Look, Butch will and should get to prove himself this year

[Volznut]

and he will definitely get 2016 as well. No way we can get rid of him, and we'd be foolish to right now - if we did, we'd lose about 7-10 players, and the recruiting class for 2016 would dive as well as 2017. We'd be starting with year  zero again, and we don't want that.

IMO Butch does need to look at his staff and make a few changes. DeBord and Azzanni may need to go. I'm not sure our defense has killer instinct either.

Staff changes are needed, probably. Butch has to learn from his mistakes and deliver a better product  and that needs to start vs Arkansas.

[SmokeyJoe]

Ain't arguing. Still C.A.N.N.O.T. believe that 4 - 16 for the TD. I think Florida's  "lack" of talent was a bit overrated. Face it, Muschump lost his last couple teams. Could well happen to Butch. I also think two recruiting classes is a bit much to start calling for eastern division championships. Two got away. Happened to Johnny Majors, too. I think it will require that level of patience to get back. Or that level of patience adapted to the modern era. Call me a fool. We still have a walk-on playing some MLB. That tells me we just ain't there yet and that is just one example of a roster that is still challenged.

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[SmokeyJoe]

Got to have this one, Saturday.

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[Creek Walker]

This is one area where I think Butch will prove too stubborn for change. He's hitched himself to his assistants and he isn't going to cut them free. But you're right. Some changes are needed. IMO, Azzani and Mahoney need to go for sure. Maybe DeBord too. I hate to see Azzani leave because he's a valuable recruiter, but his unit just isn't getting the job done.

And I also think our defense could probably be better. Heck, there are some great DCs available for the taking. Does anyone think we couldn't get Gene Chizik from UNC? Derek Mason may very well be available after this season...Charlie Strong could be, too.

[PirateVOL]

and he will definitely get 2016 as well. No way we can get rid of him, and we'd be foolish to right now - if we did, we'd lose about 7-10 players, and the recruiting class for 2016 would dive as well as 2017. We'd be starting with year  zero again, and we don't want that.

IMO Butch does need to look at his staff and make a few changes. DeBord and Azzanni may need to go. I'm not sure our defense has killer instinct either.

Staff changes are needed, probably. Butch has to learn from his mistakes and deliver a better product  and that needs to start vs Arkansas.

IMO, two offensive coaches are "suspect" WR & OL.  We ran well Saturday due to the pure athletic ability of Dobbs and Hurd (a couple of nice "want to" runs by Kamara as well) and pure WANT TO. There were some well blocked plays (the throw back and our last TD come to mind) but all too often the OL was a cluster. 

As far as WRs goes, #3 has improved but I really haven't seen improvement elsewhere.  Pig really hasn't had a chance due to the suspension and injury(s) but he proved himself last year.  Josh Smith is our most complete WR IMO.  He is the best about gaining separation and he, along with Pig, are the best blocking WR by far (Our TE had some nice blocks Saturday as well.  All other WR have their moments but all to often break down at crucial times.  If Von makes even a half assed block on one play we have a potential TD Saturday is but one example.  If anything, North has regressed.  Add Jennings as a fall practice WOW WR that has all but disappeared after the first game.  When #25 and #81 are on the field at the same time make book that we are running the ball.  I like the 85% to 90% odds.

I actually like what Debord is trying to do.  Can we second guess, yes (it's what we do) but other than the 2nd half of the IU game there has been greater variety and a commitment to the run.

On defense, since the Oregon game a couple of years ago I have had questions about the defense.  Saturday night was a continuation of the Oregon game in my view.  Jancek has an infatuation with playing a safety as a LB.  We blitzed a safety (primarily Randolph) a LOT Saturday night.  Often UF would just run away from it.  When you have corners on one side of the defense (typically) who are suspect then leaving a single safety over the top is suspect (though TK was doing a great job when he was in the game). 

I do like the all DE look, presented problems for UF most of the night.  The problem is that with Maggitt out the only DE that is strong enough to power though the holds is Barnett.  Shy is playing more and better as the season has gone along.  Despite it not being as dominate (yet) as expected the DL is playing well.  When Shy and Mac were in the game together UF ran right at them.

