Offense just can't execute

Short-yardage plays downfall of Vols

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Anthony Parker would rather have talked about anything else.

Maybe the weather. Or the last good movie he saw. Or even the contents of his iPod.

But standing in the lobby of Neyland-Thompson Sports Center early Tuesday afternoon, the junior was answering the Brussels sprouts of questions for any offensive lineman: Why can't the Vols convert on short yardage?

"All summer long and all spring there's been an emphasis on us being able to run the ball," said Parker, UT's starting left guard. "For us to be standing here talking about third-and-short or short-yardage plays, it's just killing me that we're not executing on short-yardage plays."

And in turn, that lack of execution has been killing the Vols.

In UT's season-opening loss to Cal, the Vols converted on just one of their five attempts on third-and-3 or shorter.

Against Florida, the Vols' only conversion from that same down and distance was an all but meaningless 6-yard pass from backup quarterback Jonathan Crompton to Quintin Hancock in the fourth quarter.

Early on against the Gators, tailback Arian Foster was stopped on third-and-2 and again on third-and-1.

That's downright frustrating for offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, especially considering the circumstances.

"We had the looks exactly like we wanted them against Florida. To a tee," Cutcliffe said. "I could have called their defense for them the first time we ran Arian to the right in there. We got exactly what we wanted and didn't get it done. Then the next one, we got the exact defense we thought we would get, had what we thought was the perfect play and we had a bust.

"Those kinds of things can't happen. It's just a reflection on me. Those things won't happen if they're prepared enough."

For what it's worth, Parker says the blame falls on his shoulders and those of his fellow offensive linemen.

"It's really all about execution," he said. "Coaches are putting us in position to execute on short-yardage plays, but it really just comes down to us executing. We're not getting the job done."

The only time Tennessee has been successful on third-and-short situations has been in the second half of the Southern Miss game, UT's only victory in its first three games.

Foster, LaMarcus Coker and Lennon Creer each ran for first downs on third down and 3 or fewer yards.

And the result was the balanced offense, as well as the ultimate result, the Vols seek in every game.

Adding disappointment on top of more frustration is the fact that the Vols' woes don't stem from one single problem.

"It's a little bit of a lack of execution overall," offensive line coach Greg Adkins said. "We physically got beat some.

"It's always disappointing when you don't execute. Each play is designed to have success. When there's not success, something went wrong. Whatever it may have been, each play is different and certainly that's a disappointing thing."

That must stop, Cutcliffe says.

"We don't need a busted assignment once in a blue moon," "We need it never. The bottom line is you've got to be a good third-down team. Which you should be.

"Think how many times we keep the down and distance normal. That's what you dream about. You've got to stay away from third-and-10, third-and-12, and we've actually converted those better than we have the third-and-6 or less."

It's a rather stark departure from spring practice and fall camp, when the Vols appeared to be able to run the football in scrimmages and had little trouble converting third downs.

And problems in September are a lot different from problems in August.

"It's really frustrating and something we didn't expect because all indications during camp were that we'd be a real good short yardage team and a pretty good running football team," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "We certainly have plenty of time to get it fixed, but we've got to get it fixed fast."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

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Comments » 86

Ironcity writes:

If only our offense could face our defense in third and short. We would make it every time.

Hunter writes:

At least Cutcliffe said it was his fault that they weren't prepared. Take notes Phil.

vegasvol writes:

plenty of time to get it fixed?????

CoverOrange writes:

"lack of Execution" is another phrase for "not trying". Now answer the question of why they are not trying. Not motivated? Not inspired? Not prepared to know what they suppose to do? You're right, Cut, the finger points to you.

JOF20 writes:

I have to give some respect to Cutt He is at least shouldering some of the blame.

But what not 1 TN fan so far has said is....
"Florida was that much better, and they lined up and kicked our tail."

When the talent isn't there, no matter what position your in or how well you execute 9 times out of 10 you come up short.

That said.

Recruiting I think is more to blame for the loss than anything else and if something doesn't change somewhere. TN will be the new KY.

Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:

UT Coach Phillip Fulmer said:" We certainly have plenty of time to get it fixed, but we've got to get it fixed fast." UT Coach Phillip Fulmer should have said:" We certainly have had plenty of time (several years to be exact)to get it fixed, but we haven"t and that's my responsibility. I may have missed it, but for the life of me, I can't remember one time Coach Fulmer has accepted being responsible for our team not being prepared. I have defended you in the past coach, but will not any more. You can't possibly believe after the many failures of these past few years that you can fix anything.

firefulmer (Inactive) writes:

HOW IN THE WORLD COULD OUR COACHES NOT HAVE THE PLAYERS PREPARED. IT'S JUST ONE OF OUR BIGGEST GAMES. MAYBE THE ANSWER IS ABOVE--"COACHES". Don't worry people--I'm sure the Vols MIGHT put 40 plus points on the board against mighty Ark St. (but a loss wouldn't surprise me)I'm sure the offense will have good numbers and the defense will look good. THEN, we get to hear all the idiots call in and praise Fulmer, Cutcliffe and Chavis for what a fine job they did. We will get to hear the players talk about how well the coaches prepared them this week. It will be pathetic to listen at all the butt-kissing Fulmer lovers!!!!

objk1#231846 writes:

Riddle me this batman, how does a unit not get third and two when the defense gives you exactly what you want(Cut's words) and your head coach was an offensive lineman?

hdhurst writes:

I agree JOF20. Despite all of the pre-season hype about our improved running and receivers developing, if someone would have asked me if we could could be 1-2 at this juncture, I still would have said yes. The picture that has been painted in the posts thus far is that the coaches suck and we need better player development. That being partially true, it is not the only reason we are 1-2. As the season continues, we will see just how good FL and CA really are (and all indications thus far is that they are both legit TOP 10 teams). People have cried out that even if we were 2-1 or 3-0, they are tired of "close wins." Well, take a look around the country, there are plenty of close wins and nail bitters against teams not expecting to compete. No one doubts Tommy Tuberville or Charlie Weis are good coaches, but take a look at there record. Another thing, CA was seeking redemption and we were in there house. Emotion plays into their hands. The same goes for a rivaly like FL down in Gainesville. Yes, we have to be able to match that, but for a young team this early in the season, that can be very difficult. Don't get me wrong. I see plenty of areas to improve on, but I said that during the GLORY years with Peyton and Co. Realistically speaking, it would have been a surprise if we were competing for a Nat. Title this year. We might be 1-2, but I don't believe this team is as bad (coaches and players) as everyone thinks. A break here or there on both side of the ball, and we be a little more comfortable today. Anticipating the first 3 games being 1-2 was not unimaginable...thinking otherwise is based on wishful thinking and a GO VOLS spirit. While starting strong is great, this year's theme might be better served with "...it's how you finish that counts." I look forward to seeing how the coaches and players respond to the remainder of the season. There is something at stake here other than job's...it's called PRIDE. GO VOLS!!!

DannyVol writes:

Zone blocking was a huge mistake and I knew it from the get-go. We used to line up and smash people.

MemphisVol writes:

did anyone watch the fulmer show sunday? After Florida gets to 52 points, Kesling says "...that was the end of the scoring as florida beats tennessee 52-20."

footballrules writes:

Is their anyway we can ban fulmer from Neyland Stadium????

footballrules writes:

lol I wish I would have saw that!!!

volinseattle writes:

Regarding the execution of the offense - I'm all for it.

ibvolman writes:

hdhurst: I knew coming into this season that the possibility of being 1 - 2 at this point were very real. But, to say that a break here or there could have made a big difference, who are you kidding. a break here or there doesn't add up to being outscored 104 - 51 in the 2 losses.

Coach Cutt said it right. They were not prepared, and that was his fault. It is unbelievable that the coaching staff muses at the failure to convert short yardage 3rd downs, and has decent success on 3rd and 10 or longer. Duh - how about running 3rd and 10 plays on 3rd and short? No, that would be too easy to try to get more than a couple of yards.

