Tennessee Stat Book
In the long run, the catch will be the most memorable for Zach Rogers.
In the short term, it's the drop that will be on the mind of the Tennessee receiver.
Rogers had plenty to feel good about after turning a 72-yard reception into the first touchdown of his career on Saturday against UAB at Neyland Stadium, reaffirming again the vital role the sophomore can play for the Vols during a 32-29 win in double overtime. That memory isn't likely to fade, but with a difficult trip to LSU (4-0, 2-0 SEC) looming on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.), the ball he didn't catch will take precedence this week.
"That's the big one for me," Rogers said. "At a crucial point in the game, I've got a chance to make a play and I didn't come up with it. That's 100 percent on me, Matt (Simms) threw a great ball and I didn't convert like I should. I take all the blame for that one.
"It definitely overshadows the positive in the game. I had another chance to make a big play, and I didn't come through for the team."
Rogers certainly wasn't the only one, and he had lots of company from a UT (2-2, 0-1) receiving corps that put at least five passes on the turf that should have gone as completions for Simms.
There were a couple misses from senior Denarius Moore, including one that could have gone for a touchdown. A couple plays after that drop, Justin Hunter failed to haul in a third-down pass along the sideline. Fullback Kevin Cooper added another one, and tight end Luke Stocker also let a touchdown slip out of his hands. And Rogers had perhaps the most glaring of all midway through the third quarter - mishandling a sure first down while wide open in the middle of the field.
Not all balls that hit the hands of a target go down as a drop in Derek Dooley's book, and for the most part the Vols coach defended his team as sure-handed in practice so far this season. But there were more than enough issues against the Blazers (1-3) to get his attention heading into preparation for a team that can considerably raise the degree of difficulty.
"The play that we threw to Luke right in the end zone, I mean, it was really a good throw because Matt put it where he needed to, put it away from the defenders and high," Dooley said during his Sunday teleconference. "It would have been a great catch, we want Luke to make it, but we didn't consider it a drop. The drops to me are just, I don't know how to define it, but they're just balls that you should absolutely catch.
"We dropped a hitch to Denarius, dropped the first play of the second half, which hurt us. We dropped two big third downs in the third quarter that I really think those three plays kept us in that funk. Had we come out in that third quarter and put some points on early, we might could have hurt them a little mentally."
Instead the damage was self-inflicted, and UT struggled mightily to move the chains and build on what was certainly a productive start for the offense early.
Moore brought down a touchdown on the opening drive, and Rogers had his big score later in the first quarter. When given time in the pocket, Simms was steady and finished 19-of-34 for 245 yards and three scores without a turnover.
But with a little bit more help from his targets, those numbers could have been even better for the junior. Ultimately though, Moore caught the ball that mattered to finish off the Blazers in double overtime to provide an unforgettable ending. Now the focus is on the memories that aren't so positive.
"Those plays hurt us," Dooley said. "We hadn't had a lot up to now. There's an occasional drop here and there, but they were all kind of, I think we started getting frustrated a little bit.
"Some plays we just need them to make."
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Comments » 58
jdpvol writes:
The receivers helped Jonathan C. look bad, and he didn't need very much help. This crop of receivers are not giving Matt a lot of help so far either, hope it gets better sooner that later.
spacehistorian writes:
I live here in Bayou Bengal Tiger Country & my LSU friends are looking forward to the game against Tennessee as a break in their tough schedule. They have already planned their tailgate victory party as they do not expect much of a game against our struggling Vols. I hope we will come out & punch them hard in the mouth as LSU is vulnerable. I would certainly enjoy having bragging rights over the locals as I am tired of being "Tiger Bait." On paper we lose every time but football is played on the field & given the wild upsets this year who is to say the Vols won't shock the conventional wisdom this Saturday in Death Valley. GBO!
volsfannsc writes:
I guess there's two sides to a story. I was at the game and I was surprised that our receivers caught many passes. I understand that Simms is still a student of the game, but I saw first-hand, decisions to throw AFTER the route had already developed and the corners and safetys were closing in. I never, not one time, saw a timing pass. I only witnessed three passes that hit receivers on the run- most had to post up. Yes, Stocker had a drop, Moore had a drop, but all things considered I would be gun shy as well. The good news is Simms did not throw a pick six Saturday. Thats improvement and I guess we should take any at this stage of the game. I'm more concerned with the coaching on these plays than I am the ability of a catch. I am in no way bashing the coaches- Lord knows they have their hands full, I am just not willing to the lay all the blame with receivers.
