A View from Big Ben: Mid Season Review Offense

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London Vol

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#1
MID SEASON REVIEW - OFFENSE
2nd OCT 2022

Now that we have played 4 of our 12 regular season matches, I decided that during the Bye week I could review how each Offensive Unit has performed compared to what I hoped for and feared before the start of the season. . So, here goes:
On Tuesday

The Defense Mid Season Review can be found on www.aviewfrombigben.com


QUARTERBACKS Positive
Pre-season
With last season’s emergence of Hendon Hooker, for the first time, for a number of years, there was no Quarterback competition. So apart from an irrational fear, I felt calm and confident that he could not only replicate 2021, but having been in the system one extra year, he may even improve on last season. The apprehension here was more about the back up. After many misfires and that baffling end to the Ole Miss game, I fully expected Milton to don a different uniform this season. The backup would then have fallen to Tayven Jackson, a highly rated Freshman, but he is exactly that, a Freshman.
Mid-season
No need to worry, Hooker is as good as last year and the exciting bit is that he still has room to improve further and, if he can, he will catapult himself up the Draft and Heisman rankings. Milton is the big surprise here. He has shown enough for me to hope not only that he stays a Vol, but he could also be the starter next season. If he does, then Nico Iamaleava can spend time in the backup role, where he can” sit and learn” the system. Jackson has only briefly appeared, but reports from the coaches are that he is impressive. But given the above, he does seem to have a hard road ahead of him becoming the starter in the future.

RUNNING BACKS no change
Pre-season
With Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, Len`Neth Whitehead returning and Dylan Sampson and Justin Williams-Thomas as new arrivals, we seemed to have good depth at Running Back at last. The one from the above that was most interesting pre-season though, was Whitehead. Whilst all the others seem a bit “samey”, at 220lbs he would could be described as a power back. This is very useful, especially in short yardage situations, in which we were poor in 2021.
Mid-season
The Running Backs have delivered pretty well what was predicted pre-season, the only difference is that Whitehead is lost for the season, even without seeing the field. To cover for his loss, to my relief, the backs, in particular Wright, have actually converted a number of 3rd and shorts. Sampson has also flashed some real talent, if he can stay injury free, we could see a lot more of him as the season unfolds.

WIDE RECEIVERS Positive
Tennessee got a huge break when Cedric Tillman chose to return this season so our No 1 receiver was sorted, but losing Velus Jones and Javonta Payton were big shoes to fill. There was a lot of talk that Jalin Hyatt was showing improvement daily, Bru McCoy was a 5* for a reason (we did not even know if he would be cleared to play this season) and the four Freshmen were all talented. But beyond Tillman, it was a crapshoot for the two starting positions.
Mid-season
Well, we need not have worried. Tillman, until being recently injured, was as good as last year. Hyatt has already eclipsed last season’s stats with 325 yards and he could even post a 1,000-yard this season. But one of the Vols biggest breaks was not only signing McCoy, but getting him cleared to play this season. Not only has he posted 211 yards so far but his skill set makes him a natural replacement for Tillman next year. With Ramel Keyton also improving there has been little chance for the four rookies to have had their numbers called. But out of these four there have been a few tantalising moments from Squirrel White to whet the appetite for next season.

TIGHT ENDS Disappointed
Pre-season
In Heupel’s 1st year the Tight Ends were used more as additional blockers to help bolster the O Line, rather than as receiving outlets, although Princeton Fant and Jacob Warren can both catch and Warren, in particular, is good in the red zone. Miles Campbell was the new name, but will we see him?
Mid-season
Still a slow start for these guys, although they did contribute much more in the Florida win. If Heupel can implement their skillset into the game plan more it would help alleviate the absence of Tillman. Still no sightings of Campbell.

