So, I was thinking today that we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the season--Tennessee has the ability to outperform last year.
1. Offense
I find it hard to believe that whether Sims or Bray is the starting quaterback, that either one of them will be worse than Crompton was during the first half of last season. The offensive line wasn't exactly a strong point at the start of last season. While it will take some time for the guys to gel this year, I think that they will be okay. Everyone knows the story in the backfield. As far as our receiving corps goes, we have two seniors starting, plus Teague who got experience last year and Stocker (who is NFL caliber). Two years ago we saw what freshmen receivers can do (see Julio Jones and AJ Green), hopefully Da'Rick and Hunter can be half as productive as freshmen.
If Chaney was a big part of the offense last year, I'm confident that he will have the guys ready. Plus, this will be Chaney's second year calling his system at UT. All of last year's guys know the system, regardless of whether they actually got on the field last year or not.
2. Defense
Last year's injuries may turn out to be a blessing. The front seven should be much improved this year. Sure, we lost big Dan, but we will have more depth overall in the front seven; especially, if some DTs come to play this season. Most of our DBs saw the field last year too. Having Janzen quarterbacking the secondary will be great. I can't forget Justin Wilcox calling the shots. Monte had to adapt to the college game, whereas Wilcox knows nothing else. His schemes looked solid at Boise St. He's beaten the spread and old-school offenses. He'll have those guys ready to play, no doubt.
3. Special Teams
Michael . . . Palardy!!!
Now, am I saying that we will win 8 games? No. But, I don't think its out of the question. The defense and running game will have to carry us through the first 4 or 5 games, but I think we will be alright. Who thought we would have even had a shot at 9-10 wins last year?
Go Vols!!!:rock:
1. Offense
I find it hard to believe that whether Sims or Bray is the starting quaterback, that either one of them will be worse than Crompton was during the first half of last season. The offensive line wasn't exactly a strong point at the start of last season. While it will take some time for the guys to gel this year, I think that they will be okay. Everyone knows the story in the backfield. As far as our receiving corps goes, we have two seniors starting, plus Teague who got experience last year and Stocker (who is NFL caliber). Two years ago we saw what freshmen receivers can do (see Julio Jones and AJ Green), hopefully Da'Rick and Hunter can be half as productive as freshmen.
If Chaney was a big part of the offense last year, I'm confident that he will have the guys ready. Plus, this will be Chaney's second year calling his system at UT. All of last year's guys know the system, regardless of whether they actually got on the field last year or not.
2. Defense
Last year's injuries may turn out to be a blessing. The front seven should be much improved this year. Sure, we lost big Dan, but we will have more depth overall in the front seven; especially, if some DTs come to play this season. Most of our DBs saw the field last year too. Having Janzen quarterbacking the secondary will be great. I can't forget Justin Wilcox calling the shots. Monte had to adapt to the college game, whereas Wilcox knows nothing else. His schemes looked solid at Boise St. He's beaten the spread and old-school offenses. He'll have those guys ready to play, no doubt.
3. Special Teams
Michael . . . Palardy!!!
Now, am I saying that we will win 8 games? No. But, I don't think its out of the question. The defense and running game will have to carry us through the first 4 or 5 games, but I think we will be alright. Who thought we would have even had a shot at 9-10 wins last year?
Go Vols!!!:rock:
