Tennessee vs. Oregon Preview: Elmer Fudd Takes Aim
by Will Shelton on Sep 8, 2010 10:00 AM EDT
in Tennessee Volunteer Football
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Much like our bald, speech-impaired friend, we may be slower than we used to and our weapons may not always be effective...but if given the chance, under the right circumstances, we could potentially be effective in stopping Ducks in their tracks...maybe. Just maybe. Be very, very quiet.
Last week gave you an initial, blurry impression. But even though it was only UT-Martin, the fact that no glaring weaknesses presented themselves, combined with the fact that it's only the second week of the season, means you go into this game with just enough hope to be dangerous. It's not that we expect to take care of business easily, or even at all...but until Oregon goes up two possessions, I won't be resigned to defeat. It's unbecoming of us as Tennessee fans...and I hope we never get used to it.
Oregon was all kinds of explosive last year, gets LaMichael James back this week, and should be the favorite. They certainly looked like one of the best teams in college football last week in their 72-0 opener...but like us, it was only New Mexico.
So I'm curious, with a splash of hope. If that hope is going to grow into something more and our curiosity replaced with any thought of victory, here's where it has to start:
1. Win Time of Possession
Lots of things got lost in the shuffle of Boise State's 19-8 win over Oregon last year because of The Punch. With all the places we've found hope in that box score because of Justin Wilcox, the most important and most glaring one really hasn't been mentioned much: the Broncos played keep-away from Oregon to the tune of 42:32 to 17:28.
Here's the first half of that game:
- Oregon 3 and out
- Boise 18 plays, 84 yards, 8:41, missed FG
- Oregon 3 and out
- Boise 9 plays, 26 yards, 4:48, missed FG
- Oregon 3 and out
- Boise 11 plays, 50 yards, 5:15, TD
- Oregon 3 and out
- Boise 6 plays, 16 yards, punt
- Oregon safety
- Boise 10 plays, 30 yards, FG
- Oregon 3 and out
Boise then opened the second half with a nine play TD drive, followed by another Oregon three and out, and there were additional second half drives where Jeremiah Masoli threw an interception on the first play of one and fumbled on the second play of another. The rest of the season showed us that Oregon had a truly explosive offense...but when you're on the sideline, your fuse isn't burning.
You can't expect the Vol defense to open with six straight three and outs and a safety, but there is obviously tremendous value in keeping Oregon's offense off the field. Not only does it keep them off the scoreboard, but it gives the thin Tennessee defense time to rest...and if it's going to be an aggressive Wilcox defense on Saturday night, it'll need that rest even more.
If Tennessee can line up in the I like we saw for most of the night against UT-Martin and move the chains running against Oregon's defense, Tennessee's chances in this game go way, way up. This Vol offense doesn't appear to be built to score points in bunches or manufacture big comebacks...but if we can grind it out and run the clock, maybe we can wear down their defense in the Tennessee humidity (projected gameday high temps currently in the upper 80s) and find the points we need. Dooley's comments early this week about a ten play drive for us taking up the entire quarter being fine with him were telling.
2. Win the turnover battle
Copy and paste this for every one of the big games we'll play between now and November. If we don't get this one done, we're not going to get much winning done.
It's an unfortunate fact that this Tennessee team needs all the help it can get. The Vols cannot afford to give Oregon good field position, and cannot afford to waste scoring opportunities, and most of all we can't give them anything for free. Even if our defense doesn't come up with any turnovers, the offense has to make sure we're not giving anything away. This means ball security and good decision making from Matt Simms. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win.
Simms' decision making leads us to...
3. Take the right chances in the passing game
Can Tennessee beat Oregon if Simms throws for 181 yards? You'd have to assume total domination by the young offensive line in the run game if you answered yes, which would go a long way toward taking care of item #1 on this list...but since I think it'll take some of all five to give ourselves a chance to win in the fourth quarter, I think Simms is going to have to make a play or two.
Good news here: Oregon's pass defense was a huge hole at the end of last year, and even with some new faces this year, New Mexico is not an indication that everything is better now. Check out what Oregon allowed in four of their last five games in the 2009 season:
- at Stanford: 251 passing yards, 51 points
- at Arizona: 314 passing yards, 41 points
- vs Oregon State: 306 passing yards, 33 points
- vs Ohio State: 266 passing yards, 26 points
Opportunities were there against this secondary, and should be there for Simms at times on Saturday, especially if the Vols can make the Ducks work to stop the run (more than they're probably already planning to). We shouldn't try to live by the pass, but we will need it to survive. When the Vols go play action, can Simms make a throw under pressure? Can we go vertical and find the big plays we may need to give ourselves any chance to score?
4. Defensive Aggression: Crazy, not stupid
I'm just excited to see what Justin Wilcox will do with no reason to hide anything for a future opponent. Monte's defense was more than fine, but it was also more predictable. And we won't turn this into a post debating the merits of John Chavis...we'll hold that thought for three weeks. But it's not that we're not used to seeing great defenses...I just have a feeling we're not used to seeing anything like what we're going to see on Saturday.
We fans, a lot of times, want to see a defense that blitzes on every play. It's exciting, it's risky, it's dangerous but we like it. But this was also a Tennessee team that last year, with the help of Eric Berry and Monte Kiffin, was tremendous at keeping the other team from big pass plays. For all the insane looks and blitzes that Wilcox may throw at Oregon, if we don't stay fundamentally sound, we're going to give up a lot of points.
On the other sideline will be Darron Thomas, who had a Simms-esque performance against New Mexico: 13 of 23, 220 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT. The INT was a terrible decision, which means he's capable of making another one...or two, or three, or you know, whatever he's in the mood for.
However, don't forget that in the 2008 meeting between Oregon and Boise State, the Ducks had to burn Thomas's redshirt when Masoli got a concussion. Though they came with the Broncos leading 37-13 at the start of the period, he fired three fourth quarter touchdown passes and threw for 210 yards, almost leading the Ducks back to victory. So he's known success against Wilcox before.
This, however, will be a different animal. This is Neyland Stadium on the road. Which brings us to...
5. You and Me
Both because my superfandom enjoys the illusion that you and me have anything to do with the outcome...and because with this Tennessee team, it's more difficult to find five reasons we'll beat anybody, let alone these guys.