OFFENSIVE LINE Positive.
Pre-season
There was a sense of continuity pre-season with Jerome Carvin, Cooper Mays (just concerned about his durability), Javontez Spraggins and Darnell Wright all returning This just left one space and that was at the all-important left tackle. There were three candidates for this place, Jeremiah Crawford (the slight favourite), new arrival Gerald Mincey and an ex-walk-on Dayne Davis. There was also some depth with the likes of Ollie Lane, Jackson Lampley and highest ranked Freshman, Addison Nichols.
Mid-season
I think this department is quietly having a very good season. Hooker has been kept mainly upright and also given time to pick apart the opposing secondary with his explosive wide receivers. They have also opened some running lanes. So far, Mays has stayed fit, so hopefully my fears here were unfounded. But the best news has been the emergence of Mincey at left tackle. To highlight this, he recently made the All-American Transfer Team. The news regarding Mincey gets better as he has multiple years’ eligibility still left.

I look forward to reading your comments

GO VOLS
 
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#2
#2
London, once again simply crystalline analysis. On top of that, you are kind to the lads without pulling punches about where improvement is needed.

I look forward to your mid-season analysis of the defense (I hope I'm not making an errant assumption about your intent), though I suspect it will be a bit less rosy.

Go Vols!
 
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#6
#6
London Vol said:
MID SEASON REVIEW - OFFENSE
2nd OCT 2022

Now that we have played 4 of our 12 regular season matches, I decided that during the Bye week I could review how each Offensive Unit has performed compared to what I hoped for and feared before the start of the season. . So, here goes:
On Tuesday

The Defense Mid Season Review can be found on www.aviewfrombigben.com


QUARTERBACKS Positive
Pre-season
With last season’s emergence of Hendon Hooker, for the first time, for a number of years, there was no Quarterback competition. So apart from an irrational fear, I felt calm and confident that he could not only replicate 2021, but having been in the system one extra year, he may even improve on last season. The apprehension here was more about the back up. After many misfires and that baffling end to the Ole Miss game, I fully expected Milton to don a different uniform this season. The backup would then have fallen to Tayven Jackson, a highly rated Freshman, but he is exactly that, a Freshman.
Mid-season
No need to worry, Hooker is as good as last year and the exciting bit is that he still has room to improve further and, if he can, he will catapult himself up the Draft and Heisman rankings. Milton is the big surprise here. He has shown enough for me to hope not only that he stays a Vol, but he could also be the starter next season. If he does, then Nico Iamaleava can spend time in the backup role, where he can” sit and learn” the system. Jackson has only briefly appeared, but reports from the coaches are that he is impressive. But given the above, he does seem to have a hard road ahead of him becoming the starter in the future.

RUNNING BACKS no change
Pre-season
With Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, Len`Neth Whitehead returning and Dylan Sampson and Justin Williams-Thomas as new arrivals, we seemed to have good depth at Running Back at last. The one from the above that was most interesting pre-season though, was Whitehead. Whilst all the others seem a bit “samey”, at 220lbs he would could be described as a power back. This is very useful, especially in short yardage situations, in which we were poor in 2021.
Mid-season
The Running Backs have delivered pretty well what was predicted pre-season, the only difference is that Whitehead is lost for the season, even without seeing the field. To cover for his loss, to my relief, the backs, in particular Wright, have actually converted a number of 3rd and shorts. Sampson has also flashed some real talent, if he can stay injury free, we could see a lot more of him as the season unfolds.

WIDE RECEIVERS Positive
Tennessee got a huge break when Cedric Tillman chose to return this season so our No 1 receiver was sorted, but losing Velus Jones and Javonta Payton were big shoes to fill. There was a lot of talk that Jalin Hyatt was showing improvement daily, Bru McCoy was a 5* for a reason (we did not even know if he would be cleared to play this season) and the four Freshmen were all talented. But beyond Tillman, it was a crapshoot for the two starting positions.
Mid-season
Well, we need not have worried. Tillman, until being recently injured, was as good as last year. Hyatt has already eclipsed last season’s stats with 325 yards and he could even post a 1,000-yard this season. But one of the Vols biggest breaks was not only signing McCoy, but getting him cleared to play this season. Not only has he posted 211 yards so far but his skill set makes him a natural replacement for Tillman next year. With Ramel Keyton also improving there has been little chance for the four rookies to have had their numbers called. But out of these four there have been a few tantalising moments from Squirrel White to whet the appetite for next season.

