It was a big win weekend for SEC football. Most schools fared well in winning. The Aggies and Gators collapsed in losses. The Vols won and still trashed its reputation.
SEC football was looking to make a big statement last weekend. In several out-of-conference matchups, the SEC had an opportunity to regain some national swagger. The conference came close to doing just that, going 12-2 for the opening week bonanza of college football contests.
In a later post, we’ll review the winners and the losers of each game and how each outcome affects each team going forward. This post is an added treat for Alabama football fans. Let’s look at how the Tennessee Vols won and tarnished its program in the process.
Tennessee’s win is nothing but ‘trashy’
Butch Jones has a new gimmick this season. After a turnover, his players are expected to run off the field with the football and slam dunk it into the trash can seen below. The staff member in the photo has to march up and down the sideline carrying the can over his head in between turnovers.
Maybe Butch can coach – a little – but he is no marketing wiz. All through the contest, the nation ‘trashed’ UT and Butch for the absurd gimmick.
Woah, is that guy holding up Tennessee's playbook? #CFAKickoff pic.twitter.com/1htv7wtRyK
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 5, 2017
In the new supreme home for college football, the message should have been showcasing how Tennessee is a big-time SEC football program.
75,107
— Mercedes-Benz Stadium (@MBStadium) September 5, 2017
Another packed house for #CFAKickoff 👏#MBStadium pic.twitter.com/ZB7llFRMpB
Instead, Butch and the Vols ended with up with,
https://twitter.com/ChristophersZen/status/904892669738016768
and this,
Champions of Trash. pic.twitter.com/8UKv9v0nlS
— Adam Silverstein (@SilversteinAdam) September 5, 2017
Even if the trash can idea makes little sense, the Vols should have been able to actually execute a dunk into the now famous trash can.
No words..
— SEC Country (@SECcountry) September 5, 2017
pic.twitter.com/of5HmJPmko
My, my Butch. All of this was so bad it is almost possible to feel embarrassed for Tennessee fans. Then again, the gimmick did obscure the fact the Vols have no rushing defense in 2017. The Vols set a defensive record in rushing yards allowed. After last night that stat should be renamed to rushing yards surrendered. The Yellow Jackets rang up 535 yards on the ground. Georgia Tech gained another 120 yards in the air for a game total of 655 yards. And they lost.
What this means for Tennessee going forward
First, it is our opinion that any team that employs Bob Shoop or Ted Roof as defensive coordinator deserves every loss incurred. In 2016, Tennesse was 45th in the nation in rush defense., allowing 4.19 yards per rush. Against Tech, the Vols gave up 6.22 yards per rush and after one week the Vols are No. 127 in rushing defense in the FBS.
Those who argue the triple-option does this to everybody, are missing a key point. Most teams have a single week of preparation to defend Tech’s option. Tennessee had eight months.
While trashing his program’s reputation last night, Butch also revealed his team cannot stop the run. The Vols return seven starters on defense in 2017. Butch has had more than enough time to build a competent SEC defense.
The Vols will not finish the season No. 127 in rushing defense. They will struggle to stop the run against Alabama football, Georgia, LSU and probably against Vandy as well. The same could be said for Florida if Jordan Scarlett returns from a Gator suspension.
Vols faithful will not be happy with a seven or eight win season. If that happens, Butch may end up in his trash can.
Next: 30 Great Tide Players who were 3-Star Recruits
Check in again with Bama Hammer often as we track key SEC football games and teams throughout the season. College football has a few more big SEC matchups in week two, including the Georgia Bulldogs traveling to Notre Dame.