skasper06
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Preseason AP Ranking: #22
9/5 vs Bowling Green (at LP Field)
Bowling Green won their division in the MAC the last two seasons in a row, beating NIU in 2013, then losing to NIU in 2014. They just added a new defensive coordinator in Brian Ward who won a coach of the year award in 2009 at the NAIA level. So what does all the mean? It makes a cupcake team look better on paper. Dobbs should have a field day and I expect both Kamara and Hurd will collect close to 100 rushing yards. Vols win 42-13 to start 1-0 and #20 in the AP.
9/12 vs Oklahoma (time already announced for 11am/12 eastern)
If Tennessee had a decent offensive line, the Vols may have had a chance in this matchup last season (as is the theme for many losses in 2014). In 2015, the offensive line should be much improved and fans should get to see Joshua Dobbs reall tested. Oklahoma will still have a lot of playmakers including Sterling Shepard and Eric Striker, both of which had their way with Tennessee last season. But an improved offensive line mixed with an elusive quarterback in Dobbs could be exactly what makes this season different from the last. Throw in a Vols defensive line ready to showcase their talent and it should be a very different game from last year. If this game were in Norman again, I would be tempted to go with the Sooners. But its not. Vols win 31-21 and get a bump up to #18 in the AP poll.
9/19 vs Western Carolina
Unfortunately for the Catamounts (yes thats their name if you didnt know), they are coming to Neyland Stadium to get their butts kicked. To put this game in to perspective, Western Carolina lost to UTC last season 51-0 the same UTC that Tennessee played and easily handled in Neyland Stadium last season. With early scores and defensive turnovers, this game could get ugly fast. Vols win 52-14 and remain at #18 (unless someone big loses).
9/26 @ Florida
This was the only game of the season I predicted incorrectly last year. And my prediction is remaining the same. Jim McElwain may end up bringing Florida back to elite status, but its not happening in 2015. Its been over 10 years since Tennessee beat Florida, and it will be all the sweeter to end the streak on their field. I expect this game to be extremely physical and even a little chippy. Tennessees defensive front will have a field day collecting at least 4 sacks. And the trio of Dobbs, Kamara, and Hurd will be more than Floridas defense can handle. Vols win 35-13 and improve to 4-0 as well as being bumped to #17 in the AP.
10/3 vs. Arkansas
This could be Tennessees first game versus a ranked opponent and maybe even a potential ESPN Gameday location. This game could be a clash of the running backs with Arkansas Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins going head to head with Tennessees Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. This game could potentially showcase four future NFL running backs. The difference is Tennessee will also be showcasing talent at several other positions. While I do believe Arkansas is a worthy adversary, I dont see the Vols losing this one at home. Vols win 27-17 and get a nice bump in the AP to #14.
10/10 vs Georgia
Tennessee has had Georgias number for several years. Had Justin Worley not been injured in last seasons game and missed an entire quarter, its very possible Tennessee could have won. And although Todd Gurley will be gone, they barely miss a step with rising star Nick Chubb arguably the best back in the SEC, if not the entire country. Both Chubb and Sony Michel make a great one-two punch for Georgia, but whoever takes over at quarterback for Hutson Mason will likely have some growing pains to go through. And against this Tennessee defense, its hard to see less than 2 interceptions and a few sacks going down. Georgia should have a decent season and will likely be somewhere around #12 when they come to Knoxville having gone undefeated until losing to Alabama the week prior to playing Tennessee. But Georgia will not be up to the task of stealing one in Neyland. Vols win 35-31 staying undefeated (6-0) and getting a bump to #11 in the AP poll.
10/17
BYE
10/24 @ Alabama
Losing TJ Yeldon, Blake Sims, and Amari Cooper seems like a lot, but for Alabama its just another year for some new star to step up (maybe someone from those three #1 recruiting classes). But early games against Wisconsin, Ole Miss, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas A&M should give a better gauge at how good this Alabama team will be with those new stars. I expect this game to be extremely close and honestly wouldnt be surprised with an upset, but only because its in Tuscaloosa Im taking the Tide handing Tennessee their first loss of the season. Alabama wins 31-30 and Tennessees rating takes a hit down to #15.
