VK's 2 Cents: Mizzou edition

[Vol knight]

Hey guys. I'm starting a new thing where I'll give my 2 cents on the game each week. The format I'll be doing is a 2 point analysis. First, I'll share my thoughts about the opponent. Then I'll talk about the keys to UT winning the game IMO. Finally, I'll give a score prediction. Anyways, let's begin.

~Thoughts on Mizzou~

Firstly, I do think Missouri is a good team. At the beginning of the season, I thought that they had a very easy early schedule, and they wouldn't be challenged until they played UGA, UF, and USCe. They went 2-1 during that stretch (thanks in some part to injuries on the opposing team). Even so, it was still great wins for them. They appear to be very good at forcing turnovers and winning the turnover battle. Even though Maty Mauk (redshirt freshman Qb) has been under 50% in accuracy and hasn't been as mobile as Franklin, he has still passed for over 200 yards in both games that he's started. Their defensive line has been great this year at pressuring the QB. Overall, I think they will be a good challenge for the vols.


~Keys to the Game~

On offense: We need to establish a good running game. The receivers must greatly limit the amount of drops. We can't have a lot of turnovers, especially against this team. We have to score points early.

On defense: We need to get pressure on Mauk with our front 4. We need to force turnovers and win the turnover battle. We can't allow too many big plays. We can't allow them to get ahead by a lot early.


Prediction: 31-27 Vols.

I'll try to do one of these every Monday. Thanks for reading and Go Vols! :salute:

P.S. I also will have a poll each week. The question will be different each week.

 

[vtvol98]

I think the Tennessee offensive line will be up to the challenge against Mizzou's d-line. If the Vols held Clowney to zero sacks there's no reason to think that they can't do the same to Sams.

 

[LittleCat]

It's all about the offense IMO. Mizzou is going to score 20-30 points, they have great weapons to throw to and Mauk is playing well. If UT can score and not turn it over then they have a chance. It's all about getting to the 4th quarter and still being in the game.

 

[Sudden Impact]

96 of the 249 yds against USCe was a busted play.

Mauk was also 10/25. 12 yards rushing.

MO falls behind and look for Franklin to enter the game.

Our Offense their Defense, + plus coaching will be the key factors determining the outcome of this game.

Missouri RB corps banged up (Mild Concussion, Turf Toe) Must have a solid Running game to relieve QB Pressure

X Factor will be Franklin.

 

[Vol knight]

It's all about the offense IMO. Mizzou is going to score 20-30 points, they have great weapons to throw to and Mauk is playing well. If UT can score and not turn it over then they have a chance. It's all about getting to the 4th quarter and still being in the game.

Agreed.

 

[give_him 6]

96 of the 249 yds against USCe was a busted play.

Mauk was also 10/25. 12 yards rushing.

MO falls behind and look for Franklin to enter the game.

Our Offense their Defense, + plus coaching will be the key factors determining the outcome of this game.

Missouri RB corps banged up (Mild Concussion, Turf Toe) Must have a solid Running game to relieve QB Pressure

X Factor will be Franklin.

There are times when our secondary falls asleep and gives up a busted play. That can't happen today. If this happens, Mizzou will score quickly and our defense will be gassed. I'm not too worried about them running the ball. I believe we can stop that. Their 3 wide receivers that are all over 6'4 worry me.

 

[Vol knight]

There are times when our secondary falls asleep and gives up a busted play. That can't happen today. If this happens, Mizzou will score quickly and our defense will be gassed. I'm not too worried about them running the ball. I believe we can stop that. Their 3 wide receivers that are all over 6'4 worry me.

If their big receivers are studs, then why is Mauk's completion percentage below 50%?

 

[BigOrange15]

If their big receivers are studs, then why is Mauk's completion percentage below 50%?

Because he can't throw. If he gets out to them, they can do work.

 

[orangeluvr]

If the Vols come out flat like they did in tuscaloser it's gonna get ugly early.

 

[Vol knight]

If the Vols come out flat like they did in tuscaloser it's gonna get ugly early.

I honestly think that was just a blip and I don't think it will happen tonight.

 

[jim43]

I think Dobbs' mobility will slow Sam down. Conner Shaw was only in for a short time, and played great, but he was limited on mobility. Sam could rush with reckless abandon. If he does that with Dobbs, I believe he will be tackling air.

Another advantage of Dobbs is his decision making. I believe he will get the ball out faster, or tuck and run before the defense has time to swarm him.

Was impressed with Dobbs against Alabama. I realize it was after game was out of reach, but Alabama did not let up because they wanted to make a statement. With more reps with a real purpose this week, I believe he will have even more confidence. Just hope he reacts and does not think too much.

Our defense will be strong against the run, and if we will only put more pressure on the QB, we will be fine in pass defense.

Go Vols!

 

[hillsborovol]

I like your list and I'll add one more.

We need to limit the number of negative plays on offense, including penalties.

 

[orangeluvr]

I like your list and I'll add one more.

We need to limit the number of negative plays on offense, including penalties.

One negative play that should be eliminated is the quick sideline throw to the WR behind the LOS, the CB easily recognizes the play and smears the receiver at full speed. :question:

 

[NashVOL93]

I think Dobbs' mobility will slow Sam down. Conner Shaw was only in for a short time, and played great, but he was limited on mobility. Sam could rush with reckless abandon. If he does that with Dobbs, I believe he will be tackling air.

If anything, I think they'll send Sam even more today. They know JD is a freshman QB getting his first start on the road, and their strategy is going to be to try to get him to lose his cool and his poise. If he gets rattled, the passing game might get ugly. If he demonstrates the ability to not only beat the rush but to make plays with his arm, not only will the safeties lose their freedom to cheat up but Sam will have to stay home to watch for a running Dobbs. A lot's riding on the rocket man's shoulders today.

 

[Col_Cathcart]

If anything, I think they'll send Sam even more today. They know JD is a freshman QB getting his first start on the road, and their strategy is going to be to try to get him to lose his cool and his poise. If he gets rattled, the passing game might get ugly. If he demonstrates the ability to not only beat the rush but to make plays with his arm, not only will the safeties lose their freedom to cheat up but Sam will have to stay home to watch for a running Dobbs. A lot's riding on the rocket man's shoulders today.

I like that. "the rocket man"

 

[24/7vol]

Win the toss..take the ball then have a drive that lasts about 8 minutes. Run at the speedrushers and let our hogs work up a good lather. Let them know we're going to be the bully today.

 

[hmanvolfan]

We gone whip they ass.