Part II: Hello from Big Orange Country

[shieldpacal]

Here are just a few Tennessee football facts for 2015 that you might have missed:

1) You know already that Tennessee offensive lineman Marcus Jackson is out for the season with a bicep tear. He was one of our most experienced offensive lineman. The fact you might have missed is that his backup guy sustained the same injury a few days later in practice, and he is out too. The coaching staff is scrambling like mad to figure out who to insert in their place from a bevy of young and relatively inexperienced players. So, there is a potential weakness in the Tennessee offensive line that may be there on game day. Young folks need to step up.

2) Pundits are saying now that they think the highly experienced Tennessee defensive line may be on of the 10 best in the nation this year and possibly in the Top 5. I tend to agree. The BGSU offense is going to have its hands full with what looks to be something of an iron curtain like you might expect at Ohio State or Alabama.

3) Tennessee now has an effective one-two punch in the backfield at running back. Both players are expected to mature into Jamal Lewis types---beginning this year---but there are still a few question marks there.

4) Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs has been getting a lot of good press in the sports news media. People are expecting big things from him---but I am more cautious. He still has a lot to learn. He is not the world's best passer. He is not good at standing in the pocket like a statue. However, he is absolutely terrifying loose with the ball and scrambling in the backfield like Condredge Holloway once did at Tennessee. Dobbs can actually do what Condredge did. He can actually do it, and he has that unique talent tat comes only as a gift from God. Get a load of this because you will probably see something very close to it on September 5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8vSZm1XXd8" target="_blank

However, if Dobbs goes down with an injury, there is really no experienced person to back him up. Think "high school quarterbacks" because that is basically what they are.

5) Tennessee is well-known in college football history for being "Wide Receiver U." We have an excellent stable of receivers, but these guys sometimes forget their fundamentals and try to catch balls with their bodies rather than their hands. They drop a lot of balls on a bad biorhythm days. They are also a bit on the historically banged up and fragile side---lots of past knee injuries and so forth. I tend to view them as a very real offensive threat that is just as likely to mess up or get injured as they are to score. They need to get healthy, stay healthy, remember the fundamentals, and play consistently on the field in 2015. We will all just have to wait and see.

6) Our linebackers are a bit younger and more inexperienced than I would like---but I think they can do the job well.

7) Our pass coverage people on defense are really good. They can sustain coverage, and they are fantastic pick-6 threats. One of the things General Neyland emphasized is that a college football team does not have an offense and a defense. Rather, it has two offenses. Neyland believed in the defense as having not just a contain function but also a scoring function. Butch Jones has been studying hard on the Neyland philosophy, and he has adopted this philosophy for the Tennessee defense. Our pass coverage people want the ball and are looking for every opportunity to take it and pick-6---more so than most other teams do. Of course, all defensive teams do---but not like this Tennessee team.

8) Tennessee is a real risk this year to throw to its tight ends rather than just use them entirely as blockers. If you will recall, this is how Tennessee beat the snot out of the University of Michigan in the 2002 Citrus Bowl---the first time the two teams had ever met on the field.

9) The kicking game at Tennessee is a huge question mark. Our extra point and field goal guy has a hard time hitting the broad side of the farm---much less the barn. Our outstanding punter for the past several years graduated, and we have only inexperienced people to replace him. I think General Neyland would kick Butch Jones in the behind for letting this happen to the kicking game at Tennessee because it was always one of his big emphases---but this year's kicking team is what it is---a huge question mark with relatively inexperienced people.

10) Well, that is basically my best perspective on the 2015 Tennessee football team for you BGSU folks. If you have any questions, either I or my son might be able to answer them for you---maybe not. He is 14 and he knows the team in a lot more detail than I do.

[FalconKid]

from what i read the other OL was like a 3rd string player.


Their kicker was pretty solid as a true freshman and all their special teams coverage units are among the best in the country. Yes their pass rush on defense looks like it will be nasty. I been doing my homework. Are you sure you're a vols fan?

