The system works.
And Tennessee is right on schedule.
Lane Kiffin wouldn't have complained if the learning process had been a bit quicker for all the freshmen he's thrown on the field early this season, but the first-year UT coach understood from the beginning what the risk would be. Ultimately the reward figures to be far greater, and starting Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) at No. 1 Alabama, UT is hoping to start reaping the benefits of an inconsistent first half.
"That's the plan," Kiffin said Tuesday. "Now that they've been here and we played our young guys so much at the beginning of the year - when you go with this style of play the way we do and the way we treat our freshmen, you're going to have some bumps in the road early in the season because we play our guys so much and they're young.
"Hopefully what that does is that contributes to them playing well at the end of the season. I think we went four years at (Southern California) with this philosophy and never lost a game in the month of November."
The calendar hasn't flipped there just yet, but with the bye week for UT (3-3, 1-2 SEC) coming exactly in the middle of the season, Kiffin has emphasized this date all year as a potential turning point for his young talent.
Running back Bryce Brown has yet to be completely healthy, but the extra rest last weekend could turn him into a game-breaker in the backfield down the stretch or against the Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0). Janzen Jackson has started the last five games, but the safety has just scratched the surface as a tackler and is still acclimating to the speed of the game.
Opportunities for tailback David Oku and defensive tackle Montori Hughes figure to come more frequently in the second half as well, but there's not really any question which freshmen Kiffin is expecting the most from as the bowl picture starts to develop.
"I think that the two receivers, Marsalis (Teague) and Nu'Keese (Richardson), need to continue to make plays and develop for us and be able to be every-down receivers and not just do certain things," Kiffin said. "I think they're (all) doing well, and they'll continue to play a little more as we go along. I think the bye week was big, and hopefully in the second half we see them contribute more and play more."
That chance should be there right away for Teague and Richardson, particularly with Quintin Hancock nursing an ankle injury and the Vols continuing to try to establish a passing game.
UT had it rolling against Georgia in its last outing and both freshman receivers had a catch in the blowout win, but clearly the expectations are higher than that.
"I think it's come along very well," Teague said. "We are seeing things that we think (quarterback Jonathan) Crompton is seeing, and we're on the same page a lot with our reads and our checks now. I mean, you couldn't ask for anything else.
"Confidence goes a long way. Once you get to the point where you feel like you know where the ball is going to be and we know we're going to catch the ball, we feel like nobody can stop us doing that. As long as we keep doing what we're doing and executing the way we've been executing, we'll be all right."
Their execution hasn't always been that pretty this season, though that hardly seems to come as a surprise to the Vols.
It takes some time to get it right, and that's just part of the blueprint.
"A lot of that had to do with playing the guys early," Kiffin said. "(We're) taking the bumps and bruises and not waiting as some other people do, (waiting) until the end of the year or until blowouts to play them.
"Hopefully that will pay off down the road."
The Vols certainly invested heavily in the freshmen in the first half. They're planning on collecting in the second.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 65
twin942 writes:
Let's hope it pays off CLK. No reason why we can't win at least 5 of 6 from here.
And..First
smashmouth98 writes:
we need all the Fresh. to continue to get on the field & make plays. It's a breath of fresh air vs. CPF stragety.
UTfan4life2 writes:
Give em hell Kiff.
**UT SHOCKS THE WORLD**
UT-17
UA-14
In Lane we trust!
ORANGE SWARM!
Cldvols1 writes:
Go Vols beat Bama!!!
10cvalleyvol writes:
All along before the Georgia game we were being told there was a problem with the receivers not running their routes the way they were drawn up. I have to admit, I am skeptical of the current status being reported now about the receivers' major turn around. I hope it is all true and we continue to see the QB and receivers make more positive strides in the passing game. Alabama should be ready for the bootleg and role out passing that we capitalized on in the Georgia game. And don't forget the pass protection we need from the OL. We will just have to wait and see how this all works out. Is it all talk or just words?
ThaiVolFan writes:
The hero of this game will likely come down to the play of Daniel Lincoln. If he is 100% in his field goal attempts we will win the game. He is going to be forced to make a few long pressure filled kicks. I have a hunch if he plays well we win a close one down in Alabubba.
GBO!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Good point fg kicking will be huge. We better make sure the refs throw a flag when the holder lays out the jar opener for Tiffin to cheat, uh I mean kick off of.
colt writes:
UT is a 15 point dog against AL. I like the points. I thought it would be about 8. No respect Tennessee. Get Mad. Get real Mad and shock the world.
MidTennVol writes:
MAN, this is such a different philosophy than that of Fulmer, who always seemed to approach things from a "freshman mistakes will cost you games" mentality.
