Vols talent is solid not great

#26
#26
I would just like to point out that even though we should have won the Florida game this year, Peyton Manning never beat Florida, and Phil Fulmer, author of our most recent natty, was 5-12 against Florida all time, and only beat them twice in Gainesville. For whatever reason, we have as hard a time beating the Gators as Kentucky has beating us. I can't explain it, but nevertheless, there it is.
 
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#27
#27
Backwards K said:
Tennessee is a solid team able to compete in the SEC but their talent is still not on par with Georgia and Alabama. Last year, they were able to overcome deficiencies b/c they had the best LT in the nation, Hooker was a great QB and Jalin Hyatt was the best WR in the nation. These three guys made everyone else better.

This year, the Vols are competing with:
--An improved defense but still struggle to defend the pass, especially when the pass rush is neutralized
--A lack of real play makers on both sides of the ball:
--There is a huge dropoff at LT, WR, and QB from last year
--Squirrel White is the only SEC level WR currently in the rotation. All of the others struggle to get open.......and some struggle to catch the ball
--James Pearce and Tyler Baron are the only. standout playmakers on the defensive side......Hadden is improving greatly tho
--Vols have young talent at LB that will get better but none are all SEC level......yet.
--The running backs are good but not great. Speed and vision but rarely break a tackle one on one in the open field
--OL is solid and Cooper Mays makes a big difference but were unable to open holes this weekend vs a great front 7.
--Heupel does a good job of scheming some sets that normally opens up running landes in the run game.
--Every play has to be called from the sideline so they are not able to run the fast paced offense that Hooker was able to do.
--The coaches have to be frustrated with the subpar play of the wide receivers and QB play.

Vols had a great gameplan coming into the game but once Alabama made some adjustments, there was not much that could be done. Alabama had the advantage in every matchup.

There are better days coming, but, it probably won't be next year. The Vols lose a lot of experienced talent and unless they can get some OL, DL, DB, WR help in the portal, next year may be another step back. But, anyone who is or will be calling for Heupel's dismissal this year or next, is ignorant in the matter of football. Oh, and before you start with shouts of, "the Vols have a lot of talent", go back and look at the pre season All SEC teams. No Vols on 1st or 2nd team and I think only one may two on the 3rd team. Post season all SEC teams will be the same with only Cooper Mays, James Pearce, and Tyler Baron playing to that level.

With all of this being said, I am convinced, the Vols have the right man in charge of the program and better days are ahead.
Click to expand...
Good post.

I would argue that the OL is NOT in any way solid. The defense is not young, they have 9 seniors starting and should be better especially in the secondary, and that although Baron and Pearce are getting the sacks, Beasley is the playmaker on defense and will likely be a 2-3 round pick.
 
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#29
#29
Backwards K said:
Tennessee is a solid team able to compete in the SEC but their talent is still not on par with Georgia and Alabama. Last year, they were able to overcome deficiencies b/c they had the best LT in the nation, Hooker was a great QB and Jalin Hyatt was the best WR in the nation. These three guys made everyone else better.

This year, the Vols are competing with:
--An improved defense but still struggle to defend the pass, especially when the pass rush is neutralized
--A lack of real play makers on both sides of the ball:
--There is a huge dropoff at LT, WR, and QB from last year
--Squirrel White is the only SEC level WR currently in the rotation. All of the others struggle to get open.......and some struggle to catch the ball
--James Pearce and Tyler Baron are the only. standout playmakers on the defensive side......Hadden is improving greatly tho
--Vols have young talent at LB that will get better but none are all SEC level......yet.
--The running backs are good but not great. Speed and vision but rarely break a tackle one on one in the open field
--OL is solid and Cooper Mays makes a big difference but were unable to open holes this weekend vs a great front 7.
--Heupel does a good job of scheming some sets that normally opens up running landes in the run game.
--Every play has to be called from the sideline so they are not able to run the fast paced offense that Hooker was able to do.
--The coaches have to be frustrated with the subpar play of the wide receivers and QB play.

Vols had a great gameplan coming into the game but once Alabama made some adjustments, there was not much that could be done. Alabama had the advantage in every matchup.

There are better days coming, but, it probably won't be next year. The Vols lose a lot of experienced talent and unless they can get some OL, DL, DB, WR help in the portal, next year may be another step back. But, anyone who is or will be calling for Heupel's dismissal this year or next, is ignorant in the matter of football. Oh, and before you start with shouts of, "the Vols have a lot of talent", go back and look at the pre season All SEC teams. No Vols on 1st or 2nd team and I think only one may two on the 3rd team. Post season all SEC teams will be the same with only Cooper Mays, James Pearce, and Tyler Baron playing to that level.

With all of this being said, I am convinced, the Vols have the right man in charge of the program and better days are ahead.
Click to expand...

