hooker got a chance was because of an Injury.
All of that being said I am not "giving up on Nico" but Remember Erik Ainge, had a bad sophomore season but came back and played well as a junior/senior. Look, Tennessee is bigger than just one person, and if benching Nico and letting him learn till next season makes him transfer, well then he was never the right person to begin with. The truth is if Nico cant handle competing and earning the Job back than he should not be playing football.

I agree, I think Gaston Moore would operate the offense better and handle the defensive pressure better to find the open receiver and complete passes.

 

[VolFreakJosh]

I agree, I think Gaston Moore would operate the offense better and handle the defensive pressure better to find the open receiver and complete passes.

Quitting on Nico now would send a bad message to the locker room.

Might as well forfeit the rest of the season if Huepel went that route.

 

[UT97Vol]

I don’t necessarily disagree Tom. Because there has not been a lot of ingenuity in the offense this year. As everyone has said very predictable and as I lamented after the Ark loss about running more plays outside the tackle with Dylan they did that against Fla. But not many of them were blocked worth a damn. It is also difficult to assess Nico with great fidelity with as bad as the line has played causing him to want bail out of the pocket. And as good as Dylan is, as many carries as he’s getting, and the fact we’ve had light boxes for most of this season, he should be close to a 1000 yards already but there’s too many 0-2 yard gains. Way too many for the way defenses have refused to load the box. The running game is key to this offense and for the QB to roll.

Guys, until this OL starts playing up to its ability we’re not going to truly know what Nico is. Only then will we know if Nico is or is not the guy.

 

[LWSVOL]

I agree, I think Gaston Moore would operate the offense better and handle the defensive pressure better to find the open receiver and complete passes.

I know he is great at understanding the offense BUT Gaston Moore has not taken a snap versus SEC defenses. Its speed he has not comprehended.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

I really just cannot imagine a backup being better than Nico right now. But I agree he and Josh are ultimately responsible for the offense and are being paid the most to have it at least mediocre against sec teams.

I can. But might be wrong. Just the same, I'd like to see the Gulf Oil Guy (GOG) out in just to see if he makes a difference.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

I know he is great at understanding the offense BUT Gaston Moore has not taken a snap versus SEC defenses. Its speed he has not comprehended.

We don't and won't know unless CJH tries him out, even if only for one quarter, or half of one.

 

[LWSVOL]

We don't and won't know unless CJH tries him out, even if only for one quarter, or half of one.

I agree. And had he used Nico last year in some SEC games many would have understood better what they see now. Imo, he would be better if he had played in those last year. Heard also.

 

[HalfullVol]

Nico is a Freshman and defenses have adjusted to the Offense causing additional confusion on pre-snap reads.

Calm down and stay the course.

Better days ahead.

Circle back at the end of the season, Coach.

 

[VolKnight9]

Nico is inexperienced. Doesn't matter that it's his second year here it's a fact the last three games he has been exposed to SEC talent. All the games prior to these that he played in, did not prepare him for SEC football. He is learning how fast and complex SEC opposition is.

I blame Heupel for not playing him last year in SEC games. He should have had at least two series in every SEC game. He would have been a ton better and understood about SEC football. It's exactly what Napier has been doing with Lagway.

To compound it, Nicos pass protection is very, very bad. Not just the OL but from TEs and RBs also. Being inexperienced and pressured is not a good mix playing SEC teams. Facing a much better defensive front this week than to date.

Jmo

Alabamas defensive front isn’t as good as Oklahomas. Talent wise yes but performance wise, they haven’t showed it so far. Over on their board they are seriously concerned about losing this game because of our run game.

 

[LWSVOL]

Alabamas defensive front isn’t as good as Oklahomas. Talent wise yes but performance wise, they haven’t showed it so far. Over on their board they are seriously concerned about losing this game because of our run game.

Tennessee will be in every game because of defense. If we minimize mistakes on offense there is going to be a chance to win every game. I anticipate this being a one score outcome.

 

[wmcovol]

1. Someway, somehow, they’ve gotta get the ball to Brazzell, Thornton, White, Bru, etc where they can run with it. Brazzell made 2 unbelievable catches (only 1 counted) Thornton had 1 reception I believe.

2. Gotta get the ball some to Sampson in the pass game.

3. Gotta run Nico more than just 1 or 2 (not counting scrambles, etc)

 

[EZE]

Nico is inexperienced. Doesn't matter that it's his second year here it's a fact the last three games he has been exposed to SEC talent. All the games prior to these that he played in, did not prepare him for SEC football. He is learning how fast and complex SEC opposition is.

I blame Heupel for not playing him last year in SEC games. He should have had at least two series in every SEC game. He would have been a ton better and understood about SEC football. It's exactly what Napier has been doing with Lagway.

To compound it, Nicos pass protection is very, very bad. Not just the OL but from TEs and RBs also. Being inexperienced and pressured is not a good mix playing SEC teams. Facing a much better defensive front this week than to date.

Jmo

You act like we’re 1-5.

 

[EZE]

Quitting on Nico now would send a bad message to the locker room.

Might as well forfeit the rest of the season if Huepel went that route.

Correct. It makes no sense to bench a starter who is 5-1 and replace him with a backup with significantly less talent.

 

[EZE]

Guys, until this OL starts playing up to its ability we’re not going to truly know what Nico is. Only then will we know if Nico is or is not the guy.

100% accurate.

 

[LWSVOL]

You act like we’re 1-5.

How is that? Record is 5-1. Nothing I said changes that. What sounded 1-5,?

 

[Redleg68]

Nico does need to take care of the ball better but I think the OL is still the bigger issue. Every snap he is wondering if the LT is gonna get his block and it would get into any freshman’s head. Plus, both tackles had HUGE holding penalties last night and 74 is good for at least one personal foul a game. That’s needs to stop. CJH definitely need to roll Nico out more.

I was at the game last night and it was the first one that I have watched in person with Nico QB ing. You do not get to see the whole field on TV like in person. Several times Nico had receivers coming open that he did not see. Confidence and route anticipation is an issue.

 

[volmanNC]

I don’t necessarily disagree Tom. Because there has not been a lot of ingenuity in the offense this year. As everyone has said very predictable and as I lamented after the Ark loss about running more plays outside the tackle with Dylan they did that against Fla. But not many of them were blocked worth a damn. It is also difficult to assess Nico with great fidelity with as bad as the line has played causing him to want bail out of the pocket. And as good as Dylan is, as many carries as he’s getting, and the fact we’ve had light boxes for most of this season, he should be close to a 1000 yards already but there’s too many 0-2 yard gains. Way too many for the way defenses have refused to load the box. The running game is key to this offense and for the QB to roll.

Guys, until this OL starts playing up to its ability we’re not going to truly know what Nico is. Only then will we know if Nico is or is not the guy.

Nico is not without some blame also. On several occasions he just held the ball too long. He sometimes focuses on one receiver only! I can't hardly remember him just throwing the ball away when required.