10/31 @ Kentucky
Believe it or not, I believe UK is getting better. And I think Mark Stoops is the answer for the Wildcats to at least be more than the SECs punching bag. That being said, they are still Kentucky. Patrick Towles is a decent quarterback if he can stay consistent throughout the whole season. And their defensive line is absolutely massive. But too much talent and better coaching will win this game for the Vols. Vols win 35-14 moving to 7-1 on the year and maintaining the #15 spot in the rankings.
11/7 vs South Carolina
Steve Spurrier. What a guy, right? Im sure he still has a bad taste in his mouth the way his team lost to the Vols the last two years in a row. But with Dylan Thompson gone, the Gamecocks best talent will remain Pharoh Cooper, which isnt a bad talent to have. But if you want to beat Tennessee in 2015, you need more than an Egyptian man-god. Vols win 42-27 and get a slight move to #14 in the rankings.
11/14 vs North Texas
North Texas went 4-8 last season in the Conference USA and they didnt exactly live up to their Mean Green name. Dont be surprised if Tennessee plays a backup QB the second half *cough* Dormady! *Cough cough* Vols win 51-14 and stay at #14 in the rankings.
11/21 @ Mizzou
Mizzou has been the odd-ball of the SEC East the last two seasons. They keep winning when they shouldnt! I didnt know how they would beat Tennessee last season, but it was my preseason prediction (although offsides on that onside kick was garbage). With star defensive ends Shane Ray and Markus Golden off the NFL, the Tigers will lose some talent on defense. Maty Mauk will return at QB for Mizzou, but that isnt saying much since he isnt exactly the prettiest thing to look at on the field. I see a very good defensive game for the Vols and possibly a special teams touchdown just for fun. Vols win 28-21 moving to 10-1 and slide up the rankings to #11.
11/28 vs Vandy
If Vanderbilt loses to Western Kentucky to start the season, Derek Mason will have an uphill battle to keep his job. With only two or three potential wins on the schedule, I dont see it happening. And if you were wondering, Tennessee is not one of those potential wins. Vols win 42-21 and hit #10 in the polls.
This puts Tennessee at 11-1 (7-1) on the season, finishing at #10 in the regular season and winning the SEC East, setting the state for a rematch of Tennessee vs Alabama in Atlanta.
12/5 vs Alabama (SEC Championship)
By now, Lane Kiffin will have Alabamas offense clicking as if they never missed a beat from 2014. At the same time, Tennessee will be tuned up with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Tennessee will be hungry after such a close loss in Tuscaloosa earlier in the season, but Alabama will likely be playing for a playoff spot with much more on the line. With so much on the line it will come down to youth versus experience where Alabama has the advantage. Bama wins 38-17.
The loss against Alabama puts Tennessee at 11-2 on the season and a knock down to #13 in the polls, coming in second in the SEC still puts the Vols in a New Years Six Bowl game. In this case, Im going to predict Tennessee plays #8 Michigan State in the Peach Bowl, sending the Vols right back to Atlanta.
12/31 vs Michigan State
Michigan State had their chance to dethrone Ohio State in the Big 10 and missed it. That conference belongs to Urban Meyer now and the best Michigan State can do is a game like this. But that doesnt mean the Spartans are a bad team. It seems every year they run the ball well and play pretty good defense. Tennessee may be young, but they do have experience in bowl games and this will be their opportunity to grow from their loss against Alabama. This game could go either way, but being in Atlanta is too close to home for the Vols to not be considered a home game. Dobbs finished his junior season strong and Curt Maggitt ends his career as a Vol a Peach Bowl Champion. Vols win 31-28.
Tennessee finishes the 2015 season 12-2 and ranked #9 with another top 5 recruiting class lined up for 2016.
