Bru McCoy comments about offense

[Cartervol]

I’m order to get changes, you have to make changes to see the results. You’re not gonna get different results when you don’t make changes to get those results. Keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is asinine.

You're not going to get a different result with Milton at QB. You can put Cooper Mays back in there and they will still have to burn their timeouts.

 

[vol94]

This doesn’t make much sense to me. Thinking you can is taught when you are young. Even if you don’t, you try every play until you do. I didn’t think Bru played that way, soI think this must be indicative of his belief in others.

People are pointing to Joe Milton, but he was smothered in that game. He threw some beautiful passes however. They were never on the field long enough to get into a rhythm. Has everything to do with the OL, with the penalties, horrible calls or no calls and not playing well in the pass protection department.

Idk what is going on. I went to work today and then start hearing people say there was chatter among some of the players (Beasley and others) who weren’t surprised we played badly Vs FL. Idk if it is true but if it, Heup has some issues to deal with.

 

[The Tall Gguy]

This sounds really familiar

 

[VolMarine1371]

You're not going to get a different result with Milton at QB. You can put Cooper Mays back in there and they will still have to burn their timeouts.

I know we are not going to get different results from Milton. We have all seen that over the last 3 years.

 

[sami]

Very true and well stated but let me put this “What if” out there:
What if we would have gotten a large lead, against AP, and brought in Nico and he played lights out, what would you have done Saturday in the Swamp?

Nothing different. I know it isn't what anyone wants to hear, but this is about more than 2023. We had a magical year last year with generational seasons from a QB and a WR, and most people, while acknowledging the program was ahead of schedule (1 1/2 years removed from the Pruitt mess) were still expecting nothing less this year, and that we should be 11-1 and Milton should be Hooker or he's a failure.

Well, news alert: Milton isn't Hooker, and these WR's aren't Hyatt and Tillman. We have a stud freshman QB who is likely not mentally or physically ready for the rigors of an SEC season. We lost a lot of high end talent, and have a lot of high end talent in the pipeline, but this roster is at the moment thin at key spots. This might be an 8-4 or even 7-5 season, but to throw a stud QB out there in SEC play with a compromised OL and WR's who clearly can't get great separation would be insane.

This isn't all on Milton. He isn't Hooker, and Heupel's charge is to construct a plan to maximize what Milton can do and this roster is capable of executing, even if it involves slowing things down and being more of a grind it out offense for this season. I know it isn't what anyone wants to hear, but a 'pause' season after a year like that was always a possibility.

 

[Pride85]

You know, PFF rates each player each game. I don't have to tell you who graded the highest on offense Saturday.

 

[Seattle Hillbilly]

According to Vols redshirt senior wide receiver Bru McCoy, it's because Tennessee wasn't confident that they could replicate the success of the first drive of the game.

"I can't really pinpoint it exactly," said McCoy when asked about the struggles after the first drive. "We came out fast, started fast and then sort of lost the momentum a little bit. Me personally, I think we started thinking back that we couldn't do it again and we just had. It's a mindset thing. It's a confidence thing. It's trusting one another in what we are capable of doing. It's really just that."

Here's the full quote.

When there's ambiguity, we tend to interpret through our own preconceptions. Those who are sour on Milton interpret to mean lack of confidence in Milton. Those who question playcalling and OC have that interpretation. Those who think UF is in our player's heads take it that way.
Reality is none of those things are hinted or even implied.

McDad bringing thoughtful logic to the table once again. Nice job.

 

[ChrisVFL]

I just hope that Nico doesn’t think he made the wrong decision to come to Knoxville. In the past, comments like this has been a disaster for our recruiting. At the end of the day, it comes down to the ball coach. Not calling to fire Heup, I’m just saying he needs to get the team back in good spirits and trust one another. If that means making some roster changes then so be it. If that’s taking the guys out camping so be it. Idk, all I know is at the end of the day , he is the General, and needs to get his soldiers ready.

 

[08Vol]

I've notice this the past 2 games.....Milton never takes the open running lane on passing downs

It’s killing the offense. Heupel’s system is designed to go fast to confuse the defense. All it takes is 1 defender to mess up their read and assignment for the offense to gain an advantage on that play. Removing the QB scramble just gives defenders one less responsibility they have to keep track of.

 

[sjt18]

That's pretty much saying they know Milton is hot garbage without coming right out and saying it..

Don't see that.

The comment in the context of the article is different from how it was presented here.

They lack confidence as a unit. Someone has screwed up so many plays that they anticipate it or else play tight because of it. Joe is going to be off target, WR is going to drop it, OL is going to allow pressure, RB is going to miss an assignment.

They really needed APSU as a confidence builder then didn't get it. UTSA provides another opportunity.

 

[VolMarine1371]

Don't see that.

The comment in the context of the article is different from how it was presented here.

