Florida and Tennessee left The Swamp on Saturday with the same concerns. Imagine that.
Both teams played exceptional defense in Florida's 23-13 victory. Both ran the ball effectively at times, though they went about it in a completely different manner.
But each team offered little semblance of a downfield passing game.
Part of the passing deficiencies could be attributed to the secondaries. Florida's secondary might be the best in the country, and UT's distinguished itself on the same field.
However, there's more to it than that - a lot more.
UT coach Lane Kiffin made it clear from the get-go that he would rarely risk quarterback Jonathan Crompton throwing the ball downfield. In fact, it often appeared that Crompton had been instructed to look for only one receiver. And that one receiver was usually the closest to the line of scrimmage.
Even with the passing game reduced to the most rudimentary level, Crompton threw two interceptions.
Despite the turnovers, the strategy worked. Coupled with a great defense, it enabled UT to be competitive against a team odds-makers predicted would handle UT with ease.
But now, the obvious question becomes: What do you do next?
Do you turn Crompton loose against Ohio University on Saturday? Against Auburn? Georgia?
Or do you continue to dummy-down the offense no matter who the competition is and hope that the defense and running game carry the day?
Crompton hasn't thrown fewer than two interceptions against any of UT's three opponents, which have ranged from one of college football's worst teams (Western Kentucky) to one of the best (Florida). Doesn't that warrant giving backup Nick Stephens a chance against Ohio University this week?
Florida's passing problem is not with the passer. The problem is the supporting cast.
And it could prevent the Gators from repeating as national champions.
Never mind how good Florida's defense is. Or that quarterback Tim Tebow so often can find a way to save a game.
Florida lost its top two receivers and its two offensive tackles from last season. Their replacements haven't filled the void.
That was evident Saturday when the Vols pressured Tebow and covered his receivers.
The only personnel difference in this Florida offense and last year's offense, which set an SEC scoring record, was the tempo. The Gators have implemented a hurry-up offense, which they run as a change of pace.
Florida's hurry-up didn't remind anyone of what Sam Bradford ran so spectacularly for Oklahoma last season. In fact, it seemingly had Florida's offense more out of sync than UT's defense.
Nonetheless, Florida and UT gained something from the game.
Florida extended its winning streak to 13 games and remained on a championship course. UT proved it could be competitive against a national championship contender at one of college football's most hostile venues.
I've never heard The Swamp any louder. And I've never seen a UT team try any harder in defeat.
But if the Gators and Vols hope to build on Saturday's accomplishments, they will have to address the same problems.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 85
OrangePride writes:
Yes.....both have their issues. But I certainly like the prospects of the Vols future and not the gators (small g intentional). The BIGGEST problem with UT is clearly at QB....again. IF, the staff is not just totally stubborn, they will attempt some solutions THIS year and make an effort to upgrade. The Vol's best days are ahead and the Gator's best days are in the rear view mirror!!! GO VOLS!
TommyJack writes:
ditto
heyitsme writes:
Let's see John... Right off the bat you lost me by claiming that 'both' teams played exceptional defense.
The UT defense was playing against the defending NC with a former Heisman winner with lots of returning starters, and the Florida defense (with everyone returning from last year) was playing against, well, a very average (at best) SEC offensive unit.
I totally disagree! The UT defense played magnificent, the Florida defense played average.
Huttdawg100 writes:
"...And I've never seen a UT team try any harder in defeat."
This is the main difference I've noticed under the new coaching regime; it seemed as if last year's team quit and became lax in more than a few games. I'm extremely proud of them for going into a highly hostile environment and showing some pride.
navarrebeachvol writes:
well said my man
Bigger_Al writes:
Can we expect Crompton to develop into a competent SEC QB that can win games for us this year that Stephens could not? If not, time for a change.
OldRedneck writes:
My comment has nothing to do with the Vols-Gators contest.
Could someone give me Phil Fulmer's phone number?
