Tailback Tauren Poole noticed a different Tyler Bray at Monday’s practice.
“You could see he’s more focused, he was into it,” Poole said. “It seemed like he was ready to go.
“If it’s his shot, I think he’ll take full advantage of it.”
Bray received plenty of chances Monday to build off the repetitions he received Saturday against Alabama. While the rest of the team stretched and went through early practice drills, starter Matt Simms, with a bulky brace on his left knee, watched from the side as Bray ran drills with the first-team offense.
Simms was noticeably limping at the end of practice and was not made available for interviews.
How coach Derek Dooley plans to divide repetitions between the two quarterbacks Saturday at South Carolina, and whether it will be affected by Simms’ health are yet to be determined.
“The chances are we’ll maybe stick with the same plan, but I think it’s too early to tell,” Dooley said earlier in the day at his weekly press conference. “We’ll figure it out by the end of the week.”
After Saturday’s game, Simms said he strained the knee after taking a hit in the second quarter against Alabama. It then stiffened up on him throughout the game.
Dooley said Bray, who saw action in both halves for the first time this season, was better Saturday than his stat line — 5-of-14, 39 yards and an interception. Both Simms and Bray, who was 4-of-8 for 24 yards in the fourth quarter, threw interceptions near the goal line.
“He got experience,” Dooley said. “I don’t think looking back we would have won the game had we not played him. He put together some nice drives late in the game and didn’t finish them off, which is what Matt did.”
Poole said Bray “does a great job of commanding the huddle and bringing confidence to the offense.”
“You can tell he wants to be a great quarterback,” Poole said.
Banged And Bruised: Cornerback Marsalis Teague walked with a noticeable limp and was limited at Monday’s practice because of a turf toe injury he sustained in the second quarter Saturday.
Dooley singled out Teague as the only new player he was concerned about being ready for Saturday’s game at South Carolina.
“He’s a day-to-day guy,” Dooley said. “It doesn’t seem like a lot, but sometimes when you’ve got to run and cut, a toe can be a real nagging injury.”
Dooley said he’d know more about the status of kicker Daniel Lincoln (quadriceps) as the week unfolded. Lincoln has not kicked since September.
Defensive tackle Montori Hughes (ankle) and offensive guard JerQuari Schofield (foot) are both expected to be at full capacity against the Gamecocks.
Hughes, after barely practicing during the week, played briefly against Alabama. Schofield hasn’t seen the field since the Vols’ loss to Florida, when he left the game with a broken metatarsal bone in his left foot.
Schofield, who will rotate with Jarrod Shaw at left guard, said he’s “90 percent” healthy.
“I feel like I can do my best to do whatever I can do to help the team,” Schofield said. “It will just give us a little more depth and a little more rotation.”
Wide receiver Denarius Moore (concussion) wore a red non-contact jersey at Monday’s practice, but is expected to play Saturday.
Special Attention: Four weeks in a row of some kind of substitution snafu have prompted Dooley to make a bold decision.
The Vols simply won’t be substituting on field goal blocks anymore.
Though the substitution errors have crept up in other defensive formations, most notably on the goal line against LSU earlier in the month, field goal block has been affected the most.
“Our goal on field goal block this week is to have 11 men on the field,” Dooley said. “Now we’re going to have to teach them what to do and all that. We probably won’t block the kick.”
Thanks to five misses from UAB kicker Josh Zahn last month, opponents have hit just 10-of-18 field goals (55 percent) against the Vols this season. The remaining kickers now will have the opportunity to up that average against significantly weaker pressure.
Dooley assured that he didn’t make the decision out of his own desire. It’s out of necessity.
“I’ve always wanted to go pluck one, be aggressive,” Dooley said. “To do that you have to substitute people and get your best rushers, edge guys.
“Hey, it’s what we got to do because we obviously aren’t good enough coaches to do it the other way. That’s a fact.”
Andrew Gribble can be reached at 865-342-6327.
