Heupel's offense has unlimited potential

[sami]

If you have watched college football for many years like some of us here on the Nation, then there is a pattern that must be recognized. And I have been waiting to see it come round. Whenever a coach creates a flashy new offense that begins to dominate a segment of the game, the defensive minds around football usually take a few cycles to "catch up" to the new offense. We saw it with the wishbone back in the 80's, the fun and gun in the 90's, and now the read option since early 2000's.....among many others. The rule changes or interpretation of such by on-field officials also tend to help the offenses vs defenses but even that generally helps offensive schemes nationwide. The next big step in Heupel's evolution will be when one or two defensive coaches come up with an effective means to limit or even stop Tennessee's offense effectively. Then it will be JH's move to see if he can adjust to that new defensive scheme. THAT is the big challenge upcoming and I am hopeful that our coach can indeed do just that. Some will argue that Georgia did this over the past two years, but 2021 is not a good measure because we were so talent deficient that year and in my mind 2022 cant be used as a measure due to very significant crowd noise (including artificial piped in noise I have heard rumored in Athens). Lets see if he can adjust to the next new scheme that threatens his offense. But it sure is fun to watch this.

I think Heupel is already working on tweaks, and will continue to do so. But the key is having depth of talent and a defense that can get off the field, and that is coming as well. All the talk about this "one trick pony" offense that relies solely on speed is ignorant garbage - even last season we saw Heupel pull the reins and slow things down when necessary, and this kind of unpredictability will only increase along with the talent level.

The trick is not to top 46 pts. a game, it is to find a balance where we can win in any kind of game. I believe Heupel is smart enough to understand that simply playing 'fast' isn't the answer, but it served a great purpose the last couple of seasons with our dearth of talent. That will change as the incoming talent improves, starting with a stud 2-way 5-star QB next season. The best is yet to come.

 

[tennesseeduke]

I watched a Dave Hooker video earlier where he argued we saw the ceiling of Heupel's offense last year when it averaged 46 points and led the nation in points per game. I thought that was such a bad take for many reasons. First off, imagine if this offense had an elite run threat at QB. Also just wait until we have an o-line that can stand toe to toe with Georgia in a few years. And what about the upgrades at the tight end position? They say Nico is a true duel threat QB and we are finally starting to land talented offensive linemen again. And the coaches and media are saying nothing but good things about the tight end personnel. When you add all of those things coming down the pipe together you have an offense that would even be a matchup nightmare for Georgia's defense. Oh yes, Dave Hooker. This offense can be scary good.

They averaged 46 pts per game with mostly transfers who failed and were beat out by better players. How many will they average with specifically picked players that fit the system?

 

[VFL-82-JP]

If Joe's hot, or perhaps next year with Nico, here are two cool all-time records our offenses could break:

-- in 2019, LSU scored 726 points in a single season. Assuming we get to Atlanta and into the playoffs, and could spread the load over 15 games, that would be 48.4 points per game. Over a 13 game season (no championship matches), it would require 55.8 points per game.

-- in 1944, Army averaged 56 points per game.

Those are both crazy numbers. But so is 46 ppg, which we did last year. I'm hoping we bust both those records.

Go Vols!

 

[DougVol]

Hooker wasn't an elite run threat?

My thoughts too. Best duel threat since Tee or Schuler

 

[VolForLife83]

A lot of ppl forget the Pitt game, we got off to a slow start but nobody panicked, I think because Hooker & Heupel brought a calmness. Just hope if we have a slow start this year ppl don't come out throwing barbs. Since there is a contingent of Vol fans that are not confident in QB1 from some I've read on here, even though he finished strong.
Even with this game and the UGA game we still had a dominant O.

At that time, Hooker was only throwing to Ced. JH was usually open and it was frustrating going back and watching that game. We exploded once Hooker learned he could lean on Hyatt

 

[Hunerwadel]

Ceiling 46 ppg? That’s a pretty good ceiling

We've got to quit taking so long to score. These 90 second drives are killing us.

 

[OffTackleVol]

My thoughts too. Best duel threat since Tee or Schuler

Josh Dobbs would have been great in this offense.

 

[sami]

If Joe's hot, or perhaps next year with Nico, here are two cool all-time records our offenses could break:

-- in 2019, LSU scored 726 points in a single season. Assuming we get to Atlanta and into the playoffs, and could spread the load over 15 games, that would be 48.4 points per game. Over a 13 game season (no championship matches), it would require 55.8 points per game.

