The CheckerBoard

Growing pains with the 3-4 are just going to happen. Things will get better. Just call me Positive Paul today.

Lathers said some defenders could do more, though, and that one of his jobs as a senior and team leader is to make sure that changes.

“Some guys just don’t, you know, watch enough film and put in the time like they need to,” Lathers said. “That’s a big issue for us, and guys just, you know ... aren’t focused when it comes to crunch-time in the game. So, you know, we’ve got to pull guys to the side, talk to ‘em, get ‘em up and, you know, encourage ‘em. That’s what we didn’t do well this game.”

This is interesting. Who is Lathers calling out?

I just hope the injuries are not serious. Neal has gotten better every week and is pounding the ball. It would be a huge loss if his injury wasn't minor. Credit Bray with toughing it out even though until he got the brace he looked pretty gimpy. He's playing with a lot of heart, he just doesn't have a good grasp on that check down thing. We see glimpses of how well the D could play but I'll just go along with Dooley's assessment for now. GO VOLS!

Dooley said they're not really good on D. Then why don't they give some of these others guy a chance? They say they don't practice good. So what the others don't hustle and tackle good in a game. Give some of these others a chance it can't hurt can it? Give me your opinion. I hate to be negative but this is the worst D Tenn has ever had bar none. Hart has to do something, I don't know what but he has to

If our defense weren't so terrible we'd be 5-1 right now ranked in the top 15.