But...best crowd of the year in 2009? UCLA. That was one of the best crowds in recent memory, worked into a frenzy with the new energy from Lane Kiffin and the hope of a week one blowout. UT-Martin may be Western Kentucky, but Oregon is not UCLA...and UCLA still beat us.
However, the Cal game from 2006 has also been brought up a lot this week. Pac-10 schools still remember that game, and I believe the environment made a difference then. It needs to make a difference Saturday.
Tickets are still available. You come and be loud. If Tennessee can make something good happen early, then we'll have a chance to grind it out and stay in front. And if the Vols can't make something good happen early, maybe we can make something bad happen for Oregon - five yards here, a timeout there, these things do add up. The energy in the stadium for UT-Martin last week was much better than I expected. If we want Saturday to be special, we need a special crowd.
I say it's duck season, and I say fire.
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2 Cents from a Ducks Fan...
You will probably win the time of possession battle, but it’s not a big factor against the Ducks. Chip Kelly often talks about that being the most overrated stat. We lost the time of possession battle against Utah, Purdue, UCLA, Washington, Arizona State, Arizona, and Oregon State and won all 7 of those games.
Winning the turnover battle, as you stated, is huge in any big game.
As for the pass defense, while the Ducks did give up some yards in the air at the end of the season, it was against very good passing games in Stanford (Luck), Arizona (Foles), and Oregon State (Canfield), and we sold out to stop the run in the Rose Bowl and Pryor threw a lot of balls up for grabs that they came down with. I’d say the biggest weakness that I see is that our CB’s aren’t very big, so if you have big receivers who can go up and get the jump balls that’s where some of your success could come. That being said, your passing success will almost certainly come down to how well your O-Line protects your QB. You will see a ton of blitzing and pressure to the QB. If your O-Line shuts that down you will see success in the passing game.
Justin Wilcox – loves beating up on the team he played for. Enough said. I can’t dispute what he’s done against us. It will be very interesting to see how Chip Kelly and crew adjust to what they saw from Wilcox’s BSU defense from last year.
The crowd will certainly play some kind of factor, but maybe not as much is being made. Thomas is a new starter, but he’s in his 3rd year in the program. He’s played in Autzen, he’s played in the Civil War in Reeser Stadium, he’s played in the Holiday Bowl, he was on the sidelines for the Rose Bowl. While those aren’t the same thing because he didn’t start, he’ll be better off than he would if he was a true Freshman in his first game action against a hostile crowd.
The thing that Oregon struggled most with last year was power running attacks. Gearhart killed us, and his success led to 1 on 1 coverage and a lot of success for Andrew Luck last year. Part of it is the big running back, but I think it’s even more about big O-lines. Our defensive line is very fast, but not very big. Brandon Bair and Zac Clark are 272 and 274 respectively. We do have some big freshmen as well though, so it’ll be interesting to see if Ricky Heimuli (arguable our top recruit in this class besides Lache Seastrunk) gets much time seeing as how he’s 318 pounds. I saw that Tennessee ran for a lot of yards last week; if those yards came from a lot of power running plays that’s what will really make the biggest difference for the Volunteers against the Ducks in my opinion. If there are a lot of sweeps and stretch plays I think the Ducks will be able to run those down with the speed of both the D-Line and the excellent linebackers we have.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Sep 8, 2010 10:31 AM EDT reply actions
both teams have somewhat undersized defensive lines
but Tennessee has RBs that are strong between the tackles, and I think that may give Tennessee an edge, despite having a relatively thin and inexperienced line.
I think there will be a little more pressure on Thomas, and no offense to the other venues you mentioned, but it will be the most hostile environment he’s played against. (Autzen doesn’t really count – I assume the crowds there aren’t blasting the decibel scale when Oregon has the ball).
I would be shocked if Oregon doesn’t load up against the run and test Simms to make good throws downfield. He wasn’t exactly sharp last week, and he’s going to have to prove that he can make timely and accurate throws.
Yeah, I expect to win time of possession
what I mean is it needs to be a decisive win for Tennessee to really do what they want to do in this game
by Will Shelton on Sep 8, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Unless it turns into an Oregon blowout, no (sane/intelligent) duck fan will expect to win the time of possession. The key with the Boise State game against Oregon wasn’t so much the ToP, but 3rd down conversions (offensively and defensively).
Oregon has consistently been near the bottom in ToP, in the Chip Kelly era. ‘08; ’09.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
For us
I think we need both the 3rd down stops on defense, plus the long drives on offense. Our starting 11 on defense can do a good job, but our backups on the line and in the secondary are a huge dropoff. Dooley talked about you guys having 10 play drives that last 2 minutes, so like I’m say I’m sure you don’t expect to win it…we’ll just want to keep your offense off the field for as long as possible.
by Will Shelton on Sep 8, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Which means you really need to start making stops on first down. If Oregon gets into 2nd and 6 or 3rd and 3 they will convert all day long, from what I’ve seen.
"I have a very strong distaste for Oregon State and Washington. Also Stanford.
It all depends on the Defense
The whole offensive scheme is predicated on what the defense does. Very few plays are predetermined. The Ducks QB will make the read and then decide.
But, it is not uncommon for the Ducks to pass on first down, particularly wide receiver screens or off the fake.
Sure...
Last year, Oregon was 253 Rushes/155 Passes on first downs.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
All depends on how good
Chuck Smith’s defensive line is. The key to beating a spread-option, from all I’ve ever seen, is to have a good front group and stuff the inside run. Tennessee was able to do that against teams with Dan Williams last year, and if he hadn’t graduated I’d think the Vols would really shut Oregon down.
As it is our D-Line is really the biggest question mark coming into this game, as is the schemes we’re going to be using. Wilcox’s defensive strategy is particularly used to combat wide-open offenses, as you well know, and it’s a big question if 1) He’s managed to get his defense down so quickly and 2) Does Tennessee have enough atheles to keep to those schemes against Oregon’s pressure and speed?
______________________________________________
I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
Reflecting in my NCAA 11 Playthrough of the game
If you expand the numbers to account for 15-minute quarters, I (that is to say, Tennessee) held the ball for 10 more minutes than Oregon and held the Ducks to 3-9 on 3rd Down. That’s the sort of performance we need.