-- in 1944, Army averaged 56 points per game.

Those are both crazy numbers. But so is 46 ppg, which we did last year. I'm hoping we bust both those records.

Go Vols!

Numbers are nice, but the only one that interests me is the W-L.

Couldn't care less how many points we score if can go 11-1 and get in the playoff.

 

[OrangeTsar]

I think Heupel is already working on tweaks, and will continue to do so. But the key is having depth of talent and a defense that can get off the field, and that is coming as well. All the talk about this "one trick pony" offense that relies solely on speed is ignorant garbage - even last season we saw Heupel pull the reins and slow things down when necessary, and this kind of unpredictability will only increase along with the talent level.

The trick is not to top 46 pts. a game, it is to find a balance where we can win in any kind of game. I believe Heupel is smart enough to understand that simply playing 'fast' isn't the answer, but it served a great purpose the last couple of seasons with our dearth of talent. That will change as the incoming talent improves, starting with a stud 2-way 5-star QB next season. The best is yet to come.

True to all this
Heupel may be the most creative and adaptable coach in the Country right now. Unlike a lot of coaches who try to fit players into an existing scheme, Heupel is expert as seeing the abilities of his players and molding play calls to take advantage of natural strengths.
That’s why I don’t worry about opposing defenses figuring out the Heupel „gimmick“. They will always be preparing to play the team they faced a year ago and not the one actually on the field come current game day

 

[OrangeTsar]

Ceiling 46 ppg? That’s a pretty good ceiling

 

[BADGER_VOL]

If Joe's hot, or perhaps next year with Nico, here are two cool all-time records our offenses could break:

-- in 2019, LSU scored 726 points in a single season. Assuming we get to Atlanta and into the playoffs, and could spread the load over 15 games, that would be 48.4 points per game. Over a 13 game season (no championship matches), it would require 55.8 points per game.

-- in 1944, Army averaged 56 points per game.

Those are both crazy numbers. But so is 46 ppg, which we did last year. I'm hoping we bust both those records.

Go Vols!

Need two really good QB’s and depth on offense because in blowouts you want that second group hungry and looking to put points on the board. Need big play makers in second unit so if coach slows it down a tad to be respectful they can break tackles and take it to the house anyway.

 

[Vol737]

View attachment 568131
(Confession: For breakfast I had eggs, toast, and orange koolaid.)

Breakfast of Champions! Not a meal is complete without Orange Kool-aid.

 

[butchna]

If you have watched college football for many years like some of us here on the Nation, then there is a pattern that must be recognized. And I have been waiting to see it come round. Whenever a coach creates a flashy new offense that begins to dominate a segment of the game, the defensive minds around football usually take a few cycles to "catch up" to the new offense. We saw it with the wishbone back in the 80's, the fun and gun in the 90's, and now the read option since early 2000's.....among many others. The rule changes or interpretation of such by on-field officials also tend to help the offenses vs defenses but even that generally helps offensive schemes nationwide. The next big step in Heupel's evolution will be when one or two defensive coaches come up with an effective means to limit or even stop Tennessee's offense effectively. Then it will be JH's move to see if he can adjust to that new defensive scheme. THAT is the big challenge upcoming and I am hopeful that our coach can indeed do just that. Some will argue that Georgia did this over the past two years, but 2021 is not a good measure because we were so talent deficient that year and in my mind 2022 cant be used as a measure due to very significant crowd noise (including artificial piped in noise I have heard rumored in Athens). Lets see if he can adjust to the next new scheme that threatens his offense. But it sure is fun to watch this.

Those DC’s haven’t been exposed to his full playbook…cuz he hasn’t fully written it. Every season something new gets implemented and there’s always some wrinkle we get a taste of that never gets utilized again. We forget that this is the beginning of the SEVENTH season where Heupel is running HIS brainchild. And he’s adjusted to EVERY different QB that has run it. That’s 3 long term starters at last count. I’d move your timetable back a smidge. Many of those defensive minds will have their own HC gigs by the time there’s a level playing field and even then what’s brilliant about this offense is it’s relative simplicity. At some points it’s like the Cowboys dynasty. You know where they’re going…but you can’t stop it.

