My annual game by game prediction for 2015

#51
#51
No way we lose to Fla., I don't see us losing to Mizz. again, and we always seem to play well against UGA. I see possible losses to OU, Ark. UGA, and Bama. I say we finish with a 9-3 record.
 
#52
#52
BACKDOC said:
No way we lose to Fla., I don't see us losing to Mizz. again, and we always seem to play well against UGA. I see possible losses to OU, Ark. UGA, and Bama. I say we finish with a 9-3 record.
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If we lose to Florida and Mizzou then we need to seriously be concerned about Butch and the best coaching staff in America.
 
#53
#53
The two conference games I'm worried about are @bama, and @mizz. I could see us losing the Oklahoma game, but kind of doubt it. I've not said "this is the year" concerning Florida, but this is the year.
 
#55
#55
skasper06 said:
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 it’s 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 that’s their name if you didn’t 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 it’s not happening in 2015. It’s 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. Tennessee’s defensive front will have a field day collecting at least 4 sacks. And the trio of Dobbs, Kamara, and Hurd will be more than Florida’s 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 Tennessee’s 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 Tennessee’s 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 don’t 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 Georgia’s number for several years. Had Justin Worley not been injured in last season’s game and missed an entire quarter, it’s 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, it’s 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 it’s 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 wouldn’t be surprised with an upset, but only because it’s in Tuscaloosa I’m taking the Tide – handing Tennessee their first loss of the season. Alabama wins 31-30 and Tennessee’s 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 SEC’s 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? I’m 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 isn’t 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 didn’t exactly live up to their “Mean Green” name. Don’t 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 shouldn’t! I didn’t 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 isn’t saying much since he isn’t 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 don’t 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 Alabama’s 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 Year’s Six Bowl game. In this case, I’m 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 doesn’t 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.
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If Tennessee had only one loss going into November - and that only loss was a 1-point one to a ranked Alabama - they're not going to be ranked as low as #14 that late in the year.

Just the same, if they're undefeated that late into October, and have beaten 2-3 ranked teams - while pretty much thumping everyone else, as you're predicting - they're not going to be outside the top 10 before the Alabama game.
 
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#58
#58
Doyle Hargraves said:
If we lose to Florida and Mizzou then we need to seriously be concerned about Butch and the best coaching staff in America.
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10-2 would still be 10-2.

Unless UT those two losses manage to be some combination of FCS team/ BG / NT / Vanderbilt, then I'm not sure we'll hear too many complaints about 10 wins and a higher ranking.
 
#59
#59
skasper06 said:
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 it’s 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 that’s their name if you didn’t 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 it’s not happening in 2015. It’s 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. Tennessee’s defensive front will have a field day collecting at least 4 sacks. And the trio of Dobbs, Kamara, and Hurd will be more than Florida’s 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 Tennessee’s 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 Tennessee’s 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 don’t 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 Georgia’s number for several years. Had Justin Worley not been injured in last season’s game and missed an entire quarter, it’s 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, it’s 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 it’s 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 wouldn’t be surprised with an upset, but only because it’s in Tuscaloosa I’m taking the Tide – handing Tennessee their first loss of the season. Alabama wins 31-30 and Tennessee’s 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 SEC’s 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? I’m 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 isn’t 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 didn’t exactly live up to their “Mean Green” name. Don’t 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 shouldn’t! I didn’t 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 isn’t saying much since he isn’t 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 don’t 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 Alabama’s 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 Year’s Six Bowl game. In this case, I’m 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 doesn’t 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.
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If losing 5 in-a-row to us means you have our number, I hope you keep it. I know this is a UT board, but you really have to be a homer to make a statement like that. Records aren't a matter of opinion. We're 11-4 in the last 15! I know, I know....."those were the years we sucked". Losing is what sucking is! You can't just say, "well, the reason we lost was because we were not good all those years". Yea, and............
 
