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Hey guys. Sorry this is late, had to work and wait on watchespn.com to put this up. Then I had dinner during the middle of the replay. Anyways, let's get this going.
1. Was seven turnovers fluky and won't happen for 25 years? Yes. Did UT help create some of those turnovers? Yes. Did UT do a good job of making sure they capitalized on said turnovers? Yes. So overall, while somewhat fluky, you can't penalize UT for doing a good job overall on the turnover game. And UT only had one turnover. Is that the main reason UT won? Yes. But I don't believe that's a bad thing.
2. Justin Worley is not an SEC quarterback right now. The offense just isn't in full rhythm. I know what Butch wants to do. Set up the run, go deep on play action. Justin isn't that kind of QB. He also gets happy feet under duress and he's not setting his feet. He has to play better for UT to have a good year.
3. The linebackers are not doing their job in the pass game. They are too passive in their zones, and just like last year, they are not reacting quickly. I don't like how open the middle of the field was. Too many easy crossing routes.
4. However, I am liking the interior pass rush. They were in Doughty's face and forced bad passes and for him to be uncomfortable. I also thought on in between the guards play, they held their own. I'd like to see more block shedding and more tackles for loss, but overall nice game.
5. The defensive ends are crashing in too much on run plays and there was too many cutback lanes for WKU. UT needs to seal the edge and funnel those runs inside where the linebackers can make the play.
6. Now, let's get to some good. I love the aggressiveness from the defensive backs. Brian Randolph doesn't make that pick in the endzone last year, and they read pass plays well. I really liked how aggressive Sutton was and he's doing really well. McNeil played sideline-to-sideline as the protector.
7. Travis Stephens offensive player of the game: Marlin Lane. I love how he runs. Just very aggressive, one cut and go. He puts his shoulder down and gets positive yards every play, even with the line not having their best game. I want him to get 20 carries a game and see what else he can do. Neal is a solid back too, and UT has a nice 1-2 punch.
8. Al Wilson defensive player of the game: Brian Randolph. Eight tackles, two picks. WKU had zero huge pass plays and he's doing a great job of playing both up front in the middle of the field and covering the back end. He looks 100% from his knee injury and glad he's back.
9. Pig Howard needs to get the ball more. Run more screens for him, some slants, etc. He's explosive and I love his running style. Yes he can make guys miss, but he only does it when he has too. He also gives Worley a security blanket he can throw too when nothing is there and Howard is the guy that can make a two yard gain into a first down.
10. How many of you would have taken a 52-20 score Friday night? Okay, me too. I'm happy with the win. UT isn't where they need to be, and no team is. There are some concerns, but positives too. The defense is aggressive (to a fault), but the run game had 240 yards and Lane continues to get better. Oregon will be a tough game, but a good test of where this team is.
Go Vols!!! :hi:
1. Was seven turnovers fluky and won't happen for 25 years? Yes. Did UT help create some of those turnovers? Yes. Did UT do a good job of making sure they capitalized on said turnovers? Yes. So overall, while somewhat fluky, you can't penalize UT for doing a good job overall on the turnover game. And UT only had one turnover. Is that the main reason UT won? Yes. But I don't believe that's a bad thing.
2. Justin Worley is not an SEC quarterback right now. The offense just isn't in full rhythm. I know what Butch wants to do. Set up the run, go deep on play action. Justin isn't that kind of QB. He also gets happy feet under duress and he's not setting his feet. He has to play better for UT to have a good year.
3. The linebackers are not doing their job in the pass game. They are too passive in their zones, and just like last year, they are not reacting quickly. I don't like how open the middle of the field was. Too many easy crossing routes.
4. However, I am liking the interior pass rush. They were in Doughty's face and forced bad passes and for him to be uncomfortable. I also thought on in between the guards play, they held their own. I'd like to see more block shedding and more tackles for loss, but overall nice game.
5. The defensive ends are crashing in too much on run plays and there was too many cutback lanes for WKU. UT needs to seal the edge and funnel those runs inside where the linebackers can make the play.
6. Now, let's get to some good. I love the aggressiveness from the defensive backs. Brian Randolph doesn't make that pick in the endzone last year, and they read pass plays well. I really liked how aggressive Sutton was and he's doing really well. McNeil played sideline-to-sideline as the protector.
7. Travis Stephens offensive player of the game: Marlin Lane. I love how he runs. Just very aggressive, one cut and go. He puts his shoulder down and gets positive yards every play, even with the line not having their best game. I want him to get 20 carries a game and see what else he can do. Neal is a solid back too, and UT has a nice 1-2 punch.
8. Al Wilson defensive player of the game: Brian Randolph. Eight tackles, two picks. WKU had zero huge pass plays and he's doing a great job of playing both up front in the middle of the field and covering the back end. He looks 100% from his knee injury and glad he's back.
9. Pig Howard needs to get the ball more. Run more screens for him, some slants, etc. He's explosive and I love his running style. Yes he can make guys miss, but he only does it when he has too. He also gives Worley a security blanket he can throw too when nothing is there and Howard is the guy that can make a two yard gain into a first down.
10. How many of you would have taken a 52-20 score Friday night? Okay, me too. I'm happy with the win. UT isn't where they need to be, and no team is. There are some concerns, but positives too. The defense is aggressive (to a fault), but the run game had 240 yards and Lane continues to get better. Oregon will be a tough game, but a good test of where this team is.
Go Vols!!! :hi:
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