The Autopsy: Tennessee at Georgia
Heupel and Co. struggled to find a rhythm Between the Hedges. What’s next?
Tennessee was defeated by Georgia, 27-13. Fresh off their #1 ranking in the first College Football Playoff poll of the 2022 season, the Vols fell short in Athens, bringing them to 8-1. Follow along as I take a deep dive into the game and what it means for this team in the near future.
Victims: Josh Heupel, Alex Golesh, and Hendon Hooker
UT’s head coach and play-caller, offensive coordinator, and QB1 had a rough day at the office. It happens, but that doesn’t make the results any better. I have a feeling that many Vol fans (myself included) would be less upset if the loss was of the last-second variety instead of a bloodbath. Those who believed in the road upset pointed to Tennessee’s 52 points against Alabama, whose defensive scheme is similar to Georgia’s. Repeating that performance would be a tall task in any sense, but especially on the road against this Georgia team. Credit needs to be given for competing until the very end, but this is one that the offensive staff would like to forget ASAP.
Perpetrators: Kirby Smart, Glenn Schumann, Will Muschamp, and the Georgia defense
On the flip side, UGA’s defensive staff, which includes their head coach, earned all of their money and then some. A former SEC head coach in his own right, Will Muschamp has done an outstanding job with co-DC Glenn Schumann this year. The Nick Saban model of taking fired head coaches and using their talents and experience isn’t working so well in Tuscaloosa this year because of Bill O’Brien, but it’s done wonders for Kirby Smart so far. The 2022 Bulldogs were tasked with replacing multiple NFL draft picks and their defensive coordinator, and they’ve more than held their own. Kent State runs a similar scheme to Tennessee’s, and Georgia struggled early in that game. Smart and Co. watched their film and UT-Bama’s till they were blue in the face, worked the kinks out in practice, and came ready to play.
Cause of Death: Asphyxiation
If you don’t read any further, this is what you need to know: Georgia choked the Volunteers out in all three phases of the game. Let me be clear: Tennessee didn’t choke, they were choked out, strangled if you will. Homer Simpson on Bart, but for much longer. As time went on, it just seemed as if the Vols were being suffocated, not being allowed to breathe at any point. The mental mistakes made were unbecoming of this team, a direct result of the pressure applied on them. Sanford Stadium was tasked with bringing plenty of noise, and Bulldog fans not only accepted, but also rose to the challenge. It was tough to watch as a fan, but admittedly impressive once you take the orange-colored glasses off. Yes, I did it again. Anyways, I don’t think the jury was out on this Georgia team just yet, but I’m sure it is now: they’re still the top dogs in college football. I’m done now, I promise.
Stetson Bennett and the Dawgs took advantage of the short fields given to them and jumped out to an early 24-6 lead at the half. UGA offensive coordinator Todd Monken simply coached circles around Tennessee’s Tim Banks to begin this game. Monken created plenty of mismatches for TE Brock Bowers and WR Ladd McConkey, leading to chunk plays early and often. Kenny McIntosh and the rushing attack struggled with inside zone, but found success with outside zone and gap scheme plays such as DUO and pin-and-pull. Even when they failed to score points, this offensive unit moved the ball well enough to help the punter flip the field and let the defense do what they do best. Complementary football at its finest.
Defensively, UGA kept things simple to combat Tennessee’s use of high tempo. Heupel’s play design works well on its own, but being able to line up quickly and find then attack a mismatch is what makes things go. Hendon Hooker’s timing was off for most of the game, and his life was hell whenever 3rd down came about. For the first time all season, the offensive line never really generated the push they needed against ideal numbers in the box, and thus the Bulldogs’ secondary was able to commit enough resources to the passing game. The quick game and RPOs were serviceable, but the switch releases and vertical choice routes that got UT to this point were suffocated by split-safety coverage. Georgia’s ability to bring pressure and simulate it without sending 6 or 7 guys sped up Hook’s internal clock, and he wasn’t able to use his legs to keep Tennessee on schedule.
Motive: Obsession and Greed
Kirby Smart is a man possessed, point blank. In one way or another, you have to be in order to succeed in college football. He’s on another level, though, and it shows in every way imaginable. Smart learned how to build a championship program from Nick Saban at Alabama, and Georgia has risen to the top of the sport because of his ability to replicate the formula his mentor has used to dominate over the last 15 years. Relentless recruiting, making the right hires in every facet of the program, and not settling for anything less than a national title is the standard in Athens now.
In addition, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that this was the first home game since the passing of Vince Dooley last week (RIP). Before Kirby Smart last year, Dooley was the last Bulldogs coach to win a national title in football, and his tenure as AD only added to his legacy and significance in the history of The University of Georgia. Safe to say that this one meant a lot to everyone associated with UGA, and that securing a win was of the utmost importance.
All of that goes on top of the conversations during the week. College Football Playoff Poll #1 vs. AP Poll #1. Top offense against top defense. Control of the SEC East and an almost-certain trip to Atlanta in December. Bragging rights for the next 52 weeks among both fans and players in a hotly-contested recruiting area (North Georgia) for both schools. This matchup may not have a trophy, but it means a lot to both programs.
Although they are the defending National Champs, it felt like Georgia had something to prove. They wanted to remind voters and analysts that they were the ones that beat Alabama for all the marbles last year, not Josh Heupel and the Vols. As for the Big Orange, they fell short in what could’ve been a crowning moment for Heupel and a Heisman moment for Hendon Hooker. The way things played out left a sour taste in plenty of mouths and left a lot to be desired going forward.