They lack confidence as a unit. Someone has screwed up so many plays that they anticipate it or else play tight because of it. Joe is going to be off target, WR is going to drop it, OL is going to allow pressure, RB is going to miss an assignment.

They really needed APSU as a confidence builder then didn't get it. UTSA provides another opportunity.

Doesn’t help any if the QB can’t get the team lined up fast enough and execute the play. This offense is designed to catch the defense out of position and we are not running it fast enough with Joe to be able to do that. Just look at the pre snap penalties for example. If you are running the offense at different speeds and running some plays faster than others, it will cause some of these issues with false starts. A change has to be made or we are looking at a very bad week next week.

 

[sjt18]

Doesn’t help any if the QB can’t get the team lined up fast enough and execute the play. This offense is designed to catch the defense out of position and we are not running it fast enough with Joe to be able to do that. Just look at the pre snap penalties for example. If you are running the offense at different speeds and running some plays faster than others, it will cause some of these issues with false starts. A change has to be made or we are looking at a very bad week next week.

You can harp on this all you like but you are NOT in a position to know who is doing what to slow the O down. It is likely a combination of a lot of things. How quickly are the plays getting in? Do you know? There are many times when Milton is standing there waiting for a decision. Is it the OL? Is it specifically the C?

"Change" has to happen but not necessarily QB or even another player. They have to figure out the bugs and fix them regardless of who plays.

And on the false starts, no. Just no. That is a pure discipline issue for OLs. Not all of the OLs are doing it. Spraggins has gotten a lot more than his share. UT constantly changed tempo last year. They had some problems with false starts but nothing like what we've seen so far. It isn't easy to be sure. But OLs have to do better than that... noted that you tried to blame that on Milton too.

The false starts and other penalties are actually part of the problem with running the O fast. Most have little or nothing to do with Milton's problems and shortcomings.

 

[VolMarine1371]

You can harp on this all you like but you are NOT in a position to know who is doing what to slow the O down. It is likely a combination of a lot of things. How quickly are the plays getting in? Do you know? There are many times when Milton is standing there waiting for a decision. Is it the OL? Is it specifically the C?

"Change" has to happen but not necessarily QB or even another player. They have to figure out the bugs and fix them regardless of who plays.

And on the false starts, no. Just no. That is a pure discipline issue for OLs. Not all of the OLs are doing it. Spraggins has gotten a lot more than his share. UT constantly changed tempo last year. They had some problems with false starts but nothing like what we've seen so far. It isn't easy to be sure. But OLs have to do better than that... noted that you tried to blame that on Milton too.

The false starts and other penalties are actually part of the problem with running the O fast. Most have little or nothing to do with Milton's problems and shortcomings.

Is it possible that Milton is standing around waiting on the play because he don’t understand it? Hell who knows! But I do know that see a QB that has a QBR of 49.5 which is good enough for 82nd in the country. I also know I watch Milton call a timout out and not aware that he had 15 seconds left on the play clock, even the announcers called it out and was like he has to have better awareness. Call it what you want but everyone knows what we see rather you blame the entire team or not.

Last year we all, including myself had thought Milton improved dramatically. But what we see now that it appears to be fools gold. When Milton came in last year in mop of duty there was no pressure and he done great. When we had done lost 2 games and wasn’t going to Atlanta, or the playoffs the pressure was off and he was able to play relaxed once Hooker went down. Again no pressure when we played Clemson and he done well. Now this year he has the pressure of trying to compete for the East, worry about 5* Nico over his shoulder, and having 100% of the spotlight on him as the #1 guy now from all angles. Now it appears he can not handle the pressure and make the plays when needed. The coaches have so much faith in him throwing we are running the ball down 13 points with 4 minutes left in the game and 1 timeout. What sense does that make?

We all have seen the arm strength from Joe and how he overthrows people. I did not think I would ever see him under throws more balls into the ground or under throw his WR than he would over throw. It was shocking to see his game awareness on display as a 6th year senior.

 

[livefaith]

I still don’t see how you look at the game yesterday and list Milton in the top 3-4 issues.

Same here. He had his issues. But the confusion and communication of the offense was really surprising. Joe is a big part of that. But our OL got whipped repeatedly in pass and run by a team that I believe ends the season 7-5ish. All we did well was defend field goals and Xtra points with the 2 blocks. Punted decent and too often. Every other part struggled badly.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

Same here. He had his issues. But the confusion and communication of the offense was really surprising. Joe is a big part of that. But our OL got whipped repeatedly in pass and run by a team that I believe ends the season 7-5ish. All we did well was defend field goals and Xtra points with the 2 blocks. Punted decent and too often. Every other part struggled badly.