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Comments » 50
vols2#227315 writes:
About time to start Tyler Bray.
volfan4life1998 writes:
Good... I hope Bray sees most of the playing time against USC. We need to get him some experiece. He's going to continue to get better where as Simms has pretty much showed all he has to offer. It's time for Simms to sit and Bray to play!
Volsfan94 writes:
Don't be so hard on yourself CDD.
TNPilgrim writes:
Sounds like Dooley is already thinking about making improvements in his staff - I like his realistic approach.
OrangePride writes:
Well, I agree with the substitution changes. These errors happen when you have lots of freshman in the lineups. And I'm pretty confident with either FG kicker. They can both be pretty consistent. I'm just hoping that Matt and Denarius are OK.....we need ALL our guys healthy out there. GO VOLS!!
flatrock writes:
Please outline your history as a QB expert.
flatrock writes:
Did you and the idiot in the earlier post
coach together? Or play video games together?
volsportsfan writes:
I'll say this, if Simms can't get it done in the red zone he will never make it at qb. I haven't coached either, but all good qb's know that execution in the red zone (cause the field shrinks and the coverage is tight) is what playing qb is all about. Hopefully Simms will quit turning over the ball in the red zone but if he doesn't, give Bray a shot.
jobrando#216494 writes:
If a braced leg does not give Bray the start then we got serious problems at QB.
CoverOrange writes:
The substitution errors on FGs are less an issue than the substitution error leaving Julio Jones completely uncovered inside the 10 and no player on the field noticing. Who is the captain of the defense?
volfan4life1998 writes:
Did you and Matt Simms have romantic relations together? Bray is simply the better QB. Better release, more accurate, and physically he's better. And he's only going to get better. Simms had his shot and delivered a 2-5 record. Now it's time to play your second option. Simms should thank his father everyday for his last name... he would still be in JUCO without it.
bobbytodd writes:
Are you kidding? He should be hard on himself over substitution problems. One cost the team a huge win. We have wasted timeouts and had penalties over them all year.
PUL4VOLS writes:
He will need to be a different Tyler Bray than we have seen to be ready if Simms cannot go or they share series. As much as I want to see him succeed, I think many of we antsy fans are grasping at straws asking for him to start prematurely. In any event, we will see. Having one more Freshman in there may not do harm or could do a lot of harm.
BallBreaker writes:
He didn't claim to be a QB expert he was just stating his opinion as most of us do. So get a life and quit knocking fellow fans.
Volsfan94 writes:
The reason for that is our youth. Do you really expect them to be perfect every game? You need to have patience in this team or go hide till we are good again then come out and claim you were with us all along if you want to start pointing fingers half way into CDD's first season of a mess he has to clean up that Lane Kiffin left behind.
All we need to do is show support.
If you think you could do better coaching, then by all means go ahead and accept the job that the University of Tennessee must be offering you.
KFDLaw writes:
Both quarterbacks have their positives and negatives. Neither one has played in this league before this year. 75% of this team appears to be good high school talent level players trying to play in the SEC. The other 25% have been given very little playing time in previous seasons. These guys could have a winning season and go to some minor bowl game if they were in a league with teams like Tennessee Martin or UT Chattanooga, but they are playing in the SEC where the competition includes the recent BCS National Champions LSU, Florida and Alabama. I have been a Tennessee fan since the 1950s, and rebuilding years have always been tough to swallow. However, the fiasco with Kiffin has compounded this situation. As fans, we can do little except show up and cheer for them and hope the hard knocks they receive this year and next year will result in a really great team by the time most of them get to their junior season.
orangecountyvols writes:
Well Vols,
This season is turning out a lot like we feared might
happen. Along with the youth and inexperience, the injuries have been the last thing we needed to take place.
Most of the guys seem to be playing hard regardless.
If the season were going well, in better times, we wouldn't be sensitive to what each of us has to say.
