There are a few things that I noticed being in Knoxville for the big spring event. One of my observations has nothing to do with football. It seems that it is getting harder and harder to go anywhere around Neyland Stadium without running into Volnationals. Sitting on the upper level at the 50 yard line I had one poster/member on my left and two on my right. Sure, it is just coincidence, but I wonder if we thank Freak enough for the service he provides. I had a blast watching the spring game with them, and this board enhances my Vol experience. We all thank you very much for all that you do Freak.
Now, let’s get down to business. The spring game wasn’t much to look at from a scheme standpoint. We had been warned of that ahead of time, and the coaches have been very quick on the trigger explaining exactly what they were doing on offense and defense. For that reason, rather than taking a literal look at the statistical results of the Orange and White Game, I think that it is better to approach this from a “philosophical” point of view.
For the last 5 years (even when Cutcliffe) was on staff, I have noticed a lack of rhythm in the offensive performance of the Vols. There has been something about the offensive performance that was just off or disjointed. Was it buried with Jimmy Hoffa? Did it fly over the Bermuda Triangle? Was it detained at Guantanamo?
Lately, the Vol’s offense has been like mosh pit at a Dead Milkmen concert rather than a well timed ball room dance. It has been the yen without the yang, the train without tracks, and the addict without a fix. Whether it was timing, poor play calling, or just poor execution, there has been a disjointed, “existential” quality that you just can’t put a finger on.
For the first time in five years, I saw a little of that rhythm return to Neyland stadium. Sure…Crompton still holds the ball for too long, and we still miss the burner to the outside. One thing that I saw Saturday afternoon that hasn’t really been a consistent part of this offense. Receivers were actually wide open on occasion. That alone is reason for celebration.
Yes, the Vols still need to find a quarterback, but it looks like they actually have an offensive plan. If you are looking for a pass happy offense this year you will be disappointed. Look for the Vols to run first and ask questions later. With that plan, and the exception of ineligible men down field (that happened twice Saturday), I would say that this offense seemed to flow better than anything we have seen recently.
That doesn’t mean that this team is ready to compete for championships. If we are lucky this coaching staff will have the talent assembled to make a run at an SEC championship in two years. That number will more likely be three. Seeing the execution at the game one should expect the Vols to win at least one game this year that they are not supposed to.
The weaknesses on this team are glaring. Foot speed and quickness is not completely there. The offensive line will have difficulty with the faster defenses in the SEC. The receivers will struggle to get open consistently, and the linebackers will have trouble shedding blocks.
In the straight up defense that was played on Saturday, the backers were playing with one hand tied behind their backs. I was still less than impressed with how long it took them to find the football at times. Before fans start thinking about 10 wins we will need to address these issues as well as the quarterback dilemma.
Spring is a time of rebirth. It is the unveiling of warmth, excitement, and new energy. Despite the shortfalls on this team, the return of rhythm should give us all hope for the future. This coaching staff knows what they are doing. When the right players are in the right places this team will compete for championships.
That is music that everyone in the Volnation can dance to. Until next time…Go Vols!