Since I can't start a thread until I have 100 posts, I thought this thread looked like a good place to ask this question.
So far, would you guys take the 2014 or 2013 Tennessee team? I would take 2014. To answer my own question, I broke it down by position and which year I would prefer.
Quarterback: 2014. Worley played great last year. He lead us to an upset of a really, really good USC team. But he looks even better this year. He has more spin on the ball, he is delivering with confidence, and he is sensing pressure and moving around well in the pocket. He carried the offense in the Oklahoma game and minus Croom being completely incapable of jumping and a questionable goal line call, he may have lead us to a 27-24 deficit at OK.
Halfbacks: Push. It's really hard to tell because the o-line is struggling. Neal and Lane looked good last year. Neal had 1000 yards, but again that was probably mostly due to the o-line. I think in the end the 2014 backs will be better, but for now I have to go with a push.
Wide Receivers: 2014. North and Pig were acceptable to good last year, but this year we have some true explosive potential. With the addition of Pearson and the emergence of Josh Smith, the passing game looks much better. Josh Malone is going to keep coming on as the year goes on. I think being forced into action at OU will help him grow and realize the level of big boy football. Hopefully Smith isn't injured badly.
Tight Ends: 2014. We literally had no production here last year so I don't even think its an argument. Wolf, Helm, and Downs are a pretty good TE core. This position is going to be really good really soon.
Offensive Line: 2013. The o-line carried the 2013 football team. Even with a hobbled Tiny, they were the strength of the team. This offensive line is a work in progress. It really killed us losing Gilliam for the year. I think it will help us in the future getting PT for these young guys but right now, ouch.
Defensive Line: 2014. I thought this would be a big downgrade, but I have been pleasantly surprised. J. Williams and Curt and the rest of the men on the D line are getting good push up front. Of course, OU's ridiculous o-line held them in check, but they still held their own. OU was probably the best o-line we will play all year, so I expect somewhere between the production of the first two games and the production in the OU game. Honestly, that's better than 2013, which was a big disappointment for the d-line.
Linebackers: 2014. AJ is even better. JRM is really coming on. We have talented depth. Curt is looking solid. One of the strengths of this team.
Defensive backs: 2014. Cam is a beast, we know that. Williams has been a great addition so far. Randolph is great. TKJR is really coming on, and Coleman has really adjusted well to his nickel role. E Mosely will hopefully see the light of day soon providing more speed and talent. 2013 had talent but 2014 seems more cohesive as a unit.
Special teams: 2013. Palardy had a monster year. Watching our current kickers makes me miss him even more. Granted, I think Darr's injury in the first game has really hampered his ability to plant his anchor leg, leading to his inconsistency. But the kick and punt return game hasn't been anything special. We can't get any blocking done on punt return team to allow a decent return. And please, D. Young, take a knee. The 25 yard line is your friend.
My Conclusion: We are better at just about every position minus our glaring weaknesses at kicker and o-line. Of course this is a silly exercise since we have only played three games thus far. But still, I thought it would be an interesting discussion.