[Flipper]

I thought BG was big orange country...

[shieldpacal]

Hi FalconKid. Yes. I am a Tennessee alumnus (twice), a rabid Tennessee football fan, and an old guy be 63 in December). I enjoy introducing folks to Tennessee football. I try to do so honestly while recognizing that every team in college football has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, the good always comes along with the bad in the same package. You have to remember that Tennessee was not a very good team last year and was even worse in the years before that. College football teams do not get turned around overnight. It took Johnny Majors 7 or 8 years to turn Tennessee from its losing ways into a football power in the 1980s. The 2015 Tennessee team does have more experience this year and far more talent from recruiting---but it is still a young team with much to learn and significant question marks---and perils like the threat of a Dobbs injury with no decent backup QBs.

Yes, we are very thin at that particular OL line position, and the injured backup was not all that experienced like you say.

Special teams are pretty good---but a really good return man can often get yardage on Tennessee special teams.

As for kicking, it depends on what you call consistent. Historically, Tennessee has been automatic on extra points and excellent at hitting middle- and long- range field goals. That is clearly no longer the case. In my honest opinion, the kicking game is "iffy" for Tennessee---meaning you cannot be sure that the kicker will nail an extra point or field goal.

You might be interested in this old film clip from the Sugar Bowl in 1986. Tennessee was against Miami of Florida and Miami came into the game rated No. 1 in the nation and had the National Championship all but sewed up. The Miami players and fans were so certain of winning the championship that they taunted and disrespected both our players and our fans---very cruelly and openly. I doubt that many players ever had to endure that much public trash talking from the players on another team, and it was surprising that the Miami coaches would have even allowed it---but they did. Tennessee won the game 35 to 7. Alonzo Highsmith got his head handed to him on a platter, and Vinnie Testaverde spent most of the game on his back. Here is what happened:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1GxwqZ00iU" target="_blank

Always remember that any team can beat another team on any given Saturday if they try really hard and put their hearts into it---and trash talking another team is not only impolite---it can lead to very bad things on the field. You always take every opponent seriously. Tennessee takes BGSU seriously. You can be sure of that.

Hey. Tell me about your team!!!!

[shieldpacal]

I thought BG was big orange country...

I did not know that. I guess we are both Big Orange then. Tennessee has had this moniker for decades---but I bet the same has been true for your team. Right?

Would someone please be kind enough to give me a detailed synopsis of the BGSU football team this year. I am not sure that our teams have ever played in the past. I know something about the SEC teams but not teams that we play less frequently. I would like to learn.

[Flipper]

Actually, our identity is derived from our unique... until Paul Brown came along in Cleveland... orange and brown color scheme. As of this fall, we're a Nike school and for the first time in almost a decade we will have brown featured prominently in some of our unit combinations. Folks are pretty excited about that...

BTW... welcome to azz.com. Looking forward to seeing how we stack up with an SEC squad on the upswing.

[jpfalcon09]

I thought BG was big orange country...

I did not know that. I guess we are both Big Orange then. Tennessee has had this moniker for decades---but I bet the same has been true for your team. Right?

Would someone please be kind enough to give me a detailed synopsis of the BGSU football team this year. I am not sure that our teams have ever played in the past. I know something about the SEC teams but not teams that we play less frequently. I would like to learn.

I'll take a stab...

It'll be an interesting year for BGSU football. While the team is coming off its second straight MAC Championship appearance, many feel that last year's team under-achieved in many aspects having finished 7-5 during the season and then going 1-1 in postseason play (losing the MAC Championship and winning the Camellia Bowl).

On offense, all 11 starters return, including QB Matt Johnson who was injured in the first game of the season last year against Western Kentucky. Johnson led the Falcons to it's 2013 MAC Championship and it's first 10 win season in almost 10 years. He's a redshirt senior so he has a ton of experience and is a threat to both run and throw. His backup is James Knapke who played nearly every game last season and was named the Camellia Bowl MVP. He'll likely only play if the game gets out of hand or if God forbid Johnson gets hurt again.

