It is Florida week and there is a buzz on the Hill. If one were to describe the way people seem to be feeling on a “pre Swamp Friday”, I would say that cautious optimism pretty much describes the mood.
Here is some food for thought about the state of the program. This is still a very young team. Last year, in away venues, several mistakes led to the Vols getting blown out. Remember the fumbles against Georgia and the interceptions against South Carolina? These are the kind of mistakes that a young team makes when they feel overmatched, and they are thinking rather than playing football.
Through the first few games, it appears as though this team has a great deal of maturity. Tyler Bray, Justin Hunter, and Da’Rick Rogers have emerged as somewhat of an offensive “holy trinity”. Even though the Vols aren’t running the ball with any consistency, they are still putting points on the board.
The Vol defense held Cinci to what will probably be a season low in offensive productivity, but there are still plenty of questions about this defense. The secondary that was supposed to be a strong unit still seems to be a little tentative. The front seven is not putting enough pressure on the quarterback. In terms of containing the Florida offense, it is hard to know what to expect.
There was a saying that I grew up hearing that fits this week nicely. “You don’t know how you look ‘till you get your picture took”.
If you want to know how good Bray and company are…tune in Saturday.
If you want to know if your defense will hold up against SEC offenses…tune in Saturday.
If you want to know if the offseason hype about this offensive line is worthy and earned….tune in Saturday.
If you want to know if your beloved Volunteers have begun to close the talent gap….tune in Saturday.
To win Saturday, the Vols must avoid mistakes that they repetitively made on the road last year. In fact, Vol fans should try to forget how many times they have put the ball on the turf at home this year as well. If they make freshman mistakes, they will not win this game.
Can they be avoided?
You don’t know how you look till you get your picture took. Say cheese!
Go Vols.