My Tennessee wrap up...

[Acockolypse Now]

Hey wow, so that's two weeks in a row I've almost nailed the score, I should quit when I'm ahead:

So here it is, the key to this game. Which talented defense, UT or USC, will decide that enough is enough and stop putting forth the effort of continually bailing its offense out? Which defense checks out for the rest of the year. Based on what's happened so far this year, I'm guessing it's Tennessee's.

Final Score: ...and I hope I'm right!
USC 27 UT 13

So I missed it by 7 points, ah well...

Anyway, I just wanted to post some of my thoughts for the game, please feel free to respond and let me know what you think.

First off....congrats to our defense! I know Ten. offense is not very good, but these guys played with a tremendous amount of fire in their belly. You could tell how much they wanted this game. They created the short field and our opportunities and they never let Tennessee back in the game, even when the Vols had chances to do so. In my opinion, they get the game ball.

On offense, our line did a much better job this game, and if Spurrier would have opened up the playbook in the second half I think we hang 40 on Tennessee.

The fact that he didn't tells me that he just doesn't trust Garcia yet. Honestly, if you were really watching the game, you'd see why. Garcia still hasn't had the light bulb turn all the way on for him yet. There were many times that he just missed seeing a wide open receiver streaking down the field and sailed a few throws. Garcia did do a better job this game, and at least threw it away a couple of times rather than take the sack. His two biggest plays were improvised. It's great that he has that talent, something Smelley lacks, but you can tell coach would rather he execute it like it's drawn up.

That being said, I'm jazzed about this guys upside. God help the SEC once Garcia has the playbook down and knows how to read defenses. My only wish is that coach would quit ripping him in the media. Maybe Steve thinks that's a good way to get through to him, but it's starting to grate on me a little bit. Hey Steve, memo.... we won!

Back to the defense for just a minute.... how wonderful was it to see our defense blitzing in the second half when we had the lead? I hated, hated, HATED that silly soft zone we used to play when we had a lead. We came from the corners, from the middle, and blitzed the corners, safeties, and linebackers. Tennessee had NO answer for it and could establish no rhythms due to it. Cook came untouched on one of the best disguised blitzes that I've ever seen. If you were watching the defense, you could see how much FUN they were having with the scheme. I hope we keep that up.

On a few individual notes, you could tell Cook was still a bit hobbled. On one route Garcia threw it where Cook would normally be, he just wasn't there yet. I hope he heals up, we're going to need him against Florida.

How about Chris Culliver? I swear we're watching an All-American blossom before our eyes. If he keeps developing at this pace he'll go down as one of the best safeties to ever play at USC. That corner blitz was NASTY. Memo to Chris though...the hit doesn't end the play, get the ball.

The officiating, as it is always against Tennessee was horrible. I'd love to do a little research and find out how many years it's been since they've had a holding call go against them. Their O-line knows how to hold and get away with it.

....hmmmm....there's a phone call we ought to make when the season's over.....