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MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL Tennessee running back Marlin Lane runs against Georgia on Oct. 8, 2011 in Neyland Stadium. Lane led the team in rushing with eight yards on seven carries. Tennessee lost 20-12 and were limited minus-20 rushing yards on 23 carries.
Tennessee's tailbacks stood on one side of a narrow training arch during the early portion of Tuesday's practice. Two walk-on linebackers were placed on the other side.
One by one, running backs coach Jay Graham gave his players a ball and some instructions: Fight your way through the hole, but don't let go of the football.
Tennessee backs have lost fumbles only twice in four games this year, but it's those little things that are under extra scrutiny as the Vols (3-1, 0-1 SEC) prepare to face No. 5 Georgia (4-0, 2-0) Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) at Sanford Stadium in Athens.
The trip to Georgia begins a grueling four-game swing in the middle of the Vols' schedule that will determine just how much progress the team — and the running game — has made from a year ago.
Tennessee coaches and players talked all August about improvement in the ground attack, and the early returns have been positive. The Vols have 690 rushing yards, 246 more than they had through four games last year.
Last year's game against Georgia was especially bleak. In 23 carries, Tennessee lost 20 yards. Two games earlier against Florida, the Vols carried for minus-9 yards. By the end of the season, the Vols were still dead last in rushing yards in SEC games, averaging only 63.5 yards per league game.
So while the Vols have improved on the ground this year, skepticism about the team's progress is understandable.
Junior tackle Ja'Wuan James, who endured all of last year's low points, said he believes the running game has turned the corner. He says missed opportunities have kept it from being even better.
"Most of the time, the running game is us killing ourselves," James said Tuesday. "It's mostly us miscommunicating or getting on the wrong guys or us just not blocking well. We've done a lot technically this offseason and it's showing a little bit now that we're going doing better in the run game."
Rajion Neal has 52 percent of the Vols' rushing yardage (356 yards on 80 carries). He has yet to break a big run (his long is 29), but he's been a steady and reliable ball carrier inside.
"I have confidence in myself and I just get more and more confident in the guys around me that are helping me," Neal said. "If we get the running game started, it's going to be a long game."
Neal wasn't being boastful, but simply suggesting that a balanced offense could take the team to heights that a one-dimensional one could not. The running game's demise in 2011 left little help for quarterback Tyler Bray and the passing game, which struggled to carry the offensive burden. That's why having some success in the running game Saturday — even if it's just a little — is so important.
"It's very important," said James. "It's important against any opponent. It helps the whole offense. It helps the whole team, really. If we're running the ball, they have to respect that and maybe add another guy in the box. That would definitely help out all our receivers and Tyler."
Evan Woodbery covers Tennessee football. Follow him at www.Twitter.com/TennesseeBeat.
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Comments » 72
orangepowerT writes:
I hope that both Derrick Henry and Derrick Green both committ to the vols. Derrick Henry is going to make his commitment on Sept. 28th 2012. Let us pray....
arkyvol writes:
hope i'm wrong, but i don't expect the vols to break fifty yards rushing. neal can look good against akron or ga. state, but i've yet to see him get the job done against a sec quality defense. it ain't gonna happen this weekend.
pcorange writes:
I didn't think Neal looked all that bad against Florida, especially early on. He needs to put his head down and hit the holes hard. His biggest flaw is that he seems to think he is going to dance around and get more yardage by finding something that isn't there. Maybe this will be his breakout game. Hope so, we need some good news.
6972 writes:
If we rush for a 100 it may not be enough to come away with a win. I hope we kick behinds but they still have a lot to prove and to get done.
Good luck guys.
cgbtn writes:
If the situation is 3rd or 4th and 1 or 2 to go, Coach Graham can't teach them to fight thru the hole, because they hit a stone wall. Gary Danielson said , correctly, during the SC/Mizzou game that the SEC is a "line-of-scrimmage league." We lose both sides of the line and boast about recruiting more wide receivers. Look at the commits -- no help is on the way.
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
Progress for you would be moving out of mommy's house before you turn 50? I would like to see Vegas odds on that happening.
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
If they didn't get pass happy Neal would have had 100 yards against UF. I also think he's done a better job of picking a spot and hitting it since the NC State game. Running against UGA will be a tall task. Not just for us but for any team.
volvann writes:
Good grief! The statement about Neal not having a run above 29 yards is too funny. If he had an 80 yard run, the article would have stated 'You take away the 80 yard run he he only has ....'
Can't have it both ways.
Vol Boy....