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#60
#60
The first half of the season will be really interesting in finding out the mettle of this team. I said last year that with all the Freshmen getting significant PT early, don't be surprised if mistakes were made. I actually don't remember all that many, except on the development-critical OL. That said, we're going to be playing at least another couple of Freshmen this year too, so mistakes can still happen. I think a lot of them will be figured out by the Arkansas game, which I think we lost to them at home.

I think Oklahoma is a toss-up-- Yeah, they're replacing like 9 asst coaches, including both co-OC's and their DC who went to the NFL after NSD. But they still have Striker and Perine and the new OC did really well at ECU, so they're definitely dangerous.

I'm cautiously optimistic about Florida, even though it's in the Swamp. They have a new staff, plus the attrition/NFL departures that come with. More importantly, I think our young guys know how important last year's match-up was to the fanbase and to the program, and I think they're gonna come in with the focus and determination of wrapping up unfinished business. Who are our leaders? Maggitt will be a Senior, never beat them. Cam Sutton played his a** off all game last year, you know he's hungry. Jalen Hurd was stifled due to a one-dimensional QB. And this is Josh Dobbs' team now. We don't have the "well, we tried" whipping boy mentality anymore.

I want to believe we beat UGA. This is as good a year as any. But they have arguably the best LB corp in the SEC(/nation?), and plenty of talent for Pruitt to manipulate us with. That said, even with Michel and Chubb at RB and a decent OL, they're still replacing their QB and they lost a lot of talent on the outside. This will be another close one that I think Butch wills us to win (see: USC 2013).

I don't feel good about Arkansas at all. I mean, I think it's 50/50, but it's so hard to make guesses and assumptions because we have two very different styles of football. I also have a personal bet with my Arky buddies (if we win they have to wear "Dobbs/Hurd for President 2016" shirts on at least three of the remaining gamedays of the season, if they win, they pick the players for me to put on a shirt.)

I think this is the best chance we have in a while to nip Alabama, but it's still hard to foresee happening at Bryant-Denny. They lose their QB, significant parts of their OL, and Amare Cooper. They've had defensive coaching turnover, and (this may be only my perception, but) their secondary has never lived up to the productivity of the rest of their team. I'm thinking this is a loss, but we have a puncher's chance.

South Carolina is on the downward spiral back to mediocrity. Spurrier's "2-3 more years" comment is coming back to bite him. They didn't fire their piss poor DC from last year. Both this year's and last year's recruiting classes are shaking out below expectations. They replace their QB, RB, and everyone except Pharoah Cooper (right? idk there's a lot to keep up with). Neyland will remember the comeback at Willy B's last year and I think the stands don't let us lose this one.

Lastly, Mizzou is a predicted loss for me until we beat them. But like UF, I'm feeling more optimistic this year than I did at any point previously. They lose a lot of their DC and DL, although they too have a highly-touted DT coming in who should get a lot of PT. Maty Mauk, despite looking like Theon Greyjoy, is a proven winner. It's almost always ugly, and they always look inferior on paper, but you have to respect Pinkel as a coach and the program he's put together at Mizzou.

Obviously, BGSU, WCU, Vandy, Kentucky, and North Texas don't really warrant a paragraph-long write-up. These should definitely all be W's. I don't want to take South Carolina for granted, but I don't think it's a toss-up.

Toss-ups: Arky, Oklahoma, Georgia, and @Florida

Losses: @Alabama, @Mizzou

If we get the ball rolling early, we could and should be looking at a 9-10 win season. If we drop Oklahoma and then UF, it'll be an uphill battle to get to 8.
 
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#61
#61
Johnnyreb#VFL said:
So you're predictions were perfect last year with the exception of UF? What about the year before? 11-1 seems very optimistic to me, but you do a good job of making it look realistic.
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I missed Vandy, Mizzou and South Carolina. But in my defense I think everyone missed Vandy and most missed the other 2.
 
