Come on, Duck fans! An undefeated SEC team is rolling into Autzen. Minus a conference rivalry or bowl game, it doesn't get much better than this. Thoughts on the game? Predictions? Keys to winning? Thoughts: Biggest test, by far. Tennessee is big, fast and well coached. Prediction: Ducks 45-17 Keys to winning: Tennessee shows some weakness in pass defense. I don't believe they can defend our speed and skill at WR. I'm not terribly impressed with their QB play. I think our defense continues to play solid and an INT and fumble is turned into several scores. Go Ducks!
I remember the first half of our game against Tennessee a couple years ago was very intimidating and concerning. They were pushing us around, they had control of the game, and then in the second half we blew them away. They looked surprised and shell shocked. I suspect they won't make the same mistake twice, but I also think we're a better team this year. More talented. More weapons. Better QB. Our defense is a little concerning but I think we should be fine.
I have some real concerns about this game. I think we'll win, but our offensive line needs to play better, our 4th down play calling is awful and killing drives and we can't rely on Marriota to run like he has been and we have to get more disciplined about penalties. Tennessee is the type of team that can expose our early season weaknesses. Now, that said, I am certain the coaching staff is working on all that. This game will be a true barometer of the state of the team going into PAC12 play.
Man, I remember watching that game in a hotel room in Arkansas of all places. I was really worried up until that lightning storm delay......that little break really helped us get our head straight. Can't wait to have an SEC team visit Autzen.......don't think they will have a chance containing our speed once our guys get to the corners. Not sure what the spread is, but I think we win 55-7! #WTD
Yeah, we were down and 100,000 fans were singing 'Rocky Top' and all that. But the Ducks showed what they were made of and by the end of the game Tennessee had no fight left and the stadium was half empty.
Tennessee's passing game is suspect. We have outstanding cover guys and DL. It's going to be a rough go of it for the Vols.
I get the concern about the game...but the comments? What specifically about our OL? We are averaging about 10 yards per rush. Neither of our three QB's have been sacked yet this season. Mariota is averaging 26 yards per carry and we have two players averaging over 100 yards rushing (a third avg 78 yards) per game. What more do you want out of them? Agreed on the Fourth down conversions but did we truly need any of those downs, were the first string offense in for all of those and was the play calling extremely vanilla? No, No and Yes. This is a Tennessee team that played a questionable W. Kentucky team, got 7 turnovers and only wins by 32? Ducks roll!!!! Go Ducks!!!!
1) Our starting OL can't get any runners thru the line between the tackles against two bad teams. And if we can't establish at least a somewhat decent running game up the middle teams will do what Standford did to us and block off the outside and leave us unable to move the ball on the ground. 2) The idea that Marriota will continue to be a 100 ypg rusher is not going to cut it. 3) I don't want to make too much of this but against 2 weak teams Marriota's passing numbers are down. He's only completing 53%. Against those two teams it shout be closer to 70%. How will he do against better competition that pressures him more? 4) If we continue playing penalty football, it will cost us. Now, please don't misunderstand me. We're a very good team. But these are just concerns I have.
I'm interested to see how long the Vols O and D line will last before they are huffing and puffing to our pace? Yes these are some big boys, but how well conditioned are they? 92 and sunny in Autzen because it never rains in.... Okay so let the oxygen masks deploy! Ducks 63 Vols 10
I wouldnt put too much into the % yet with such a small sample size. Helfrich was talking about him counting 6 dropped passes agants Virginia. Coaches embellish sure, but Lyerla had 3 drops on his own that day. So even if it was say.. 4 drops that day, Mariota would be at 30/49 and right at 61% not counting any drops from the first game. I get what you are saying, but count me as not too worried. There is a reason most teams have easier OOC games to start, its to iron out the kinks.