Truth is, UT coaches refuse to play young talent unless absolutely necessary. I believe this goes back to the Majors days when Johnny and Bear Bryant used to recruit like the dickens to get a player just so the other team wouldn't have him. There was never any real commitment to use him, they just didn't want the other teams to get him. Fulmer needs to pay attention. FL whipped the Vols really badly by using a good number of freshmen. But, hey, I almost forgot, FL coaches actually prepare their players to play the game.

If you want a sneak peak at some of UT's unused talent, look at youtube and search for Gerald Jones from OK. TN has him listed as a freshman WR, but this kid can do it all. Too bad we will probably not see him play this year, and chances are, he may transfer because of it.

scvols writes:

MemphisVol - I did see that. Did you notice the black around Fulmer's eyes? That cat didn't sleep, he knows the end may be near.

The bad part of the FL game, our offense scored one TD. We moved the ball early, but one TD. And we still was only down by 8 points in the 3rd quarter with the ball. Then the fumble, just like last year's bowl game.

Sometimes no matter how hard you try or prepair, bad things happen. When I watch the game, I am looking to see how we are going to lose the game, instead of how we can win it. I live in SC and my co-workers are saying that is how they felt when Lou was here. Oh man, we do suck.

cwisenhower#637741 writes:

Edwards said this in this article:

It's a rather stark departure from spring practice and fall camp, when the Vols appeared to be able to run the football in scrimmages and had little trouble converting third downs.

Um, HELLO? The Vol offense was running against the Vol defense. So of course the Vol offense was moving the ball against the Vol defense. Your day job must be at Oak Ridge, rocket scientist. Good job with the Captain Obvious article.

bustervols writes:

Is Spurrier available?

seaplane#216536 writes:

"We've got plenty of time to get it fixed, but we've got to get it fixed fast". Am I missing something?

powert#205805 writes:

I second the comment of bustervols from 6:47 a.m.

seaplane#216536 writes:

I think Ainge should call the play in the huddle, go to the line of scrimage, and snap the ball. The " Peyton Manning" change in plays at the line are not surprising anyone but the offensive line. With this group we need to keep it simple.

eb502us#225637 writes:

Cutcliffe is the problem and he needs to find another job because we all know Fulmer won't fire him. Our offense is so basic, a third grader could figure it out. We have plenty of talent on the OL, it's just that our coaching is so bad, we make almost any defense look good. A good house cleaning is in order.

writer#358485 writes:

Spurrier is a no-class, loud-mouthed lout. If we can't do any better than that we really will have sunk very low.

GreerVol22 writes:

seaplane, you just hit on something. With this no huddle phooey, someone is always busting a play on offense..receiver out of position, line misses a stunt, TB goes the wrong way...

Keep it simple, let these guys gel a bit.

But then again, I think the staff if doing all they can to prepare these guys. problem is, its only about half of what they need to know to compete in the upper levels of the SEC. The coaching staff just does not have the aptitude to bring anything new..

txsvol#372416 writes:

JOF20, There are so many postings here, but on one of the articles I said that UT couldn't beat Florida once in ten tries. So, even though it may be buried in all the other comments, it negates your comment. I even said that Cal and Florida may be playing each other for the National Championship. As far as we are concerned, at least we haven't Tasered one of our students recently, but we have had several Tebow-ed (although Andrew Meyer was really asking for it, wasn't he?) Go Vols!

kalij#244795 writes:

lets be honest, vol faithful. the season's over. we will not go to the sec championship , fla and lsu will. we will not go to the national championship, either. so whats left to play for?-- a crappy bowl game that noone wants to spend their hard earned dollars on? I for one will not be in my season ticket seat this saturday and suggest those who desire to return tenn to its once great football performance do likewise. The present coaching staff has an abyssmal record over the past 9 years and not unlike the ceo of a company with a poor performance,
needs to resign or be fired. Possibly a sparse crowd will convey this message. I, as most of you, am expected to produce good results in order to keep my job. WAKE UP, ITS TOO LATE TO "FIX THINGS" THIS YEAR.

jdcvols#230433 writes:

What about all the BS about the off season workouts being so difficult and demanding? Where is the "beef"? I will say it again, at the O & W game, I only saw ONE player who looked like he was ready for the wars.....DT Williams. It appeared that the whole spring practice time was wasted and now our so called beef are being manhandled at the line. It is unbelievable to me that Fulmer has allowed this program to decline like this....I would have thought 1998 was fun.

