The Heupel Game Plan

[BigOrangeLoyalist]

I mentioned this to a friend last night, and he agreed there may be some validity to it. What if our recent slew of no/low scoring first halves is almost by design? In the previous years, we saw the hurry, up-tempo offense throughout most of the game and usually were largely upside down on time of possession. With that, there were some inherent risks… most notably, the defense was on the field most of the game and gassed by mid to late third quarter. If our offense went three and out, they are right back out. Flip to this year… In the first half, we are slowly and methodically driving down the field. I said “almost by design,” above, because I’m sure there is no intention of us dropping end zone passes and missing multiple field goals, because obviously we want to score… but otherwise, our defense has been stellar. So we suck up time while gaining a few points and allowing our defense time to breathe. Conversely, the other team (as evidenced through the first eight games, minus the first half against Kentucky) has a very hard time moving the ball against our defense, which essentially keeps their defense out there more frequently. It’s like we almost lull them into a fake game plan rhythm going into the half. Queue the second half, and we run right out into the hurry up offense. Catch them off guard. Defense isn’t tired at all and actually increases the energy level, with enough to sustain through the remainder of the game and in response to the offensive tempo, and as a result, the opponent’s defense grows more and more weary. I feel like we’ve seen this in each of our last four or five games, although our inability to move the ball in the second half bit us against Arkansas. My analogy was like tug of war… We “hoooold, hold, hold,” for the first half, and then at the beginning of the 3Q, “pull!” Thoughts?

Also, in case you missed it… We are the 5th team since 2000 to allow under 20 points to each of our first seven (now eight) opponents; the previous four teams all won the National Championship. While I’m not sure that we have the offensive consistency to outright win the NC, I thought that was interesting. A lot can happen in a month, and Nico is looking more comfortable.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Your friend needs to start telling you the truth.

 

[fossilfiction]

That doesn't jive. We missed three field goals and three TD's in the first half. Has in 100% TD's if we execute. I doubt coach is telling WR's to drop the ball to keep it close.

 

[BigOrangeLoyalist]

I did say the drops and misses weren’t part of the plan, lol. But on the same token, we also don’t miss the FGs if we catch the TDs.

 

[walkenvol]

I don’t think CJH plans on our guys not executing on the long pass plays that haven’t been successful this season. Earlier it was more Nico trying to find his groove but it’s now become receivers dropping passes that should be TD’s. CJH’s game plan should have provided 21+ points in the first half last night.

 

[Jackcrevol]

We need to go tempo, get youth ready to play, and let Nico pull it.

 

[BigOrangeLoyalist]

Your friend needs to start telling you the truth.

So you deny that we have been running a balanced, slow paced offense in the first half, but then coming out in the second half with the tempo offense? Because that has been the consistent game flow for five straight games.

 

[EZE]

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

So you deny that we have been running a balanced, slow paced offense in the first half, but then coming out in the second half with the tempo offense? Because that has been the consistent game flow for five straight games.

I think you two need to work this out alone. It’s not my place to get in the middle.

 

[EZE]

I don’t think CJH plans on our guys not executing on the long pass plays that haven’t been successful this season. Earlier it was more Nico trying to find his groove but it’s now become receivers dropping passes that should be TD’s. CJH’s game plan should have provided 21+ points in the first half last night.

Agree. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the game plan or play calls last night. Offense continues to shoot itself in the foot.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Whatever the plan is, this team is winning and it is winning ugly.
We are playing NFL type games.
Arkansas game was a tough loss and got away from us.
With the playoffs, I don't think we are playing possum.

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

Pretty sure we were in tempo in the first half too. Just made mistakes and dropped balls and fumbled.

 

[vol94]

So you deny that we have been running a balanced, slow paced offense in the first half, but then coming out in the second half with the tempo offense? Because that has been the consistent game flow for five straight games.

It’s been reported in years past that Heup and OC think one to two plays ahead enabling a fast paced offense. However, things slow down tremendously when we get behind the chains, usually due to a sack or penalty. Heup has to find a play to get back into a decent down and distance.

2nd half - we had two TD drives that began in KY territory. Iirc, Nico went full tempo b/c we were never behind the chains.

The same for the 91 yard drive. We went quick tempo unless there was a penalty or a KY injury.

One thing I will add is that it is rare to run 3-4 consecutive plays in hurry up b/c there are so many injuries - .

 

[cardvolfan]

Your friend needs to start telling you the truth.