The Redskins need a coach.
10cvalleyvol writes:
"...And I've never seen a UT team try any harder in defeat."
They have bought into the Kiffin program and are playing with a purpose. But how long can the Coach get this effort out of the team with one hand tied behind his back? Our offense has got to find a way to get the ball down field in the passing game or else our running game will get shut down. Is this what we are going to live with for the rest of the year? The defense can't score enough points to give us a chance to win each week. I am very proud of the effort this team gave this week. I hope our coaches can get more production from our receivers and QB.
Atuss writes:
Unless UF blows up their facilities and the high schools in Florida stop producing football talent the Gators will be alright. Will they win the NC two out of every three years? No. Will the Vols beat them in the very near future? They should. But don't expect UF to crumble any time soon.
VolnAL writes:
The coach is doing well but making do with Crompton is sending the wrong signal to the team. Give them and the fans something to get fired up about.
Futurecoach16 writes:
While I agree that our defense was good Saturday, here's a stat that many have not mentioned: Florida scored on every possession except 3. We had 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, and forced 1 punt. That's not very good. My hat goes off to every player wearing the Orange and White yesterday, but they still have work to do. I liked Crompton and what he did. Yes, he did have 2 picks, but he started to do more things right. The rest of the team will just have to continue stepping up and I think this team can be more successful than I originally thought, but they have to work as hard they did yesterday. They need to think about taking the game in chunks, and winning each quarter of each game.
TheFuj writes:
"I've never heard The Swamp any louder"?? I have been to these games for the past 20 years. It was one of the top 2 QUIETEST of the TN-FL contests. Only the 12:30pm James Bank catch game was more lame for FL fans. This crowd was stunned some. They were expecting a major blowout. They left the game happy, but also wondering if TN is on the rise, or maybe they are not that good.
chad_t31 writes:
Again folks, the way I see it, if stephens plays and he plays just a little better than crompton, what does that do for us next year with bray and possibly someone else coming in? Stephens has had every opportunity to separate himself from a 5th year senior. He hasn't done it. Their numbers were very similar last year and throughout the spring. Kiffin is going to get his guy in there. It's easier to sell a recruit on the opportunity to play right off the bat next year with JC leaving than with NS who couldn't beat out JC coming back. I just don't see kiffin making a change. IMO, this is just kiffin letting the QB prospects out there know that it'll be their job if they come here.
VolnAL writes:
That is a crappy way of doing it. Should the players just lay down since coach is doing that?
Pullingguard writes:
Yes\ why not try someone different at QB.. Last 2 games present one has no TD and 5 interceptions/ How can it get any worse..Why would Kiffin have let the competition at QB run so far if it was not valid...
Laydbakvol writes:
Everybody knows that Tebow basically won the game for UF. But I can't understand Meyer letting his quarterback get abused like a running back. So much for him getting him ready for the NFL.
Oh, by the way, has any body seen a good still shot of "the collision"? I'd like it for my desktop.
chad_t31 writes:
Did it look like the rest of them laid down yesterday?! You deal with what you have. What's your opinion as to why stephens isn't playing?
VolnAL writes:
Politics of the coach!
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
So you want FOOLmore to eat Jim Zorn?
VolnAL writes:
These young men need a reward for their effort just like anybody else. Try another quarterback!
ncvol17 writes:
CLK is going to get us back in the game quicker than most other coaches could. He will get us a 5 star QB that doesn't crack under pressure and a host of surrounding talent.
BUT... if anyone thinks UF is going to go downhill let me remind you that just the Miami,FL area has more HS than ALL of Tennessee. UF will throw away 5 star prospects that others want..they have since the Satan Spurrier days...
golfballs03 writes:
Is Stephens going to start vs. Ohio?
ncvol17 writes:
UF fans: when you have NO QB talent on the field or on the bench, you play UBER conservative. Otherwise you toss 4+ INT's and have no chance at all....fact check - we have no Tebow ability on our bench and Kiffin knows it well...
