How Does Offense Change in with Tillman Return?

[Dadof2Vols]

The offense seems to have gone into higher gear with Tillman out. Now I am a big fan of Tillman but it seems offense is different with him out. Is Hooker distributing ball differently? Is CJH calling plays differently? Or is CJH just bringing in new and different routes he has been saving for big SEC matchups?

You smart people tell me what happens when Tillman is back? It will be hard to watch any of the 3 main receivers who have been playing with Tillman out to have to sit.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

When Tillman returns it means fewer snaps for Keyton. Keyton has played really well but he is not near Tillman's level when healthy.

 

[This Guy]

IMO it'll just further stretch defensive secondaries. You can't ignore Tillman, Hyatt, McCoy, or Keyton. DB's will have to lock in because every one of them can burn you if there's a mix up in coverage. Honestly if I'm a DB coach or even a DC for a team we face after UTM I'm probably losing sleep thinking about how to handle it.

 

[CNCVol88]

When Tillman comes back that means Kentucky and Georgia will have to cover Hyatt, bru and Tillman while still accounting for fant and the legs on hooker, small and wright. The amount of weapons our offense has is disgusting.

 

[37620VOL]

With Tillman out I think Hooker has learned to trust the other guys more, especially in pressure situations. I think Tillman and Keyton will split snaps until Tillman is 100% again, which could be several weeks still. I think the targets will be determined more by how the defense plays us instead of Hooker hoping Tillman can make a play.

 

[VOLfrombama]

I would be ok with going more 4 wide and give folks some different looks.

 

[DaddyChad]

The offense seems to have gone into higher gear with Tillman out. Now I am a big fan of Tillman but it seems offense is different with him out. Is Hooker distributing ball differently? Is CJH calling plays differently? Or is CJH just bringing in new and different routes he has been saving for big SEC matchups?

You smart people tell me what happens when Tillman is back? It will be hard to watch any of the 3 main receivers who have been playing with Tillman out to have to sit.

If you want me to be honest I think Tillman is the most complete wr we have when he’s healthy. That said Hyatt has a different gear. Tillman drew constant double teams and used to be Hendon’s favorite target. Honestly I think as bad as it is to say that him going down forced everyone to get better, Hyatt, Bru, Keyton and the young guys have all contributed. When he’s back I just see us being a much deadlier offense but it may take a week or so for him a Hooker to get back on the same page.

 

[PalmettoStateVol]

It means that the pucker factor and restless night's sleep goes up significantly for the opposing defense. Our receiving corps has stepped up and hasn't missed a beat since Tillman went down. Hyatt has been a man among boys over the last few weeks. It was amazing to watch him take over that game on Saturday. When you add Tillman back into the mix....we'll be singing Rocky Top all day long!

 

[90 Vol]

My mild criticism of Hooker early in the season was that he was too dependent on Tillman to the point of forcing the ball to him. With Tillman out, it forced Hooker to build confidence in the others. When Tillman returns, I think this offense will find yet another gear if that's even possible.

 

[ButchPlz]

With Tillman back we could probably run a 12-year-old's Madden offense with the four verticals play every snap.

 

[OrangeTsar]

Basically, opposing DCs will be trying to figure out a way to stop this

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

It means even elite defenses will be biting off more than they can chew.

 

[VolInDayton]

Can we score more points?

 

[OrangeTsar]

It means even elite defenses will be biting off more than they can chew.

They already are. This will make it even worse

 

[Volnut]

Some national media guy said that when Tillman comes back this offense will rival the 2019 LSU offense. Sorry I can't remember or find the source.

 

[Russdaddy2027]

With Tillman out I think Hooker has learned to trust the other guys more, especially in pressure situations. I think Tillman and Keyton will split snaps until Tillman is 100% again, which could be several weeks still. I think the targets will be determined more by how the defense plays us instead of Hooker hoping Tillman can make a play.

I agree, Hooker has now developed chemistry with the rest of the receiving group now. I hated to see that cheap shot on Tillman that took him out but I think it may have been the catalyst that took our receivers from good to elite!

 

[37620VOL]

I agree, Hooker has now developed chemistry with the rest of the receiving group now. I hated to see that cheap shot on Tillman that took him out but I think it may have been the catalyst that took our receivers from good to elite!

I'm going to call it right now. UK is going to pee themselves in the film room over Hyatt. Bru will shred them for 200 and 3tds.

 

[Orange_Vol1321]

Hyatt will still get throws. He is 3 completions away from a Vol record.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Hyatt will still get throws. He is 3 completions away from a Vol record.

Which record?

 

[robby487]

Hope he can get some snaps this coming weekend before the Ky game.

 

[Volbrando]

The amount of weapons our offense has is disgusting.

yet tastes so good

 

[WilcoVolsFan]

Tillman and McCoy feel very similar to me, with Tillman being the more polished of the two and more capable on long balls. But for both of them, you can throw it up and let them go fight for it.

Keyton has the same height and length but leaner and faster. He's another WR that's made huge strides under CJH and should have an even larger role next year if he sticks around and uses his extra Covid eligibility year. He still has some polishing to do compared to Tillman and should've had a long touchdown Saturday but stopped short on his route after he'd gotten behind the Baba DB.

Hyatt is definitely a long ball specialist. Not that he's a one-trick pony, but with that extra gear can get behind a defense and burn you if you don't bracket him with a safety. (& sometimes even if you do)

 

[VOLtaism]

It means we will have 2 of the strongest wide receivers in the college football on the edges with a speed-burning hero wide receiver in the slot and competent backups. Scheme for that.

 

[walkenvol]

With Tillman out I think Hooker has learned to trust the other guys more, especially in pressure situations. I think Tillman and Keyton will split snaps until Tillman is 100% again, which could be several weeks still. I think the targets will be determined more by how the defense plays us instead of Hooker hoping Tillman can make a play.

This! Hooker was going to Tillman by default and now he is hitting the open man

 

[sjt18]

Really hard to say. I think Keyton has earned respect and will get more PT. Maybe relieving McCoy and the TE's as well.

Hooker's decision making has gotten better without Tillman. He was leaning on him too much. Injuries are never a "good" thing but this one may pay some dividends due to HH's increase comfort with the other guys. He has definitely spread the ball more.