2nd Half D

[McDad]

I’m not anti Banks. He just hasn’t won my confidence. I don’t think he is on the same performance level in his position as the other coaches as demonstrated by performance so far. I personally think the parts of the D perform better than the whole. That seems to point to the DC

Are the shifting opinions supported by stats, is it "eye test", something else?

 

[sjt18]

I am only interested in what CJH is thinking. I will go with him. Not a clue what his analysis of talent utilization is. The only hint I have is the number of DB's on our current commit list. Offense vs Defense split is 13 to 9. Pretty telling for an offensive centric guru. A lot of ASSUMED PRIORITY targets are also on that side of the ball.

I never said that talent wasn’t part of it.

There were some reports earlier that Heupel had to pressure Banks to be more aggressive. I believe that was before UK. Probably the D’Souza best game of the year.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Not going to sugar coat it. My opinion of Banks took a step backward again in the Mizzou game. He couldn’t scheme up the worst O in the SEC. There will eventually be an argument that UT should not be in the CFP because of the defense. And how would you argue with it?

I trust your judgement and you may be right but if they have to go to the Defense argument the committee will be splitting hairs and it will be about politics. This is all taking into consideration that it is the 4th spot.

I don't think it gets to that point. It will be clearer in 4 weeks

 

[sjt18]

Are the shifting opinions supported by stats, is it "eye test", something else?

Comparative stats from the Mizzou game. Looked like a lapse into previous issues against a really bad O and QB

That was Cook’s best game of the year vs an FBS opponent. Even the tv announcers were commenting on MU giving him so many one read plays. Watching them scheme plays that kept their drives going was frustrating

 

[McDad]

Comparative stats from the Mizzou game. Looked like a lapse into previous issues against a really bad O and QB

That was Cook’s best game of the year vs an FBS opponent. Even the tv announcers were commenting on MU giving him so many one read plays. Watching them scheme plays that kept their drives going was frustrating

What did you notice about the scheme once the D began to shut MU down halfway through 3rd Q?

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

I never said that talent wasn’t part of it.

There were some reports earlier that Heupel had to pressure Banks to be more aggressive. I believe that was before UK. Probably the D’Souza best game of the year.

I have seen no indications that Coach has issues with Banks or our DB coach that has caught all the heck around here. I did see him give WM a postgame hug a few games back when he could have passed on by. Would not rule out any change though, If he sees a route to get better I hope he takes it. I have wondered about the ex VT DC hanging around knoxville this year but not heard any rumbling that direction. He is on one of the Sunday shows in Ktown,

 

[sjt18]

What did you notice about the scheme once the D began to shut MU down halfway through 3rd Q?

It looked like they played the flats better Someone mentioned that UT kept 2 LBs in the short zone to stop the broken pocket runs. There didn’t seem to be as many free releases by WRs. DLs controlled the depth of their rush better

 

[sjt18]

I have seen no indications that Coach has issues with Banks or our DB coach that has caught all the heck around here. I did see him give WM a postgame hug a few games back when he could have passed on by. Would not rule out any change though, If he sees a route to get better I hope he takes it. I have wondered about the ex VT DC hanging around knoxville this year but not heard any rumbling that direction. He is on one of the Sunday shows in Ktown,

I’m actually not that wild about changing out Banks. Chemistry is a big part of the culture. His instinct just seems to be bend don’t break. Heupel has made it clear he wants a high pressure, aggressive D

 

[Sudden Impact]

The Tennessee Vols

When CJH got here with all the roster turnover, depletion in the roster, a lack of culture, NCAA investigation, Recruiting sub par, fan base depleting, dysfunctional AD and the list goes on and on.

I never thought we would get out of this mess in a short period of time and felt we were on a 5 year recovery plan. Well the Defense because of the emergence of the Offense will rise in level to a 3 year plan.

I did not like Banks as the DC but I am beginning to see he is capable of doing the job in the SEC once the recruiting is up. In the Coaching Staff, We have winners on
on both sides of the ball. The Defensive rebuild is not behind schedule but will take longer than 2 years. 2 more classes.

CHJ has done a fantastic job with the Offense and it has been the catalyst of things to come. The Defense improved and will continue the next 2 years. Likewise the offense will as well. This is all about culture.

Time is on our side.

Banks can do the job but it will take him more time to get it done.

 

[McDad]

It looked like they played the flats better Someone mentioned that UT kept 2 LBs in the short zone to stop the broken pocket runs. There didn’t seem to be as many free releases by WRs. DLs controlled the depth of their rush better

I am looking forward to comparing last year and this year stats on all things defense.

