Readers unhappy with Josh Heupel, Tennessee defense vs Vanderbilt | Adams

Sports irony: When Tennessee football is at its worst, that brings out the best in my literary contributors.

But not all of this week’s contributions showed up in my inbox. Darrell summed up UT’s 45-24 loss to Vanderbilt during our lunch conversation: “That was a Sunseri defense.”

For those unfamiliar with Tennessee’s past football blunders, Sal Sunseri was UT’s defensive coordinator in 2012 season under Derek Dooley. In one especially dreadful stretch. that defense gave up 38 or more points in six consecutive games.

Why didn’t I think of Sunseri when crafting my game column?

Answer: Because sometimes, like Tennessee’s defense, I’m just not good enough.

I apologize for shortening the literary efforts of my contributors. I’m trying to accommodate as many wordsmiths as possible.

Chris writes: I’m sure you have seen the movie, “Bull Durham,” and will get the reference: Someone may want to tell Heupel that the fungus on his shower shoes isn’t cool anymore.

My response: Heupel’s game-day look only matters when the Vols perform as shabbily as they did against Vanderbilt.

My response: My guess is he won’t have fungus on his shower shoes next season.

Jack writes: Your 9-3 prediction in late August should have been right on the money. Who knew the defense would regress to the extent it did?

I know Heupel is loyal to his assistants, but I still think we would benefit from new defensive leadership. We certainly didn’t play SEC-level defense this year.

My response: Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea must have signed off on defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ defensive plan against quarterback Diego Pavia.

Doc writes: UT looked flat and uninspired against Vanderbilt. This team has no discipline, and they looked to me like they just quit in the second half.

All of this is on Josh Heupel. Although he has certainly been an improvement over Dooley, Jones, and especially Pruitt, I just don't think he's the guy to take UT back to elite status.

My response: Elite coaches are hard to come by. But if you have a bountiful NIL program, you can assemble an elite roster.

James writes: I'm searching for the word for Tennessee’s continuous inept defensive play. It's a toss-up between “atrocious” and “abysmal.”

Time for an overhaul of the defense − coaches, players, and approach need reevaluation. The offense can only do so much.

My response: Your adjectives to describe UT’s defense are on the money. But I prefer Darrell’s.

Let’s call it a “Sunseri defense."

Colorado Mark writes: Worst, most embarrassing loss since Tennessee lost to Memphis State with Peyton Manning at QB. Thank you very little, JH.

My response: At least, the Vols came close to beating that Memphis team. Vanderbilt ran through UT’s “Sunseri defense" with ease in the second half.

Butch writes: A strange rumbling was heard in the stadium as Vanderbilt humiliated the Tennessee Vols on Nov. 29. It was presumed to be General Neyland turning over in his grave.

My response: When General Neyland became commander-in-chief of Tennessee football, Vanderbilt had a superior program. The Commodores had won five consecutive games in the series before Neyland was hired.

After losing his first game against Vanderbilt in 1926, he went eight years without losing to the Commodores.

Tim writes: When you have an opportunity, suggest to Coach Heupel that he have someone videotape future opponents' games and then maybe coach the players as to what they might do against the Vols. I think some of the other teams do that and it might work; you might also mention that tackling would be a great skill to teach.

My response: Studying video wasn’t necessary against Vanderbilt. Lea apparently emailed the Vols a detailed game plan on “How to beat Vanderbilt,” and they followed it to a "T."

Ed writes: I’m sorry but Tim Banks not assigning a spy to Diego Pavia is coaching malpractice. I would suggest Coach Heup consider a change at DC for self-preservation.

My response: The “Pavia for Heisman” committee approved the no-spy strategy. However, in fairness to Tennessee’s defense, it is worth noting that the Vols held Pavia to under 200 yards rushing.

That’s something to build on.

David writes: It was pretty pitiful to see. But I sat there at Neyland Stadium till the final gun. I’m not ashamed of our team, but I’m ashamed of our effort. That’s mostly on the players, but It’s on the head coach as well.

My response: Maybe, you shouldn’t have just “sat there.” Perhaps, you should have rushed onto the field and tried to tackle Pavia on his touchdown run.

You couldn’t have done any worse than UT’s defenders.

ADAMS: Josh Heupel can't afford to stand pat after loss to Vanderbilt

Steve writes: It is obvious this team has regressed rather than improved and is not playing at a high level, a phrase Coach Heupel often uses.

My response: He references “growth” even more. This team is growing smaller.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Readers unhappy with Josh Heupel, Tennessee defense vs Vanderbilt