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The Big Orange Gun
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As far as talent is and experience concerned this how I see it.
Bama, Auburn, and Georgia all have more talent than the Vols.
The Vols have a talented front seven on defense but what can they get from them? Will they adjust to the new schemes and be able to stop the opposition from running on them? Safety is certainly a strength too, but finding corners that can set the edge and cover may be the biggest concern on the team.
On offense, RB, WR and TE are all solid. If JG keeps improving and he makes quicker better decisions with the ball he could certainly be solid and possibly explosive at times in the throw game. Especially, if he finds his ability to run away from pressure and scramble for a first down. The biggest concern with this team is the offensive line. If they can protect JG and give him time to throw downfield while opening holes for the RB's this team will be much improved over last season. Pruitt's formula is to keep the ball on offense with each possession ending in a kick (FG or EP) or a punt (rather than a turnover). It all starts with running the football and stopping the run. This team will need to be much more physical than their opponents to do both.
Bama has the most talented and experienced team returning in the SEC if not the entire nation. They are loaded. I would certainly be surprised if they don't win the West, SEC and at least play in the national championship game. Vols have little chance at a victory. LOSS
Auburn has enough talent and experience to compete with Bama but will they? They are up and down, and their coach just got a new contract, so a down year certainly won't surprise anyone. Vols play in Auburn and they will get Auburn's best effort so a loss is probable. LOSS
Georgia has talent but probably won't be better on either side of the ball due to heavy personnel losses with graduation and early departures to the NFL. Their freshman class could be the best ever, and they have enough returning starters to win the East but not enough to beat Bama in the SECCCG. Vols have a better shot than last year to get a win even though it's in Athens, but that's not saying much. LOSS
South Carolina and Florida both have about the same or equal talent as the Vols. Both games are toss up games.
South Carolina has a returning QB who is very solid and experienced playmaker at WR. Plus, they get the Vols at home. Muschamp seems to have the Vols number too especially in close games. LOSS
Florida. They have similar concerns as UT at QB, but Mullen is a QB guru. If they find solid QB play they could challenge Georgia for the East. It's another toss up game but the Vols are at home in Pruitt's first SEC game. This is where the rubber meets the road with how the rest of the season goes if Pruitt finds away to defend Neyland Stadium and the Vols win, it could certainly be a surprising season especially of they got past West Virginia in the opener. If they lose getting to six wins is going to be difficult. It's a toss up but I'm going to be optimistic. Win.
West Virginia has talent on offense especially at QB and WR. But, what's going on with the defense? Does anyone in that conference play solid defense? If the Vols can run the ball right at them and keep their offense off the field they should win. WIN.
Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mizzou, and the rest all have significantly less talent the Vols. UT should be able to whip each of the provided they can execute Pruitt's formula which is solid aggressive defense that can stop the run while limiting big plays and creating sacks and turnovers. On offense it's, run first from multiple formations while hitting explosive passing plays to score or setting up a score with a powerful run attack. UT gets wins against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and ETSU, UTEP and UNCC to get to six wins. 8 is possible with upsets over WVU and Florida.
It's going to be a much better season than last year! GBO!!
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