The Morning After - Sober Reflections Week 5

[Jimmyandjoes]

Let’s see how the Vols graded out.

Elite grade = 90-100, All-Conference = 85-89, Starter = 70-84, Backup = 60-69, Replaceable = 60 >

Offensive Grades (minimum 18 plays — 25% of offensive plays)
TE Jacob Warren — 77.6 (52 plays)
RG Javontez Spraggins — 73.9 (74 plays)
RB Dylan Sampson — 72.2 (24 plays)
C Cooper Mays — 71.8 (70 plays)
RB Jaylen Wright — 71.3 (30 plays)
RT Gerald Mincey — 70.2 (74 plays)
WR Squirrel White — 69.2 (69 plays)
WR Chas Nimrod —68.1 (19 plays)
WR Bru McCoy — 65.9 (25 plays)
LT John Campbell — 63.8 (74 plays)
TE McCallan Castles — 58.3 (28 plays)
WR Ramel Keyton — 56.2 (73 plays)
QB Joe Milton III — 53.7 (74 plays)
WR Kaleb Webb — 53.6 (30 plays)
LG Ollie Lane — 51.7 (74 plays)
RB Jabari Small — 49.9 (20 plays)

Defense
DE Tyler Baron — 90.7 (37 plays)
S Wesley Walker — 82.2 (64 plays)
DT Bryson Eason — 81.0 (23 plays)
LEO James Pearce Jr. — 79.6 (37 plays)
DT Omarr Norman-Lott — 79.6 (26 plays)
S Jaylen McCollough — 74.0 (61 plays)
CB Kamal Hadden — 73.9 (57 plays)
DE Dominic Bailey — 71.8 (25 plays)
LEO Roman Harrison — 70.4 (34 plays)
CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally — 70.2 (58 plays)
DT Omari Thomas — 70.0 (27 plays)
LB Elijah Herring — 69.6 (36 plays)
STAR Tamarion McDonald — 68.6 (61 plays)
DT Kurrott Garland — 67.7 (18 plays)
LB Aaron Beasley — 57.5 (53 plays)

 

[ReelfootVol]

It is just a fact that Milton will always be compared to Hendon Hooker, regardless of any situation !

 

[Sara Clark]

I think the coaches have, are learning how to play to our QB strengths, the entire team for that matter.

 

[volfan102455]

Let’s see how the Vols graded out.

Elite grade = 90-100, All-Conference = 85-89, Starter = 70-84, Backup = 60-69, Replaceable = 60 >

Offensive Grades (minimum 18 plays — 25% of offensive plays)
TE Jacob Warren — 77.6 (52 plays)
RG Javontez Spraggins — 73.9 (74 plays)
RB Dylan Sampson — 72.2 (24 plays)
C Cooper Mays — 71.8 (70 plays)
RB Jaylen Wright — 71.3 (30 plays)
RT Gerald Mincey — 70.2 (74 plays)
WR Squirrel White — 69.2 (69 plays)
WR Chas Nimrod —68.1 (19 plays)
WR Bru McCoy — 65.9 (25 plays)
LT John Campbell — 63.8 (74 plays)
TE McCallan Castles — 58.3 (28 plays)
WR Ramel Keyton — 56.2 (73 plays)
QB Joe Milton III — 53.7 (74 plays)
WR Kaleb Webb — 53.6 (30 plays)
LG Ollie Lane — 51.7 (74 plays)
RB Jabari Small — 49.9 (20 plays)

Defense
DE Tyler Baron — 90.7 (37 plays)
S Wesley Walker — 82.2 (64 plays)
DT Bryson Eason — 81.0 (23 plays)
LEO James Pearce Jr. — 79.6 (37 plays)
DT Omarr Norman-Lott — 79.6 (26 plays)
S Jaylen McCollough — 74.0 (61 plays)
CB Kamal Hadden — 73.9 (57 plays)
DE Dominic Bailey — 71.8 (25 plays)
LEO Roman Harrison — 70.4 (34 plays)
CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally — 70.2 (58 plays)
DT Omari Thomas — 70.0 (27 plays)
LB Elijah Herring — 69.6 (36 plays)
STAR Tamarion McDonald — 68.6 (61 plays)
DT Kurrott Garland — 67.7 (18 plays)
LB Aaron Beasley — 57.5 (53 plays)

Don't know how these numbers are determined but I don't buy them at all. Key players are listed at backups and replaceable when they aren't.

