A few plays made the difference

[ThreatLevelOrange]

We can go on and on about missed assignments and silly penalties, which can be corrected with coaching. This post focuses on why that's moot until we get better talent.

There were two plays relatively late in the game, and if either go our way, we'd have a chance to make a bowl. Everyone would be happier.

1. 3rd and a long 1 with 4 1/2 minutes to go. Despite our deficiencies, we are moving the ball. Another first down is huge.

We use a FB and a 2 TE set, with Kerbyson on the left and Downs (our only TE at this point) on the right. Based on the result, I thought Vandy ran a run blitz and overwhelmed our line. Not so. Vandy did not run a goal line D, as they thought there was an outside chance of a pass. But Downs (as he is often asked to do in this offense) had to block the DE 1-on-1. The play would have picked up at least 3 yards, except Downs was blown up...got pushed 3-4 yards into the backfield. Neither the FB nor the pulling LG could help.

This was a well designed play, and it would've worked against the D called by Vandy. But one player overmatched at the point of attack forced us to punt.

2. Following the punt, Vandy had a 3rd and 7 at their own 14 with over 3 minutes to play. If we hold them, Vandy probably has to punt and burn all their Timeouts.

They spread the field, and we were expecting Matthews to get the ball. Why not? They attack the nickel personnel, as we had Probst and Swafford on the slot receiver. Easy completion, and their game-winning drive was underway. This was the same outcome as the 2010 game at LSU where we were forced to play N. Reveiz in pass coverage, because we could not field a Dime Package.

One was an example of getting whipped by a stronger player, and one was an example of two players without the speed to cover players in space. The sheer lack of talent on this roster magnifies any execution issues we've seen.

Next year can't get here fast enough.

 

[Fijivol72]

Nice post

 

[kiddiedoc]

We can go on and on about missed assignments and silly penalties, which can be corrected with coaching. This post focuses on why that's moot until we get better talent.

There were two plays relatively late in the game, and if either go our way, we'd have a chance to make a bowl. Everyone would be happier.

1. 3rd and a long 1 with 4 1/2 minutes to go. Despite our deficiencies, we are moving the ball. Another first down is huge.

We use a FB and a 2 TE set, with Kerbyson on the left and Downs (our only TE at this point) on the right. Based on the result, I thought Vandy ran a run blitz and overwhelmed our line. Not so. Vandy did not run a goal line D, as they thought there was an outside chance of a pass. But Downs (as he is often asked to do in this offense) had to block the DE 1-on-1. The play would have picked up at least 3 yards, except Downs was blown up...got pushed 3-4 yards into the backfield. Neither the FB nor the pulling LG could help.

This was a well designed play, and it would've worked against the D called by Vandy. But one player overmatched at the point of attack forced us to punt.

2. Following the punt, Vandy had a 3rd and 7 at their own 14 with over 3 minutes to play. If we hold them, Vandy probably has to punt and burn all their Timeouts.

They spread the field, and we were expecting Matthews to get the ball. Why not? They attack the nickel personnel, as we had Probst and Swafford on the slot receiver. Easy completion, and their game-winning drive was underway. This was the same outcome as the 2010 game at LSU where we were forced to play N. Reveiz in pass coverage, because we could not field a Dime Package.

One was an example of getting whipped by a stronger player, and one was an example of two players without the speed to cover players in space. The sheer lack of talent on this roster magnifies any execution issues we've seen.

Next year can't get here fast enough.

Agree about the talent/speed issue, but coaches have the responsibility of putting players in the position to make plays. That 3rd and short play was so stupid.

 

[IhateGA]

Agree about the talent/speed issue, but coaches have the responsibility of putting players in the position to make plays. That 3rd and short play was so stupid.

They did put the player in position to make the play on the 3rd and 1, the player did not make the play.

 

[Volsfaninva917]

I get your point but we are also a few plays away from being a 2 win football team right now

 

[keckjm]

We suck at making plays when the ball is snapped directly behind the center. The reason why we suck is because we don't practice those plays enough and no one understands their assignment. I'm not a sunshine pumper or an excuse maker for this team. If we can't get third and 1 we are screwed. Our offense struggles in short yardage situations and in the redzone because the spread becomes a disadvantage to us in these situations. We have play makers on offense, but we fail to utilize them properly. How many catches did Matthews have on us that where down the field? Not many, but how many catches did he have on us all together? A lot. Why? Because their OC realizes that the best chance to win is to get him the ball at all cost. They ran screens, short post, bubble screens. They did what they had to so that he received the ball. We don't get our playmakers in a position to make plays its pretty much that simple.

