Are they as good as they appear to be? There was obviously a difference in the play calling. Cal looked to be totally surprised by the southern speed that is so prevalent on every SEC team. I just can not believe that Tennessee has improved so much that they deserve the accolades that they have received. I really do think that they still have problems and it could become evident this weekend. I think they will have some trouble with Air Force.
Is Tennessee for real?
- Thread starter drum2728
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I didn't get to watch the UT game...other than glancing up at the score occasionally. Are they as good as some are starting to say they are? It is a question yet to be answered. I've spoken with perhaps a dozen UT fans since last weekend and they are divided in the middle...some talking a run for the MNC, others talking about how, versus a good secondary, Ainge wouldn't have had the success he did Saturday night.
Air Force? My gut says it'll be a blowout. For ** to stay in this game they are going to have to keep the ball out of UT's offense as much as possible. NOW, that is possible considering the #'s UT replaced in their front 7 and the way a wishbone attack can win the time of possession battle.
** will have to play perfect football to stay in this game...based on a season (last year) full of mistakes and turnovers, it's a stretch to think it could happen.
Too early to tell, but I will say that I have not seen a UT team play with that much intensity since Georgia 1998...That was unbelievable...Going into the Cal game, I gave us ZERO chance of beating Florida...Coming out, I think we have a 50/50 chance of winning that game...If we win that, I will say we have a good chance to win the east...But I, along with most UT fans, aren't booking tickets to Atlanta just yet, but we are cautiously optimisic that last year was a fluke and is behind us
Not sure if TN is as good as some are saying...I do however think that Cal was, byfar, the most overrated team in the top 15. They looked slow, they dropped several passes, and even with all the drops the QB did not look like a heisman candidate. Also, being in the pac-10 they weren't as physical as at least half the teams in the SEC.
TN definately represented the brutal SEC defense well.
TN definately represented the brutal SEC defense well.
The Air Force game will not be a guage. Remember that this is a military academy and the military does not allow 300+ pound linemen. They all have to be physically fit. Therefore, the Vols will push their guys around.
Plus, the Air Force primarily uses alot of wishbone playing and most defenses have adjusted to that.
Plus, the Air Force primarily uses alot of wishbone playing and most defenses have adjusted to that.
I think the biggest questions in determining if UT is "for real" or not will come down to whether or not their offense can execute as well against SEC defenses and also 1) how long it takes their DL to adjust to SEC play and 2) if their LBs can stay healthy.
Their LBs performed well on Saturday; but there's a history of injury and zero experience behind them if anyone gets hurt.
It should come as no surprise if UT has a really good season. The talent is there. It's just a matter of whether the coaching puts it all together. That said, if they have a really good season, don't be surprised when the whispering starts that maybe DC should be the HC.
Their LBs performed well on Saturday; but there's a history of injury and zero experience behind them if anyone gets hurt.
It should come as no surprise if UT has a really good season. The talent is there. It's just a matter of whether the coaching puts it all together. That said, if they have a really good season, don't be surprised when the whispering starts that maybe DC should be the HC.
They looked very good against Cal, but Cal looked incredibly soft, especially in their tackling. The viles punched them in the nose early and they basically fell whimpering into the fetal position. UT's SEC opponents will have a little hair on their chests instead of those west coast wussies.
It seems that last weeks game demostrated the difference in the pac and the SEC at least.The no D pac seems the right conclusion to me!
Yeah, USC completely laid down for Arkansas, but that's OT.
On topic, UT looked legit. Solid Defense and the Offense moved the ball at will. We'll see if they are truly back in a few weeks.
Cal was obviously the most overrated team probably in the country. They are not accustomed, with the exception of USC, of playing teams that have speed at every position on both sides of the ball. It is also obvious that they do not play defense in the PAC 10. Is UT the real deal, I think the jury is still out, but I have said in previous posts that I expect them to win 9-10 games this year. With the exception of UGA, they have all of their big conference games at home. I expect them to toy with ** and put them away in the second half. They will beat UF, and the only 2 losses I see are at UGA and probably LSU. They have a great deal of talent and it looks like Cutcliffe may have Ainge performing at a higher level. Of course, if they have a rash of injuries then I reserve the right to be wrong.
GulfCoastTider
Hall of Fame
I think it just goes to show just how dumb the national sports media is.
Cal's defense sucked. UT's defense has always been good.
I don't care if your "offensive genius" has the best new strategy since God invented the Wishbone. If you can't get off blocks, make tackles and cover wide receivers, you will lose.
Florida won the 1996 MNC with a punishing defense and a great offense. And until Urban Crier learns how to pronounce the word "defense" without sobbing, their first MNC in '96 will be their last.
Cal's defense sucked. UT's defense has always been good.
I don't care if your "offensive genius" has the best new strategy since God invented the Wishbone. If you can't get off blocks, make tackles and cover wide receivers, you will lose.
Florida won the 1996 MNC with a punishing defense and a great offense. And until Urban Crier learns how to pronounce the word "defense" without sobbing, their first MNC in '96 will be their last.
One thing......... UF's secondary, for that matter their whole 'D', won't miss the tackles that CAL's did!
I think UT is more FOCUSED on the 'O' side of the ball, Ainge seems to be commanding more of a presence in the huddle than I saw from either QB last year! Strictly a by-product of OCC.....
UT VS UF - - will be how well UT's 'O' line will be able to handle UF's 'D' line! I think UT's 'D' line will handle UF's 'O' line without much trouble....JMO!
The 'D' well it's sort of like 'Bama they always seem to show up and will win the ballgame if the 'O' does a little something!
I think Cal was overrated like I think Fla is overrated! But then opinions are like Eyes, Ears, etc. you know everybody has one!!:biggrin:
Don't let this fool you into thinking I like Orange, I despise the Orange Pumpkin!
I think Tennesee is/will be significantly improved from last year. Cal was indeed overrated, but they were no cream puff either. UT ran them off the field and made them look like a joke. They still have some real tests coming later in the season, but I think they are a quality team.
I want them and the barners to win all of their games this year - except for one!!!
ROOOOLLLLLL TIDE
I really don't think they're as good as they looked. I think Cal. just wasn't prepared for them. UT i believe still has issuse, and that will show up down the road.
I HOPE, I HOPE, I HOPE!!!
RTR:BigA:
I HOPE, I HOPE, I HOPE!!!
RTR:BigA:
I think UT is for real. I really do. Last year (IMO) was a fluke. I don't think they have improved, so much as they are now living up to expectations. Last year they underachieved (imo). But they were loaded. I think they still are and have a better direction under Cutcliff.
UT may or may not beat Fla, but they are going to be very dangerous this year.
No opinion here yet!
I can tell you this, the UTcheat fans sure think they are for real..
It amazes me how much they have changed their tune.
But we will find out in about 9 days whether or not they are for real.
I can tell you this, the UTcheat fans sure think they are for real..
It amazes me how much they have changed their tune.
But we will find out in about 9 days whether or not they are for real.
Unfortunately, it has been confirmed. The state of Tennessee really exists. Perhaps if enough of us signs a petition, we can give the state to Mexico or Canada...
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