 

[Vol737]

I think Heupel is already working on tweaks, and will continue to do so. But the key is having depth of talent and a defense that can get off the field, and that is coming as well. All the talk about this "one trick pony" offense that relies solely on speed is ignorant garbage - even last season we saw Heupel pull the reins and slow things down when necessary, and this kind of unpredictability will only increase along with the talent level.

The trick is not to top 46 pts. a game, it is to find a balance where we can win in any kind of game. I believe Heupel is smart enough to understand that simply playing 'fast' isn't the answer, but it served a great purpose the last couple of seasons with our dearth of talent. That will change as the incoming talent improves, starting with a stud 2-way 5-star QB next season. The best is yet to come.

Totally agree. Guarantee you Bama, FLA, et al have watched our game vs UGA over and over and dissected how they adjusted their defense just for us. Heupel will know this and will recognize it when we play these teams this fall. Knowing Heupel, he probably has five or six adjustments in mind to mitigate that. Fully confident in his ability to continue to be fluid and find ways to get players into space.

 

[lastlapuncle]

HiltonHeadVol,Yes,after a few years,the wishbone,the "T" formation,the pistol all have been adjusted to,but,with Heupel's space and tempo offense,the defenses have to adjust to the wide open spaces.All of the other formations dealt mostly with every player somewhere around the "Hashes".Now it's the sidelines,leaving many extra yards to cover.They still allow only 11 defensive players on the field at a time.Somewhere on every play,there will be a large opening.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Numbers are nice, but the only one that interests me is the W-L.

Couldn't care less how many points we score if can go 11-1 and get in the playoff.

Know what Army did in 1944, beyond scoring 56 points per game? They went 9-0 and won the national championship.

Know what LSU did in 2019, beyond scoring 726 points (48.4 per game)? They went 15-0 and won the national championship.

This is precisely the point. If we're breaking both these scoring records, we're almost certainly winning championships to boot. One is a near-sure path to the other.

You want to eke our way into the playoffs at 11-1. I want us to BLAST our way in, taking no prisoners, embarrassing most everyone we play, finishing 15-0. Heh.

Go Vols!

 

[Teezy]

Absolutely true. Excellent post.

I'm encouraged this week to hear coaches talking about putting in new plays, new routes, etc., to maximize what each player does best. That's one way of keeping things fresh, and not just a plug-n-play offense-in-a-box.

Historically, defensive coordinators have looked for tells (keys) in a new offense that become reads for different defensive positions to anticipate where plays are going.

Coaches have also explored rule changes to negate offenses (Saban) but I can't think of a time when any football league changed a rule to help the defense. Rule changes almost always help the offense, because that's where the money is.

Other new offenses have been negated by switching to assignment-oriented defense (like, against the triple option) where players occupy a space rather than follow a man. I guess the first zone passing defense initiated that thinking.

Some passing offenses were negated by bringing enough pressure quickly enough to force short throws, while running press coverage or jumping routes (Sugar Vols against Miami's Testaverde).

In the NFL, Manning suffered some last minute interceptions when defenses blitzed, forcing receivers into their hot routes, while CBs gambled and jumped the hot route. [This is my biggest fear for this season, that some underdog team will all-out gamble the entire game, and pull out a win just from being unpredictable.]

I expect to see some interceptions this season... not from bad throws, but from DBs breaking away from their assigned coverage and jumping another route. But that will depend on defensive coordinators discerning what coverages determine which automatic route changes by our receivers, and educating their DBs to recognize them in game situations. (Which may be the actual utility of our fast pace and wide spacing: not allowing defensive backfields the time or proximity to communicate anything beyond basic coverage assignments.)

Sometimes it takes unique personnel to negate an offense. Spurrier's passing offense at Florida often depended on his receivers winning accurately placed 50/50 balls along the sidelines. Taller, faster CBs eventually lowered those odds.

If you compare football to playing rock-paper-scissors... having size AND speed will usually beat scheme over the course of a game. I think that's where Heupel has the program headed.

Five years from now, we may look back at Heupel's offense--and its defensive bookend (plus culture)--not as the scheme that put Tennessee back on top, but as the lure that first attracted exceptional players to come to Tennessee.
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On the other hand, defensive coordinators are paid millions of dollars and stay up late nights year 'round to win games. Who knows... we might be screwed already for this season.

