Random Observations

[Teeman]

1. There is no excuse for what happened Saturday night. I have heard the debate about lack of talent, injuries, no depth, playcalling, refs, etc., etc. Bottom line is this UT team had a chance to grab a great win at home and extend their season, but for a myriad of reasons, didn't get it done. I've been a fan for 35 years and haven't felt like this since some of the Florida beatdowns in the early 90s. That being said, it's time to quit whining and move on.

2. The KY game is much bigger than most of us care to admit. The loser of this game takes a serious step backward. Both first-year coaches need momentum heading into the off-season and the younger players need a confidence boost.

3. Moving forward, QB is a huge concern. I thought by mid-season we would be settled on one for at least another year. I don't know if Worley can be any better than what we've seen, which is adequate. I am going to give Peterman a pass because it was one game and we don't really know when he injured the hand. It was a bad debut though. Dobbs had a great opportunity to take control, but didn't. Which leaves us hoping Ferguson is the next Johnny Football.

4. Next year's schedule isn't much better. We lose Oregon, but we get Utah State and Arkansas State. Don't laugh. Neither are as good, but both are 7-4 and lead their division or conference. Not to mention Oklahoma. We lose Auburn, but pick up Ole Miss. A wash in my book. Road games at OK, GA, SC, Ole Miss, and VU. Brutal for a young team.

5. For 2014, we lose both lines, still don't have a set QB, running game is questionable, WRs/TEs are still developing, special teams is shaky, and still lack speed on defense. The good news is we have 30 (Please no one start another new thread on how many we can take, it will work out. It happens every year.) or so new guys coming in who will improve the talent level. Fourteen so far are EEs, so that helps. Spring will be critical. It's an old cliche, but it's going to take time.

GBO, beat Kentucky, and everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

 

[Boca Vol]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

 

[newandbetter]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

Every game matters.

 

[soda23]

it doesn't matter , unless Butch doesn't want to be the first Coach to lose eight games at The University of Tennessee

 

[Boca Vol]

it doesn't matter , unless Butch doesn't want to be the first Coach to lose eight games at The University of Tennessee

Even that...outside of UT does anyone know that stat, or care?

It's kind of like the UK streak that was broken 2 years ago. No one cared. Hell, UF has beated UK about the same and no one cares about that either.

 

[BleedsOrange11]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

The reason it matters is because Tennessee is one of only 2 or 3 schools to have never lost 8 games in a season. That's a big point of pride in my opinion.

 

[VolFan4Life87]

Even that...outside of UT does anyone know that stat, or care?

It's kind of like the UK streak that was broken 2 years ago. No one cared. Hell, UF has beated UK about the same and no one cares about that either.

Well this board will explode if we lose 8, and the boards are bad enough right now as it is.

 

[Boca Vol]

The reason it matters is because Tennessee is one of only 2 or 3 schools to have never lost 8 games in a season. That's a big point of pride in my opinion.

Why is that a big point of pride?

So when you're discussing football with other fans and they're talking about their "positive" accomplishments such as national titles, conference titles, Heisman winners, etc. do you bring up that UT is one of 2-3 schools that have never lost 8 games in a season? Who cares?

That's called grasping at straws.

 

[Tennman]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

It does matter. UT along with Michigan are the only two teams left in NCAA that have never lost 8 games. I dont want this senior group to be that team. They have been through enough, please don't get labeled with that 8th loss.

GO VOLS Play for Pride. Beat those Cats

 

[omghulkhands]

1. There is no excuse for what happened Saturday night. I have heard the debate about lack of talent, injuries, no depth, playcalling, refs, etc., etc. Bottom line is this UT team had a chance to grab a great win at home and extend their season, but for a myriad of reasons, didn't get it done. I've been a fan for 35 years and haven't felt like this since some of the Florida beatdowns in the early 90s. That being said, it's time to quit whining and move on.

2. The KY game is much bigger than most of us care to admit. The loser of this game takes a serious step backward. Both first-year coaches need momentum heading into the off-season and the younger players need a confidence boost.

