UAB game cause for concern?

[Rip Van Winkle]

With National title hopes this season...do you think that the UAB game is just the first game jitters or a precursor to what could be a disappointing season for Vols fans (meaning more then 1 loss)

Guess we'll see how the secondary recovers when we play Florida.

[GatorNation]

With National title hopes this season...do you think that the UAB game is just the first game jitters or a precursor to what could be a disappointing season for Vols fans (meaning more then 1 loss)

Guess we'll see how the secondary recovers when we play Florida.

You could be 1-2 heading into week 4...I'd be worried about Florida. Even with two weeks off--which isn't good before a big game so early in the season, especially after struggling in the opener--I don't think Phil will be able to have the scout team give you a very good look at Meyer's offense. Then it's off to the Bayou....

Not good, imo.

[uscrebel]

With National title hopes this season...do you think that the UAB game is just the first game jitters or a precursor to what could be a disappointing season for Vols fans (meaning more then 1 loss)

Guess we'll see how the secondary recovers when we play Florida.

I think that it is less a matter of jitters and more a matter of how far the UAB program has come.

When I first started posting here in the spring, you Vol fans used to jump on me all the time about my comments about how ugly Fulmer's brand of ball is. They never perform the way anticipated. It is just ugly, ugly football, but since 1992 the man has only lost 31 games. I was more impressed with UGA than UTK in the East, but I am not ready to write off the Vols yet.

[fernandomike]

I think that it is less a matter of jitters and more a matter of how far the UAB program has come.

When I first started posting here in the spring, you Vol fans used to jump on me all the time about my comments about how ugly Fulmer's brand of ball is. They never perform the way anticipated. It is just ugly, ugly football, but since 1992 the man has only lost 31 games. I was more impressed with UGA than UTK in the East, but I am not ready to write off the Vols yet.

If you are a gambler, then you know that UT is a terrible bet as a favorite. I have no problems with people thinking that we are horrible as that has tended to precede some of our best performances. We will surely need to play better. I still say that the Vols will be ready for the trip to the swamp. Make no mistake, I am not guaranteeing a win. I just think that the challenge of playing a quality team on the road will go a long way toward bringing out the best in a talented team. Like I have said before, one week is a mighty small sample size. We will have a much better idea after what I think will be a great battle in Gainesville.

[uscrebel]

If you are a gambler, then you know that UT is a terrible bet as a favorite. I have no problems with people thinking that we are horrible as that has tended to precede some of our best performances. We will surely need to play better. I still say that the Vols will be ready for the trip to the swamp. Make no mistake, I am not guaranteeing a win. I just think that the challenge of playing a quality team on the road will go a long way toward bringing out the best in a talented team. Like I have said before, one week is a mighty small sample size. We will have a much better idea after what I think will be a great battle in Gainesville.

Ferdie,

You have hit the nail on the head. I imagine that there are more than a few guys sitting in bankruptcy because they gave the points in a Tennessee game. I bet that since 1992 UTK has not beat the spread in over 50% of their wins....but they WIN BABY!

[rabidcock]

TN always plays the great teams great; sometimes they overwhelm lesser teams, but just as often they play uninspired ball against them. I think it was just a little of the latter, combined with the fact that UAB has a pretty darned good team. The Vols just expected to dominate and nearly got burned.

[GeauxTo]