 

[Jimmyandjoes]

Don't know how these numbers are determined but I don't buy them at all. Key players are listed at backups and replaceable when they aren't.

I'm not exactly sure how PFF gets their numbers but congrats to the DB's for a great game-both tackling and coverage
Wesley Walker -aside from some earlier in the season missed tackles has really looked good. Wish we had him another year

 

[Golfprovol]

The only FACTS that matter in any football game is the final score and who won and who lost.

Regardless of what some think, we still control our own destiny for the season. Games are not won on paper based on whatever stats folks want to look at. If this is only about the stats, then let's just stop the season right now and crown the team that has the best stats as the National Champ, why play anymore games?

This team can beat any team that remains on the schedule. Those road games will not be easy, that is a given. A couple of the home games will be challenging.

We do not! UF has to lose again and since we dont play them again, WE cannot make that happen.

 

[volfan102455]

We do not! UF has to lose again and since we dont play them again, WE cannot make that happen.

Good grief! It depends upon what the goal is. My goal right now is a 11-1 record and whatever that entails. If you think a team that would be on a 9 game win streak that includes the teams we are up against would not be in discussion for the CFP, I don't know what to tell you.

 

[livefaith]

QB can't make the throws ....this concerns me alot

True. I like him. But, everyone who really analyzed him saw this coming. Unfortunately, the Heisman noise blaring after the Orange Bowl was so loud that nobody dated say it.
He makes some absolutely stunning plays, like the 3rd down non-conversion that hit Nimrod in the face etc. But Joe is not consistently accurate, can't throw the touch pass well as witnessed, can't usually make a throw from scrambling(minus that beauty to the TE last night, and doesn't have the kind of pocket awareness and reactions to get out of messes. The laser arm makes you want to forget all that. But, we really saw it in 21' and so did UM earlier.
He's our guy and we're gonna roll with him, so I'm cheering him on.

 

[ButchPlz]

No idea why anyone cares about Milton making a billion big plays when our run game is amazing and now we've actually got the centerpiece (get it) back to run the line that creates the run plays.

 

[JCHateSteve]

We do not! UF has to lose again and since we dont play them again, WE cannot make that happen.

If Tennessee wins out we'll likely go to the playoff regardless of playing in the SEC championship or not. Just like last year if the SCe loss didn't happen. We don't have to make Florida do anything.

Also, UF losing again is a pretty safe assumption. UGA, LSU, or Florida State will almost certainly beat them. Heck SCe or Mizz might. They lose any of those games, they aren't going to the playoff regardless of the SEC Championship.

 

[patrick]

But Ga only scored 24 total points against the same team at Ga.

Im not talking about GA. They have their own set of issues.

 

[volfan102455]

Im not talking about GA. They have their own set of issues.

So you are saying that GA is terrible too, and we should just chalk up a win in November?

 

[BigOrangeutan]

We are 4-1 and Florida home cooking with horrible officiating gave them a win they didn't deserve IMHO. Go Vols! Somebody please take some action to fix the officiating. New projections: 4-1 plus TAMU win at home 5-1, loss at Bama real ugly 5-2, loss at Kentucky 5-3, Win at home vs UCONN 6-3,Win at Mizzoo 7-3, loss in close game here vs UGA 7-4, beat down at home with the commode-doors 7-5, either Liberty or Nissan Bowl 8-5 win over Duke. Enjoyed the game except for injuries. We can use the week off. Go Vols!

Im sorry, we get beat down by who at home to go 7-5? Please tell me that's a typo.

 

[CAVPUT]

This team will go as far as the defense can take them. The OL while better with Cooper is what it is. We'll need to be successful running the ball and playing pressure defense and tackling well.

 

[BreatheUT]

I just don't get it. I feel JM III could pass for 500 yards, complete every pass and folks would look for something.

The same folks like to slide in the Milton is a liability every chance they get are generally the same ones with fear in the schedule and probably talks up UK every time they beat a Florida team that plays their best game of the season against us and looks like fertilizer in most of their other games.

 

[Carl Pickens]

My assessment of Milton was based on numbers, QBR specifically. He was, in fact the 10th best QB in the SEC in week 5. And if youre saying that was his "best game of the year" well then being #10 in the SEC as his high point would very much make him sub par.