At running back, BG returns starters Travis Greene and Fred Coppet who combined for over 1,200 yards rushing in the new hurry-up Babers' offense. Newcomers Matt Domer and Georgia Tech transfer Donovan Wilson may also see some reps in the first game. This is an experienced group as Greene broke the school rushing record in 2013.

At wide receiver, BG has arguably the deepest corps in the nation. Roger Lewis caught over 1,000 yards as a freshman, Ronnie Moore is the slot threat (although he'll miss the first half of the Tennessee game), Gehrig Dieter is a SMU transfer who has size and speed and Ryan Burbrink is a possession receiver who has big play ability. Baylor transfer Robbie Rhodes figures to see playing time along with Chris Gallon and Teo Redding. It's a very deep position for the Falcons.

In the offensive line, BG again returns all starters and the group is led by Alex Huettel. They're a mobile group who has actually shed some weight over the summer to be more physically fit to run the offense. They're probably the best overall OL in the MAC.

Overall, the offense is the strong suit for the team. This is the second year in Dino Babers' offense which figures to execute better than last year, especially if Matt Johnson can stay healthy.

On defense, BG lost some key players who have moved on to the NFL ranks. Only four starters return and two of those only have one year of experience under their belts. Off the field issues this spring and summer led to the dismissal of some key players on this side of the ball which will be a major factor.

On the defensive line, BG returns Taylor Royster who is a spark plug of a DT. He was tied for the lead in the nation in fumble recovers and even had an interception. Gus Schweiterman will see some time as well, he impressed last year in limited work and has good speed. On the end, former Tennessee Vol Malik Brown will see time along with Bryan Baird. Behind the, the depth is a bit thin as some freshmen and sophomores figure to rotate in this season.

At LB, BG lost all-MAC players Gabe Martin and DJ Lynch. Martin is with the Arizona Cardinals and Lynch got some time with the Patriots this summer. Taking over will be James Sanford, Nilijah Ballew, Austin Valdez, Nate Locke and Aaron Banks. This corps is largely inexperienced but has decent size and speed to compete at the MAC level, not so much against an SEC school.

In the secondary, Darrell Hunter and Clint Stephens return at cornerback. Stephens had four INTs last year as a freshman and Hunter is a good coverage guy in his senior year. Freshman Marcus Milton will also see some playing time along with Tavarus Wade and Jamari Bozeman. At safety, Notre Dame transfer Eilar Hardy will step in at one of the safety spots while Dernard Turner will play alongside him. Isaiah Gourdine may also see playing time at safety.

Special teams, BG probably has the league's best kicker in Tyler Tate. He broke the school record for most FGs made in a season last year and is on pace to break the record for most FGs in a career. He'll likely get some Groza love. Joe Davidson is the punter, he's tall and can really boom the ball.

Expectations seem lower this year than last season, largely based upon the schedule and who has graduated. Babers did hire a new defensive coordinator in Brian Ward from Western Illinois who figures to whip the defense into better shape this year. We expect a lot of points to be scored in games this year and hopefully an upset or two in one of the non-conference games. As a fan, I'm excited for the Tennessee game as BG has fared well against the SEC in recent games, they lost 27-14 in 2012 in the swamp and 21-20 against Mississippi State in 2013.

[FalconKid]

all i know is if we cant stop them on D then our offense wont be on the field as much as we'd like. Our defense is concerning. It also sucks Ronnie Moore cant play the first half. Thats what it comes down to. All that other stuff is cool to talk about but if we cant get stops they will run it up on us.

[Schadenfreude]

On defense, the big question facing Falcon fans is: Will this team be 1916 Cumberland College bad, just really bad, or can the Falcons -- through hard work and effort -- achieve mediocrity? (Few of us dare to hope for more than this.) The addition of Brian Ward as defensive coordinator has gotten a lot of attention. Many hope he can build success with a side that lacks experience and, in some cases, actual talent. But, honestly, people may be looking to Ward for hope because there is a paucity of other places to look on this side of the ball.