We actually ran the ball well in the second half. At one point in the second half we had outgained them in yardage 245-45. We just needed more than 3 points in the 3rd quarter when we had the ball the majority of the time. As bad as we played in the first half we were just a few bad calls from getting back into the game. We beat ourselves in the first half more than Florida ever beat us. We pretty gift wrapped 2 scores for them. We have to quit the ridiculous penalties. Again it’s not too late to correct a lot of this, the season is still young but the team has to come together and bring the effort and play for each other and have fun. GBO

 

[sjt18]

Is it possible that Milton is standing around waiting on the play because he don’t understand it? Hell who knows!

Possible? Yes. Astronomically unlikely though. If he was truly that dense then they would have given up on him a long time ago. This is a kid who came to UT from Michigan with a degree already in hand.

But I do know that see a QB that has a QBR of 49.5 which is good enough for 82nd in the country. I also know I watch Milton call a timout out and not aware that he had 15 seconds left on the play clock, even the announcers called it out and was like he has to have better awareness. Call it what you want but everyone knows what we see rather you blame the entire team or not.

Well, doubtful that you "know what you see". QBs often get more credit than the deserve and blame. That's because most fans are casual fans without intimate knowledge of the game... and casual fans blame the QB.

Take the false starts. They're killers for this O. They're on the OL 99% of the time. You see it and basically ignore it then blame the QB for the next several plays that are screwed up. Without the false start you have an O in rhythm that's more effective. But to you that's only the QB's fault.

FWIW, Milton is 49th in the country in QBR. That is not good enough. He needs to be replaced if it doesn't improve. But you seem to be starting with a conclusion then only looking at things that confirm your conclusion.

There are a LOT of problems on the O that have caused them not to perform well. Milton's play has been part of it. The staff and those studying the film have more information and expertise to know how that blame should be distributed.

Last year we all, including myself had thought Milton improved dramatically. But what we see now that it appears to be fools gold.

Or... you are failing to see the full picture and how everything has to work together with the other 10 guys for a QB to have success? I a NOT absolving Milton of his fair share of the blame. I am not "pro" Milton. I am a Vol fan. Period.

But I am opposed to shallow, ignorant targeting of one guy to carry all the blame when VERY obviously other significant problems exist.

When Milton came in last year in mop of duty there was no pressure and he done great. When we had done lost 2 games and wasn’t going to Atlanta, or the playoffs the pressure was off and he was able to play relaxed once Hooker went down. Again no pressure when we played Clemson and he done well. Now this year he has the pressure of trying to compete for the East, worry about 5* Nico over his shoulder, and having 100% of the spotlight on him as the #1 guy now from all angles.

I get it. This is about Nico for you. Nothing will satisfy you until Heupel bows to your wisdom and benches Milton in favor of the "5*".

Milton has shown zero signs of being worried about Nico over his shoulder. Nada. In fact, observers far and wide plus Nico himself have given Milton credit for helping develop Nico. But... you think that false assertion helps your case. It doesn't.

Now it appears he can not handle the pressure and make the plays when needed. The coaches have so much faith in him throwing we are running the ball down 13 points with 4 minutes left in the game and 1 timeout. What sense does that make?

UT's last rush occurred at the 9:19 point of the 4th quarter. Small gained 12 yds for a first down. Do you even realize that you are conjuring phantom "evidence" to support your conclusions?

BTW, why aren't you screaming about who needs to be replaced on D or the DC? There is no way this UF O should have run through UT the way they did in the first half. On the same drive when UT's last run occurred, the Vols scored with 8:41 left in the game. UF then took 5 minutes off the clock with the critical play being an offside penalty on 4th down when it was pretty obvious UF wasn't actually going to snap the ball. Without that penalty, UT gets the ball back with over 6 minutes left.

We all have seen the arm strength from Joe and how he overthrows people. I did not think I would ever see him under throws more balls into the ground or under throw his WR than he would over throw. It was shocking to see his game awareness on display as a 6th year senior.

Less shocking than your lack of awareness that the game is played by 11 guys and not one.

Once again... I question your "facts". How many underthrows? Which specific ones are you talking about? The last play when he was trying to fit the ball into a small window so only 15 could catch it while on the run? McCoy was covered but that was the only shot Milton had. So while running from the rush he tried to place the ball low and out front so the defender couldn't get to it. Right idea. He just couldn't get it done.

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

I've likely watched football longer than you've been alive so that comment is laughable. I will say you're right about more moving parts to a offense than just the QB. Receivers aren't as good, Oline not that great. The deal is though Milton helped with that **** show the other night, and he's also the one that needs to lead by example and his example hasn't been good. They're problems everywhere. I think the scheme doesn't fit Joe's ability. They should probably slow the game down for him because he can't do the fast stuff. With these clock rules now you can't waste possessions and the vols wasted too many the other night. Defense was charmin soft in the first half also and didn't help a bit. Tennessee got outcoached and outplayed.

I just celebrated number 56 yesterday, so maybe but not likely.

Out-played, especially along the o line..agreed. Thats why we lost