______________________________________________
I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
New Mexico won time of possession
in the first half last week with the score 59-0
This should be a good test for both our schools to see where we are… last Saturday was fun, but now we need to stand up.
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
Not quite...
Unless Tennessee can throw the ball downfield, the inbetween running game will not work. Oregon’s always been very stout against the run and it seems like they’re losing some talent at the WR position.
This game did scare me because the I-Formation 2 TE sets are what killed Oregon last year against Stanford. But Stanford also has one of the best O-Lines in the nation and one of the best QB’s, Plus a deep threat in Owusu and experienced wideouts. If UT wants to keep this game close, they need to not get down early and run the ball at a snails pace. Keep the ball out of Oregon’s hands.
I think Tennessee might be able to run the ball with enough success early on that it will set up some play action passes.
but a lot has to do with how well our OL plays. It’s a big question mark. If we have to rely on Simms airing it out to open up the running game, then Tennessee could be in trouble.
I'll be doing what I can about #5
Sitting in section AA. Also just bought a basketball holiday pack that went on sale today. Will go to Oakland with Dad and then take my fiancee to her first two major sporting events against UTM and Memphis.
In response to our duck friend, I think winning TOP is more important for us than perhaps for others. We don’t have a ton of depth on defense (except at end and linebacker), so staying off the field and resting up will be useful.
There are two things that make me think that we have a chance here (other than the HFA factor). First, our defensive weakness is size in the interior line, and I don’t know if they can take advantage of that. Their strength is speed, which we have in spades. Spreads scare me because of Chavis and Monte, but our defense just might be built to stop it this year. Second, as MCDuck pointed out, our bigger offensive line might be able to find success against a small, but quick front four.
by Incipient_Senescence on Sep 8, 2010 11:10 AM EDT reply actions
Thanks for the insight !!
All good points and well I feel like a blind man walking towards a cliff………so far so good. I wish you all would have played a better team or we would have. I would have a better barometer of were we are. But that being said that Whip Welly is about to wub me the wrong way ; )
If you can't be kind at least be vague. Go Vols !
I know exactly what you mean. The only thing I really got out of our game is that our running attack is really good, which I already knew. Although Thomas’s stats ended up okay, he overthrew a bunch of receivers that could easily end up interceptions against an SEC defense. I will tell you one thing…I hate that all the media people are starting to act like Oregon will win this game easily. I hope to god the players don’t buy into that nonsense because there’s nothing easy about this game for either team.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Sep 8, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree and can't wait till Sat. night.
I really enjoyed our first game but I’m pretty sure there will be more drinking in this one. and more throwing of the remote.
If you can't be kind at least be vague. Go Vols !
I know that feeling!
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Sep 8, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
As do I. Also, my dog will be as scared as usual on a Saturday in September.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Good write up
I wish I knew more about UT’s strengths and weaknesses. As far as SEC teams go, I usually pull for UT except when he who shall not be named was the coach there. I hope you guys do really well this year. Just not Saturday.
"I have a very strong distaste for Oregon State and Washington. Also Stanford.
Trust me
We wish we knew more about UT’s strengths and weaknesses too. But we’re about to find out.
by Will Shelton on Sep 8, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Early line has Oregon as a 13 Point Favorite
In my 20 or so years as a Vols fan, I cannot remember us being that big of an underdog at home.
I also agree that the way to attack the ducks is to run Poole and Oku all day and use our big O-Line to try and wear down their smaller D – Line. Hopefully this can happen.
I wish we didn't have that spread
"I have a very strong distaste for Oregon State and Washington. Also Stanford.
Me too. If you put a gun to my head and made me put money on this game I’d take the Vols to cover. I just can’t expect Darron Thomas to play a totally clean game.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Sep 8, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
If it were @ Oregon
13 would be reasonable. But at Neyland, with Wilcox, first real game, first road start(? Not checking facts here, Ducks, but I assume…?) for Thomas…
______________________________________________
I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
Yes this is Thomas’s first road start.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Sep 8, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that line is ridiculous.
It’s got sucker bet written all over it. Should that make me more nervous or less nervous?
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Our defensive Line isn't excactly small
Our tackles range from 280 to 319 pounds. Our ends are light by comparison but fast and we have the Pac-10 sack leader in Kenny Rowe.
Plus, we’re 9 deep so each guy plays full tilt for 3 or 4 plays, then the next wave comes in fresh. Same with the O-line. That’s why they can get off 10 or 12 plays in just a few minutes. Everyone is fresh, and it’s the other team that gets tired.
In fact, at the end of the year we saw guys faking injuries, just to slow the pace down. I hope the official find a way to stop that nonsense.
319. Ricky Heimuli. He’s a true freshman and will play.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Number 1 back up at the DT/NT position. Plus, Oregon used him at NT and moved Bair (280lb starting NT) to DT a couple of times last week when starters were playing.
That’s one thing you have to realize about Oregon’s D, guys move around positions a lot. Our safety/rover started at LB last year, our DE (Rowe) will play OLB and even lined up on a slot WR against UNM. our DT/DE and NT’s will change places a lot. You’ll see about 15 different looks from the same guys on the field in any given game. Plus, because of the number of plays the D players play, they sub a lot of guys in and the defense is verrrry deep.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
move the DT to the DE
Bair is 6’7" 280 and can easily play DE as well as NT/DT. The D line is very versatile. Oregon will switch between a 3-4 and 4-3 front a lot and move their DE (Rowe) to OLB, or even sometime move their NT to a DT and show a 4-3 front.
Your O-line better be on their game because trying to identify where the blitz is coming from and the assignments will be changing all day long.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
oh sorry I just read what I wrote... duh
Oregon used him at NT and moved Bair (280lb starting NT) to
DTDE a couple of times
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Oh yeah
Like I said elsewhere, they’re 9 deep on the front, and every guy is rotated every 3-4 plays so they always stay fresh.
This only has the two-deep and doesn’t show everyone who gets PT, you might like perusing it:
thanks
I had seen the depth chart before, and that’s why I said the DL isn’t very big. Going 2 deep, it’s not really. But that Heimuli kid only had one defensive stat that that was a defended pass. How many snaps was he in vs. New Mexico? If that’s all he could get against them, how will he have any impact against Tennessee?
Traditionally...