Im not going to address every point of contention

But...

Jalen Wright doesnt break tackles? You have seen them play this year, correct?

No playmakers on either sidenof the ball?
James Pearce?

You are correct, IMO, the CJH is the right guy though.
 
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#31
#31
DaddyChad said:
Yep. We have people pissed off that we lost to Bama. A few years ago it was a forgone conclusion that it would be a loss every year. Heupel has built a helluva winning streak at home as well.
Click to expand...

Moreso than being a foregone conclusion we would lose, it had been a foregone conclusion that it would be over by the end of the first quarter
 
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#32
#32
IndianaVol said:
EXACTLY...same people pissed off about us losing in Tuscaloosa this year are the same ones that ones that were apathetic and wanted to drop the Bama game from the schedule every year just 3 years ago.
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The thing that REALLY hurts is to know that you finally have the tools to win if you play a solid and complete game; and then not do it.
But in fairness, the talent gap is still wide enough (especially talent IN DEPTH) that there is precious little margin for error on our side.
The Bama’s and Georgia’s have enough talent so that they can overcome bad drives or slow quarters. We can’t, at least against top teams
 
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#33
#33
Daniel_Lincolns_Foot said:
All off season coming into this year I saw almost nothing but 9-3/8-4 predictions. Very few 10 win predictions--in fact way way more 6-6/5-7 pessimists.

I just love how people predict 9-3/8-4 and are suddenly upset when we're on pace to go 9-3/8-4.

Fans are weird.
Click to expand...
It is understandable, two decades of starvation for success and you are anxious for a seat at the all you can eat buffet (on crab leg night 😉)
 
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#34
#34
I know my take on this is not some astounding revelation, but TN has to have good to great QB and coaching combo to even having a chance of competing in the SEC. Because of the lack of instate talent, it puts the Vols at a major disadvantage of being able to compete with Bama, Georgia, LSU and etc.

Also the reason our coaches needs to be smarter and craftier than the all the other SEC coaches. Last year, we found out the Vols could beat Bama in a shootout and a bend dont break defense.

Every year the focus of Vols recruiting / transfer portal should be (in order of importance):
1. Best available QB
2. Offensive line
3. Wide Receiver / Tight End
4. Defense
5. Special Teams
6. Rb

If there is not and unquestionable starter, training camp should be a battle between QB's to see which one is the best. No more starting mediocre guys at QB just because they have the most senority (JG, Milton Worley and etc).
 
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#35
#35
Backwards K said:
Tennessee is a solid team able to compete in the SEC but their talent is still not on par with Georgia and Alabama. Last year, they were able to overcome deficiencies b/c they had the best LT in the nation, Hooker was a great QB and Jalin Hyatt was the best WR in the nation. These three guys made everyone else better.

This year, the Vols are competing with:
--An improved defense but still struggle to defend the pass, especially when the pass rush is neutralized
--A lack of real play makers on both sides of the ball:
--There is a huge dropoff at LT, WR, and QB from last year
--Squirrel White is the only SEC level WR currently in the rotation. All of the others struggle to get open.......and some struggle to catch the ball
--James Pearce and Tyler Baron are the only. standout playmakers on the defensive side......Hadden is improving greatly tho
--Vols have young talent at LB that will get better but none are all SEC level......yet.
--The running backs are good but not great. Speed and vision but rarely break a tackle one on one in the open field
--OL is solid and Cooper Mays makes a big difference but were unable to open holes this weekend vs a great front 7.
--Heupel does a good job of scheming some sets that normally opens up running landes in the run game.
--Every play has to be called from the sideline so they are not able to run the fast paced offense that Hooker was able to do.
--The coaches have to be frustrated with the subpar play of the wide receivers and QB play.

Vols had a great gameplan coming into the game but once Alabama made some adjustments, there was not much that could be done. Alabama had the advantage in every matchup.

There are better days coming, but, it probably won't be next year. The Vols lose a lot of experienced talent and unless they can get some OL, DL, DB, WR help in the portal, next year may be another step back. But, anyone who is or will be calling for Heupel's dismissal this year or next, is ignorant in the matter of football. Oh, and before you start with shouts of, "the Vols have a lot of talent", go back and look at the pre season All SEC teams. No Vols on 1st or 2nd team and I think only one may two on the 3rd team. Post season all SEC teams will be the same with only Cooper Mays, James Pearce, and Tyler Baron playing to that level.

With all of this being said, I am convinced, the Vols have the right man in charge of the program and better days are ahead.
Click to expand...
Don't go to the recruiting forum. Uga, Florida, and bama are all 3 kicking our butts on the recruiting trail.
 
