A Week 5 Deep Dive: Bye Week

By Clayton Kilgore

What, you thought I wasn’t gonna fire up the typewriter and hit y’all with some Vols observations just because we didn’t have a game this week? 

Just kidding, you’re not stupid. I’m glad you’re here, reading this. 

I’ve Had Time To Think About It.  

I know it’s been over a week, so technically I’ve had PLENTY of time to think about it, but here we are. Let’s rock. 

Late in the game last Saturday night, as I sat on my back porch alone, drinking Miller Lite(s) and wringing my hands, I felt a twinge of stress. 

Nasty thoughts entered my head. I didn’t like how things got conservative in the second half and I was uncomfortable. Was there something I wasn’t aware of? Did Josh lose some trust in Nico to close the game out? The negative neurons were activated and firing. I was uncomfortable. That’s what giving up two 4th quarter touchdowns will do to a man.   

Then, Nico ran for a first down, and it was over. 

4-0. 

I sat back, smiled, and exhaled. Then, I reflected.

First, it was never really that close. We managed the game offensively and our defense was impeccable. Before the 4th quarter, Oklahoma had played almost as many quarterbacks as they’d scored points, managing just a single field goal along the way. It was never not under control.  

Second, Josh Heupel mentioned it in the postgame interview and was quite literally caught on camera telling Nico that, yes, he dialed it back in the second half. Whatever intrusive, lame thoughts I’d had prior to that melted away because it was all clear to me now: Josh Heupel was fully in command of this game all along. 

Third, I’d love nothing more than to see Nico take fewer hits. Nobody is too good for a little constructive criticism, and I’ll tip my cap to Oklahoma’s defense because they are very good, but there were moments. 

They got to Nico for three sacks and caused two fumbles, which leaves a bit to be desired. Oklahoma brought pressure all night and the Vols did have a few injuries they worked through, but blitz pickups just weren’t what I’d call “superb”. I trust they’ve devoted ample time to handling the blitz this week. 

There were a few explosive plays and Nico did what was asked of him again, but he must be protected at all costs for when we do go whole hog on offense. 

Point: We’ll be hit with everybody’s best the rest of the way, and I think everyone could agree that the offense needs to be a little better overall. 

Counterpoint: It’s largely been vanilla, especially the second half against Oklahoma. We haven’t shown our cards yet and there’s black magic yet to be unleashed by the wizard that is Josh Heupel. 

Fourth, our defense is filled with filthy daddies. Nasty lads. Rotten soldiers. 

For the first time in a long time, I watched our defensive unit absolutely dominate and extract the soul of our opponent in real time, Shang-Tsung style.

Whether it was Keenan Pili planting Jackson Arnold into the turf, or Jakobe Thomas decleating a receiver on the sideline, or Jaxson Moi ragdolling the Oklahoma center for multiple TFLs then screaming loud enough to hear in Oklahoma City, or Jermod McCoy casually being a shutdown cornerback, it was a highly enjoyable performance. 

Fifth, shoutout to #CollegeKicker Max Gilbert for a drama-free 3-for-3 on field goals. Nothing better than a young man that calmly steps up and gives it a confident flick of the foot. 

Tucker pays me PHAT dollars to nitpick, and yes, the result is what we wanted, but I guess my only complaint from this WIN was that I was still mildly stressed at the end of the game. “Being too cute” does exist in the college football world (and in my day-to-day life) and it felt like we were teetering on the edge of being too cute. 

After a week of meditation and deep thought, I’m good because we are good. 

Our defense is good. Nico is good. Oklahoma has a good defense and I feel like we could’ve won by 30 if we really wanted. 

We won every facet of the ballgame, left Norman with a good result, and have had a week to recover, reset, and get healthy. 

Up next is Arkansas in Fayetteville for another night game. 

Come back soon for what people are calling “some of the most unnecessary analysis known to man, but still pretty cool” when I do my Deep Dive into Arkansas’s football program this week.