Posted by mparker on April 12, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

okay, here goes nothing...
I think spring practive is too short, and also think fall practice is too short.

Why? Why would I wish to shake up the conservative world of football practice??

Injuries. I'd like to sse shorter actual practice sessions (2 hours??), but with a longer 'season' it would let coaches spend more team teaching proper techniqe to athletes who aren't quite so fatigued.

The NCAA has no problem with coaches being paid umpteen million per year, why not let them spend more time teaching???

Okay, light'er up; I expect the more cnoservative 'but we've always done it that way' crowd to waste this one.

Posted by 1974Vol on April 12, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the way Clawson sounds. Get playmakers the ball; its more about players than plays! Wow what a concept.

Posted by WestTennVol on April 12, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm very excited to see Clawson's offence in the orange and white game.

Posted by The_Dude_Abides on April 12, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds promising...

Posted by GerryOP on April 12, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly right 1974Vol -- "...if we get the right guys in the right spot and find ways to get them the football..." The sweetest words I have heard from our coaching staff in a long time. Some of these guys are really going to grow and excell in this environment. May we never again hear "...been doin' it like this for 15 years, no reason to change now..." Hallelujah!

Now, what about the d-line?

Posted by VolPride_13 on April 12, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And think Crompton is not at full strength with him having surgery after spring practice!!!

Posted by khelton657 on April 13, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What's the deal with Fulmer only allowing the QB 3 seconds to get rid of the ball ? I know it is to avoid sacks but is that really long enough for the QB to accurately gauge what is going on ? For example, if the WR slips, does that mean the ball is coming to him anyway ?

Posted by bamacheats on April 13, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My favorite thing about Clawson is that he has yet to utter the phrase: "Stay the course." or the worst: "Workin like heck!"

Posted by nicksjuzunk on April 13, 2008 at 2:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

khelton,

That probably explains some of the INT's. I think Fulmer is working the old angle where if you practice a skill in a more difficult environment, the natural environment becomes easier to perform in.

e.g. Shooting basketball on a small rim and then moving to a bigger rim. Aim small, miss small, right?

Realistically, if he can learn to do something with the ball in three seconds, he'll have no problem adjusting to situations where there is more time to throw.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on April 13, 2008 at 4:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bamacheats,

I guess you'll fall out if he says, "We're workin' like heck to stay the course!"

Posted by FishTacos on April 13, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PLEASE! STAY HEALTHY!! More practices can result in more Injuries!!! Go Vols!! I am already excited.

Posted by pdhuff on April 13, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton 17 of 22 works for me. Keep it up!

Bamacheats 1:01 am- Others will utter those immortal phrases before the 4th game, book it, Dano.

GerryOP- And, by God, we'll keep doing it "this way" till the boatman comes across the Styx. Down deep, you really know. The only question is "When does Clawson become family"?

Stay the course.

Posted by beartn on April 13, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

<<okay, here goes nothing...
I think spring practive is too short, and also think fall practice is too short.

Why? Why would I wish to shake up the conservative world of football practice??
>>

The NCAA dictates how many total hours and number of days teams can practice in the Spring, Fall, and during the season. Over the last 20 years, the amount of time the NCAA allows teams to practice has gone down.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 13, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am super excited about Crompton this season.Had the TE not ran the wrong route he would have had a great day.17 of 22 works for me as well pd.Orange and White game will be televised Sun 20th at 5pm on CSS.Ready for some Big Orange football.

Posted by GerryOP on April 13, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, October will be trial by fire. There will be a whole bunch of teachin' and mentorin' goin' on. General Neyland's wins record is safe for a while.

Posted by tigervol9802 on April 13, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

October? Have you looked at the September schedule yet? We could very easily be 1-3 at September 30. Heck, 2-6 at October 31 isn't a far-fetched dream either.

Posted by pdhuff on April 13, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

True Tigervol & GerryOP - I believe in my geezer mind that many of us will be going "Dang" afore too long. Better mix me a batch of "mountain" $70.00 a gallon Koolaid.

Posted by TurboFan on April 13, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

khelton, what it means to me is that the offense is running timing patterns where the QB throws to a spot and the WR better be there. It requires the QB to read the defense and know where he is going to go with it before the snap. Dan Marino and the Dolphins used it effectively in the 80s. 3 seconds is long enough for the receiver to get half way to where he is going and the defense to react one way or another. The greatest skill a QB must have is the ability to make a decision.

Posted by givehim6 on April 13, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's been very good hearing how good the defence has been playing. And now the offence is starting to gel to. I just hope UT can play the same when thay start going against some one else. Can't wait for the big O&W game. GO VOLS!

