Lane Kiffin's not ready to hurry into a decision about his hurry-up offense just because Tennessee had some success by going up-tempo against Auburn last week.
"It's easy to sit here after that game and say 'We should be in a two-minute (offense) all the time, in no-huddle,' " the Tennessee coach said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Kiffin declined to commit to a wholesale change of his offense as the Vols prepare to play Georgia at Neyland Stadium on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 12:21 p.m.). He knows the downfalls of up-tempo.
"You struggle sometimes getting into a rhythm of running play-action," Kiffin said. "If you are that (in a hurry-up offense), you better be a good pass protection team and you better make plays down the field because your run game is going to be limited."
Kiffin said pass rushers will be licking their chops at a hurry-up offense. Center Cody Sullins, who handles UT's blocking calls, doesn't seem to mind.
"It energized us," Sullins said of the attack, which helped UT close the margin of defeat last week thanks to vastly improved play from quarterback Jonathan Crompton.
"We run the two-minute offense in practice a lot. We were used to it. We knew what we were doing. It kind of caught Auburn off guard. I think they had some trouble lining up and I think it made them tired."
That won't always be the case as defenses spend more time preparing for the Vols' fast-paced look. UT, however, doesn't have much to lose. It can utilize the no-huddle without much preparation.
"It's real easy to have ready because you always prepare for two-minute (situations) every week," Kiffin said. "It could be something down the road that we look to do. It all depends on how the game is going."
Kiffin pointed out that the Vols weren't very good in no-huddle before the Auburn game and that UT's two-minute drill in practice is "up and down."
"We've had times where we do well but you never really know because the quarterback can't get hit in that period so it's kind of tough to gauge," Kiffin said.
There are certain advantages, Kiffin said. A defense can't disguise its plays nearly as well.
Also, defenses often have only a handful of plays for such scenarios.
A no-huddle offense can also wear down a defense - if it's effective. If not, it will be the Vols' defense that's worn down.
"Now all of a sudden you go three-and-out and it takes 11 seconds off the clock and the whole thing only took two minutes and your defense is right back out there," Kiffin said.
All Good: Center Cody Sullins said UT's team morale is still "pretty high" and much better after a slow start than it was a year ago.
"It was just a different feeling," Sullins said of last year. "Everybody was saddened and sickened by the whole thing."
Much of the credit for the uplifted chins goes to UT's coaches.
"Nobody is down in the dumps, thinking that the whole season is over or anything like that," said Sullins of a 2-3 start. " . . . There's not that much negativity going around as there was in the past."
Sullins said the scrutiny on former coach Phillip Fulmer could have contributed to the morose mood in 2008.
Despite its struggles, Sullins said UT's offense is more optimistic this season because its players can see how to improve. Tight end Luke Stocker didn't exactly share that sentiment.
"It's similar," Stocker said of the offensive struggles. "I felt like at times last year we played in good spurts, then we couldn't put it together for a full game.
"That's something we've got to get over the hill. We can't keep doing that. If we want to be the kind of team we talk about wanting to be, we have to get past that."
Penalty Points: UT is fourth-best in fewest penalties per game (3.6) and third-best in fewest penalty yards per game (28.8) among the 120 Bowl Subdivision schools.
"I've been very proud of that," Kiffin said.
Georgia, on the other hand, is 115th in penalties per game (9.6) and 103rd in penalty yards per game (74.6) in the FBS.
The Bulldogs were penalized for excessive celebration last week late in the game against LSU. The subsequent field position allowed the Tigers to easily drive for the winning score. The SEC said this week the penalty shouldn't have been called.
The excessive-celebration penalty is a point of emphasis this season. UT's coaches have addressed it with their team.
"They say if you're going to celebrate, then celebrate with your team and do it on the sideline," Sullins said. "Don't run out there and make a big scene out on the field."
Kiffin took issue with an unnecessary roughness penalty that was called against UT last week.