UTengr36 writes:
UT will be able to score points as long as the defense can keep from giving up big plays and putting too much pressure on the offense to catch up. That will be the key to the game. Not giving up 3 consecutive big plays unlike the Florida game.
hikerdude writes:
Its not how many total yards you get. Its how many times you convert on 3rd and three or less. I doubt we convert any by running in this game. Sad. Ga 49 UT 21.
10SE writes:
We absolutely can not run the ball when we have to. Say what you want about the Florida game. Say what you want about the total yards this season. If we need one yard, our results so far this season says that if we run it, we won't get it.
Vols_fan_27 writes:
I was sitting on our endzone side during the Fla. game with a good vantage point of what was open in the middle. The problem with the running game continues to be the fact that our O line still has trouble opening holes in the middle. Around the ends were working but anything up the middle we just struggled to make holes to run through. Have to be able to pick up at least 3 or 4 yards each time we run it or it will be a long day on Sat. If the line doesn't do a better job of providing space, that may prove to be our downfall. Like someone else said last week though, this is still a team that we expected to beat Fla. so I will remain optimistic about our chances... GBO!
pms151 writes:
It is all about coaching. We are predictable. If other SEC coaches see these weaknesses they react quickly during the game. Our Head Coach does not have that ability, nor do his coordinators, to react in real time. That is what separates them from the Fulmer and Kiffin staffs. These guys are not quality like those guys were. Fulmer and Kiffin both had quality coordinators to protect their rear ends. Dudley Doright does not. This is what we get with a Haslam picking a Head Coach from the second realm. We saw the mass exodus of coaches last year. There was a reason and it is not that hard to see why.
Snapshot writes:
Fulmer and Kiffin are both gone. They are not here anymore.
Just let it go Louie, let it go.
Henley-Street-Bridge writes:
If UT's running backs had those "BEEP BEEP BEEP" backup horns in their fanny, it'd be blowing the entire game. We are going to get so killed on Sat, I may not even watch it live, but instead take a flute and go to the woods to commune with nature.
thevoice writes:
Bingo. I too have noticed that with Dooley being a former walk-on WR, he's loading up on WRs and seemingly not other important positions.
123forVOLS writes:
The rbs still are not hitting the holes with authority and desire to get an extra yard or two. I do not know if that is not wanting to get hit or what. The o-line in the Akron game seemed to fire off well then stand straight up and quit. Where is the killer instinct and play til the whistle grit? Next, when Neal continually dances why is Lane not getting a chance first. Q Watson may become a great player but I do not see him as number two, yet he was put in first against Akron. Has anyone figured out why? Don't say that Lane fumbled. So has Neal.
Finally, the Dogs are a huge task. They will be ready and fully equipped, getting players back. The Vols need to pin back their ears and just go play. They have nothing to lose. Will they? I don't know. But I am for them no matter what and hope they have a good showing.
nocleats writes:
When I think of testing Tennessees' run game, I think
1. Can Tns OLine physically knock people backwards and PUSH?
2. Can Tne OLine read and block the correct people?
3. Can Jim Chaney be patient enough to keep with it?
usafvol writes:
Can you not read the stat difference or is it a comprehension problem?
VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:
I'm not surprised to hear that you run around in the woods playing a flute
SouthPaVol writes:
We need a big running back with meat on his bones and speed. We recruited one, then when he hit the weight room and beefed up a bit, we switched him to linebacker--where he's playing very well. In fact, our two toughest running backs are playing LB.
So, Coach JG lined up our backs against walk-on LBs to toughen up our backs! That's a start; now line the RBs up against our starting defense and let them butt heads. Case in point: SEC defenses don't use a lot of walk-ons.
Our guys look like ballerinas dancing around in the backfield instead of SEC backs. A player will perform on Saturday the way they practice through the week--nine times out of nine.
My left handed comment: On short yardage, Chaney brings in a LB--someone who actually hits somebody in practice--into the wildcat to pound the line of scrimmage. Come on coach! Toughen these prima-donna RBs up!
Orangepuddinskin writes:
This is absolutely correct. I also think that by letting Neal continue to run the ball, we would have possibly slowed down the tempo of the game after Burtons 70 run. We went into panic mode after that run, and Chaney lost his composure.
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
Good point. The problem with a hurry-up pass happy offense is that you run a good chance of putting your D back on the field too quickly whether you score or go 3-n-out. By the 4th qtr they are gassed. Run the ball down UGA's throat and keep them honest with the passing game.