At LB, R-M is a beast.  Kirtland isn't there yet but is improving (the decision to start Jumper Saturday IMO was insane).  McDowell is providing quality relief and Weathered has improved. 

In the secondary we have 4 really good players with only 3 being on the field at once.  The biggest issue is injuries have hurt us there, especially at nickel.

Jancek also has a lot of Chavis in him in that he is very aggressive on early downs and very conservative on late, long yardage downs (The TD drive for the win is a classic example.  BTW, looking at a highlight video, the 4th down pass at mid field was a good play call and really poor discipline by the 2nd tier of the defense (LB or safety, couldn't tell).  In summary, the only real questions I have with the defense is with the DC.

[Volznut]

agree with all Pirate -

Jumper decision boggles the mind

TK Jr needs to play and play a lot

I'd like to see Berry used some as a two way player. He can be dangerous on offense.

Jennings - get him the ball, he is a playmaker.

Dobbs has very good running instincts and vision. He is also pretty tough. I wouldn't mind seeing Dormady come in once in a while and Dobbs line up at WR.

[Tnphil]

Run Dobbs at the slot some...hell, even put him at RB some too.....He's a good runner and give him some run-throw options. If you aren't going to use Jennings talents on offense put him over on defense...he showed on the kickoff coverage he'll knock your butt in the dirt and get up smiling when does. Get the ball in Kamara's hands 10-12 times a game.....Play Berry both ways, he's too good a athlete to waste.

I see a lot of talent that's not being used.......why?

[BanditVol]

IMO, two offensive coaches are "suspect" WR & OL.  We ran well Saturday due to the pure athletic ability of Dobbs and Hurd (a couple of nice "want to" runs by Kamara as well) and pure WANT TO. There were some well blocked plays (the throw back and our last TD come to mind) but all too often the OL was a cluster. 

Pirate I understand the frustration with the OL, but I have seen significant improvement this year, mostly with players that were not highly rated coming in.  In fact, Danielson praised at least three individual blocks by the OL during the broadcast, and I can't remember that ever happening since 2013.  I have gone from wondering how much they have improved to being cautiously optimistic.  You don't pile up 254 yards rushing with a totally bad OL no matter how talented Dobbs and Hurd are (while acknowledging that many of Dobbs yards came on busted plays).

let's be clear, the OL still isn't where it should be, but I am now optimistic that they are improving and I think they might actually be decent by the end of the year.

[Black Diamond Vol]

Pirate I understand the frustration with the OL, but I have seen significant improvement this year, mostly with players that were not highly rated coming in.  In fact, Danielson praised at least three individual blocks by the OL during the broadcast, and I can't remember that ever happening since 2013.  I have gone from wondering how much they have improved to being cautiously optimistic.  You don't pile up 254 yards rushing with a totally bad OL no matter how talented Dobbs and Hurd are (while acknowledging that many of Dobbs yards came on busted plays).

let's be clear, the OL still isn't where it should be, but I am now optimistic that they are improving and I think they might actually be decent by the end of the year.

I think next year's OL will finally be top half of the SEC caliber, once this year's freshmen have had a year in the program.

[BanditVol]

I think next year's OL will finally be top half of the SEC caliber, once this year's freshmen have had a year in the program.

I hope so too.  We have some legit blue chips in the frosh class.   

[Volznut]

Chance Hall needs to replace Kendrick as soon as he is able to - Kendrick is a weak link.

Need Richmond to take over LT next year as well. He has been practicing there this year

[LouisVOL]

I agree with pretty much everything you say here 'Nut.  I am less down on DeBord, I think his work with the line on the running game is showing, and overall (less go into your shell time) has been decent.  I think we all realize that we cannot open up a passing attack at this time.  While Dobbs accuracy gets some of the blame, I feel very confident in saying that no team in America has done less with this much talent at receiver.  Sometime you miss on one in recruiting rankings, but not EVERY ONE!  Goes right to Azzanni by all appearances.  I am not a coach, but lots of folks are, and I do believe several of them would be an upgrade to Azzanni.  Just hope Butch is not too stubborn to disrupt the "process".

and he will definitely get 2016 as well. No way we can get rid of him, and we'd be foolish to right now - if we did, we'd lose about 7-10 players, and the recruiting class for 2016 would dive as well as 2017. We'd be starting with year  zero again, and we don't want that.

