Tennessee's interception numbers can be as staggering as you want to make them.
A comparison with the SEC finds that Vanderbilt has a nation's-best total of 14 to UT's one.
Looking for the most absurd takes you to Oklahoma last week against Ball State, where Sooners sophomore Tony Jefferson had two more interceptions in the second quarter, alone, than the Vols have mustered all season.
Within the context of Saturday's game (TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m.) against Georgia (3-2, 2-1 SEC), Bulldogs safety Bacarri Rambo has three more than the entire Vols' roster.
The Vols (3-1, 0-1) are one of 10 teams in the country with one or fewer interceptions this season. The majority of teams in that group carry losing records, but UT isn't one of them. Neither is No. 7 Stanford, which has zero interceptions but is a legitimate national title contender.
The low number hasn't resulted in a cause for panic among UT's coaches and players, but the Vols would certainly prefer the number to be higher after Saturday.
"The more we emphasize it in practice and the guys understand where they need to be and when they need to be there, the turnovers start coming," defensive backs coach Terry Joseph said. "I don't think it's time to press the panic button."
The Vols' lone interception came in the third quarter of the season opener against Montana. Senior Art Evans jumped on a short pass by Grizzlies quarterback Jordan Johnson and took it all the way back for a touchdown.
Since then, opponents have attempted 99 passes and not one has fallen in the hands of a UT defender.
"We always say interceptions are accidents," Joseph said. "We just need some more accidents to happen right now. When you start over-emphasizing that guys start looking to try to get interceptions and then you start being susceptible to double moves.
"We're OK right now where we're at. Over time, they'll come."
The Vols went just four games without an interception in 2010. All four were UT losses.
During the Vols' four-game winning streak to end the regular season, they intercepted 10 passes and took two back for touchdowns. That run helped the Vols finish the season with a positive turnover margin.
Currently, UT is one of four SEC teams with a negative turnover margin.
"We hadn't been getting the takeaways that we need to get, that's for sure," coach Derek Dooley said. "Our goal right now is to be plus-four, and so we're about five behind what we should be.
"I say should (because) you'd like to be plus-one a game. Reality is that's tough, but you certainly don't want to be in the negative. You're not going to win many games."
Defensive back Prentiss Waggner, who was the Vols' co-leader in interceptions last season with five, said the defensive backs were "more aggressive" near the end of 2010. A combination of trust, experience and comfort with each other allowed them to take risks on certain plays that they might hesitate on otherwise because of a weak support system.
"You can gamble when you know you've got help over the top and things like that," Waggner said. "Basically just having their trust and trust in your guy over your back."
Waggner kept the focus on the secondary, but defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said interceptions are generated by all three units — defensive line, linebackers and, of course, the secondary.
"It's pressuring the quarterback, being aggressive when the ball is in the air, it's affecting the routes of the receivers, it's affecting the pass protection. It's a lot of things," Wilcox said. "It's really not one answer.
"Once you start trying to force the issue — we practice turnovers all the time and we're working on it daily — but if you try and force the issues, sometimes guys will try to make plays they shouldn't and that's when you get beat."
Joseph put a positive spin on the situation as well, particularly when discussing starting cornerback Marsalis Teague. A former wide receiver, Teague has started 12 games at his new position but has yet to register an interception.
"Here's a guy who's just doing what he's supposed to do," Joseph said. "Sometimes a DB that's playing well doesn't get his name called. That's been the case with him.
"When you're covering guys, they don't really throw to your side. I think that's a compliment to him."
The Vols won't have a magic button to press Saturday when they try to disrupt Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, who threw three uncharacteristic interceptions last week against Mississippi State.
Even if UT does add to its interception total, the same strategy might not work the next week against LSU.
That's just how fickle interceptions can be.
"If there was a magic answer to it," Wilcox said, "we would have addressed it already."
Andrew Gribble may be reached at 865-342-6327. Follow him at http://twitter.com/Andrew_Gribble and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/gribble
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Comments » 43
mdvol writes:
Uncharacteristic??? Murray has thrown at least one pick in every game except Coastal Carolina. Three against MSU. VOLS should like that trend.
You don't see our man doing that!
Bray and company get it done against the Dawgs in Neyland.