#62
#62
Sudden Impact said:
2015 Regular Season

7 wins = below improvement line. Basically means we are not improving or some bizarre call or critical injury occurred that affected depth

8 wins = More or less on track and should be the expected pace

9 wins = Slightly ahead of schedule means that the team won an unexpected game or two

10 or More wins = turned the corner, the gap is closing or we caught some untangibles that normally don't pan our way. Beat 2 teams that were projected losses. This happens --- momentum, culture changing ---- it will be a matter of maintaining it in 2016.
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If we beat two teams that are expected losses we are undefeated and playing in the sec championship.
 
#63
#63
Catbone said:
This is exactly where I have us too.
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Okay I originally was thinking 8-4 however in review of the schedule and their returning players versus ours I have to say at least 11 wins on this schedule. By all accounts this is the best/easiest schedule we've had in 5 plus years. We win the east and play Auburn in the title game. JMHO.

Some are predicting us as outside shots for top 4 and IF the ball bounces our way a few times which it has to for anyone who finishes in the top 4 then I think we may have a shot at it. 2 biggest improvements must come from the O-line and Dobbs with receiving corp.

:loco:

Tennesseeduke
 
#64
#64
Dave1967 said:
Oklahoma
Florida
Alabama
Missouri
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If you have looked at these rosters and who they lose then you can't believe that UT will lose to UF or Mizzou.

Can't agree with the OP on OU. They return almost all of their D and their best weapons on O. UT may improve enough to win but that game should be tough.
 
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#65
#65
UGADawg4Life said:
If losing 5 in-a-row to us means you have our number, I hope you keep it. I know this is a UT board, but you really have to be a homer to make a statement like that. Records aren't a matter of opinion. We're 11-4 in the last 15! I know, I know....."those were the years we sucked". Losing is what sucking is! You can't just say, "well, the reason we lost was because we were not good all those years". Yea, and............
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Georgia has had a good run against us, but I think butch will have a good run.
 
#66
#66
One of the notable things that happens in these threads is those who declare proudly that "Butch gets it" can't bring themselves to believe that he gets it good enough to actually beat anyone. Assembling talented rosters and "feel good" on NSD is nice an all... but at some point you have to beat someone that matters.
 
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#67
#67
OP I can see where you are coming from to some extent. But OU has talent and and an experienced QB leading them. That is going to ge a tough game. UGA only needs a QB who can turn around and hand the ball off so that does not take a lot of skill. Most importantly of all you are overstating the VOLS abilities.

We will be the youngest team in the SEC more than likely again next year. Young players, and therefor young teams, make stupid the mistakes of youth. A team composed of Freshmen and Sophmores can easily lose their composure in a game if things go against them. You are setting your sights so high that you are going to be upset and mad when we do not reach the levels you expect next year. I hope you are right, but fear you are wrong. Look at how few teams in the country ended the season with the W/L record you are talking about and you are expecting that from a very young team. I for one am pleased to see the team improving and know that every day the future is brighter for us. I am saying 8-4, or 9-3 but with luck we could end up better, and we all know we are due some good luck. 2016 now that is the year we will be beast that no one wants to see on their schedule. GBO I AM READY FOR FOOTBALL SEASON.
 
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#68
#68
chattaboogie said:
If we beat two teams that are expected losses we are undefeated and playing in the sec championship.
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Team 119 will probably be underdogs in 5 - 6 games.

OK
@Florida
GA
@Alabama
@Mizzou

The Arkansas Line will more than likely be anywhere from TN -3 to Toss up. Depending on record when we head to Mizzou will also determine if we are favored or not.

2 wins out of this group still gets you to 9-3 provided we don't fall asleep at the wheel in one of the games we are favored.

I can see 3 - 4 potential wins in this group which would be 10-2 or 11-1.

The OP's analysis was reasonable. A lot of intangibles are at play for the season we will see.

Injuries and depth are always factors for any team in the SEC.
 
#69
#69
Deputy Fife said:
Feckless until proven competent:

BGSU- W

Oklahoma- L

WC- W

Florida- L

Arkansas- L

Georgia- L

Alabama- L

Kentucky- W

USCe- W

North Texas- W

Mizzou- L

Vandy- W

The take home is that Butch's 3-0 record vs Spurrier proves he's a much better coach than Fulmer ever was.
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6 and 6 is ludicrous.
 
