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UT has two different types of problems: Youth/lack of depth and coaching.

The question is which have cost the Vols more this season. Last night a true freshman threw two crucial picks. These were game-changers. Another true freshman escorted Waggner toward the end zone instead of turning around to see who he could block. The list could go on, but last night's game was an unfortunate learning experience.

I'm not a fan of some coaching decisions (going for it on 4th down instead of attempting a 44-yard fg), but I also get problem 1 (youth) probably influences problem 2 (coaching) some. In short, almost all programs have some problem 2 issues, but those can't be evaluated until problem 1 is removed. I'm frustrated with the product, but much of that stems from years of bad football. That's not the current staff's fault.

I'll also give credit where credit is due. The roster in August 2012 will be better than anything in years. I expect them to produce 8 or 9 wins. If not I'll be disturbed, but until then I'll hope the new guys get valuable experience.

I agree with a lot of that, with one exception: I think there has to be a change in our line coaching. These guys are just not getting Hiestand's techniques or they're being poorly coached. Either way, a change is desperately needed. I know those guys are young and inexperienced. But we're in the 9th game of the season and some of them had PT last year, so that's not really an acceptable excuse at this point.

I'm disappointed in Dooley on a few different levels, but I still want to give him another year or two to see how he can turn it around as he gets the puzzle pieces in place to make his system work. But if Hiestand is still on the staff come January, I'm going to be very PO'd.

I concur there's no excuse for the run blocking being as bad as it is. The odd thing is I thought we did o.k. with Cheney and Hiestand when Kiffin was here. Admittedly Hardesty was far better than any back we have now, but surely RBs aren't the only problem.

One clarification... Hiestand came in with Dooley. The only holdovers were Chaney and Lance Thompson.

Thanks for correcting me. In that case Hiestand gets an even shorter leash.