3. Moving forward, QB is a huge concern. I thought by mid-season we would be settled on one for at least another year. I don't know if Worley can be any better than what we've seen, which is adequate. I am going to give Peterman a pass because it was one game and we don't really know when he injured the hand. It was a bad debut though. Dobbs had a great opportunity to take control, but didn't. Which leaves us hoping Ferguson is the next Johnny Football.

4. Next year's schedule isn't much better. We lose Oregon, but we get Utah State and Arkansas State. Don't laugh. Neither are as good, but both are 7-4 and lead their division or conference. Not to mention Oklahoma. We lose Auburn, but pick up Ole Miss. A wash in my book. Road games at OK, GA, SC, Ole Miss, and VU. Brutal for a young team.

5. For 2014, we lose both lines, still don't have a set QB, running game is questionable, WRs/TEs are still developing, special teams is shaky, and still lack speed on defense. The good news is we have 30 (Please no one start another new thread on how many we can take, it will work out. It happens every year.) or so new guys coming in who will improve the talent level. Fourteen so far are EEs, so that helps. Spring will be critical. It's an old cliche, but it's going to take time.

GBO, beat Kentucky, and everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

Good post. We have a long way to go and idk why that wasn't more evident to people a while back.

What was especially frustrating for me from the Vandy game were all the missed opportunities. We likely win if Josh Smith catches that deep pass where the defender falls down and Dobbs gets his first TD pass (should have been his second, but alas Smith dropped one in the Mizzou game as well).

The offense could have sealed the game with some first downs late in the 4th OR the defense could have sealed the game with a big stop on 4th down. neither occured.

The trick play on the fake fg could have won the game. Making field goals could have won the game as well.

My belief is that there wasn't a major difference in talent between Vandy and us. Just look to Jordan Matthews if you want proof, we don't have anyone on our entire roster even close to his talent level. We had countless opportunities to win that game and we just didn't. We didn't do it.

 

[sjt18]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

So losing to 2 of the 3 least talented teams in the SEC is not important? Losing to UK and Vandy in the same season for the first time in almost 50 years isn't important? Losing 8 games in a season for the first time possibly ever isn't important?

There have already been historic lows this season.... this would be one more that screams, "There are coaching problems".

 

[sjt18]

Basically what the OP seems to be saying while trying to spin it positively is if this staff couldn't win 6 or7 wins with this roster then there is little reason to believe they won't do even worse next year... I have been saying that since well before the season.

 

[TucsonVol]

1. There is no excuse for what happened Saturday night. I have heard the debate about lack of talent, injuries, no depth, playcalling, refs, etc., etc. Bottom line is this UT team had a chance to grab a great win at home and extend their season, but for a myriad of reasons, didn't get it done. I've been a fan for 35 years and haven't felt like this since some of the Florida beatdowns in the early 90s. That being said, it's time to quit whining and move on.

2. The KY game is much bigger than most of us care to admit. The loser of this game takes a serious step backward. Both first-year coaches need momentum heading into the off-season and the younger players need a confidence boost.

3. Moving forward, QB is a huge concern. I thought by mid-season we would be settled on one for at least another year. I don't know if Worley can be any better than what we've seen, which is adequate. I am going to give Peterman a pass because it was one game and we don't really know when he injured the hand. It was a bad debut though. Dobbs had a great opportunity to take control, but didn't. Which leaves us hoping Ferguson is the next Johnny Football.

4. Next year's schedule isn't much better. We lose Oregon, but we get Utah State and Arkansas State. Don't laugh. Neither are as good, but both are 7-4 and lead their division or conference. Not to mention Oklahoma. We lose Auburn, but pick up Ole Miss. A wash in my book. Road games at OK, GA, SC, Ole Miss, and VU. Brutal for a young team.

