Hooray for honesty

[lawgator1]

In the midst of writers reassuring Gator fans that things will get better and Leak is about to blossom, a candid article from an Orlando sportswriter. You UT folks got anyone willing to put in print what the problems are at your team?


Published October 26, 2005...

Two quarters.

One half.

That's it.

That's how long Florida Coach Urban Meyer should give quarterback Chris Leak on Saturday to make something happen in this dead- . . . er, spread-option offense.

Time for Meyer to stop crying about the past and start looking toward the future. Time to transform himself from Head Bawl Coach to Head Ball Coach.

It all comes down to Saturday for the Gators. If Florida loses to Georgia, the season's over, and the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will turn into the World's Largest Outdoor Pity Party for Florida fans who were led to believe Meyer's spread option was the second coming of Steve Spurrier's Fun 'N' Gun. Let's be serious: With Leak running it, this offense looks more like the Stumble 'N' Crumble than the Fun 'N' Gun.

A Florida offense that led the SEC last season doesn't have a touchdown pass in any of the three games it has played against ranked opponents. In the past three games, Leak has completed 35 percent of his passes, with one touchdown and four interceptions. Those are Vandy numbers, not Florida numbers.

Leak is a junior, which means he has another season of eligibility at UF. If he continues to struggle Saturday, Meyer cannot afford to keep trying to adapt this offense to fit Leak. Meyer was hired because he is the guru of the spread option. He's not going to change his philosophy -- nor should he. So it's time to consider changing quarterbacks. This is not Utah. This is not Bowling Green. When you're coaching big-boy football, you don't get a three-year window to install your offense.

Those people who say the spread option won't work in a big-time league such as the Southeastern Conference clearly don't watch much college football. This offense will work -- if you have the right quarterback running it.

Texas is the No. 2-ranked team in the country mainly because quarterback Vince Young is running the spread option to near perfection. Just last weekend, Missouri's spread option, with quarterback Brad Smith running for 236 yards and passing for 246 yards, destroyed Nebraska 42-24. Penn State, with quarterback Michael Robinson running a variation of the spread, continued its resurgence by routing Illinois 63-10. Northwestern, the surprise team of the year in the Big Ten, used its spread option to dismantle Michigan State 49-14.

The difference is those schools have quarterbacks who can pass and run. Missouri's Smith leads the Big 12 in rushing, and Texas' Young is 11th in the league. Penn State's Robinson leads the team and is seventh in the Big Ten with nine rushing touchdowns. Northwestern's Brett Basanez leads the Big Ten in total offense and is second on his team in rushing.

Meanwhile, Leak has run for minus-16 yards this season. Football 101: Option means you either pass or run, not pass or fall down.

"I don't think you can do it," Northwestern Coach Randy Walker said when asked if the spread-option can work with an immobile quarterback. "The quarterback's ability to run the football is essential."

It isn't Leak's fault that he is not a running quarterback. It's not his fault he has been a pocket passer since grade school. He's a good kid and throws a pretty pass. But the clock is ticking on turning him into a runner. If Leak doesn't produce in the first half Saturday, Meyer must insert freshman Josh Portis, who was recruited specifically to run this offense.

Rule of thumb: If your quarterback is going to run the spread option, your quarterback must first be able to run -- period.

Otherwise, you might as well call this offense "The Muck and Meyer."

 

[volbrian]

Yep!

Stop blaming the Vols; this mess is on Fulmer

Commentary by DAVID CLIMER
Senior Writer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — All week, amid the sound and the fury, Phillip Fulmer had insisted this was not about him and his history with Alabama, but about his team and its true measure.

Fair enough, coach. Now we have a reading on Tennessee.


This is a team that is long on potential and short on performance. It is a maddening combination of superb talent and supreme underachievement. Seldom before at Tennessee has so much ability produced such mediocre results.

And that's a direct reflection on the head coach.

So while Alabama fans can take solace in beating a coach who has become Public Enemy No. 1 in this crimson state, it is now time for UT fans to start asking if Fulmer has the right stuff to turn around this Big Orange Enigma.