SEC EAST is wide open for the VOLS!
volfanlostnbama writes:
Is it just me or are these guys just trying to emphasis the negative 'lack of' mindset of the press. There is much more to be excited about. You would think that Gribble could find something positive after getting his clock cleaned by Barbara Dooley this morning.
volfanlostnbama writes:
that should be 'emphasize'
born2ride writes:
The defense is our biggest weakness this year.
CoverOrange writes:
As opposed to what? Offense? When there are only two choices one has to be more and the other less. Not much of a statement there dude.
dvols writes:
when you fire the best player on the team (janzen jackson)....
do it the right way....
unlike bama football and ky basketball
what other coach kicks the best player off the team....
none!
nnice pants Coach!
rootin4volz writes:
There has been SO much bad luck for this program over the past two years that it's GOT to be time for the pendulum to swing our way! GO VOLS BEAT THOSE DAWGS!!!
heisthelord367 writes:
anyone have 2 or 4 tix for the Georgia game? please message me if you do..btw, i'm not a scalper..just wanna go to the game
DannyVol writes:
Other than the occasional shot, no one has really thrown many vertical passes on us. Kind of hard to get int's when the opportunities haven't been there.
stevefrommemphis writes:
I think you're both wrong. Special teams have been worst and need to improve significantly by Saturday.
Mtnbiker writes:
SP teams will be better Sat, well the Returns will be... Our kickers have yet to inspire trust, but they're young. It'll come in time. Just hope its IN time.
thevoice writes:
+1
volsfannsc writes:
Well I see Gribble has started hanging out with John Adams. Makes me wonder whose payroll they are really under.
usafvol writes:
I think you posted the same thing yesterday or the day before. Are you so pitiful and starved for attention that you have to come on here to be recognized? If so here ya go. "We all see you". Is that what you wanted?
usafvol writes:
Can you say "Tool" on here? lol
FiftyOne writes:
"We always say interceptions are accidents," Joseph said
Really? Doing your job as a DB and being in position to get a turnover is an "Accident" Not in my book. It might be an "Accident" he got this job.
RockyTop1 writes:
I agree, I thought scheming and proper coverage CREATED turnovers. GBO!! Beat them Dawgs!!!!
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
"The more we emphasize it in practice and the guys understand where they need to be and when they need to be there, the turnovers start coming," defensive backs coach Terry Joseph said. "
This is week 6 and four weeks of practice before the season. At what point do you expect them to be in the right places coach, you've had 10 weeks this fall to get them there. This staff has an excuse a minute. Just be honest and admit it's horrible to have only one INT vs teams like Montana, Buffalo, and Cinn. Poor play and an excuse.
BigOrange_supporter writes:
If we were to go 8-5 with one interception would vol nation be happy??
BigOrange_supporter writes:
With the O'brien commit we are now 13th on rivals........GBO
givehim6 writes:
UT needs the great EB to teach a Interception 101 class.
hikerdude writes:
Unless you get pressure on the quarterback you are not going to get many interceptions. We haven't put any pressure on the quarterback. Hence, only one interception. We seriously need some d-linemen. Got a great commit yesterday.
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
Hey, if you're happy with coaches saying after 10 weeks of practice the players still don't know their position assignments in the secondary then I'm happy also. Bet John Chavis down at LSU wouldnt be happy or saban at Bama. But we all know Vol fans have no standards for this coaching staff. I'm not the one that said UT players didnt know their positions, your coach said it. But yet somehow I'm a troll for calling him out on it. Once again any excuse is acceptable in Knoxville.
Volunatic writes:
Your reading comprehension skills are lacking.
An interception is an "accident" by the other team. As our DL improves, the interception total will improve also.
volwr88 writes:
You're right Volunatic. It is an accident by the QB or whomever throwing the ball. But as Wicox says more accidents happen when the passer is under duress and try's to throw the ball in places he shouldn't be throwing. Absolutely with time and confidence our DB's, Safeties, and even LB's with start to make plays on the ball knowing they've got the backup coming in to cover his back.
VolGrad writes:
Most interceptions are generated by pressure on the QB. Until we get better DL we will struggle with getting interceptions. Right now we have a patchwork of converted OL and DEs playing DT. And that is not an excuse; it is a fact.
