2017 will be better than 2016

#26
#26
JohnMcA60 said:
HB worries me the most. Hopefully Kelly and Fils-aime contribute that year for us.
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I think our offense will go to the air more when Dormady takes the reins.

All of our RB's can catch out of the backfield.

We could be a Juggernaut in 2017.

2016 will be much like 2015 except we should close out those close games more often.

I see us winning a lot of close games.

In 2017 i see a lot of games not being close...
 
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#29
#29
LittleVol said:
I think our offense will go to the air more when Dormady takes the reins.

All of our RB's can catch out of the backfield.

We could be a Juggernaut in 2017.

2016 will be much like 2015 except we should close out those close games more often.

I see us winning a lot of close games.

In 2017 i see a lot of games not being close...
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How is 2016 gonna be like 2015 but we're gonna be juggernauts in 2017?

In 2016 we lose Hurd, Barnett, Dobbs, Sutton, JRM, and Kamara. That's our 6 best players from last season.

You don't just lose your 6 best players and get much better.

Only way we're juggernauts in 2017 is if we're just as good in 2016.
 
#30
#30
Every year from here on is SEC Title or bust. That's the goal once the talent is in place. This year is going to be special though.
 
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#31
#31
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
In 2016 we lose Hurd, Barnett, Dobbs, Sutton, JRM, and Kamara. That's our 6 best players from last season.

You don't just lose your 6 best players and get much better.
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This.

I think its clear the coaching staff are targeting next year as a go-for-broke championship run. That's why we're still signing so many JUCOs in this recruiting class - we're sacrificing long-term depth for players able to contribute immediately. Buckle your seatbelt everybody, this year will be a wild ride...
 
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#32
#32
Volsick said:
Every year from here on is SEC Title or bust. That's the goal once the talent is in place. This year is going to be special though.
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Compete for it every year yes. I'd say the standard beginning next year would be to compete for the East Division every year. That puts you in the game in Atlanta which is the goal. We are there. Actually one play away last year but considering things like true freshman on both lines and Jumper on the field at MLB during the two meltdowns, we weren't there yet. Every year moving fwd we should be able to replace talent with talent and I don't expect much of a drop off. Especially once the Defense and O lines are fully stocked two deep and five classes of guys. In 17 we lose 6 guys that are big impact guys but return 3 DL plus Phillips, 2 of 3 LB, 3 of 4 DB, entire OL, and Malone, Preston, J Smith, Calloway, Higgins, Wolf etc. JG should be an upgrade at QB but if he gets beat out by one of the other two that means that guy really rose to the occasion which is self explanatory, we will be good. Hurd will be hard to replace, he is special, but with more balance on O and a veteran line it won't be a liability at all. May not be better in 17 but the dark days are over that's for sure.
 
#33
#33
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
How is 2016 gonna be like 2015 but we're gonna be juggernauts in 2017?

In 2016 we lose Hurd, Barnett, Dobbs, Sutton, JRM, and Kamara. That's our 6 best players from last season.

You don't just lose your 6 best players and get much better.

Only way we're juggernauts in 2017 is if we're just as good in 2016.
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Really

Losing
Peyton Manning, (Best ever)
Leonard Little, (best LB?)
Terry Fair, (best CB)
Marcus Nash (best wr)
Trey Teague (best OL)
Johnathan Brown (best DL)

Really destroyed us in 1998 didn't it???

Interesting what we're losing from a position standpoint is similar to what we lost in 1997...
How were we better in 1998 than in 1997???

EXPERIENCE + TALENT

Yes we will better in 2017. That is the year you will finally see all the WR talent used to it's potential. Plus it will be Shoop's second unit.

And again, will be good enough to be in the Playoffs in 2016
 
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#34
#34
AboveAllNations said:
This.

I think its clear the coaching staff are targeting next year as a go-for-broke championship run. That's why we're still signing so many JUCOs in this recruiting class - we're sacrificing long-term depth for players able to contribute immediately. Buckle your seatbelt everybody, this year will be a wild ride...
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No.

We will be in the discussion EVERY year, not just in 2016...
 
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#35
#35
LittleVol said:
No.

We will be in the discussion EVERY year, not just in 2016...
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Absolutely.

I honestly don't know which year, 2016 or 2017, will be better. We have an all-star cast right now. But we have an all-star cast right behind them, too, some just aren't as well known yet.

From this point on, every year is a potential championship year for the Vols.

Let's enjoy them one at a time, secure in the thought that there's always another great year coming after. That's what it means for Tennessee football to be back where it belongs.
 
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#36
#36
LittleVol said:
Really

Losing
Peyton Manning, (Best ever)
Leonard Little, (best LB?)
Terry Fair, (best CB)
Marcus Nash (best wr)
Trey Teague (best OL)
Johnathan Brown (best DL)

Really destroyed us in 1998 didn't it???

Interesting what we're losing from a position standpoint is similar to what we lost in 1997...
How were we better in 1998 than in 1997???

