Recruiting Forum: Football Talk XIV

[JCP201]

I don't really like the matchup. I like Cut winning and I despise us losing, not too mention Duke is pretty damn good. I want to play that ****ty UNC team or Vtech so we can get payback on one of our two last bowl game losses.

I'd take anything, but prefer playing a team I don't like or care about. Cutcliffe is like Vol family.

 

[OldVol49vfl]

Just for laughs, here's some quotes from a FF regular (not going to include a name). These were posted over the last few weeks:

"All I do is shake my head when I think of jones. if I didn't know any better I would think he has never been a head coach before. he has done a horrible job this year. He is on Dooley's level.

"when jones is fired in 2 or 3 years we will still be hearing these lame excuses. its just a matter of time before people realize jones doesn't get it."

"losing record is expected at UT. isn't anybody listening it is part of jones process."

"because we are going backwards and the coaching staff sucks. no matter what process jones is talking about."

If you were a concerned VN reader you would let that guy know that crack is a terrible drug and it can do serious damage to him. From his postings it may already be too late.

 

[seaofORANGE22]

Just for laughs, here's some quotes from a FF regular (not going to include a name). These were posted over the last few weeks:

"All I do is shake my head when I think of jones. if I didn't know any better I would think he has never been a head coach before. he has done a horrible job this year. He is on Dooley's level.

"when jones is fired in 2 or 3 years we will still be hearing these lame excuses. its just a matter of time before people realize jones doesn't get it."

"losing record is expected at UT. isn't anybody listening it is part of jones process."

"because we are going backwards and the coaching staff sucks. no matter what process jones is talking about."

I'm guessing this is all based on offensive play calling

 

[WallyBalls]

Phil Steele

Anyone want to go to Houston?
Steele has us in the Texas Bowl against K-State.

I have my doubts any SEC East team not named Mizzou will ever end up in the Texas Bowl.

With the way bowls 3 thru 8 are decided now (no real rank, mainly decided with Conference input) I think that's destined for a West Division team.

I still think UT is going to the Belk if they win out, especially if Carolina fails to get to 6 wins.

 

[GoBigOrange86]

Yeah, I think there's no question we would be preseason ranked somewhere in the 20-25 range if we win out, win the bowl game, and ink another top 10/top 5 class.

Wins over UAB and OU would probably catapult us to near top 10 as well. Then, we get UGA at home and a UF team that will either be adjusting to a new coach and schemes or a UF team still struggling on offense with Muschamp.

Next year could be FUN.

I want so badly to believe we're finally, finally crawling out of the hole we were in, but I've felt that way before and been burned so I'm afraid to get my hopes up. I really, really hope we can at a bare minimum get to a bowl. Have got to make good use of this bye week and be ready to go for Kentucky -- that game may make the season.

 

[OldVol49vfl]

I'm guessing this is all based on offensive play calling

Actually it's based on the FF poster's inability to see past his nose and the fact that he does NOT get it.

 

[UTMVol76]

Actually it's based on the FF poster's inability to see past his nose and the fact that he does NOT get it.

Well, not if you can play NCAA whatever on XBOX, get 20 5* recruits in your first season and win your games with an average margin of 84-10.

Not unreasonable at all.

 

[VolGee4]

Local radio guy here in Memphis suggested that Memphis and UT should play in the Birmingham bowl. Said that it would attract both fan bases to attend with interest and location. Also thought it would be good for both schools and draw interest. Memphis is one win away from being bowl eligible.

 

[ob79]

It's far from a foregone prognostication regarding Butch's future on the Hill. There is still a sh*t ton of work that needs to be done--especially on the field. SC was a quality win but far from a quality opponent. Not taking anything away from the mental toughness and fortitude it took to eek out that win--it was one of the best wins I can recall in well over a decade.

However, arrogantly proclaiming that Butch as "tha man" as inevitable, is akin to having two pair with no face cards and going all in, then daring the rest of the table to beat you.

It appears we have an emerging star at QB, but his mechanics needs a LOT of work.
It appears the the talent we're bringing in will stock the proverbial pantry, but they still haven't played a down in the SEC.
It appears that Saturday could have implications to future progress of the program and Butch's tenure, but we're still two more wins from being bowl-eligible.

Just trying to keep some perspective on where we are and where we're headed as a program, while simultaneously not taking anything away from Saturday, hell...we deserve to bask in the glow of a quality win.

 

[JCP201]

Dobbs 247 National performer of the week

(unless injured, I don't think we worry about Peterman coming in anymore, or even Worley)


Dobbs named 247Sports top national performer of the week

 

[JCP201]

I feel so sorry for Ole Miss team and fans. After being so high, and have not only lose the game at the end zone, but one of their best players.

 

[Aesius]

It's crazy how similar Saturday's game was to last year's matchup with the Gamecocks.

