Just today I have seen those affiliated with ESPN make fair cases for arky in the west, GA and even Mizzou for the east. I'll explain the case for Mizzou because it probably needs to be. Basically that even though they are losing talent, coaching up what hasn't been seen as real talent previously, is exactly what Pinkel does. That's actually fair. Doesn't really matter if any of us believe they will win, just that there are those that do.
While I wouldn't be in complete shock if UT hit some of the loftier expectations, I'm not going to bet the farm just yet. But one thing I know for certain, it sure is nice to be in the mix of contenders instead of not even mentioned like Ky and Vandy (or us for the last several years).