The Vols woke up the 2nd half. I'm not sure what we can take away from that game last night, because the spread option is incredibly hard to defend, and GT just kept running it repeatedly. 1st half Vols looked awful. 2nd half Vols looked not too bad. If nothing else, they deserve some credit for not giving up when the game looked very lost.
They certainly played better in the 2nd half. First start for the QB, timing was off with receivers. Had so many throws that were either too much in front, behind, high, or just dropped. Lots of close almost catches.
But I agree, easy to give up. That's about all we know, is that they are playing like that year. Close games already. Their best receiver is out too, along with their best defensive player. Not good at all, injuries killed them last year.
Bama losing to OLB for the year will hurt them too, and their depth in games where they're on the field. Georgia losing their starting QB for the year too, like FSU. Among other teams suffering terrible loses. Already injuries have put a dampen on the season.
Watching Georgia Tech carve up Tennessee with the option was a thing of beauty. I only started watching CFB seriously the last few years, so I wasn't that familiar with it, but it was amazing to see it in action. It's too bad their special teams sucked so bad.
On a side note, watching Tennessee play football leaves me confused and angry. They play like ass, then somehow pull off an amazing win time after time. I don't know how their fans can stand it.
And why the hell where they running around holding up a garbage can all game long?
Its a throw back style of play, lots of HS's still use it. Navy and Air Force have used it for a long time too, still do. Catch one of their games if you want to see it some more. They rarely throw the ball, when they do its often for a good chunk. Its frustrating for teams because its hard to see the ball. Misdirection is key too. The other teams defense gets tired from being on the field for so long. This type of game play doesn't work in the long run though, if you get down, you can't just suddenly become a throwing team and score fast and many times. No real power house team uses it full time anymore. Some implement it from time to time, often times using a running back as the QB in a "wildcat" formation.
Tennessee didn't lead at any point in the game until the 2nd OT. I can't argue that it would be frustrating losing like that. They wouldn't have if not for that fumble on the 7 late in the 4th. But they did. And UT scored, then blocked the FG.
About the trash can'
https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/story-behind-vols-trash-can/
Some decent games coming up this week. I don't know who I want to lose the most, Oklahoma or Ohio St. If they could both lose that'd be great.