Heup Haters

[VolKnight9]

Last week we lost to an unranked Arkansas after 2 weeks to prep for them. This week we had to go to ot to beat a bad unranked Florida playing at home. I'm glad we won, but I stand by my reasons= not being prepared to play the big games

good observation mr armchair coach. It’s easy to be negative about how we’ve played the past 2 games. What people seemingly do not understand is the fact that Heupel just now has his guys in the system. Still playing with a leftover O-line and receivers are pieces together by the transfer portal. Our best Corner is a transfer. He pieced all that together nicely but rosters are still built by recruiting. Id be more inclined to say the things your are saying if Heupel hadn’t inherited a reeling program that was in the worst shape it’s probably ever been in. If this was year 6 and we were sputtering and were 3-3 or 2-4, I’d probably agree with you. This is year 4 and we are 5-1 with everything in front of us.

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

We have improved our talent levels quite a bit but we still have a significant deficit compared to UGA, Bama, LSU and a dozen other teams.

Now that doesn't mean we don't trip ourselves up from time to time (SCAR 22, Arky).

 

[PC Jr.]

Not saying he's the best but if Nico makes the throws that was there against arky and fla he'd be the best vols coach ever.

I like him a lot. He’s a great coach. However, he owns the roster now. The offensive line’s poor performance, receivers that can’t consistently get open, having to start a QB that struggles with mechanics, fundamentals, poor decision making, and accuracy obviously limits the play calling. Def coordinators see it and can counter it. Josh has got to address the shortfalls in the off season or UT will be a 9-3 or 8-4 team. Their bed is made for 2024.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I like him a lot. He’s a great coach. However, he owns the roster now. The offensive line’s poor performance, receivers that can’t consistently get open, having to start a QB that struggles with mechanics, fundamentals, poor decision making, and accuracy obviously limits the play calling. Def coordinators see it and can counter it. Josh has got to address the shortfalls in the off season or UT will be a 9-3 or 8-4 team. Their bed is made for 2024.

You almost sound like you know something. Almost

 

[swampfoxfan]

Not reading thru all of this thread but I still believe we have a superb coach.

Reading here you would think the coaches would come here to refine the game planning, so many experts with advice.

 

[BDP!]

#1 His teams consistently come into games unprepared #2 His lack of ability to change to in-game conditions #3 Key players don't seem to get better as the season progresses ( milton last year, nico this year) #4 Predictable play calling game after game.

Couldn’t disagree more on 1-3. There is some truth to 4.

 

[PC Jr.]

You almost sound like you know something. Almost

Don’t mind me. I’m an old guy and probably way off.

 

[Orangeslice13]

Not reading thru all of this thread but I still believe we have a superb coach.

Reading here you would think the coaches would come here to refine the game planning, so many experts with advice.

Well….we don’t have to beat vandy to make a bowl anymore.
Like we used to every year.

 

[PC Jr.]

Based on what we have seen thus far, Vols will likely win 4 of the last 6. I was looking at stats for Milroe and Nico. I was surprised to see that Nico’s QBR for the UF game was 17.5. Wow. If he can improve (quickly) then maybe they have a chance vs Bama and UGA. The Vols will need to score between 21 and 30 to win either/both of those games. That’s a big ask for this offense.

 

[Dro]

Def not a heupel hater but his qb evaluations/Development is starting to look funny in the light

Recruited milton and started him over Hendon who was a pruitt stayover, had a very mid start then HAD to start hendon due to injury who instantly looked like an upgrade. then after being in the system 2 years started Milton again and he seem to minimally improve.

Recruited Nico the #1 qb in the country and after a year in the system looks god awful against SEC competition and seems to not be improving week to week.

Say what you want about nico being a freshman and only playing 6 games he looks BAD right now. Theres been plenty of qbs lower rated than him that came in and balled out at atleast looked competent. Right now Nico is a hinderance to the offense along with this OL.

Still plenty of time to turn it around and that starts this week. But right now its looking sus.

 

[imavolfan]

I agree with OP. Hit one of those deep passes and it wouldn’t have gone to OT. There were even some misses on short throws to tight ends. And the inability to throw the ball away is killing us. If Nico was more accurate we would see a different defense against us. They play in the box and dare him to throw under pressure. This puts pressure on the Oline and RB to block while outnumbered.