"We had a crucial 15-yard penalty on a special-teams play that I don't think there's any way was a penalty," he said.
Kiffin said the call is most often made when a player is overly aggressive far behind a return on a turnover. UT was called for the penalty on a punt return.
Hardesty's Homework: Montario Hardesty isn't surprised he's the SEC's leading rusher. Based off his research of Kiffin, he assumed the Vols would have an improved rushing attack.
"When Coach Kiffin went to the Raiders, they went from the 30th(-best) rushing team in the NFL to No. 5," Hardesty said.
Actually, it was 29th to sixth.
Hardesty is tied for eighth-best in the nation with 115 yards per game.
Freshman Renaissance: Kiffin said he expects more out of freshman receiver Marsalis Teague.
"I look for Marsalis to have a good week this week," Kiffin said. "He was banged up last week."
Kiffin said Teague suffered a dislocated finger and had a sore back after a hard hit in the Ohio game.
Teague was a standout in the season opener but his production has since slipped.
Hat Trick: Kiffin wore his third different television network cap of the season during his weekly press conference. "ESPNU" was the latest. Kiffin, who was born in Bloomington, Minn., joked that he considered wearing a Minnesota Twins hat to spur the team on into the playoffs.
Injury Report: Offensive guard Vladimir Richard (knee) did not practice Tuesday. Sullins was still sporting some stitches on his right temple after clashing heads with a teammate last week. He was to have the stitches taken out Tuesday.
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Comments » 118
GahLee writes:
Would probably be best suited for us if we used is sparingly, say when we get a first down or two, then throw it in, you definitely don't want to gas the D anymore than we already do.
VOL1SG writes:
You know, all the negative comments need to stop. I read these blogs everyday (just for the simple fact I do not want to spend hard earned money to pay, that and the wife would not like it too much). I am not the head coach and will never pretend to be. I like ALPs comment. As for the phooey about Crompton. I suport the kid. He has had to endure a lot of phooey (for KNS) from the fans and the media. Give it a rest. This staff knows what it is doing. Great things do not happen over night and a 9-3 season will not happen overnight.
GO VOLS!!!
vols2#227315 writes:
How many more games will UT have to lose, before they finally bench Cromptom? We would be better in a single wing than have Cromptom at Quarterback.
Couchdummy writes:
We shouldn't resort to trickery and smoke n' mirrors as an offense. I do think that would be a mistake, and we should stay more conventional. I would, however, consider running an option type offense using our arsenal of running backs! Runs the clock and shortens the game in the absence of a good QB.
mattnchatt writes:
The defense is used to being on the field the whole game anyway. If the hurry up = first downs and ultimately points, then I say go for it.
GahLee writes:
Bet that got a lot of laughs in the janitor's closet...pathetic.
GahLee writes:
You can't run it all the time...DUH!
volinlouisiana writes:
I think they need to mix it up. Try anything to trick the defense and keep them off balance. We sure don't have anything to lose, so do the regular pros-set, mix in some Nu-Gun, bubble screens, reverses, and hurry-up, just anything is better than the anemic attack we currently have.
volinlouisiana writes:
No offense, but Crompton in charge of running an option doesn't exactly give me that peacful easy feelin'.
dmhampton#234127 writes:
Everyone - I have read a lot of post tonight. And really everyone needs to take a step back and think. Every coach is doing the best they can with what they have.
We have a guy starting a DT with two bad knees. We have a formal walk-on that did start a MLB. We now have a guy that is starting at MLB who had not played that position since 6th grade. We have freshman starting at WR. We have two formal walk-ons starting on the O-Line, and a third starter that was moved from TE.
Coach Kiffin is not making all of these decisions by himself. He has a lot of experience on his staff.
Now if everyone just think instead of going back and forth with each other, you may be able to figure out what may happen if we lose to Georgia.
