Tennessee’s 4-4 Record Reflects the Two Different Teams Kiffin Has Put on the Field This Season

Standing at 4-4 on the season, the Lane Kiffin Project has been somewhat successful.

The Volunteers have put two different teams on the field this year: one has been reminiscent of last season’s mediocre squad, with a sputtering offensive attack; the other has been a motivated SEC contender that can play with any team in the nation.

A week ago, the Vols had a chance to knock off one of the top teams in the country in Alabama. Tennessee dropped the game 12-10 after a last second blocked field goal by Alabama’s gargantuan defensive tackle Terrence Cody. Finishing games in the fourth quarter has been an Achilles heel for Kiffin’s squad.

This past Saturday, a different Vols team stepped onto the field in Knoxville. Tennessee played in black jerseys for the first time and manhandled South Carolina. From start to finish, Tennessee completely controlled the Gamecocks, beating them easily 30-13. Monte Kiffin’s defense left “head ball coach” Steve Spurrier shaking his head.

So far this season for the Volunteer offense, it has been a tale of two quarterbacks, yet both of them are Jonathan Crompton. The senior quarterback has been up and down all season and Tennessee’s record reflects that.

Crompton has performed extremely well in all four of UT’s victories because the majority of his throws came on rollout plays. When the Vols are able to move the pocket outside and cut the field in half for Crompton, he has been able to make better decisions. When Crompton has been forced to drop straight back and pass, he has had trouble being accurate.

With four games left in their season, the Vols look like they will return to a bowl game this year. Three of the last four games look to be sure wins for UT, playing against Memphis, Vanderbilt and away at Kentucky. The tough game will be in two weeks when the Volunteers play at Ole Miss. The Tennessee defense will have to apply pressure on Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead.

And as always, Crompton’s play will be the deciding factor for the Vols.

Prediction: Tennessee will face Memphis for UT’s homecoming game this weekend. The Vols take this one easy, 38-10

Sidenote: For those who are fans of Lane Kiffin’s wife Layla. Shirts were being sold on the UT campus with the words “Our coach’s wife is hotter than yours!” printed on the front, before the South Carolina game.

**********

* – Tennessee players photo credit: 3rd Saturday in Blogtober

Tags: Alabama, bryce brown, Eric Berry, Jevan Snead, Jonathan Crompton, Lane Kiffin, Layla Kiffin, Memphis, Ole Miss, SEC, SEC East, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Volunteers

---------------

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing with your friends: