I asked yesterday if people thought we had improved throughout the year. I'm not seeing it. There are small stretches where you can see it but very little. I think JG is better than last year but I see no improvement since the first game. Some of it is the o-line no doubt. As to the o-line, they're worse today than game one or two. Some of that has to do with losing Kennedy and Smith but Smith was struggling and I think we know the reason behind that. At some point you have to question whether the coaches are getting 100% out of what they have to work with.
I think some of the woes come from play calling and scheme. This staff doesn't put the team in position to be successful. Every team has a weakness. I do not believe that Helton has the ability to identify and exploit weaknesses in a defense. One thing you do when you your offense can't block is go to a three step drop and quick passing game. We seldom if ever do this. When we do go quick we throw the ball parallel to the line of scrimmage. We also telegraph our plays due to personnel and formations. In addition, any time JG audibles, it's always a running play. We don't scheme to help this offense at all. I think it boils down to this staff has never had to work with a talent level of this team especially on the line of scrimmage. I don't think this staff is capable of "doing more with less." I don't think Pruitt is happy with Helton and I think we have a new OC next year. Don't think he fires him, just think Helton will move on. I don't think he was ready to be an OC at Tennessee.
On defense, again I don't see huge improvement. I think the freshmen in the secondary have improved. I still think our line is way to porous and gets blown off the ball too easily. SC physically dominated us in the second half last week. I'm sure some of it is roster but we play two experienced 5* players on the line. Some may be adjusting to a new scheme but we're several games into the season and I'm not seeing much improvement. Charlotte was able to run against us almost at will. KY will score on us, frequently and I doubt this offense will have the ability to match them.
Given all that, I think we lose the next two. KY is a terrible matchup in that they can and will pound you. I think they run it down your throat and we've not been able to stop that this year. Mizzou is also a bad matchup as the spread you out and make you win one on ones. With our inexperience in the secondary and our inability to pressure the QB tells me it will be a long day in Neyland in two weeks.
That brings us to Vandy. I had thought we had a 50/50 shot at Vandy to end the season. After yesterday's lack luster performance I'm worried they've mentally checked out, at least many of the players. I think by the time we get to Vandy they'll be little to play for but maybe pride and I think for the most part, this team has very little pride. I think we drop the last one to finish 4-8.
Another thing I noticed yesterday, I sensed many of the players are just going through the motions at this point. The brutal October stretch I think has taken it's toll. May be difficult for the coaches to get them back.
The important season is really recruiting. This team needs an infusion of talent and a mental overhaul. The culture of losing and being ok with it has to be purged. That happens with new players that have a winning mentality. It also happens by removing players whether they are physically talented or not. One bad apple spoils the barrel. We have several bad apples and some are under classmen. They need to be gone and I think they will be. I think this year was an audition for coach Pruitt. He knows which players are cancers in the locker room and I fully expect him to encourage their departure.
Recruiting is the most important thing to watch. Pruitt knows his success will hinge on his ability to sign not good but great players. I really believe he couldn't care less whether we get a bowl. He knows the extra practices are probably not worth the time away from recruiting especially considering many that could benefit from the extra practices won't be here next year anyway.
Sorry for the dim outlook but we know who we are at this point.