You need to research how the QBR is calculated

 

[BACKDOC]

My first thought: Tennessee and Dark Mode looked good under the lights of Neyland as the Vols crush the head of the snake.

1.Tennessee looks way more stable with Cooper Mays back at cener
2. Three running backs are better than one. With a touchdown each the three headed monster was running loose.
3. The Squirrel White catch is a top play of the week. Using your foot as a third hand with a defenders arm in your face falling backwards, no problem.
4. The defense FINALLY scores sime points. I think they said it was the first defensive score since 2021! Six sacks on Rattler and there was no way they were putting 60 points on UT this year.

On second thought...

1. The Bru McCoy injury was devastating. He's obviously done for the year but has a year of eligibility left. Hopefully he recovers and we see him play next year.
2. We found a way to win with a sub par QB. Strong defense, a dominant running game and a clown catch by Squirrel White coupled with short easy throws. In spite of scoring 41 points Joe Milton still ranked #10 of 14 in QBR inthe SEC this week. The saving grace is Rattler was #12.
3. We need a strong finish to the first half of the season against TAMU because it looks like the second half could be brutal. The UK game all the sudden looks like a tough win which could mean multiple losses in the back half of the year.

Well, I'll bet you a dollar that UK doesn't rush for 300 yds. against us. For whatever reason we are their cryptonite, and they are Florida's. Even when Fla. has beaten UK, it has been a struggle.

 

[BigALWiLson]

Let’s see how the Vols graded out.

Elite grade = 90-100, All-Conference = 85-89, Starter = 70-84, Backup = 60-69, Replaceable = 60 >

Offensive Grades (minimum 18 plays — 25% of offensive plays)
TE Jacob Warren — 77.6 (52 plays)
RG Javontez Spraggins — 73.9 (74 plays)
RB Dylan Sampson — 72.2 (24 plays)
C Cooper Mays — 71.8 (70 plays)
RB Jaylen Wright — 71.3 (30 plays)
RT Gerald Mincey — 70.2 (74 plays)
WR Squirrel White — 69.2 (69 plays)
WR Chas Nimrod —68.1 (19 plays)
WR Bru McCoy — 65.9 (25 plays)
LT John Campbell — 63.8 (74 plays)
TE McCallan Castles — 58.3 (28 plays)
WR Ramel Keyton — 56.2 (73 plays)
QB Joe Milton III — 53.7 (74 plays)
WR Kaleb Webb — 53.6 (30 plays)
LG Ollie Lane — 51.7 (74 plays)
RB Jabari Small — 49.9 (20 plays)

Defense
DE Tyler Baron — 90.7 (37 plays)
S Wesley Walker — 82.2 (64 plays)
DT Bryson Eason — 81.0 (23 plays)
LEO James Pearce Jr. — 79.6 (37 plays)
DT Omarr Norman-Lott — 79.6 (26 plays)
S Jaylen McCollough — 74.0 (61 plays)
CB Kamal Hadden — 73.9 (57 plays)
DE Dominic Bailey — 71.8 (25 plays)
LEO Roman Harrison — 70.4 (34 plays)
CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally — 70.2 (58 plays)
DT Omari Thomas — 70.0 (27 plays)
LB Elijah Herring — 69.6 (36 plays)
STAR Tamarion McDonald — 68.6 (61 plays)
DT Kurrott Garland — 67.7 (18 plays)
LB Aaron Beasley — 57.5 (53 plays)

Im seriously laughing at this something is very flawed

 

[DrTNT]

QBR is a product of the individual position, not a metric to measure the entire team. That's W and L's

Yes, but it does’t measure anything important. It is just a stat that is based on stats. Not anything about how the game is being played or managed by a quarterback.

 

[LadyinOrange]

My first thought: Tennessee and Dark Mode looked good under the lights of Neyland as the Vols crush the head of the snake.

1.Tennessee looks way more stable with Cooper Mays back at cener
2. Three running backs are better than one. With a touchdown each the three headed monster was running loose.
3. The Squirrel White catch is a top play of the week. Using your foot as a third hand with a defenders arm in your face falling backwards, no problem.
4. The defense FINALLY scores sime points. I think they said it was the first defensive score since 2021! Six sacks on Rattler and there was no way they were putting 60 points on UT this year.