Vols 27 (Brodus nails a 49 yarder as time expires)
Pups 24
calvol writes:
It's our scheme. Let's face it we have become a finesse team. We're playing mostly single back with pistol and shotgun formations with three wideouts. Neal has been effective but mostly on draw plays etc. The O line can do it, they are excellent pass blockers and could be great run blockers if we had a scheme to consistently run the ball. We need a fullback and TE in at the same time to run effectively against SEC defenses. Just my humble opinion. PS, last year's run game scapegoat, CHH, is doing a pretty decent job up at Notre Dame this year. GBO!
615VOL writes:
We really have got to get at least one of those guys
615VOL writes:
Sure hope you are right!
crappieking writes:
There will not be any progress at this position or any other postion until Dooley is fired. Time to get a REAL coach in here.
GreerVol22 writes:
Listening to ktown radio the other day and a reporter attending practice says still 75-25 pass . You cannot expect the line to get good at blocking if it isn't practicing the run and running backs don't get reps because they are always blocking d-ends and blitzing LB's. Pretty predictable this outcome will be.
orangecountyvols writes:
The thing about you is how what you say resembles the first 4 letters of your screen name.
Of course, we could easily substitute troll which is just one more letter.
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
I predict this game to be closer than the 14 points Vegas has laid upon Georgia. First off Georgia is still two weeks away from being 100%. Next it will be hard for georgia to get up for UT with a double revenge game vs S Carolina up next. Georgia's opponents this year (in vegas lined games) have a combined 1-10 record. The point spread has actually dropped to -12 as alot of big money was moving on the Vols +14. But the UT secondary is in flux so I dont see an upset. Georgia does just enough to win..
hikerdude writes:
Anyone that takes UT and 14 is nuts.
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
I made this argument after the NC State game and many thought I was crazy. Even if we score our D generally doesn't get the chance to rest.
kcbigorngX writes:
I predict Vanderbilt University Medical will allow residents to do a study on HCJF's shiny brown head, with the results proving yes,indeed it is possible to polish a turd.
SummittsCourt writes:
Why don't you send Dave Hart your resume, because it is obvious you should be coaching since you know so much.
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
So Brett, how are your CommodeDoors doing this year?
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
Great idea SC....I can see it now:
Jeffy Flowers = Head Coach
CrapKing = OC
Professional Handicrapper = DC
Toddygirl = Male Cheerleader Coach
SevenTeen = In charge of balls
We go 12-0 each year, win the SEC, and play in the National Championship every year! I AM IN!!!
LCPanthers (Inactive) writes:
We are given no chance at all by everyone-- and I hope that is Ga also.Got a feeling about this game.
Vols--27
Ga----21
kcbigorngX writes:
You forgot collegegrovebill...she may be qualified to follow Smokey around with the 'scooper'.
gatorhator4eva writes:
we need to keep pounding the rock , even when we think we cant. we need to tire georgia out. keep rotating fresh guys. ground and pound and we have a chance.
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
Since Vandy also had three head coaches in three years they have held their own nicely considering they have played three undefeated top 25 teams with two of the teams being in the top 10 with a combined record of 16-0.. Franklin had the first recruiting class in vandy history with all three and four star recruits, so the future looks bright. But I appreciate your concern. Its funny UT fans now stoop to looking at Vandy as Bama is a long lost rivalry since Fulmer was fired. How did that 7th year of Gator bait feel at home? And why dont Vols even speak of the 3rd weekend in Oct anymore? Ut's biggest games are Vandy and kentucky now in which they went 1-1 last year with the one win at home in overtime. I know it must be hard realizing UT is a bottom dweller..Now let me ask you, how many wins did Vandy have in Football, Baseball and basketball last year? More than UT in all three plus Vandy didnt lose to Austin Peay in two sports..HILARIOUS!! Dooley will be 4-17 in the SEC and you wanna talk smack.. Now thats funny
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Been following this one pretty closely..Henry took visit to Bama last week and looks pretty solid towards the Turds.Official announcement will be Friday!!Outside of the chance to play for a NC contender every year Iam not sure why Henry would want to be in competition with 4..Count them 4!!! Top #10 RB's that will be on Bama's roster next year when he would go right to #1 back at UT!! In the past recruits shied away from this but not so much these days
voloffaith writes:
I guess the movie "Dodgeball" was your favorite as was exhibited by your last answer. Answer the question without dragging,like you do most times, other sports for validation you evidently need so badly. Bama is still and always will be big. The question is when will we be competitive in games against them. So BOFever asked a straight question that in no way said he thought alabama game didn'tmatter as a measuring stick. Stop being like the liberal media and spinning to make you happy and fit your commodore love feast agenda....