On offense, the ceiling is about as high as you can imagine. but Falcon fans have tempered their expectations after suffering through some pretty humbling moments on offense last year (a 68-17 loss at Wisconsin, a 26-14 loss to Western Michigan, a 41-24 loss to Ball State, etc.) After beating Indiana, our offense seemed to plateau and sputter. Our head coach has said from Day One that his new #FalconFast offense isn't truly going to click until about Game 4 or Game 6 of his second season. This is his second season. Is he right?

Also, can QB Matt Johnson take us to a new level? In a different offense, he was splendid in leading us to a MAC title in 2013, taking down an undefeated, 14th-ranked Northern Illinois team in Detroit. His backup, James Knapke (God bless him), seemed to plateau last year after some great initial moments (including the dramatic last minute win over Indiana). Can Johnson take us to a new level with #FalconFast? If not, some fans may start to question the system rather than the players.

In special teams, the Falcons are pretty solid. Place kicker Tyler Tate may play on Sundays.

[shieldpacal]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your synopses on BGSU---very enlightening. It seems that both of our teams have have some real positives and some significant question marks and concerns. When it is like that, the only thing to do is play the game and see what happens---and remember that dumb luck on the right day can be just as much of a factor as talent and experience---like when the Denver Broncos got backed up on their own 1-foot line in the first play of the game and the whole Super Bowl went to Hades in a hand basket from there for Denver. Ouch!!!

[jpfalcon09]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your synopses on BGSU---very enlightening. It seems that both of our teams have have some real positives and some significant question marks and concerns. When it is like that, the only thing to do is play the game and see what happens---and remember that dumb luck on the right day can be just as much of a factor as talent and experience---like when the Denver Broncos got backed up on their own 1-foot line in the first play of the game and the whole Super Bowl went to Hades in a hand basket from there for Denver. Ouch!!!

The first game of the year has many unknowns, difficult to tell how good you are from scrimmages in camp. Looks like UT hopes to contend for an SEC title and I think that's achievable given the talent returning to the team. As others have mentioned, the SEC size and speed will likely be too much for BG's defense to be able to contain, especially over a 60-minute game. However, we're hoping against hope that a new defensive coordinator with a better scheme can at least produce decent results compared to some of the results we saw last year.

[Flipper]

Knapke may have been injured last year...he had accuracy issues all year, but he seemed to lose some zip on the ball as the season wore on.
He beat a Big 10 and played well enough in our bowl win, so it's not like he was completely awful all year. Hopefully, he's healthy this year because if anything happens to Johnson, he's our only QB with any game experience.

I like our Dline...the secondary should be good. well see about the LB's.

[jpfalcon09]

Knapke may have been injured last year...he had accuracy issues all year, but he seemed to lose some zip on the ball as the season wore on.
He beat a Big 10 and played well enough in our bowl win, so it's not like he was completely awful all year. Hopefully, he's healthy this year because if anything happens to Johnson, he's our only QB with any game experience.

I like our Dline...the secondary should be good. well see about the LB's.

He had a rib injury early on however I forget which game it was. He was wearing a thicker jacket after the injury and it most definitely affected his ability to throw the ball with any consistency. The fact he has more experience running this offense than Johnson does eases some nervousness I would have if MJ goes down again.

[kdog27]

I think this games hinges on what Tennessee does on offense. If they want to line it up and run it down our throat, they can unfortunately. However, I suspect they will want to have the entire offense flowing as they prepare for their second week opponent so I don't think they will run it on us exclusively until they had to.

So I'm hoping for some week one growing pains with the receivers and quarterback that will allow us to get off the field and/or create some turnovers in the first half. If this happens we have a chance.

They have a talented defense that will cause problems but we have a talented offense with a ton of experience.

Of course it's all speculation and most of us hope for the best as would a Volunteer fan.

[Schadenfreude]

Coach Babers told WBGU-FM this week that Knapke has had a better camp than all but one or two other players. That's good to hear.