5. For 2014, we lose both lines, still don't have a set QB, running game is questionable, WRs/TEs are still developing, special teams is shaky, and still lack speed on defense. The good news is we have 30 (Please no one start another new thread on how many we can take, it will work out. It happens every year.) or so new guys coming in who will improve the talent level. Fourteen so far are EEs, so that helps. Spring will be critical. It's an old cliche, but it's going to take time.

GBO, beat Kentucky, and everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

CBJ needs to show improvement in 2014!

 

[The Tall Gguy]

Grasping at straws is what you do when your football program has sunk as low as ours. Dooley got to take credit for ending the Kentucky streak. Hopefully Butch can figure some way to at least keep one streak alive.

 

[BigOrange15]

Why is that a big point of pride?

So when you're discussing football with other fans and they're talking about their "positive" accomplishments such as national titles, conference titles, Heisman winners, etc. do you bring up that UT is one of 2-3 schools that have never lost 8 games in a season? Who cares?

That's called grasping at straws.

It doesn't matter to you. It matters to other people. Your opinion isn't better than his.

 

[orangeluvr]

The knock down, drag out , battle for last place. :boxing2: hmy:

 

[BSAvol]

Good post. We have a long way to go and idk why that wasn't more evident to people a while back.

What was especially frustrating for me from the Vandy game were all the missed opportunities. We likely win if Josh Smith catches that deep pass where the defender falls down and Dobbs gets his first TD pass (should have been his second, but alas Smith dropped one in the Mizzou game as well).

The offense could have sealed the game with some first downs late in the 4th OR the defense could have sealed the game with a big stop on 4th down. neither occured.

The trick play on the fake fg could have won the game. Making field goals could have won the game as well.

My belief is that there wasn't a major difference in talent between Vandy and us. Just look to Jordan Matthews if you want proof, we don't have anyone on our entire roster even close to his talent level. We had countless opportunities to win that game and we just didn't. We didn't do it.

I know the coaches evaluate the talent and I have to believe they put the guys on the field that give UT the best shot at winning. Having said that, I cannot understand how Josh Smith receives any playing time. The amount of passes thrown to him are excessive based upon his production. After a head start in the weight room and practice at the collegiate level, I would think that Drae Bowles should be catching balls in the game instead of JS. Was Vincent Dallas productively as poor as Josh Smith?

Maybe these coaches wish to invest in their own recruits, maybe these other receivers are not as good as JS. I really have no way of knowing.

As much as I like CBJ, I'm afraid his selection in coordinators and coaches (with one exception: Thig) will keep him from a lengthy career at Tennessee. That is unless the Jimmy and Joe's compensate for what I'm seeing in the coaching staff.

 

[Vato]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

Yes, go out with a win.

 

[Tennman]

Do we still play kentucky for the KEG (barrel), or did the liberals wipe that out.

 

[Boca Vol]

Yes, go out with a win.

When UT lost to UK in 2011 there was plenty of excitement about the 2012 team going into the season.

No one is going to look back on the 2013 with any sort of warm and fuzzy feeling after this upcoming season. It's probably best just to wrap a bow on the season and stick in the attic.

 

[BearBryant]

The UK game isn't that big of a deal. UT is already at the bottom. 5-7 or 4-8, does it really matter? No one is going to point to the UK as a turning point, one way or the other.

Boca, this game is critical for Tennessee.

Here's why:

There are ONLY two teams in BigTime college football that have NEVER lost 8 games in a season. One of those is Ohio St. the other Tennessee.

This is a BIG game.

 

[BearBryant]

1. There is no excuse for what happened Saturday night. I have heard the debate about lack of talent, injuries, no depth, playcalling, refs, etc., etc. Bottom line is this UT team had a chance to grab a great win at home and extend their season, but for a myriad of reasons, didn't get it done. I've been a fan for 35 years and haven't felt like this since some of the Florida beatdowns in the early 90s. That being said, it's time to quit whining and move on.

2. The KY game is much bigger than most of us care to admit. The loser of this game takes a serious step backward. Both first-year coaches need momentum heading into the off-season and the younger players need a confidence boost.