Posted by JohnnyU on April 13, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know I may be getting hung up on words too much, but I am leery of putting too much emphasis on "playmakers" and "getting the ball to certain people" at the expense of "plays" and execution. Maybe I'm too old fashioned, but I think if you go with a well conceived offense, execute it well, and get players to buy into it, that's seems more consistent to me. Playmakers sometimes will not last. Either they get hurt, they get disgruntled, they flame out either off the field or in class or things go great and they go pro early.

Having said that, I do think we need a new offense, hopefully our opponents will have to spend more time preparing for us, rather than just saying, "this is what they do, this is how to stop it". Anyway, just some spring talk, I look forward to seeing it on 1 Sept.

Posted by txvolsfan on April 13, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've always been a west coast offense fan, I like seeing the field spread out and getting the Jones type players the ball in space, very exciting!!!
I would like to see Paige develop more this is perfect offense for a fast smaller player!!!
I like our mix of players and just pray that Crompton is the answer, this is also a great offense for an athletic QB like him.
It should be interesting to watch the plot unfold
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by mparker on April 13, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bear, exactly my point about the NCAA.

Posted by mparker on April 13, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, don't be, well, stupi....no, I won't say it. A PLAY is about getting a ball to a PLAYMAKER. Rarely, RARELY does a player do something all on his own.

There is amost always the big block, the well-schemed play, or on D, a big hit or rushed QB.

I nevef found a lot of fault with CUT's offense. I found a LOT of fault with his play-calling and game schemes.

Cut is one of the best offensive tutors in the biz, but he will be smart to let someone else scheme the games and call the plays.

Posted by pdhuff on April 13, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doldrums surround us. 38* down from 76*. They are getting us ready for 92* and Baseballzzzzzzz.

Posted by invisiblekid on April 13, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds good to me, cutting down on turnovers is always a good thing.

GerryOP, regarding the defensive line, check the stats on the other article. It seems like Martin and Williams did pretty well. Bolden continues to bring up the rear however. Depth appears that it will be an issue until it's hopefully addressed next signing day.

KHelton, theory has been that the offensive line is doing a good job if they give the QB 4-5 seconds to make a decision. Fulmer is probably using 3 seconds to help speed up the decision-making process of the QB's as WD40 essentially said. The other thing it tells me along with the average yards per attempt is that they aren't running many 5 or 7 step drops which means fewer deep balls.

Posted by grvol on April 13, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bolden is not agressive enough to play D. That's his single only problem. Period. He should have been moved to OT. Rather have a smaller tackle who likes to mix it up, cut some o-linemen chin. Do Vols have any d-linemen like that? Remember that Jenkins kid Majors' first season? Probably about 210. If he had had Bolden's body he would not have been allowed to practice because of injuries. And he would certainly have been an All American.

Posted by thesavageorange on April 13, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know a-lot of people would like to see Berry play some offense, but w/ the depth in the secondary, I would rather see Rogan get some snaps.He just keeps making plays, and Berry may be the one guy that the secondary cannot afford to lose.If not for a premature whistle,Rogan would have scored on a 70yrd punt return yesterday.He also bobbled a sure int for a 50 yd TD.

On defense Martin,Brown, and Ayers all had 2 sacks.Last yr Bolden, and Williams were constantly doubled b/c the ends could't pressure.They are getting pressure against a pretty good O-ine.That's another reason they are going w/ alot of 3 step drops.Pressure!

McCoy on the D-line:"I think our D-line is great," McCoy said. "Personally, I think that's the biggest difference between this defense from this time last year to now. I really like the way all those guys are playing up front at all four positions."

Just trying to keep the kool-aid cold!

Posted by IPOrange on April 13, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage, I also think it is a bit risky to play Berry on offense, but an article a while back stated that he was promised the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball during his reruiting process. Just so long as he doesn't get hurt, I'm ok with that, but you never know...

The D-line's biggest concern is depth. We have 2 or 3 capable guys, but not enough backups if injuries start showing up.

Posted by tigervol9802 on April 13, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff -

Whew, you may need a batch the $90 kind they are selling the students. I hear that kind is made over in Sevier and Cocke counties.

Posted by TommyJack on April 13, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: Defensive studs should remain defensive studs. Defense wins. Always has. Offensive schemes come and go, but the defense wins championships. That part of football has not changed.

Posted by pdhuff on April 13, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, lose the sound philosphy, "Defense, smefense". Not needed. I see I need to schedule you for a 4-day seminar with ol' sjt18 on Offense Sells Tickets 101. You have lost the light!!

Tigervol- when I was a kid some unregistered chemists concocted for $12.00 per gallon. It would guarantee you would never, I repeat, never have any type of intestinal worm. Today, I've heard, don't know, you understand, that OPEC must control the price since its rumoured to be around $75.00.

Still kills any type of worm, I'm told.........