Next Steps
All in all, this isn’t the worst thing that could have happened at Sanford Stadium. It started to rain in the second half, and drops came off of hands like they did in the sky. Not exactly the best recipe for a comeback when you’re down a few scores. Weather notwithstanding, Tennessee played their worst game of the year but still only lost by two touchdowns. A blowout loss would have locked them out of any further playoff conversation.
Alabama’s loss to LSU on the road improves Tennessee’s resume and kills the Tide’s shot at the playoff, and Notre Dame beating the brakes off of Clemson should all but knock the SC Tigers out of the picture for right now. One of Michigan or Ohio State is going to lose The Game, and neither’s resume stands out like UT’s. The Buckeyes haven’t really been tested since their season opener against the Fighting Irish, and UM’s non-con schedule was so piss-poor that they used UConn, Hawai’i, and Colorado State to settle their QB battle. If the Eastern division winner loses to Illinois in the Big 10 Championship, consider them out if it’s supposed to be the best four teams. TCU still has tough outs in Texas, Iowa State, and Baylor left on the board. What’s more to that is the Big 12 title game could be a repeat of the Holy War if the Bears beat the Horned Frogs to end the regular season. If Georgia dominates Brian Kelly and the Bayou Bengals in the SEC Championship, Tennessee should be on the cusp of getting in. Should LSU pull off the upset, they’re either in or Knoxville burns down in a riot that would make Schiano Sunday look like a friendly get-together. Even if the Vols are on the outside looking in after the dust settles, a top-5 ranking and trip to the Sugar Bowl are nothing to be ashamed of this year.
Historically speaking, the head coach at Tennessee is judged by his performances against Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Given the situation he walked into, Josh Heupel should be applauded and considered for national honors after taking 2 out of 3 in his second year at the helm. However, this is not a team that settles for moral victories, nor should it be. Ever. Looking at you, Butch Jones.
In more relevant news, Alex Golesh and the offensive staff have done an excellent job of self-scouting, identifying weaknesses, and making necessary changes to compete with the best of the best in college football. Kelsey Pope and Glen Elarbee have been outstanding coaching wide receivers and offensive line, respectively. The onus is on them all now to take that to another level and run the table next year. Whether it be Joe Milton III, Tayven Jackson, or highly-touted prospect Nico Iamaleava, Jr. at QB, there shouldn’t be a drop-off in production as UT looks to make a championship run.
Contrary to the belief of some in the fanbase, Tim Banks isn’t getting fired this year. He called some great games against LSU and Kentucky, and has shown plenty of improvement from last season. Hell, he held this Georgia team to 3 points in the second half, forced two fumbles, and gave the offense a puncher’s chance to get back in the game. The changes he needs to make will come on National Signing Day, not in the meeting room. Banks, Mike Ekeler, Willie Martinez, Brian Jean-Mary, and Rodney Garner have squeezed every ounce of production they can get out of the guys for whom they are responsible and will have a vote of confidence going into 2023.
As for the Heisman, I think Hendon Hooker’s chances take a huge blow. Ohio State’s CJ Stroud has always been the public frontrunner, and he’ll benefit from the lack of challenges he has in front of him until the Michigan Wolverines come to Columbus. Hendo Cinco struggled when the spotlight was on him, which has to count for a lot at this point in the season. Then again, if Oregon’s Bo Nix receives an invite to the ceremony after Georgia gave him Auburn flashbacks, Hooker will definitely be there. It’ll be an uphill battle for him to really have a shot of holding up the trophy, but it can be done.
If Tennessee wants to be serious about doing all they can to hang in the playoff picture and getting QB1 to New York City in January, handling business is non-negotiable. Crazy as it sounds, they must score 50, 60, or even 70 points on Missouri, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. Yes, all of them. That might seem insane to many, but it’s not impossible. Honestly speaking, they’ve left points on the board in just about every game this year. A concern like that rings hollow when you’re one of the top scoring offenses in the country, but it became valid after yesterday’s performance. I’m not on anyone’s staff as an analyst, but I wouldn’t consider myself to be a casual fan by any means. As it stands, I counted four missed deep balls that go for 6 if caught, meaning that there may be even more to some SEC defensive coaches out there. Things change if two or three of those connect. I don’t care if he got a contract extension, because I’m positive Eli Drinkwitz is well on his way to becoming someone’s offensive analyst or quarterbacks coach in a couple years. Shane Beamer and those damn Gamecocks need to be put in their place. Clark Lea is a good guy who just wants to help his alma mater be decent at football, but he should be reminded who runs The Volunteer State in a few weeks. None of those matchups moves the needle on their own. That said, a few impressive days at the office will build a lot of momentum heading into Selection Sunday and Trophy Season.
Vol Nation, I know this loss hurt. A dream season so far, this was a wake-up call for all parties involved. It may not feel like ‘98 anymore, but that doesn’t mean that low stakes and bad breaks are coming back to Knoxville. Seriously, we’re normally itching for basketball by now and I bet some of you didn’t know the men’s season starts tomorrow, and the Lady Vols’ on Tuesday. Lucky for us, there’s plenty of important football for this team to play in order to finish on a high note. It’s time for Tennessee to apply more steam and carry the fight to the rest of the season.