And give him a ride to get the proper help needed.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

I mentioned this to a friend last night, and he agreed there may be some validity to it. What if our recent slew of no/low scoring first halves is almost by design? In the previous years, we saw the hurry, up-tempo offense throughout most of the game and usually were largely upside down on time of possession. With that, there were some inherent risks… most notably, the defense was on the field most of the game and gassed by mid to late third quarter. If our offense went three and out, they are right back out. Flip to this year… In the first half, we are slowly and methodically driving down the field. I said “almost by design,” above, because I’m sure there is no intention of us dropping end zone passes and missing multiple field goals, because obviously we want to score… but otherwise, our defense has been stellar. So we suck up time while gaining a few points and allowing our defense time to breathe. Conversely, the other team (as evidenced through the first eight games, minus the first half against Kentucky) has a very hard time moving the ball against our defense, which essentially keeps their defense out there more frequently. It’s like we almost lull them into a fake game plan rhythm going into the half. Queue the second half, and we run right out into the hurry up offense. Catch them off guard. Defense isn’t tired at all and actually increases the energy level, with enough to sustain through the remainder of the game and in response to the offensive tempo, and as a result, the opponent’s defense grows more and more weary. I feel like we’ve seen this in each of our last four or five games, although our inability to move the ball in the second half bit us against Arkansas. My analogy was like tug of war… We “hoooold, hold, hold,” for the first half, and then at the beginning of the 3Q, “pull!” Thoughts?

Also, in case you missed it… We are the 5th team since 2000 to allow under 20 points to each of our first seven (now eight) opponents; the previous four teams all won the National Championship. While I’m not sure that we have the offensive consistency to outright win the NC, I thought that was interesting. A lot can happen in a month, and Nico is looking more comfortable.

I think I can say with confidence there is no FB coach at any level that would purposely subscribe to this theory to wait to the 2nd half to open up the offense. Every coach would like to put as many points on board in the 1st half as possible.

 

[90 Vol]

So you deny that we have been running a balanced, slow paced offense in the first half, but then coming out in the second half with the tempo offense? Because that has been the consistent game flow for five straight games.

The penalties, poor execution, and officials random stoppage of play has hindered our attempts to run tempo. We’re not intentionally going slow.

 

[Mccage]

That doesn't jive. We missed three field goals and three TD's in the first half. Has in 100% TD's if we execute. I doubt coach is telling WR's to drop the ball to keep it close.

I think you missed his point. They do play a little conservative in the first half. Seems to me our opening drives the last few games have all ended on some breakdown. Be it a fumble, penalty, or missed assignment/ block. I think they start playing not to fail and takes them a while to get back on track.

 

[volfan102455]

So you deny that we have been running a balanced, slow paced offense in the first half, but then coming out in the second half with the tempo offense? Because that has been the consistent game flow for five straight games.

I have noticed that as well. There were attempts at the explosive plays but overall, the offense is slower paced and more deliberate. Nico is not Hooker. He could very well be at some point - but I believe the slower pace is good to ease him and the offense into the game. There is also the factor that all of the SEC teams that we have played have adjusted their defense from what those teams did the week before.

 

[volfan102455]

If we all are being honest, the last few games we have not seen that hurry up to the line and snap it quickly offense to start the game. That is different from the attempt to make explosive plays.

If you start with that fast-paced approach, you do run the risk of a very quick 3 and out. I do expect this trend to continue for the SEC games.

 

[SamuraiVol74]

As the season progresses and as maddening as it is, I do believe we are seeing the 2024 version of Vol football. Close games. Lean on the defense. Hope the offense doesn't make a mistake to change the outcome of the game. It's disappointing to fans because we all want to see high-scoring, potent offense but this team is solid and able to squeak out wins when it needs to. I wish the offense clicked better, but for whatever reason, they aren't up to speed. I'm not happy with some of the play calling and preparation (as evident on the field) but a win is a win and it always counts.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

Is this real?

 

[volfan102455]

As the season progresses and as maddening as it is, I do believe we are seeing the 2024 version of Vol football. Close games. Lean on the defense. Hope the offense doesn't make a mistake to change the outcome of the game. It's disappointing to fans because we all want to see high-scoring, potent offense but this team is solid and able to squeak out wins when it needs to. I wish the offense clicked better, but for whatever reason, they aren't up to speed. I'm not happy with some of the play calling and preparation (as evident on the field) but a win is a win and it always counts.

Growing pains with the offense IMO - some really felt that Nico was going to come out and light up the other teams every game. The game, at time is still too fast for him. Maybe he will get there this year, but it may be next year.

Regardless we are winning and that is what counts.

 

[volfan102455]

And to also add - this year is showing that CJH is a great coach, not just a coach with that gimmicky offense.

 

[UTFranklinVol]

This is 100% an issue of offensive execution. Either Nico completely botches the throw or misses a wide open receivers or the damn receiver drops a catch that was right in his hands. And the OL not blocking effectively over the top of all that.

This is all very backed up by the fact that Heupel stopped going for it on 4th down. When has Tennessee ever settled for 3 field goals when Heupel will go for it on 4th down on his own 15 yard line???

Heupel's game plan is to ride the running game HARD to control time of possession and rely heavily on his defense to stop the other team (which they have done masterfuly well this year).

BUT there's supposed to be a lighting strike component to this offense but the QB/Receivers are messing it all up.

 

[BigALWiLson]

So you deny that we have been running a balanced, slow paced offense in the first half, but then coming out in the second half with the tempo offense? Because that has been the consistent game flow for five straight games.

You have to consider that when we go fast their are phantom injuries happening. Saw it early and often last night. We went fast, dropped a td. Then missed a kick. We ran tempo it just didn't look that way because of the flops KY was having.