Posted by thesavageorange on April 13, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange .Good points.I believe there are 2 other things that will help the d-line.
1.Improved secondery.I can't add on a calculator how many times we had teams in 3rd and long ,and gave up a wide open pass on a busted coverage keeping the defense on the field.
2.The O staying on the field longer ,especially in the 2nd half.Last yr the Vols scored 270 1st half points, and only 161 in 2nd half,90 of which came against Vandy,Southern Miss,AK ST,and LA Laf.How we averaged 32.5 points a game I'll never know.

Posted by thesavageorange on April 13, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack ,You're on point as usual.As far as I'm concerned we can win every game 2-0.Then I can take that $75.00 to $90.00 dollar hooch, pour it in my big orange kool-aid, and sing roky-top till my wife kicks me out.

Posted by thesavageorange on April 13, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've already had some!I meant ROCKY TOP.

Posted by TommyJack on April 13, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: I'll take 2-zip. Probably ain't gonna happen. But I don't need 53-51 wins to make my day. Don't have stats, but it has been my experience that those all offense teams of the past(and present)...Hawaii, BYU (at times), Texas Tech, etc..lose many of those 53-51 games.
As for tix sales, I think peeps will pay to see a consistent winner; the score notwithstanding.

PD: Those daily strolls down to the hidden stash in your barn probably take care of any and all worms. Works for me. Sure as hell don't have a tapeworm. lol

Posted by GerryOP on April 13, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol9802 at 9:40 a.m., you're right, I meant to say September. It could all be over but the shouting by October. Reduced to hearing our fearless leader advising us that "...it takes at least a year, maybe two, to install a new offense. But we'll get 'em next year dadgumit." On the other hand, we could be 4-0 and declaring ourselves the SEC and National Champs by then! I hope for the best, but, ....

Yes, i-kid I see the numbers but not sure they mean all that much coming out of a scrimmage. After all, it's us'ins vs. us'ins. It's the numbers on the scoreboard that count. My concern for the defense is rather precisely aligned with pdhuff's feelings. At best, we lack depth.

Posted by TurboFan on April 13, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Defense can sell tickets if there are plenty of sacks, TFLs, batted passes and Ints. Its when the defense repeatedly allows 3 or 4 first downs before holding and forcing a punt that it can get boring.

Posted by TommyJack on April 13, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The selling of tix somehow doesn't seem to be a problem at Neyland's house.

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 13, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"an article a while back stated that (Berry) was promised the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball during his recruiting process."

If it's the article I'm thinking of Berry was also quoted saying something to the extent of "If (playing on offense) happens that's great but if not then that's okay too."

The kid just does what's best for the team. While I'm sure it was talked about during his recruitment I doubt it was a major selling point. I remember reading that Fulmer asked him what position he wanted to play in college and when he answered cornerback Fulmer said "What? You don't want to play quarterback?" to which Berry replied "Do you want me to play quarterback?"

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 13, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - I'll send my address if you get me some of that intestinal worm killing hooch. That's the kind of hooch that will make Kingsport howl at the moon. Ahhhhhhwoooooooo!

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 13, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew Clownson would right this ship.

Posted by TNfaninMS on April 13, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fritter? Why are you so pessimistic? did someone piss in your orange kool-aid? Whats with all the negativity? You havent even seen what Clawson has done yet, but you are already on the negativity trail. Whats up with that?

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 13, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mississippi - you got me all wrong. I'm calling for a National Championship this year. Fulmer will hold the Sears Trophy this year. Clawson will show us the way.

Posted by TommyJack on April 13, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nafslov: Do you work at being a Richard-head, or does it come natural? Just curious.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 13, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General the last time I was on that stuff ended up in the sack with a goat and a dirty little blonde from Johnson City.I still to this day don't know how the blonde ended up in bed with us.TouchDown Tennessee!!!

Posted by IPOrange on April 13, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heh, heh. Richard-head... Is that the politically correct adaptation?

Posted by IPOrange on April 13, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fellers, when you want the best muscadine squeezins you ever had, let me know. I have a personal supplier.

Posted by TommyJack on April 13, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I.P.: Be careful man. The DEA is crackin down on muscadine dealers.

Posted by mparker on April 13, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

guys, bad news. the DEA is now after moon pies. It seems that Moon Pies, and their alter egos, goo-goo clusters, where meant to be on the DEA hit list as comprised by Anslinger, but was inadvertantly cut off by a fat secretary (there is a rumor she did it on purpose).

Any way, possession of moon pies or goo-goo clusters will henceforth be a felony, punishable by 15 years in prison.

The good news?? Well, the penalty for forcible rape, mutilation, and muggings have all been reduced to probation and time served for any and all offenses up to 112th.

Beware the moon pie, folks.

Posted by TommyJack on April 14, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

goo goo clusters are sacrosanct.