 

[WesternKyVol]

The point that is routinely missed around here is that good coaching enhances player performance. If you think Vandy is more talented than us, I recommend following another sport.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

The point that is routinely missed around here is that good coaching enhances player performance. If you think Vandy is more talented than us, I recommend following another sport.

If you think Swafford and Propst are talented enough to cover anybody, you should follow another sport.

 

[WesternKyVol]

If you think Swafford and Propst are talented enough to cover anybody, you should follow another sport.

We have top 20 talent. Jones has had a full year with them. Highlighting the team's weakest links can be done for almost any team. Let's try to step back and take a holistic look.

 

[keckjm]

If you think Swafford and Propst are talented enough to cover anybody, you should follow another sport.

You missed his point. Everyone knows this team doesn't have quality depth, but you have to find ways to win against teams that are as talented or less talented then you. Our coaching was terrible offensively, and I'm not sure why guys like Maybin aren't used defensively on passing downs.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

We have top 20 talent. Jones has had a full year with them. Highlighting the team's weakest links can be done for almost any team. Let's try to step back and take a holistic look.

Top 20 talent? We are starting walk ons in the secondary.

 

[Volsfaninva917]

Top 20 talent? We are starting walk ons in the secondary.

How many times a day do you post defending coach jones? Not bashing you just asking because you have to be pulling your hair out by this point

 

[KBVol]

We can go on and on about missed assignments and silly penalties, which can be corrected with coaching. This post focuses on why that's moot until we get better talent.

There were two plays relatively late in the game, and if either go our way, we'd have a chance to make a bowl. Everyone would be happier.

1. 3rd and a long 1 with 4 1/2 minutes to go. Despite our deficiencies, we are moving the ball. Another first down is huge.

We use a FB and a 2 TE set, with Kerbyson on the left and Downs (our only TE at this point) on the right. Based on the result, I thought Vandy ran a run blitz and overwhelmed our line. Not so. Vandy did not run a goal line D, as they thought there was an outside chance of a pass. But Downs (as he is often asked to do in this offense) had to block the DE 1-on-1. The play would have picked up at least 3 yards, except Downs was blown up...got pushed 3-4 yards into the backfield. Neither the FB nor the pulling LG could help.

This was a well designed play, and it would've worked against the D called by Vandy. But one player overmatched at the point of attack forced us to punt.

2. Following the punt, Vandy had a 3rd and 7 at their own 14 with over 3 minutes to play. If we hold them, Vandy probably has to punt and burn all their Timeouts.

They spread the field, and we were expecting Matthews to get the ball. Why not? They attack the nickel personnel, as we had Probst and Swafford on the slot receiver. Easy completion, and their game-winning drive was underway. This was the same outcome as the 2010 game at LSU where we were forced to play N. Reveiz in pass coverage, because we could not field a Dime Package.

One was an example of getting whipped by a stronger player, and one was an example of two players without the speed to cover players in space. The sheer lack of talent on this roster magnifies any execution issues we've seen.

Next year can't get here fast enough.

Excellent post, gave you the 5th like. However, get ready, cause you've got a poster or 2 that's gonna jump all over your "sheer lack of talent on this roster" comment buddy. Be prepared for a dissertation on how UT matches up beautifully talent-wise with the '85 Bears.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Top 20 talent? We are starting walk ons in the secondary.

Vanderbilt lost their entire secondary, including one of their best players in Ladler, as well over the course of the game.

Talent wise, this was an even at best match up although I think the talent on the rosters overall still favored UT.

Those games usually come down to coaching and Jones and his staff failed miserably.

 

[KingNick865]

we have top 20 talent. jones has had a full year with them. Highlighting the team's weakest links can be done for almost any team. Let's try to step back and take a holistic look.

L

O

L

lol:

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Excellent post, gave you the 5th like. However, get ready, cause you've got a poster or 2 that's gonna jump all over your "sheer lack of talent on this roster" comment buddy. Be prepared for a dissertation on how UT matches up beautifully talent-wise with the '85 Bears.

Hyperbolize much? I don't think anyone in their right mind thinks this team has as much talent as Auburn, much less an NFL team.

 

[madbamahater]

Vanderbilt lost their entire secondary, including one of their best players in Ladler, as well over the course of the game.

Talent wise, this was an even at best match up although I think the talent on the rosters overall still favored UT.

Those games usually come down to coaching and Jones and his staff failed miserably.

Jones failed miserably by running onto the field and making Pig Howard block in the back that called Dobbs' TD run back that likely would've won the game. Certainly would've widened the lead to 17-7 and likely would've been icing on the cake. That backed the Vols way up and then the fake FG attempt I do blame on Jones. That had a snow balls chance in hell of ever working. UT would've been better suited to either just go for it (in an attempt at a first down or field position) or pooch punt from there.

