On the Record: Where do you stand in 2012?

Where do you think we finish in 2012?

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#1
jspvol76

jspvol76

"Flip the Switch" - CBJ
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#1
I just wanted to see where everyone stood concerning the upcoming 2012 Football season. I see three outlooks being presented throughout our fanbase. Below is some of what I have been reading on this board and hearing from speaking with fellow Vol fans.

Positive outlook - 9+ wins

Realistic outlook - 8-4

Negative outlook - 7 or less wins

Under which category do you think we will fall? Please also mention why you think this to be the case. Fans of other teams are welcome.

My personal opinion is the 8-4 category. I feel that our offense will be much improved all around. We have some serious weapons on offense, and if Hunter returns healthy we will be hard to stop. I also think our running game will improve dramatically. Just like anything else you do in life, when you put an emphasis and focus on fixing a problem, normally you see results. I think this will happen with our run game. However, on defense we will have a slow start to the season with the new scheme being implemented. I suggest we will see many growing pains this year in regards to the new coaching staff, but as the season progress we should tighten things up and finish strong.

Just my opinion, now where do you stand?
 
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#2
#2
I think we win 7 games regular season, go to the music city bowl, win it and Dools gets another year simply bc Tennessee can't afford another coaching change. Just my take on it.
 
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#3
#3
I'm gonna say 9 wins, if everyone stays healthy.. we could of hit 8 last year... Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, should of all been wins if we were healthy.
 
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#4
#4
I think 8 wins is very realistic for our schedule. The key is getting a good start to the season. If we lose to NC State or to Florida at home and the "Fire Dooley" crowd will escalate to an all time high, and may snowball from there.
 
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#8
#8
JAllen18 said:
I think 8 wins is very realistic for our schedule. The key is getting a good start to the season. If we lose to NC State or to Florida at home and the "Fire Dooley" crowd will escalate to an all time high, and may snowball from there.
Click to expand...

I agree if we win nc st and florida then we win at least 8. If weven lose 1 or both it could be a long season. We need to victories to build confidence.
 
#11
#11
Good grief, everywhere you turn it's 7 or 8 wins, lofty goals we're setting.



9+ here, I believe 10 wins should be attainable and is a reasonable bar.
 
#14
#14
If we go 8-4 then Dooley should be fired, especially if we lose the big 3 and Bray to NFL. Course if we go 8-4 then they didn't play well enough to go pro so Dooley will prob get 1 last year. Time will tell.

I only say this because our schedule is EASY.
 
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#18
#18
8-4 bc im trying not to be optimistic. It takes everything I have not to say 9-4 with a bowl win. Or maybe 9-3 and a bowl loss. To hell with it, 14-0 national champions! V, b! Boooooooom!











(For real though, I think we are outback bowl bound)
 
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#24
#24
The more I analyze the Vols versus the majority of the teams on their schedule, the more convinced I am that they will be at least 9-3. The only teams that the Vols don't match up favorably with are South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Tyler Bray was on pace to throw for over 3500 yards and 30+ until he suffered the broken thumb. The new offensive staff members and experience across the board on offense lead to a sense of optimism, particularly when judging the production that the coaches had with their prior teams. The defensive system has proven successful at both Alabama and Georgia in recent years, and the Vols appear to have the personnel to run it. The majority of the members of the #12 passing defense in the country return, and the 3-4 system lends itself to strong run defense. The change in the kickoffs will be advantageous for our kickers, and despite his struggles, Palardy has shown promise at times. We finally have the speed to be dangerous in the return game.

The Vols do have shortcomings. They are unproven from a rushing offense perspective. Without improved balance, the passing game may falter. Expectations may be too high for the newcomers in the passing game. The offensive line has yet to show the necessary push to allow for an effective rushing attack. Defensively, the majority of the personnel from the #69 rush defense also returns, which lends itself to progress, but how much remains to be seen. Punting is an ongoing challenge, and there still doesn't seem to be an answer in sight. The staff changes can either be a positive or a negative, depending on how quickly the staff gels. There has been speculation as to why so many members of the staff left, including conflicts with Dooley and the "rats jumping off a sinking ship" effect. Additionally, Dooley has yet to display sound play calling in late game situations.

I think there is reason for optimism, and I for one believe there is finally enough leadership and (hopefully) enough chemistry in the coaching staff for progress to be made. Unlike last season, the schedule is manageable and should lend itself to a high number of wins. South Carolina (and maybe Mississippi State) look like toss-ups, and while Georgia and Alabama look like sure-fire losses, the possibility exists for 10-2, which would earn Dooley coach of the year and set the Vols up as potential championship contenders in the SEC for 2013. That said, injuries, coaching follies, and lack of leadership could all derail the season and serve as legitimate concerns. The year could head down to 6-6 or worse with just a few unfortunate calls or injuries. Which one will happen? I don't have a crystal ball, so I'm not sure. I'm personally inclined to believe the Vols are back to relevance, and will be a strong team in 2012.
 
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#25
#25
JOEY'S ALL VOL !!! said:
Good grief, everywhere you turn it's 7 or 8 wins, lofty goals we're setting.



9+ here, I believe 10 wins should be attainable and is a reasonable bar.
Click to expand...

What has this team and Dooley shown that makes you think we will win 9+ games? Fan does not always = Delusional.
 
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