Both times, we had a halftime lead and appeared to be control of the game. Both times USC came out and answered and took the lead back. Both times South Carolina got the ball back at the end with a chance to seal the win. Both times a crucial sack forced them to punt on 4th down. And both times we had a game winning (or tying) drive from deep in our own territory with around one minute left on the clock and no timeouts.

 

[UTMVol76]

It's far from a foregone prognostication regarding Butch's future on the Hill. There is still a sh*t ton of work that needs to be done--especially on the field. SC was a quality win but far from a quality opponent. Not taking anything away from the mental toughness and fortitude it took to eek out that win--it was one of the best wins I can recall in well over a decade.

However, arrogantly proclaiming that Butch as "tha man" as inevitable, is akin to having two pair with no face cards and going all in, then daring the rest of the table to beat you.

It appears we have an emerging star at QB, but his mechanics needs a LOT of work.
It appears the the talent we're bringing in will stock the proverbial pantry, but they still haven't played a down in the SEC.
It appears that Saturday could have implications to future progress of the program and Butch's tenure, but we're still two more wins from being bowl-eligible.

Just trying to keep some perspective on where we are and where we're headed as a program, while simultaneously not taking anything away from Saturday, hell...we deserve to bask in the glow of a quality win.

While all of this is true, there are certain points to made to suggest that Butch is that man, and that he has already climbed some large mountains:

1. He inherited a BARE cupboard. We also saw the product on the field and saw how SLOW they were, especially on the Defense, which leads to...

2. The improvement the Defense has made in one year, primarily due to....

3. Butch's recruiting prowess, and how big of a factor these true freshman have made on the field this season. (Drinking game suggestion: take a shot of any favorite adult beverage any time announcers say "true freshman" during any Vols game).

4. The fact that 10 of Butch's first 21 opponent have been ranked 12 or higher. Couple that with above facts, and....

5. Noticeable difference in teams over last 2 years when they get down big, verses past years teams. They don't quit, that's culture.

6. Refer to numbers 2 & 3: Noticeable difference in team speed and athleticism.

7. Ability to market the program for what it can be, and not whine about how tough of a recruiting job it is.

8. The way he has embraced our Tradition, and the way he has adopted Tennessee as HIS state.

9. I could go on, but my man crush is starting to get creepy, even to me. I think we're in good hands.

 

[Wickman]

ESPN said the percentage of UT beating Scar down by 14 with 4 mins left was .9%

 

[OldVol49vfl]

It's far from a foregone prognostication regarding Butch's future on the Hill. There is still a sh*t ton of work that needs to be done--especially on the field. SC was a quality win but far from a quality opponent. Not taking anything away from the mental toughness and fortitude it took to eek out that win--it was one of the best wins I can recall in well over a decade.

However, arrogantly proclaiming that Butch as "tha man" as inevitable, is akin to having two pair with no face cards and going all in, then daring the rest of the table to beat you.

It appears we have an emerging star at QB, but his mechanics needs a LOT of work.
It appears the the talent we're bringing in will stock the proverbial pantry, but they still haven't played a down in the SEC.
It appears that Saturday could have implications to future progress of the program and Butch's tenure, but we're still two more wins from being bowl-eligible.

Just trying to keep some perspective on where we are and where we're headed as a program, while simultaneously not taking anything away from Saturday, hell...we deserve to bask in the glow of a quality win.

I believe that Dobbs will continue to improve and will be much better even by the end of this season. He's very smart and seems to be a quick learner. I also think he is an excellent leader and the team looks at him as one. The current recruiting class can give the program stability and there's a few in it that could break into the starting line-up sometime next year.
Saturday's win over USCe should prove to the team that when it does "whatever it takes" to win they can and will.
Butch's ability to be the coach and "Leader" of his team and staff will be what proves whether or not he is "the Man". If the staff and team make positive strides in each of the next three games and wins all three that will tell us a lot about what we have on the Hill. GBO

 

[seaofORANGE22]

I believe that Dobbs will continue to improve and will be much better even by the end of this season. He's very smart and seems to be a quick learner. I also think he is an excellent leader and the team looks at him as one. The current recruiting class can give the program stability and there's a few in it that could break into the starting line-up sometime next year.
Saturday's win over USCe should prove to the team that when it does "whatever it takes" to win they can and will.
Butch's ability to be the coach and "Leader" of his team and staff will be what proves whether or not he is "the Man". If the staff and team make positive strides in each of the next three games and wins all three that will tell us a lot about what we have on the Hill. GBO

Butch can point to this game for the next however many years he is here and show the success that can be attained through maximum effort and fight.

It really is the first time that all of his little sayings and cliches were shining through and really meaning something as it relates to an actual football game.

Just a wonderful wonderful win.

 

[Chuckie]

I feel so sorry for Ole Miss team and fans. After being so high, and have not only lose the game at the end zone, but one of their best players.