3. Moving forward, QB is a huge concern. I thought by mid-season we would be settled on one for at least another year. I don't know if Worley can be any better than what we've seen, which is adequate. I am going to give Peterman a pass because it was one game and we don't really know when he injured the hand. It was a bad debut though. Dobbs had a great opportunity to take control, but didn't. Which leaves us hoping Ferguson is the next Johnny Football.

4. Next year's schedule isn't much better. We lose Oregon, but we get Utah State and Arkansas State. Don't laugh. Neither are as good, but both are 7-4 and lead their division or conference. Not to mention Oklahoma. We lose Auburn, but pick up Ole Miss. A wash in my book. Road games at OK, GA, SC, Ole Miss, and VU. Brutal for a young team.

5. For 2014, we lose both lines, still don't have a set QB, running game is questionable, WRs/TEs are still developing, special teams is shaky, and still lack speed on defense. The good news is we have 30 (Please no one start another new thread on how many we can take, it will work out. It happens every year.) or so new guys coming in who will improve the talent level. Fourteen so far are EEs, so that helps. Spring will be critical. It's an old cliche, but it's going to take time.

GBO, beat Kentucky, and everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

1. When you are using your 4th string QB it's hard to beat anyone. Just ask Florida with there 3rd string QB how they like playing Georgia Southern in the swamp. One other thing, I hate to say this but give Vandy some credit they are a good team. They beat Florida and Georgia. Their losses are Ole Miss, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.

2. The KY game is the biggest of the year! Because two teams in major college football have never lost 8 games in a season (Ohio St. and Tennessee). I want to keep this fact.

3. As far as a QB by midseason taking charge. That was Worley, he got hurt. This injury doesn't occur who knows I believe Tennessee would be in a Bowl game. Don't forget at the time Worley got injured, Ferguson was #2 and he was injured also.

4. Tennessee's schedule is one of the toughest every year period. I love it.

5. Yes, next year is an unknown. Why because it is in the future.

Everyone have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. And don't go to Walmart.

 

[Boca Vol]

It does matter. UT along with Michigan are the only two teams left in NCAA that have never lost 8 games. I dont want this senior group to be that team. They have been through enough, please don't get labeled with that 8th loss.

GO VOLS Play for Pride. Beat those Cats

If it was so important you would know it is Ohio State and not Michigan! Thanks for making my point about it not being that big of a deal.

Boca, this game is critical for Tennessee.

Here's why:

There are ONLY two teams in BigTime college football that have NEVER lost 8 games in a season. One of those is Ohio St. the other Tennessee.

This is a BIG game.

Why is this stat that critical? No one cares outside of UT and maybe Ohio State.

That's like getting into a financial debate with Donald Trump and the only bullet in your chamber is that you've never filed for bankruptcy. He's filed umpteen times and owns sh*t all over the world.

I don't want UT to lose on Sat. simply because I always want them to win. Not to "preserve" some record no one cares about.

 

[KBVol]

So losing to 2 of the 3 least talented teams in the SEC is not important? Losing to UK and Vandy in the same season for the first time in almost 50 years isn't important? Losing 8 games in a season for the first time possibly ever isn't important?

There have already been historic lows this season.... this would be one more that screams, "There are coaching problems".

Don't need another loss at Ky to know anything more or less about Team 117.... we have problems from A to Z. I know there are arguments about the importance of the KY game but I couldn't care less. Season's already a massive failure with or without a loss at Kentucky which I believe is a virtual certainty.

 

[BearBryant]

If it was so important you would know it is Ohio State and not Michigan! Thanks for making my point about it not being that big of a deal.



Why is this stat that critical? No one cares outside of UT and maybe Ohio State.

That's like getting into a financial debate with Donald Trump and the only bullet in your chamber is that you've never filed for bankruptcy. He's filed umpteen times and owns sh*t all over the world.

I don't want UT to lose on Sat. simply because I always want them to win. Not to "preserve" some record no one cares about.

Wow! You must be from Florida.