Not sure we are a top 10 team.

[volfan2024]

Defense top 5, running game top 10, passing game out of top 25.

 

[Boston Vol]

Well we’re currently ranked 15th and 17th, so you’re right, we’re not a top ten team.

 

[VolFanHenry]

Well we’re currently ranked 15th and 17th, so you’re right, we’re not a top ten team.

And...scene.

 

[Special Ed]

If I had my way, we'd have last year's offense and this year's defense.

 

[87&91ALUM]

We know that Joe has the skills and has won big games...see bowl win over Clemson. I am thinking the problem has more to do with change in OCs and WRs including losing Bru. The line has had issues earlier and now we are in a penalty funk. If we can play complete games where Milton/OC/passing game clicks and we avoid shooting ourselves in the foot while maintaining an improving D....we will get into the top ten. A lot of big ifs. Hope rings eternal on the Vol Nation Forum.

 

[VolFanNC09]

Until we can get the passing game going we are a 9-3ish team or top 25, but not top 10. I rewatched the game and there were 4 plays where if there weren't drops or if the refs actually called PI the game would be a 14 to 20 point blowout. Joe misses some plays, but there were also 4 very catchable balls that were dropped or where there was a blatant PI that wasn't called. Make those plays and we can make a case for top 10.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

If I had my way, we'd have last year's offense and this year's defense.

Don't give up this year's running game or special teams.

Really, we just need to get our pass attack back up to elite. Then we're cooking with gas. Probably have to wait for next season to get there, though.

Go Vols!

 

[VolFreakJosh]

Who said we were a Top 10 team?

 

[Vol524]

I sometimes wonder about Joe's ability to make the right decision quickly. For example, not taking a shot downfield when aTm jumped off sides. He runs out of bounds short of the first down marker.

 

[Revived2002]

This is a transition year - I’m fine with where we are

Make a good bowl and move on to the Nico era

Transition years for the past 15 years usually meant we were 2-4 at this point, the team has quit, and the head coach was about to be fired. Again, Im good with where we are

 

[volbound1700]

Until we can get the passing game going we are a 9-3ish team or top 25, but not top 10. I rewatched the game and there were 4 plays where if there weren't drops or if the refs actually called PI the game would be a 14 to 20 point blowout. Joe misses some plays, but there were also 4 very catchable balls that were dropped or where there was a blatant PI that wasn't called. Make those plays and we can make a case for top 10.

I would be happy with 9-3 at this point. I am thinking 8-4.

 

[ButchPlz]

This is a transition year - I’m fine with where we are

Make a good bowl and move on to the Nico era

Transition years for the past 15 years usually meant we were 2-4 at this point, the team has quit, and the head coach was about to be fired. Again, Im good with where we are

For real. A lot of people on here bitching about the team when we're 5-1 and 16-3 since the start of last season. In the very recent past we'd be 8-11 or something over that period at this point. Huge improvement.

Even with way worse QB play, we're still finding ways to win with a killer defense and great rushing. That shows some coaching growth too.

 

[UTwild82]

If we can just get back average, no INT, 200 yards passing and barely above 60% completion Joe we could be. Here's hoping and praying .

 

[Mccage]

I sometimes wonder about Joe's ability to make the right decision quickly. For example, not taking a shot downfield when aTm jumped off sides. He runs out of bounds short of the first down marker.

Show us a clip of a WR downfield on that play. It’s always Joe’s fault!!

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Defense top 5, running game top 10, passing game out of top 25.

You know, you can be a top 10 team without a top passing game. The defense is good enough to make our opponents 1 dimensional. Teams have won, and continue to win games with defense and subpar passing attacks. To be honest, I prefer a strong running game. Milton just needs to do enough and not turn the ball over.

 

[Tman44]

Milton is stinking it up and our WR play cannot make up for it. To many misses from an offense that is predicated upon taking deep shots. This is when everyone truly can appreciate the greatness of Hooker; Hyatt; Tillman and Bru. That was a VERY special offense.

 

[BruiserVol]

We aren’t lol. I knew that once we played Florida. Whether Bama is down this year or not they are a more put together team than UF. Same for UGA. We have 3 losses this season, just my opinion.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

I sometimes wonder about Joe's ability to make the right decision quickly. For example, not taking a shot downfield when aTm jumped off sides. He runs out of bounds short of the first down marker.

You talking about the pass where PI was not called?

 

[UTFranklinVol]

Once we play some really tough teams we will know for sure

 

[volinSmyrna]

Show us a clip of a WR downfield on that play. It’s always Joe’s fault!!

Exactly. Especially of the WR that was actively blocking downfield. It's easy to say that he should have put his head down, stuck his foot in the ground, and gotten the first down. It's not an unrealistic expectation for a 6'5" 245lb player. After going back and watching that play, it appears to me, he had his eyes downfield wanting to throw as he rolled out and he saw the receiver blocking and by that point it was too late to commit to running in time to make the play. Then he just threw it way out of bounds at the last minute. That's my $0.02 from re-watching it.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Milton is stinking it up and our WR play cannot make up for it. To many misses from an offense that is predicated upon taking deep shots. This is when everyone truly can appreciate the greatness of Hooker; Hyatt; Tillman and Bru. That was a VERY special offense.

That was last year, they're gone. This is the 2023 team and they are winning a different way, and have their own identity. You are free to rewatch the 2022 season and reminisce.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

We aren’t lol. I knew that once we played Florida. Whether Bama is down this year or not they are a more put together team than UF. Same for UGA. We have 3 losses this season, just my opinion.

You know with Florida, there was a RS Freshman making his first start and calling the defense. Don't let that get in the way of you telling everyone of horrible a team we are.

 

[Volbrando]

If I had my way, we'd have last year's offense and this year's defense.

I feel we'd beat everyone on our schedule if so... maybe in the playoffs too

 

[BruiserVol]

You know with Florida, there was a RS Freshman making his first start and calling the defense. Don't let that get in the way of you telling everyone of horrible a team we are.

I guess the terrible performance with AP was excusable too. Or, that ugly win against currently one win Virginia. South Carolina is the only time we have looked somewhat competent this year.

 

[Tman44]

That was last year, they're gone. This is the 2023 team and they are winning a different way, and have their own identity. You are free to rewatch the 2022 season and reminisce.

Yes, what you said is true; however, lets not take things for granted from year to year. Let's appreciate a great running game and D while we have it, but you must understand, the offense CJH runs needs more to function at an optimal level.