I'm not saying that I disagree with the sentiment. But, when I saw the highlights and what had happened, my initial thought was, "Now Ole Miss knows what it has felt like to be Tennessee fan for the past 4 years."

 

[seaofORANGE22]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the sentiment. But, when I saw the highlights and what had happened, my initial thought was, "Now Ole Miss knows what it has felt like to be Tennessee fan for the past 4 years."

Something tells me they've been there before...

 

[WarMachine]

Whew... you guys post a lot. I just caught up from Saturday night.

KY basketball had uni-brow, Dobbs can be invisi-brow.

 

[Nashvegas31]

Interesting Kentucky stats to look at. Big difference when they play at home vs away.

Passing:
Home (6 games)
59-percent / 1,618 yards / 9 TDs to 1 INT
Away (3 games)
53-percent / 673 yards / 4 TDs to 4 INTs

Rushing:
Home (6 games)
1,127 yards / 187 per game / 15 TDs
Away (3 games)
254 yards / 84.7 per game / 0 TDs

*Away games were against Florida, LSU, and Missouri

Part of it is those away defenses are top notch while their home opponents have awful defenses.

Either way KY offense is predictable. Our defense will prob be much better coming off bye week rest and not the crazy unpredictable Kiffin and Spurrier offenses.

 

[JCP201]

Dobbs is on track to get a 5-year aerospace engineering degree in 3 years. While being an SEC QB.

Also, in the nickname nominations: Rucker calls him SpaceDobbs.

 

[VolGee4]

While all of this is true, there are certain points to made to suggest that Butch is that man, and that he has already climbed some large mountains:

1. He inherited a BARE cupboard. We also saw the product on the field and saw how SLOW they were, especially on the Defense, which leads to...

2. The improvement the Defense has made in one year, primarily due to....

3. Butch's recruiting prowess, and how big of a factor these true freshman have made on the field this season. (Drinking game suggestion: take a shot of any favorite adult beverage any time announcers say "true freshman" during any Vols game).

4. The fact that 10 of Butch's first 21 opponent have been ranked 12 or higher. Couple that with above facts, and....

5. Noticeable difference in teams over last 2 years when they get down big, verses past years teams. They don't quit, that's culture.

6. Refer to numbers 2 & 3: Noticeable difference in team speed and athleticism.

7. Ability to market the program for what it can be, and not whine about how tough of a recruiting job it is.

8. The way he has embraced our Tradition, and the way he has adopted Tennessee as HIS state.

9. I could go on, but my man crush is starting to get creepy, even to me. I think we're in good hands.

All very good. Things like scheme and play-calling have been hashed, rehashed, and will continued to be discussed. Regardless of all of that, the two things that stand out the most to me this year is the improved team speed and the effort and desire by our players. Yes, Dooley played a few competitive games against some top teams. However, for the most part, our guys kind of gave up when we got down big. Butch Jones' teams just don't do that. Even though it was a 14 point loss, I was proud of them last week against Bama. Before someone says something about a D1 college player shouldn't give up, motivation and getting maximum effort is half the battle in college. That shows you that the players really do like their coach and will play for him and themselves. JMO.

 

[Nashvegas31]

Local radio guy here in Memphis suggested that Memphis and UT should play in the Birmingham bowl. Said that it would attract both fan bases to attend with interest and location. Also thought it would be good for both schools and draw interest. Memphis is one win away from being bowl eligible.

I hope not. I think if we win out to get 7 wins we will be able to sneak into a better bowl and more exciting matchup due to our fan base travel and the momentum we would have. It would justify bumping us up for a better matchup and ticket draw

 

[Catbone]

I don't feel sorry for ANY fan base. Mainly because we have had it worse than almost any team for the past decade.

 

[J-P]

I'll leave the discussion of whether CBJ is "tha Man" or not to others. To me, a football program is either (A) one of the top performing programs in the NCAA, (B) an improving program, (C) a stagnant program, (D) a declining program or (F) one of the lowest performing programs in the NCAA.

When I look at what Coach Jones has done since he has been hired, I see constant and continuing signs that indicate beyond a shadow of a doubt (IMO) that we have (B) an improving program. Some areas have improved dramatically, others are coming along a little more slowly, but improvement overall is the clear trend.

I won't worry about the coaches unless I see them drop into C or D. I don't expect that to happen and I am convinced the dark days are behind us, but as long as I continue to see the upward trend in little signs all around the program, I will continue to cheer and feel encouraged.

By the way, I was mentally giving up on the team when we allowed that last SC touchdown, but then somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered the Arkansas '98 game and how I had walked away from the TV only to miss the Stoerner fumble, so I kept watching and hoping. :good!:

Edit: At the end, my wife and I were looking at each other with big ish eating grins of joy and amazement!