1997-1998... 2017-2018

#1
CNeagleVolFan

CNeagleVolFan

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#1
In 1997 we had one of the greatest Vols ever in Peyton manning and went 10-2. Kind of like what we can do to finish out this year. Then we went into 98 with an unproven quarterback an experienced group of receivers, and experienced offensive line, etc. We go into next season with an unproven quarterback, an experienced receiving corps, and most all of our offensive line returning as well. Lots of parallels you can draw between the 2. Not saying 2018 will be line 1998, but when butch took over I set the target in my mind at 2018. I told my dad if he improves by 2 games every year then we have a chance to be really good in 2018. With more depth, more talent, and an unproven but maybe more talented quarterback we can do very good in 2018. Like I said too butch has improved 2 games every year. 5-7, 7-6, 9-4, and now hopefully 11-2 or 12-2. After this year there will surely be some adjustment for the new QB and RB's we will have, but I think with experienced lines on both sides of the ball and an experienced receiving corps that we can be even better next season. Time will ultimately tell, but I think a Gaurantano, Dormady, or Jones led team will end up being a good team. Also barring is getting Akers or not we will also have an outstanding 3 headed monster in Chandler, Kelly, and Fils-Aime. That's a good 3 back rotation. Next season can definitely be even better than this season is all I'm trying to say lol.
 
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#2
#2
well, one can only hope...right now just trying to wrap my head around this season...:peace2:...u, and, as always...

GO VOLS...GET WELL SOON!
 
#3
#3
CNeagleVolFan said:
In 1997 we had one of the greatest Vols ever in Peyton manning and went 10-2. Kind of like what we can do to finish out this year. Then we went into 98 with an unproven quarterback an experienced group of receivers, and experienced offensive line, etc. We go into next season with an unproven quarterback, an experienced receiving corps, and most all of our offensive line returning as well. Lots of parallels you can draw between the 2. Not saying 2018 will be line 1998, but when butch took over I set the target in my mind at 2018. I told my dad if he improves by 2 games every year then we have a chance to be really good in 2018. With more depth, more talent, and an unproven but maybe more talented quarterback we can do very good in 2018. Like I said too butch has improved 2 games every year. 5-7, 7-6, 9-4, and now hopefully 11-2 or 12-2. After this year there will surely be some adjustment for the new QB and RB's we will have, but I think with experienced lines on both sides of the ball and an experienced receiving corps that we can be even better next season. Time will ultimately tell, but I think a Gaurantano, Dormady, or Jones led team will end up being a good team. Also barring is getting Akers or not we will also have an outstanding 3 headed monster in Chandler, Kelly, and Fils-Aime. That's a good 3 back rotation. Next season can definitely be even better than this season is all I'm trying to say lol.
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Maybe. We can also get worse if Jones and his staff don't fix obvious problems.
 
#4
#4
UT went 11-2 in 97. 10-1 in the regular season. This is not a realistic comparison. The talent difference between Butch's future squads vs. what UT had going on in the late 90s is huge. Plus, I just don't see UT ever beating Bama as long as Saban is coach there.
 
#5
#5
Can we STOP with the comparisons? Please. Let the 2017-18 Vols be the 2017-18 Vols.

Why are we looking to next year when we have 5 games left too?
 
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#6
#6
Burger said:
Maybe. We can also get worse if Jones and his staff don't fix obvious problems.
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Nothing about these numbers suggest that this has been the case:

2013 Tennessee 5 7 0 .417 4.29 8.37
2014 Tennessee 7 6 0 .538 8.13 5.52 TaxSlayer Bowl-W
2015 Tennessee 9 4 0 .692 13.94 3.10 25 22 22 Outback Bowl-W
2016 Tennessee 5 2 0 .714 31.93 28.64 9 9
Click to expand...
 
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#7
#7
CNeagleVolFan said:
In 1997 we had one of the greatest Vols ever in Peyton manning and went 10-2. Kind of like what we can do to finish out this year. Then we went into 98 with an unproven quarterback an experienced group of receivers, and experienced offensive line, etc. We go into next season with an unproven quarterback, an experienced receiving corps, and most all of our offensive line returning as well. Lots of parallels you can draw between the 2. Not saying 2018 will be line 1998, but when butch took over I set the target in my mind at 2018. I told my dad if he improves by 2 games every year then we have a chance to be really good in 2018. With more depth, more talent, and an unproven but maybe more talented quarterback we can do very good in 2018. Like I said too butch has improved 2 games every year. 5-7, 7-6, 9-4, and now hopefully 11-2 or 12-2. After this year there will surely be some adjustment for the new QB and RB's we will have, but I think with experienced lines on both sides of the ball and an experienced receiving corps that we can be even better next season. Time will ultimately tell, but I think a Gaurantano, Dormady, or Jones led team will end up being a good team. Also barring is getting Akers or not we will also have an outstanding 3 headed monster in Chandler, Kelly, and Fils-Aime. That's a good 3 back rotation. Next season can definitely be even better than this season is all I'm trying to say lol.
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I like where you're going with this. The further along this season comes, the more confidence I have in Team 121.
 