Ironcity writes:

jtaylor Jones is a bad example to use to make your point, he is hurt otherwise he would be playing. Its not the lack of Freshmen playing and its not the lack of skill from our present receivers that is causing the problems.

The problems exist from the lack of execution and that falls on the coaches. I agree with one of the earlier posters in that its time to huddle, line up and run the play. The only players confused by the no huddle are our own. As for the defense, we are in big trouble there. Nothing short of a house cleaning of the coaches can fix the problems we have there. You notice Chavis hasn't said a word this week. If we hold Ark St under 20 Fulmer will praise him and announce to us how his schemes were the difference against Ark St.

orangebloodgmc writes:

Kalij has quit. Anybody else? Warren, amen on what you said.

Who can tell me about the Ainge Int that I missed ... did he overthrow that one? Force into double coverage? Receiver fall down?

Fail to execute might be not trying, but as JOF20 suggested, if guy across from you is better you can fail and he can be stronger OR faster OR smarter in order to beat you, doesn't have to be all 3. I don't know that that was case most of the time between our OL and FL's DL matchups. Was it? Were they really better than our guys, one on one?

Pullingguard writes:

All we read about and hear about all summer is the work ethic in the weight room and the great strides being made. Then the Vols play Florida and get beat PHYSICALLY, just plain out-manned. Why is that, does UT have a decent weight and strength program, evidently not. For all the high expectations of Vol fans everywhere, the plain truth is, the Vols are just a middle of the pack team in the SEC.

UTFAN1993 writes:

U.S.A. Today,Jeff Sagarin: U.T. schedule...toughest in the nation after 3 games.

burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:

It never ceases to amaze me the comments that come out of Phil Fulmer’s and his players’ mouths. These are quotes from the Knoxville News Sentinel.

"The running game was worse than I thought," (after watching the game film) Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said during his weekly teleconference Sunday night. "We weren't nearly as good as I would have thought we would have been." (That is the crux of the problem: UT is not as good as they think they are. The Little Engine that Could should be dropped from the special literature class for student athletes).

We got our butts whipped," Fulmer said. "Simple as that. We got whipped. (No s*#@ Sherlock. Elementary deduction)

"They did a good job with a zone blitz package. But we worked on every bit of it, knew basically what was coming," Fulmer said. (Obviously you didn’t work hard enough)

"But we just got our rears whipped. It might just be one guy and that guy would make the tackle. But that's the way offense is: You've got to have everybody playing as one." (Is this brilliant coaching insight or what?)

"I think we played a good defensive football team and in two ballgames had run the ball reasonably well," Fulmer said. "Real good in the second half of the Southern Miss game. I believe we can fix our problems." (Southern Miss ain’t Florida. Hopefully their problems can be fixed by the Louisiana-LaFayette game)

"I think you stay the course," head coach Phillip Fulmer said of his team's mindset following a 1-2 start. "We believe what we believe in. We've won a lot of games this way." (“Stay the course”—sounds like a quote from the playbook of the commander in chief. Indeed Tennessee has won a lot of games that way. They have lost a lot of games that way too. Pound that rock!)

About to run out of my allotted 3000 characters. More to come.

tennisvol writes:

You would think a head coach who played and coached the offensive line at one time would usually have a good offensive line on his team.
What happened to TN or maybe what happens to these 4 and 5 star players when they go to UT to play? The ole ball coach at SC played QB and they usually have a QB just as he did at Florida.

burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:

Despite the lopsided score, Fulmer said his team never quit. (Can’t quit if you don’t start)

"I never saw a lack of effort in the ball game. I think they were pushing. We played some guys too many snaps," said Fulmer, who said some linebackers played 60 snaps against Florida. "We've got to get some help there." (Well duh! The defense is going to be playing more snaps when the other team’s offense is running the table)

Fulmer alluded to a pre-practice meeting among players and coaches that could begin the healing process….
We had a really honest discussion about accountability and what we need to do better," Fulmer said. (Coach Phil becomes Dr. Phil. Sgt. Carter… I think I’m going to cry)

"Certainly,'' said Fulmer, "this wasn't representative of what we intended for it to be down here today.'' (More brilliance?—this is why he makes the big bucks)

"I don't think Erik ever got in a rhythm,'' said Fulmer. (You think?)