Tennessee fans are probably as demanding as any, regardless of the cupboard being so bare.
Anyway, Simms on another topic is sounding like he may be getting a bit sensitive with regard to the possibility of falling to # 2 at QB. Speaking of predictions on the final record, the Vols have never lost 8 in a season. Nothing we say or do here can change what happens.
Go Vols and recruit, recruit, recruit !
UTByrd writes:
We don't have a problem at QB. We have a problem with the whole offense. Playing freshmen, injuries, total lack of depth...you name it. I don't think very many QB's could have done much better with what Simms' has had to work with.
Don't get me wrong. I've liked Bray from the first time I heard about him. No doubt he will have groing pains. I hate Simms is hurt, but on the other hand, Bray will get much needed experience. I just hope people keep their expectations on a realistic level.
Go VOLS!!!!!
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
I realize that Nance got in later than Simms and Bray. Is he anywhere near ready to see the field?
volfaninbuckeyeland writes:
I posted BEFORE the UAB game that UT would pull out a much needed W but not before being taken to the very end of the game. Did I catch heat for that? But in the same post, I speculated that I also felt like UT would go winless in the SEC this year. I cited the same things we have all heard: youth, inexperience, and lack of depth. But my main concern was the potential for injury that I foresaw, especially to the QB. After watching the consistent pounding Simms had taken from the Ore. and Fla. defenses, I speculated that with the gauntlet of SEC defenses we would see in Oct. at some point Simms would be knocked out of the game and possibly, the rest of the season. That brings us to Bray. I see a lot of talent and great potential, but I also see a kid just one year removed from high school. I honestly don't think his frail frame would be able to withstand the kind of abuse Simms has taken for an entire game. In fact, at one point late in the game with Ala., I thought for sure his leg had been snapped when a player rolled over it. By the time SC is finished with us, Dooley may have to suit up members of the band as well as the cheerleading squad. I foresee one of the greatest challenges facing the coaches for the remainder of the season will be overcoming the morale issue. Getting your head kicked in week in and week out is just no fun, and that's when the fingerpointing, discontent, and negativity in general begin to take over. I remember how tough it was being a UT fan back in the eighties when one year we started out 0-6. But I think this year is even tougher. And if it is tough on us as fans, how much tougher must it be on these young men who chose to wear the TN. orange for their college careers. We may not win another game this year, except maybe the possibility of Memphis and I do emphasize "maybe", but I will count it no small victory if we can avoid losing another player to a season ending injury--even if it is a QB whose performance we do not regard as being on an SEC level.
volfaninusaf writes:
How long are you going to blame Kiffin? I thought he did much better than Dooley has. His record at UT is officially better. You are probably one of those that still blames all of Obama's current mistakes on Bush.
Orangeblood13 writes:
Your name dick?
volman2010 writes:
No doubt the kids are not happy with how the coaching is going.. No way on this planet that the kids are the cause of all the mixups and I wish Dooley would stop slamming them every chance he gets... His bad hire of Wilcox and the has been Chaney are in need of joining the WAC league.. Terrible coaching plans all around and they are failing to adjust at half time as the other coaches have done.. I mean the dang bama coach is yelling pass even before sims gets in position and tjat is with the backs in the I formation.. Joke is how I would explain the coaching plans.. My 13 yr old could do better..
It is only fair that I do the same with Dooley as I states with PF hire of Clawson.. If Dooley sticks with his of and df coaches Dooley and Hamilton will be looking for jobs by end of next year.. Prediction Ut goes 3-8 and next 4-7 they will not see a winning season in Dooley era.. Count on that .. But at least the kids will be good men but that want sale tickets.. By the way. I have 2 tickets right behind bench 5 rows up I will gie to ole miss buy sale to vols for 60 a peace..
volman2010 writes:
Sorry but you are the idiot.. Let me ask you do we win with sims NO! Did bray get us beat! NO
Is bray better gifted? Yes
Is Sims making dumb mistakes given his experience and leniage? Yes
Does Bray give us the same chance at winning? Well considering they Sims has only beaten 2 weak teams andblown out by 3 teams I would leave that ? Up to you..