There's little reason to suspect that things will get dramatically better anytime soon. Yes, the schedule eases up, but recent history tells us that the Vols will keep struggling, especially on offense.

Asked to identify the personality of this team, defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona paused for a moment and offered this telling assessment:

"It revolves around the defense. We need somebody on offense to step up big."

Any Volunteers?

Six games in, UT can't even seem to figure out who its quarterback should be. When Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice performed the coin toss prior to the game, you wondered if it was Heads Clausen, Tails Ainge.

That's how dysfunctional the Vols are. Rick Clausen took all but four offensive snaps yesterday, but Fulmer dropped a couple of veiled hints after the loss that Erik Ainge might be back in the mix.

Even with Fulmer falling back on his football roots by playing it close to his bullet-proof vest with a commitment to the running game, the Vols kept tripping themselves.

Certainly, Alabama should be credited with taking advantage of UT's mistakes and making the Vols pay. Defensively, the Crimson Tide is terrific. Too, Mike Shula and his players were smart enough to stand their ground, keep it close and simply wait for UT to live down to its reputation and self-destruct.

Mission accomplished.

"If a team is better than you and they beat you, you can live with that," UT wide receiver Jayson Swain mused. "Knowing that you beat yourselves, that hurts."

Indeed, what happened yesterday at Bryant-Denny Stadium is yet another example of a team that does not learn from its mistakes and has trouble handling both prosperity and adversity.

"We do some good things, then we find a way to screw it up," Fulmer said.

Halfway through the season, UT is committing the same goofs and gags of the season-opener — untimely false-start penalties, dropped passes, key fumbles and special teams gaffes.

And leave it to Alabama, UT's most-storied rival, to expose the Vols for what they are — a team that is less than the sum of its parts.

Even when the Vols appeared headed for the go-ahead points with barely five minutes remaining in a 3-3 tie, there was a sense of impending doom. Would it be a succession of penalties that would take the Vols out of field goal range? What about a fumbled snap? An interception, perhaps?

Right on schedule, on third-and-goal from the Tide 15, fullback Cory Anderson caught a screen pass, plowed inside the 5 and promptly fumbled through the end zone, handing the ball back to Alabama at the 20.

You could see the life draining out of the Vols. As well as UT had played on defense all day, there comes a time when you lose your edge.

"They made one big play on offense, and we didn't have one," shrugged Vols linebacker Kevin Simon. "That's what the game came down to."

Indeed, the 43-yard Brodie Croyle-to-D.J. Hall heave got the Tide out of a hole and helped position Jamie Christensen for the winning field goal with 13 seconds remaining.

"That's all it takes in one of these games — one big play," UT defensive end Parys Haralson said.

And after one big loss that leaves UT 3-3, Phillip Fulmer faces one big reclamation project.

Tennessean

 

[Chattownsfinest]

true

when Leak transfers any chance he'll come to Tennessee?

 

[SURFSIDEBEACHVOL]

It isn't Leak's fault that he is not a running quarterback. It's not his fault he has been a pocket passer since grade school. He's a good kid and throws a pretty pass. But the clock is ticking on turning him into a runner. If Leak doesn't produce in the first half Saturday, Meyer must insert freshman Josh Portis, who was recruited specifically to run this offense.



Many Vol fans will be smiling if Leak gets benched.

 

[SURFSIDEBEACHVOL]

Originally posted by Chattownsfinest@Oct 26, 2005 2:27 PM
true

when Leak transfers any chance he'll come to Tennessee?

[snapback]174881[/snapback]​

lol: lol: lol: lol:

 

[volbrian]

Originally posted by SURFSIDEBEACHVOL@Oct 26, 2005 1:28 PM
It isn't Leak's fault that he is not a running quarterback. It's not his fault he has been a pocket passer since grade school. He's a good kid and throws a pretty pass. But the clock is ticking on turning him into a runner. If Leak doesn't produce in the first half Saturday, Meyer must insert freshman Josh Portis, who was recruited specifically to run this offense.
Many Vol fans will be smiling if Leak gets benched.