"We give 'em those plays,'' said Ainge, "the special teams and a fumble, and then not getting points in the red zone "There were a lot of things we did that did not help us.'' (Really?)

"We cannot help good teams the way we helped Cal and Florida,'' said Fulmer. (I don’t think I would help the bad teams either)

"When they did make their long passes or long runs or whatever, it's not like they were just wide open," the senior (Ryan Karl) said. "We were stride by stride with them, and their speed wasn't something we hadn't seen before. We just didn't make the plays." "And when you don't make the plays when you can, it's going to be like this.'' (They may have been matching stride for stride but they were two strides behind)

Short-Range Problems: Fulmer said UT is 4-for-13 facing short-yardage downs this season. "That's not nearly good enough," he said. (The multimillion dollar coach is right again!) Out of characters again.

burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:

More dumb spin:
"We've been really good in the past," Fulmer said. "It's not something like all of the sudden we don't know what we're doing." (It sure looks like you don’t know what you are doing)

"It'd be nice to get one off those 30- or 40-yard down-the-field plays," he said. (Yes, it would be nice)

"There was some good things that happened in the game, but giving up those big plays kind of overshadows everything," Fulmer said. (Yes, it does “kind of” cast a pall on the game. Indeed the UT band did play well)

"I think we miscalculated the speed of (Percy) Harvin, which we shouldn't have and that allowed them to get the ball out off the 1-yard line," Fulmer said. (Harvin’s documented and well known 40 yard dash time is 4.3 seconds. How can you miscalculate that? I guess they accidentally watched his scouting film in slow motion)

"We talk about finishing games, but we have to start them as well," senior defensive end Xavier Mitchell said. "We haven't done that particularly well, and we'll definitely address some of the things." (Sounds like a sound strategy to me)

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said "We certainly have plenty of time to get it fixed, but we've got to get it fixed fast." (Is this what they call an oxymoron? [No silly...not coach Fulmer but his quote] What’s the hurry if you have plenty of time?)
I feel better now that I have all this off my chest. Go Vols!

bustervols writes:

Head Ball Coach: Spurrier
Defensive Cordinator: Dale Jones
Offensive Cordinator: Johnny(Smashmouth)Majors
AD: Pat Head

Southland writes:

Spurrier? would you guys stop that. He hates UT and everything about it plus he is old enough to retire now. He is a jerk but not as big a jerk as Jon Gruden is and some of you want that classless jerk to be our next coach. Come on folks. We are not changing coaches for a couple of more years because of the ignorant contract extensions given to Fulmer. But when the time comes lets hire someone that knows how to speak with cursing every breath like Gruden does. Lets hope we hire someone that will represent the university and the state in a way we can be proud of. That is not Gruden. Our present coaches have run their course. They have no new ideas and show they are not interested in learning anything new. Good guys, great job during the 90's but time has passed them by. They could go somewhere else and do a good job because they would be forced to change but they have not passion anymore and refuse to learn. Everyone that thought Coach C. was going to fix all of our problems were obviously mistaken. Hiring him again was a mistake but it was the easy thing to do. Fulmer did not have to work at it so it was easy to do.

jdcvols#230433 writes:

alcofc, our offense has improved alot since 2005. It is the defense that has really dropped off. Coach C is not the problem.

onecrazyvol writes:

Thursday's headline: Defense just can't tackle
Friday's headline: Ray Charles can run through our special teams.

Extra Extra!! Read all about it!!

VOLinDAWGland writes:

I agree with the assessment of zone blocking...I've watched the Atlanta Falcons run it for threes years and they, like the Vols, could never convert short down situations. The zone scheme is passive, the lineman are required to be light and quick and just don't have the size and technique/toughness to ram it when needed. The scheme can generate a lot of yards with quick cutting backs who can read the seams, but it just doesn't seem to cut it when a tough yard or two is required. The Falcons have gone back to bigger lineman in a more standard blocking scheme under Petrino. The transition is a bit rough, but I think it will be better in the long run. I've admired Arkansas' running game for several years now. Love the way the take to people...down and dirty.

