Going into the year I was looking for a couple of things. I personally wanted to see a 7-5 recored, a win on the road to a school other than Vandy, an upset of a higher rated team, and to be competitive in every game and to not get blown out.
While we didn't get 7 regular season victories, we have a great shot at it. Outside of Ole Miss, we didn't get blown out by anybody and were extremely competitive with every team we played. We beat a team not named Vandy on the road, and while we didn't pull an upset we were damn close multiple times.
Overall I am extremely happy with this team and the coaches. I expect the offense will make a huge jump next year like the defense did this year, and I bet the defense will be even better next year. I know people are still gonna ***** about the coaches, but looking at these states you can't help but see progress.
First time winning 3 SEC games in a year since 2010.
First bowl since 2010
Most sacks in a season since 2000, and the first time having over 20 sacks in a season since 2010, and the first time having over 30 sacks since 2005.
First time losing by single digits to Florida since 2006.
Most points and yards put on Bama since 2003.
First time winning on the road against a team other than Vandy or Kentucky since 2007.
First time winning two road games since 2007.
Some of these figures are really impossible to comprehend as a Tennessee fan. While these stats shouldn't be a judge of success in a couple of years, the team had to take some steps forward before it could even thing about taking a huge leap. While I hate losing, the stats above show huge improvements in the program. All of this improvement coupled with the fact that we played 23 freshman this year, and started 11 freshman at various times.
Next year I think we team 119 as SEC east champs.
