Phil Steele's Most Improved Offenses/Defenses Updated

[UTGhostHunter]

Originally Posted by orangeblood79

I'm not typically a skeptic or cynic, but the running game and the OL are going to have to prove to me that they have improved. After all the talk before the season began last year...I'm very weary of this perceived improvement.

I mean, they can improve but still not be very good....b/c that's how bad they were last year.

Sorry for the pessimism....I'm not use to it. I'm typically very optimistic but damn....the last 5 years have tested my resolve.

His prediction still has us in the bottom half of the conference in rushing, so I doubt Steele is too far off.

[TUSKtimes]

"Most improved" articles are always won by the team that has previously fallen to the point of being an aberration. Congratulations Tennessee.

After early preseason predictions concluded that the vols had enough talent to be a legitimate dark horse in the 2011 SEC east division, Tennessee proceeds to under perform to the tune of finishing last in SEC rushing. A whopping 90.08 YPG. That's good enough for 116th nationally and in a 12 horse race, finishing last but least.

Sometimes folks, there just ain't no where to go but up.

[UTGhostHunter]

Originally Posted by TUSKtimes

"Most improved" articles are always won by the team that has previously fallen to the point of being an aberration. Congratulations Tennessee.

After early preseason predictions concluded that the vols had enough talent to be a legitimate dark horse in the 2011 SEC east division, Tennessee proceeds to under perform to the tune of finishing last in SEC rushing. A whopping 90.08 YPG. That's good enough for 116th nationally and in a 12 horse race, finishing last but least.

Sometimes folks, there just ain't no where to go but up.

You're not entirely wrong, but I can't help but feel injuries helped us underperform last year. No one can predict injuries, but I like our depth better this year. I don't think four major injuries are going to be enough to derail the season this year. I'm sure it fun sitting on top of the mountain talking trash. We as a fanbase were guilty of the exact same thing when Bama was down, so I personally am willing to take my medicine as long as the comments remain respectful.

[jspvol76]

Originally Posted by UTGhostHunter

He has us tied for third with South Carolina. Trust me, I have the magazine right in front of me.

I didn't find that very flattering.

[bigorange]

Originally Posted by TUSKtimes

"Most improved" articles are always won by the team that has previously fallen to the point of being an aberration. Congratulations Tennessee.

After early preseason predictions concluded that the vols had enough talent to be a legitimate dark horse in the 2011 SEC east division, Tennessee proceeds to under perform to the tune of finishing last in SEC rushing. A whopping 90.08 YPG. That's good enough for 116th nationally and in a 12 horse race, finishing last but least.

Sometimes folks, there just ain't no where to go but up.

Thanks for enlightening us, we had no idea that we underperformed last year.

[Cyclopskiller]

Originally Posted by TUSKtimes

"Most improved" articles are always won by the team that has previously fallen to the point of being an aberration. Congratulations Tennessee.

After early preseason predictions concluded that the vols had enough talent to be a legitimate dark horse in the 2011 SEC east division, Tennessee proceeds to under perform to the tune of finishing last in SEC rushing. A whopping 90.08 YPG. That's good enough for 116th nationally and in a 12 horse race, finishing last but least.

Sometimes folks, there just ain't no where to go but up.

I hope Aj Mcsuckon brakes his thumb, and tj yeldon tears his acl you piece of s*** tea bagging bammer!

[UTGhostHunter]

Originally Posted by jspvol76

I didn't find that very flattering.

Fair enough. I found it realistic based on where we were and how far we have to go.

[LifeisO&W]

Originally Posted by TUSKtimes

"Most improved" articles are always won by the team that has previously fallen to the point of being an aberration. Congratulations Tennessee.

After early preseason predictions concluded that the vols had enough talent to be a legitimate dark horse in the 2011 SEC east division, Tennessee proceeds to under perform to the tune of finishing last in SEC rushing. A whopping 90.08 YPG. That's good enough for 116th nationally and in a 12 horse race, finishing last but least.

Sometimes folks, there just ain't no where to go but up.

Where was Alabama from 1993 to 2006? You guys would know the point of aberration

[Hayezb]

Originally Posted by TUSKtimes

"Most improved" articles are always won by the team that has previously fallen to the point of being an aberration. Congratulations Tennessee.

After early preseason predictions concluded that the vols had enough talent to be a legitimate dark horse in the 2011 SEC east division, Tennessee proceeds to under perform to the tune of finishing last in SEC rushing. A whopping 90.08 YPG. That's good enough for 116th nationally and in a 12 horse race, finishing last but least.

Sometimes folks, there just ain't no where to go but up.

[volinexile17]

Originally Posted by Hayezb

Lumpy forehead.

[jspvol76]

Originally Posted by UTGhostHunter

Fair enough. I found it realistic based on where we were and how far we have to go.

Honestly, I may have his write up confused with one of the many I have read. I need to check it out again. Either way, if we are as improved on both sides of the ball as he thinks we will be, we could get to 9+ wins.

[TUSKtimes]

Originally Posted by UTGhostHunter

You're not entirely wrong, but I can't help but feel injuries helped us underperform last year. No one can predict injuries, but I like our depth better this year. I don't think four major injuries are going to be enough to derail the season this year. I'm sure it fun sitting on top of the mountain talking trash. We as a fanbase were guilty of the exact same thing when Bama was down, so I personally am willing to take my medicine as long as the comments remain respectful.

It's hard not to see that Tennessee is still those same 3 or 4 injuries from history repeating itself. Much of winning is invoking your will, inspite of circumstance. Another, is that winning teams get better, as a team, as the season progresses. Did NOT happen. Vandy and Kentucky did not play the same team that showed up for Cincy and in Gainesville, with effort or purpose.

[theutvolunteers]

Tusk is the dumbest sounding opposing team regular poster around. Never witty or remotely funny.

[volomon]

Originally Posted by voldawgforever

VERY interesting read. DL and pass defense are MY biggest worries.

DL and kicking game biggest questions marks for me, If we can manage a center to quarterback exchange without fumbling, I think the offense will be fine. and if the DL is deep enough to rest some people, they will be ok IF IF IF. but the kicking game must be improved and brought to the college level,

[tvols75]

Originally Posted by TUSKtimes

It's hard not to see that Tennessee is still those same 3 or 4 injuries from history repeating itself. Much of winning is invoking your will, inspite of circumstance. Another, is that winning teams get better, as a team, as the season progresses. Did NOT happen. Vandy and Kentucky did not play the same team that showed up for Cincy and in Gainesville, with effort or purpose.

So you're saying history repeats itself if Bray, Hunter, Rogers, and one other major player gets hurt. Way to go out on a limb there.