TIGHT ENDS Disappointed
Pre-season
In Heupel’s 1st year the Tight Ends were used more as additional blockers to help bolster the O Line, rather than as receiving outlets, although Princeton Fant and Jacob Warren can both catch and Warren, in particular, is good in the red zone. Miles Campbell was the new name, but will we see him?
Mid-season
Still a slow start for these guys, although they did contribute much more in the Florida win. If Heupel can implement their skillset into the game plan more it would help alleviate the absence of Tillman. Still no sightings of Campbell.

OFFENSIVE LINE Positive.
Pre-season
There was a sense of continuity pre-season with Jerome Carvin, Cooper Mays (just concerned about his durability), Javontez Spraggins and Darnell Wright all returning This just left one space and that was at the all-important left tackle. There were three candidates for this place, Jeremiah Crawford (the slight favourite), new arrival Gerald Mincey and an ex-walk-on Dayne Davis. There was also some depth with the likes of Ollie Lane, Jackson Lampley and highest ranked Freshman, Addison Nichols.
Mid-season
I think this department is quietly having a very good season. Hooker has been kept mainly upright and also given time to pick apart the opposing secondary with his explosive wide receivers. They have also opened some running lanes. So far, Mays has stayed fit, so hopefully my fears here were unfounded. But the best news has been the emergence of Mincey at left tackle. To highlight this, he recently made the All-American Transfer Team. The news regarding Mincey gets better as he has multiple years’ eligibility still left.

I look forward to reading your comments

GO VOLS
Click to expand...

Besides staying healthy, Mays has quietly had a very good season. I don’t know if he’s stronger than last year, but he looks better.
 
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#7
#7
London Vol said:
MID SEASON REVIEW - OFFENSE
2nd OCT 2022

Now that we have played 4 of our 12 regular season matches, I decided that during the Bye week I could review how each Offensive Unit has performed compared to what I hoped for and feared before the start of the season. . So, here goes:
On Tuesday

The Defense Mid Season Review can be found on www.aviewfrombigben.com


QUARTERBACKS Positive
Pre-season
With last season’s emergence of Hendon Hooker, for the first time, for a number of years, there was no Quarterback competition. So apart from an irrational fear, I felt calm and confident that he could not only replicate 2021, but having been in the system one extra year, he may even improve on last season. The apprehension here was more about the back up. After many misfires and that baffling end to the Ole Miss game, I fully expected Milton to don a different uniform this season. The backup would then have fallen to Tayven Jackson, a highly rated Freshman, but he is exactly that, a Freshman.
Mid-season
No need to worry, Hooker is as good as last year and the exciting bit is that he still has room to improve further and, if he can, he will catapult himself up the Draft and Heisman rankings. Milton is the big surprise here. He has shown enough for me to hope not only that he stays a Vol, but he could also be the starter next season. If he does, then Nico Iamaleava can spend time in the backup role, where he can” sit and learn” the system. Jackson has only briefly appeared, but reports from the coaches are that he is impressive. But given the above, he does seem to have a hard road ahead of him becoming the starter in the future.

RUNNING BACKS no change
Pre-season
With Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, Len`Neth Whitehead returning and Dylan Sampson and Justin Williams-Thomas as new arrivals, we seemed to have good depth at Running Back at last. The one from the above that was most interesting pre-season though, was Whitehead. Whilst all the others seem a bit “samey”, at 220lbs he would could be described as a power back. This is very useful, especially in short yardage situations, in which we were poor in 2021.
Mid-season
The Running Backs have delivered pretty well what was predicted pre-season, the only difference is that Whitehead is lost for the season, even without seeing the field. To cover for his loss, to my relief, the backs, in particular Wright, have actually converted a number of 3rd and shorts. Sampson has also flashed some real talent, if he can stay injury free, we could see a lot more of him as the season unfolds.

WIDE RECEIVERS Positive
Tennessee got a huge break when Cedric Tillman chose to return this season so our No 1 receiver was sorted, but losing Velus Jones and Javonta Payton were big shoes to fill. There was a lot of talk that Jalin Hyatt was showing improvement daily, Bru McCoy was a 5* for a reason (we did not even know if he would be cleared to play this season) and the four Freshmen were all talented. But beyond Tillman, it was a crapshoot for the two starting positions.
Mid-season
Well, we need not have worried. Tillman, until being recently injured, was as good as last year. Hyatt has already eclipsed last season’s stats with 325 yards and he could even post a 1,000-yard this season. But one of the Vols biggest breaks was not only signing McCoy, but getting him cleared to play this season. Not only has he posted 211 yards so far but his skill set makes him a natural replacement for Tillman next year. With Ramel Keyton also improving there has been little chance for the four rookies to have had their numbers called. But out of these four there have been a few tantalising moments from Squirrel White to whet the appetite for next season.

