WI like Heupel, a lot. He has changed the culture and made the Vols fun to watch and cheer for again.
However, his end of half and end of game play selection and clock management may be the worst I’ve ever seen.
That game should have been ended by an easy FG in regulation, but for some unfathomable reason —- our coach is unaware that he can take timeouts, and that he needed only about 10-15 yards for a manageable FG attempt for the win. Instead, he inexplicably opts for 2 straight low percentage go routes to the end zone, when 10 yds and 3 pts would do the job.
Apparently, Heupel is unable to take his foot off the gas, or go conservative, when is is completely warranted, and the only logical option.
Yes, we were screwed by the refs, especially in OT, but it never had to get to that point. Tempt fate long enough, and fate wins. Fate won.
It appears Small was hurt and took himself out, hence Wright went in at a crucial time.
Hooker was off after a tackle, but still was a better option than Joe. He appeared to be only looking to one side late in the game last night instead of the entire field, Makes me wonder what is going on.
Earlier this year we saw Heupel take the foot off and go conservative. I doubt we will hear much about why he did what he did. Could be the short routes were not there but we had a opening down the sides. With the little time left a scramble would have taken more time and the lanes did not at first appear to be there. I know on one of the last tow passes a defender got a piece of the ball, just enough to throw it off.
Going into the season, we knew we were not only thin on D, but limited talent in critical areas as well. Same on O but not as bad. Add in we had extremely limited depth as well. Before the season started many picked us to only win 2-3 games, we could have won 9 regular season games. A bowl game was not on our horizon for maybe two seasons. The team never quit. They fought. Some of the players who could go pro are coming back.This a team to be proud of.
We won't really have a idea of Coaches ceiling for another season or two. We have to get some depth, some talent first for the coaches to work with. The indicators are we do coach players up. Are there some assistants that need replaced, not sure given with what they have had to work with both on and off the field. Just changing the mindset was a tall order and that seems to be well on its way to being done.
I am already looking forward to next season. Go Vols.
