Finally got to watch a VU game on TV live this season. Thankfully my wife and kids were out of the house given some of the things that came out of my mouth.
- VU needed to make it ugly, and did they ever.
- That was a clinic, an absolute clinic, in team defense that VU put on today. Just beautiful to watch four and five guys swarm the ball on every play and watch the players communicate execute as a team in coverage. DL and OLBs played their best game of the year,IMO. And what's so impressive is that the defense didn't skip a beat when young subs were in. Josh Smith, Wiley, Dare O., and Sheffield all made solid contributions today.
- Ralph Webb's play today, and over the past few games, has been outstanding given what he's had to work with. Hope all the doubters now see he does indeed have SEC quality speed. And average or worse backs do not make the play he made on 4th-and-1 to spin and avoid the penetration three yards deep, regain his feet and eyes, and pick up the first down.
- It's about time to hire someone who doesn't wear his hat backwards on the sidelines during the game to coach special teams. At least look professional if your units are going to cost VU the game (I know some may disagree, but backwards hats on coaches during the game annoy the hell out of me.)
- Given that the OL is basically a center and four guards, and facing 8-man boxes 90% of the time, they did ok, and should be commended for competing hard and making a few things happen against a very good front 7. Pulley in particular played another good game. One thing Ludwig has done over the past few games is to switch up the read for the back on the inside zone (instead of always setting it to a particular defensive lineman), which I think has helped keep defenses guessing a bit and helped the OL work better combo blocks. And in pass pro...I think we just have to accept that it is what it is due to injury and lack of experience. I said in the offseason that starting next year, we'd see a big jump in play from the OL, and I still believe that (assuming they stay healthy).
- Accuracy issues aside, JMac is a tough player and is a team guy. He did what was asked of him today and didn't have much help. Again, I don't envy Ludwig right now -- I think he would have liked to get JMac's legs more involved today and move the pocket a bit, but with Shurmur hurt and the situation at OT, couldn't risk it. (Still wish we'd see some more slants and tight bunch formations).
- One thing that jumped out today is while VU fans constantly lament the lack of a burner on the outside, I think VU equally needs a receiver who can play and win jumpball. VU hasn't tried to throw fades and backshoulders much this season, and when they did try today it looked...bad. JMatt spoiled us all with his ability to highpoint and win contested balls with ease. Hopefully Pinkney can develop into that guy.
- The illegal formation penalties were bad but understandable. The illegal sub penalty was not (especially after last week). Mason was not happy and I don't think the player who screwed it up saw the field again today.
- Staff and players could have mailed it in after last week. They didn't and played a hard, physical, and competitive game of football. Something to take into the next three weeks against two teams that are going the wrong way in a hurry and the Vols. All three are winnable.
- VU needed to make it ugly, and did they ever.
- That was a clinic, an absolute clinic, in team defense that VU put on today. Just beautiful to watch four and five guys swarm the ball on every play and watch the players communicate execute as a team in coverage. DL and OLBs played their best game of the year,IMO. And what's so impressive is that the defense didn't skip a beat when young subs were in. Josh Smith, Wiley, Dare O., and Sheffield all made solid contributions today.
- Ralph Webb's play today, and over the past few games, has been outstanding given what he's had to work with. Hope all the doubters now see he does indeed have SEC quality speed. And average or worse backs do not make the play he made on 4th-and-1 to spin and avoid the penetration three yards deep, regain his feet and eyes, and pick up the first down.
- It's about time to hire someone who doesn't wear his hat backwards on the sidelines during the game to coach special teams. At least look professional if your units are going to cost VU the game (I know some may disagree, but backwards hats on coaches during the game annoy the hell out of me.)
- Given that the OL is basically a center and four guards, and facing 8-man boxes 90% of the time, they did ok, and should be commended for competing hard and making a few things happen against a very good front 7. Pulley in particular played another good game. One thing Ludwig has done over the past few games is to switch up the read for the back on the inside zone (instead of always setting it to a particular defensive lineman), which I think has helped keep defenses guessing a bit and helped the OL work better combo blocks. And in pass pro...I think we just have to accept that it is what it is due to injury and lack of experience. I said in the offseason that starting next year, we'd see a big jump in play from the OL, and I still believe that (assuming they stay healthy).
- Accuracy issues aside, JMac is a tough player and is a team guy. He did what was asked of him today and didn't have much help. Again, I don't envy Ludwig right now -- I think he would have liked to get JMac's legs more involved today and move the pocket a bit, but with Shurmur hurt and the situation at OT, couldn't risk it. (Still wish we'd see some more slants and tight bunch formations).
- One thing that jumped out today is while VU fans constantly lament the lack of a burner on the outside, I think VU equally needs a receiver who can play and win jumpball. VU hasn't tried to throw fades and backshoulders much this season, and when they did try today it looked...bad. JMatt spoiled us all with his ability to highpoint and win contested balls with ease. Hopefully Pinkney can develop into that guy.
- The illegal formation penalties were bad but understandable. The illegal sub penalty was not (especially after last week). Mason was not happy and I don't think the player who screwed it up saw the field again today.
- Staff and players could have mailed it in after last week. They didn't and played a hard, physical, and competitive game of football. Something to take into the next three weeks against two teams that are going the wrong way in a hurry and the Vols. All three are winnable.