The coaches are working with the secondary as they ought. And when we get some pressure on the QB, you'll see this secondary start getting picks.
Go Vols!
shipperman#280095 writes:
I love your upbeat attitude, but we have to be real. The SEC is in no way open for the VOLS. We might beat Georgia, I hope, but we got 2 automatic losses minimum after that in LSU and Bama. Vandy is not rolling over this year either. Spurrier will have the Lamecocks ready for us, bet on that.
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
I tend to disagree. Our special teams are our biggest problem. Oh wait, that would be three teams to consider.
VolGrad writes:
"Automatic losses."
I can think of several "automatic losses" that we've won over the years. I don't think I would use that terminology. Our chances against those teams may not be too good, and with that I would agree. But there is always a chance. That is why they play the game.
Go Vols!!!
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
Good call! I guess some of the people on here wish they would just look over the talent on each team at the beginning of the year, pick the winner off of the team with the most recruiting stars and forgo playing the game. There would be a lot less injuries that way.
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
Why would anone pass on us? They know that if they stick with the run or screen passes, at least one person will get through the line at least one time for 40 to 80 yards eventually. lol
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
We have 6 sacks on the year. I know that may sound terrible, but we are tied with Auburn, and have one more than Arkansas. BAMA only has 8, and those teams mentioned have one more game in the books than we do.
GreerVol22 writes:
If you are Dooley you coach the DB's to be in position first, break on the ball second, and then then the trust in the D line to create a disruption is what causes interceptions. We got beat at Florida on some plays where we were out of position and is cost us. In some games only a couple of those busted coverage gets you beat. At this point keep preaching the fundamentals. Young team, expect mistakes, recover, make lemonade.
shipperman#280095 writes:
I am not downing the VOLS, I love the Big O. But in reality, we are not good at all. Alabama is liable to hurt Bray, and LSU this year is not LSU of last year.
tennvolsman19651965 writes:
I think that our defense will be fine. We have too many true freshman playing line backer, and once Herman Lathers gets back, I dont think we will see those long scampers anymore. Inexperience is a bad thing in the SEC, but I have faith that Wilcox will come through in the end.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Couldn't agree more!!!
VolGrad writes:
As previously posted (edited):
Will Marlon Brown continue to ride the pine for Georgia this weekend? There will be much envy as he watches Da'Rick put his thing down on the Dawgs Saturday... as a featured STARter.
GBO!
cooper65#432178 writes:
The secondary is missing Jantzen Jackson and the DLine is not pressuring opposing QBs into bad throws.
keviningeorgia writes:
The following is an excerpt from a post by "Professional Handicapper". These comments were made on Sept 5 at around 1:30 PM --
"I never once bashed any aspect of the team or coaching staff, I just p[ointed out a bad stat, and said I would watch with caution until I see UT come out and in the second half and whip a team off adjustments in a fair environment of talent. Thats not being a jerk, thats just what I do. I also said Im not a fan of any team. Including UT. Once you become a fan or a hater in my profession, its time to quit. "
I have read a few of Mr. Flower's posts as this character. What drew may attention to him originally was my thinking around that time that some of the regulars here were really hard on this new guy. He seemed nice and sincere. I thought maybe they had him wrong.
Anyway, my apologies to SpongeBobOrangePants for originally doubting you (and the others) when you were calling this clown out back then.
Before anyone puts any weight into anything this guy posts, just go back to his history and read a couple of his earliest ones. You will see immmediately what I'm saying.
What a jerk this Flowers guy is. To go to all this trouble just to bash a college football team. He's a weird dude. Really weird...
CoverOrange writes:
I was trying to make the point that he was painting with too broad a brush. If you want to count ST as a third choice you can, I don't. ST can turn a game occasionally but will never get you to a championship game. Just ask Virginia Tech.
xvolx writes:
This secondary plays to keep the play in front of them. Bend but don't break. I hate it, but it's what we play.
transplantiam writes:
Professional Handicapper lol! If that guy is a Professional handicapper I'm a world class sprinter, and I've been crippled for twenty years! loll He's a joke, lol lol
keviningeorgia writes:
You sure he was even an "average" player?
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