TommyJack writes:
The Rogers boys always have a target on them. Don't get it. Both work(ed) their azzez off for TN.
coach799 writes:
A drop makes that receiver press the next time. For freshmen, this can be a serious problem. I know they will improve. Moore and Jones should be at the top of their game by now and if they are, let the freshmen play!!
GO VOLS!!
volpreacher writes:
I agree TJ. Yes they have had some drops but who hasn't?
Ironcity writes:
I agree 100%. I would add I don't think our QB throws many passes with any touch. He has not thrown any short passes that have aloud our receivers the ability to run and make a play. Its the reason we can't make any third downs. I do find it interesting that our QB has virtually avoided any criticism from DD.
I do wonder does Bray have the ability to be redshirted?
SpiralBound writes:
Luke's "drop" wasn't' a "drop" in my eyes. And, it wasn't a bad throw by Simms. The pass was where it needed to be to avoid interception. Unfortunately, it just happened to be a tad out of reach.
SummittsCourt writes:
If you watch a replay on Moore's drop in the end zone, he was actually interferred with and it should have been called.
byrdsview writes:
This is the worst team UT has fielded in the thirty years I have been watching.
volsfannsc writes:
True.
I'm not bashing Simms nor am I dogging the coaching staff. I just don't see the play calling helping our QB or our receivers. I know we need to stretch the field and that's the one thing Simms does well. I know I am arm-chairing, but on 3rd and 5, I can't recall seeing a roll out to the flats for short yardage, or a quick timing pass outside. If our running game is stopped, the last thing we need is for the passing game to become predictable. Simms is getting much needed experience that I think will pay off in the end, but why not help him help our current situation?
10ECMATT writes:
What about the year army came to town and beat us?
FWBVol writes:
Our most reliable receiver, Gerald Jones, hasn't played since the opener against Martin. Jones should be back this week for LSU which should help the confidence of the receiving corps.
I understand that everybody drops passes, but I'm a little more forgiving of the true freshmen like Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter than I am the guys that have been around a few years.
It's obvious we can't afford drops in the upcoming in October. The schedule is going to be tough enough and even if we play up to our maximum abilities we could still have an 0-for month.
mikethehistorystudent writes:
You're exactly right. I get frustrated also, but I would like to see more support for Simms. He has the ability to be really good, and if you take two of those drops and make them catches, it drastically changes the outlook by the fans on Simms. He is getting and will get better.
mikethehistorystudent writes:
I KNOW! The ref didn't call it and even the commentators didn't mention it. If he weren't hit he makes the catch, makes himself and Simms look good and changes the whole outlook of the game. That was a bad no-call.
volfan73120#211815 writes:
Let's hope LSU is thinking of the Vols as cupcakes. Also they have a coach who loses games for them from time to time. He would do this while at Oklahoma State. North Carolina minus 15 players gave them all they wanted. So beating them is not impossible. We, as fans, need to support our Vols and send them to Tiger Stadium with the mentality that we can win. Dooley almost beat them there last year with his La.Tech team. Lets take the position that we don't have any problems, just solutions.
Mtnbiker writes:
I'm wondering if we are just going to be a up an down team. We were up for Ut-Martin...it carried over 1st qtr Oregon ....then down....Up for Florida where we could have won had a few more plays been made...then down against UAB....came away with a Win, but Wow what a struggle. Hopeful for an upset at LSU, but that looks like a TALL order this year.
I'm not banging on any of our players, Simms hasn't been perfect, but no one on the team has. Flashes of brilliance gets him time to get better. WR are just young with the exception of GJ and DM. They will also get better over time, I was just hoping to get the passing game going against UAB for a tune up against LSU's sorry pass Defense. Prior to Sat they'd allowed over 900 yd passing for i think 400+ per game average.
mybolognahasasecondname writes:
The DBs dropped some interceptions also. It will take catches by both to beat LSU. The Tiger's offense is no great shakes but their D and special teams are special.
hillsborovol writes:
Yes Moore was definitely hit early by the DB and it should have been interference. The ball Hunter "dropped" on 3rd and long was actually a strip. He caught it clean with his hands only to have the DB knock it out. He still should have caught it though. Stocker missed his potential TD as much with his feet as he did with his hands. If he had not stopped and turned around it wouldn't have been at the very limit of his reach.
iowavol writes:
Five drops. That's what I counted during the game. Turn those into five completions - most on third down - and Simms is 24-34 for 350 yards with 5 td's 0 int's. And folks come on here and say Bray should be put in the game. Amazing. As for the so-called interference, it was close but I didn't see Moore or CDD complain about the call. And when it was replayed on the Jumbotron - 85000 fans sat down and didn't say much.
