Offensive Ineptitude Makes an Appearance On Rocky Top

The Tennessee Volunteer faithful were filled with optimism going into the second game of the season against UCLA.  That balloon was quickly deflated by inept play on the offensive side of the ball.

It was inept to the point that it could have been confused with a replay of a game from last season.  No exaggeration, it wasn't pretty.

Jonathan Crompton reverted back to the quarterback that looked like he had no idea what was going on.  This even goes back to week one against Western Kentucky.  He just makes bad decisions when throwing the football. 

This fact became crystal clear when he was picked off to end three consecutive drives.  Had it not been for Crompton’s poor play, the Vols may have been in a better position to win the game. 

The running game proved, once again, to be the offensive strength of the Vols.  They gained 115 yards on the ground to only 93 in the air.

One impression that is been gained from this game is the Tennessee football will not, cannot, win with Jonathan Crompton as quarterback.  He has proven over his starts that he just does not get it.  Maybe it’s time to give the ball to someone else.

There is, however, some light in the darkness of this past weekend’s game, the defense.  They are quickly becoming the best part of this team.  They held UCLA to 186 yards of offense.  If it wasn’t for the offense committing four turnovers, giving the Bruins a short field, it probably would have been even less.  Either way, it was still an excellent performance.

The Vols are going to have to figure out things on the offensive side of the ball heading into their SEC opener this coming Saturday.  That is when they travel to take on the Florida Gators.

The storylines of this game are what they are and have been discussed in great detail. The only thing that matters will be the play on the field. 

If the turnovers continue for the Vols, it will be a long day in the Swamp.  To stand a chance they will have to play flawless.  From what has been seen so far, that’s the least likely scenario.

The more likely scenario is a dominate performance for the Gators. 

Given that, if things continue the way they appear to be going, it’s going to be another long season on Rocky Top.