First, I was sick watching what went down last Saturday. I shared with my wife, that it looked like some, not all, but some just didn't want to be there. I don't believe I have seen a team not interested in playing, but that was the sense I got. Mainly seeing it on Jalen and seeing his body language. But it was a horrible night for Dobbs as well. He looked like he was pressing and not having the number 1 option at RB didn't help matters. It was a huge disappointment watching that unfold. I put the blame on Butch for not getting them emotionally ready. That should have set the tone for the next few weeks to get us to the SECCG.
Then, it happened...The Team Meeting. We have been here before, but I do not believe I have ever seen what came from that happen. I was like most shocked. But I thought about something...Why wasn't Jalen elected captain at the beginning of the year? Why did he act the way he did at the GA game, because we all saw Butch explode when he fumbled in the endzone. We knew that was going to happen after that play. But it seemed well before, putting the pieces of the puzzle from all of the reports, that this was in the makings for longer than 3 weeks. I am not sure we will ever know the real story and that's ok, but I believe someone outside of the team filled his head with wrong advice. I think he began to believe HE was bigger than the team.
Now what??? Everyone wants to throw Butch under the bus. I just can't do that. He inherited a HUGE MESS! He was willing to take this job when others turned it down or backed out last minute. He put everything he had into recruiting and building something. In 3 years, we have been to 2 Sunshine state bowls. Have been back into the Top 10, if only brief. Has people excited about Vol Football. Has done it with very little chaos with players and when there has been trouble, he addresses quickly. He protects his players and coaches in the media. Gotta respect him for that in a day an age where everyone blames someone else.
I like Butch. Doesn't make me happy about any of the losses or the close games that shouldn't have been close. I get upset with the scheme at times, but at times, its been good. I think and believe changes on the offensive side of the ball will come this year. I love Shoop, but think he has had the hardest first year as a coordinator anyone has every seen with all the of injuries for the Defense. So I think he will bounce back. I think from here on out, this will be a fun team to watch. AND I think that next year we may be even better just because of the UNKNOWN at QB.
I am a passionate Vols fan. I scream at the tv every Saturday and I hate that the team and families are having to walk through this very odd and difficult last couple of weeks. But it could be a lot worse. I could be sitting in the same chair that my dad is today in the infusion center in Tupelo, MS getting his next chemo treatment to fight something that we have been told is not curable, but treatable. I could be having to use a walker to just manage to get around like he does and still always seems to always be attempting to do something outside to stay mentally healthy. I could be in constant pain in my bones like he is but always putting on a smile to let people think that I feel better than I actually am.
I know others on here are going through the same battle on some scale and maybe even bigger than our family is facing, but as I sat watching all of this unfold starting Saturday night shortly after returning from Mississippi taking care of dad, his words rang out to me...just enjoy life as long as you can and don't sweat the little things...they will rob you of the bigger picture and that is a picture you want to finish well.
Sorry this is so long, but just thought I would share my thoughts with brothers here who have supported me, encouraged me, made fun of me, bashed me, and cheered with me over the last few years. Heads up...it could be worse...Go Vols!
Then, it happened...The Team Meeting. We have been here before, but I do not believe I have ever seen what came from that happen. I was like most shocked. But I thought about something...Why wasn't Jalen elected captain at the beginning of the year? Why did he act the way he did at the GA game, because we all saw Butch explode when he fumbled in the endzone. We knew that was going to happen after that play. But it seemed well before, putting the pieces of the puzzle from all of the reports, that this was in the makings for longer than 3 weeks. I am not sure we will ever know the real story and that's ok, but I believe someone outside of the team filled his head with wrong advice. I think he began to believe HE was bigger than the team.
Now what??? Everyone wants to throw Butch under the bus. I just can't do that. He inherited a HUGE MESS! He was willing to take this job when others turned it down or backed out last minute. He put everything he had into recruiting and building something. In 3 years, we have been to 2 Sunshine state bowls. Have been back into the Top 10, if only brief. Has people excited about Vol Football. Has done it with very little chaos with players and when there has been trouble, he addresses quickly. He protects his players and coaches in the media. Gotta respect him for that in a day an age where everyone blames someone else.
I like Butch. Doesn't make me happy about any of the losses or the close games that shouldn't have been close. I get upset with the scheme at times, but at times, its been good. I think and believe changes on the offensive side of the ball will come this year. I love Shoop, but think he has had the hardest first year as a coordinator anyone has every seen with all the of injuries for the Defense. So I think he will bounce back. I think from here on out, this will be a fun team to watch. AND I think that next year we may be even better just because of the UNKNOWN at QB.
I am a passionate Vols fan. I scream at the tv every Saturday and I hate that the team and families are having to walk through this very odd and difficult last couple of weeks. But it could be a lot worse. I could be sitting in the same chair that my dad is today in the infusion center in Tupelo, MS getting his next chemo treatment to fight something that we have been told is not curable, but treatable. I could be having to use a walker to just manage to get around like he does and still always seems to always be attempting to do something outside to stay mentally healthy. I could be in constant pain in my bones like he is but always putting on a smile to let people think that I feel better than I actually am.
I know others on here are going through the same battle on some scale and maybe even bigger than our family is facing, but as I sat watching all of this unfold starting Saturday night shortly after returning from Mississippi taking care of dad, his words rang out to me...just enjoy life as long as you can and don't sweat the little things...they will rob you of the bigger picture and that is a picture you want to finish well.
Sorry this is so long, but just thought I would share my thoughts with brothers here who have supported me, encouraged me, made fun of me, bashed me, and cheered with me over the last few years. Heads up...it could be worse...Go Vols!