If you are a gambler, then you know that UT is a terrible bet as a favorite. I have no problems with people thinking that we are horrible as that has tended to precede some of our best performances. We will surely need to play better. I still say that the Vols will be ready for the trip to the swamp. Make no mistake, I am not guaranteeing a win. I just think that the challenge of playing a quality team on the road will go a long way toward bringing out the best in a talented team. Like I have said before, one week is a mighty small sample size. We will have a much better idea after what I think will be a great battle in Gainesville.
Pretty logical. I really thought Ainge was your downfall against UAB. Also, I was a little disappointed with your vaunted D getting to a very good UAB QB. If they let Leak float the pocket around with impunity, it'll be a long day for the Vols in the Swamp. The weaknesses in your secondary were obvious against UAB, and given the time, Leak will absolutely destroy you. To your advantage, however, is that the Gators have a pitiful running game. That may allow your D to pin their ears back and bring the house. And if they get to Leak a few times, that will disrupt him; he does not like hits of the kind that Mehelona (?) will bring. Phat Phil is a very good football coach. He's going to have the Vols as ready as anyone could. I would imagine he'll start Clausen, who is an okay thrower with very good instincts. Clausen won't lose the game for them. But he may not be able to win it, either. Florida has an outstanding QB and outstanding receivers and a very good D. Their weakness is in RB. It should be an outstanding game. As it appears right now, I think Florida will win. And that will make for an even madder, more desperate bunch of Vols to head into the Bayou the following week, and that doesn't bode well for my Tigers.

[GatorNation]

Pretty logical. I really thought Ainge was your downfall against UAB. Also, I was a little disappointed with your vaunted D getting to a very good UAB QB. If they let Leak float the pocket around with impunity, it'll be a long day for the Vols in the Swamp. The weaknesses in your secondary were obvious against UAB, and given the time, Leak will absolutely destroy you. To your advantage, however, is that the Gators have a pitiful running game. That may allow your D to pin their ears back and bring the house. And if they get to Leak a few times, that will disrupt him; he does not like hits of the kind that Mehelona (?) will bring. Phat Phil is a very good football coach. He's going to have the Vols as ready as anyone could. I would imagine he'll start Clausen, who is an okay thrower with very good instincts. Clausen won't lose the game for them. But he may not be able to win it, either. Florida has an outstanding QB and outstanding receivers and a very good D. Their weakness is in RB. It should be an outstanding game. As it appears right now, I think Florida will win. And that will make for an even madder, more desperate bunch of Vols to head into the Bayou the following week, and that doesn't bode well for my Tigers.


As far as the run game is concerned, we didn't have our starting OL on the field, we were using our fourth-string, true freshman RB in a brand new offense, and we lost quite a few yards on bad snaps and a few sacks where Leak held the ball too long. And we still ran for 170+ yards.

Wynn should be much better against LA Tech, and Meyer will be working heavily on the inside running game this week. Look for an improved running game on Saturday.

[JerryBeeds]

I know Riggs had a hundred yard game, but I was a little disappointed in his performance. He should have had a field day on that defense.

[ScreamingTiger]

UT has some serious issues. I don't think UT will win the east. The coctail party in Jacksonville should decide who goes to Atlanta.

[thethrill]

Tennessee always struggles in the first game. There is no big cause for concern because they have the 2 things you have to have to win, a great OL and DL. As far as Florida is concerned, Urban may find out the hard way that his West Coast option style offense won't work down South, too much speed on defense.

[g8tor25]

Tennessee always struggles in the first game. There is no big cause for concern because they have the 2 things you have to have to win, a great OL and DL. As far as Florida is concerned, Urban may find out the hard way that his West Coast option style offense won't work down South, too much speed on defense.

I've got to say, with UT's great o line and their all world RB, why didn't Phil just pound it down the field on UAB? I don't know about you, but I am glad UF has another game before Tenn. UT better find some boat anchors to tie around the waist of UF recievers. I think that is your achilles heel.

[Cianne]

I've got to say, with UT's great o line and their all world RB, why didn't Phil just pound it down the field on UAB? I don't know about you, but I am glad UF has another game before Tenn. UT better find some boat anchors to tie around the waist of UF recievers. I think that is your achilles heel.

UAB's strength was their DL, and yes, teams will be able to pass once again against Tennessee.

[GTmorris1970]

No reason for concern for anybody after one game IMO.

[Jrama]

I

(QUOTE)'d be worried about Florida. Even with two weeks off--which isn't good before a big game so


We take 2 weeks off every year before tha gator game lol

[Rip Van Winkle]

This is sad, we're liable to be 3-2 after 5 games where as Vandy should be 5-0...wonder when the last time that has happened :(