EXPERIENCE + TALENT

Yes we will better in 2017. That is the year you will finally see all the WR talent used to it's potential. Plus it will be Shoop's second unit.

And again, will be good enough to be in the Playoffs in 2016
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This may be heresy, but I don't actually think the 13-0 1998 team was better than the 11-2 1997 team. Luckier, yes. That 1998 team needed a 4th down pass interference call against Syracuse and a miraculous fumble from Clint Stoehner to get the National Championship game, where it faced a mediocre backup quarterback making his third (and final) career start. Do you honestly think Tee Martin's 1998 team would beat Peyton Manning's 1997 team on a neutral field?

Similarly, I don't think a 2017 Tennessee team without Dobbs, Hurd, Kamara, Barnett, JRM, and Cam Sutton beats a 2016 team with those players. Rationally, 2016 gives us a better chance to win an SEC / National Championship than 2017. And, unlike in 1998, the rest of the SEC East should be much better than in 2017 than it was the year before (2016 will be a down year for UGA and FLA in particular).
 
#37
#37
AboveAllNations said:
This may be heresy, but I don't actually think the 13-0 1998 team was better than the 11-2 1997 team. Luckier, yes. That 1998 team needed a 4th down pass interference call against Syracuse and a miraculous fumble from Clint Stoehner to get the National Championship game, where it faced a mediocre backup quarterback making his third (and final) career start. Do you honestly think Tee Martin's 1998 team would beat Peyton Manning's 1997 team on a neutral field?

Similarly, I don't think a 2017 Tennessee team without Dobbs, Hurd, Kamara, Barnett, JRM, and Cam Sutton beats a 2016 team with those players. Rationally, 2016 gives us a better chance to win an SEC / National Championship than 2017. And, unlike in 1998, the rest of the SEC East should be much better than in 2017 than it was the year before (2016 will be a down year for UGA and FLA in particular).
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Defense and a little luck yes was the difference, forgotten here was we also lost Lewis to injury in 98. So yea this is a great example actually of how to not overlook 17 because of losing some guys after 16.
 
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#38
#38
LittleVol said:
No no no.

In fact a lot of people have been focusing as 2016 being THE year. Some contesting that it is the ONLY shot we have of winning a Championship until Florida get's up to strength (which they will)

See the numerous threads about in this forum.

This whole thread was/is to show that NOW moving forward...every year is a potential championship season. Not just 2016, but 2017 and probably 2018 and 2019...

2016 should be very special.
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I agree, we are about to go on a run of successful seasons. I just want to fully enjoy 2016 and not overlook it as we begin something special.
 
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#39
#39
AboveAllNations said:
This may be heresy, but I don't actually think the 13-0 1998 team was better than the 11-2 1997 team. Luckier, yes. That 1998 team needed a 4th down pass interference call against Syracuse and a miraculous fumble from Clint Stoehner to get the National Championship game, where it faced a mediocre backup quarterback making his third (and final) career start. Do you honestly think Tee Martin's 1998 team would beat Peyton Manning's 1997 team on a neutral field?

Similarly, I don't think a 2017 Tennessee team without Dobbs, Hurd, Kamara, Barnett, JRM, and Cam Sutton beats a 2016 team with those players. Rationally, 2016 gives us a better chance to win an SEC / National Championship than 2017. And, unlike in 1998, the rest of the SEC East should be much better than in 2017 than it was the year before (2016 will be a down year for UGA and FLA in particular).
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Yes. They were a totally different team in 1998. Without Peyton they totally retooled the offense to better suit Tee's strengths and made them much tougher up front. Peyton's the greatest (possibly ever), but Martin's strengths added a dimension that was pretty integral to our success that season. Plus, we became a different team with Al Wilson as our leader on defense and Peerless as our premier WR on offense. Had Fulmer RSd either player instead of using them sparingly as freshmen then we would've been repeat champs in 1999. We didn't have a suitable replacement for either, despite the wealth of talent at all the other positions.
 
#41
#41
However, to me the OP is trying to say that once those guys leave in 2017, the cupboards are far from being bare. To me that is huge. 2016 should be great, and has potential to be memorable, but it's not their only shot. In fact, I think QB could actually improve with a more accurate passer who has had time to sit in the oven and bake. Not taking away from Dobbs at all, but it will just add another dimension to the mix.
 
#42
#42
LittleVol said:
Really

Losing
Peyton Manning, (Best ever)
Leonard Little, (best LB?)
Terry Fair, (best CB)
Marcus Nash (best wr)
Trey Teague (best OL)
Johnathan Brown (best DL)
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Yeah but we replaced most of them with better talent in 1998. Fulmer's reliance on playing seniors actually hurt them.

-Peyton (no argument, but one could make the argument that we wouldn't have won the NC without the change in philosophy that Tee brought. Randy Sanders failed to learn this and it ultimately cost him his job.
-Leonard Little (Al Wilson was a better MLB when they moved him inside. Little was much better as a DE, which is where he played in the NFL)
-Terry Fair (Dwayne Goodrich was better and would've had a long NFL career if not for personal demons).
-Marcus Nash (in the lead WR spot, Peerless was better and played in a pro bowl, then was derailed by being the top target of Michael Vick. Nash was a bust who like Joey Kent, was a product of his QB)
-Trey Teague (Chad Clifton and Cosey Coleman were better)
-Brown (another NFL flameout. Sean Ellis was better).
 
