Coaching
Daniel: It’s a tired narrative, but it’s true every week. The offensive coaches are coaching with one hand tied behind their back. I don’t know what they’re supposed to do. Nothing really works when the offensive line can’t protect or get any push in the run game with consistency. Defensively, I thought the Vols had a pretty good gameplan and they played well enough to keep a competent offense in the game. My biggest issue on that side of the ball was the play where Corey Vereen ended up matched up against Evan Engram on that touchdown pass. I though the timeout at the end of the first half was poor game management. It worked out, but that gave Ole Miss a better chance to make that field goal. I understand the questions about the double-reverse call as well, though I don’t blame them too much for that since it worked at Georgia – though the timing was a touch questionable. Ultimately, results do fall on the coaches and the Vols aren’t getting it done, though I think it’s foolish to make too many conclusions about this staff at this point because they simply don’t have the personnel to get it done on offense. Grade: C-
Houston: I thought the defensive game-plan was excellent in this game. They pressured Bo Wallace, shut down Laquon Treadwell and forced Ole Miss to find creative ways to move the football and score points. Unfortunately for them, Ole Miss is a good team that figured out exactly how to do that after given multiple opportunities from a struggling Tennessee offense. The offense is just not going to be able to beat teams that can muster a consistent pass rush right now. It has nothing to do with playcalling or scheme, but everything to do with experience, skill and execution. The restrictions placed on this offense by the lack of experience and quality depth along the offensive line cannot be overstated; there is no play that can work consistently when an offensive line can’t create rushing lanes or protect the quarterback. Grade: B
Average Grade: C+
