6 - 6 is not enough

[Eddie Vol Halen]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

 

[OrangeByBirth]

With a 6-6 record, the bowl game will be the deciding point between a winning and losing season. I don't want another losing season for a millennium or so.

 

[MedicT]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

Nice drama but this bowl game will be just another step toward rebuilding the program. Try to enjoy it.

 

[YankeeVol]

A winning record would be nice

 

[ItsAllVols]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

Offense staff doesn't play a down, we knew these guys was going to be in-season learning so why at the end of the season do we think they should be ready for the NFL. It took 3 + years for our last freshman group to mature, and it will be the same here.

LT we are playing a Guard
RT we are playing a 1 leg LT
Center we are playing 2nd game starter
RG is a true Freshman
LG is playing his 1st full year

They are working against Red shirt Seniors, Seniors and Juniors for the most of the year.

Big difference getting an OL in the weight room to stop the punch and maintain their feet and balance...its one of the toughest positions on the field.

You have inside gap, outside gap and bull rush to defend and it maintain your feet.

 

[Fijivol72]

I love the fight in this team. The growth is all over the field with offensive line exception. When I think of AJ quilt or innocent he hurt his teammates not being there and distraction wise. Dobbs came off the bench stone cold and saved our season. We kept yelling for a QB who could run and his runs saved us. We lose last night without him. So let's recap, lose our qb, running back, mlb, center, all American wr, 3 other wide outs, and you are griping? Take a hike and think it over.

 

[TVA]

6-6 is too tall.

 

[lovavol]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

duh

 

[mreorange]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

What ?

 

[volguy27]

To me 6-6 is a damn record this yr could be better… .but damn ppl be thankful for a bowl.. Its like damn if u do and damn if u dont…jus relax and enjoy the upcoming bowl. #GBO. #BOWLBOUND. #F.THE NEGAVOLS

 

[508mikey]

OP - posting while drunk once again

 

[GoVolunteers]

I am thrilled about going to a bowl. I think 6-6 is what 99% thought was doable for us. We had many injuries and made many freshman mistakes but we pulled it out. Let's just enjoy going to a bowl. I realize many aren't happy because we didn't go undefeated... I for one am a happy 6-6 Vol fan... Ready to buy my bowl ticket and travel and will leave that game happy regardless.

 

[biggestvols]

I'm good with 6-6. I am starting to have a few questions about the offensive play calling. But 7-6 is ok. This team has been fun to watch. Much more competitive than the last 2 years. I don't care what anyone says, watching your team play tough and be in the game in the 4th quarter is fun. Georgia and FL were heartbreakers but good games.

 

[OrangeYankee]

6-6 is what I predicted early in the year and 6-6 is enough. Yes, I'm frustrated with the offensive side of the ball, and I've vented a few times against the coach. However, one of Butch's qualities that is actually a good one, loyalty, will come into play here. Barring a HC position coming open and taking a coordinator, I know that everyone will be back next year. I also know that there were a ton of physical deficiencies at the foundation of the offense, and we will not know exactly how well this offense clicks until that is shored up. However, if the OL comes out next year in the same shape they are in this year, yes I'm calling foul on the staff. Or, if the OL is improved and I still play calls that make this casual football guy go , then I will be doing the same with Baj as well.

 

[madbamahater]

I think everyone agrees that last year was pretty much a write off for Butch coming in after the Dooley mess.

This year, was year one. Had it's moments. Certainly had it's pitfalls. Was a good indicator of where UT really is and the work bUTch has cut out for him. Hope he keeps this incoming class together. Again, we will be young in '15. Tons of freshmen will have to play. But, a lot more depth. The two defensive tackles have to come in and be immediately effective.

Another tall task ahead for bUTch!

5-7 would have been devastating for me had they lost to vandie. But, that didn't happen. Vandie is awful, the Vols aren't good.....but they gritted out a win on the road under pressure and the defense saved the day yet again.

The most important thing is the extra practices this winter. That usually doesn't matter. But for young players, it can be huge......

 

[TulsaVol]

Glad they finally made it to 6-6. Bowl game will be nice even if it's a crappy one but I still have to say I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I was listening to the game and even the announcers were commenting on how bad both teams looked.

 

[gunner]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

6-6 is acceptable this season but not next year or the following year. 8 wins is the minimum next year 9-10 the following years.

 

[fade route]

The season is NOT over and that feels damn good. It's been over before December for far too long. This day has been the start of off-season threads for far too many seasons.

At the beginning of the season, I said 6 - 6 was not enough. This young Tennessee team should be ready to manhandle another non-SEC 0.500 team in the bowl game if we are on the right trajectory. Although the path to 6 - 6 was more tortuous than we imagined, we are there and we still have a chance to prove we can be a contender.

Today was hot garbage, but between our injuries and the loss of AJ, and the inconsistency any team playing this many freshman will have -- eeking out a win even against Vandy is critically important.

Right now, Butch and co still have big questions to answer going into Year Three (especially his Offensive coaching staff). I really see this bowl game as a "past is prologue" moment. Can we fix what is clearly broken on the team with 15 practices? Will we come out hungry and confident? Will we look like a prepared team with a clear identity?

Make no mistake, this is a huge bowl game for Tennessee. This is a clear inflection point. We still have a lot of questions surrounding Team 118, and this bowl game is going to shine a spotlight on the answers for years to come.

A "past is prologue" moment? Wut?

 

[VolFanHenry]

I'm just going to enjoy that we're going to a bowl game this year. That is a nice change.

 

[orange parmejohn]

Glad they finally made it to 6-6. Bowl game will be nice even if it's a crappy one but I still have to say I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I was listening to the game and even the announcers were commenting on how bad both teams looked.

A team full of almost high school age kids, with no depth and less than 10 combined starts on either line, with the hardest schedule in the nation and a truckload of key injuries fought tooth and nail to reach their goal of a bowl game and you can't find any optimism?

 

[volfan2024]

Offense staff doesn't play a down, we knew these guys was going to be in-season learning so why at the end of the season do we think they should be ready for the NFL. It took 3 + years for our last freshman group to mature, and it will be the same here.

LT we are playing a Guard
RT we are playing a 1 leg LT
Center we are playing 2nd game starter
RG is a true Freshman
LG is playing his 1st full year

They are working against Red shirt Seniors, Seniors and Juniors for the most of the year.

Big difference getting an OL in the weight room to stop the punch and maintain their feet and balance...its one of the toughest positions on the field.

You have inside gap, outside gap and bull rush to defend and it maintain your feet.

Thanks. Nice info.

 

[VolFootballlover]

What's scary is Butch is defending his offense and saying its a process that works. It clearly is too predictable.we must take a step forward on offense.Other teams will upgrade talent and coaches.we must do the same

 

[Advol]

OK, I get it. 6-6, 7-5 is around what was expected.
Butt the newsmedia is waaaaay overkilling this. If you pick up the Newsless today you would think we are going to the Super Bowl. The only positive is the additional practice time for these young men.
I wonder how many of the Sheep will actually show up to "the" Bowl.

 

[calban]

I'm optimistic about this defense.
Can't wait to see Kahlil and Barnett playing together.

 

[Doyle Hargraves]

OK, I get it. 6-6, 7-5 is around what was expected.
Butt the newsmedia is waaaaay overkilling this. If you pick up the Newsless today you would think we are going to the Super Bowl. The only positive is the additional practice time for these young men.
I wonder how many of the Sheep will actually show up to "the" Bowl.

.