Adams: Vols shouldn't be tempted by tricks

The most publicized play in college football this weekend was LSU's fake field goal against South Carolina. Quarterback Matt Flynn faked placing the ball on the ground, then flipped it over his head to kicker Colt David, who ran into the end zone as though he had been a running back in a former life.

Not only did the play work. It looked easy. In fact, it looked so easy that other schools might be tempted to try it sooner rather than later.

My advice to Tennessee: DON'T.

I realize it comes across as un-American to oppose trick plays. And I enjoyed Boise State's Fiesta Bowl deviousness against Oklahoma as much as anyone. But just because something works for Boise State or Florida or LSU doesn't mean it will succeed at UT.

When the Vols stray from their basic offense this season, they might as well have the public-address announcer scream to the crowd: "WATCH THIS!"

Don't get the wrong idea. UT doesn't have quarterbacks tossing the ball over their heads, and it doesn't hide the ball in the bellies of offensive guards. What constitute trick plays at UT are offensive staples elsewhere.

Take the end-around, for example. The Vols tried to sneak that one past Florida nine days ago. Freshman Brent Vinson lost 9 yards. They tried it again Saturday night against Arkansas State. Freshman Kenny O'Neal gained 2 yards.

Trickery? It's more akin to freshman hazing.

Veteran players haven't fared much better. Wide receiver Lucas Taylor slipped into the backfield against Cal, took a direct snap in the shotgun formation and charged into the line. You knew Cal wasn't caught off guard when you saw Taylor's head snap back like a crash-test dummy's.

It's as though UT's designated tricksters have neon signs on their helmets flashing, "Here I come." Opposing defenses couldn't be more ready if Bill Belichick's cameramen were stalking the sideline.

I can appreciate UT's token attempts at deception. Their program has been accused of becoming stagnant. Besides, everybody knows how much fans love a trick play.

Actually, that's only half-right. Fans love a trick play when it works.

It didn't work Saturday at Ole Miss. Trailing by six points with 3:09 to play, the Rebels lined up in an unorthodox formation on fourth down. Florida coach Urban Meyer decided the Rebels might be up to something other than a punt and signaled for a timeout.

After the timeout, the Rebels shrewdly proceeded as planned. Punter Justin Sparks took the snap, faked a running punt and completed an 8-yard pass to tight end Robert Lane, who was promptly tackled short of the first down.

More advice to UT: Don't try that, either.

UT special teams have had enough trouble with the basics this season. The last thing they need is a punter passing on fourth down. Remember how that turned out against Florida two years ago?

And don't even think about faking a field goal. New kicker Daniel Lincoln, who is 8-for-8 on field goals, has become a can't-miss star. A UT holder flipping the ball over his head to a kicker is a can't-miss disaster.

You know how that would go. A defensive tackle would catch the ball in stride, and a team that has struggled to bring down 180-pound ball-carriers would embarrass itself trying to tackle a 280-pound lineman.

Unconventional plays have cost UT only a few yards so far. No opponents have turned them into touchdowns. No receivers have been maimed. The Vols aren't 2-2 because of their offense, which is averaging a respectable 34 points and 418 yards per game.

So cut your losses. Hand the ball to your tailbacks, throw it to your wide receivers and tight ends, and send a graduate assistant coach to a Boise State football seminar in the off-season if you're still determined to fool somebody.

But if you can't resist running a reverse, take the neon sign off the wide receiver's helmet.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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