 

[volfeeva]

good observation mr armchair coach. It’s easy to be negative about how we’ve played the past 2 games. What people seemingly do not understand is the fact that Heupel just now has his guys in the system. Still playing with a leftover O-line and receivers are pieces together by the transfer portal. Our best Corner is a transfer. He pieced all that together nicely but rosters are still built by recruiting. Id be more inclined to say the things your are saying if Heupel hadn’t inherited a reeling program that was in the worst shape it’s probably ever been in. If this was year 6 and we were sputtering and were 3-3 or 2-4, I’d probably agree with you. This is year 4 and we are 5-1 with everything in front of us.

Doesn't matter what year it is for the head coach, 1st year or year 4, there is no excuse for the team to look confused, lackluster, not prepared and also no excuse for the vanilla play calling game after game. I support what JH has brought to our program and only comment cause I'm confused to why he can't motive the players to play better on offense and mix up the play calling a little

 

[VolKnight9]

Doesn't matter what year it is for the head coach, 1st year or year 4, there is no excuse for the team to look confused, lackluster, not prepared and also no excuse for the vanilla play calling game after game. I support what JH has brought to our program and only comment cause I'm confused to why he can't motive the players to play better on offense and mix up the play calling a little

Play calling is one thing but have you watched Lance Heard try to block? As far as I’m concerned, we’ve been pretty prepared. Especially defensively. Also how many drive killing penalties did we have? Every single time we got in a rhythm, we marched up and down the field only to be killed by a hold. Campbell killed us twice with that. Execution has to be better. I will agree with that. We do well when we are able to play tempo. We aren’t terrible when we have to slow it down but we aren’t good either. That’s why it’s important for us to get into a rhythm. Yes Nico has had a couple of turnovers that hurt us but he has been decent when we are going fast. It’s all new to him and experience will only make him better. Growing pains were going to happen.

 

[AVL Vol]

Now, its easy to see why Heup has been so conservative in his play calling because he knows Nico just isn't ready to be the Heisman hopeful he was prematurely billed as being. You could even see it in the bowl game against Iowa last year, he was the MVP but was far from stellar throwing the ball. The dude's talented but young. He'll get there, he just needs to take his lumps, and play more. The only numbers that matter right now are 5 and1. Last year going into the third Saturday in October we were ranked 17 in the country. Just win baby...

 

[GordonC]

Now, its easy to see why Heup has been so conservative in his play calling because he knows Nico just isn't ready to be the Heisman hopeful he was prematurely billed as being. You could even see it in the bowl game against Iowa last year, he was the MVP but was far from stellar throwing the ball. The dude's talented but young. He'll get there, he just needs to take his lumps, and play more. The only numbers that matter right now are 5 and1. Last year going into the third Saturday in October we were ranked 17 in the country. Just win baby...

That throw and catch to squirrel on the sideline was perfection. On a couple others, he was off by a deek hair. Haha Hopin he keeps improvin and just win, as you say

 

[Teeman]

Not to be a contrarian in here but the 1998 season on paper looked like dog **** too for most of the season if you're going go be turning our wins into moral "losses" the games are almost identical especially 1998 uf and tonight

Not even close. The 1998 game was an epic battle between number 6 UT and number 2 Florida. Two teams very much in the National Title hunt. A clash of titans. Last night's game was between a UT team struggling on offense, coming off an embarrassing loss, and a Florida team who in all likelihood will fire their coach before the end of the season. Two teams drifting on a river of mediocrity. And I'm thrilled we won. It's just a terrible, terrible, comparison.

 

[sonofUT62]

good observation mr armchair coach. It’s easy to be negative about how we’ve played the past 2 games. What people seemingly do not understand is the fact that Heupel just now has his guys in the system. Still playing with a leftover O-line and receivers are pieces together by the transfer portal. Our best Corner is a transfer. He pieced all that together nicely but rosters are still built by recruiting. Id be more inclined to say the things your are saying if Heupel hadn’t inherited a reeling program that was in the worst shape it’s probably ever been in. If this was year 6 and we were sputtering and were 3-3 or 2-4, I’d probably agree with you. This is year 4 and we are 5-1 with everything in front of us.

