Big Orange Report 9-5-11

Big Orange Report 9-5-11
By Warner Agee

Vols Win, Jury Still Out
Tennessee’s big play passing attack should take up about 90 percent of the highlight reel for the opening night victory over Montana. Sophomore trigger man Tyler Bray was on target for most of the evening and his two primary targets, Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, displayed the explosive, play-making skills that Vol fans had hoped to see. Hunter gave a dynamite impersonation of Randy Moss, particularly with his speed and open field ability after the catch.
And once the staff got the freshmen starters out and the veteran defenders on the gridiron, the Vol defense did a workmanlike job of containing the Montana spread offense. Two of those experienced players, senior linebacker Daryl Vereen and senior cornerback Art Evans, helped steady the ship. Vereen led the Big Orange in tackles with six and Evans had the defensive play of the game with an interception for a touchdown. Five Volunteers, Eric Gordon, Jacques Smith, Austin Johnson, Marlon Walls and Rod Wilks finished tied for second in total hits with four each.
However, the inability to get to the passer lingers from recent years. Smith did tackle the quarterback for loss on two running plays but the team had no sacks.
The biggest cause for concern and consternation in this contest was an offensive line that had high expectations coming in but couldn’t seem to create any creases or running lanes for Tennessee tailbacks. The center and guards were stalemated at the point of attack, couldn’t get to the Grizzly linebackers thus stalling the ground assaults for much of the contest. It would not be surprising to see a change or two in the staring lineup this weekend up front.
Bearcats Smell an Upset
After playing Florida in the Sugar Bowl following the 2009 season, Cincinnati fell from grace last fall, posting an under achieving 4-8 worksheet. The Bearcats have been tabbed to finish in the middle of the Big East pack this season, but have the potential to do better. The squad returns 11 starters on defense and an All-Big East quarterback surrounded by some potent weapons at running back and wide receiver.
Quarterback Zach Collaros is a dual threat field general who threw for 2902 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. Receiver D.J. Woods is on both the Biletnikoff and Hornung watch lists after grabbing 57 balls for 900 yards and eight scores in 2010. Running back Isaiah Perd rushed for 1029 yards a year ago, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry.
Key Matchups
Tennessee blockers vs. Cincinnati linebackers—The Vol guards and fullback have got to get to the second level and try to neutralize talented and active linebackers J.K. Schaffer and Maalik Bomar. Last season Schaffer (6-1, 230) and Bomar (6-2, 225) combined for 181 tackles, 18 stops for lost yardage and five quarterback sacks. UT will also need some blocking assistance from the tight end position against these guys. The Bearcat ‘backers depend on all-star candidate Derek Wolfe (6-5, 305) to keep the blockers at arm’s length.
Vol defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox vs. Zach Collaros—Another game, another spread offense and another talented quarterback that Wilcox must deal with means every call is crucial. Not counting yardage deducted for sacks, Collaros scrambled for over 400 yards on the ground last season. However, he is also a dangerous and accurate passer, thus the dilemma that faces Wilcox this weekend. Wilcox will insist that his pass rushers be disciplined and maintain containment at all times against Collaros.
Kicking Game—Tennessee needs a consistent, reliable effort from its young kickers in this contest. A couple of breakdowns might give the Bearcats momentum and spell some trouble for the Vols.
Watch for this---With a trip to Florida looming on the horizon, the Big Orange had best still be focused with the job and hand. Looking past this Cincinnati team would be a big mistake. Tennessee’s energy and intensity should be gauged early in the showdown with a quality opponent.
Secret Weapon—Sophomore fullback Channing Fugate returned a kickoff for 44 yards against Montana, demonstrating the running skills that once allowed him to rush for 3000 yards in one season in high school. Perhaps it is time to line him up in short yardage at the I-back and let the 250-pounder run downhill