After Georgia's game - we have a bye. This bye will give us 2 weeks to get ready for Al. If we are going to make a change, it will be after this week's game.
Now for everyone that stated Kiffin is not playing NS because he wants to make sure we get a good QB next year is stupid. You do not do that.
Now my final point. Look at the recruits we have a verbal for so far. If we do get all of the kids, we will finally start to build some depth. Which we do not have at this point? With the exception of a few players... we are really not get any production from our last 3 to 4 recruiting classes. That is why we are where we are.
Volnation needs to be patient. This team has more discipline, and our team are not quitting. Something that everyone complained about for the last couple of years.
.
RockinTop writes:
It's foolish to believe that Crompton's continued poor performance isn't affecting this team. If you read between the lines of Sullins comments he's hiding how he really feels.
Stocker, not so much. It's obvious that it's on his mind. You gotta figure all WR's are frustrated right now. I have a feeling more gaskets are going to blow soon.
I don't feel good about this weekend either.
57TexasVol writes:
Damn recession! So many unemployed coaches here.
Voluvr writes:
DEAR SPORTS IDGITS,
Have you forgotten where we were? Did you see Chavis last week go into his "prevent" your team from winning defense? Our coaches are paying attention to the details of building a team. That hasn't been done in a long time. Now we're implimenting discipline and you impatient schmucks are running everyone down.
You don't let something go for a decade, then expect to straighten it out in 5 games.
Grow up and act like you've actually strapped up yourself and layed it on the line.
Voluvr writes:
Think about it guys:
The best recruiting in the country.
Attention to extreme details.
Discipline in the program.
No arrests since taking over.
Highest GPA in years.
Best coaching staff in the country.
Championships are coming.
And you guys are pissed because he's not making the same decisions during the game that Fulmer made last year. Chill out and give it time.
midtnfan writes:
I don't think TBM knows what DUH! means.
jsm67vol writes:
Great Post. Looking at last years team makes me feel alot better about how far these young men have come and they keep fighting to get better. Go Vols !!!!!!!
usnavyvol writes:
WOW....Yet again here u are. If ur "Da-Man" as u claim. Why is it you spend every day on this site?
1. Yu have no life and can't get "Da-woman"?
2. You are worried that CLK might actually turn this program around?
3. Your supply of free text books ran out?
4. They kicked you off the small bus for being "Da-idiot" (sorry to have offended anyone...else)
I've asked u similar questions in the pass..When will you u "DaMan" up and answer?
Just a troll slapnutz.....UT class of 93'
GO VOLS!!
oldvol48 writes:
just remember if we go no huddle and it doesn't work out, it just gives the other the team more shots at the ball. Focus on the running game and slowing the game down might be a better solution.
GahLee writes:
How do you know what these guys are thinking?
It's amazing, what a talent you are.
We will beat Georgia, they are not very good on defense and they aren't very good running the ball either.
UT-23 Georgia-20
the10sevol writes:
since it's almost wednesday, could we please have some uga articles, kns? pretty please?
GBO
tonyvick#213307 writes:
Coach I've seen your offense when Crompton has the ball and if you don't score in 11 seconds then there's a turnover. It's amazing how less tired a defense is after a score. Try it. And I can tell these young men don't read these postings if they don't think there is much negativity. A consistent QB will produce a consistent offense because all the other pieces are in place.
cr1027VOLS writes:
That game actually did shed some light on Crompton's strengths. Obviously, his weakness is dropping back and reading a defense, then making a decision. Sad...Too much time and bad receivers. He is good at executing quick, timely designed plays, and I think his heart pumps orange blood. He lacks confidence, which is understandable after what he has gone thru. Kiffin realizes he has talent and ability. Our second option isn't better, I promise you guys. Crompton does have all measureables. He just doesnt have confidence. By the end of the season, barring Kiffin denounces his philosophy, I think Crompton will be damn solid. Too bad Kiffin can do it in one season while the previous staff could never commit to developing a quarterback. Who? Manning..one of the best qbs of all time, Tee Martin? Great athlete, much better supporting cast...come on..Clausen? Dont go there...should have been another championship...
