Reader Questions Week 11

Reader Questions and Thursday Night Matchup

 

    It's Wednesday, and that means this segment is on YOU. Don't forget, if you want to see your question/comment here, then send it in to jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com. Any conference, Any team, you pick.

 

   Timothy in Tennessee writes: Why do you think Dooley hasn't been fired yet? My Vols almost lost to Troy. Do you think if he had lost that game they would have fired him by Monday? Where is Tennessee heading? Sad times to be a UT fan.

 

    Thanks for the questions, Timothy. I am actually very glad you asked, because, since that Troy game I have been waiting to rant about the troubles UT is facing.

 

    First, Dooley won't be fired until UT has their next coach signed and ready to go. The worst thing UT could do right now, is fire Dooley without having the next guy already in place. Gruden keeps coming up in that discussion, but I think he has or will pass on the 'phantom' offer. Behind closed doors, I am sure the offer was made.

 

    If Dooley had lost to Troy, I am not sure UT would have had a choice but to go ahead and fire him. If they kept him any longer, there would be riots and chaos all over Knoxville. The problem I have, you gave up 48 points to Troy.....that's enough for me right there. He needs to be fired, but UT is in a very tough place right now. They can't afford to fire Dooley unless they have a proven and well known coach ready to take over. Why? Simply because that's all UT fans and boosters will accept. They took a risk on Dooley..... it was a small risk, but it was enough that they want to be really sure on the next guy. Tennessee is heading down a road that if not corrected very soon, the Vols will be in dark times for years to come.

 

     UT has to get its expectations straight. Attention UT fans: As long as Saban is at Alabama, UT will never beat Alabama. UT fans have to get rid of that expectation. The goal right now for UT needs to be getting to 8 or 9 wins again...... And that will be a tough task for the next several seasons.

 

 

     Thanks Timothy, your question was the only one received this week.

 

    Thursday Night Football

 

     Florida State heads to Blacksburg, Virginia. The Hokies are in the middle of their worst season in decades. All the more reason the Noles must be very careful in this game. This will be the game of the year for the Hokies. Their season rests on this game. The Seminoles understand they will get the Hokies' best shot, and that they need to be ready.

 

     The Seminoles are coming of a BYE week. Jimbo Fisher is 0-2 coming off BYE weeks. Mix that stat with Florida State's horrible Thursday night record and you have a real concern for this game. FSU has struggled on Thursday nights.....it doesn't matter who they have played.

 

     The Hokies are 4-5 on the season. They are hoping to play spoiler to the Noles. Florida State is in control of their own destiny and need to win their final two ACC games to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division.

 

     Another interesting stat for the Noles, is their performance on the road this season. They are a totally different team on the road. EJ Manuel's numbers are down in road games. FSU's rushing attack is down on the road (they rush for nearly 100 yards less on the road). The Noles have found a way in every road game to give the other team help. From penalties, mental mistakes....to just playing horrible. It falls on Jimbo Fisher's shoulders, and he needs to get his team focused.

    

     On paper, there is no comparison between these two teams. Florida State is better in every aspect of the game. They have the defense to shut down the Hokies. They have the offense (even without senior RB Chris Thompson) to score a lot of points. There is no excuse for a loss this week. Florida State is in a 'must win' situation, not only this week, but in each of the three games they have left. Anything less, could be catastrophic for the Seminoles. The expectations at FSU are high.....or are they? Is winning the ACC a high expectation when the ACC is at its weakest it has been in a Decade?

 

    Florida State should clobber Virginia Tech, but I won't go with the big win. The Seminoles have the track record of playing down to their opponents, and I don't see that changing Thursday night. FSU survives Virginia Tech, 31-24.

 

 

     Check back for the key games to watch this weekend, and my picks. Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and give us a 'LIKE' at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day