My annual game by game prediction for 2015

[VFL-82-JP]

The cool thing about where we find ourselves is, there's not a single game on the schedule that would shock us to win. Very happy, yes, but not shocked. Can we beat Florida? Sure. Will we? Dunno, but we realistically can. Can we beat 'Bama? Absolutely. Would be a big win for sure, and no way we are favored going in, but we could pull it off without anyone being too shocked. Same for Georgia. And Mizzou. And Arkansas. And Oklahoma.

We're far enough along the "comeback trail" that it's no longer a shocker to win. Now, the shockers to watch out for are losses.

Just a couple-few short years ago, there were very few games on the schedule where people would be shocked to lose. Now there are plenty.

We're in a good place, getting better.

 

[Other_Guy]

My gosh, even the sunshine pumpers who predict a double digit win over OU and a blowout win over Florda STILL picks a loss against Bama what the crap lol

 

[vtvol98]

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.

Mizzou will be replacing all three of their wideouts and their entire d-line. However, last year they were replacing many personnel at the same positions and still beat UT. Mizzou returns most of their back 7 on defense and Mauk, Hansborough, and 2/3 of their o-line. This will be a daunting game in Memorial Stadium for the Vols.

I think Tennessee has a better shot of beating Florida. I think they lose like 9 of 11 starters on defense and most of their offensive line. Coupled with a new coaching staff I would give the nod to the Vols even with this game being played in Hogtown.

I think that most of us do lose sight that even though Tennessee doesn't lose much in the way of returning starters they are still sophomores with a few upperclassmen. Tennessee is using this year's incoming frosh to provide depth. Our opponents are using their remaining upperclassmen to replace lost starters and provide their much needed depth. Even with the most returning starters in the SEC, Tennessee's two-deep will still be youngest and most inexperienced.

 

[UT-Rex]

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

While our sched is favorable INDEED, sev other SEC schools have equally-favorable scheds -- I would argue that the quality of Team 119's talent/experience across both D and O and ST's (+ being CBJ's 3rd year + not the least of which -- the addition of CMD as OC) creates the perception for good reason that this year's (irregular out-of-conf) sched is the best/easiest than in past 5+ seasons:

'010: Martin,Oreg,UAB,Mem -- LSU, Miss
'011: Mont,Cincy,Buff,MTSU -- LSU, Ark
'012: NCState, GAState, Akron, Troy -- MissSt
'013: Peay,WK,Oreg,SouthAL -- Aub

'015: BG,OU,WestCar,NorthTX -- AK

In other words: I really don't see our regular conf match-ups being, on avg, all that much weaker than in past 5 years (V weaker yes; KY stronger; FL likely to be improving over last 3 yrs; SC somewhat same; GA similarly same less Gurley; Mizz similarly same). IMO. 119

 

[KBVol]

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.

"No way we lose to Fla."..... said no one ever.

 

[KBVol]

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.

Clearly, roster composition doesn't much matter when Tn plays Florida and Missouri. Heard a whole lot of predictions that we'd beat both Fla and Mizzou based on quality of rosters last year..... Only to lose to both yet again.

 

[checkerboards09]

We've been doing this song and dance for 3 and 4 years now.

I, myself, have said in several of the past few seasons, "if you don't beat Florida this year, it's never going to happen".

Just last year, I saw a Florida QB go 11-23 for 59 yards, 0 TD's, and 3 Int's.....on the road in Knoxville and Florida still won the damn game.

I always teased KBVol, but count me in the "I'll believe it when I see it" category, especially in Gainesville where Tennessee has won twice since the Ford administration. At this point, even if I see it, I'll believe it was a mirage.

One of the problems with the "Tennessee is clearly the better team" argument is so many supposedly inferior teams have had no problem whipping the Gators at some point in the last 10 years. Vanderbilt has beaten Florida and Kentucky has taken Florida into overtime. Georgia Southern, famously, also got it done.

A mirage? No. All that would mean is everything is the way it should be and its no longer in our heads that we can't do it.

 

[UGADawg4Life]

Georgia has had a good run against us, but I think butch will have a good run.

And we think we'll continue our run. That's the great thing about being a fan. We all Have that bravado, especially in off/pre-season. I've been on this board for many years and I always enjoy reading the predictions.

