I'm only seeing 2 losses tops

#152
#152
Carl Pickens said:
The have the potential, but the roster is still young. I heard Butch say that 64% of the roster has been in the program 1 year or less. I'm not making excuses.... Just stating the facts. Don't forget how awful the O line was.... They won't be world beaters this year even if they improve greatly.
Click to expand...

Really believe this stat from Butch is a little misleading. Consider the following....

1. Last year we had no choice but to rely on a ton of freshmen from that historic class. 21 or 22 true freshmen made starts throughout the season out of necessity. That won't be the case this year. KMac, Shuttle, maybe Richmond are the only true freshmen we're gonna need to step in and provide significant contributions. If others like Kirkland and PWill get significant time, it'll not be out of pure necessity, but rather because they're better than guys who have been in the program 2, 3, 4 years. As far as others like Kamara and Martin who "are in their first year in the program", both have significant collegiate football experience. Hell, Kamara will be eligible for the next NFL draft.

2. A lot of the guys who fall into the "only been in the program for a year" category have extensive experience now and are actually some of the better players in the conference.....Hurd, Barnett, Robertson. Others are very talented players who aren't exactly wet behind the ears coming into this season....TkJr, Berry, Wolf, Moseley, Malone. I'd even add McDowell and Gaulden based on how well they played on special teams.

3. Finally, there are upperclassmen all over the place. Look at the offensive and defensive starters and their projected backups.

QB- junior, freshman
RB- Sophomore, JUCO Sophomore
TE- Sophomore, RSSr,
WR- Sr, Jr, RSJr, RSSoph, Soph, Sr, Sr
OL- Sr, RSSr, Soph, Sr, Soph- 8 OL return who had multiple starts last year

DE- Sr, Soph, Junior, Junior
DT- Sr, RSJr, RSSoph, Fresh, Fresh
LB- Junior, RSFr, Junior, Soph, Fresh(?)
CB- Junior, Soph, JUCO Soph, Junior
S- Sr, Sr, Soph, Soph
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#153
#153
KBVol said:
Really believe this stat from Butch is a little misleading. Consider the following....

1. Last year we had no choice but to rely on a ton of freshmen from that historic class. 21 or 22 true freshmen made starts throughout the season out of necessity. That won't be the case this year. KMac, Shuttle, maybe Richmond are the only true freshmen we're gonna need to step in and provide significant contributions. If others like Kirkland and PWill get significant time, it'll not be out of pure necessity, but rather because they're better than guys who have been in the program 2, 3, 4 years. As far as others like Kamara and Martin who "are in their first year in the program", both have significant collegiate football experience. Hell, Kamara will be eligible for the next NFL draft.

2. A lot of the guys who fall into the "only been in the program for a year" category have extensive experience now and are actually some of the better players in the conference.....Hurd, Barnett, Robertson. Others are very talented players who aren't exactly wet behind the ears coming into this season....TkJr, Berry, Wolf, Moseley, Malone. I'd even add McDowell and Gaulden based on how well they played on special teams.

3. Finally, there are upperclassmen all over the place. Look at the offensive and defensive starters and their projected backups.

QB- junior, freshman
RB- Sophomore, JUCO Sophomore
TE- Sophomore, RSSr,
WR- Sr, Jr, RSJr, RSSoph, Soph, Sr, Sr
OL- Sr, RSSr, Soph, Sr, Soph- 8 OL return who had multiple starts last year

DE- Sr, Soph, Junior, Junior
DT- Sr, RSJr, RSSoph, Fresh, Fresh
LB- Junior, RSFr, Junior, Soph, Fresh(?)
CB- Junior, Soph, JUCO Soph, Junior
S- Sr, Sr, Soph, Soph
Click to expand...

+1.

Youngest and most experienced team in the SEC. Not a bad combo.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#154
#154
appyvol said:
You are clearly underestimating Mizzou and Arkansas imo.
Click to expand...

Arkansas has a great OL and a very good pair of running backs. Tennessee however, is far superior to them on defense and has a much better QB and WR core. If Arky falls behind the Vols they will be hard pressed to catch up. I actually like Tennessee in this game. With Mizzous personnel losses they will have a very hard time matching last years production.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#155
#155
Oline will have to be significantly better for us to only drop two. That and we'll have to stay healthy. I do think we have a chance to win each game we're in which is more than I could say in previous years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#156
#156
norrislakevol said:
Arkansas has a great OL and a very good pair of running backs. Tennessee however, is far superior to them on defense and has a much better QB and WR core. If Arky falls behind the Vols they will be hard pressed to catch up. I actually like Tennessee in this game. With Mizzous personnel losses they will have a very hard time matching last years production.
Click to expand...

I agree in theory...its was last year, but if you take a look at the stats (didn't watch the game) UGA jumped all over the Hogs in the 1st half. Surprisingly, to me at least, Arks' comeback was primarily through the air and they almost caught up in that game.

