Don’t be angry. Be honest. (I’m encouraged)

[RTVFL89]

As pissed off as people get when I say this, I truly believe if Heupel doesn't make some serious changes to this coaching staff (O-line, secondary, WR) last night may very well be the beginning of the end for him.

 

[DaddyChad]

IF that didn't happen, we're probably advancing after beating a fellow mediocre playoff football team, still feeling giddy about us belonging in the conversation for NC.

Which is why, to me, if you're staying with 12 teams, you can let conf camps in, but you have to seed the top 4 for a bye and let the other 8 play, and then re-seed. This year, Oregon, OSU, TX, UGA DESERVE the byes.

Agree. People saying we were overrated. I think we were rated about right. Ohio state was very underrated. There was a severe gap in talent between top five or six and the rest of the teams imo. We played much crappier due to injuries to key players.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

Really I get that the played really well last night but sitting in the student section at OSU last night they would take Nico in a heartbeat. Most just said he needed OL help and some dependable WR

You’ve lost it. That QB was dropping dimes. We will be lucky if Nico ever gets to 80% of what there QB was last night. Kind of puzzling that you could even type that after watching what we did last night…..

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Really I get that the played really well last night but sitting in the student section at OSU last night they would take Nico in a heartbeat. Most just said he needed OL help and some dependable WR

That's a nice compliment but none of them are actually coaches. I think they're right though. What many of them aren't noticing is Nico's habit to stare down one side of the field in pressure environments. He'll get better at not doing it as he gets more experience

 

[EastTNVol6240]

You bought into the hype of this game.
Most fans would, but OSU was the only team we’ve played all year that pure talent advantage and coaching advantage. UGA is not as talented as this Ohio State team.
The talent on that OSU team- should not have lost twice this season. The feeling I had watching that game was similar to Nebraska 1997 vs Tennessee.

WHAT DID YOU ALL ACTUALLY EXPECT TO HAPPEN?

That game was lost before it started.
They knew how to stop our schedule (same as Georgia). Except unlike Georgia- Ohio State has the best WR in college football. An All -SEC Rb that is now part of a 1-2 punch for the Buckeyes.
They were clearly more talented and better prepared.

Solution- play the younger more talented guys sooner and bring new blood into the offensive room of coaches.

Just to be clear- Keenan Pili could have been healthy. Cam Seldon could have lived up to his talent. Mike Matthew’s could have been used much more and none of that would have changed the outcome tonight imo.
Ohio State still hasn’t played their A-Game and we were never a threat to them. And we’ve got some good talent- but we need more.

Ohio States starters were better and their bench was as well.

It was good for them to actually play a legitimately more talented team that was motivated.

I’m not saying anyone is stupid for being upset…
Or feels like our coaches aren’t good enough.
I’m just being honest in that Ohio State has a ton of future NFL players and we never stood a chance if they were motivated.

The seasons over.
- focus on the new class for 2025.
- Transfer Portal
- adding depth to the coaching staff.

I think Tennessee exceeded expectations.
Time for them to rest up and get ready for Winter S&C.

I thought more about this and I’ve decided it’s 80% BS. Bama, GA, even FL prob had more talent this year on paper. We beat two of them. Everyone that is pissed has a right to be. We were unmotivated, unprepared, and outcoached would be understatement of the year. No doubt OSU was more talented but we aren’t some division 2 program. Last night was coaching malpractice and it’s shown all year. We’ve been trash nearly all year against anyone resembling a division 1 team. I’m sick of people making excuses for this staff. It’s time for accountability. It’s what they’re paid for. Last night was absolutely embarrassing. I honestly didn’t expect to win that game, but what we watched there were no words for. This will have repercussions in the recruiting realm.

 

[GVol1966]

Really I get that the played really well last night but sitting in the student section at OSU last night they would take Nico in a heartbeat. Most just said he needed OL help and some dependable WR

I’m sure they would take him. I would too . On his high potential.
Still wasn’t the best QB LAST NIGHT

 

[DaddyChad]

I’m sure they would take him. I would too . On his high potential.
Still wasn’t the best QB LAST NIGHT

Well the Ohio State Qb was basically throwing against air most of the night l.

 

[GVol1966]

Well the Ohio State Qb was basically throwing against air most of the night l.

Well I’ve seen plenty throw against air and not hit close to their target.
bullseye’s about all night.
Give him credit

 

[theFallGuy]

Tonight every single thing was in OSUs favor. The venue, the weather, injuries, our freshmen QB, the refs, the talent gap. even every bounce in punts and kickoffs. We had almost every break go to them all night. Day was fighting for his job and OSU was fighting against the shame of losing to Michigan.

What pissed me off was I didn’t see the tenacious fight from our players. Except Nico. You can’t be more talented but you certainly can give more effort. Our fans deserved better. We did our part.

Still, for all that, we over achieved for the year. A playoff spot was hardly a dream in August. Heupel has us going in the right direction and I think given time he can get us a trophy.

