Phil Steele: Tennessee is a National Title Contender

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

And I don't feel the need to focus on one class. It's a combination of three or four that's why they out talent us.

I'm focusing on that class to counter the argument that because Alabama's 2014 class was rated #1 its necessarily better than our #5 ranked class that same year.

I have never said our entire ROSTER is more talented than Alabama. I've only said our starting 22 is more talented. Primarily because our starting 22 is made up of 2014 and 2015 recruits.

We kind have put all our eggs in the 2014 and 2015 recruiting classes. Which is why 2016 is so important. If we can't break out this year, we never will.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Oh good lord. If you're going to bring luck into the conversation this is a whole different ball game.

And I mean Alabama was not just a lucky team last year. They were a juggernaut. Like chargervol said you can attribute their only loss to luck as well. They steamrolled LSU, and pretty much every opponent from that point forward. It wasn't until the National Title game that anyone was able to compete with them.

We led them with less than 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter.

 

[BeecherVol]

See Charger, your problem is you rely on stats way too much. Those numbers get in the way of my intuition and gut feeling.

-D4H

Thats a lot of film to watch.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

CLemson:
2011 10-4, won ACC title game, won BCS bowl
2012 11-2, Beat LSU in Peach Bowl
2013 11-2, Beat Ohio St. in BCS bowl
2014 10-3, beat Ok in Citrus bowl
2015, 14-1, won ACC title, play off game, national runner up.

OU
2011: 10-3 beat Iowa in Fiesta bowl
2012: 10-3 Lost Cotton bowl
2013: 11-2 beat Alabama BCS bowl
2014: 8-5, lost to clemson Citrius bowl
2015: 11-2, won Big 12, play off appearance

USC
2011: 10-2, no post season
2012: 7-6 lost sun bowl
2013: 10-3 lost Las Vegas bowl
2014: 10-4, won Holiday Bowl
2015: 8-6, lost Pac 12 title game, lost holiday bowl

Clemson, 56 wins in the last 5 years. (11 w/year)
OU 50 wins in the last 5 years (10w/year)
USC 45 wins in the last 5 years. (9 w/year)

Clemson plays in the ACC. Oklahoma plays in the Big 12.

Next.

 

[VOL 4 Life 83]

I'm focusing on that class to counter the argument that because Alabama's 2014 class was rated #1 its necessarily better than our #5 ranked class that same year.

I have never said our entire ROSTER is more talented than Alabama. I've only said our starting 22 is more talented. Primarily because our starting 22 is made up of 2014 and 2015 recruits.

We kind have put all our eggs in the 2014 and 2015 recruiting classes. Which is why 2016 is so important. If we can't break out this year, we never will.

But that's the thing. It doesn't just take 22 players to win games. It takes solid players in the 2 deep that are just as capable on the field as the starters, which keeps your stud guys fresh the entire season. Not to mention solid contributors on special teams.

Bama, FSU, and OSU have 4/5 stars all over their rosters that make up the majority of the 2 deep, not just the 22 guys. We aren't quite there yet. Can we win? Yes, I believe so. But it's gonna take solid efforts and contributions from more than just 22 guys.

 

[VOL 4 Life 83]

Clemson plays in the ACC. Oklahoma plays in the Big 12.

Next.

Um, did you not read the teams that Clemson and OU have beaten?

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Yeah, honestly I was surprised anyone would try and defend D4H and his claims. But, I would rather be proven wrong and celebrate a natty this time next year.

And even if we did win a natty, it's still hard to quantify who the more talented team is and the best player, etc. because it's many times such a subjective argument.

NFL Draft will determine that. Look no further than Ohio State having 5 guys taken in the FIRST ROUND compared to Alabama's 1.

If we have more players drafted in 2017 and 2018 than any other team in the country, you'll know we had the most talented team in 2016.

 

[jakez4ut]

And I don't feel the need to focus on one class. It's a combination of three or four that's why they out talent us.

agreed.

Oh good lord. If you're going to bring luck into the conversation this is a whole different ball game.