While there's some truth to that (think Nukeese dancing over the ball on punt returns, etc.), Kiffin clearly knows he has a pass this year and next. The benefits of playing freshmen early and often far outweigh the potential risks.
Of course, it's great for recruiting. But what about in a few years, when we will expect to beat FL and AL -- which come in the first half of the season? Will he be willing to risk losses to them by risking freshmen mistakes?
He knows, as do all of us, that the second half of Tennessee's football season is always easier than the first. The money games for this program are always before Halloween.
Personally, I think this approach is a breath of fresh air and will reap big-time benefits down the road. But it does carries risks, which I'm willing to accept as long as we can keep dodging the occasional bullet from a bonehead freshman mistake.
rocky_topper writes:
Bama's cheating tradition continues. This time, turned in by the ole ball coach himself:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...
gillblog writes:
I think Peyton Manning said it best when talking about starting as a rookie in the NFL: you can't get any better without playing in a real game (or words to that effect). Same thing applies to college football. The more game experience you have, the better you will play and beyond simple conditioning expectations, there's almost nothing to be gained by keeping freshmen on the sideline just because they are freshmen.
gillblog writes:
p.s. So, yes ok, on this point at least I do agree with Kiffin.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The "ball in the earhole" route was esp hard to teach, but at least Hancock mastered it.
May the pig fly very true Sat.
Docrok writes:
Thats a joke right? Not a very good one obviously but it is a joke right? You were trying to be funny but witty right? I'm sorry I keep asking but the statement but somewhat ludicrous and you know with these blogs its really hard to distinguish tone!
WytheVol writes:
In response to:
"Of course, it's great for recruiting. But what about in a few years, when we will expect to beat FL and AL -- which come in the first half of the season? Will he be willing to risk losses to them by risking freshmen mistakes?"
I think he will continue to use that philosophy.. However, once he has more talent, freshmen reps will be much more limited due to the simple fact that the upper classmen will just flat out be better than the incoming classes. But I do believe that the "best" freshmen will always see the field in upcoming seasons... He just won't have to use them as often and at the same capacity due to the talent level.. Take J. Jackson for example.. No way that kid doesn't see the field often as a freshman in any class, he is just too talented. He's taken a beating in some games, just because he is a freshman and still learning. But I think Kiffin's philosophy of you can't learn if you don't play will continue to hold true in the future. If it isn't freshmen mistakes, then they will make mistakes in their second years, etc, etc... There is just too much difference in practice and game time atmospheres.
chl1958 writes:
saban nation; You are the epitome of the entire classless,clueless,Alabama pit people. You would do anything to get ahead;go wallow in your own self esteem!
TommyJack writes:
Playing the frosh is a function of 2 things.
1. recruiting
2. necessity
The larder was thinned out more than many want to believe.
WytheVol writes:
The only reason we allow Alabama and Georgia to stay afloat is to maintain our distance from Florida. The cheating and criminal records speak for themselves, particularly in FL and AL... Over the next 2-3 years our vacuum will slowly be shut down and you will all float off into obscurity... No one will ever even remember you guys...
Honestly, to be real... I think it will be a close game, regardless who wins. But I do think that UT CAN win. They have to do some things offensively to catch Bama off guard on D in order to open up the playbook early. Alabama's D will have a lot to do with UT's offensive execution, but that is also true with UT-D vs. AL-O... May the best team win. Good luck, and hopefully there will be no major injury set backs for either team!
GO VOLS!!!
WytheVol writes:
They gonna hit the freshmen over the head with those free books?
AFVol423 writes:
Interesting. Kind of a week penalty for flagrant rules violation. My guess is the coach is willing to give up 5 yards if he gets caught on all but the most extreme kicks. Even then, if you have a 50% chance of hitting the kick from distance without a smooth surface, or aiming point, and that makes it 60%, heck, maybe it's worth the risk.
beachvol1 writes:
Why post negative comments like this SabanNation poster??? I realize this is a Vol message board, but doesn't this guy know this just motivates the Vol players that read this stuff, and believe you me, they do...this one could got either way, a one sided affair or a tight one...JC has to perform well and of course the defense play as they have all yr(except the 2nd half of the Ohio game) for the Vols to have a chance...got my fingers crossed that the Big Organge is ready to play and excutes and protects the ball...either way, this will help the Vols recruiting in the state of Alabama...wishful thinking....Vols 20-17...
Huttdawg100 writes:
This is far more than great for recruiting. Nick Saban and Alabama are currently working a top 5 recruiting class. There will be Alabama commitments at Bryant Denny watching game. When they see BB, Nu, Marsalis, Oku, and Jackson playing instead of riding the pine, they might take a second look at Tennessee.
