nicksjuzunk
Lurking
- Joined
- May 29, 2009
- Messages
- 35,560
- Likes
- 112,832
Tennessee took the checkered flag in Bristol last weekend. The Vols had a sluggish start in front of a record crowd of 156,900, but were able to make adjustments and force enough mistakes from Virginia Tech to win.
This week the Vols cruise back into Knoxville for their final game before SEC play. The Ohio Bobcats will see how the measure up against the Vols on Saturday.
Keys to Victory:
1. Defend out of the gate: The Tennessee defense has looked rough in the opening quarter of each of it's first two games. Bob Shoop has made fantastic adjustments, especially after the half, but the Vols need to be more consistent through the game. I would prefer that that consistency resembles second half Vols more than the first half Vols.
2. Drop the sandbagging: Tennessee is far more talented than Ohio. They are no pushover though. As we saw with Appalachian State, if you hold back, these little teams have a way of sticking in the game way too long. By the way, in the bowl game last season, Ohio lost by 2 to Appalachian State, so they can be feisty. Upsets are on the menu this year in college football, and Tennessee can't afford to go too vanilla. Play hard. Assure victory early. Rest the starters as soon as possible to prepare for Florida. It's a simple game plan. Just do it.
3. Win the ground: Ohio prefers to focus on the run game, and has a mobile QB who can pick up some yards when he gets free. They had a huge passing day (393 yards) against Texas State, but that was a passing marathon, with each team trying to outdo the other. Over 1,000 yards of offense and 110 points. Take a look at that game if you have a couple of hours, I won't spoil the final score...
Anyways, Tennessee should be able to crush their running game. RB Dorian Brown is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and the QB Windham gets about 7.6, but neither of their first two opponents were good.
If Sherriron Jones is ready and focused, look for him to dismember any TN OL who is not up to the task. If Tennessee gets their stuff together, this could be the offensive explosion we've been looking for, and Hurd and Kamara could be primed for monster games. The Ohio D has done well on run defense this year, but Texas State was throwing for over 400 yards, and didn't see the need to run. Kansas fell behind by 25, so they couldn't afford to run. I think Tennessee tests them early and often on the ground.
4. A little touch: Opposing QB's are averaging a 72% completion rate against Ohio. Go ahead Dobbs... put a little touch on those passes and have some fun. If Butch will open up the passing game without fear of embarrassing an opponent, their are numbers to be found for the WR's.
5. Replacing Captain Kirk: With Kirkland being out for a while, Shoop needs to quickly find a combination that is going to work for the linebackers. Colton Jumper, bless his heart, has a hard time playing football. Find some cats who don't... and do it quick.
Prediction: Complete game. The Vols finally pull it together, and play a complete game. Neyland gets to experience some satisfaction, as the offense rolls early and often. Hype begins to build again for the Florida game, but the Vols can't be caught looking ahead...
TN 48
Ohio 13
This week the Vols cruise back into Knoxville for their final game before SEC play. The Ohio Bobcats will see how the measure up against the Vols on Saturday.
Keys to Victory:
1. Defend out of the gate: The Tennessee defense has looked rough in the opening quarter of each of it's first two games. Bob Shoop has made fantastic adjustments, especially after the half, but the Vols need to be more consistent through the game. I would prefer that that consistency resembles second half Vols more than the first half Vols.
2. Drop the sandbagging: Tennessee is far more talented than Ohio. They are no pushover though. As we saw with Appalachian State, if you hold back, these little teams have a way of sticking in the game way too long. By the way, in the bowl game last season, Ohio lost by 2 to Appalachian State, so they can be feisty. Upsets are on the menu this year in college football, and Tennessee can't afford to go too vanilla. Play hard. Assure victory early. Rest the starters as soon as possible to prepare for Florida. It's a simple game plan. Just do it.
3. Win the ground: Ohio prefers to focus on the run game, and has a mobile QB who can pick up some yards when he gets free. They had a huge passing day (393 yards) against Texas State, but that was a passing marathon, with each team trying to outdo the other. Over 1,000 yards of offense and 110 points. Take a look at that game if you have a couple of hours, I won't spoil the final score...
Anyways, Tennessee should be able to crush their running game. RB Dorian Brown is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and the QB Windham gets about 7.6, but neither of their first two opponents were good.
If Sherriron Jones is ready and focused, look for him to dismember any TN OL who is not up to the task. If Tennessee gets their stuff together, this could be the offensive explosion we've been looking for, and Hurd and Kamara could be primed for monster games. The Ohio D has done well on run defense this year, but Texas State was throwing for over 400 yards, and didn't see the need to run. Kansas fell behind by 25, so they couldn't afford to run. I think Tennessee tests them early and often on the ground.
4. A little touch: Opposing QB's are averaging a 72% completion rate against Ohio. Go ahead Dobbs... put a little touch on those passes and have some fun. If Butch will open up the passing game without fear of embarrassing an opponent, their are numbers to be found for the WR's.
5. Replacing Captain Kirk: With Kirkland being out for a while, Shoop needs to quickly find a combination that is going to work for the linebackers. Colton Jumper, bless his heart, has a hard time playing football. Find some cats who don't... and do it quick.
Prediction: Complete game. The Vols finally pull it together, and play a complete game. Neyland gets to experience some satisfaction, as the offense rolls early and often. Hype begins to build again for the Florida game, but the Vols can't be caught looking ahead...
TN 48
Ohio 13
