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We answer your best questions about Tennessee athletics and anything else in our weekly mailbag, Insider Mailing.
“After the third sack, what blocking scheme adjustments were made? After 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th?” – Daniel
Nathanael: That was truly one of the more baffling things I saw. I know the offensive line has dealt with a ton of injuries this year, but they looked better against better front sevens this season than Kentucky’s. But time and time again the Wildcats were in the backfield harassing Jarrett Guarantano. This offensive line has severely underperformed this season.
Will: One key adjustment will fix a lot of the problems. Move Trey Smith outside. If he’s really such an elite player, then the Vols need him to protect Guarantano as the bookend tackle this program recruited to be a star. I think that will solve a lot of the problems.
“I know Kelly is really good, but why has it taken the staff this long to give Chandler more touches? The guy is talented.” – Ryan
Nathanael: I’ve been saying this all. Season. Long. Ty Chandler deserved more touches before the Kentucky game, and I wrote about that after the game was over. Tyler Byrd isn’t the only player on offense being misused this season. Maybe Chandler will finally get more touches now. It would help if Tennessee played more two running back sets too.
Will: Because they aren’t comfortable with his ability to run block. I don’t think his lack of touches is an issue. There’s so much more to playing running back in the SEC than just carrying the ball. Chandler is a good, not great route runner. And he’s not a great blocker. With an offensive line that’s already played so poorly, UT needs all the help it can get in blocking for Guarantano.
“Does Currie secretly work for Florida?? Has a NCAA program ever lost its fanbase like UT before?” – Eric
Nathanael: I think it’s overblown a bit just how “lost” the fan base is at this point. Remember: social media often conflates issues and makes smaller sections of fan bases seem larger than they are. Now, does that mean there isn’t a large amount of people who are upset right now? Absolutely not. Because that’s true. But I don’t think the fan base as a whole has been lost. Not at all.
Will: The fan base isn’t lost. And comparing UT and Florida’s situations is irresponsible. First of all, Butch Jones didn’t allege death threats that didn’t pan out. Secondly, just because Florida fired its coach doesn’t mean every problem is solved. They still have to actually make the hire. If I’m a young up and coming coach, I don’t want to go somewhere that fires you just a year removed from your second straight conference title game appearance. Currie is being more responsible and reasonable with this decision, and although I disagree with his timing, I can respect it.
“How long will the AD keep Jones on? How many recruits must we lose?” – @iampacoRN
Nathanael: Tennessee’s recruiting hasn’t taken as big of a hit as I think some feared it would, but I understand the concern. I think Jones is gone in the next couple weeks/after his next loss. Maybe even before that.
Will: Currie wants to make a firing and hiring within the same week to minimize the damage of the early signing period. Given everything that’s come out in the past few days about Brett Kendrick’s injury, the end may come sooner than later.
“What are your honest thoughts about Gruden coaching at Tennessee? I know he’s a huge name and he has a Super Bowl ring, but his record isn’t all that great and he did get relieved of his duties in Tampa…I’m just curious what you guys are thinking?” – Sam
Nathanael: I completely understand the hesitancy on Gruden. As you said, a deeper look into his coaching time in the NFL shows a less than pristine mark like some fans seem to think. Not only that, but he also has never had to recruit and doesn’t have any collegiate coaching experience since 1989 at Pacific. With that being said, I do think he would be successful at Tennessee or anywhere else he would go in college. But there are some definite questions about him.
Will: Everyone is trying to look for the next Saban, and in some ways he fits that mold. But I’m not positive he’d be a home run hire. I’d rather have Gary Patterson if I was John Currie. Yeah he won a Super Bowl. But it was with Tony Dungey’s talent. And yes, he is a great X’s and O’s guy on television. But he is also on record saying he’d put his team on probation within a week because of practice restrictions in college football. I think he’ll coach again, just not in college.
“What are the best/worst Vol themed Halloween costumes you’ve seen?” – Andrew
Nathanael: I remember this time last year people were dressing up as ducks pulling trucks (or at least their kids were). Now? Someone just went viral wearing a “fire Butch Jones” shirt while holding a Team 121 trash can. So that’s how much things have changed in a year.
Will: I saw someone wearing a Team 121 trash can this year. That was impressive.
“Should VolTwitter have a Festivus celebration with the main event being the airing of grievances?” – @neylandmafia
Nathanael: I absolutely 100% think this should happen. Although isn’t Vol Twitter just an airing of grievances every day anyway? What would be different about it?