Posted by sjt18 on April 14, 2008 at 3:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man I get smacked even when I don't post...

I'll settle for both.... improve the D and the O...

khelton if you are still around- 3 seconds is a pretty standard amount of time for a QB to deliver. Within that time, he should be able to make his reads, find the right guy, and throw the ball. Even my HS coach 100 years ago taught 3 seconds.

Cut had Ainge on a 2.25-2.5 second delivery or something like that to avoid the hits.

If the QB holds the ball for more than 3 seconds, it usually means the play has already broken down.

Posted by pdhuff on April 14, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doldrums in the foothills. Near $4.00 gas to go watch a meaningless scrimmage. Man, its here.

Soon, ol' sjt18 fingers will have a chance to recover. Peace along the Cumberland.

Posted by johnlg00 on April 14, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think perhaps too much is being made of the apparent emphasis of play-makers over plays. While it is true that football is the ultimate team game, with a high premium on execution, it is the exceptional player who makes the difference between a modest gain and a long TD on a given play, even if everybody else on the team executes perfectly. Besides, the normal plays often depend on the ball carrier making someone miss at some point, hence the emphasis on identifying and exploiting one-on-one situations. In other words, the "normal" style of offense also depends on play-makers. It may be that Clawson puts a higher priority on identifying who the play-makers are and designing plays that best exploit their talents, rather than just saying, "This is our offense; it is up to the players to fit into it." Specific plays aside, it seems to me to be just a change in emphasis, and not necessarily a major change, rather than a complete change in offensive philosophy.

Posted by pdhuff on April 14, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlg00 9:24 am - good read. I also think having a under-manned position causes the "play maker" sometimes to look better than he is.

It can be glaring when an average CB is left on an island against a great WR.

Not as noticeable when a DT can't get any push until you look at the scoreboard late in the game. A tad slow LB will be found reaching back for a passing fleet RB, also.

Posted by missrvrvol on April 14, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, Not ready to play Florida next weekend. Were we ready to play Florida last Sept?

Posted by VOLstuckINky on April 14, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nafslov is Mikey's B*&%&

Posted by TommyJack on April 14, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Can't imagine how this happened. We do, after all, have a DC that loves to hit the recruiting trail....One thing you can say for having lousy DT's. They allow LB's the chance to shine. lol

Posted by invisiblekid on April 14, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP, just trying to find a bright side to the defensive line, I think Williams and Martin may break out this year. However, see my comments under the scrimmage stats story, or actually any story related to the defense for the past 2+ seasons, and you'll find that we are all in line with the teachings of pdhuff on the subject.

Posted by marc_ash on April 14, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The key stats of the article are the running game yards and Cromptons rushing yards. Many people have no idea how much a mobile QB opens things up. It keeps the defense honest, and opens up things down the field.

Intersting that Jones hasn't seen any snaps at QB. Not that it is a must, but it produces a dynamic that requires a reaction from defenses (a la Arkansas last season).

I think Crompton's almost 3yd average a carry is interesting. Should open up a lot of things without having just a drop back passer. Could be a great year to be a Vol.

Is it football season yet?

Posted by GerryOP on April 14, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No disagreemnt i-kid. Don't care if we give up 50 points as long as we score 60!

When pdhuff speaketh, we listeneth!

Forgive me, I seem to be having a problem taking stats from spring practice very seriously. No spectators, no press, only the words Coach Fulmer wants us to hear. ...us'ins vs. us'ins...

Posted by invisiblekid on April 14, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No doubt Gerry, given the clandestine nature of UT practices since 2005, it's understandable to not put much stock in scrimmage statistics. No way to know whether it was mostly situational work, things like a goal line offense or trying to run a 2 minute drill. I think we'll have a better handle on things come Saturday and I look forward to it.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 14, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heh Kingsport, do you still have the goat's phone number? Much obliged.

Posted by GerryOP on April 14, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i-kid, I look forward to hearing about Saturday also. If I can get up enough inspiration, I may travel the 750 miles to K'town to see first hand. Just might be just curious enough to do so. Be well my friend.

Posted by whistlinwingman on April 14, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am definitely excited about this year. Matter of fact I have been since I can remember, but it seems since after the 98 season I have been let down year after year after year. This is a typical UT spring practice. Defense shines and the offense comes together once in a while. So until the fall I ain't banking on anything. I am just hoping for the best as always but it just sux getting let down for years!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by invisiblekid on April 14, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

750 miles is a long trip at $3.50 a gallon or worrying about getting a flight cancelled at the last minute. I've only got about 225 miles and I can make a pitstop close to K town free of charge so I plan on being there. Take care of yourself as well if you do hit the highway.

Posted by pdhuff on April 15, 2008 at 5:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

whistlinwing - 6:05 pm - Sad, but true. Good post. The fire is out.