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Keys for a Victory??

  • Ok, so we all know it's Bama and Oregon in the Nat'l Championship, but let's just say the game hasn't been played yet and TN can pull it off. What are our keys to winning?

    Last 2 years have been 6-6 (2011) and 13-10 (2010) at Halftime. We obviously have to show up in the 2nd half first and foremost. Don't turn the football over and keep Bama's offense having to move the ball. Win the toss, score on the opening drive, and somehow find a way to stop Bama on their opening drive and this could be an interesting game. McCarron is great at managing the game, but he's barely had to throw a pass over 15 yards in his career. We HAVE to get the ball in CP and Hunter's hands and never let up. Not saying it's probable, but this game is definitely interesting if just one or two things go our way (I know, they haven't in 3 years so why now?).

    Support Dooley and the team and hope for the best!

    Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

    ChrisUT

  • The key is not the offense, we will score some points. The problem is stopping Bama. We have shown no signs of being able to stop anyone. Not to he negative or jabbing the defense, but Bama might be able to score at will against our indisciplined defense. The play action will be the key. They will not line up and run it at us, they will nickle and dime us to death with play action. Hopefully, we can far a turnover or two early and take advantage of that. Now that said the offense needs to limit its 3 and outs that's for sure. GBO.

    This post was edited by UTvol4life on 10/19/2012 at 7:29 AM

    UTvol4life

  • I like our chances if we score more points than them.

    But seriously, our defense has to look completely different than it has the entire season. We have to be able to establish the run, and we have to win the turnover battle. If we do all of those we have a chance. Overall, I am not really that optimistic about this game, but there is something that keeps making me believe we have a real shot of pulling an upset.

    VolBaller33 ●

  • I like our offense against their defense. At worse, a stale mate. I think the problems are going to be our D giving up the one or two big plays like they are accustomed to doing this year & the kicking game. If it is a close game, I think Bama has the edge based on kicking game and decision making (coaching and players).

    Trample the Weak-Hurdle the Dead

    TracyB467 ●

  • They keys never change:
    Win the turnover battle
    Win the kicking game
    Convert 3rd downs at a high percentage
    Run the ball well even when the other team knows you are going to run it

    signature image signature image signature image

    OrangeVol79 ●

  • UTvol4life said...

    We have shown no signs of being able to stop anyone.

    I disagree.. there was a period of two quarters against UGA where our D only gave up 9 points, we shut out MSU in the 3rd, only giving up 4 yards, and Florida only had 10 at the half. I would consider that "signs of being able to stop anyone".

    volfan28 ●

  • I've got a weird sort of confidence about an upset here. I don't know if it's because we held our own for a half last year or because we really just absolutely have nothing to lose, but either tomorrow night, or next Saturday, I feel an upset brewing. I know Saban will have his team ready, but with Ms. St and LSU the next two weeks, there had to be some preparation put into those teams considering our record. Again, not likely, just "could" happen and why not! Go Vols.

    Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

    ChrisUT

  • volfan28 said...

    I disagree.. there was a period of two quarters against UGA where our D only gave up 9 points, we shut out MSU in the 3rd, only giving up 4 yards, and Florida only had 10 at the half. I would consider that "signs of being able to stop anyone".

    I played 36 holes of golf two weekends ago and birdied one hole, but that's not a sign I am a good golfer.

    Point is, spotty defense is not a sign of life IMO....JMO.

    UTvol4life

  • Anything can happen on any given Saturday

    BIGJLAW

  • Offensive line has to sustain a running game to chew clock and keep the D off the field. This will also make play action and deep patterns more effective. We must slow their running game as I don't think we can completely stop it. Slowing the running game will also force them to throw more and while we aren't good at the DB positions we do have some ball hawks who could give us a few take away's. Bottom line is without a great OL performance we are in deeeeeeeep do. JMO

    tnbear66

  • tnbear66 said...

    Offensive line has to sustain a running game to chew clock and keep the D off the field. This will also make play action and deep patterns more effective. We must slow their running game as I don't think we can completely stop it. Slowing the running game will also force them to throw more and while we aren't good at the DB positions we do have some ball hawks who could give us a few take away's. Bottom line is without a great OL performance we are in deeeeeeeep do. JMO

    This is exactly what I was thinking, tnbear. To add on to that, I really think we need to slow down our offensive tempo atleast during some portions of the game. If we can ground and pound, and shorten the game some, it might give us a better chance to win. I know we gotta score, but Alabama can't score with their offense sitting on the bench. Winning T.O.P. is key tomorrow night.

    bleedorange1899

  • bleedorange1899 said...

    This is exactly what I was thinking, tnbear. To add on to that, I really think we need to slow down our offensive tempo atleast during some portions of the game. If we can ground and pound, and shorten the game some, it might give us a better chance to win. I know we gotta score, but Alabama can't score with their offense sitting on the bench. Winning T.O.P. is key tomorrow night.

    We are in agreement. +1

    tnbear66

  • If we don't get off the bus, you will win. 42-13

    Time2roll ●

  • I can guarantee you Saban is not looking ahead to any other games this week. Tennessee has their work cut out for them, but the bright side is Alabama hasn't played anyone. They can be caught by surprise.

    davesojka

  • defense needs to show up.

    UT judge

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