Offense or Defense

[Saint3333]

If we win the toss which do you pick?

I'd pick defense. The place will be rocking at first and I think defenses can handle noise better than offense, especially in that environment. Also I hope we can stop them and play a little field position battle for a couple of series.

[t4pizza]

I would like to see Defense on the field first, 3 and out and set the tone for the night. Could give Offense a boost to see that our D can hold them on some series and the game won't be a race to 50.

[bigdaddyg]

If we win the toss which do you pick?

I'd pick defense. The place will be rocking at first and I think defenses can handle noise better than offense, especially in that environment. Also I hope we can stop them and play a little field position battle for a couple of series.

Teams almost always defer until the second half. I fear a bobbled catch on the kickoff that puts us deep to start. Our guys won't hear anything which could lead to a false start. That would be disastrous. Kick off and put the ball deep and make them start at the 25 at least.

[S.Lewis15]

I think a sack or big hit on Dobbs during Tennessee's first possession will shut Neyland up real quick and set the tone for the game.

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

Offense, score a touchdown on the first drive to put the pressure on them.

[MDaniels84]

Defense. Nothing like getting a two for one to end the half. Score in last 3 minutes of 1st half and get ball back for start of 2nd. A man can hope , can't he ?

[Volin]

I have watched your kicker. He doesn't seem to make it to the endzone. I would be careful, don't want to let berry get going that early.

[S.Lewis15]

I have watched your kicker. He doesn't seem to make it to the endzone. I would be careful, don't want to let berry get going that early.

That's funny that you've seen our kicker when he hasn't even played a game in a college yet.

[Volin]

I have watched your kicker. He doesn't seem to make it to the endzone. I would be careful, don't want to let berry get going that early.

That's funny that you've seen our kicker when he hasn't even played a game in a college yet.

Okay. I just watched some of your games from last year. In the Ohio game that guy only got 1 out of 5 to the endzone. Figured it was the same guy.

[Volin]

As a Vol fan I want defense but if I was you guys I would want offense. Want to set the tone and get that early score.

[EastHallApp]

Don't know if it really matters, but I'm always in favor of deferring to the second half. I don't expect our offense to get off to a quick start tonight; think we'll need our defense to hold down the fort while the O gets its legs under it.

[bigdaddyg]

I'm willing to bet that teams defer at least 75% of the time. Try to make the other team start deep. Hopefully force a 3 and out, then hope for good field position for the initial offensive series. And also hope for a possible score to end the half and receipt of the 2nd half kickoff.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

Regardless of who is kicking/punting Berry and Sutton are both very dangerous if given the chance. To answer the initial post, I would rather have our defense on the field first. Defenses in general usually come out with more fire and motivation (Probably because they do the hitting) and would rather have that group out first. Allow Lamb and company to adjust to the crowd noise and size from the sideline, then send them in.

[jclement48]

Hey Volin, what do you know about the Irish Pub call "Jig and Real"? If you are familiar, how far of a walk is it to Neyland?

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

As a Vol fan I want defense but if I was you guys I would want offense. Want to set the tone and get that early score.

I generally go with D first, but I agree with you in this case.

[hapapp]

I would prefer defense, but we better not give up a TD or significant yardage on the kickoff. UT likely has the best KO return team in college football.

[moonshine]

I like being on defense first for many of the reasons listed above. However, if App ends up on O first, go play action over the top on the first play!

[Rekdiver]

Tennessee intends to pound the ball down our throat. I'd take the ball first even if its a 3 and out. My 1st series would be play action Cox in the flat. TE over the middle and a fake reverse with Cox holding the ball. Or i might get Taylor to give a pump fake on a double move and go looooong............Priority is a 1st down. Give our defense a chance to calm nerves. I hope Our Special teams are ready to cover some kicks.

[Govols]

Hey Volin, what do you know about the Irish Pub call "Jig and Real"? If you are familiar, how far of a walk is it to Neyland?

You want no part of that walk

[Volin]

Hey Volin, what do you know about the Irish Pub call "Jig and Real"? If you are familiar, how far of a walk is it to Neyland?

I'm not really familiar with that particular place but it is downtown area and you are looking at a one mile walk. Maybe not that far. It is close to Market Square and from Market Square it is about .75.