dvols writes:
tennessee football is irrelevant, but not to worry, our coach will stay in the news!
cr1027VOLS writes:
The point is Kiffin develops the qb, not that it makes a difference on our immediate season...
cr1027VOLS writes:
I hope he does..I guess you haven't figured that part out? When TN is not in the spotlight..Kiffin does what he has to do to put them back in. Even in bad times. Anyone who knocks Kiffin right now is just ignorant. Give him a chance. Wait two years...just two? Then bash him, if deserved then fine. Good lord! The guy has shown a commitment to discipline and can recruit as well as Fulmer. Discipline..that is what we were lacking
cobbwebb writes:
news flash- with the exception of montario hardesty, i have seen very little to be excited about from this offense! i am sure guys are playing hard, and giving their all, but they just dont have what it takes! it doesnt end with crompton, the wrs are playing like a bunch of girls, and our o-line, while they are tough, and playing as well as they can, they lack the big nasties that you need to be competitive in the sec.
crimsonviper writes:
There would be some celebrating going on around here if you got ejected from this website Da Clown.
timetofireclk writes:
Take a team with 5-7 talent, add the greatest coaching staff ever assembled, and mix in a top 10 recruiting class and what do you get? A 2-10 season and a half empty stadium.
timetofireclk writes:
Best recruiting in the country? Really. I thought this class wound up being like a top 15 after a couple didnt make it in?
Attention to extreme details? Really. You mean like playing a 15 yard zone on 3rd and 10?
Discipline in the program? Really. Is that like G Jones spouting off on the field and getting more balls thrown at him the next week and Warren spouting off on the sidelines and getting kicked off the team? Maybe it's the divided locker room?
No arrests since taking over? That is because they are too ashamed to be seen in public.
Highest GPA in years? Are you really satisfied with where UT is? Are you just happy they are barely passing?
Best coaching staff in the country? Seriously? The staff that lost to UCLA worse than last year? Last year we at least took them to OT. Last year we lost to Auburn because of a Crapton fumble and this year they coasted the whole second half and we got lucky to throw up a hail mary and catch it at the end of the game to even get close or maybe the staff that was just giddy that they didnt get blown out by the gators or finally the staff that took EB from a INT monster and turned him into a LB?
As long as this staff stays in town UT may as wells get used to 2 or 3 win seasons.
Championships are coming?? Are you in your right mind? They wont even make a bowl game for the next 5 to 10 years.
timetofireclk writes:
Are we talking the discipline like we used on Warren or the discipline that was used on G Jones for the same thing?
blitzshoot writes:
Well said!
timetofireclk writes:
You mean besides the coach saying that there is too much finger pointing going on in the locker room?
timetofireclk writes:
UGA 56 UT 3
UGA will convert every 3rd down and 10 or more just like every other team we have played this year.
BrassMonkey writes:
Hurry up was a fluke. Auburn knew it was over. It won't work with the QB you have.
volsfannsc writes:
You start your negative posts at 6:40 AM and I continue to see your phooey throughout the day. Have you ever thought about getting a job?.....or a life? Again, you seem to have all the answers so find yourself a little league team to coach. Well,... if your court order allows that. Seriously, if you're so dissatisfied with this team- throw in the towel and find a team you can actually support. Your dribble suggests you might already be a bamafan so go find a recruit to give money to.
chestnutglade writes:
How true. Why try when crapton is QB.Here we go again.Looks like a 4 win season.
tenneesseeman62 writes:
57 i sure do agree with you 100%
jimr07 writes:
i was amazed at the start of the season at the high expectations for this team. now all you negative nellies are piling on a new coaching staff and a player that does not deserve the constant criticsim. not one of you ever played or coached. did anyone honestly expect a national championship this year? or to play in the SEC championship game? i do know that if kiffin wants to win, all he has to do is log on here and find out what he needs to do.