9/5 vs Bowling Green (at LP Field)
Bowling Green won their division in the MAC the last two seasons in a row, beating NIU in 2013, then losing to NIU in 2014. They just added a new defensive coordinator in Brian Ward who won a coach of the year award in 2009 at the NAIA level. So what does all the mean? It makes a cupcake team look better on paper. Dobbs should have a field day and I expect both Kamara and Hurd will collect close to 100 rushing yards. Vols win 42-13 to start 1-0 and #20 in the AP.
9/12 vs Oklahoma (time already announced for 11am/12 eastern)
If Tennessee had a decent offensive line, the Vols may have had a chance in this matchup last season (as is the theme for many losses in 2014). In 2015, the offensive line should be much improved and fans should get to see Joshua Dobbs reall tested. Oklahoma will still have a lot of playmakers including Sterling Shepard and Eric Striker, both of which had their way with Tennessee last season. But an improved offensive line mixed with an elusive quarterback in Dobbs could be exactly what makes this season different from the last. Throw in a Vols defensive line ready to showcase their talent and it should be a very different game from last year. If this game were in Norman again, I would be tempted to go with the Sooners. But its not. Vols win 31-21 and get a bump up to #18 in the AP poll.
9/19 vs Western Carolina
Unfortunately for the Catamounts (yes thats their name if you didnt know), they are coming to Neyland Stadium to get their butts kicked. To put this game in to perspective, Western Carolina lost to UTC last season 51-0 the same UTC that Tennessee played and easily handled in Neyland Stadium last season. With early scores and defensive turnovers, this game could get ugly fast. Vols win 52-14 and remain at #18 (unless someone big loses).
9/26 @ Florida
This was the only game of the season I predicted incorrectly last year. And my prediction is remaining the same. Jim McElwain may end up bringing Florida back to elite status, but its not happening in 2015. Its been over 10 years since Tennessee beat Florida, and it will be all the sweeter to end the streak on their field. I expect this game to be extremely physical and even a little chippy. Tennessees defensive front will have a field day collecting at least 4 sacks. And the trio of Dobbs, Kamara, and Hurd will be more than Floridas defense can handle. Vols win 35-13 and improve to 4-0 as well as being bumped to #17 in the AP.
10/3 vs. Arkansas
This could be Tennessees first game versus a ranked opponent and maybe even a potential ESPN Gameday location. This game could be a clash of the running backs with Arkansas Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins going head to head with Tennessees Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. This game could potentially showcase four future NFL running backs. The difference is Tennessee will also be showcasing talent at several other positions. While I do believe Arkansas is a worthy adversary, I dont see the Vols losing this one at home. Vols win 27-17 and get a nice bump in the AP to #14.
10/10 vs Georgia
Tennessee has had Georgias number for several years. Had Justin Worley not been injured in last seasons game and missed an entire quarter, its very possible Tennessee could have won. And although Todd Gurley will be gone, they barely miss a step with rising star Nick Chubb arguably the best back in the SEC, if not the entire country. Both Chubb and Sony Michel make a great one-two punch for Georgia, but whoever takes over at quarterback for Hutson Mason will likely have some growing pains to go through. And against this Tennessee defense, its hard to see less than 2 interceptions and a few sacks going down. Georgia should have a decent season and will likely be somewhere around #12 when they come to Knoxville having gone undefeated until losing to Alabama the week prior to playing Tennessee. But Georgia will not be up to the task of stealing one in Neyland. Vols win 35-31 staying undefeated (6-0) and getting a bump to #11 in the AP poll.
10/17
BYE
10/24 @ Alabama
Losing TJ Yeldon, Blake Sims, and Amari Cooper seems like a lot, but for Alabama its just another year for some new star to step up (maybe someone from those three #1 recruiting classes). But early games against Wisconsin, Ole Miss, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas A&M should give a better gauge at how good this Alabama team will be with those new stars. I expect this game to be extremely close and honestly wouldnt be surprised with an upset, but only because its in Tuscaloosa Im taking the Tide handing Tennessee their first loss of the season. Alabama wins 31-30 and Tennessees rating takes a hit down to #15.
