is anyone a bit nervous about the upcoming season?

[cjbongoinstructor]

Let me first say, I am a Dooley supporter and support whoever we have at the helm and am no way a negavol. However, I am getting a tad worried about the upcoming season for a few reasons that aren't exactly new to anyone here but was hoping for some discussion:

1) It seems the Vols are almost shifting to an over-hyped team. After going 5-7 last year, I would have preferred we go into the year under the radar and surprise folks here and there. However, it seems everyone is guaranteeing victory over NC State, FL, etc.

2) I know it has been a result of injury, but I do feel a bit uneasy that this hype is driven behind an offense that is still unproven (and trust me i pray everyone is right about the explosive offense). I mean it is a fact these guys haven't played a full season together as a unit. Only Da'Rick has truly proven he is ability to be a high caliber SEC receiver (not that Justin hasn't shown flashes of greatness). CP hasn't played a down in SEC. And as much as it pains me to bring up/beat a dead horse these guys did lose to KY with Bray. If Bray is a top 5 QB, it just unsettles me we could only put up 7 points against them.

3) I think NC State is more dangerous than we are giving them credit for. Their QB and defense has the potential to give us a solid run for our money. I say defense lightly, I know it all centers around their DB but think about the match up. Our WR corp is supposed to be our #1 threat, and they have a DB who may be able to take that away from us. I think the question will be can our D do the same to their Offense.

Any thoughts?

[FiremedicVol]

Best post I've read on here in a while. I'm nervous too, especially with our QB position and special teams, but I have a feeling that we are going to shock some folks. I think our D is going to be shockingly good and I think true heart and grit starts making a return this year. Nothing wrong with being nervous considering what we've seen, but I have a good feeling at the same time. Aug 31 can't get here quick enough and I will b there.

GO BIG ORANGE!

[SmokeyHound]

Bray had the flu and a broken thumb against Kentucky and hadn't played in over a month

[Volstylexx]

After being optimistic the past few years, I have adopted a wait and see mentality. I don't think Bray is a top 5 qb - he hasn't proven it on the field, so until he does his mediocre results don't merit "top 5 qb ranking". In fact, we haven't proven anything the past few years other than we are a rebuilding program. We won't get respect until we earn the respect on the field - I hope that it is this year, but who knows.

[cjbongoinstructor]

Originally Posted by SmokeyHound

Bray had the flu and a broken thumb against Kentucky and hadn't played in over a month

Solid point and one that I completely forgot about in regards to the flu. But what happens if Bray is off like that game a few times this year, do you think we will be able to weather the storm with the other phases? (man i love when i have an excuse to use the word phases)

[FiremedicVol]

Originally Posted by SmokeyHound

Bray had the flu and a broken thumb against Kentucky and hadn't played in over a month

Good point but I guess my question is why was he even in there then? Worley's redshirt had already been burnt and this would have been great experience for a seemingly smart young QB. Let Bray heal up and support the team.

[Boca Vol]

Originally Posted by cjbongoinstructor

1) It seems the Vols are almost shifting to an over-hyped team. After going 5-7 last year, I would have preferred we go into the year under the radar and surprise folks here and there. However, it seems everyone is guaranteeing victory over NC State, FL, etc.

You're not seeing this nationally, are you? If you're referring to VN or other Vol boards then, of course, you're going to see optimism.

The last I checked UT was still picked in the bottom half of the SEC East, correct?

However, given the was the schedule lines up there is no way UT shouldn't win 9 games barring injuries.

[spudvol]

Originally Posted by SmokeyHound

Bray had the flu and a broken thumb against Kentucky and hadn't played in over a month

Bray played Vandy the week before UK (16-33 175 2TD 2 Int).

[vols-1]

We wont know much about this team until after the NC State game. That game is difference between an 8 or 7 win season.

[ice]

underestimating ones foes is a big mistake.

I still have concerns about the offensive line, run, and kicking game.

Also, can the players and fans handle success with class.

[AJeray4TN]

I'm a Vols fan. I wake up nervous, and go to bed nervous.

So of course.

[ice]

Originally Posted by Volstylexx

After being optimistic the past few years, I have adopted a wait and see mentality. I don't think Bray is a top 5 qb - he hasn't proven it on the field, so until he does his mediocre results don't merit "top 5 qb ranking". In fact, we haven't proven anything the past few years other than we are a rebuilding program. We won't get respect until we earn the respect on the field - I hope that it is this year, but who knows.

Amen.

[rockybottom]

I think you've posted what I've been thinking. I think if we beat NC State, unless there are major injuries this season, we are headed for a terrific year - possibly 9 or 10 wins. If we lose to NC State, the momentum is gone, doubt, second guessing, finger pointing sets in, and we are headed for a long season.

[AJeray4TN]

Originally Posted by ice

underestimating ones foes is a big mistake.

I still have concerns about the offensive line, run, and kicking game.

Also, can the players and fans handle success with class.

You worry about the fans handling success with class? Yikes. You might be over thinking this.

[goldenvol]

Originally Posted by spudvol

Bray played Vandy the week before UK (16-33 175 2TD 2 Int).

Watched the replay of that game today. We lost 14 points and gave away 14 points when Bray hit the same Vanderbilt player twice between the numbers. We were getting ready to score each time he tried to force the ball into his reciever. Go back and watch the last two games of last year and you will see he was very rusty and not on his game.