I agree with everything mentioned above. But I’m also trying to figure this out myself, how would a defense be able to stop us without just out “talenting” us? I feel like scheme wise, what we do is very simple. However, with the speed that we do it at (especially if we get 3 or 4 yards on 1st down), that’s when my brain would start to spin as a Defensive coach and player. The one thing that gives me confidence, is how Heupel has routinely used the strengths of his players for the offense. I’m not sure if anyone else noticed, but the routes WRs ran for Milton were a bit different than when Hendon was out there. So when you combine everything, our offense is like a living breathing animal shaping into the strongest form of itself with whatever players we have out there. I have a hunch, and maybe I’m wrong considering how important the TE position is but, I can actually see us implement 4 wide a lot this year. We have 4 bonafide studs at WR that would be a MAJOR problem for defenses to deal with on the same play.

 

[ThreatLevelOrange]

I watched a Dave Hooker video earlier where he argued we saw the ceiling of Heupel's offense last year when it averaged 46 points and led the nation in points per game. I thought that was such a bad take for many reasons. First off, imagine if this offense had an elite run threat at QB. Also just wait until we have an o-line that can stand toe to toe with Georgia in a few years. And what about the upgrades at the tight end position? They say Nico is a true duel threat QB and we are finally starting to land talented offensive linemen again. And the coaches and media are saying nothing but good things about the tight end personnel. When you add all of those things coming down the pipe together you have an offense that would even be a matchup nightmare for Georgia's defense. Oh yes, Dave Hooker. This offense can be scary good.

We had a great QB throwing to a great WR being protected by a great OT under a great offensive coordinator. It’s not unrealistic that we will take even a slight step back with their replacements. Golesch really impressed me with the gameplanning, and we have no idea if Halze will pick up exactly where he left off.

With all that said, it’s not like we are going back to Pruitt level offense. But it’s hard to average more than 47 PPG against our schedule.

 

[butchna]

We had a great QB throwing to a great WR being protected by a great OT under a great offensive coordinator. It’s not unrealistic that we will take even a slight step back with their replacements. Golesch really impressed me with the gameplanning, and we have no idea if Halze will pick up exactly where he left off.

With all that said, it’s not like we are going back to Pruitt level offense. But it’s hard to average more than 47 PPG against our schedule.

Every playcall had Heupel's stamp on it...Halzle is even more in tune with the HC than Golesh (more time together). Hooker wasn't "great" until he played in Heupel's offense...same with Tillman and Hyatt. And Wright wasn't "great" until his second season in Heupel's offense. There will be a dip in RT talent but the rest of the OL will be one season better which has been the theme.

 

[LittleVol]

Numbers are nice, but the only one that interests me is the W-L.

Couldn't care less how many points we score if can go 11-1 and get in the playoff.

Well... both of those teams went undefeated.

That was his point.

 

[vavolfan6]

Really daring stuff to say the #1 offense in college football hit its peak...

 

[BruisedOrange]

I agree with everything mentioned above. But I’m also trying to figure this out myself, how would a defense be able to stop us without just out “talenting” us? I feel like scheme wise, what we do is very simple. However, with the speed that we do it at (especially if we get 3 or 4 yards on 1st down), that’s when my brain would start to spin as a Defensive coach and player. The one thing that gives me confidence, is how Heupel has routinely used the strengths of his players for the offense. I’m not sure if anyone else noticed, but the routes WRs ran for Milton were a bit different than when Hendon was out there. So when you combine everything, our offense is like a living breathing animal shaping into the strongest form of itself with whatever players we have out there. I have a hunch, and maybe I’m wrong considering how important the TE position is but, I can actually see us implement 4 wide a lot this year. We have 4 bonafide studs at WR that would be a MAJOR problem for defenses to deal with on the same play.

Well, there's one thing we know stops us better than anything else--1st-and-15 or 1st-and-20. So maybe a D-line coach works on teaching his guys ways to twitch forward just enough to provoke a Tennessee lineman to jump. And maybe hold a talent night to see if any defenders can make the sound of a handclap with only their mouth!

Seriously, against these Vols, an offsides penalty deep in Tennessee territory is probably worth 2-3 points in a game. DCs will try things to create offensive penalties.
----
I'm sure if we showed 4 WRs the defense would send in their special-nickel or dime package. But that's what makes Seldon at RB and Okoye at TE such salivating projects! With either of them in the game, our basic 3-WR package or even 2-WR running package could suddenly shift 4 speedy pass catchers out in space, forcing LBs to cover at least one of them, if not two. And with LBs or safeties splitting out wide in coverage, a dual-threat QB suddenly becomes a major-threat.