There are three maxims for this team needs to focus on and that's it. Anything else and we are going to have kids second guessing themselves and that will be a disaster.
1. Take care of the ball - eliminate int's - mission accomplished.
2. Kick the ball in bounds - mission accomplished.
3. Tackle - major failure. IF this had been accomplished, we beat UAB easily and give more plays to the offense. I would like to see the YAMT - yards after missed tackle. I'm thinking it was near 200 for saturday's game.
HtownVol writes:
Simms has gotten a lot of heat, but he has made some nice throws. He is not a great QB, but he does not lose many games.
Moore has always been known for drops, also both the Rogers bros have had their fair share.
If Matt learns not to cup the ball and throw with touch it will make it easier on the WRs, but they still need to make the catches.
The good news is that we should have G Jones back. And in the UTM game Jones was our best WR. Hopefully Simms doesnt lock onto Jones every pass though.
Its not the Offense that worries me though. We have NO DEPTH on Defense. The longer they are on the field the more trouble UT is in. The depth is getting scary thin.
Anyone know why J Askew has never played? Is he another 4 star dud or is there a reason?
GO VOLS!
RUN THE BALL THIS WEEK! Keep the ball and dont put the Defense on the field too much. Oh and DO NOT punt to Peterson!
TommyJack writes:
A tall order, BB.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Make that 60 since I've been watching
easleychuck writes:
Excellent post. It's too bad with trolls that there cannot be 'a loser leave town (the site)' game. That way when bammer dusts the g@ytors this weekend, the trolls can go away.
Trolls, just change their user names and continue on with their nonsense.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Right if we had some receivers that were not hiding behind the oppositions defense he could break the 3rd and long syndrome. Please play Bray CDD....Rather be losing with a QB that could be our longevity.
slambob2#228938 writes:
Moore's drop on that long bomb was clearly pass interference. The defender hit him before the ball arrived and turned Moore's shoulder into the ball.
Blown call by the ref and pitiful commentary on TV where they called it a "great play". It was anything but.
slambob
537081 writes:
I remember starting 0 and 5 then winning 6 in a row that was a perty bad team. Then the same bunch went on a 3 year run that was outstanding. This is a bunch of freshman give them time.
TommyJack writes:
I'm guessing you're short and have small hands.
jobrando#216494 writes:
They have much pride to fight for and not end up losing 4 in October and sink to the lowest ever for a VOL team. Anything is possible.
jobrando#216494 writes:
I would not bet on that one. Brantley is waking up.
RoadTrip writes:
I agree TJ. This one would make a great slot receiver for Peyton in a few years - he runs routes with perfection and has more speed than what he is currently working with. Zach only dropped one pass, like most all of the rest of them. It is pretty obvious that he is well ahead of the rest of the hearlded freshman.
Hugevolfan24 writes:
recivers are going to drop balls every now and then. we are lucky to have recivers that do not usually have that problem. what little drops they do have are going to be amplified because of the struggles of the offense. GO VOLS!!
bamaman1 writes:
Bama will put him back to sleep.
RoadTrip writes:
I generally agree with you. It's all a moot point if Matt gets the ball off quicker and let's him run under it. As others have said he is a count slow in recognition. Hopefully as he gains experience that will improve and all will be well with the passing game.