I think OSU was sick of hearing about the Michigan loss and they took it out on us. It is what it is.

 

[sami]

Tonight every single thing was in OSUs favor. The venue, the weather, injuries, our freshmen QB, the refs, the talent gap. even every bounce in punts and kickoffs. We had almost every break go to them all night. Day was fighting for his job and OSU was fighting against the shame of losing to Michigan.

What pissed me off was I didn’t see the tenacious fight from our players. Except Nico. You can’t be more talented but you certainly can give more effort. Our fans deserved better. We did our part.

Still, for all that, we over achieved for the year. A playoff spot was hardly a dream in August. Heupel has us going in the right direction and I think given time he can get us a trophy.

I really don't like commenting on effort and fight. It's easy to sit here and assume there was none because the game was such a rout, but the talent differential could certainly make it look at times like the guys weren't fighting. I don't know, but unless I hear comments from those who were there I'm not ready to say that everyone wasn't giving their all.

 

[sami]

I think OSU was sick of hearing about the Michigan loss and they took it out on us. It is what it is.

An incredibly talented group that was incredibly motivated, both by the Michigan game, the disrespect they have been getting ever since, and probably from so many in their fan base quitting on them and selling their tickets. A dangerous combination.

 

[jhcrane14]

It’s always disappointing when the season comes to an end on a loss, but I am encouraged at the direction of the program. It’s been a long time since we’ve had 10 win seasons, in 2 out of 3 years.

I’m really looking forward to the maturation in Nico. College basketball will hold me over for now, but I am already looking forward to the spring game.

 

[theFallGuy]

It’s always disappointing when the season comes to an end on a loss, but I am encouraged at the direction of the program. It’s been a long time since we’ve had 10 win seasons, in 2 out of 3 years.

I’m really looking forward to the maturation in Nico. College basketball will hold me over for now, but I am already looking forward to the spring game.

Cheers mate. It's a great time to be a VOL. Football basketball baseball all competing for a trophy. Lfg

 

[njvols]

Agree. People saying we were overrated. I think we were rated about right. Ohio state was very underrated. There was a severe gap in talent between top five or six and the rest of the teams imo. We played much crappier due to injuries to key players.

Bingo. I don’t think everything’s gone to hell in a hand basket but we’ve got some big rocks to move to get to the next level

 

[DaddyChad]

Bingo. I don’t think everything’s gone to hell in a hand basket but we’ve got some big rocks to move to get to the next level

Start with the Oline.

 

[livefaith]

You’ve lost it. That QB was dropping dimes. We will be lucky if Nico ever gets to 80% of what there QB was last night. Kind of puzzling that you could even type that after watching what we did last night…..

They've probably watched him all season. Under pressure he is apparently another player, but of course we brought little and let him get in a groove on drive #1. He stayed in that groove all night. Nico OTOH had a broken helmet and a dirt stained jersey. Yes, even after playing on artificial turf.

 

[SpaceCoastVol]

Don’t care what Georgia did to Texas. Ohio State has the better talent. Ohio State has three NFL WRs, a great pair of RBs, defensively appear good everywhere. How the hell that team lost to Michigan is a real question?

Don't you know the Gumps are axing how they lost to US?

 

[ETennGal]

I have not read all the threads so don’t know if this was addressed, but can someone tell me why OSU was allowed to have field level lighted signs along the sidelines they used like strobe lights while Nico was looking to sideline for the play calls - and they went totally dark while OSU offense was on the field. It seemed the same as shining a laser pointer at a pitcher.

 

[stillwater5]

It is a little disheartening; I saw a ranking of SEC QBs and Nico was way down the line and behind Lanorris Sellars who is either a RS Freshman or a Sophomore not sure and DJ Lagway from Florida who is a True Freshman. I do think Nico has a high ceiling still don't things have slowed down for him yet.

Nico doesn't throw a catchable pass no touch on it, can't put any air under it.

 

[General Jack]

I respect the opinions of everyone here, but I feel like the “it’s ok, they just had more talent than us!” is just pillow softening. Biggest game of the year, biggest game since 1998, and THAT is our game plan? THAT is how our players respond?

There were zero adjustments. Zero schemes. Zero pride shown by anyone on that sideline. Maybe we come out a loser 10 out 10 times just due to a “talent gap” but there is no way anyone can look at what happened last night and be encouraged. We had three weeks to prepare and that is what we get? Our entire team had quit by halftime with very few exceptions.

The 1997 bowl game against Nebraska was pretty bleak. We got handled like we did tonight and won the national championship the following year.

I would emphasize the 4 year trajectory over one game against a very good team.

 

[HoptownVol]

We're in this cycle again, and I fear it will never end.

