The CheckerBoard

I feel the O-line play as of late for the Vols, slightly biased opinion, has helped to balance our offense and give us potentially the most potent offense in the SEC. That said, I don't see the defense making enough progress this week to stop what Bama will do. Here's hoping the Bray and company come out firing on all cylinders and giving us a shot at an upset no one believes likely.

To me this is such a long shot that we might as well go to extremes and hope to get lucky. In my mind, on defense that means stacking up and selling out completely on the run and playing bump and run coverage with no help. Make McCarron beat us with his arm if at all possible. Not that he won't be able to do it, but at least try to make him do that.

On offense I believe we should try and try and try to run the ball, and not be scared of their defense or buy into the notion that it is impossible to run against them. Don't get me wrong, it may be impossible to run against them, but this is rare even at the NFL level, so we should try and keep trying. Because Alabama will easily stop the pass by blitzing if we become one dimensional. Nobody can be one dimensional against UA. Their extraordinary success is based almost entirely on the fact that they stuff the run, get ahead, force opponents to pass, and are one of the best at blitzing when they can pin their ears back. Just finding a way to keep them from being able to pin their ears back on every play would be a big success for our offense. And would give us the best chance to score. \

But going to the extreme on defense is absolutely our only chance. Personally I would much rather lose by giving up big pass plays than big run plays. Especially since against most opponents it is generally harder for them to complete huge passes than huge runs against our defense.

Travis-

One of TN strengths this year is the Oline, how do you see the TN Oline vs Bama's dline?

Thanks for doing it, Travis. Appreciate it very much. Stop by often this week - and any other week.

Also want to say you crushed it on 104.5 The Zone here in Nashville this morning. Great stuff.

Man, I've really enjoyed reading this site this week! Like Travis said, monster of a site!

Thanks for the kind words, gc!

Great game review!

too bad the VOLS stable of running backs will not be at full strength.
Keep the game close into the 4th and UT might prevail with a victory. We are past due for a game changing break - maybe Peyton and Coach Fullmer's presence will bring some luck.