DD4ME
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I felt that we would make the playoffs with 11 wins and lose to UGA in the conference championship. We just ran into an absolute buzz saw with OSU. I feel that OSU could have played any team in the last 10-15 years and most likely would have won. Everything clicked. If they lose the championship it will be one of the bigger disappointments in a long time.We ended exactly what I called. I said i expected 10-2 and the playoff. I've been wrong many times; but, this season played out just like I thought it would. I figured we'd beat Bama, UGA would beat us in Athens, and we'd get bit by an Oklahoma, Florida, or an Arkansas.
Then we ran into a juggernaut in the playoff, a game we should have never been playing in. I felt down as hell after the OSU game (not crazy, like half the dumbsh!ts in here); but, after seeing them hit on all cylinders against Oregon, and then beat Texas without playing their best, i still feel like sh!t because we lost, and lost big; but, NO ONE was beating OSU. The silver lining of that game, is it showed us how far we've come, and how much further we have to go...to be truly elite.
Being honest, 8-4 never once crossed my mind. And, as I said...while, no, I wouldnt have melted down to the point of making a fool of myself if we had gone 8-4, I definitely would have been disappointed, as i said i would, wondering wtf happened. I truly believe we're beyond 8-4 seasons now...our QB talent alone gives me confidence in that.
McGill, there's ALWAYS going to be idiots, in all walks of life...you know this. And, while I still call them out every once in awhile (who doesnt like a good dust-up every now and then??)...ive learned to ignore them for the most part. I mean seriously... why would I pay any attention, at all, to people that still talk about Derek Dooley and Butch Jones every other post, while wanting to fire half the people responsible for the miracle that's been worked in just 4 years. Imo, entertaining such nonsense makes me a bigger idiot than them.
I think a lot falls in the WR room. Nico wasn't perfect but man we missed drive saving plays because of drops. Love Bru and how he plays but I hope he doesn't come back. He isn't a true #1 that they expected. Hopefully Matthews and Staley make big year 2 leaps.I think the passing game is a combination of things. Nico had some areas of struggle especially on the deep ball (WR were wide open many times that would pump up the passing stats), OL struggled early then played some better down the stretch, WR had many drops on the intermediate routes especially, probably most importantly is our rushing attack was very good and effective so it makes sense we leaned on it (we did win 10 games and make the playoffs so hard to knock that).
My biggest take way from it all is that when our passing attack is like it was in 2022 we can take the next step, especially with the defense we had this year, I think we need to work some things out schematically and creatively but even still we have to connect on our deep shots to be at our best.
I think the passing game is a combination of things. Nico had some areas of struggle especially on the deep ball (WR were wide open many times that would pump up the passing stats), OL struggled early then played some better down the stretch, WR had many drops on the intermediate routes especially, probably most importantly is our rushing attack was very good and effective so it makes sense we leaned on it (we did win 10 games and make the playoffs so hard to knock that).
My biggest take way from it all is that when our passing attack is like it was in 2022 we can take the next step, especially with the defense we had this year, I think we need to work some things out schematically and creatively but even still we have to connect on our deep shots to be at our best.
I'd love to have Bru back. He seems to add so much to the locker room as well as on the phone (phone....lol...I meant on the field). Plus, he'd be one more year removed from his injury. He reminds me of Jennings in toughness.I think a lot falls in the WR room. Nico wasn't perfect but man we missed drive saving plays because of drops. Love Bru and how he plays but I hope he doesn't come back. He isn't a true #1 that they expected. Hopefully Matthews and Staley make big year 2 leaps.
Sorta stinks because I have nothing against OU.Oklahoma should've just stayed in Big 12, they would be running that conference in football and at least above average basketball and baseball.
Don't have to attached at the hip with Texas to be successful, the Red River Rivalry would never be cancelled it could've been an OOC game for both.
Oklahoma was 2-6 in SEC football league play and now are 0-5 in league play in basketball. Good times for Oklahoma...
It will be intriguing to see what schematic changes Heupel deploys to correct issues over the last two years. If we stick with the same coaches on the offensive side, can Tennessee make the necessary adjustments to once again be an explosive passing team? Will Nico make the next step? Gonna be a fun ride.Good post.
Also, yes the 2022 offense with 2024 defense wins the Championship in any of those years 22,23,24... averaging 46 points per game with a defense that only gives up 16 is stout. I believe with the talent we are landing now Banks can keep the defense in the top 15 every year. If we can get the vertical passing game AND the usual 2500+ yards per game rushing that we have produced the last 3 years (1st time in program history) then we can win our next Title. If our WR room and Oline can grow up fast, we have a shot to do that in 2026 IMO. So exciting to be a legit top 10 program again on the field...not just in the record books.