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#37
#37
I'm not ready to give up on CJH, and agree that we are in a better place today than when he got here. I can remember past seasons when we lost because the talent difference was that obvious . Last Saturdays loss was not because of the lack of talent. We should have won that game period
 
#38
#38
Lots of good points offered here.

But my impression of our team is that our team is just mentally weak.

Mental toughness allows you win on the road. It allows you to battle through adversity (to include one-sided officiating). Most of all, it enables you to find a way to win when there’s a talent gap by seizing opportunities presented by the opponent. We do none of these things with any level of consistency.
 
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#39
#39
The recruiting gulf is so wide that I would guess that our best scenario for the
next three years would be 9-3 each year with a slight possibility of one
year going 10-2 if Fla stubs their toe or the division realignment is in our favor.

It's not gonna help us if Tx or Ok is added as one of our foes.

We should be happy with 9-3. Certainly I would accept that for this year.
 
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#40
#40
Chad F said:
Lots of good points offered here.

But my impression of our team is that our team is just mentally weak.

Mental toughness allows you win on the road. It allows you to battle through adversity (to include one-sided officiating). Most of all, it enables you to find a way to win when there’s a talent gap by seizing opportunities presented by the opponent. We do none of these things with any level of consistency.
Click to expand...
By the mid 90s, when new players came into the program, the expectation was to win every game. The upper classmen already in place knew what it took to do this and they raised the expectations for everyone coming in. There was an expectation to win every game and that led to the 98 season in which the Vols did just that. Might not have been the better team in every game, but they won every game by overcoming any adversity that was placed before them.

The program does not have those guys today. This needs to be developed. When the 2nd half began, Alabama expected to win that game on Saturday. When adversity hit the Vols in the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half, they didn't know how to respond. Winning will breed more confidence and better talent will lead to winning.
 
#41
#41
Backwards K said:
Tennessee is a solid team able to compete in the SEC but their talent is still not on par with Georgia and Alabama. Last year, they were able to overcome deficiencies b/c they had the best LT in the nation, Hooker was a great QB and Jalin Hyatt was the best WR in the nation. These three guys made everyone else better.

This year, the Vols are competing with:
--An improved defense but still struggle to defend the pass, especially when the pass rush is neutralized
--A lack of real play makers on both sides of the ball:
--There is a huge dropoff at LT, WR, and QB from last year
--Squirrel White is the only SEC level WR currently in the rotation. All of the others struggle to get open.......and some struggle to catch the ball
--James Pearce and Tyler Baron are the only. standout playmakers on the defensive side......Hadden is improving greatly tho
--Vols have young talent at LB that will get better but none are all SEC level......yet.
--The running backs are good but not great. Speed and vision but rarely break a tackle one on one in the open field
--OL is solid and Cooper Mays makes a big difference but were unable to open holes this weekend vs a great front 7.
--Heupel does a good job of scheming some sets that normally opens up running landes in the run game.
--Every play has to be called from the sideline so they are not able to run the fast paced offense that Hooker was able to do.
--The coaches have to be frustrated with the subpar play of the wide receivers and QB play.

Vols had a great gameplan coming into the game but once Alabama made some adjustments, there was not much that could be done. Alabama had the advantage in every matchup.

There are better days coming, but, it probably won't be next year. The Vols lose a lot of experienced talent and unless they can get some OL, DL, DB, WR help in the portal, next year may be another step back. But, anyone who is or will be calling for Heupel's dismissal this year or next, is ignorant in the matter of football. Oh, and before you start with shouts of, "the Vols have a lot of talent", go back and look at the pre season All SEC teams. No Vols on 1st or 2nd team and I think only one may two on the 3rd team. Post season all SEC teams will be the same with only Cooper Mays, James Pearce, and Tyler Baron playing to that level.

With all of this being said, I am convinced, the Vols have the right man in charge of the program and better days are ahead.
Click to expand...
A dual threat QB is a great bandaid for an average oline. I think we have SEC RBs but must recruit elite ones moving forward.

Trenches- I’m concerned. We lose a lot this yr and idk what’s coming in. But Doug Matthews said he anticipates 4-5 from the portal which is a lot. Those kids are transferring for a reason so….

DBs and WRs - agree we need more talent. I think help is on the way but again, I don’t follow recruiting too closely. Our three freshmen better develop during off season so Nico has someone to throw to.
 
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#42
#42
Taking in all that has been said in several threads and here we are at 5-2. 2 conference losses but still the #4 team in the conference at long odds to win the conference. THings would really have to go awry for some other teams but...

5 games left on schedule. UConn and Vandy should be gimmies. That makes 7-2.