SLOBBER_knocker_U writes:
I'm willing to bet those free books were coloring books
MidTennVol writes:
Good point. Maybe we should have a Big Orange "hospitality RV for Alabama commitments" in the parking lot after the game. Hosted, of course, by those freshmen you mention.
Any idea how many true freshmen Saban has been playing/starting this season?
GerryOP writes:
Fear The Cromp...
abnermc writes:
Oh sure UT plays as many Freshmen as Fla does inmates.
abnermc writes:
Be afraid Saban ,Be very afraid.After Sat. you will only be #1 in cheating.Pa-role tide Pa-role
VolFanNC writes:
Spurrier actualy did us a favor this week by pointing this out. Not sure if their kicker has been doing it al year, but now the ref's will watch for it.
I don't think it would have made a difference in the SC game, but might in this one if it turns into a defensive battle.
DedicatedVOLFAN writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
WytheVol writes:
Coach.. If Poole is so much better, then why haven't you played him? Think I can get in the game this week? Oh.. that's right, you're not the coach.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. With your futuristic vision.. can I get this weeks winning lotto numbers?
I tell you what, with my winnings, I will personally but out Kiffin's contract and hire you as our next coach. Sincy Hammy passed you up last time, I'll pay him off too.
WytheVol writes:
Yeah... Brown must obviously suck since he didn't go to Fl. But hey coach... if Poole is so much better why don't you play him. If Brown has no capabilities... then why did you recruit him? Oh, you just wanted to ensure we were ranked in recruiting... I get it. Are you the one that got Kiffin to take those "imaginary" knee's to FL? Damn, you're smart. That'll get him fired!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot... Since your futuristic vision is so great, think you could give me the winning lotto numbers this week?
I tell ya what... I'll use my winnings to pay off Hammy (since he passed you up for Kiffin) and personally buy out Kiffin's contract to give you your chance to coach and play the best players. You are obviously much better at that than our current coach....
WytheVol writes:
Spurrier? Is that you?
Thanks for waiting until after your game to turn in Bama. We know about your man crush on Kiffin. It's ok. It appears all Florida fans have one.
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
just let the tuscalosers revel in their glory. after all it's been twenty years since they've been on top.
Vol_FAN_atic writes:
My 3 year old son has accurately predicted two games this year down to the points (the only two games he predicted) One was a loss and one was a win.
I'm going out on a limb here.
He says;
UT by 16 points!
I know, I know but its hard to over look after his being exactly right twice already. Maybe there is such thing as a little magic!
WytheVol writes:
I don't see any excuses. Most of what is said on these posts are facts, or simply meant to be funny, to US VOL FANS.
Everyone on these threads knows this is a respected rivalry. If you don't like whats being said, don't read it. But the TRUTH is, TN CAN win as easily as AL CAN win. It's all in fun dude, don't take this stuff so seriously...
TommyJack writes:
Winnable? yes. Longshot? yes.
RollTideJoe writes:
Yea, uh huh. Yadda, yadda.
RollTideJoe writes:
Oh, shut-up, Rocky Flop.
RollTideJoe writes:
yadda, yadda. And Kiffin and Hamilton need to think of something better than a uniform request to try and distract the Tide. The Tide won't be distracted from business.
b_neas writes:
Tide does not get distracted unless it involves Boosters throwing $$$ in their faces!!!
givehim6 writes:
I have to laugh because several Bama troll that find there way to this Vol site predict Bama will hang 38 points on UT, my question is how? No team this year has. I mean do these Bama folks think Monty is suddenly going to forget how to coach? But that's ok there not the only #1 ranked team this year that's thought UT would just roll over like we did the pest few years. big suprise comeing. GO VOLS!
mm29680#645909 writes:
I haven't seen the line yet, but I'll take our Vols and whatever.
cloudodust writes:
Name the Alabama QB that was compensated with a Corvette for watering the grass at an Alabama auto dealership while playing for CBB...
GerryOP writes:
Well said...
Brillovol writes:
Absolutely flippin' hilarious!
ChicagoVol2004 writes:
It usually takes time for a receiver at any level to get acclimated to the passing game and for the quarterback to get comfortable with receivers’ tendencies. That being said, the struggles of the passing game were to be expected with us playing the freshmen so much. It all started to come together against UGA for both Crompton and his receivers. With an extra week to work on that QB-WR relationship, the second half looks very promising.
537081 writes:
I have never went into a game that I didn't think the vols didn't have a above average chance of winning I would love to see one of the freshmen step up and win the bama game. go VOLS
volboy81 writes:
ROUND THE BOWL AND DOWN THE HOLE...
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
murrayvol writes:
Here's to your vote of confidence.
I'll take 9-6 (remember 1990?) in a heartbeat.
murrayvol writes:
Really no point in posing after your loss to Arkie.
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