Bottom line.. We could have any QB in the land on our team and we would still get beat with ease .. The problem is not the kids but the OF and DF head coaches.. A monkey could do a better job.. But just watch and see who is right after this 2-9 year and 3 -8 next year and after Hamilton, Dooley an the entire staff are ditched.. Recruits know that as well and we will lose most if not all we have now by signing day.. Hard to believe.. Just watch! Keep this post and when it happens pull it out and say how did he know.. Simple we have downgraded coaches and not the kids.. We would be smart to put pF as AD or give him his team back..
SoddyVol writes:
More substitution problems in the Alabama game. Even with such a young team its hard for me to not blame coaches for much of this problem. That's not the only reason I'm beginning to think Dooley needs to strongly consider replacing at least one assistant.
majscuba writes:
I wish people would just come to the realization that the game had passed Fulmer by. He became antiquated and stagnant. The change had to be made. And as far as Wilcox and Dooley are concerned....Who do you all want for a coach? Please tell....Fulmer is not an option. Who cares where Dooley and Wilcox came from. Wilcox did a great job at BSU. And if you can prove they don't have SEC caliber talent I'll do you somethin'. Chizik had zero winning seasons at ISU and I would say he's doin' alright down in Auburn. Sounds similar to our coach, except our coach has a winning pedigree.
SuckTheseVols98 writes:
About time!! all the other freshman are on the field, why not give the freshman QB a shot!! GO VOLS!!!!
SuckTheseVols98 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
volfaninusaf writes:
What's funny about us winning 7 games last year? I wish I could go back in time. I'm all about Bray and he is ready to play and start now. He just looks inexperienced when he gets put in because he is not getting the reps that Phil's son is getting in practice. I've also never read any articles about Tyler Bray getting suspended for smoking weed while he was a benchwarmer at Louisville.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I trust Dooley to make the best decisions with his rag-tag band.
Both QB's are under duress.
Big mountain to climb again Saturday but we need to put another look on Superior's face as the Kats did.
17.5 point dog, man!
cloudodust writes:
Now we're talking. Gotta play for the future if we want a future.
thevoice writes:
+1
tmartin writes:
Its obvious Bray will solve all the problems. Well, maybe that is if he can ever get a snap off without a penalty.
lahvolman2 writes:
these videos really turn your stomach... very hard to watch and scary.... only hope their family members didn't watch them over and over like I'm sure you did....
RoadTrip writes:
Same thing I have been saying - we are on the same page. We stink this year - play all of the young pups combined with the upper classmen that lay it on the line each day. Sit the goofballs and wannabe's. Playing Tyler at QB reagardless of the outcome works for building a program the right way. You don't use a bandaid on a gaping wound.
Y10 writes:
Nash has all of the physical skills to play right now. Not sure he's getting any meaningful snaps in practice, but I guess someone has to be 3rd team. He is a good qb, saw him play in 11 or 12 games last year. If Simms or Bray is not gonna throw it to Da'Rick, let Nash. He's only done it 10,000 times!!!
Bellem13 writes:
A good time to experiment and see what the team can do.
If Bray is to play QB in the SEC he must get some meat on them bones. I think he will do well and I look forward to seeing his first game.
We should support our team through the good and the bad. OUR TN VOLS.