#43
#43
AboveAllNations said:
This may be heresy, but I don't actually think the 13-0 1998 team was better than the 11-2 1997 team. Luckier, yes. That 1998 team needed a 4th down pass interference call against Syracuse and a miraculous fumble from Clint Stoehner to get the National Championship game, where it faced a mediocre backup quarterback making his third (and final) career start. Do you honestly think Tee Martin's 1998 team would beat Peyton Manning's 1997 team on a neutral field?

Similarly, I don't think a 2017 Tennessee team without Dobbs, Hurd, Kamara, Barnett, JRM, and Cam Sutton beats a 2016 team with those players. Rationally, 2016 gives us a better chance to win an SEC / National Championship than 2017. And, unlike in 1998, the rest of the SEC East should be much better than in 2017 than it was the year before (2016 will be a down year for UGA and FLA in particular).
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A lot of valid points you are making.

1997 was a more talented team. But 1998 had better balance and chemistry.
And Tee Martin and his running ability..

Had Tee played in the Orange Bowl against Nebraska, it might have been a different game. Might have...
 
#45
#45
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
How is 2016 gonna be like 2015 but we're gonna be juggernauts in 2017?

In 2016 we lose Hurd, Barnett, Dobbs, Sutton, JRM, and Kamara. That's our 6 best players from last season.

You don't just lose your 6 best players and get much better.

Only way we're juggernauts in 2017 is if we're just as good in 2016.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind, Jones/staff were admittedly very surprised by '016's rushing totals/success (from 3/6 or 1/2 of your list)-- IE, we ended where we did (offensively) based on lower staff expectations. Future surprises may likely come from the passing game. Your expectations for '017 are low (lower than others'), which is fine by me, as good results will come by the next men up in strong-foundationed Program.
 
#46
#46
LittleVol said:
Lets's look at the O-Line
LT RS Soph Richmond
LG SR Roberson
C SR Thomas
RG JR Jack Jones
RT JR Chance Hall (Veteran battled tested line)

QB JR Dormady
if he's hurt Guarantano and Jones are more dangerous with the running element. No drop off.

RB SR Hurd
If not John Kelly and Joe Young are talented
Not to mention Possibly having TY Chandler

WR JR Preston Williams
WR JR Jennings
WR SR Malone
WR RS SR Josh Smith
WR FR Tee Higgins
(Vincent Perry and Cory Henderson will also be in the mix)

(Once again, battle tested talent)

TE SR Wolf.... This area may be some concern. Creamer needs to show something. Brooks will have had a year to heal.

DE JR Kyle Phillips
DT JR Khalil McKienzie
DT JR Shy Tuttle
DT SR Vickers/ Johnson
DE SR Mixon or So Taylor, RS SO Butcher

(once again veteran battle tested talent)

OLB JR Austin Smith
MLB JR Darrin Kirkland
OLB RS So Sapp

(Once again talented experience) And what we don't have in experience we will have in talent and age at LB
SR McDowell
RS JR Elliot Berry
RS JR Dillon Bates

FS SR Todd Kelly JR
SS SR Evan Berry or JR Griffin
NB RS JR Gualden or SO Osborne
CB SR Martin
CB SR Moseley or SO Callaway, SO Osborne, SR Henderson

Not mention JR Micah Abernathy or SO Warrior.

One freshman will see the field that year...
So DESPITE the invalidated notion that 2016 is Championship or bust.
The roster says different
Also the 2017 recruiting class could be the best of in 20 years!

So...We are set for a run, imo for the next 5 years. Competing for championships for the next 5 years.
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I don't see the greatest athlete in Alabama, TaDarryl Marshall, on your list....................oh yeah, forgot
 
#48
#48
Here is the real question. Will Butch finally have more wins in a season in his 5th year than McElwain had in his 1st?
 
#49
#49
AboveAllNations said:
This may be heresy, but I don't actually think the 13-0 1998 team was better than the 11-2 1997 team. Luckier, yes. That 1998 team needed a 4th down pass interference call against Syracuse and a miraculous fumble from Clint Stoehner to get the National Championship game, where it faced a mediocre backup quarterback making his third (and final) career start. Do you honestly think Tee Martin's 1998 team would beat Peyton Manning's 1997 team on a neutral field?

Similarly, I don't think a 2017 Tennessee team without Dobbs, Hurd, Kamara, Barnett, JRM, and Cam Sutton beats a 2016 team with those players. Rationally, 2016 gives us a better chance to win an SEC / National Championship than 2017. And, unlike in 1998, the rest of the SEC East should be much better than in 2017 than it was the year before (2016 will be a down year for UGA and FLA in particular).
Click to expand...

The 1995 team was pretty good as well. To me that is my favorite team.
 
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