CoverOrange writes:
Short sighted assessment. If you show up at a fight with a gun and a pocket knife, you keep the pocket knife in your pocket. Running was the best (and only chance) of moving the ball.
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Looks to me like he DID play to win, and by winning that means not screwing up and throwing the game away by letting Crompton throw more picks.
It showed that it works, seeing that UF kept screwing up and keeping us in the game.
Congrats, you are completely clueless.
I also saw a UF team that couldn't back up their big talk. Not only that, but I saw fear in the faces of your coaches, fans, and players (other than Tebow).
Seems to me that you're grabbing at anything to try and rile us up. Too bad, we're content with the way things turned out. You should be too. Just go away.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
anyone think that maybe the players believe in Crompton more that Stephens? Maybe the coach sees it every day and has more confidence that the players play harder with Crompton. If they are both on the same talent level, leave Crompton in.
bfowler1161#262198 writes:
If the UT offense had been a bit more proficient, would the gators have played so close to the vest? I appreciate the effort by the UT players, especially the defense and the OL. Obviously, the best by far! The fact remains Sullins has done an admirable job, but he is not McNeil at center. When our center has been weak, our OL has been weak. Secondly even with McNeil at center, Crompton has not performed to expectations. Both the Fulmer and Kiffen regimes have seen something that makes both think Crompton is the better QB. However, Crompton is not going to get much better. Are we (UT fans) willing to accept Stephens for the next 2 years (assuming a redshirt for Bray)?
cloudodust writes:
Kiffin and Vols still standing after 15 rounds. Gators get a slim decision in perceived beatdown. Kiffin's nose bloodied but Meyer staggered and eyes swollen. Meyer goes to rope-a-dope to secure victory...See ya later AlleyGator...
bfowler1161#262198 writes:
Okay, so that means what? Crompton should........throw more picks? At this time he can only do what the talent left behind and the 25 players he signed can do.
BlakeyWakey writes:
we would throw it down the field ...but once again for the 2nd year in a row Crompton is still there!
tennman65 writes:
I think the vols and gators do have the same problem and that is J.A. is such a little splinter!
tennezz writes:
Enjoy it while you can big mouth, Fla. has been exposed and is on the way out! Tebow is all the offense you have and he is gone after this year and your defense is overrated! Where is the beatdown you promised us?
VolsomeVols writes:
Listen guys Crompton is the best quarterback that we have. Two head coaches , two Offensive coordinators, and two quarterback coaches have come up with the same conclusion. I'm not a big Crompton fan but I am a big fan of this coach and believe he has a better perspective on this situation than any of us. JC played well on Saturday to keep us in the game. Everyone wants to blame everything on JC but we do have to remember that we don't have a great receiver to throw it to .... we have average receivers at best this year.
Mobbdeep4life writes:
Bubba Caldwell.....Which NFL team does he play for???? Not being funny but just curious.
Halls3 writes:
Florida will be fine. They were slow on offense early last year & turned it on once they got to LSU. UT should start worrying. Look at the teams they play in the SEC. Auburn, UGA, South Carolina, Bama, Ole Miss& Kentucky all have pretty explosive offenses & UT has a pretty weak offense. Defensively UT is good but without an offense it doesn't matter how hard they play they won't beat any of those teams.
flashbone21 writes:
no, but there are prizes available in the delta charlie crow eating contest.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
The only problem for UF is that Urban will be recruiting those receivers for Notre Dame. With Tebow and his entire starting defense leaving, he will bolt because he has nowhere to go but down.
WRITE IT DOWN...
bigtimevol writes:
Why can't we just decide to play like Arkansas a couple of years ago when they had McFadden and Jones? Keep Crompton (gad) handing the ball off and throwing play action, but put Nuke back there and let him run the wildcat with Brown/Hardesty. Simple option football.
DrJCrown_theMagicMan writes:
Right Adams lost me as well.
