Vols Spring Practice #9

[Volfanstucknga]

Two biggest issues going into the season IMO
1. There is still a large talent gap between us and legit top 5 teams. We would need to be signing top 5 classes and killing it in the portal to close the gap. We aren’t close to that
2. Offensive play calling and strategy. Over the last two seasons we’ve gone from the best offense in the country to a very basic and predictable offense. Coaches/players from Arkansas and Ohio State both made comments after beating us that they knew what we were going to run and what we would audible to based on what they showed on defense. Play calling has been terrible.
Hand off, throw in the flat, throw deep.
No misdirection, screens, rolling pocket, etc.
Is it Heupel? Is it Golesh leaving?

You could also add a 3rd area of concern and that is player development in certain areas. Especially the offensive line.

Maybe at some point we can close the talent gap, but is Heupel the kind of coach who can self assess and make the changes needed to get back to being an explosive offense?
After last season I have less confidence that he can do that

Great post and agree 100%
Sometimes I wonder if Hooker was just "that good", but Heupel has had some explosive offensive numbers even at Mizz.

 

[xpsyclonex2002]

2. Still baffles me. I just still don’t get what drove this drastic change in offensive strategy. I don’t agree that it was personnel or talent level. It is a change in philosophy and I don’t get it

I'll have to disagree with you there. That drastic change in play calling was directly related to the talent.
First and foremost, we lack depth of talent. We rank 17th in the total team talent composite on 24/7. We are punching above our weight just performing as well as we do. This is especially impressive considering that we play in the SEC AND we beat the #1 team on that same list (Alabama) twice in the last 3 years. We also beat Florida and Oklahoma who are rated higher than us as well. That's on the coaching.
Nico was pedestrian at best last year. Most people were fooled by the gaudy numbers we put up against garbage teams. Against legit competition, The stats fell dramatically. I'm not clear if it's the capabilities of the individuals or if there just a lack of chemistry between Nico and the receivers. But regardless, they didn't look good last season when playing mediocre or better talent. Nico was ineffective in big games and the receivers couldn't get separation to save their life, even against mediocre talent. I'll give Nico a bit of a pass due to bad line play. He spent a lot of plays with people in his face or in hot pursuit. But something just isn't right in that group. CJH knows it and tried to play call around it.
All that said, I've seen too many article with players from other teams talking about how predictable we are. That is on CJH.

 

[DougVol]

Why do you feel that way? What has happened that you have that feeling so early in the prep process for next season?

5/6 lost on Oline, Sampson, Omar, Lott, Elijah, White, Webb, Nimrod, Leacock, Thornton and the big one Pearce.

 

[butchna]

Thinking it’s laying out nicely (barring injury). to be a starting OL of Heard (LT), Moe (LG), Satterwhite (C), Pendleton (RG) and LJIII (RT). I know it’s too early and precludes competition

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

not sure, i'm more concerned about lack of depth at WR

Hell, at this point if Dayton Sneed can catch the ball, trot him out there. Just want to see somebody catch the damn ball.

 

[joevol33]

Thanks Fingers