Another thought: Once we put Seldon and Okoye in a game and each demonstrates his speed on video... every defensive coordinator from that game on will be forced to spend some practice time preparing his defenders to cover that eventuality. Even if (hypothetically) we never played Seldon and Okoye again the rest of the year, they would be having a positive impact on every game thereafter.
----
But a question for you about the difference you observed in routes for Milton.

Did you mean their standard routes were adjusted, like, post routes being skinnier? ...out and dig routes longer before the break? Or was it the combinations of routes each play that were different?

Because of Milton's ability to get the ball deeper on a lower trajectory, I could see they might want to "arrange the field" differently to create gaps, whereas a normal QB would just loft the ball over any intermediate defender.

But that would also require receivers and RBs to learn two different route trees -- not that CJH wouldn't do it if he could!

So what did you see about the routes with Milton that seemed different?

 

[Teezy]

Well, there's one thing we know stops us better than anything else--1st-and-15 or 1st-and-20. So maybe a D-line coach works on teaching his guys ways to twitch forward just enough to provoke a Tennessee lineman to jump. And maybe hold a talent night to see if any defenders can make the sound of a handclap with only their mouth!

Seriously, against these Vols, an offsides penalty deep in Tennessee territory is probably worth 2-3 points in a game. DCs will try things to create offensive penalties.
----
I'm sure if we showed 4 WRs the defense would send in their special-nickel or dime package. But that's what makes Seldon at RB and Okoye at TE such salivating projects! With either of them in the game, our basic 3-WR package or even 2-WR running package could suddenly shift 4 speedy pass catchers out in space, forcing LBs to cover at least one of them, if not two. And with LBs or safeties splitting out wide in coverage, a dual-threat QB suddenly becomes a major-threat.

Another thought: Once we put Seldon and Okoye in a game and each demonstrates his speed on video... every defensive coordinator from that game on will be forced to spend some practice time preparing his defenders to cover that eventuality. Even if (hypothetically) we never played Seldon and Okoye again the rest of the year, they would be having a positive impact on every game thereafter.
----
But a question for you about the difference you observed in routes for Milton.

Did you mean their standard routes were adjusted, like, post routes being skinnier? ...out and dig routes longer before the break? Or was it the combinations of routes each play that were different?

Because of Milton's ability to get the ball deeper on a lower trajectory, I could see they might want to "arrange the field" differently to create gaps, whereas a normal QB would just loft the ball over any intermediate defender.

But that would also require receivers and RBs to learn two different route trees -- not that CJH wouldn't do it if he could!

So what did you see about the routes with Milton that seemed different?

It seemed as if the receivers would run more deep slants/posts and digs when Milton was in the game. Whereas Hooker would be hitting more hitches, comebacks and go routes. Of course that could just be decided by the defenses coverage with the option routes. But I’m not sure, it felt different though. It could’ve also just been passes he completed more often so I noticed them.

 

[BruisedOrange]

It seemed as if the receivers would run more deep slants/posts and digs when Milton was in the game. Whereas Hooker would be hitting more hitches, comebacks and go routes. Of course that could just be decided by the defenses coverage with the option routes. But I’m not sure, it felt different though. It could’ve also just been passes he completed more often so I noticed them.

These are good questions for next time one of the offensive coaches is on a local radio show.

 

[Hank Bukowski]

I watched a Dave Hooker video earlier where he argued we saw the ceiling of Heupel's offense last year when it averaged 46 points and led the nation in points per game. I thought that was such a bad take for many reasons. First off, imagine if this offense had an elite run threat at QB. Also just wait until we have an o-line that can stand toe to toe with Georgia in a few years. And what about the upgrades at the tight end position? They say Nico is a true duel threat QB and we are finally starting to land talented offensive linemen again. And the coaches and media are saying nothing but good things about the tight end personnel. When you add all of those things coming down the pipe together you have an offense that would even be a matchup nightmare for Georgia's defense. Oh yes, Dave Hooker. This offense can be scary good.

Agree that our offense has unlimited potential. I am waiting patiently to say the same thing about our defense. Last year, our defense was better than the year before. I do believe our defense this year will be better than last year’s. If we want championships, our defense obviously has to improve and excel greatly at every position. Maybe we won’t reach that championship level this fall, but we must chase it until we have it. Every snap, every down matters to champions.