The CheckerBoard

Wow

I'm surprised nobody suggests replacing Chaney. I watch Bama, LSU, UGA, Arkansas, etc. and see imaginative play calling. I watch us and see - at best - some questionable and dumb playcalling. Isn't that on Chaney? Can't we find someone better?

I have been very happy with Chaney. 2012 will be the 4th year in his system, and he has shown that he can do some good things with less than stellar talent (i.e. Crompton), getting Da'Rick open even when teams are scheming against him, etc. When the players execute the offense looks very good. Think about the Vols last scoring drive in regulation where Bray marched them down the field. The run was working as well as the pass, and you got a good look at how potent the offense can be when all parts are working as they should. I scratched my head a little bit at the wildcat on the 5 against UK considering the snap issues it had in the past, but you can't coach scared. You have to call plays assuming the players will execute. I like Chaney and am 100% confident he isn't part of the problem, but part of the solution.

UT NEEDS an RB coach. They will attract better RB talent with a position coach.

To be honest, don't think Dooley could afford to replace him. A knew OC likely needs more than 1 season to install his offense. Dooley doesn't have that luxury.
That being said, I agree with you, the OL is the problem, that's #1 priority.

Thanks, Ryan, for your reply and your question - I deserved that. I am not a coach (thank god), but I do think, for instance, that the play calling at first and goal from their 8 was questionable.... Why not try letting Tiny lead the way on first down ( worked pretty well vs. Vandy), then if that didn't score, try something other than the wildcat -- with Bray doing something more " tried and true" instead..... You're right, the plays that don't work always seem " dumb" (bad choice of words on my part I reckon). Just seemed to me we had too many plays that didn't work this season....

Really enjoy what you guys provide, and that includes the thoughtful posters.

I think the o-line's problem is 1 part coaching and 1 part strength/conditioning. To see an entire unit fail to perform for an entire season at run blocking falls on the o-line coach. The other part is that a couple of those guys probably would have benefited from a redshirt (i.e. James Stone, and I'm sure he isn't the only one). On a team with depth, a lot of those guys wouldn't have played much if at all, much less started. They need more time to get their bodies developed and their strength level up. I think a 2nd year with the same s&c coach will do wonders in 2012.

I've heard the same complaints about Chaney's play calling. Personally, I don't see Chaney's play calling be bad but more of the players not being able to execute. Maybe the system is too complicated, or maybe the injuries really revealed the lack of ability on the offensive side. There needs to be some changes with the coaching on offense.

Welcome Volsfaninohio. Glad to have you on board.

Nice! Former principal at Mason is my son's elementary school teacher here in Tennessee.

One of my best friends in the world just moved from Mason to Montgomery. When I grew up, Mason was out there a bit. Now, it's just another Cincinnati suburb.

Welcome to the board. Have some Skyline, Montgomery Inn, LaRosa's and Graeters for me today, OK?

Maybe, but we could also find someone worse. Play calling looked good against Cincinnati before the injuries. Plus, it takes time to adjust to a new offensive system, so that could set us back. For anyone looking for immediate improvement next year, you don't want to make a change at HC, DC, or OC. Changing any of those 3 most likely sets us back a year or two IMO.