 

[CAVPUT]

You bought into the hype of this game.
Most fans would, but OSU was the only team we’ve played all year that pure talent advantage and coaching advantage. UGA is not as talented as this Ohio State team.
The talent on that OSU team- should not have lost twice this season. The feeling I had watching that game was similar to Nebraska 1997 vs Tennessee.

WHAT DID YOU ALL ACTUALLY EXPECT TO HAPPEN?

That game was lost before it started.
They knew how to stop our schedule (same as Georgia). Except unlike Georgia- Ohio State has the best WR in college football. An All -SEC Rb that is now part of a 1-2 punch for the Buckeyes.
They were clearly more talented and better prepared.

Solution- play the younger more talented guys sooner and bring new blood into the offensive room of coaches.

Just to be clear- Keenan Pili could have been healthy. Cam Seldon could have lived up to his talent. Mike Matthew’s could have been used much more and none of that would have changed the outcome tonight imo.
Ohio State still hasn’t played their A-Game and we were never a threat to them. And we’ve got some good talent- but we need more.

Ohio States starters were better and their bench was as well.

It was good for them to actually play a legitimately more talented team that was motivated.

I’m not saying anyone is stupid for being upset…
Or feels like our coaches aren’t good enough.
I’m just being honest in that Ohio State has a ton of future NFL players and we never stood a chance if they were motivated.

The seasons over.
- focus on the new class for 2025.
- Transfer Portal
- adding depth to the coaching staff.

I think Tennessee exceeded expectations.
Time for them to rest up and get ready for Winter S&C.

Nope. Did not buy into the hype. As for expectation, my score prediction was 31-17 OSU. Guess in that respect, I was a bit too optimistic.

 

[DaddyChad]

We're in this cycle again, and I fear it will never end.

Cycle of being a top ten team?

 

[BDP!]

You bought into the hype of this game.
Most fans would, but OSU was the only team we’ve played all year that pure talent advantage and coaching advantage. UGA is not as talented as this Ohio State team.
The talent on that OSU team- should not have lost twice this season. The feeling I had watching that game was similar to Nebraska 1997 vs Tennessee.

WHAT DID YOU ALL ACTUALLY EXPECT TO HAPPEN?

That game was lost before it started.
They knew how to stop our schedule (same as Georgia). Except unlike Georgia- Ohio State has the best WR in college football. An All -SEC Rb that is now part of a 1-2 punch for the Buckeyes.
They were clearly more talented and better prepared.

Solution- play the younger more talented guys sooner and bring new blood into the offensive room of coaches.

Just to be clear- Keenan Pili could have been healthy. Cam Seldon could have lived up to his talent. Mike Matthew’s could have been used much more and none of that would have changed the outcome tonight imo.
Ohio State still hasn’t played their A-Game and we were never a threat to them. And we’ve got some good talent- but we need more.

Ohio States starters were better and their bench was as well.

It was good for them to actually play a legitimately more talented team that was motivated.

I’m not saying anyone is stupid for being upset…
Or feels like our coaches aren’t good enough.
I’m just being honest in that Ohio State has a ton of future NFL players and we never stood a chance if they were motivated.

The seasons over.
- focus on the new class for 2025.
- Transfer Portal
- adding depth to the coaching staff.

I think Tennessee exceeded expectations.
Time for them to rest up and get ready for Winter S&C.

 

[BDP!]

You bought into the hype of this game.
Most fans would, but OSU was the only team we’ve played all year that pure talent advantage and coaching advantage. UGA is not as talented as this Ohio State team.
The talent on that OSU team- should not have lost twice this season. The feeling I had watching that game was similar to Nebraska 1997 vs Tennessee.

WHAT DID YOU ALL ACTUALLY EXPECT TO HAPPEN?

That game was lost before it started.
They knew how to stop our schedule (same as Georgia). Except unlike Georgia- Ohio State has the best WR in college football. An All -SEC Rb that is now part of a 1-2 punch for the Buckeyes.
They were clearly more talented and better prepared.

Solution- play the younger more talented guys sooner and bring new blood into the offensive room of coaches.

Just to be clear- Keenan Pili could have been healthy. Cam Seldon could have lived up to his talent. Mike Matthew’s could have been used much more and none of that would have changed the outcome tonight imo.
Ohio State still hasn’t played their A-Game and we were never a threat to them. And we’ve got some good talent- but we need more.

Ohio States starters were better and their bench was as well.

It was good for them to actually play a legitimately more talented team that was motivated.

I’m not saying anyone is stupid for being upset…
Or feels like our coaches aren’t good enough.
I’m just being honest in that Ohio State has a ton of future NFL players and we never stood a chance if they were motivated.

The seasons over.
- focus on the new class for 2025.
- Transfer Portal
- adding depth to the coaching staff.

I think Tennessee exceeded expectations.
Time for them to rest up and get ready for Winter S&C.

Agree with most of what you said. We played with every team on our schedule with the exception of Ohio State. I hate saying this but OSU is just better than we are. And considerably better at some positions.