Only point is (and I know the usual suspects will pine about the obviousness)...while I'm a tad concerned about their power run game, our D has to respect their ability to throw as well. Plus, the O has to stay full throttle.

In the end, I do like our chances in this game and think the Vols will pull out a hard fought victory.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#157
#157
appyvol said:
You are clearly underestimating Mizzou and Arkansas imo.
Click to expand...

Mizzou is our worst matchup in the sec. Bama is just better, and everybody else is a toss up. But if people think we don't have to worry about uf in the swamp, Spurrier wanting to end a losing streak to us, and potential injuries that most sec teams get that alter their season then our fan base is gonna implode yet again. We're a bowl team, and let's enjoy the ride and see what happens. Some of these fans ruin it with these expectations.
 
#158
#158
UT struggled mightily against a horrible Vanderbilt team at the end of the season last year, and the offensive line led the SEC in sacks given up. The starting UT quarterback has almost as many interceptions as he does TD passes.

But now, all of a sudden, UT wins 10 games?
 
#159
#159
Silence Dogood said:
UT struggled mightily against a horrible Vanderbilt team at the end of the season last year, and the offensive line led the SEC in sacks given up. The starting UT quarterback has almost as many interceptions as he does TD passes.

But now, all of a sudden, UT wins 10 games?
Click to expand...

Ever heard of a young team getting better? Perhaps actually having a healthy running back, a full compliment of WRs and more experienced and confident QB will make a big difference. Also, go back and look at Dobbs' interceptions last year....at least 3 or half of those weren't on him.

As far as the OL, recall a few years ago when our porous OL led the league in sacks allowed one year, only to make great strides/improvement the next year and cut the sack total in half.

Will UT win 10 games? I'm not banking on it, neither are 95% of the other guys on here are either. But 8 or 9? Oh yeah, that's doable given our schedule, returning starters and seasoned talent. After all, we were arguably a couple of possessions away from 8-9 wins last year.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#160
#160
Silence Dogood said:
UT struggled mightily against a horrible Vanderbilt team at the end of the season last year, and the offensive line led the SEC in sacks given up. The starting UT quarterback has almost as many interceptions as he does TD passes.

But now, all of a sudden, UT wins 10 games?
Click to expand...

And Mizzou lost to Indiana last year at home so what's your point?
 
#161
#161
volberry said:
Mizzou is our worst matchup in the sec. Bama is just better, and everybody else is a toss up. But if people think we don't have to worry about uf in the swamp, Spurrier wanting to end a losing streak to us, and potential injuries that most sec teams get that alter their season then our fan base is gonna implode yet again. We're a bowl team, and let's enjoy the ride and see what happens. Some of these fans ruin it with these expectations.
Click to expand...

Why? They have a good ground game, but will struggle through the air having to replace all their receivers again. They will not be as good on the DL either.
 
#162
#162
Butch's "64% in the program a year or less" stat is telling. I've been trying to find the other side of this particular coin, but there's actually not one. The stat is as reliable as any stat gets.

I tried the "okay, roster-wide, but what about the two-deep" angle...but it turns out that about 48% of a projected two-deep is also with the program a year or less. About half.

I tried the "but they're very experienced newer guys," and that's true as far as it goes. We probably have more experience among all "players who have been with the program a year or less" than anyone else in the country. Because we played so many true freshmen last year, primarily...plus getting an uncommon # of good transfers like Kamara and RDAIV. These counter-points don't change Butch's point, though, that they're still all pretty new to the program. They don't have the depth of experience with Butch & Co. to have the playbook and strategy and philosophy and culture oozing through their skeletal system and vital organs. There's a lot to be said for that.

So, Butch has a lot of weapons. Potent weapons. He and they just haven't had a lot of time to mature together.

If there is a single best argument against our making a championship run in 2015, this is it.

Doesn't mean we can't have a very good year, esp. by recent past standards.

Go Vols!
 
Last edited:
#164
#164
So many wildcards to consider when predicting only 2 losses. As a lifelong vol fan I have to believe it is possible and I truly hope we do. I think that Florida, Arkansas and Mizzou are all within reach. All three will represent challenges, however. Oklahoma and Georgia will be rough even with Georgia breaking in a new QB. Georgia's running game will be on par with anyone in the country. Not to mention our drought against Georgia although we have been close lately.
 
#165
#165
Eddie Vol Halen said:
Not gimmees but games we should definitely win if Butch is not our Ron Zook.

I'd agree that Arkansas should be the toughest on paper. But Bielema hasn't got the talent, and he's in his third year too and his team comes to Neyland. That's just a must win for Butch (especially given Florida last year). He needs to show that was an anomaly.

If we lose that game, I don't understand how any conclusion beyond Bielema >> Butch can be made.
Click to expand...

AGREE ONE-HUNDY
Arkansas will have a good defense and a great rushing attack but all these people fearful of them need to pump the brakes. It will be a tight game due to their ball control and time of possession, but we take them.

They deserve to get criticized now just like we did a few years ago for not getting it done on the road.

Here's a look back at Arkansas on the road in the SEC the last few years:

2014 - winless
2013 - winless
2012 - 1 win against 3-9 Auburn team
2011 - 2 wins in their 10-2 campaign - against a 6-7 Vandy team and all-time bad 2-10 Ole Miss team

I mean come on...

If Dobbs and RB's stay healthy we beat the hogs, take one of UGA, OU, and UA and sweep the rest
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#166
#166
KBVol said:
Really believe this stat from Butch is a little misleading. Consider the following....

1. Last year we had no choice but to rely on a ton of freshmen from that historic class. 21 or 22 true freshmen made starts throughout the season out of necessity. That won't be the case this year. KMac, Shuttle, maybe Richmond are the only true freshmen we're gonna need to step in and provide significant contributions. If others like Kirkland and PWill get significant time, it'll not be out of pure necessity, but rather because they're better than guys who have been in the program 2, 3, 4 years. As far as others like Kamara and Martin who "are in their first year in the program", both have significant collegiate football experience. Hell, Kamara will be eligible for the next NFL draft.

2. A lot of the guys who fall into the "only been in the program for a year" category have extensive experience now and are actually some of the better players in the conference.....Hurd, Barnett, Robertson. Others are very talented players who aren't exactly wet behind the ears coming into this season....TkJr, Berry, Wolf, Moseley, Malone. I'd even add McDowell and Gaulden based on how well they played on special teams.

3. Finally, there are upperclassmen all over the place. Look at the offensive and defensive starters and their projected backups.

QB- junior, freshman
RB- Sophomore, JUCO Sophomore
TE- Sophomore, RSSr,
WR- Sr, Jr, RSJr, RSSoph, Soph, Sr, Sr
OL- Sr, RSSr, Soph, Sr, Soph- 8 OL return who had multiple starts last year

DE- Sr, Soph, Junior, Junior
DT- Sr, RSJr, RSSoph, Fresh, Fresh
LB- Junior, RSFr, Junior, Soph, Fresh(?)
CB- Junior, Soph, JUCO Soph, Junior
S- Sr, Sr, Soph, Soph
Click to expand...

I agree with most of your post, but who were the 21 true freshmen that started?
 
#167
#167
I said off-season 9 - 3 was the FLOOR for this team. I think the first quarter of the season has proven that prediction should be right. This should be a 10 win team, but we've already lost two games we should have won, and actually, in worse fashion than the Dooley LSU and UNC games.

I said all off-season Butch had some things to prove on Saturday. Unfortunately, he proved what is past is prologue. Butch ranks with Dooley on Saturdays.

Arkansas is the measuring stick for all the wrong reasons now. Does Butch still have his team's trust? Can he learn quickly enough to beat a better Saturday coach in Bielema? Can he get Team 119 finally clicking on all cylinders? Does his offense simply beat-up on talent mismatches? Against real competition, this offense only moves when Dobbs or Hurd perform heroics.

Butch better. We lose this one, and I think a 10-win team suddenly only wins around half that. We're in a really difficult spot as Vol fans.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 people
#174
#174
Eddie Vol Halen said:
I said off-season 9 - 3 was the FLOOR for this team. I think the first quarter of the season has proven that prediction should be right. This should be a 10 win team, but we've already lost two games we should have won, and actually, in worse fashion than the Dooley LSU and UNC games.

I said all off-season Butch had some things to prove on Saturday. Unfortunately, he proved what is past is prologue. Butch ranks with Dooley on Saturdays.

Arkansas is the measuring stick for all the wrong reasons now. Does Butch still have his team's trust? Can he learn quickly enough to beat a better Saturday coach in Bielema? Can he get Team 119 finally clicking on all cylinders? Does his offense simply beat-up on talent mismatches? Against real competition, this offense only moves when Dobbs or Hurd perform heroics.

Butch better. We lose this one, and I think a 10-win team suddenly only wins around half that. We're in a really difficult spot as Vol fans.
Click to expand...

I think WAY to much is being made of the "we should be 4-0" type thinking. In reality, we have played two teams that are similar to us in terms of resources and talent. They've both made adjustments at halftime and won the second half. It's that simple really. We are 0-2 against P-5 teams.

Unknown.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#175
#175
volgrad500 said:
I think WAY to much is being made of the "we should be 4-0" type thinking. In reality, we have played two teams that are similar to us in terms of resources and talent. They've both made adjustments at halftime and won the second half. It's that simple really. We are 0-2 against P-5 teams.
Click to expand...

188 - 3.

You are what your record says you are, that's true. But this record says we have a coach who has made some epic, epic game day mistakes. You can't pi$$ away TWO double digit late 4th quarter leads without some serious problems.

The team played well enough to win both P-5 games - more than well enough.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
New Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

Advertisement



Back
Top