My gut tells me we've made significant strides even though there are games (and moments in games) where we have real problems. Unfortunately, those are going to happen at the college level and they happen with all college teams.

 

[Proud Army Wife]

sjt typically gives thought and reason to his posts. I find him to be routinely objective.

There is a lot of anti Banks and anti Martinez opinion on the board, though.

For me, a return to poor performance for a half isn't that big of a deal especially after getting our butts whooped in Athens.

They certainly need to clean that up though, particularly if we do make the play-offs. Smart had been prepping for TN’s offense since the summer and it showed. I hope JH took notes.

 

[Smokey7]

Time to Recruit some Al Wilson's and Leonard Little's again

 

[McDad]

They certainly need to clean that up though, particularly if we do make the play-offs. Smart had been prepping for TN’s offense since the summer and it showed. I hope JH took notes.

I don't think Kirby was preparing for our offense all year. He had no reason to prepare until we started rolling at the LSU game. UGA absolutely handled us last year. I think what we as fans see as prep or scheme is actually the level of gad the players have for a game. UGA looked absolutely pedestrian against Kent and Mizz. Against us, they looked like the 85 Chicago Bears.
We see this kinda thing in college football a lot.

I think if we get a rematch with UGA we will look like a different team.

 

[Proud Army Wife]

I don't think Kirby was preparing for our offense all year. He had no reason to prepare until we started rolling at the LSU game. UGA absolutely handled us last year. I think what we as fans see as prep or scheme is actually the level of gad the players have for a game. UGA looked absolutely pedestrian against Kent and Mizz. Against us, they looked like the 85 Chicago Bears.
We see this kinda thing in college football a lot.

I think if we get a rematch with UGA we will look like a different team.

You may be right, just thought I had heard/seen him going on record as saying as such.

 

[LAVol1]

We've talked about what a difference a year or two makes but I was thinking about our 2nd Half D.
We've given up an average of 10.7 points per game in the second half all year and almost exactly the same average of 10.6 points per 2nd half against the SEC. I think that's pretty impressive and a refreshing change from the old guards who didn't seem to make any adjustments at half time.
If you dig a little deeper, they've given up 10 TOTAL points in the second half if the last THREE games. KY-0, GA-3 and Lossouri 7.
Props to the coaches and players for being able to make adjustments.

I think Banks gambling style defense is perfect for the personnel he has. He's getting the most out of what he has to work with. But, the real star of the defensive coaching staff is Rodney Garner. The D-Line has been tremendous. Thomas and Terry have been wreaking havoc. It's been a long time since we've had such disruptive interior defensive linemen. Love watching those guys!

 

[LAVol1]

I’m not anti Banks. He just hasn’t won my confidence. I don’t think he is on the same performance level in his position as the other coaches as demonstrated by performance so far. I personally think the parts of the D perform better than the whole. That seems to point to the DC

You have to scheme with what you have. Our secondary is weak. To win on defense, we have to blitz a lot and take chances in the secondary. But, the alternative is to let a team move methodically down the field, chewing up clock and limiting how many times the Vol offense gets the ball. Better to gamble and give up 30-35 pts. than to let the opponent keep the ball away from our offense which, if they get enough possessions, we'll score 40-60. I'm pleased with Banks, thrilled with Garner.

 

[JoeMiltonsAgent]

I am looking forward to comparing last year and this year stats on all things defense.

My gut tells me we've made significant strides even though there are games (and moments in games) where we have real problems. Unfortunately, those are going to happen at the college level and they happen with all college teams.

Rush defense has significantly improved from 2021 to 2022, 148 YPG in 2021 to 104 YPG in 2022.

Pass defense has regressed. 273 YPG in 2021 to 288 YPG in 2022.

They have gone from 56th in turnover margin in 2021 to 6th in turnover margin in 2022.

Scoring defense has gone from 31 PPG in 2021 to 21 PPG IN 2022.

There are issues with the defense but I think they have taken significant strides under Banks.

Far too soon to be pulling the plug on him and he probably deserves more credit than he has been receiving based on the improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. JMO.

 

[volinSmyrna]

I think as long as we are scoring 40+ per game, I don't mind giving up 21. The nature of our offense means that opposing offenses are on the field more and have more opportunities for yards/points. Once the talent level (in the secondary especially) improves, I think you will see less "career days" against us. As it stands, I think the Defensive staff has done a great job at doing what they need to in order to support the offense. Defenses can't cover every gap and hole on the field. It is statistically impossible. The more aggressive a defense is, usually opens up another "free" area for the offense to try to find. Also, once our athletes get better, those empty areas will shrink as well.

 

[McDad]

Rush defense has significantly improved from 2021 to 2022, 148 YPG in 2021 to 104 YPG in 2022.

Pass defense has regressed. 273 YPG in 2021 to 288 YPG in 2022.

They have gone from 56th in turnover margin in 2021 to 6th in turnover margin in 2022.

Scoring defense has gone from 31 PPG in 2021 to 21 PPG IN 2022.

There are issues with the defense but I think they have taken significant strides under Banks.

Far too soon to be pulling the plug on him and he probably deserves more credit than he has been receiving based on the improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. JMO.

Nice work. Thank you.

It looks like we are trending the right way in several areas.

 

[GVol1966]

Georgia didn't just take their foot off the gas. They decided to run the ball and milk the clock which was a tactical decision.[/QUOTE]
Or an easy decision for anyone with half a brain, especially after it started raining

 

[Clayton]

Actually, Georgia had 21 points with 14 minutes left in the second quarter. They only managed two field goals the rest of the game, and had as many three and outs. They also kept passing until the last minute of the 3rd quarter.
The theory that Georgia took their foot off of the gas is a falsehood. Purely conjured up in the minds of the weak & infirm.
The game is available to watch on many different platforms. The evidence is easy to see. I'd advise you to go and take a look, as it seems as if you missed the game back on November 5th.

4 passes in the second half is not a foot off the gas? Tennessee had no answer for Georgia's passing attack if they had continued to utilize it. Kirby admitted he took the ball out of Stetsons hands the second half. Until Tennessee proved they could do something on offense there was no need to take any chances at all. Having a nine minute drive in the third quarter is what you call milking the clock. It seems as if you watched a completely different game. Every sports reporter in the country has said the same very thing. It was obvious to anyone with the knowledge of the game what occurred the second half. Milk the clock and keep the ball on the ground until somebody forces you to do something different and Tennessee did not force Georgia to do anything different. It wasn't raining the first half and Georgia was up three scores and it could've been worse if not for clock mismanagement by Kirby when they got a field goal instead of a touchdown to end the first half. It's just the truth of the game as stated by the coach and anyone not wearing orange

 

[JoeMiltonsAgent]

Nice work. Thank you.

It looks like we are trending the right way in several areas.

You're welcome.

Your earlier comment got me thinking about it on a dreary boring day lol.

Here is a link for reference

2022 Tennessee Volunteers Stats | College Football at Sports-Reference.com

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

I’m actually not that wild about changing out Banks. Chemistry is a big part of the culture. His instinct just seems to be bend don’t break. Heupel has made it clear he wants a high pressure, aggressive D

Guessing THEY are recruiting to that end. If a couple of our DB newbies turn into instant lockdown corners lots can change. With no backup to my hopes and dreams I think we might have more folks exit the program this year and make room on the now driver 85 count to bring in more bodies, SOME of which I believe will be some significant transfers wanting to join our upward trending team's identified shortcomings. Don't see a lot of reaches from the HS ranks this year. Just my reading between the lines of limited staff involvement with HS priorities. Guessing their (transfers) people have been legally talking and winking to our people discussing hypotheticals. As you can see a lot of guessing on my part.

 

[sjt18]

P

You have to scheme with what you have. Our secondary is weak. To win on defense, we have to blitz a lot and take chances in the secondary. But, the alternative is to let a team move methodically down the field, chewing up clock and limiting how many times the Vol offense gets the ball. Better to gamble and give up 30-35 pts. than to let the opponent keep the ball away from our offense which, if they get enough possessions, we'll score 40-60. I'm pleased with Banks, thrilled with Garner.

I think Banks isn’t on par with what they’ve done on O. They took the talent the had and produced a great O. Tillman, Hooker, and others aren’t likely in the draft if not for what they’ve done.

Pure aggression on D often covers a lot of mistakes and shortcomings. Banks seems to favor a more conservative, bend don’t break approach. I don’t think that’s a function of talent as much as his style. I also don’t think that will ever mesh that well with UT’s approach on O. When the other team’s goal is to possess the ball for long drives a bend don’t break D is the last thing you need

I don’t think the talent on D is so bad that UT should be comparable to teams like Vandy or even Missouri, USCe, and UK. I think a talent upgrade will help but great coaches, coach great. I haven’t seen Banks do that in the first two years. His D has been about the sun of its talent or maybe a little worse.

 

[sjt18]

I am looking forward to comparing last year and this year stats on all things defense.

My gut tells me we've made significant strides even though there are games (and moments in games) where we have real problems. Unfortunately, those are going to happen at the college level and they happen with all college teams.

Rush D will be better. Pass D will be similar.

Scoring D will be a little better for the regular season

Some of that is opponent related. UK’s O for instance isn’t nearly as good as last year