10/31 @ Kentucky
Believe it or not, I believe UK is getting better. And I think Mark Stoops is the answer for the Wildcats to at least be more than the SECs punching bag. That being said, they are still Kentucky. Patrick Towles is a decent quarterback if he can stay consistent throughout the whole season. And their defensive line is absolutely massive. But too much talent and better coaching will win this game for the Vols. Vols win 35-14 moving to 7-1 on the year and maintaining the #15 spot in the rankings.
11/7 vs South Carolina
Steve Spurrier. What a guy, right? Im sure he still has a bad taste in his mouth the way his team lost to the Vols the last two years in a row. But with Dylan Thompson gone, the Gamecocks best talent will remain Pharoh Cooper, which isnt a bad talent to have. But if you want to beat Tennessee in 2015, you need more than an Egyptian man-god. Vols win 42-27 and get a slight move to #14 in the rankings.
11/14 vs North Texas
North Texas went 4-8 last season in the Conference USA and they didnt exactly live up to their Mean Green name. Dont be surprised if Tennessee plays a backup QB the second half *cough* Dormady! *Cough cough* Vols win 51-14 and stay at #14 in the rankings.
11/21 @ Mizzou
Mizzou has been the odd-ball of the SEC East the last two seasons. They keep winning when they shouldnt! I didnt know how they would beat Tennessee last season, but it was my preseason prediction (although offsides on that onside kick was garbage). With star defensive ends Shane Ray and Markus Golden off the NFL, the Tigers will lose some talent on defense. Maty Mauk will return at QB for Mizzou, but that isnt saying much since he isnt exactly the prettiest thing to look at on the field. I see a very good defensive game for the Vols and possibly a special teams touchdown just for fun. Vols win 28-21 moving to 10-1 and slide up the rankings to #11.
11/28 vs Vandy
If Vanderbilt loses to Western Kentucky to start the season, Derek Mason will have an uphill battle to keep his job. With only two or three potential wins on the schedule, I dont see it happening. And if you were wondering, Tennessee is not one of those potential wins. Vols win 42-21 and hit #10 in the polls.
This puts Tennessee at 11-1 (7-1) on the season, finishing at #10 in the regular season and winning the SEC East, setting the state for a rematch of Tennessee vs Alabama in Atlanta.
12/5 vs Alabama (SEC Championship)
By now, Lane Kiffin will have Alabamas offense clicking as if they never missed a beat from 2014. At the same time, Tennessee will be tuned up with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Tennessee will be hungry after such a close loss in Tuscaloosa earlier in the season, but Alabama will likely be playing for a playoff spot with much more on the line. With so much on the line it will come down to youth versus experience where Alabama has the advantage. Bama wins 38-17.
The loss against Alabama puts Tennessee at 11-2 on the season and a knock down to #13 in the polls, coming in second in the SEC still puts the Vols in a New Years Six Bowl game. In this case, Im going to predict Tennessee plays #8 Michigan State in the Peach Bowl, sending the Vols right back to Atlanta.
12/31 vs Michigan State
Michigan State had their chance to dethrone Ohio State in the Big 10 and missed it. That conference belongs to Urban Meyer now and the best Michigan State can do is a game like this. But that doesnt mean the Spartans are a bad team. It seems every year they run the ball well and play pretty good defense. Tennessee may be young, but they do have experience in bowl games and this will be their opportunity to grow from their loss against Alabama. This game could go either way, but being in Atlanta is too close to home for the Vols to not be considered a home game. Dobbs finished his junior season strong and Curt Maggitt ends his career as a Vol a Peach Bowl Champion. Vols win 31-28.
Tennessee finishes the 2015 season 12-2 and ranked #9 with another top 5 recruiting class lined up for 2016.