Jesus dude its the fourth year and he has the ability to alter the roster through the portal. Is Lea just now getting his players?? Heupel made a decision 3 years ago to put the future of the program in the hands of Nico and a decision two years ago to continue that tract by promoting HIS GUY with no OC experience. I'm not saying he won't be successful, but when you keep promoting grad assistants in what basically amounts to a 100-million-dollar business, you better get different results than the last 2 weeks. Otherwise, you better be ready for what comes next.

 

[utVolFanInVA]

Average points scored by TN vs opponents in SEC games per year:
2021 - TN=34.75 vs Opp=33.63 (8 games)
2022 - TN=43.38 vs Opp=26.88 (8 games)
2023 - TN=24.38 vs Opp=27.63 (8 games)
2024 - TN=20.67 vs Opp=17.00 (3 games)

As recruiting has improved our offensive production has slid. Defense is playing at a historic level this year and not sure if it will stay at this level for the entire year.

As an offensive coach, shouldn't CJH be able to build to the strength of the team and continue to produce points? Yes, you need a strong D but in the last 10 years it has been the dynamic offenses that have won championships.

 

[BeardedVol]

good observation mr armchair coach. It’s easy to be negative about how we’ve played the past 2 games. What people seemingly do not understand is the fact that Heupel just now has his guys in the system. Still playing with a leftover O-line and receivers are pieces together by the transfer portal. Our best Corner is a transfer. He pieced all that together nicely but rosters are still built by recruiting. Id be more inclined to say the things your are saying if Heupel hadn’t inherited a reeling program that was in the worst shape it’s probably ever been in. If this was year 6 and we were sputtering and were 3-3 or 2-4, I’d probably agree with you. This is year 4 and we are 5-1 with everything in front of us.

Heupel's best seasons as a head coach, at two different schools, were both with teams made up of players that he and his staff didn't recruit or significantly develop.

 

[87Vol]

There is no need to hate Heupel at this point, however, Heup has got to realize that his OL coach and his offensive coordinator are not cutting the mustard. If he values his job, he must make changes. Otherwise, if the OL and QB start costing us more winnable games, Heup will become hated and fired.

 

[swampfoxfan]

All this OL and OC got to be replaced talk sounds very familiar. It's what the same posters were demanding happen to Banks and Martinez the past couple years.

 

[GVF]

Venables the second half of our OU game showed the coaching fraternity how to shut down CJH’s offense. As Nico matures he’ll become more dangerous and better at selecting secondary receivers.

I thought the defensive scheme Arky brought out was brilliant and well executed. If they could play defense like that every week....

 

[GVF]

I have been waiting to post about our coaching staff, because I want the year to play out. What I can say is, if all units continue to perform the way they are, I think Heupel will absolutely have to make at least one change to his coaching staff and that is indeed at OL.

That is the one unit that has gotten much worse throughout the past 4 years and that impacts the play of everyone on offense. But the entire offense is obviously worse atm.

I am also not sure the loss of Burns is showing up at wide receivers. The improvements made to our receivers was noticeable when he took the reins. I wonder if his influence resonated the year after he left, but now we are seeing other receivers kind of flatten out or get worse. White was looking like a future star.

I know that Heupel calls the plays, but Golesh wasn’t paid what he was for nothing. Seems our play calling is much more vanilla. I think Halzle is an excellent QB coach, and should have stayed there as his sole focus. Not sure Huepel can find anyone else at OC, however, to fill Golesh’s shoes.

Hard to say with our running backs. Seems we have been 3 deep in the past, with high performing underclassmen. I know Seldon is hurt. So, there is that. Bishop has had some nice plays, but Sampson and Biship are hardly the 1-2 we have had in the past. Sampson is a stud, but there is a serious drop off at this moment with Bishop. So, we have a big question mark there next year which means we are trending in the wrong direction in that position group as well. I think the loss of coach Mack is the reason for that.

On D secondary still gets gashed, but they have gotten much better since the first year under Banks at every position group including our secondary.

It’s always been hard to say if our LBs are good or bad, because I am not sure the 2 linebacker system is sufficient. I noticed Banks put in 3 LBs at least once last night, but not sure we saw it again. Could be because Pili got hurt. Regardless, it isn’t that Banks is a bad coach, I just don’t know that his system will ever yield an elite defense all around in the SEC. We have yet to play a prolific offense, and so I will wait and make any definitive opinions on that side of the ball.