Oregon’s DT’s are space eaters. Their jobs are to occupy O-Linemen and stay home. Let the linebackers do the tackling or blitzing. The thing is…UNM stopped trying to run up the middle at about halftime. Very hard for a 320 lb DT to chase down a running back on the edges.
Because he’s a bull-rush NT and UNM double teamed him everytime he was in. Probably played half of the first quarter and half of the 2nd quarter. Plus, Oregon’s D line is not their playmakers. It’s the LB’s that make the plays. The D-line creates the holes for the fast LBs to make the plays. If your Oline can pick up the blitzes, single cover the Dline and get to the second level for the RB, Oregon is going to be in for a long day. If not…
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
i can understand having an impact without picking up stats
but against UNM, that seems pretty unimpressive. But, I don’t know. I didn’t see them game, so I could be wrong.
I wouldn't say you're wrong
just that UNM was taken out of their game pretty early and the 2 deep also didn’t play very long because of the score. Also, our D line just doesn’t make a lot of plays and stats, they’re there to eat up space and allow the LBs to make the plays.
It is not by any means a conventional defensive front, which can lead to Tenn being able to do things or not. Back to the break or don’t break defense…
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Ironically, time of posession!
One of the only times Oregon won the TOP!
Look, NM was sooo bad that they couldn’t do anything. The Ducks took it away 5 times. No one had a chance to get any defensive stats.
Like I said, it only shows the 2 deep but they play more than that….
Keliikipi is like 290, Heimuli is 319, Tett is like 300.
Those numbers kind of miss the point overall. Our defense isn’t predicated on size, but speed and technique. That has its weaknesses, but their job is to allow the linebackers and and rover to make the tackles.
yes, I gathered as much
that is why I’m saying that Tennessee’s OL has an opportunity to win that battle and establish enough push for an effective running game.
Until they get tired!
Depth (or lack thereof) will be a key factor for a relatively young, inexperienced Vols team.
right
my hope is that there is enough success running it early on, that it will open up some passing opportunities for Simms.
Run Blocking
is a lot easier than pass blocking. I know my friends in HS said they could run block all day long. Yeah, totally makes me an expert.
______________________________________________
I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
It's true
Run blocking only requires you to sustain the block for a second or two.
Say what you mean, and say it mean. - Clint Ruin
Look at the QB's Oregon faced in those last four games too:
Check out what Oregon allowed in four of their last five games in the 2009 season:
at Stanford: 251 passing yards, 51 points – Luck
at Arizona: 314 passing yards, 41 points – Foles
vs Oregon State: 306 passing yards, 33 points – Canfield
vs Ohio State: 266 passing yards, 26 points – Pryor
The two most efficient QB’s in the Pac 10 in 2009 (Stanford and OSU) and the QB with the most att/g and the second most yards in the Pac 10 in 2009 (Foles). Oh, and Terrell Pryor.
Is Matt Simm comparable to any of these QB’s? Especially with some of your best playmakers at WR out for the game?
P.S. You will win T.O.P, guaranteed, and Oregon doesn’t care.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
I think if Tennessee passes for more than 200 yards, they win this game.
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I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
I think that really depends
200 yards with less than 100 yards rushing on 50% completion rate, you’re probably not winning that game. 200 yards on the ground to go with the 200 yards in the air and it’s a completely different story.
I can tell you that the games that gave Oregon’s defense fits last year (and will most again this year) are efficient passing games coupled with good power rushing games. Simms is going to have to throw in the mid 60’s comp % and you’re going to have to rush 35+ times to beat this defense.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Power Rushing
Tennessee can and will try to do. I’m honestly not too terribly worried about the rushing game, which might be a problem, but what I think a big key will be is if the Vols can loosen up the Ducks with a few completed passes of 20+ yards.
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I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
This can be problematic
if the Vols can loosen up the Ducks with a few completed passes of 20+ yards.
It won’t loosen up the Ducks if you complete some of those throws, what will be more important is WHEN you make those throws. The problem with the power rushing game against Oregon is:
1. you look at the teams that did that last year (Stanford and Ohio St) and they had 50+ carries, that is going to wear on your O-line and depth.
2. there are a lot of 2nd and 3rd and longs which put your QB in obvious passing downs and that plays right into Oregon’s Zone Blitz 3-4 scheme. A tired O-line is going to have to be sharp to pick up which backer is coming after the QB, and the QB is going to have to be efficient and accurate on those downs to keep the chains moving. Once again, he’s going to need to be in the 60’s in completion % and especially on 3rd down.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Yeah
Obviously 2 HB Iso’s for 3 yards and a 25 yard pass to Luke Stocker on 3rd down, rinse, repeat, would do little to free up a defense.
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I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
OSU was a run-focused offense last year
because Pryor wasn’t very comfortable with the offense. They implemented a horizontal passing game and ran some play action roll outs to get TP out of the pocket – to try and match his strengths. Lucky for him, last years’ signature air-balls down field connected a few times. But I hightly doubt you will see risky throws like that this weekend. Tennessee, however, will run a similar style that OSU did last year. Try and establish a power running game, which we are capable of, and give Simms quick throws to the playmakers we have at WR. And I think fairly early on in the game, we might see a couple play action throws deep if Oregon looks like they are really going to focus on stopping the run.
From what we've heard
Simms does have a good arm, and I know Tennessee has Speed at WR to get by anybody at least a few times. All depends on if he can hit ’em and if the O-Line can protect him.
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I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
I would like to say, I enjoy the blog you guys have here. I feel mutual respect between our programs and blogs!
Thumbs up to Rocky Top Talk!
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
agreed
RTT has a great blog. If any Duck fans get out of hand over here, we’ll do our best to slap them around for guys. Much respect Rocky Top!
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Thanks. For me
I’ve always been a semi-Oregon fan, and they are my “Pac-10” team. I’ve seen nothing but mostly respect and no outright dirtiness from ya’ll over here, and somewhat enjoyed the, err, “Poetry-Off” during my insomnia last night.
I’ll go on the record of saying that Dixon’s injury against Arizona a few years ago was one of the biggest injustices that I’ve seen in a long, long time in CFB.
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I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
I'll second that
I loved watching that Dixon led team. I have family in Oregon so the Ducks have always been my de facto Pac-10 “team” as well. When Dixon went down, coupled with how he went down, I felt like I took a punch to the gut here in Knoxville. That Oregon team was insanely fun to watch and Dixon was the Heis(t)man front runner IMO. I felt so bad for the guy.
