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Tennessee football fan blasts Josh Heupel. Another gives advice

Tennessee football fan blasts Josh Heupel. Another gives advice

Some readers are offended that some of my literary contributors are overly critical of Tennessee football, even when the Vols win.

That bothers me too. But as a strong supporter of free expression, I will never censor my literary contributors—unless, of course, they are overly critical of me.

Jimmy writes: (Josh) Heupel is an absolute idiot. He made no move to get a first down at the 4-minute mark, falling into a Fulmer-like shell when he could have gotten first downs and let time run out. He will never change. A wasted rent.

My answer: He’s no Jeremy Pruitt. That’s for sure.

Glenn writes: Heupel finally showed more of his game plan against ‘Bama.

Dont’e Thornton needs to run more deep routes than Squirrel White. With his length, he could have reached out and caught one of the passes that White couldn’t reach.

Give the game balls to the defensive coaches. The defensive line, linebackers and secondary line all played great.

My answer: Once White’s injured shoulder heals, Tennessee should put him through arm extension therapy. He only needed a few more centimeters to reach this pass.

Gary writes: Do you think UT fans would trade Nico for Arch Manning? I think most would at this point. And in my opinion, Nico needs to return about $7.999 million of his zero deal. He certainly doesn’t deserve it.

My answer: Some UT fans would have traded Iamaleava for Arch — or even Archie Manning — after the Florida game. But Iamaleava made key plays in helping the Vols get past Alabama and got them running and passing.

Tennessee’s coaches should trust him more after the win at Alabama. I would also recommend that they plan more runs for him.

If the coaches want additional input on offensive strategy, I send them Jimmy and Glenn’s email addresses.

Sam writes: In my opinion, the bands won for five reasons. One, Tenn’s. The defense played well. Secondly, Milroe was absolutely terrible. Third, the crowd definitely had an impact on Alabama’s execution. Fourth, penalties hurt the tide. Finally, Alabama’s coaching was atrocious.

Thank God Saban wasn’t involved in this game.

My answer: I don’t think the outcome would have been any different if Nick Saban had been involved. Saban, not Kalen DeBoer, built this team.

And it lacks the talent of Saban’s typical Alabama teams.

Barry writes: Great column on the Alabama game. Our Bristol newspaper coverage of UT football is a little sketchy at best or any Tennessee information. So luckily we can read it online.

My answer: I am sure that the Bristol newspaper dedicates its workforce to covering the local news.

Any mention of Bristol brings back memories of the Tennessee-Virginia Tech game at the Bristol circuit in 2017. My biggest problem that night wasn’t a tight deadline.

After the game, colleague Mike Strange and I returned to our hotel in Johnson City. I was checking other SEC results on my phone around 3 a.m. when I noticed a huge cockroach crawling out of the bedsheets.

The hotel was fully booked so I couldn’t change rooms. About an hour later I nodded off and slept fitfully for several hours.

Joe writes: Tennessee is poised to be great when they utilize all three phases of football as they utilize defense. The offense and special teams leave the defense on the field for too long in too many games.

Tennessee will need to be aggressive in all three phases to lead the standings, in all four quarters. The same goes for your column. This time of year, cigar smoke smells good at Neyland Stadium.

My answer: Thank you for noticing how aggressively I attack a keyboard.

As a child, I learned to type on an old Underwood Standard typewriter. You had to hit these keys with all your might.

ADAMS: Tennessee football doesn’t have to be great, just consistent to make the playoffs

Many years ago, when I was writing for a newspaper in Pittsburgh, another sportswriter in an NFL press box complained that I was making too much noise when I hit the keys with so much force. He put on headphones.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He can be reached at 865-342-6284 or [email protected]. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.