beatfla2009 writes:
I think , You think, She thinks, My Vols, Are team, I should be be the coach bench Crompton, You all are a joke get a life, work on your marriages, try to quit smoking and drinking, talk to your kids, go see your mothers and fathers if you can, lose wieght, get off your medication, whatever it takes to help your sanity, it is just a football game, and these players you like to bash are human beings, i say take down the peyton manning blvd sign, and put up tee MARTIN, he was the Q-B WHEN THE TENNESSEE VOLS WON WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND YOU GUYS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT,LOL
Volsforbetterorforworse writes:
Kiffin is trying to make the passing game work. I understand this thinking. That is why he continues to try and let Crompton sling the ball. Once the passing game gets on track it will open up more plays for the running game. It might take a couple games, but it seems that the offense is starting to come around a little bit. For those of you that want to run the ball every play, realize that once a talented defense stacks 8 in the box it wont matter who your running back is. Just some things to keep in perspective, IMO
Mr_Brownstone writes:
This is a rebuilding year. Rome wasn't built in a day. I am telling you there are so many parallels between Kiffin and when Jimmy Johnson took over Dallas that it's not even funny. Both replaced a legend, took over proud programs that had become stagnant, made brash talk, were scoffed at by the media, brought in outstanding staffs, had tons of player turnover; bad apples, brought in serious talent (Dallas through the Draft), Kiffin through recruiting (last year and current ranking), and created tremendous buzz within the team and fans. We have the engine, we just need the fuel (players). Give it time, b/c it will get rolling!
99gator writes:
i don't know how anyone can argue with this....
http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009...#
Vol_in_Texas writes:
Go Vols!
rockytop#413695 writes:
For all you Crompton bashers out there, you should do as I did and watch the Auburn game again. Yeah, he threw four or five passes behind the receivers on crossing patterns and out of the backfield. He certainly has his problems. However, the receivers were far worse with dropped passes that should have been caught.
In fact, after watching the game again, I felt much better. We actually should have won the game. If a few things had gone our way, like Stocker not tripping in the back of the endzone so the pass was way off, Brandon Warren just falling on the fumbled snap instead of trying to pick it up. Glad he's gone! A few missed tackles when we had them in the backfield and they turn into 20 yard gains. Not to mention missed field goal and extra point. I could go on and on.
The point is Crompton actually made some nice plays and had the recievers held on to the ball several drives would have continued. I think with a little more time he will be, well, not good, but adequate.
I still think we can beat Georgia. We'll lose to Bama, but win out from there. Write it down.
FranklinCo_VOL writes:
Thank You!!!
CNCVOL writes:
This person starts posting @ 6:45 because when you're as big a jerk as this cat, no one ever wants to be around you. Probably went to bed last night at sun down since no one in their right mind would want to hang around with such a JERK. Thus, they are up early spewing stupidity. This person is OBVIOUSLY not a Vol fan.
CrankE writes:
One of the best "first" posts I've seen.
If I were performing that poorly, I just might bench myself.
__________
Hurry-up:
If they don't achieve the desired result then the methods don't matter.
A 3 and out is just as unproductive and just as demoralizing regardless of what offense you run.
tennesseebee writes:
Come on, lay off Crompton. He's our QB and we need to support him. I thought he looked better last week. He can only be on one end of the ball (i.e: dropped balls). He made some bad passes but he threw some darts, too. Let's go Vols!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
Good Post! I think we're just dissapointed now that's the season has started, and we haven't seen much improvement on the field on offense, or special teams. Rome wasn't built in day, so thanks for a little perpespective. I'd still give Stevens a shot, just to see what happens. Trying to chill out in Fl.
GO VOLS!!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
There in lies the problem. The passing game won't get on track until we get a new QB.
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