TIGHT ENDS Disappointed
Pre-season
In Heupel’s 1st year the Tight Ends were used more as additional blockers to help bolster the O Line, rather than as receiving outlets, although Princeton Fant and Jacob Warren can both catch and Warren, in particular, is good in the red zone. Miles Campbell was the new name, but will we see him?
Mid-season
Still a slow start for these guys, although they did contribute much more in the Florida win. If Heupel can implement their skillset into the game plan more it would help alleviate the absence of Tillman. Still no sightings of Campbell.

OFFENSIVE LINE Positive.
Pre-season
There was a sense of continuity pre-season with Jerome Carvin, Cooper Mays (just concerned about his durability), Javontez Spraggins and Darnell Wright all returning This just left one space and that was at the all-important left tackle. There were three candidates for this place, Jeremiah Crawford (the slight favourite), new arrival Gerald Mincey and an ex-walk-on Dayne Davis. There was also some depth with the likes of Ollie Lane, Jackson Lampley and highest ranked Freshman, Addison Nichols.
Mid-season
I think this department is quietly having a very good season. Hooker has been kept mainly upright and also given time to pick apart the opposing secondary with his explosive wide receivers. They have also opened some running lanes. So far, Mays has stayed fit, so hopefully my fears here were unfounded. But the best news has been the emergence of Mincey at left tackle. To highlight this, he recently made the All-American Transfer Team. The news regarding Mincey gets better as he has multiple years’ eligibility still left.

I look forward to reading your comments

GO VOLS
Click to expand...

My first thought - - you have been king to the TE department. Yes, they do seem to block fairly well. But as to the passing game I think it mystifies them. "Hype" has not really involved them in the passing game I think he is reluctant to look to 50% or so catch number guys as an asset to his plan.
Second -- you say "pretty well" for running backs. My definition of "pretty well" has a little higher rung on the ladder. I say they have, as a group have been barely adequate. Just when they started to look promising, they started getting hurt and dinged up. No, going forward they are going to have to soldier a bigger load and I have fear they can't do it.
 
#8
#8
Besides the defense RB is my biggest concern. Small and Wright seem to be running tougher and pass blocking better, but we are a nick or 2 away from having to play walk ons.
 
#10
#10
our defense always gets the ball back one way or another!

as long as the offense rolls, we just need a stop now and then!
 
#11
#11
I love the offense, obviously. I mean it's one of the best in the nation so it's hard not to like it - but if I may be nitpicky, I'd like to see the OL open more holes and I'd like to see more production from our RBs. Nobody on the team is averaging more than 5 ypc and as a team we're at 4.5 ypc. That isn't terrible, but with the success we have through the air and a DT QB, we should be seeing more chunk plays in the run game.

For comparison; I looked at Miami, Ole Miss and Ohio State who run similar style offenses.

Miami only gets 4.3 ypc as a team but that number is hindered by negative yardage from their QB. Miami's RBs are averaging 5.1 ypc without the benefit of a good passing game.

OM gets 5.6 ypc as a team and their leading rusher gets 6.3 ypc.

Ohio State is on another level. They average 6.2 ypc as a team. Their RBs as a unit average 6.6 ypc. And their leading rusher averages 7.8 ypc.

Also... a little side note because I just noticed this. On top of the impressive run game at OSU, CJ Stroud has more than double the TDs of Hooker and more yardage through the air. I'm not knocking Hooker at all. I just didn't realize how good Ohio State's offense was until just now looking at these numbers. Insane.
 
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#14
#14
London - you know more about American football than your government knows about airports as Heathrow is the absolute worst international airport I’ve ever flown through. Where else in the world do you have to get in line and wait 30 minutes to catch a bus to go to the departing terminal for a connecting flight? Also made you go through security again for a connecting flight. Took 1 hour and 45 minutes from exit of plane to catch connecting flight - that’s a 15 minute process everywhere else I’ve been. You and your mates need to get that mess cleaned up!
 