Goood post!
xvolx writes:
I don't think it is all Crompton's fault. Jones and Moore aren't exactly the best receivers we could put on the field either. I don't remember seeing Teague or Richardson play.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Percy Harvin is a legit NFL player and deserved to be drafted as high as he was. It was obvious Saturday just how much FLA missed Harvin by the poor WR play.
If you want to talk about the NFL, let's talk about how your boy "superman" Tebow will never make it as an NFL QB, just like Eric Crouch. Tebow's best chance is as a 4th round TE that gets 5-10 snaps in a teams wildcat package. Eric Berry was the BEST NFL prospect on the field in Gainsville
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Do you mean the recruiting classes that were rated BEHIND Kiffen's class last year and so far are WAY behind Kiffin's commitments this year??? Right....
Urban sees the handwriting on the wall and he's gonna get outta town while he still has his reputation
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Hehe, losing Richardson still hurts doesn't it?? More importantly, it REALLY will hurt UF's program in the next 2-3 years
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Mel Kiper Jr is a LOT more honest and knows the draft much better than both of us and he doesn't have to be politically correct and "bow down" to the hype. Kiper says Tebow will never make it as an NFL QB because his delivery is too slow and he is not accurate enough.
He'll make a better TE than Eric Crouch though...
notoriousBIGorange writes:
And in case you haven't noticed, there are ZERO NFL teams running the spread where the QB is in the shotgun the entire game.
Tebow can't run over Ray Lewis and Albert Haynesworth like he does against Troy.
dreday writes:
yeah but what about the qb's rex grossman danny wufferal oh i forgot they dont play and tim tebow will never make in the NFL as a qb a linebacker maybe but no qb.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Didn't burst my bubble slappy. I didn't have to dig to find ONE service that ranks UF ahead of UT in recruiting last year. Oh yeah, did you forget that CLK did all of that recruiting in a couple of months???
Have you noticed who has the top ranking right now in the SEC???
Did you notice the GVX article about how NuKeese is doing everything he can to help recruiting, including mentioning his, and other frosh's, early playing time. Guess he didn't want to redshirt, huh?
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Wrong again, slappy. It was the ESPN College Gameday crew that said Ryan Leaf would be a better pro than Peyton, not Kiper. Trust me, all VOL fans remember that.
And I hope you are right about Tebow. I can't wait to see him take a shotgun snap (cause he certainly can't take a direct snap and drop back) and try to run up the middle against Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher. If you thought his nose was really running Saturday, wait til NFL defenses get a shot at him.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
But who is your coach gonna be next year, slappy??
utvols420 writes:
Alright, here's the deal John Adams. Kiffin is a smart coach, and a smart student of the game. You are a writer. I'm not sure what your job is. Do you just give your opinion? Do you try to provide the reader with information? Do you just try to sell papers? I'm beginning to think you just try to sell papers. You obviously don't know too much about football. What credentials do you have? Have you ever played football? Were you a coach? Were you a cheerleader? Were you hired based on your writing ability or your football insight? You blamed Crompton for every interception and said he should be pulled. Then Gerald Jones stated some of those bad plays were his fault. So....there goes your credibility. Now you are writing to get Stephens in the game. Are you really that clueless? Do you really think Kiffin wants to put in a quarterback that lost the starting job last year to Crompton? Do you really think Kiffin wants a Junior starting at quarterback? The answer is no. Kiffin wants his guy in there and rightfully so. He wants to recruit an eighteen year of his choosing. He wants to sell that eighteen year old on playing as a freshman. He doesn't want Stephens' below average ability winning out over a talented kid just because Stephens has more experience. Kiffin wants to start from scratch because he knows that is the only way to win. Stephens is a backup and that is it. He won't play in the NFL. His best bet would be to go the route of Kiffin and become basically a coach as a senior and start helping next years recruits get familiar to the system. I hope you are selling papers because you definitely aren't providing any football information.
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