Run/Pass Mix

[murfvol]

I realize we were down big by the end of the second quarter, but the run/pass mix leaves me befuddled. It seems it would behoove us to a) milk the play clock and b) lean somewhat towards the run with a true freshman making his first start.

[VinnieVOL]

When you're faced with 2nd & 9, 3rd & 7 it kind of screws up our options.

[murfvol]

I get that, but the 2nd and 9s seem to end up as 3rd and 9s with improper execution. When not much is working I prefer going simple. This doesn't guarantee success, but it's my philosophy. It should be noted I think Dobbs performed admirably, but he shouldn't have had the game placed on his shoulders, nor those of our iffy WRs.

[Creek Walker]

The run game was generating almost nothing. If you run on 2nd & long and get nothing, people are complaining because the coaches are putting Dobbs in impossible situations before letting him throw. It's a no-win situation.

I didn't have a problem with the offensive playcalling tonight. Our offensive woes were largely due to a lot of mistakes by an O-line that has made far too many of them this year (particularly, an All-American tackle who I continue to maintain is the most overrated player in the SEC) and a true freshman QB who is naturally going to make his fair share of mistakes.

I had a much bigger issue with what was happening on the defensive side of the ball, and I still don't have a very good feeling about Jancek.

[murfvol]

I get our secondary is inexperienced, but our front seven should not be this bad, even with a dearth of speed. My perception is we don't do a great job minimizing our weaknesses.

As far as offense goes, I agree we didn't have a dynamic running game, but also note we didn't exactly attempt to do so. Corollary to that, if the ground game is abysmal, that's on the coaches. We may not have hyper talented backs, but we have a good line, and let a solid FB (Fugate) walk because we had no place for him on the team.

In short, we have a myriad of issues, but I'm not sure we've helped ourselves strategically or tactically. Kiffin had Hardesty and Berry, but much, much less with which to work cumulatively.

[Creek Walker]

I disagree wrt Kiffin. That '09 team was more talented than this team, IMO. This team is the least talented team I can ever remember UT having, edging out the '10 team just slightly.

[Tnphil]

I disagree wrt Kiffin. That '09 team was more talented than this team, IMO. This team is the least talented team I can ever remember UT having, edging out the '10 team just slightly.

Agree...and what talent we have is young and very green.

Our OL play is puzzling......not a mean streak in the bunch. As a unit they might be the most over-hyped group in UT history.

[Creek Walker]

I guess I would revise my last post to say that the combination of talent and experience on this team makes it the worst I can remember. There are some talented guys who are simply lacking the experience they need at this point to be game-changers -- Marquez North, Cam Sutton, Corey Vereen, Josh Dobbs, etc.

[murfvol]

I should have clarified my opinion. Our OL and front seven are far better than what Kiffin had. Kiffin had better SS, RB,  and WR help. He also had worse depth IMHO.

[BanditVol]

I realize we were down big by the end of the second quarter, but the run/pass mix leaves me befuddled. It seems it would behoove us to a) milk the play clock and b) lean somewhat towards the run with a true freshman making his first start.
[/quote

I do think we are quick to abandon the run at times...but only a few plays a game.   Should be a bit more patient with it.

The main example from last night was when we ran like 4-5 times in a row and marched down to inside their 20, promptly threw an incompletion and I think that's the drive that resulted in a FG, not sure, but if we had just kept the running momentum going running it's likely a TD IMO.

[TheRealOrange]

I should have clarified my opinion. Our OL and front seven are far better than what Kiffin had. Kiffin had better SS, RB,  and WR help. He also had worse depth IMHO.

I disagree.  I think this team has a huge lack of talent and depth (as a team) and Kiffin inherited much better and left much worse.  And, Dooley just made things worse.  I agree that the offensive line has underachieved.  The defense last season was horrible, and how anyone could expect vast improvements without major personnel upgrades is beyond me.  I think our expectations as a fan base were too high based on Jones' personality and coaching style.  But, you still need horses to run a horse race.  He doesn't have them yet.  But, that's just my view, which is based on very little in the way of football knowledge.

[SmokeyJoe]

I disagree.  I think this team has a huge lack of talent and depth (as a team) and Kiffin inherited much better and left much worse.  And, Dooley just made things worse.  I agree that the offensive line has underachieved.  The defense last season was horrible, and how anyone could expect vast improvements without major personnel upgrades is beyond me.  I think our expectations as a fan base were too high based on Jones' personality and coaching style.  But, you still need horses to run a horse race.  He doesn't have them yet.  But, that's just my view, which is based on very little in the way of football knowledge.

Agreed and similarly lack expertise. We still have a shot at 6 wins.

[BanditVol]

Agreed and similarly lack expertise. We still have a shot at 6 wins.

Zig-zactly!