And I mean Alabama was not just a lucky team last year. They were a juggernaut. Like chargervol said you can attribute their only loss to luck as well. They steamrolled LSU, and pretty much every opponent from that point forward. It wasn't until the National Title game that anyone was able to compete with them.

we competed with them last year. and i swear i saw us kick 3 FG, and score 2 TD....which had we made the FG....we win the game.

the scary part about Bama is this...while we, and Clemson, both "competed" with them...Bama proved they could win either type of game....grind out a win in a slug fest against TN, and go toe to toe in a shootout.

this just in...they're really good.

 

[jakez4ut]

Clemson plays in the ACC. Oklahoma plays in the Big 12.

Next.

stay on point. that's not what you said. you said Clemson was a one hit wonder and OU only wins every now and then.

pick a point, stick to it.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Um, did you not read the teams that Clemson and OU have beaten?

I don't put much stock in bowl games. All I know is in the regular season, Clemson consistently lost to FSU and South Carolina most of the last 5 years. Those were the only 2 tough games on their schedule typically.

Oklahoma plays in the Big 12 that is just dreadful. They should've lost to us badly. We gave that game away.

 

[BeecherVol]

stay on point. that's not what you said. you said Clemson was a one hit wonder and OU only wins every now and then.

pick a point, stick to it.

10 and 11 wins isn't every now and then?

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

stay on point. that's not what you said. you said Clemson was a one hit wonder and OU only wins every now and then.

pick a point, stick to it.

Clemson lost 2-4 games every year till last year. I don't know about you but losing 2 or more game while playing an ACC schedule is EMBARRASSING.

Same with Oklahoma losing 2-5 games in the Big 12.

Those are dreadful results given the competition.

 

[jakez4ut]

USC? Oklahoma? Clemson?

The only programs with 3-4 straight top 5 recruiting are Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, and LSU.

Those are the teams that have perenial top 5 classes and are built to contend every year.

USC has lost 5-6 games the last few years. Oklahoma is Dr. Jeckyl/Mr. Hyde. They contend one year and are garbage the next. Clemson is really a one year wonder. And I attribute that to the brilliance of Deshaun Watson. Lets see if they're still beating FSU without him.

Clemson plays in the ACC. Oklahoma plays in the Big 12.

Next.

I don't put much stock in bowl games. All I know is in the regular season, Clemson consistently lost to FSU and South Carolina most of the last 5 years. Those were the only 2 tough games on their schedule typically.

Oklahoma plays in the Big 12 that is just dreadful. They should've lost to us badly. We gave that game away.

Clemson lost 2-4 games every year till last year. I don't know about you but losing 2 or more game while playing an ACC schedule is EMBARRASSING.

Same with Oklahoma losing 2-5 games in the Big 12.

Those are dreadful results given the competition.

getting in to a debate with you is like watching a cat chase that lazer dot on the floor...the target keeps moving.

when you decide what point you want to stand up and take, let me know and we'll get back to it.:hi:

 

[jakez4ut]

10 and 11 wins isn't every now and then?

i dunno. it's like talking in circles.:blink:

 

[TheMookieMonster]

We led them with less than 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter.

Yeah, I also was referring from the point from LSU onwards. They played LSU after us. So reading context is very important. Something you lack.

And also, FYI, starters aren't the only reason teams are good. Just because we have a great starting 22 doesn't mean we have the depth to deal with them quite yet. We are getting very close though.

I mean look at GSW. They have been heads and shoulders better than every team this year because their second unit has arguably been as good, if not better, than most starting 5's in the NBA. Depth is everything. The starters aren't the only players.

 

[VOL 4 Life 83]

Going back to the OP, IMO, yes we are a national title contender.

We have most of the pieces in place to make a run, a solid senior QB, excellent backfield and a really good DC that has gobs of talent to work with.

The only thing that will get in the way is ourselves. A natty is there for the taking, but it ain't gonna be easy.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

agreed.
we competed with them last year. and i swear i saw us kick 3 FG, and score 2 TD....which had we made the FG....we win the game.

the scary part about Bama is this...while we, and Clemson, both "competed" with them...Bama proved they could win either type of game....grind out a win in a slug fest against TN, and go toe to toe in a shootout.

this just in...they're really good.

Should have been more clear I guess, my apologies. I was referring to the fact that from our game onward, they looked like a juggernaut and no one could compete with them. They wiped the floor with LSU and MSU.