 

[KBVol]

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............

Thought the same thing. We've lost 5 in a row to Georgia. We have played them close lately, but I'm thinking that "having a team's number" typically means you beat them. For example, right now, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Missouri have Tennessee's "number" since we're currently 0-26 vs those teams.

 

[UTK]

Why would Alabama be the only one playing for a playoff spot? If we are 11-1 in the SEC game then we are playing for a playoff as well. Besides Alabama is in store for a 9-3 type season.

 

[bnhunt]

OP - tell me what you're drinking, so I can go buy some immediately!

This is an 8-4 to 9-3 team at best. We lose to Bama, Fla (bc I have to see it to believe it after a decade of losses), and Mizzou (again, I need to see it to believe it). I also think we lose one more to OK or Arky, but hopefully not both.

2016 should be where the big jump is made once this o-line gets some games under their proverbial belts.

 

[92volalum]

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.

So when is next yr this yr?? If he is a championship coach then yr 3 he should show it.. No excuses if he loses to ga fla n bama this yr. If he does then forget championships at tn.. N welcome to the 8 win season where u beat no one but make one of the 2000 bowl games..

Just where hart n cheek want tn to be.. Fla state got rid of him n now they win championships n bama gets rid of him hires Satan n wins championships.. See the trend..lol jk need to check my stats..

 

[KBVol]

So when is next yr this yr?? If he is a championship coach then yr 3 he should show it.. No excuses if he loses to ga fla n bama this yr. If he does then forget championships at tn.. N welcome to the 8 win season where u beat no one but make one of the 2000 bowl games..

Just where hart n cheek want tn to be.. Fla state got rid of him n now they win championships n bama gets rid of him hires Satan n wins championships.. See the trend..lol jk need to check my stats..

Actually, if Jones was a championship caliber coach, the stats say he would've shown it last year. Iirc, with the exception of only 1 time, every coach who's won an SEC title since '92 won 9 or more games in his second year. Fingers crossed that Butch becomes the second exception to the rule.

 

[photovol]

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.

Would a neutral fan consider this prediction a bit biased?

 

[gunner]

OP - tell me what you're drinking, so I can go buy some immediately!

This is an 8-4 to 9-3 team at best. We lose to Bama, Fla (bc I have to see it to believe it after a decade of losses), and Mizzou (again, I need to see it to believe it). I also think we lose one more to OK or Arky, but hopefully not both.

2016 should be where the big jump is made once this o-line gets some games under their proverbial belts.

Agreed. 9-3 will take an upset. 8-4 is a reasonable expectation for this team.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

We've been doing this song and dance for 3 and 4 years now.

I, myself, have said in several of the past few seasons, "if you don't beat Florida this year, it's never going to happen".

Just last year, I saw a Florida QB go 11-23 for 59 yards, 0 TD's, and 3 Int's.....on the road in Knoxville and Florida still won the damn game.

I always teased KBVol, but count me in the "I'll believe it when I see it" category, especially in Gainesville where Tennessee has won twice since the Ford administration. At this point, even if I see it, I'll believe it was a mirage.

One of the problems with the "Tennessee is clearly the better team" argument is so many supposedly inferior teams have had no problem whipping the Gators at some point in the last 10 years. Vanderbilt has beaten Florida and Kentucky has taken Florida into overtime. Georgia Southern, famously, also got it done.

those are called outliers for a reason. talk to me when we are consistently getting higher recruiting classes and more players into the pros than Florida, and we're still losing to them. that when i'll believe some mental roadblocks are involved. till then, Florida would've just beaten us cause they were supposed to. and all those inferior teams that woulda beat them would be OUTLIERS.

Ohio State lost to VA-tech last year. why hasn't Michigan been able to beat them the last couple of years?

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

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.

Have you paid attention at all this offseason? Tennessee will NOT be an underdog for 5 or 6 games. Right now the only games they will be underdogs is Alabama and Georgia. We're the popular dark horse pick to win the division. And almost unanimously second to Georgia in all forecasting. You just had an ESPN insider on Paul Finebaum's show pick us to win the East. Another ESPN guy has us making it to a New Years Day Bowl.