However, D-Moore needs to understand that at the next level you are expected to make the tough play and to block for your teammates. If he keeps this phooey up his draft stock will continue to drop despite his talent. He is not tough enough at this point.
kazoo writes:
UT's passing game has been WEAK for years--suspect QB play and fairly BAD receiver play--guys running bad routes, dropping balls, getting hurt (G.Jones has been hurt at start of last two seasons-c'mon)--it's been ugly, ugly, ugly. Stocker has bad hands, by the way. When your talent level is thin, you HAVE to keep your mistakes to an absolute minimum: You have to play well on special teams--which is mostly about coaching and notnot talent; you have to keep your penalty count very low, and you have to make the plays that are there to be made. UT does NONE of this. We are thin on talent--and yet the Vols go out and play poorly on special teams, and make all kinds of bonehead mistakes--mental and physical. I am SO tired of seeing mistake-prone UT teams. No wonder we can't beat anybody. We play like wimps.
RichmondKyVol writes:
The glass is half full, guys. Do as Coach Dooley says and move on. Those were passes you almost caught. Next time you'll haul them in.
PennVol writes:
If we can't convert some 3rd downs against Chavis, we're in big(ger) trouble...
hcjournals#206623 writes:
At practice they need to get extra help if they need it and throw the top 8 receivers 100 balls each. Not kidding. More and more and more reps. That's how they will get better. Over and over and over again. A lot of reps where the balls are thrown to them where they are not even running but the balls are thrown at different angles at good speed. Improving the hands will pay off in the games.
Ayres_Hall writes:
I can't argue against any of those wise comments.
Ayres_Hall writes:
Chavis, once again, has an abundance of talent to cover his overly-predictable third-down Mustang package.
October will be better if I can get to Bavaria for the fall harvest festivites.
voloffaith writes:
Hands wasn't the issue on the wide open drop. He said on radio he took his eyes off from looking it in. Yes, I know hands catch the ball not eyes,but it was concentration/focus issue.
martinvol34 writes:
No if he uses his hands and not his shoulder pads he catches it - even with the bump. No excuse for a Senior to try and should pass a catch! Period. Receiving 101 - catch the ball at the highest point.
abnermc writes:
I would
voloffaith writes:
Ahh the bluebird of happiness chimes in with a CLANG noise. I figured you would have to leave Zach alone because of the td. I correct you though ,since your prejudices can't help themselves,that Austin was not pathetic. He was good at times poor at others. Just like you I'm sure are day to day good,bad and the ugly. Sadly your's is mostly ugly with very lil postive. NegativeWilliamsportscreature evidently has the same affliction. Oh well some things don't change. GO VOLS beat the tiggers!!!
RODGERVOLS writes:
I agree with you on the tackling. We are still trying to get the big highlight hit on ESPN instead of wrapping up and bringing the ballcarrier to the ground. As for Simms there are times that gets the pass out late, but he is having to run for his life or step up in the pocket to avoid the sack, and that sometimes contributes to the late throws. I think we need to be patient and say postive things about the team so when they read these post, and believe me they do, they will at least know we have their backs. We all knew this would be a long season but don't be bandwagon fans and jump ship when things are hard. Go Big Orange
NCSmoky writes:
My late father played basketball when he was in high school in the early 1940s. He was a six foot center for Tazwell HS (VA). He was having problems with his ball handling and the couch made him carry a basketball around for weeks every where he went. He also had to keep it moving from hand to hand, so his girlfriend(s)had to carry his books for him.
orangevolman writes:
Well said Driver.
Considering the inexperience of the OL, I think Simms is doing pretty good. I would like to see him roll out more.
iowavol writes:
You are absolutely correct. We need to support this team - more this year than any other. I also agree that Matt is making decisions too late and tends to stare down the receivers which as others have pointed out will be a disaster against a good defense. But, he needs our support. Bray may be better in the end but he's not right now or he would be in the game. Give the team a chance, focus on the few things that will make improvement and move forward. Three true freshmen on the offensive line is going to make a QB's life difficult.
I hope the single message to the offense is "catch the ball" and the single message to the defense is "make the tackle". Do those two things and we will be okay - we may not win at LSU, but we will be okay in the long run.
shulessjo writes:
Yes... bumped hard well ahead of the opportunity to make the catch.... unfortunately that happens to a young team that is not in the mix... even at home...
RollTideJoe writes:
You seem to have a fetish about Alabama getting beat. You must be very frustrated every Saturday then. Sorry, but your frustration will expand again, because Alabama isn't going to lose to Florida. Florida hasn't done anything well this year until the KY game and that isn't a testimonial to licking a contender now, is it? Why don't you just worry about your Vols. That more than enough to fret over!
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