Neyland Stadium-It goes to eleven.
Man I hope I run into Tenn fans like y’all in Knoxville this weekend – I can’t wait to hit up the bars/tailgating during the day.
What are some of the better bars to go to to watch the early games? Someone told me the strip of bars on campus is on Cumberland, that right?
I'm a fan of, and will probably be at
Copper Cellar on Cumberland. A whole lot of TVs and their own microbrew (their Black Bear Ale is slightly sweeter than I tend to prefer, but it’s still a fairly tasty beer). Also, the burgers are quite awesome.
by Incipient_Senescence on Sep 8, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Mid 20s
It’s the “I should be over my college drinking phase, but I’m still just young enough to pretend not to be, especially when traveling to college campuses in the south” age group.
yea, Cumberland Ave is known as just "the strip"
Bars I recommend: Cool Beans (cheap beer, pool tables), the Roaming Gnome (good drink deals and a cool patio overlooking the chaos on the strip), Half Barrel (biggest beer selection), Tin Roof (typically has live music, cornhole and cheap beer). Also get yourself a burger at Old College Inn or some greasy goodness at Gus’s Deli.
Neyland Stadium-It goes to eleven.
Really good write up (and that's from a Duck fan)
I know it’s been said but I have to repeat it:
Time of possession doesn’t matter, number of possessions do. The Ducks will almost certainly lose the TOP battle. But that’s because they have historically scored quickly which leads to:
Inflated defensive stats. The Ducks defense face more plays than almost any other BCS team defense. Usually because the Ducks scored quickly, but sometimes because the Ducks have a hard time getting off the field on 3rd down (often times because of penalties). However, when you look at the yards per play (4.6), the Ducks led the Pac-10 in defense. The Ducks defense always believes in stopping the run first, which leads to:
Inflated passing stats. Just because you see some big passing stats, doesn’t mean we have a weak passing defense. It means the Ducks have shut down the opponents running game and forced them to pass exclusively. Can Simms and freshmen receivers take advantage?
Much is made of the Wilcox/BSU comparison. Oregon was starting 4 new O-linemen, on the road, against BSU for whom this was the game of the year as the featured national game. They were obviously rattled. Despite losing the battle of offensive plays, they did hold BSU to 19 points (not a bad feat). They started the wrong RB (Blount) who was proven not to be the ideal back. James had only 2 carries, but got 22 yards. It might have been different if James was the starter.
Anyways, Ducks win if they don’t commit too many penalties and can get off the field on 3rd downs.
Vols win if the Ducks commit multiple turnovers and if they can be successful running the ball.
those two things are related
the more time Tennessee has the ball, the fewer possessions Oregon is likely to have.
Of course
But it’s what Oregon does with those possessions. If they are able to score quickly then UT can have the ball all it wants.
Oregon could have 3 minute TD drives then give up 9 minute FG drives to UT. Kind of like the Civil War. The Beavers controlled the ball, but the Ducks stopped them and they settled for 4 FG’s in that game, which was the difference.
Of course, if the Ducks get a few 3 and outs and don’t get rolling, it’s a different story. In that case, possessions become critical.
Unfortunately
its the exact opposite of the bend don’t break. It’s break or don’t break.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Chip Kelly calls it Ludicrous speed
A little spaceballs reference, but it is true, the offense is ridiculous how fast it moves.
Say what you mean, and say it mean. - Clint Ruin
That’s really the thing. Like I was sorta saying before. ToP isn’t the important part. It is the number of possessions, and turnovers. (Which can greatly influences the ToP)
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Watching the UNM game last week
If I recall, our first possession (resulted in Thomas’ bad INT) was 13 plays in 3:34. It was ridiculous speed. After watching Thomas and Costa on Saturday, I think a big reason Thomas got the starting spot was just how quickly he runs the next play.
Otherwise, I echo that this is a very good preview. We Ducks are sensitive to the TOP argument because we’ve been a very good team despite finishing nearly dead last in TOP the last two years. It just doesn’t matter as an isolated stat.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah well even so
if Tennessee doesn’t have sustained drives and use a lot of time, then it could be a blow out. that’s why ToP will be important for Tennessee in this game
I might add...
sustained drives resulting in touchdowns.
if the Vols can get the lead and sit on it by killing clock it will be the end of the Ducks. if they Ducks start scoring then long, time consuming drives won’t help. you’ll need to counter quickly.
not necessarily.
even down by two possessions early on in the game, there would be no need to start trying to wing it considering our personnel.
I agree
I’m not saying that this is what’s going to happen, but this is what has happened in the past:
Ducks get up two scores early, and do it relatively easy. This sometimes worries the opponent that they can’t just stick to their game plan and grind it out to the finish. They feel they have to take more risks, such as taking deep shots or going for it on 4th down.
This is especially compounded if the Ducks are able to shut down the run, which is their main priority. Most teams are behind, can’t run, and start winging the ball around. If they’re good at it, it turns into a shoot-out, but the Ducks win most shootouts (except Stanford last year).
ToP will only be important if UT can get the ball for over 40 minutes. ToP won’t be important if the Ducks score so fast that they only possess the ball for 8 minutes in the first half. See what we’re saying? It’s not about ToP…it’s about getting first downs with the running game.
Have you ever seen a team win ToP by a good 10 minutes and still lose by 40? I see exactly what you’re saying…keep the ball so Oregon doesn’t get it.
I_S said it in another post.
ToP might not be as important to Oregon, but for Tennessee it’s very important. If that makes sense
I think it makes sense
Because if Oregon’s game goes according to plan, ToP is meaningless. That isn’t true for other teams. As Jshufelt linked to above, Oregon finished 120th and 117th (out of 120) in ’08 and ’09. We were a 10-win team both years.
I think what we’re trying to say is if you look at TOP at the end of the game, it won’t be a valid predictor of who won.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I do think TOP is going to be a valid predictor for Tennessee this year though
Oregon had the ball for 8:30 less than their opponent per game last year, and as you’ve said, it made no difference. But in the Boise game, they had it for 25 minutes less, and a number like that does make a difference. It’s not a reliable indicator for Oregon, but Tennessee’s most reasonable path to victory is to shorten the game and keep it on the ground, and keep Oregon off the field. I think anything under 37 or so isn’t a big deal for UT…but if we can hold the ball somewhere in the neighborhood of 37-40 minutes and keep our defense fresh, that to me gives us the best chance to win. I don’t think you’ll see us go for many big plays, I think we’ll stay very basic and try to grind it out all day.