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Good Point..Now everybody in the SEC is running this up tempo stuff which is a double edge sword..Designed to disrupt defensive player changes but because it's now the norm; DC have adjusted and practice for it..Not seeing the advantages now because it Gasses your defense but Ive noticed it doing the same to Hunter and CP..Bowden said it best; If I have 89 plays as opposed to 73 thats 16 more chances to score
Vols4life77 writes:
Collegegrove Bill is toddygirl and She should probably be massaging the players while coaching them on what their doing wrong. With knowledge like hers I don't understand why ol toddygirl is selling tvs and not making 6 figures tutoring her beloved vols. I am skeptical this weekend as Georgia in Athens is a tough test. Gotta have 100 yards rushing to help bray and the passing game and have to eliminate the big play on D. Getting off to a quick start is crucial for the seemingly fragile mental makeup for this team. D has to get off the field and stop the third down conversions and create at least one crucial turnover. With Bray, hunter and patterson I believe the big orange can hang with anybody with a decent defensive effort. The next four games dictate dooleys future and I wish nothing but the best but I will judge after these. I have faith and will be bleeding orange this saturday. Shutup the non- believers and whip the Dawgs. GBO
SCVFL writes:
VOLS must lead in time of possesion to have a chance. That means they must run the ball with some success. Does not mean it all has to be the RB. It could be end around, flare passes, screens, shuttle pass in middle, and God forbid maybe a keeper or scramble by QB. However they can get it done, keep the ball.
5) Ball, oskie, cover, block, cut and slice, pursue and gang tackle...for this is the WINNING EDGE.
7) Carry the fight to our opponent and keep it there for 60 minutes.
These two things can win the the game for the VOLS.
GO BIG RNG...VFL
Adioskazoots writes:
I like many other Vol fans dream of upset victory between the hedges. I am a dreamer but what we will face on Saturday will be a nightmare. We cannot go into Samford stadium with much hope because of the erosion of our once proud top 10 recruiting program into a mediocre SEC recruiting program that has not recruited a SEC feature RB since the Fulmer years. Simply put......YOU CANNOT WIN THE KENTUCKY DERBY WITH A MULE. It looks as if things are getting worse. I checked yeaterday and Dooley has only 3 committments from players ranked in the top 300 of HS prospects for the 2013 class. Vanderbilt has a better 2013 recruiting class to this point.I have to be honest.....That's freakin pathetic. Finishing outside the top 12 in recruting nationally means losses for well to do SEC teams.I love the VOLS. I think Dooley is a nice guy but where was his sense of urgency last winter and spring in signing a SEC calbre RB?......You cannot win marque games in the SEC with a converted WR as a tailback.As for the kicking game.....George Cafego is rolling over in his grave. Almost every team in D1 NCAA football has a kicker that can kick it deep into the opponents endzone....Except for us. I am not hoping or looking for a loss and Saturday. I WANT THE VOLS TO WIN........Until things change there is very little hope. ROCKY TOP WILL ALWAYS BE HOME SWEET HOME TO ME......GOOD OLE ROCKY TOP....ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
I just don't see us getting more than 100 yards rushing..Ga is huge upfront and have great LB's..Going up against all these 350lb lineman and Jones will fatigue our OLine real fast..To Neal's credit he's been more physical especially in the open field and he has a better chance to do damage in the passing game where he's been quite good but Bray is having a hard time reading and seeing mike linebackers dropping in coverage assigned to cover RB's on dump downs on 3rd reads; which is where Neal excels and gets those desperately needed 3rd and 3 pick ups..Against FLA Neal was wide open in the middle of the field but Bray didn't see it and threw the ball away!! IMO all this goes back to awful RB recruiting by Dooley the last 2 years..If we had Gurley; Marshall or Yeldon in our backfield we wouldn't be having this conversation..Instead we have Lane and Watson and thats pitiful!!! In reality Neal would be 2nd string behind Stacey at Vandy and that speaks volumes about Dooleys RB recruiting!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Good point..Amazingly Chaney wised up and got good use of the flare pass using 3 different guys against Akron and as long as Bray gets the ball out fast it's hard to defend!!The shuttle pass can be dangerous but also worked well..The screen pass has no chance against GA and Jarvis Jones
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
The thing about Neal vs Lane that I've seen is that Lane has the ability to move a pile and get the extra YAC. But Neal, when he doesn't move so much east and west, seems to find the hole in the defense and get through faster. Unfortuantely, neither of them have the breakaway speed to outrun the opposing team's secondary. But they can have a big run game in Athens.
I'm more worried about the passing game (cue the "usnavyvolfan hates Tyler Bray" trolls in 3-2-1...)
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
I agree wholeheartedly; if we CAN establish a ground game, I'm okay with scoring less, but keeping the UGA offense off the field.
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