GoVol writes:

We've been top 10 in the nation for recruiting for as long as I can remember, so the talent is there. It is up to coaches and they are failing miserably. How can we be top 10 in recruiting year after year not be competitive in big games - answer - the coaching.

shopsports#273141 writes:

Is the lack of defense about Chavis being ready to go somewhere else or have a new boss at UT? We have never known NO defense. Maybe he is tired of saving Phil. Is he angry that Cutcliff came back and got a better contract than he has ever had? The problems are so deep and so across the board that there can be no solution except to clean house in the football dept. Email Mike Hamilton at utsports.com and tell him to do his job. NOW. If we are giving up yet another season, don't wait until the end of this fall. Put Taylor in as interim head coach. Let anyone who wants to leave now, go. If Taylor can do wonders before we find someone good, then consider him. The best suggestion I have heard is the south Florida head coach, for many reasons. Thoughts? BTW...has anyone noticed neither Charlie Weiss or Jimmy Clausen is the football GOD?? The other most important observation I have read is that Ainge is no leader. He sits on the bench and pouts about his own failures like Casey used to. He doesn't motivate anyone. Maybe nobody wants to play with him and his personal NFL aspirations. I am certainly tired of hearing about them and don't like his attitude any more than Casey Clausen. Try the others until someone gives a damn!!

DSaVol writes:

GoVol...we've only been top 10 in recruiting based on a bunch of pundits assessments of players they've never seen or talked to. Those same pundits have created an industry for themselves and fans across the country have bought into it. It is obvious by what's happened on the field the last 2 plus (actually about 6 years but let's give the benefit of the doubt) that we have NOT been top 10 in recruiting. This is compounded by a coaching staff stuck in a 1970's and 80's mentality that actually believes those same pundits themselves! PLEASE - are they ALL gone yet?????????

Wooly writes:

Terry Bowden said yesterday on the Jim Rome show that he is "throwing his name in the hat at the end of this season to see what is out there" Man, that is something to seriously think long and hard about isn't it? I hope the UT decision makers heard that one. Here is a guy you know would love to coach an SEC program with UT's resources. Or, he gets away.....

Dirtdobber writes:

Headlines Sport Page Tennessean- "Cutcliff says he should have called more running plays"

Why so we could fumble it away to Florida and let them walk into the end zone for another score?

The coaches are too quick to go away from passing the ball. We cant run the ball. We have proven that. We have proven we can pass the ball- Keep passing it until they stop ya and stay away from running plays like double reverses and running plays up the middle! Get the ball to Oneal or the other speed guy- see if they can make a few plays. Ainge is doing great- let em keep passing the ball!

If the Vols get too far from the short passing game...they may lose several and no bowl! The problem remains stopping somebody on defense!

waterskier3#226480 writes:

I posted before the season started that the ol was in trouble because these are the same players that have been for years and they are just not run type OL players..... we recruited good zone blocking type players for passes but when you have to line up and say I'm going to run over you and point the defense in the face they can't do it.... nothing against the players the coaches have changed what type of player they recruit and its not working for SEC type football.

TNvolunteer writes:

I think on third and short, we are trying to do too much...We are trying to scoop block or reach block someone who is a gap away....Do like they teach you in pop warner....block the man in front of you, who ever he is....We are trying to get pretty and trying to bust one for 50 yards or something.

onecrazyvol writes:

DSA.......those very same "pundits" are the ones who say LSU/UF/USC have top 5 recruiting classes every year. And ya know what? They happen to pan out.

Wooly writes:

DID YOU GUYS NOT HEAR THAT? Terry Bowden said yesterday on the Jim Rome show that he is "throwing his name in the hat at the end of this season to see what is out there" Man, that is something to seriously think long and hard about isn't it? I hope the UT decision makers heard that one. Here is a guy you know would love to coach an SEC program with UT's resources. Or, he gets away.....

bustervols writes:

Wanted: Volunteers to help move former head football coach. Must have moving van. Contact AD after Arkansas State game.

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