#70
#70
sjt18 said:
One of the notable things that happens in these threads is those who declare proudly that "Butch gets it" can't bring themselves to believe that he gets it good enough to actually beat anyone. Assembling talented rosters and "feel good" on NSD is nice an all... but at some point you have to beat someone that matters.
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SJT you wont see me on here much proclaiming BUTCH GETS IT, but you need to also accept some cold hard facts about the VOLS. When CBJ took over after the doofus regime we were borderline of having the worst overall talent in the SEC. Franklin had better talent at vandy and that hurts like he(( to say, so that leaves UK and it was close as to who had the worst. ALSO, Arky had better talent which has helped Bielma (sp) look better than CBJ to some on here IMO.

We had to win on signing day to ever have a chance to win on Saturday's. Do you think Saban, or Meyer wins NC's if they are forced only to play with the worst players in their conferences. We both know that even though they are great coaches they would not win with inferior talent. We still need to keep recruiting top tier classes to compete for NC's. But better players tend to make coaches look better.

In short, just remember that even if you own the Blue Ribbon winning, prize mule, that mule no matter how good or how fast, is not going to win if it is running in the Kentucky Derby. You got to have throughbreds to run with the other throughbreds. Well we have got atheletes now to compete with the other teams athletes, so the wins will follow. Just remember our best recruiting class of sophmores next year will be playing against for instance the best recruiting classin the country of seniors, juniors, sophmores, RS Sr, RS Jr, RS Sp, at Alabama. UGA has had top 10 recruiting classes for years, so has OU. Evan FL with the exception of this year. So we better load up on players. SJT the wins will come, it took us years to hit the bottom we did and we will be back on top but it does not happen over night we all suffered through the bad years, lets enjoy the rebirth of VOLS football dominance.
 
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#71
#71
99gator said:
Also, IMO, this board needs to stop dismissing Oklahoma like they are some sort of Junior High team.
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Hate to agree with a gator but gator is right. OU is going to be a tough out. There QB will be a 3 year starter. QB's go a long way in determining how a team does. Example DOBBS.
 
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#72
#72
Sudden Impact said:
2015 Regular Season

7 wins = below improvement line. Basically means we are not improving or some bizarre call or critical injury occurred that affected depth

8 wins = More or less on track and should be the expected pace

9 wins = Slightly ahead of schedule means that the team won an unexpected game or two

10 or More wins = turned the corner, the gap is closing or we caught some untangibles that normally don't pan our way. Beat 2 teams that were projected losses. This happens --- momentum, culture changing ---- it will be a matter of maintaining it in 2016.
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SI - I agree with you. This is an excellent breakdown.

Some on here are so blinded by there orange colored sunglasses they think we are undefeated next year and basically resting Dobbs after the 2nd quarter of every game.

This blindness will lead to hysteria on here this fall when losses do happen. Then calls for this coach or that coaches head. All the armchair NFL coaches on here will easily second guess why a play was a bad call after it fails. I am glad there are a few who still have some perspective of reality.
 
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#73
#73
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
Tennessee has been INFERIOR to Florida (in terms of talent) for the last 10 years. That why we've kept losing. Throw in some bad luck cause even when your roster is inferior, some teams can still win games.

Next year should be the first time we're CLEARLY the better team. If Butch Jones loses to Florida next year, we'll have to question whether he has what it takes to win the big games. Losing to Florida next season is INEXCUSABLE (as long as Dobbs is healthy).
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I 100% agree with u!!!!
 
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#75
#75
Definate losses = Oklahoma, Alabama & Florida. Toss up = UGA, Arkansas & Missouri.

the other games are definate wins for us.


If all of the key players stay healthy, we will end the regular season with a 9 - 3 record. If key players get injured, NOrth, Mckenzie, Dobbs, Hurd, Medly, then we end the season with an 8 - 4 record.
 
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