IMO Butch does need to look at his staff and make a few changes. DeBord and Azzanni may need to go. I'm not sure our defense has killer instinct either.

Staff changes are needed, probably. Butch has to learn from his mistakes and deliver a better product  and that needs to start vs Arkansas.

[Volznut]

I don't like Debord. Forget the extra point, forget the clock mismanagement. We get the ball up 27-21 with about 4 minutes to go. AND WE DO NOT EVEN MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO GET A FIRST DOWN. That is horrible play calling. You get a couple of 1st downs the game is over. At least try!

[LouisVOL]

Agree 100%, but I don't think those were DeBord calls.


 

I don't like Debord. Forget the extra point, forget the clock mismanagement. We get the ball up 27-21 with about 4 minutes to go. AND WE DO NOT EVEN MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO GET A FIRST DOWN. That is horrible play calling. You get a couple of 1st downs the game is over. At least try!

[BanditVol]

I don't like Debord. Forget the extra point, forget the clock mismanagement. We get the ball up 27-21 with about 4 minutes to go. AND WE DO NOT EVEN MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO GET A FIRST DOWN. That is horrible play calling. You get a couple of 1st downs the game is over. At least try!

I agree about the two consecutive runs up the middle, but some are saying the Dobbs run on 3rd down was a called play. I have yet to watch the replay, but in real time it looked like he wanted to pass but just didn't have time.  I'll have to watch that later and decide for sure.

Regardless, I am okay with trying Hurd up the middle once....he had been running really well on the previous drive.  But then trying the exact same play and waiting until the obvious third down pass play was stupid.  Should have called a Dobbs run/pass option on 2nd down.  Who cares if you stop the clock?  Either way gators will have enough time for a drive.  They already burned one TO, let them have the last one, who cares.  Throw downfield on 2nd down if possible, and WIN THE DAM GAME!   

[PirateVOL]

I agree about the two consecutive runs up the middle, but some are saying the Dobbs run on 3rd down was a called play. I have yet to watch the replay, but in real time it looked like he wanted to pass but just didn't have time.  I'll have to watch that later and decide for sure.

Regardless, I am okay with trying Hurd up the middle once....he had been running really well on the previous drive.  But then trying the exact same play and waiting until the obvious third down pass play was stupid.  Should have called a Dobbs run/pass option on 2nd down.  Who cares if you stop the clock?  Either way gators will have enough time for a drive.  They already burned one TO, let them have the last one, who cares.  Throw downfield on 2nd down if possible, and WIN THE DAM GAME!   

mo, it was run all the way.
That is one of the four plays post.
It was set up to be a back side run, away from the formation, into the boundry.  We tried it twice with essentially zero net yardage.  Watch Dobbs and he is attempting to sell it as a delay.
The biggest issue is that other than the outright telegraphic what we were going to do is the really crappy (family board) execution by the OL

[Screaming Eagle Dad]

This is one area where I think Butch will prove too stubborn for change. He's hitched himself to his assistants and he isn't going to cut them free. But you're right. Some changes are needed. IMO, Azzani and Mahoney need to go for sure. Maybe DeBord too. I hate to see Azzani leave because he's a valuable recruiter, but his unit just isn't getting the job done.

And I also think our defense could probably be better. Heck, there are some great DCs available for the taking. Does anyone think we couldn't get Gene Chizik from UNC? Derek Mason may very well be available after this season...Charlie Strong could be, too.

During Chavis's time here it was known as 3rd and Chavis, now the Vols have got 4th and Jancek.
Azzani is a very good recruiter but his unit does drop a lot of balls. One of the best postion coaches Tennessee has had was Trooper Taylor. His players produced and I'd bring him back.
Jancek had a rough first year as DC, his second was great. This year its 4th down issues. its way too early to speculate about any real coaching coaching changes.