This is actually what I meant, didn’t express it as well. When this discussion came up, I looked back at Oregon’s box scores from last year trying to find a game that was representative of what we are saying about Oregon’s offense, and, well, there wasn’t one. which is to say we had 20+ point wins where we won TOP and lost TOP, had close games where we won TOP and lost TOP. It doesn’t matter to Oregon’s success whether we win or lose TOP.
Now, if there is a large margin of TOP (10-15+) in Tennessee’s favor, I think what that will have meant is that Tennessee controlled the game. But anything <10min difference and I don’t think it’ll really say much of anything.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
The way I look at it is
It’s important for Tenn to win ToP if they want to win this game. It’s not important for Oregon to win ToP if they want to win this game.
If Oregon wins ToP, I don’t think Tenn has a chance of winning this game. It’s a one way predictor.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Like I said above, if Oregon wins this ToP, it will likely be because of a blow out.
If UT wins it, it will be as expected, and likely won’t be telling of the out come.
It isn’t the ToP that will be “win/loss”, it is the factors that influence the ToP: 3rd down conversions, and turnovers.
If a team wants to take 9 minutes to make 15 plays happen, that’s fine. Oregon will be able to make a 15 play drive in 4 minutes. Oregon strives to dictate the tempo, offensively and defensively.
If Tennessee struggles to run the ball against Oregon, and they let Oregon get up by two scores, they’ll have to rethink their pace.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
This game makes me very nervous
2 touchdowns against Tenn. at home??? I sure hope our Ducks don’t read their press clippings and get cocky. I have the upmost respect for Tennessee’s program and have always enjoyed their games. I wish y’all the very best of luck this year, except this Saturday of course!
Let’s have a great Pac 10/SEC matchup with no injuries and few penalties.
GO DUCKS!!!
Looking forward to Neyland
It will be my first (and perhaps only) time in this storied venue. Was at a hot dog feed at the local Baptist church last night here in Salisbury. Told the pastor (who is a big Vol fan) that my whole family would be in Neyland this weekend for the Vol-Duck game. He asked how long I’d been a Vol fan. Told him my team has been the Oregon Ducks for 50 years. He ran me out of the church!
Excellent Read
I don’t take much from the BSU loss of last year due to the O-line immaturity. They had their problems against Purdue and Utah, and it wasn’t till the passing game became effective that the pressure lessened and they were able to complete the melding. Stanford and OSU losses were much better to analyze. Big difference, the line has melded, not just the starters but 2 deep. I like the Duck chances but do not see a blow out.
Wilcox will no doubt sell to stop the run, key is whether the defense is disciplined enough to play concentrate on their assignments and not bite the fakes, and force the passing game. Unlike Masoli, Thomas has a deep threat (Wilcox has to be sweating the potential after Thomas’ 4th quarter against BSU in 2008) If the Ducks can stretch the field it’ll be a long day.
Great home field advantage here and a one of the icon sites of college football, as a Duck glad you folks took the opportunity to schedule us on the home and home. That’s why I am Vol backer in the SEC play,..you play OOC football and travel. Win or lose a tip of the hat to you.
Here’s to hopes of great game and that no one gets hurt in this slug fest.
I like what your linebacker says:
"Tackle well. We’ve got to really tackle them well. We can’t let them get past us because then we’ve got to catch up with them," linebacker Austin Johnson said. "As long as we tackle well, make our right reads and hit our gaps and get them in the backfield before they have time to get going, we should have no problem."
1. make the right reads.
2. hit the correct gaps
3. get them in the backfield
4. tackle well.
That’s a lot of steps required to stop the run. But hey, if they do all of those things all the time at a breakneck pace then there won’t be any problem!
2 things to point out about Boise State last year...
While I love and respect Wilcox, he truly is a talent, part of his success last year was knowing Oregon’s palycalling signals. He was able to teach them to his defense to read the plays. Chip Kelly even said that a lot of times last year, our signals were comprimised. So, this past off-season they were completely changed. Not just the signals, but the system in which they are relayed.
Also, we played Boise State in our first game of the season, with a young and inexperienced offensive line. They finally gained composure throught he next couple games and really came together in our 42-3 beatdown of Cal. We return all 5 starters on the line and they are not only physical, but quick at pulling to the outside.
These two factors are something to keep in mind when comparing the two scenarios. Not to mention, and I don’t mean any disrespect by this but, Bosie State’s defense was, and still is, more talented and deeper than The Vols’.
Section 314 FTW!
Watch Boise State...
The defense the whole time wasn’t looking toward to BSU sideline for their play call….they were looking at the Oregon sideline. Boise needed that game to be even ranked all season and make a BCS bowl…they were going to do whatever they had to do to win.
You can say that’s an excuse all you want…but it’s fact. The Oregon coaches didn’t change up their whole signaling method they’ve used for 3 years this offseason to keep Oregon players on their toes…they did it because their signals were compromised. Coaches have been quoted saying that.
That’s the first time I’ve heard anything like that.
I did hear those claims for the Rose Bowl though.
I would look for a link to support that claim, if I were you.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Tough.
I was going to find it…but the quotes came in the offseason. I’ll still look for one. Did you hear the Oregon commentators during the New Mexico game talking about it? The specifically said Boise was the culprit. Which made sense after I watched the game tape again.
I was at the game. I haven’t watched the replay of the game yet.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Here's the Oregonian article.
There are others around. This is the just the most in-depth one out there. Even though it’s talking about the Rose Bowl, that’s just media speculation. Of course, the coaches wouldn’t call out a specific team. During the UNM game, Giansante and Newman were talking about how BSU’s defensive playcallers were looking at Oregon’s sideline.
Here’s the quote:
"There were a couple times last year when we kind of felt like our signals were, maybe, compromised,’’ offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said.
Mark Helfrich…the Oregon offensive coordinator.
I don’t trust anything Giansante says. He’s just TOO much of a homer.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Neither do I
That’s why I had to have a look for myself. I definitely saw some of what he was talking about.