Teams have many names, Tigers, Bears, Bull Dogs, etc. ONLY ONE TN Volunteers!
allvols4life writes:
You sir are hilarious. You really think Tennessee will lose every game from this point forward? You really think that all the problems that Tennessee has is from coaching? You don't think that Florida, Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, or LSU have any better talent? Part of it may be coaching issues. But the fact is our talent level is not very good at this point and the depth is even worse. Go pull for Phil Fulmer and the team he is coaching now. Oh wait! He is still unemployed. No one wanted him after he got canned. Coincidence? Probably not.
lomas98 writes:
This team has way more problems than who will play qb. I am tired of hearing Dooley's negative attitude towards the team. This team has more talent than what most think and everyone uses that as an excuse. I think more talent than Miss St. and they won in the swamp. To just not sub on fg block anymore because they can't get it right just shows he has given up. Why if I'm a player would I want to fight the whole game if Dooley keeps slamming the team during media sessions.
“I don’t think looking back we would have won the game had we not played him."
What kind of comment is that. He doesn't think they would have won anyway even if Simms plays the whole game. Quit singing the woe is me song and maybe the players won't fold. I didn't like Kiffin but one thing the players did was fight for him and they even had a little swagger. Not sure what this team has although listening to the head coach we have nothing. Try building their confidence a little bit. Maybe that is why we seem to run the same plays over and over because he has given up the team can execute them.
tanasi2 writes:
Simms is and always has been the emergency QB to slot in for all the QBs who have left this program. Bray is the QB of the near future. The rest of this season is just practice for next year! I say get Bray some meaningful game experience!
Futurecoach16 writes:
Bray has a 0% in the redzone, and against 2nd/3rd stringers at Georgia. He also showed that he could not manage a big game situation against Bama. Bray is going to be the future at quarterback, but I'm more sold on Simms still.
volfan4life1998 writes:
Actually the only reason I said anything is because I got called an "idiot" for simply stating my opinion that Bray should start. So maybe you should go back and read before you start making statments on which you have no idea what was said. Thats the only "foolish" thing I see.
cooper65#432178 writes:
Absolutely. Bray may not be better now, but I think he will certainly be better with the experience and gives us a better chance to win games in 2011.
What's really important is to go into 2012 and 2013 with an experienced QB. We have a chance to be good down the road with a good QB leading our offense. Simms will be gone and probably will never be better than he is now.
orangecountyvols writes:
Hey guys,
If we think we have a little QB controversy now, wait til' 2011 when Worley gets on board. He, along with Nance, Simms, and Bray should make it interesting.
We are 2-5 right now, so in 2011 we should start 2-0.
I know, Montana and Buffalo. This was not the Boise State schedule this young team might have used ( 2010 ) to get their feet wet. Looking at those 5 teams the Vols lost to I know, isn't a lot of consolation, but they aren't shabby teams. Still, so many of us believed we should have won every one of them. Guys, it's just tough right now and isn't want we want or expect.
The only ones enjoying this now are the trolls. Some day hopefully, we can reflect back and say "this too shall pass" about 2010, and be grateful that it did.
Mule_Days_King writes:
My God. I'm listening to Clay Travis make an a** of himself on Nashville radio. He's throwing out the "at least Kiffin recruited well" BS. He's turned into one of those fans that can't see the preverbial forest for the trees.
For someone that graduated from Vanderbilt law school, he's an idiot.
AllforTenn writes:
An intelligent post. I could tell it would be by the second sentence when you said "neither one has" rather than what most (including NS sportswriters) say "neither one have," incorrectly .
I recall the span 1958 through 1963 - really tough times. We will get through this one also.
tennrich1 writes:
Agreed. Didnt we have these same discussions last year and the year before..yada, yada...Bray obviously isnt ready physically or game management and by the way i think he's thrown at least two picks in the orange zone himself against second teams mostly...but if CDD wants to play him go for it...but hopefully these same "lovers of the backup qb's" will give him a lot of understanding....
beartn#223846 writes:
I hope Bray does well, but we aren't losing because of Simms. Simms has certainly shown incredible toughness being the human pinata back there. I don't think that Bray has the frame to take that many hits yet.
TKO writes:
Maybe Simms can get some rest. He's been like hanging beef in a meat locker all season behind the OL.
taylorsvolfan writes:
I would go with Tyler the rest of the way.
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