The Tennessee Defense needs a respite

Here’s hoping Derek Dooley doesn’t flinch in his pursuit of November perfection.

We can agree the Vols were at their best during Saturday’s narrow 35-38 moral win over South Carolina.  Running his record to a remarkable 0-15 versus ranked opponents.

But it will be a pity if Dooley has second thoughts about the path he is on whether he should stay or go as the head coach of the Vols.

Dooley’s task was never going to be easy. It tends to be the case when you start at the summit.

Eight games into this season and it is clear this plan to play the game at fast pace, to relentlessly attack defenses, no matter its resolve, simply runs out of breath has had some issues.

It should remain the goal.

This weary Volunteer defense needs a respite and in attempting to raise the tempo and intensity of SEC play they have got it

However offensive coordinator Jim Chaney said, “To be successful, we don’t want to put Sal’s defense in jeopardy, we want to stay out there a long time, sustain long drives, were always trying score, as often as we can, but we don’t make our defense work too hard”.

Look for more SEC coaches to take this novel approach in the coming weeks – To be successful, don’t score quickly, that way you can run more plays, have more time of possession, and rest your defense. Better to hold the ball 35+ minutes, rather than score 3 or 4 touchdowns.

The Vols offense may be wise to slow down a tad, to not force things quite so much.

It would be understandable if livewire QB Tyler Bray was given a breather from the pressures of starting so he can sit back and take stock of his huge year.

But the Vols should not stray too far off course.

They have experienced the contrasting styles and pressures of UGA, Bama and Florida – and won them all.

Their best hope of avoiding a similar hiccup in against Troy is to stay the course

Related articles

• Tennessee is in safe hands with Derek Dooley (loserswithsocks.com)
• Dooley isn’t going anywhere (loserswithsocks.com)
• Vols QB Tyler Bray needs a break from football (loserswithsocks.com)
• Dooley Repairs Relationship with QB (loserswithsocks.com)

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Jai Eugene

No I am not the real Jai Eugene from LSU. Or as Jai is known at Tennessee as "the one that got away". I am retired Army Aviator that happens to have a blog that produces sometimes relevant Tennessee Vols content. Sure those dicks over DawgSports and the MGOBlog say we are a little "analysis challenged". Maybe it had something to do with me helping to defend their first amendment rights overseas while they were out shopping at the mall. Anyway, we have been around since 2006. Been mentioned in GoVolsxtra, Sports illustrated, ESPN, the Atlanta Journal and Deadspin to name but a few major left wing sports media that seem to think we do a pretty good job. If you have story tips, want to chat or advertise on the site contact me at loserwithsocks@gmail.com

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