[snapback]174882[/snapback]​

Actually, Ill be smiling when I get to see Portis in and the spread STILL not work. Meyer and his following will then see what a lot of us have said all along.

 

[Vol67]

Offensive identity disappears for Vols

Didn't turn the corner against Alabama

By CHRIS LOW
Staff Writer



KNOXVILLE — It's been a dismal first half of the season for Tennessee's offense.

The offensive numbers are ugly, and the Vols' performance has been uglier.
 



But the most telling indictment of where Tennessee is right now offensively might have come in the bitter aftermath of the 6-3 loss to Alabama last Saturday.

The Vols lost two fumbles inside the 10-yard line, failed to score a touchdown against a Southeastern Conference opponent for the first time in 11 years, finished with 253 total yards, averaged 3.1 yards per rush — and yet there was talk afterward by coaches and players about turning the corner offensively and finding an identity.

True, the Vols' offensive line came off the ball better than it has all season against one of the nation's best defenses.

But turning the corner? And finding an identity?

This is the same program that once dictated to defenses what it was going to do on the offensive side of the ball and could break games open with the running game or the passing game.

The Vols are treading water right now, leaning almost exclusively on their defense and playing it so close to the vest offensively that there's virtually no margin for error.

The national statistics don't lie.

Out of 117 Division I-A teams, Tennessee is ranked 105th in scoring offense and rushing offense, and 94th in total offense.

"We're supposedly one of the top-five programs year in and year out," senior center Richie Gandy said. "We recruit well, so you've got to think we've got some of the best talent in the nation, and for some reason or another, it's not coming together and we're not clicking.

"I don't know what the reason is. If I did, obviously I'd run upstairs and let somebody know. We're searching. Hopefully, this week we'll find it."

Following are four of the main reasons the Vols have become every defensive coordinator's dream matchup this season:

Lack of discipline

Mistakes have haunted the Vols, especially inside the 20-yard line.

Two of the most glaring examples were the fumbles by Cory Anderson and Gerald Riggs Jr. against Alabama.

But going back to the Georgia game, Rick Clausen's interception in the end zone after missing a wide-open Bret Smith a play earlier for a touchdown was just as costly.

It wasn't the best throw by Clausen, but an even poorer route run by receiver Chris Hannon.

It's not just the turnovers, either. Untimely penalties have been a fixture with this offense, whether it's a false start by tight end Justin Reed, back-to-back false starts by offensive tackle Arron Sears or an illegal forward pass by Clausen.

Go back and count the wasted timeouts by the Vols on offense, too, either because there was some confusion about a play call or a problem with getting the proper personnel on the field.

"Everybody wants to talk about who's accountable," Fulmer said. "We're all accountable. It starts with me, all the assistant coaches, coordinators, position players. We're all accountable when things aren't like they're supposed to go.

"I think our team understands that and that their discipline and our inconsistent play in spots needs to change so we can reach our potential."

Overhyped receivers

The receivers' production hasn't come close to matching their preseason billing.

They've dropped passes, run the wrong routes, failed to beat man coverage consistently and made very few plays. Jayson Swain was the exception in the Alabama game with a nice adjustment on a 35-yard catch to set up the Vols' only points of the game.

In the receivers' defense, they've been open at times down the field, and the quarterbacks either missed them, couldn't get it to them or chose not to throw it.

All in all, though, the Vols were banking on more big plays from Robert Meachem, Bret Smith, Chris Hannon and crew. Meachem's season has been especially disappointing. He injured his ankle in the opener and hasn't been 100 percent since.

Quarterback carrousel

The whole quarterback situation has become a mess.

It's unfair to throw all of the Vols' problems at Clausen's feet because he's battled and done what the coaches have asked. The Vols' biggest victory of the season, their dramatic comeback at LSU, was also engineered by Clausen.

But his limitations can't be ignored. Tennessee's only touchdown pass the last three games was a meaningless one against Georgia on the final play of the game to Meachem.

Teams simply don't respect the deep passing game with Clausen in the lineup.