Mad respect!
What a great community of Vols fans you have hear. Thanks for letting us crash in and enjoy it.
We really appreciate your insights
Matt Daddy from ATQ is coming on our podcast tomorrow night, we’re happy to have you guys here. You know yourselves much better than we do, and it’ll certainly be interesting to see how all of this plays out Saturday.
I can't wait
In many ways we are in the same boat. I.e. some known quantities and a few questions. Saturday’s game will go a long way towards answering those questions and giving us a barometer of what our expectations should be for the year. From what you have heard/read, how well have the players grasped Wilcox’s system? Have you had a chance to see the ones play against each other? If so, how did that look?
I think the players are excited
My assumption is that this is a fun defense to play in, especially for guys who aren’t used to blitzing a lot. We were very fundamentally sound last week, but we were playing an average FCS opponent. Haven’t seen the ones go against the ones since spring, and the defense won that exchange, but a lot has changed since then. I’ve mentioned a couple places before in this thread, but we’re very solid at LB and have some real playmakers in DE Chris Walker, DT Montori Hughes, and FS Janzen Jackson. The starting 11 have the makings of a good-to-great defense and we don’t lose much with the second team LBs…there’s just zero quality depth with the DLs/DBs. We have freshmen DEs that may turn out to be studs, we just don’t know yet. That’s why I keep harping on time of possession – our defense, especially if they’re going to be so active, has to stay fresh to give us a chance.
Thanks...I could buy that.
I know a lot of Duck fans dismiss TOP as Kelly has been typically forthright about his opinion on the matter. In most cases I agree that it is an overrated stat for all of the above reasons. However, you make a good point about lack of depth so a slow grinding Offence may be the Vols best chance. As a Duck fan who loves the brand of football they play, I cannot tell you how frustrating and disconcerting it is to see a team play keep away. It drives me bloody nuts! As very few teams have been successful in the attempt I think it will all hinge on which team wins the first down battle on both sides.
Forget LSU, Oregon ought to schedule Auburn.
A game featuring Kelly and Malzahn running the offenses would probably set a record for number of possessions.
Both great offensive minds.
That would be fun to watch. Don’t blink!
I would love to play a match against a Gus Malzahn offense.
I think Malzahn runs one of the more similar offenses as Kelly.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Wow, yes, let's do it!
We’ve got room for 1 more occ next year and several the year after (exact # not clear due to conference expansion questions)
"If you can't copy 'em, don't imitate ''em."
YOGI BERRA
You forgot the 4th qtr vs. BSU
You know…the part where Darron Thomas put up all the points. Now…WHO is starting for those dwatted ducks again? Ummmmmm, oh yeah.
Seriously though, I’m really looking forward to a GREAT game. Win or lose, it’s awesome as a CFB fan to see games like this.
GO DUCKS!
btw, re: comments
I gotta say this is one of the best comment threads I’ve EVER seen. Straight up, relatively respectful, and everyone looking forward to a game that’ll be a helluva lot more fun to watch than what we all got to see last week.
Restores my faith in humanity.
Plus, the last time I was in Orlanda, I saw a guy pay a dueling piano group $200 bucks to play “Rocky Top”. Craziest thing I’ve ever seen. And everyone in the bar KNEW THE WORDS!
As internetz go
SBN in general rocks. Speaking for myself, I can’t stand going elsewhere (ESPN, local fishwrappers, etc) for my college football info.
That said, you guys represent UT and football fans in general very well. Informed, insightful, intelligent, respectful. Looking forward to Saturday even more now.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Ungh, reputations. Uhm, uhm.
LOLOLOLOLLOLLOLOOLOL UR GUYS PUNCH PPL!!!!11 ESS EEE SEE SPEED WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
______________________________________________
I will give my North Carolina for Tennessee Today. Apparently.
Wait
When did we become known as the Kentucky blog?
by Incipient_Senescence on Sep 8, 2010 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
We're all about
a lil Southern hospitality around here
I enjoyed my time in Oregon although it has been several years since I was there last. Except for Portland. For some reason folks from Portland looked at me as if I were somehow delusional. But I digress :)
BloodSpite
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman
by Joseph Stanley on Sep 8, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
What were you drinking?
If you ordered a Bud Light, we would look at you as if you were delusional.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Or perhaps
if you were wearing actual shoes in the rain, as opposed to sandals and socks, or something.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Cowboy Boots
And my hat heh
But then I had just transferred from Ft Benning to Ft . Lewis (for the strangest 5 years of my career) it was February and I had a tan :P
BloodSpite
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman
by Joseph Stanley on Sep 9, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
They don't drink water in Portland?
Or just not the alcoholic kind?
by Incipient_Senescence on Sep 8, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Back to TOP, if you please.
I am wondering if any of you UT fans have seen any of the OR/NM game from last week?
Have you seen any of the games played from Cal on thru Or St?
If so, what do you think of the ‘pace’ of play, especially this year?
Have you played any team with such a pace? If so, who?
"If you can't copy 'em, don't imitate ''em."
YOGI BERRA
Sorry, second line should read “games played by Oregon last year…”
"If you can't copy 'em, don't imitate ''em."
YOGI BERRA
I ordered the Oregon/UNM game...
through the Oregon website… watched at least six Oregon games last season although I can’t really recall specifics outside of Boise, USC, and Oregon State.
Pace wise, Auburn is pretty close running the Malzahn offense… but they are also borderline schizophrenic in their playcalling while Oregon seems to generally have a coherent plan. Suppose Arkansas tries it too, but they just don’t have enough talent to be terribly scary.
As far as concern, I’m not much more concerned than I am with Alabama’s offense… yeah a team like that scores less point, but they also hold on to the ball for 8 minutes at a time. With the speed of our defensive ends, you’re best bet is to isolate the DTs on the option which will result in a lot of draws so I expect that in all practicality it will come down to the front 7 for both teams.
I'd almost argue they were faster.
If I wanted to, I’d go look up the number of plays and TOP in both of those games (I know Malzahn has a stated target of 80 plays per game) and figure out the average time per play. Malzahn does some similar things to Kelly – most notably the usage of motion and checks.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Sep 8, 2010 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Either way, both offenses get the snap off really fast.