#9
#9
Buster1972 said:
I just don't see UT ever beating Bama as long as Saban is coach there.
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Um.... last year, AT bama, with a less talented team than this year (though not injured and coming off a bye,) we had them beat with 2 mins to go in the game. Saban is a great coach, but not invincible.

AV
 
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#11
#11
There is no comparison between the talent on the 97 Vols team and the talent returning for the 2017 team. The 97 & 98 teams were loaded with size, speed, strength and talent on the offensive and defensive lines. None of the returning linemen (offensive or defensive) for next year would start for the 97-98 teams. The teams of the late 90s were more talented at every position than the current Tennessee teams.

Some tried to point this out before this season but the hype was out of control. The 2016 team does not have any where close to the talent of the UT teams of the late 90s. In fact, when injuries are considered, the talent on this team has overachieved to be where they are.
 
#12
#12
I think, during the bye-week especially, it's great to always be looking ahead.

Look at the '98 schedule games 1-7 gauntlet, and think what it took to get through that with plenty of gas remaining -- and then think what it took to win out in games 12-13.

Look at our 2017 schedule. The wins should be there / that's a favorable schedule.
 
#13
#13
The big difference in comparing these teams was the flipped schedule. The 97 team was at Fla and Bama and 98 team hosted Fla and Bama. The 2016/2017 teams are flipped.
 
#14
#14
The problem for CBJ is Saban. As long as he is there we may win the east but we will have 1 or maybe 2 automatic loss3s to Bama every year.

So 11-1 plus a loss in the SECCG may be Butchy boys ceiling.
 
#15
#15
If we have 50 injuries next year it's not going to matter. I truly think if we were healthy THIS year, we would be 6-1 with a closer loss to Alabama, with playoffs in the picture.
 
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#16
#16
Aerie Vol said:
Um.... last year, AT bama, with a less talented team than this year (though not injured and coming off a bye,) we had them beat with 2 mins to go in the game. Saban is a great coach, but not invincible.

AV
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Not sure about the less talented part. Less experienced maybe, but I think the players regressed or were utilized ineffectively.
 
#17
#17
Even with all our injuries against aTm we would have WON that game easily without all the turnovers.

Next year I believe our passing will be better especially the long balls to stretch the field.

Right now I'm just hoping we can heal up, get our younger players coached up more and WIN out the rest of the regular season so at least we can play in the SEC Championship game like Team 120 deserves.

Grind it out and WIN boys!

VFL...GBO!!!
 
#18
#18
In 1972, our record was 10 -2 but in 1973 our record was 8 - 4. Just because one season we did well has not bearing on the next season.
2007, we made it to the S.E.C. Championship game. 2008, we lost to Vandy & Wyoming.
I am POSITIVE that we have had losing seasons and the following year did a complete turn around.
One season has no bearing on the other season.
 
#19
#19
I'm definitely not comparing these teams talent wise. I'm just comparing them results wise which if you look at the record of the 97 team, and then the record this team should finish with. They'll end up comparable if we finish like we should. The guys in the trenches next season, and the receiving corps will be very experienced. Then you add in Marquez callaway and Tyler Byrd in their second season and I think next year could be very good for us. I am not counting out that Kamara or Hurd will be coming back either. If Hurd doesn't improve then I think he could return to help his draft stock. If the season ended today id say he is a 4th round pick at best. Then Kamara will stay around the 3rd or 4th round. Add in that you will be adding Chandler, Coleman, and possibly Akers with Kelly and Fils-Aime at the very least and we have a very deep good backfield still. Next year can be just as good or better than this season if we finish the way we should this season. I can't help but look to the future guys, because here in the next 1-3 years I want to be in those playoffs. And I'm not counting us out this year! Beat Bama or A&M in the championship game and finish the season 5-0 and it at least puts us in the conversation. I'm just a very hungry Tennessee fan and most of our fanbase is. I want to be in that top 4, and I do firmly believe Butch will do whatever it takes to get us there(minus cheating I hope lol).
 
#20
#20
Aerie Vol said:
Um.... last year, AT bama, with a less talented team than this year (though not injured and coming off a bye,) we had them beat with 2 mins to go in the game. Saban is a great coach, but not invincible.

AV
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almost don't count. When it became go time. They made the plays to win.
 
#21
#21
MWAVolfan said:
The problem for CBJ is Saban. As long as he is there we may win the east but we will have 1 or maybe 2 automatic loss3s to Bama every year.

So 11-1 plus a loss in the SECCG may be Butchy boys ceiling.
Click to expand...

Hate to say it, but Kiffen (if he stays) strongly suggested that he is Shoop's kryptonite in the last effort. I know..I know...injuries played a part as well.

However, I think Kiffen is headed to LSU.
 
#22
#22
billford said:
almost don't count. When it became go time. They made the plays to win.
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LOL. Who said almost counted? The prevailing attitude on here is that Saban is invincible. He has had exactly ONE undefeated season at bama. And we "almost" beat him last year on his turf. It's not an automatic loss to them every year. That's my only point.

AV
 
#23
#23
Record comparison is not good to do. The 98 squad had a defense that was good enough to stop anybody plus depth. Not to mention our runningbacks henry, Jamal lewis and top notch 3rd stringer stephens.

Not even close. If this team went undefeated it still would not match the 98 team talent wise
 
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