 

[MSME Vol]

The problem is that you're trying to apply logic to the situation. Volnation isn't going to like that

 

[madbamahater]

We have top 20 talent. Jones has had a full year with them. Highlighting the team's weakest links can be done for almost any team. Let's try to step back and take a holistic look.

If the SEC had 20 teams we would have top 20 talent. We would rank 18,19 or 20 in that hypothetical scenario.......

 

[crunchimusmaximus]

Wrong the biggest thing that made the difference was Dobbs not being able to complete a pass past the 5 yard marker resulting in our staff calling an extra vanilla offesive game plan....with an even average QB we win tha6t game by 2 scores easily if not 3.

 

[Oskie Volum]

It doesn't matter how many plays we were away from winning. If it did Dooley would still be coach. He was just a play away many times. Especially last year.

This coaching staff had enough talent to not be in the position to be just a "play away" to beat Vandy. CBJ got straight up out coached by Franklin. The Bama, Auburn, and Mizzou games were excused by the "lack of talent" talk. CBJ had 2 WEEKS to prepare for Vandy, and we still lose. Now the "talent" talk/excuse just went moot. It's legit to be concerned about his actual coaching ability versus the big boys, and how long it's going to take for him to figure it out.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[KBVol]

Hyperbolize much? I don't think anyone in their right mind thinks this team has as much talent as Auburn, much less an NFL team.

So I see you didn't actually read my post or if you did you didn't comprehend it.

I personally do not think this UT team is very talented, regardless of what the recruiting services say. I've seen them play 11 times this year and they don't pass the eyeball test, at all. They're slow as hell.

My post referenced a poster or 2 that's gonna argue that we have more talent in the SEC than maybe only 2-3 teams, hence my tongue in cheek comment about the '85 Bears.

 

[ThreatLevelOrange]

Top 20 talent? We are starting walk ons in the secondary.

That's my point. Our recruiting rankings don't factor in the ridiculous amount of attrition and poor player development we've had. That's why I've posted things this week that if we simply let the man bring in talent that fits his system - for at least another 1 to 2 years - we will be OK.

Downs is the only healthy TE we have besides Woody Quinn. Not a lot of options there. But I guess Jones is an idiot because Downs can't block well. He recruited Eric Fischer as a blocking TE and he ended up the #1 overall pick last year.

We are nowhere close to top 20 talent. Get real.

 

[PowerWookie]

We can go on and on about missed assignments and silly penalties, which can be corrected with coaching. This post focuses on why that's moot until we get better talent.

There were two plays relatively late in the game, and if either go our way, we'd have a chance to make a bowl. Everyone would be happier.

1. 3rd and a long 1 with 4 1/2 minutes to go. Despite our deficiencies, we are moving the ball. Another first down is huge.

We use a FB and a 2 TE set, with Kerbyson on the left and Downs (our only TE at this point) on the right. Based on the result, I thought Vandy ran a run blitz and overwhelmed our line. Not so. Vandy did not run a goal line D, as they thought there was an outside chance of a pass. But Downs (as he is often asked to do in this offense) had to block the DE 1-on-1. The play would have picked up at least 3 yards, except Downs was blown up...got pushed 3-4 yards into the backfield. Neither the FB nor the pulling LG could help.

This was a well designed play, and it would've worked against the D called by Vandy. But one player overmatched at the point of attack forced us to punt.

2. Following the punt, Vandy had a 3rd and 7 at their own 14 with over 3 minutes to play. If we hold them, Vandy probably has to punt and burn all their Timeouts.

They spread the field, and we were expecting Matthews to get the ball. Why not? They attack the nickel personnel, as we had Probst and Swafford on the slot receiver. Easy completion, and their game-winning drive was underway. This was the same outcome as the 2010 game at LSU where we were forced to play N. Reveiz in pass coverage, because we could not field a Dime Package.

One was an example of getting whipped by a stronger player, and one was an example of two players without the speed to cover players in space. The sheer lack of talent on this roster magnifies any execution issues we've seen.

Next year can't get here fast enough.

agreed

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

So I see you didn't actually read my post or if you did you didn't comprehend it.

I personally do not think this UT team is very talented, regardless of what the recruiting services say. I've seen them play 11 times this year and they don't pass the eyeball test, at all. They're slow as hell.

My post referenced a poster or 2 that's gonna argue that we have more talent in the SEC than maybe only 2-3 teams, hence my tongue in cheek comment about the '85 Bears.

I read and comprehended your post.

I'd like to see an example from that 1-2 posters that you claim says we have as much talent as all but 2-3 teams in the SEC( you just backed off your original post there by the way) or the 85 Bears.

As I said, no one in their right minds would believe that.