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#16
#16
volfan_28 said:
I love the offense, obviously. I mean it's one of the best in the nation so it's hard not to like it - but if I may be nitpicky, I'd like to see the OL open more holes and I'd like to see more production from our RBs. Nobody on the team is averaging more than 5 ypc and as a team we're at 4.5 ypc. That isn't terrible, but with the success we have through the air and a DT QB, we should be seeing more chunk plays in the run game.

For comparison; I looked at Miami, Ole Miss and Ohio State who run similar style offenses.

Miami only gets 4.3 ypc as a team but that number is hindered by negative yardage from their QB. Miami's RBs are averaging 5.1 ypc without the benefit of a good passing game.

OM gets 5.6 ypc as a team and their leading rusher gets 6.3 ypc.

Ohio State is on another level. They average 6.2 ypc as a team. Their RBs as a unit average 6.6 ypc. And their leading rusher averages 7.8 ypc.

Also... a little side note because I just noticed this. On top of the impressive run game at OSU, CJ Stroud has more than double the TDs of Hooker and more yardage through the air. I'm not knocking Hooker at all. I just didn't realize how good Ohio State's offense was until just now looking at these numbers. Insane.
Click to expand...

I think Ohio State has played 5 games and we have only played 4 games. Hooker also hasn’t really played in 2nd half of Akron and Ball State games.
 
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#21
#21
volfan_28 said:
I love the offense, obviously. I mean it's one of the best in the nation so it's hard not to like it - but if I may be nitpicky, I'd like to see the OL open more holes and I'd like to see more production from our RBs. Nobody on the team is averaging more than 5 ypc and as a team we're at 4.5 ypc. That isn't terrible, but with the success we have through the air and a DT QB, we should be seeing more chunk plays in the run game.

For comparison; I looked at Miami, Ole Miss and Ohio State who run similar style offenses.

Miami only gets 4.3 ypc as a team but that number is hindered by negative yardage from their QB. Miami's RBs are averaging 5.1 ypc without the benefit of a good passing game.

OM gets 5.6 ypc as a team and their leading rusher gets 6.3 ypc.

Ohio State is on another level. They average 6.2 ypc as a team. Their RBs as a unit average 6.6 ypc. And their leading rusher averages 7.8 ypc.

Also... a little side note because I just noticed this. On top of the impressive run game at OSU, CJ Stroud has more than double the TDs of Hooker and more yardage through the air. I'm not knocking Hooker at all. I just didn't realize how good Ohio State's offense was until just now looking at these numbers. Insane.
Click to expand...
Ohio state offense is elite and I love watching them but they don’t put away the cupcakes like Tennessee does… this causes stroud to get alot more reps late into games I would almost combine Milton stats to show what hooker could be at if he played deeper into Akron and ball state… the stats will balance out at the end of the season but stroud is the favorite to win the heisman for a reason… his numbers will be ridiculous at the end of The year and so will hookers… only way I see hooker over taking CJ is by upsetting one of Bama and or UGA and getting to Atlanta and having a great game in the sec ship… not likely but it is possible.
 
#22
#22
VFL-82-JP said:
London, once again simply crystalline analysis. On top of that, you are kind to the lads without pulling punches about where improvement is needed.

I look forward to your mid-season analysis of the defense (I hope I'm not making an errant assumption about your intent), though I suspect it will be a bit less rosy.

Go Vols!
Click to expand...

Thank you for saying that, it is something where I continue to try to tread carefully. The first and most important point is that I am a fan and I support ANY player who has a bid Orange T on his helmet so i want to see any positives there are. But it is important that where there are problems then if we constructively highlight them then this will be for the greater good. GO VOLS
 
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#23
#23
I’ll add one note in the “signs of life from the tight ends” department. We all got gray hairs when the Florida game went down to the wire. LSU didn’t go down to the wire at all, and the point where I finally let myself say “ball game” was when Princeton Fant converted on fourth down to extend that monster time-grinding drive. Loved seeing that from him.
 
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