On second thought...

1. The Bru McCoy injury was devastating. He's obviously done for the year but has a year of eligibility left. Hopefully he recovers and we see him play next year.
2. We found a way to win with a sub par QB. Strong defense, a dominant running game and a clown catch by Squirrel White coupled with short easy throws. In spite of scoring 41 points Joe Milton still ranked #10 of 14 in QBR inthe SEC this week. The saving grace is Rattler was #12.
3. We need a strong finish to the first half of the season against TAMU because it looks like the second half could be brutal. The UK game all the sudden looks like a tough win which could mean multiple losses in the back half of the year.

We are to Kentucky what the lizards are to us. They always find a way to lose to us no matter how bad we are.

 

[Volnanza]

All good points you made but I would say this about why Milton would get more scrutiny than Rattler.

Milton is the leader of a MUCH MUCH more talented team with MUCH higher expectations.

USC is gutter trash and they never really have high expectations. Rattler is a true blessing for that team and an unexpected surprise.

So, when USC does bad its 'normal' and the QB doesnt take as much flack because the expectations arent there. This is not true for Milton.

Specifically about expectations, USC was never expected to beat UT at home at night. Never. Not even the most delusional USC fan expected them to win. On the other hand UT was absolutely expected to beat a dog sh!t Florida team. Tennessee was highly ranked and UF was unranked.

Finally, to your specific example of the two picks. Rattlers interception was in no way the cause of USCs loss. USC was already doomed because their OL could not protect the QB. This is the reason they lost. Six sacks. This is the one difference between this years game and last years game. Our awful defense got zero pressure on Rattler and he tore us up. This year was different, not because Rattler is worse than last year but his OL is and that makes all the difference.

Milton only got sacked once by Florida. UTs defense had more than twice the tackles for loss than Florida had. Tennessee had ample opportunity to score on very explosive plays that Milton simply didnt execute on or his WRs dropped. And the interception even had the game announcers questioning what he was doing throwing that pass like he did.

So i think that pretty fairly draws the distinction between why Milton has received more scrutiny than Rattler.

If you look at the two QBs in relation to their team's expectations, Rattler is a pleasant surprise for a horrible football program and Milton so far has been what we have seen for multiple years now and how he lost hist job to not only Hooker but lost his Michigan job too. Not much change in his capabilities. UT has much higher expectations as a program and thus you get your difference.

Actually, on the SEC network there were several picking SCe. Spikes and Harrison were both on the Rattler train.

 

[loosecannon]

We are still an average SEC team that is rebuilding. Last year we have a freakishly good year, but two years of scholarship restrictions is still holding us back. We have been patched together and are holding steady. If this team goes 8-4, I will be really pleased. We are a bad matchup for Georgia and Kentucky. Both have good fronts that will make us blitz to get pressure. We will struggle like that. Alabama has a good defense and a bad O-Line, so that game could get wild. Considering the situation, we are still on track and will keep getting better.

We are so thin on the OL that I am worried about the depth the rest of the season. Mays is worth a couple wins per season.

It is easy to get down comparing this year to last, but last year was a really special season. We lost those game breakers that won us games last year. Offensively we don’t have any top three round guys and it shows.

 

[Volnanza]

Vols offense only scored 27 points against one of the worst defenses in the country. Vols still have big issues on offense.

Georgia only scored 24.

 

[1986sugarvols]

Rocket Joe played great period. Aggies defense looks tough glad they coming to our town!

 

[Adam Sandler]

Joe made one bad throw for an int (inside shoulder instead of outside) on a good read, and one really bad decision that resulted in an int (threw it right to the safety trying to throw a route instead of properly reading and finding the open man to the right). Otherwise, thought he had a great night. Receivers again dropped some passes they shouldn’t have. McCastles had a really off night. Keyton again dropped a td. Need him to be more consistent in coming up with the big play catches. That part of his game has been off this year. Thornton didn’t even play (did we get an injury update or anything there?). Losing Bru hurts big time, need someone else to step up and be the “tone setter”. The Milton hate is overblown.

Offense NEEDS Coop. Hope he can stay healthy.

Defense again missed some tackles that turned into 1st down scrambles. Otherwise they looked good.

Was it a phantom block in the back call on dee’s td punt return? I was there and didn’t see it live or on the replay they showed.