As for Erik Ainge, who knows what to expect from him? He says he hasn't lost his confidence, but he also hasn't played other than a token appearance against Alabama since that embarrassing heave from the end zone at LSU.

The bigger question: How did the staff ever let it get to this point?

Not committing to the run

The offensive line has played better than it's been given credit for, although the Vols have still struggled in some key short-yardage situations.

Tennessee wasn't patient enough with the run against Florida or Georgia.

The perplexing thing is that the Vols decided they needed to spread it out from the shotgun and throw the ball against the Bulldogs because they didn't think they could line up and run against Georgia's defense.

Two weeks later — by strict orders from Fulmer — the plan was to return to smash-mouth football against an Alabama defense even better than Georgia's.

Don't look for the Vols to deviate much from that plan the rest of the way. •

 

[lawgator1]

Originally posted by volbrian@Oct 26, 2005 1:30 PM
Actually, Ill be smiling when I get to see Portis in and the spread STILL not work.  Meyer and his following will then see what a lot of us have said all along.

[snapback]174885[/snapback]​

If that happens, I think it will be an acknowledgement that this season is intended as a prelude to next. That is the real reason I think Meyer sticks to what he's been doing -- changing things admits he was wrong.

<<snip>> please don&#39;t go there

 

[duckman398686]

Originally posted by Chattownsfinest@Oct 26, 2005 12:27 PM
true

when Leak transfers any chance he&#39;ll come to Tennessee?

[snapback]174881[/snapback]​

....somebody had crazy juice for breakfast. :crazy:

 

[cibai]

Hey Surfsidebach Vol, that wouldn&#39;t be surfside beach texas would it? I used to live right up 288 from there and would come down to surf. Also nice Duane pic&#33;

 

[SURFSIDEBEACHVOL]

Originally posted by cibai@Oct 26, 2005 4:42 PM
Hey  Vol, that wouldn&#39;t be surfside beach texas would it? I used to live right up 288 from there and would come down to surf. Also nice Duane pic&#33;

[snapback]174969[/snapback]​

I&#39;m in South Carolina, just south of Myrtle Beach.

Duane was the best

 

[FatSandwich]

Originally posted by volbrian@Oct 26, 2005 1:25 PM
Yep&#33;
Tennessean

[snapback]174877[/snapback]​

Great read&#33;

 

[duct_tape_wallet]

Originally posted by SURFSIDEBEACHVOL@Oct 26, 2005 2:28 PM
It isn&#39;t Leak&#39;s fault that he is not a running quarterback. It&#39;s not his fault he has been a pocket passer since grade school. He&#39;s a good kid and throws a pretty pass. But the clock is ticking on turning him into a runner. If Leak doesn&#39;t produce in the first half Saturday, Meyer must insert freshman Josh Portis, who was recruited specifically to run this offense.
Many Vol fans will be smiling if Leak gets benched.

[snapback]174882[/snapback]​

Meyer is a strange cat. I read a pre-season interview of his describing his offensive philosophy. He was big on &#39;putting playmakers in position to make plays&#39;, and &#39;maximizing the contribution of personnel&#39;.

It seems to me that, if he really wanted to maximize his personnel, he wouldn&#39;t attempt to run with Leak. Just have him sit back in the &#39;gun, forget about that stupid little inside draw play, and start passing. If you want to run, go I-formation or bring a reciever in motion to set up an end-around/play-action pass look out of the &#39;gun. Admittedly, this is more traditional, but, like SURFSIDEBEACHVOL said, Leak is a pocket QB.

Come to think of it, Leak would be a perfect candidate for the Chuck N&#39; Cluck offense. I&#39;ll be he goes to South Cackylacky if he transfers.

:twocents: I&#39;m a wannabe coach...can you tell?

 

[GAVol]

Leak is a Junior, so he won&#39;t be transferring.

...but I agree with you. What&#39;s the point of all the option when there is almost zero chance of the QB actually keeping it?

 

[orange+white=heaven]

Hooray BEER&#33;&#33;