With the exception of our game and the Ole Miss game, Bama was head and shoulders above everyone all year long up to the NC game and the fact D4H was calling them "not a juggernaut" was just ridiculous.

 

[jakez4ut]

Should have been more clear I guess, my apologies. I was referring to the fact that from our game onward, they looked like a juggernaut and no one could compete with them. They wiped the floor with LSU and MSU.

With the exception of our game and the Ole Miss game, Bama was head and shoulders above everyone all year long up to the NC game and the fact D4H was calling them "not a juggernaut" was just ridiculous.

the bye week for them last year was huge. different team came back after the break. they looked more like the team that kicked the crap out of GA...

 

[jakez4ut]

Going back to the OP, IMO, yes we are a national title contender.

We have most of the pieces in place to make a run, a solid senior QB, excellent backfield and a really good DC that has gobs of talent to work with.

The only thing that will get in the way is ourselves. A natty is there for the taking, but it ain't gonna be easy.

so it's possible...and we're capable....i agree. we'll see if it happens.

 

[Backwards K]

Butch has proven he can build a program and he's proven that he can come up with a game plan to match even the top coaches. However, he has not proven that he can make the in game adjustments and decisions to win the biggest of games. Hopefully, he can prove that this year.

 

[jakez4ut]

Butch has proven he can build a program and he's proven that he can come up with a game plan to match even the top coaches. However, he has not proven that he can make the in game adjustments and decisions to win the biggest of games. Hopefully, he can prove that this year.

agreed.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

the bye week for them last year was huge. different team came back after the break. they looked more like the team that kicked the crap out of GA...

Yeah it was pretty crazy. They were just on another level after the bye week. I finally thought last year was going to be LSU's time to beat them and continue their ascent to Atlanta. Boy was I wrong. Fournette was punched in the mouth from the start and the LSU offense never got it rolling.

 

[TrueOrange]

I don't put much stock in bowl games. All I know is in the regular season, Clemson consistently lost to FSU and South Carolina most of the last 5 years. Those were the only 2 tough games on their schedule typically.

And they played Notre Dame.

And that home and home with Georgia.

And the three seasons in a row they played Auburn.

Oklahoma plays in the Big 12 that is just dreadful. They should've lost to us badly. We gave that game away.

It's not like they've had to play really good TCU, Baylor, and Oklahoma State teams the last few years along with playing us, FSU and Notre Dame or anything.

 

[chargervol]

getting in to a debate with you is like watching a cat chase that lazer dot on the floor...the target keeps moving.

when you decide what point you want to stand up and take, let me know and we'll get back to it.:hi:

Those are all great examples, now add
" the only reason we lose to Florida is because they have more Talent."
"The only reason we lose to Florida is because of choke Jones"

And
" Alabama doesn't have any talent left to compete with us"
"Go back and look at the great plays last year and see how many were made by freshman from Alabama"

And just for the heck of it

" that's because I try to watch all football not just Tennessee"
" well I don't really watch a team, unless the team is doing great"

It's just getting boring now.

 

[utvolpj]

-15-0 and national champions
-anything less than 15-0 and a natty is a disappointment and failure
-Dobbs is the best QB in the country and a sure fire first round pick.
-Hurd is the best RB in the country and the best RB in Tennessee history.
-we're the most talented team in the country, in particular we're more talented than Alabama and Ohio State

There's 5 recent infamous D4H statements....what about or which one of those statements isn't/aren't ridiculous? The only one I wouldn't call necessarily ridiculous is that we can go 15-0 and win a natty. While it's very unlikely and a reach its not necessarily "ridiculous", but it doesn't miss by much.

A couple of those are simply fan predictions so calling him ridiculous on those is weak. I also don't have any issues with the assessment of Hurd from a UT fan either. He's as complete a back as there is when all things are equal

Also, I just spot checked your 3rd point from a post in this very thread

We might not have the most first rounders in 2017. I got Dobbs, Hurd, Sutton, and Barnett as first rounders right now. Dobbs is a wildcard. He could fall out. And if he does, 3 first rounders might not be good enough for most in the country.

But continue to derail threads and call him out on his "facts" with your crew. Really entertaining for everyone else who has to wade through it