Anatomy of a Beatdown – How the Volunteers Destroyed the Wildcats – Part 3

This is part three (you can read part one here and part two here) in a series of posts that aims to examine some of the tactics and adjustments Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike DeBord made in his game plan for the Northwestern Wildcats in the Outback Bowl. The Vols offense was very successful and the Vols won big, 45-6. Continue reading “Anatomy of a Beatdown – How the Volunteers Destroyed the Wildcats – Part 3”

Anatomy of a Beatdown - How the Volunteers Destroyed the Wildcats - Part 1

What a game. The Tennessee Volunteers absolutely destroyed the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6 to close out a memorable season on a high note. After starting 2-3, the team was in despair. Butch Jones and the Vols managed to turn it around however, and Tennessee finished the season on a six game winning streak with a top 25 ranking. The cherry on top came on New Year’s Day, when the Vols blew out a very good Northwestern team in the Outback Bowl.

Continue reading “Anatomy of a Beatdown - How the Volunteers Destroyed the Wildcats - Part 1”

Vols Add New Pin and Pull Sweep

From a scheme standpoint, Tennessee’s offense is almost the same in 2015 with new offensive coordinator Mike DeBord as it was in 2014 under Mike Bajakian. Tennessee was especially vanilla with playcalling in their 59-30 win over Bowling Green, just using their base run concepts and few downfield passes. One change to the playbook stood out however. The Vols now have a new run play: the pin and pull sweep. This is not a new play for most college football fans, especially those familiar with the Chip Kelly/Mark Helfrich Oregon Ducks/Philadelphia Eagles offense, but it was a look Tennessee had never shown before. Continue reading “Vols Add New Pin and Pull Sweep”

Minnesota Beats Nebraska with Power and Misdirection

One of the biggest surprises of the college football season has been the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Head coach Jerry Kill has turned around the program over the past four years, and they are now one win away from a division title. That would give them an opportunity to play for their first conference title since 1967.

Minnesota’s revival has been sparked by a run heavy attack on offense. Last Saturday, the Golden Gophers defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 28-24 in a game critical to the division race. As I watched the game, I was very impressed by the gameplan of Kill and his offensive coordinator, Matt Limegrover. Continue reading “Minnesota Beats Nebraska with Power and Misdirection”

Vols Run Over Wildcats With Counter

Ever since Josh Dobbs has been inserted into the lineup, the Tennessee Vols running game has exploded. Tennessee went from averaging 94 rushing yards per game without Dobbs, to averaging 246 yards per game with him. While a big part for this success with the ability of Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd, the Vol scheme has had a lot to do with the change. Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian has shifted to more option plays and more gap runs, his favorite being counter. So let’s look at a few of the different ways the Vols ran counter in their win over the Kentucky Wildcats. Continue reading “Vols Run Over Wildcats With Counter”

Vols Tight Ends Excel vs. Kentucky

One of the biggest differences in the Tennessee Volunteer offense from 2013 to 2014 is the use of the tight end position in the passing game. In 2013, the Vols tight ends combined for 15 catches and 98 yards. In 2014, the Vols tight ends have combined for 32 catches and 337 yards through 10 games.

As a group, Tennessee’s tight ends probably had their best game of the season against Kentucky. Ethan Wolf, Daniel Helm, and Alex Ellis all made plays in the passing game, and also added some key blocks, in the Vols 50-16 win. Continue reading “Vols Tight Ends Excel vs. Kentucky”

How Did the Vols Attack the Gamecocks Defense?

In their 45-42 overtime win over South Carolina, the Tennessee Volunteers had their most effective game of the season on offense. Starting for the first time this season, quarterback Josh Dobbs set Tennessee records and was named as the Player of the Week by multiple publications for his performance. Dobbs rushed for 166 yards and 3 scores, while throwing for 2 more touchdowns and 301 yards. Freshman running back Jalen Hurd rushed for a season-high 125 yards, while also leading the team with 7 receptions. Continue reading “How Did the Vols Attack the Gamecocks Defense?”

How Did Dobbs Change the Tennessee Offense?

When quarterback Justin Worley was ruled out of the Tennessee-Alabama game with an injury, Vols head coach Butch Jones selected backup quarterback Nathan Peterman as the starter. After two ineffective series, Jones pulled Peterman for third stringer Josh Dobbs.

Dobbs did what no one was expecting; he threw for nearly 200 yards and rushed for 75 against one of the best defenses in the country. How was Dobbs able to play this well in his first game of the season, while facing the talented Crimson Tide defense?

Continue reading “How Did Dobbs Change the Tennessee Offense?”