Our DL is as good as anyone could make it with the players we have. Only mark against Garner is he isn’t loading the line with 5*. If he did, we would have the best DL in CFB by far. Amazing what he has done with what he has.

Special teams have been elite since Heupel has been here. Hats off to Ekeler.

My concern is that once again, we had a guy come in with a unique system that has been figured out and he lost a lot of the guys that made him look so good and is struggling to reup with coaches who are as competent as his original cast. Also, he had his system, so that limits who he can bring in. Over time, that’s a recipe for failure.

We shall see. I hope I’m wrong because I really do like Heupel.

'His System". People over interpret what this means. He only needs competent coaches that can teach the right things. It's a run oriented tempo offense, that has to have a capable QB and Receivers. There is nothing mystical about it, except that if executed properly the only way to defend it is start flopping.

 

[GVF]

Food for thought for everyone that wants to be critics and side line coaches:

Total Defense #2
Total Offense #9
3rd down conversions allowed #2
4th down conversions allowed T4th
1st Down defense T11th
***Passing Offense #61 (Behind Auburn, MsST, and FL)
Passing Defense #19
Red Zone D #6
Red Zone Off. T39th (misleading as UT has scored 90% of time in RZ)
Rushing Def #5
Rushing Off #7
Scoring Def (allowed) #4
Scoring Offense #9

For consideration:
Sampson has kept us in top 10 total offense. What a beast.

The only two serious performance issues we have right now is passing, and pass defense. However, we do go itno lockdown mode when teams get in the RZ. Passing has a lot of caveats obviously. Our passing game is tempo, so one could argue our pass protection is only relevant for 1 or 2 seconds. So are we not getting open receivers, or do we not read routes well yet and see open receivers. Are we staring down targets.

In a nutshell, we rank near the top in a lot of statistical categories, so to say we suck is the sound of an idiot.

To realize we have an outstanding team that has been coached well and needs to grind it out in practice and seek to improve weekly, especially in two key areas, is understandable and acceptable.

 

[utVolFanInVA]

Food for thought for everyone that wants to be critics and side line coaches:

Total Defense #2
Total Offense #9
3rd down conversions allowed #2
4th down conversions allowed T4th
1st Down defense T11th
***Passing Offense #61 (Behind Auburn, MsST, and FL)
Passing Defense #19
Red Zone D #6
Red Zone Off. T39th (misleading as UT has scored 90% of time in RZ)
Rushing Def #5
Rushing Off #7
Scoring Def (allowed) #4
Scoring Offense #9

For consideration:
Sampson has kept us in top 10 total offense. What a beast.

The only two serious performance issues we have right now is passing, and pass defense. However, we do go itno lockdown mode when teams get in the RZ. Passing has a lot of caveats obviously. Our passing game is tempo, so one could argue our pass protection is only relevant for 1 or 2 seconds. So are we not getting open receivers, or do we not read routes well yet and see open receivers. Are we staring down targets.

In a nutshell, we rank near the top in a lot of statistical categories, so to say we suck is the sound of an idiot.

To realize we have an outstanding team that has been coached well and needs to grind it out in practice and seek to improve weekly, especially in two key areas, is understandable and acceptable.

Those stats are a little misleading due to a weak non-conference schedule. Here are our SEC rankings through 3 games:

11 of 16 in Scoring Offense 21 pts/gm
12 of 16 in Total Offense 330 yds/gm
4 of 16 in Rushing Offense 156 yds/gm
14 of 16 in Passing Offense 174 yds/gm
14 of 16 in Avg Yards per Offensive Play 4.8 yds/play
3 of 16 Red Zone Offense 8 of 9 scores (5 TDs & 3 FGs)
9 of 16 Red Zone Offense Opportunities

4 of 16 in Scoring Defense 17 pts/gm
6 of 16 in Total Defense 339 yds/gm
2 of 16 in Rushing Defense 104 yds/gm
10 of 16 in Passing Defense 235 yds/gm
2 of 16 in Red Zone Defense 10 of 15 scores (6 TDs & 4 FGs)
2 of 16 in Red Zone Defense Opportunities

These stats show a team struggling on offense as TN ranks in the bottom quartile in key categories. The defense is performing well in most categories with passing being average. The concern are the number of Red Zone Opportunities our D gives up but several of those are related to our offense putting our defense in a bad position.