The whole underdog role for Tennessee is DONE. We are gonna be the favorite going into almost all of our games next season.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

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.

Yea. If the QB is exception. Trevor Knight is not that. He's decent but I wouldn't say he's a QB to be feared. Is it possible Oklahoma comes in here and beats us? Yes. Is it likely? I don't think so. I think alot of folks here are giving them too much respect based on their name and the fact they dominated us early last season. Do you guys not see how much better our team was by the end of the season compared to week 2? Did you guys not see how badly Oklahoma regressed throughout the season? Did you see how Baylor embrassed them in Norman? Did you not watch NSD and see us snag another top 5 class and Oklahoma rank in the mid-to-late teens?

At a certain point, folks will have to actually understand that week 2 of the 2014 season was a long time ago. We are so much better than we were that night. We'll be even better by the fall of 2015. I personally think we should DOMINATE Oklahoma when they come to Neyland next season. They are not the team to be feared.

We are the ones they should fear.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

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.

I'm sorry but thats stupid. Oklahoma as a definite loss but UGA, Arkansas, and Missouri as toss-ups? All 3 of those games should be tougher than Oklahoma.

Do people not realize that Oklahoma might start the season UNRANKED next year!!!

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

My gosh, even the sunshine pumpers who predict a double digit win over OU and a blowout win over Florda STILL picks a loss against Bama what the crap lol

Next year's Alabama will have arguably the most talented roster in the history of college football (if we're looking solely at recruiting rankings). I believe they're the first team (in the modern internet rankings era) to have 4 straight #1 recruiting classes. An incredibly unprecedented feat. They're whole roster is pretty much made up of high 4 star and 5 star prospects.

Now we all know alot of high profile recruits become busts and alot of superstars come outta nowhere. However, at the end of the day its a numbers game. And they simply have more chances at finding those game breaking stars than everyone else because they have so many highly touted recruits. That is why they get their respect year in year out.

They can still be beat, don't get it twisted. But they get their respect because of the amount of talent they are able to accumulate each year.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Mizzou will be replacing all three of their wideouts and their entire d-line. However, last year they were replacing many personnel at the same positions and still beat UT. Mizzou returns most of their back 7 on defense and Mauk, Hansborough, and 2/3 of their o-line. This will be a daunting game in Memorial Stadium for the Vols.

I think Tennessee has a better shot of beating Florida. I think they lose like 9 of 11 starters on defense and most of their offensive line. Coupled with a new coaching staff I would give the nod to the Vols even with this game being played in Hogtown.

I think that most of us do lose sight that even though Tennessee doesn't lose much in the way of returning starters they are still sophomores with a few upperclassmen. Tennessee is using this year's incoming frosh to provide depth. Our opponents are using their remaining upperclassmen to replace lost starters and provide their much needed depth. Even with the most returning starters in the SEC, Tennessee's two-deep will still be youngest and most inexperienced.

But its talented. Give me talented freshmen and sophmores over less talented juniors and seniors. Just remember, that alot of our sophomores will have more experience next season in terms of actual GAMEPLAY than many of the redshirt juniors that will be getting starting roles for those other teams.

 

[LittleCat]

Do people not realize that Oklahoma might start the season UNRANKED next year!!!

That'd be the first in a long time I assume.

 

[Volteacher]

For sure losses before we start the season Alabama and mizzou

Could go either way...... UGA, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida.

SHOULD win USCe, Kentucky vandy western, north Texas and bowling green

So between 6-9 wins

 

[OuterBanksVol]

There's an old maxim that says you lose one game for every true freshman that you start on your team. Last year our starting lineup featured at least five true freshman and we lost 6 games. According to 24 7 sports, they're projecting only 2 starting spots occupied by true freshman - Kirkland and KMack. This would equate to two losses if the team remains healthy throughout the year. If there are injuries especially on the o-line, then I think it's probable you would see Richmond and even possibly Jones starting in the lineup which would add another loss or two. So all in all, I think it's a stretch with all the stars aligning to lose only 2 games, and an 8-4 season is more probable.

SEC Champ birth remains a good possibility, but we still can't hang with the best of the West just yet.

 

[CJBlaze]

I'm going with 8-4 with losses to FL, GA, AL and AR.