Trust me that this year is a building year for a national title run in 2 to 3 years.
I trust you
... you aren't trying to date my daughter are you?
I think they'll have talent for the next couple of years also... but I don't think this year is a write off. UT is in at least as good of shape as UGA and UF. USC is the only team with significantly more experience returning in the east. The monster defense in the SEC is probably LSU again... and UT doesn't play them while UF does.
The two teams that I believe will be the toughest in the east both come to K'ville. I know everyone else in the world thinks Meyer walks on water and that UF will win the east... but I truly think that any team that replaces its starting QB, top RB, top 2 WR's, and 10 starters on defense is going to struggle in the SEC.
The D-Line does not have enough experience,
They return 2 starters and two good back ups at DE plus the two primary back ups at DT. Mapu was a 5* recruit that was fulfilling potential when he left for missions. There is little depth there though.
neither do the Db's besides Hefney.
True... but they probably have more talent than any Vols secondary I've seen since I've been watching them. The physical specs on McKenzie look like he was cut out of the Landry mold. Berry managed to look like a man amongst boys at the Army game last year. Willingham was outstanding in JUCO. Several other guys have shown they can play.
They aren't proven but the cupboard isn't empty either.
Offensively, the Vols are also very young. The WR's are so young, as well as the o-line.
True. But the OL is very talented. McNeil has the potential to be one of the best centers to ever play in the SEC. They are bigger and more athletic than the UT lines over the last 5-6 years. They also return 9 lettermen if I remember right. UF I think returns 8 and... UGA will probably start a true freshman.
Ther is too much youth on this team to compete for a national title.
There isn't too much to get there though... and what happens then can largely be effected by the experience gained during the season.
This year's team will be lucky to win 9.
I can see how they could stumble to a 7 or 8 win season. I can see how they can win 10+, the SEC, and go BCS. There are reasons for optimism and pessimism depending on your inclination... but as far as what they have returning, I think their in better shape than UF and at least equal to UGA. USC comes back with the best experience but maybe not quite as much talent.
In a couple of years though, watch out, we will be absurdely talented and experienced.
To play the devil's advocate, UGA and UF won't be standing still and neither will USC. I think LSU and Auburn fade a bit. Arkansas might rise if they resolve the soap opera. I think Bama will make the greatest gains which is bad for UT since they're on the schedule every year and UF doesn't have them next year... I can't remember about UGA right off the top of my head.