Kentucky, UGA, and Mizzou round out the schedule in what could range from 0-3 to a more likely 1-2 or 2-1. Mizz is still hanging tough at 7-1. They normally have taken the road of KY by this point in the season. However, two of hte games can seriously be wins if we play 4 quarters, which we did not against Bama, but we showed what we can do against tose teams if we do play the entire game. Hence the frustration of losing the Bama game. But, I digress. But, just for kicks, let's say we lose to UGA as expected, and pull off KY and Mizz. We would be at 9-3 heading to hte bowl season, only only one game worse than last year with severly underachieving play at QB and WR, but elevated D verses last year. Alot can happen in 5 games. Even an upset of GA. Reality is we are good enough to go 10-2, yet come out flat enough at times to go 7-5.
 
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#43
#43
JRich said:
Good post.

I would argue that the OL is NOT in any way solid. The defense is not young, they have 9 seniors starting and should be better especially in the secondary, and that although Baron and Pearce are getting the sacks, Beasley is the playmaker on defense and will likely be a 2-3 round pick.
Click to expand...
What is Beasley doing so well that you see him a day two pick ? He has 45 tackles this year through 7 games. 2 sacks. I think he will get a shot but Day 2 ? Cmon man
 
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#45
#45
Backwards K said:
Tennessee is a solid team able to compete in the SEC but their talent is still not on par with Georgia and Alabama. Last year, they were able to overcome deficiencies b/c they had the best LT in the nation, Hooker was a great QB and Jalin Hyatt was the best WR in the nation. These three guys made everyone else better.

This year, the Vols are competing with:
--An improved defense but still struggle to defend the pass, especially when the pass rush is neutralized
--A lack of real play makers on both sides of the ball:
--There is a huge dropoff at LT, WR, and QB from last year
--Squirrel White is the only SEC level WR currently in the rotation. All of the others struggle to get open.......and some struggle to catch the ball
--James Pearce and Tyler Baron are the only. standout playmakers on the defensive side......Hadden is improving greatly tho
--Vols have young talent at LB that will get better but none are all SEC level......yet.
--The running backs are good but not great. Speed and vision but rarely break a tackle one on one in the open field
--OL is solid and Cooper Mays makes a big difference but were unable to open holes this weekend vs a great front 7.
--Heupel does a good job of scheming some sets that normally opens up running landes in the run game.
--Every play has to be called from the sideline so they are not able to run the fast paced offense that Hooker was able to do.
--The coaches have to be frustrated with the subpar play of the wide receivers and QB play.

Vols had a great gameplan coming into the game but once Alabama made some adjustments, there was not much that could be done. Alabama had the advantage in every matchup.

There are better days coming, but, it probably won't be next year. The Vols lose a lot of experienced talent and unless they can get some OL, DL, DB, WR help in the portal, next year may be another step back. But, anyone who is or will be calling for Heupel's dismissal this year or next, is ignorant in the matter of football. Oh, and before you start with shouts of, "the Vols have a lot of talent", go back and look at the pre season All SEC teams. No Vols on 1st or 2nd team and I think only one may two on the 3rd team. Post season all SEC teams will be the same with only Cooper Mays, James Pearce, and Tyler Baron playing to that level.

With all of this being said, I am convinced, the Vols have the right man in charge of the program and better days are ahead.
Click to expand...

Good post and I feel compelled to add in that our new play caller does not, IMO, seem to recognize that more than anything else, we need to keep the ball moving. Short passes and runs 24/7. If Joe gets confidence, I believe he will connect on longer pass attempts. The blame is not all on the receivers and or Joe - the coaches that are sending in the plays have to take responsibility as well. Watch the replay of any game this year and you will see countless times when the incorrect play was called.
 
#47
#47
DaddyChad said:
Yep. We have people pissed off that we lost to Bama. A few years ago it was a forgone conclusion that it would be a loss every year. Heupel has built a helluva winning streak at home as well.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's so much that we lost, but how we lost. It's one thing to lose, but a completely different thing to get beat. Bama came out in the 2nd half and simply imposed their will on us one-on-one. I would be remiss here not to add the refs also made sure that Bama was going to have every opportunity to dig themselves out of the hole. That's not how you lose, that's how you get beat.
 
#48
#48
ftsandersvol said:
I don't think it's so much that we lost, but how we lost. It's one thing to lose, but a completely different thing to get beat. Bama came out in the 2nd half and simply imposed their will on us one-on-one. I would be remiss here not to add the refs also made sure that Bama was going to have every opportunity to dig themselves out of the hole. That's not how you lose, that's how you get beat.
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Not hard to impose your will if you outweigh someone by forty pounds and are allowed to just grab them in a chokehold when they start to get by you. Bama was way more physical in the second half. They were allowed to be more physical in the second half. From the LOS, to the DBs, to the donkey kick in the endzone. And Tennessee? Well we got Fing flagged for clapping at the wrong time. The refs imposed their will on the game would be more accurate.
 
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