DT situation

[oldvol50]

Vols lost a lot of size from last year's DL but interestingly, none of the vets like Eason, Bailey, Moi and West gained any weight altho seems like any could have put on a few if that was the goal. Given the intense strength program, the implication is Josh and Banks wanted them quicker and more explosive rather than bigger. Which would probably improve the interior pass rush.

Last year no one could run inside against them and 4th and 1 was fun to watch b/c Vols so often just flat stoned the back. But Saturday with the mounting injuries inside, they got gashed by that big back Willis. Not too many teams have the personnel or patience to go smashmouth in today's game but UGA and UF are 2 teams with a big back who can and will.

Coach G got his work cut out.

 

[UTodd01]

Anybody have an injury update on all the guys?

 

[Orange Navy]

Vols lost a lot of size from last year's DL but interestingly, none of the vets like Eason, Bailey, Moi and West gained any weight altho seems like any could have put on a few if that was the goal. Given the intense strength program, the implication is Josh and Banks wanted them quicker and more explosive rather than bigger. Which would probably improve the interior pass rush.

Last year no one could run inside against them and 4th and 1 was fun to watch b/c Vols so often just flat stoned the back. But Saturday with the mounting injuries inside, they got gashed by that big back Willis. Not too many teams have the personnel or patience to go smashmouth in today's game but UGA and UF are 2 teams with a big back who can and will.

Coach G got his work cut out.

I agree with everything you say. However I would point out 2 things:
1. Syracuse averaged 2.3 yards a carry so they weren’t exactly gashing us.
2. We played every DT on the roster, including true freshmen. I’m hoping it was more of an open tryout for future playing time. I thought we were better when Eason and Dom Bailey were in there. Also Nathan Robinson was a pleasant surprise; Hopefully now that they’ve had the chance to see everyone in game situation, they will pare down the rotation.

 

[OffTackleVol]

I agree with everything you say. However I would point out 2 things:
1. Syracuse averaged 2.3 yards a carry so they weren’t exactly gashing us.
2. We played every DT on the roster, including true freshmen. I’m hoping it was more of an open tryout for future playing time. I thought we were better when Eason and Dom Bailey were in there. Also Nathan Robinson was a pleasant surprise; Hopefully now that they’ve had the chance to see everyone in game situation, they will pare down the rotation.

Yep, looks like Nate Robinson will be in the rotation for sure.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

I said something similar in another thread. Compared to last year, we look LITTLE on the D-Line! We need to be door dashing some of these guys extra buckets of KFC and mashed potatoes with gravy! Many of them look awfully light in the ass, compared to last year with Omari Thomas, Elijah Simmons, and Omar Norman-Lott.

 

[Chickenfarmer]

Take away the yards lost during the QB sacks and SYR averaged 3.5 yds/carry which is solid. We have to d add stiffen up along the D-Line. We all thought this was strength of the team coming into this game. I’m confident Coach G will have them ready every week.

 

[CAVPUT]

DT situation....dire.

 

[BreatheUT]

I count 7 upperclassmen with interior line size. Hobbs didn't play. Moi went down on the 1st series.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

I count 7 upperclassmen with interior line size. Hobbs didn't play. Moi went down on the 1st series.

The measurements can say what they say for these guys, but I know what I saw and I know what a proper SEC D-Line looks like. Right now, we ain't it! At one point yesterday late in the game, I swear it looked like our D-Line was filled with guys that could've been mistaken for linebackers.

 

[BreatheUT]

The measurements can say what they say for these guys, but I know what I saw and I know what a proper SEC D-Line looks like. Right now, we ain't it! At one point yesterday late in the game, I swear it looked like our D-Line was filled with guys that could've been mistaken for linebackers.

I guess what I'm saying is we had 5 interior lineman with experience available. Then once Robinson missed some time, only 4. After that we had to go to youth, or guys that are normally edge players around 250lb.

 

[LWSVOL]

I agree with everything you say. However I would point out 2 things:
1. Syracuse averaged 2.3 yards a carry so they weren’t exactly gashing us.
2. We played every DT on the roster, including true freshmen. I’m hoping it was more of an open tryout for future playing time. I thought we were better when Eason and Dom Bailey were in there. Also Nathan Robinson was a pleasant surprise; Hopefully now that they’ve had the chance to see everyone in game situation, they will pare down the rotation.

They need to decreased reps. Bailey had 66 and Eason 61. They need half that against Georgia and whoever shares needs to play very good. Not get run over. That many reps they will be gassed halfway through the third quarter