It’s impossible not to feel satisfied about a 44-13 loss to Alabama. But I feel like the Vols still have a lot of improving in them – as scary as that thought may sound.
Judging by Saturday night’s performance at Neyland, which was a significant step up from Starkville the week before, I suppose the Vols have still got another 7 or 14 points in them. They’re not quite there in terms of opportunities being taken and completely nailing their game-plan.
But they’re just so much improved that it doesn’t matter.
What really matters is the improvement of Tennessee’s defense. The stats don’t lie:
- Florida=550 yards
- UGA=550
- Bama=539
A lot of Alabama’s inability to move the ball was because of a very good Vols defense but I’m also racking my brain to understand what Bama was doing out there. I know Nick Saban too well to think he can be coaching them to play like that.
But when Tennessee smelled blood you’d see four or five Vols arrive with intensity and ferocity to punish the Bama ball carrier.
Some of the Bama decisions made under pressure were reactive, weak and soft. They really lacked the attitude and hardness to put the effort and fight in to trying to achieve something.
Too many times when they should have dropped a shoulder and put body into contact and they panicked and conceded. That’s very weak mentally.
I’d also like to mention Tyler Bray’s crisp and pinpoint passing. Despite what people are saying about him coming back, I truly believe it will be his last season in Knoxville. He has accomplished everything that he needed to do as a Vol.
So if this is Brays’s last season he should be proud of the way he played. His influence was supreme. He was the one player continually pressing the offense, and he looked hungry for work despite throwing 2 picks to Bama.
It’s a shame he’s going because his understanding now of the dynamics of the game are very, very good.
In my time I’ve watched some very talented players, many of whom I thought were going to be clutch performers because they had speed, power and skills. But as you watched them evolve they didn’t necessarily get there because they didn’t have game instinct. They lacked the ability to get themselves into the match so they could use their talent
But Tyler Bray’s understanding now is superb because he knows how to inject himself into a game and simply take over the game. His instinct for the game is so good he has become a central part of the Tennessee’s offense this season.
Dooley continues to implement great game-plans and Sal Sunseri is on fire with his defensive schemes.
Next up? The Cocks and the Old Ball Sack Coach!!!
Related articles
- This Bama team will be facing some significant challenges. (loserswithsocks.com)
- Vols QB Tyler Bray needs a break from football (loserswithsocks.com)
- New post on my tumblr: Statistically, Bama’s AJ McCarron is in for a rough night (loserswithsocks.com)
- What cigar will you smoke after Dooley beats Bama? (loserswithsocks.com)
- Tennessee vs. Alabama: Score, Twitter Reaction, Grades and More (bleacherreport.com)
- Dooley passes job interview (loserswithsocks.com)
- Technically, nobody really maintains records for moral victories. (loserswithsocks.com)
Jai Eugene
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2 comments
BamaTide
October 24, 2012 at 2:43 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Here's a fuuny quote from your ramble, "...Alabama's inabilility to move the ball..." Were we watching the same game? You should recheck that score, guy. TN did what they do best: fail vs SEC opponents. I'm not seeing this improvement that you mentioned. Bama will no doubt be Natty Champs once again. Add it to the stack.
Jai Eugene
October 24, 2012 at 4:47 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
It was much closer game than most Tide fans want to admit. A strong Tennessee must seem really scary to you.