And at some point, the distinction isn’t worth the hassle.
Wait.
You’re telling me to not spend 6 hours going through and cataloging both these offense?
::hides DVDs of Oregon’s spring game::
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Sep 8, 2010 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought the biggest problem we had with Auburn last year
wasn’t the pace, it was an inability to figure out what was coming next. Oregon is dynamic enough to give us that same problem.
But we do have the hope of a DC who has seen it before
For all of his defensive prowess, Monte didn’t handle the spread particularly well.
But yes, the players have seen it before and didn’t handle it terribly well (although we did hold them to 26 points, even though they ran up the yardage). We’ll see if the new scheme helps.
by Incipient_Senescence on Sep 8, 2010 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
For all of his defensive prowess, Monte didn’t handle the spread particularly well
Believe me, playing Kiffin and his Tampa 2 and SC have us licking our chops.
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, your friendly, neighborhood Oregon Ducks blog
As a Duck fan, I think the key to this game for the Vols is Simms.
If Simms doesn’t get anything going, you’re going to have to run the ball at us with Poole and Oku. I don’t think that will turn out well for the Vols. We have a very strong front 7.
"(Kelly's) got a veteran team that is the favorite to win the Pac-10. His choice of Thomas reflects only one belief: He’s our best QB today."-Ted Miller
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Sep 8, 2010 6:22 PM EDT reply actions
Sigh.
"(Kelly's) got a veteran team that is the favorite to win the Pac-10. His choice of Thomas reflects only one belief: He’s our best QB today."-Ted Miller
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Sep 8, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm serious.
I mean c’mon. Tennessee will face tougher defenses this year. But everyone knows what Oregon’s strength is: offensive efficiency.
That’s completely irrelevant, golfballs. How many of your O-Linemen have played against a MIGHTY SEC front 7? How many times has Poole run the ball against an SEC team? What about Oku? How many times has Simms?
It’s a moot point. I think you’re underestimating our front 7. We have some of the fastest LB’s in the country. It won’t be easy for UT to run the ball.
"(Kelly's) got a veteran team that is the favorite to win the Pac-10. His choice of Thomas reflects only one belief: He’s our best QB today."-Ted Miller
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Sep 8, 2010 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
so are you saying that Tennessee throws the ball in order to set up the run?
I think you have it backwards
Not really
The teams that beat us last year did exactly that – threw the ball to set up the run. If Simms doesn’t complete a few mid-range or downfield passes early in the game, Poole isn’t going anywhere. Even Gerhart wouldn’t have had the huge day he had if Luck hadn’t completely softened the defense by dropping 30-yard dimes in the secondary.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
We did run that offense last year
in October/November once Jonathan Crompton got his head on straight: come out firing to set up Montario Hardesty. If that was Jim Chaney’s idea, then you could see us come out firing on Saturday…but I think that was Lane Kiffin’s idea, and Dooley strikes me as much, much less likely to do anything other than play a measured pace and run the clock against you guys. Unless we were keeping lots of things up our sleeve, we’re a team that isn’t going to a three wide set unless it’s third and long, and will go two backs/two tights inside the 20.
Honestly, I just don’t see that working to Tennessee’s advantage.
"(Kelly's) got a veteran team that is the favorite to win the Pac-10. His choice of Thomas reflects only one belief: He’s our best QB today."-Ted Miller
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Sep 8, 2010 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree.
The strength of our front seven is not it’s size (fair) or it’s quickness (I think you’re gonna be surprised) but rather it’s teamwork/strategy. Simms is not gonna be able to read where the pressure is coming from. UT may have five guys to block 4 pass rushers but the 4 pass rushers are going to be coming into only two blockers. 8 legs against 4 legs=we win. And Simms better be a tuff SOB because if Brandon Bair turns him over, he’s gonna be thinking which = trouble.
"If you can't copy 'em, don't imitate ''em."
YOGI BERRA
All Oregon has to do
is score on their first two possessions while holding UT to a FG. Then UT’s “ToP strategy” will go in the toilet. Stanford was able to use that strategy because they got up on us early. Ohio State for the same reason. If UT doesn’t score 14 or more points in the first quarter, they could be in trouble.
by Quackhead503 on Sep 8, 2010 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, is that all?
We didn’t score on our first two possessions against UNM, fwiw.
I do agree that Tennessee needs to score early in order to stay in the game, though. We are a hard team to come back on because our conditioning is typically better than our opponents’.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Semantic clarification
We scored on one of our first two possessions.
axemen23: the human vuvuzela
by HoodRiverDuck on Sep 8, 2010 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Conditioning?
If only UT would allow embedding.
by David Hooper on Sep 8, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's what UT's DC Justin Wilcox said today on John Canzano's radio show 'The Bald Faced Truth' out of PDX:
Canzano: When you looked at the tape of Oregon vs New Mexico was there anything that jumped off the page at you?
Wilcox: Yeah, I thought I had my DVR stuck on fast forward.
"If you can't copy 'em, don't imitate ''em."
YOGI BERRA
Oh, I don't doubt Oregon's tempo at all.
I don’t think anybody here does.
by David Hooper on Sep 8, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Question for Vol fans about cameras...
First off, I’m damned excited to be able to finally visit Neyland Stadium, and that the Ducks are playing Tennessee! One of the many things I’m hoping to enjoy is to take a lot of photos from inside and around the stadium.
To that end, have any of you had problems bringing cameras into the stadium? I read the standard rules about no video cameras (what phone doesn’t shoot video nowadays?), and an allowance for “small” cameras, but how about a decent SLR? I have a Nikon D90 that I take into Autzen, and took to the Rose Bowl last year without issue. I’m not talking about crazy long lenses and all that, but more than a point & shoot.
Thanks!
Fantastic
Thanks for the help! Sure didn’t want to make a mad dash back to the hotel.
Personally, I like Will’s write up better. It’s more original.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
It's all about the running game.
Tennessee has always been a team that likes to run the football. Granted, that has changed a little over the years with different coordinators and coaches. The fact is, Oregon has a small defensive line. Tauren Poole, David Oku, and Raj’on Neal should have no problem with pounding it up the middle and blowing a hole in Oregon’s defense. if Tennessee wins the ground battle, and Simms plays somewhat smart, i say Tennessee has a 24-14 win on Saturday.
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