HighWaterVol
Pushin’ P
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2012
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The fact that we are honoring the 98' champs will have zero impact on the game. We honored Peyton at halftime of last year's GA game and that was the worst performance I have ever seen in Neyland.This was my point. I don't think many are actually breaking down the two teams, comparing them head-to-head, considering other such as we are playing at home, at night, on a night where we are honoring the 98 championship team,
If you wager enough the line will change. Go over the top with a MegaMillions lottery check on the game and the Vols will suddenly be the favorite.
The fact that we are honoring the 98' champs will have zero impact on the game. We honored Peyton at halftime of last year's GA game and that was the worst performance I have ever seen in Neyland.
OP, maybe you should ask why should we be favored?
Finally, a post that seems to show an understanding of how and why gambling lines are established and change.
Does everyone understand that gambling lines are set so as to get all betting dollars distributed as close to equal on both sides as can be done? I has nothing to do with who the odds-makers think will win and by how much.
I've already answered that. I think we have the better overall team. We have executed better so far. We have better talent at the skilled positions. JG>Franks...and its not close. I like our running backs much better. Chandler can break one big.
While Offensive Line hasn't been very bright, I trust are coaching staff to strategize around this deficiency, unlike previous staffs. Pruitt is honest and understands the situation. The coaching staff can do alot of different things to cover up this weakness. Additional blockers, quick and short yardage passing plays, screens, heavier commitment to the run, power running formations, play action, bootleg passing, etc....The key is we can't let JG be a sitting duck.
But even then, I don't see Franks outplaying JG in Neyland. All we have to do is to have JG be the better QB tomorrow at home, protect the football, and have our running backs play complimentary football.
Defense has been consistent and solid. WV was a rough game on the stat sheet, but it was our first game with a new coach playing against an experience offense with a Heisman candidate QB. Many times we were in the right position to make a play, but either a step away or a great athletic play by the WV receiver.
Though lacking at pass rush, the crowd's energy could add some extra adrenaline and is always a plus for the defense. Additionally, Florida doesn't feel very confident in the O-Line either as a unit. Lastly, Franks isn't a 50% percentage passer and pressure or not he misses wide open guys. While our lack of pass rush will be punished in other SEC matchups this year, I don't think it will hurt us as much. Plus, I trust Pruitt to compensate.
All in All, I see us as the better overall team. The only way I actually see Florida gaining an advantage and beating us if they catch a break in special teams where they have made some splash plays so far this year. Otherwise, I haven't heard any arguments for why THIS year's Florida's team will beat THIS year's TN team. All I keep hearing is how we will lose the game, not how Florida will beat us. Everyone is pointing to past performances, the "Florida curses', and just overall negativity...just blah. I'm taking TN
Losing 12 of the last 13 with the last four loses coming when we arguably had the better team. Furthermore, those loses have happened in ways that defy the odds. Granted this a new year and there are new coaches, but history like this creates its own momentum with betting lines and the public, IMHO.I think everyone understands that. Yet, there has to be enough people buying Florida as a 4.5 favorite as not drive the spread any closer. The fact that there are enough people buying that side and not Tennessee, is baffling to me. The general consensus set by the market, giving Florida a 4.5 point advantage in Neyland, says that they have the better team. I say this because it is widely accepted that there is about a 3.0 cushion in favor of the home team that calculates its way into the spread.
Being that this is a night game at Neyland against Florida, imo it's not going to make a significant difference in the noise level during the actual game and the majority of the players probably don't even know who they are as most of the players were not even born yet in 1998. I think Pruitt would probably consider it just noise, though it would be impolitic for him to say so. Anyway, agree to disagree, ordinarily I probably wouldn't have commented, yesterday was the end of a LONG day, so I am sorry if I came down too hard on what was a fairly minor point. GBO! Beat them lizards.I beg to differ. It counts for something, which while may not make a difference in us playing a Georgia or Alabama, it certainly can help us in a game this close. The crowd should be amped up an extra notch. Their presence, from individual players, has already been felt in Knoxville as many of them are making various cameo appearances across the city, bringing extra hype and attention into the game. They will be around all day tomorrow. I'm sure some will speak to the players..and I would imagine there will be promos during the game about them which will only amp up the fans....In the end it may be miniscule in the grand scheme of things, but all we do is need things to go in the right direction and this crowd will have an effect, no doubt.
Vavolfan6 - I like your passion and hope you are absolutely right. I wish the players had your passion. The reality IMO is that we are a pitiful team playing a team that is slightly less pitiful than the vols. The players are rebelling against a coach who is trying to right the ship the old fashion way. I think he will but we the fans will have to endure some very ugly times. Today IMO will be one of the man6 ugly times this year. I will have the suicide hotline number for you after the game. I enjoyed reading your post.I've already answered that. I think we have the better overall team. We have executed better so far. We have better talent at the skilled positions. JG>Franks...and its not close. I like our running backs much better. Chandler can break one big.
While Offensive Line hasn't been very bright, I trust are coaching staff to strategize around this deficiency, unlike previous staffs. Pruitt is honest and understands the situation. The coaching staff can do alot of different things to cover up this weakness. Additional blockers, quick and short yardage passing plays, screens, heavier commitment to the run, power running formations, play action, bootleg passing, etc....The key is we can't let JG be a sitting duck.
But even then, I don't see Franks outplaying JG in Neyland. All we have to do is to have JG be the better QB tomorrow at home, protect the football, and have our running backs play complimentary football.
Defense has been consistent and solid. WV was a rough game on the stat sheet, but it was our first game with a new coach playing against an experience offense with a Heisman candidate QB. Many times we were in the right position to make a play, but either a step away or a great athletic play by the WV receiver.
Though lacking at pass rush, the crowd's energy could add some extra adrenaline and is always a plus for the defense. Additionally, Florida doesn't feel very confident in the O-Line either as a unit. Lastly, Franks isn't a 50% percentage passer and pressure or not he misses wide open guys. While our lack of pass rush will be punished in other SEC matchups this year, I don't think it will hurt us as much. Plus, I trust Pruitt to compensate.
All in All, I see us as the better overall team. The only way I actually see Florida gaining an advantage and beating us if they catch a break in special teams where they have made some splash plays so far this year. Otherwise, I haven't heard any arguments for why THIS year's Florida's team will beat THIS year's TN team. All I keep hearing is how we will lose the game, not how Florida will beat us. Everyone is pointing to past performances, the "Florida curses', and just overall negativity...just blah. I'm taking TN
I divested emotionally last year. First time in 30 years I have not actually cared/been excited about football season. Sad.Being emotionally invested in Vol football is draining. Besides a few times in 2015 and 2016...tired of trying to rationalize ways we're going to win before a game, only to prove that I had orange colored delusions of grandeur after the game. But, I'll keep at it...Go Vols...we've got this
LOL at OP defending his position in this thread. It is what it is. Not a good team. Vegas has a lot of money for a reason. They base it on facts, not emotion or loyalty.