nicksjuzunk
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Date: Saturday, December 12th
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: Neyland West, Nashville, TN
Network: SEC
These are strange days on Rocky Top. For one thing, the Vols didn't know who or IF they would be playing on Saturday. Vanderbilt is locked in, so we have that covered. Secondly, a large portion of the fanbase not only finds themselves apathetic towards the game, but actually "anchoring down" for Vanderbilt in the hopes that a Tennessee loss would be the undeniable evidence AD Fulmer needs to move on from Pruitt. Strange times indeed.
Keys to Victory:
1. Do the Math: This isn't hard. This one of the worst Vanderbilt teams since Fulmer was using them as a cherry to top every season with a 40+ point victory. Head Coach Derek Mason will be watching the game from his recliner as he is no longer employed. Many Vanderbilt players have opted out and those who remain have nothing to play for except the joy of beating Tennessee and not going completely winless on the year. While Tennessee has had their struggles, they are heads and shoulders above Vanderbilt , even on their worst day. I would say all the Vols have to do is "show up" but we have seen Tennessee lose to Georgia State, so nothing is a given under Pruitt. Ultimately, it would take a Wyoming, post-Fulmer firing lay down for the Vols to lose, and I don't think the team has shown that they have laid down, though they have to be struggling through a lot of disappointment.
2. Gray's Big Day Out: Eric Gray had a monster game last year. Look for him to destroy Vanderbilt this week as Chaney leans more on the running game. Shrout and Bailey... whoever may start, are still trying to earn the trust of the staff and neither will be needed or required to do too much in this game. I would like Shrout to get the start to continue to build confidence and use his quick release and decision making to keep the chains moving. I am also curious to see how he does with a strong 3 quarters. Give me Bailey in the 4th.
Prediction: A disappointing Tennessee team beats a terrible Vanderbilt team with barely enough scholarship players to make it happen. It does nothing to change opinions on Pruitt, but it is always satisfying to beat Vanderbilt and we may have to wait 9-10 months to see the Vols win again, so enjoy it for what it is.
TN 38
Vandy 14
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: Neyland West, Nashville, TN
Network: SEC
These are strange days on Rocky Top. For one thing, the Vols didn't know who or IF they would be playing on Saturday. Vanderbilt is locked in, so we have that covered. Secondly, a large portion of the fanbase not only finds themselves apathetic towards the game, but actually "anchoring down" for Vanderbilt in the hopes that a Tennessee loss would be the undeniable evidence AD Fulmer needs to move on from Pruitt. Strange times indeed.
Keys to Victory:
1. Do the Math: This isn't hard. This one of the worst Vanderbilt teams since Fulmer was using them as a cherry to top every season with a 40+ point victory. Head Coach Derek Mason will be watching the game from his recliner as he is no longer employed. Many Vanderbilt players have opted out and those who remain have nothing to play for except the joy of beating Tennessee and not going completely winless on the year. While Tennessee has had their struggles, they are heads and shoulders above Vanderbilt , even on their worst day. I would say all the Vols have to do is "show up" but we have seen Tennessee lose to Georgia State, so nothing is a given under Pruitt. Ultimately, it would take a Wyoming, post-Fulmer firing lay down for the Vols to lose, and I don't think the team has shown that they have laid down, though they have to be struggling through a lot of disappointment.
2. Gray's Big Day Out: Eric Gray had a monster game last year. Look for him to destroy Vanderbilt this week as Chaney leans more on the running game. Shrout and Bailey... whoever may start, are still trying to earn the trust of the staff and neither will be needed or required to do too much in this game. I would like Shrout to get the start to continue to build confidence and use his quick release and decision making to keep the chains moving. I am also curious to see how he does with a strong 3 quarters. Give me Bailey in the 4th.
Prediction: A disappointing Tennessee team beats a terrible Vanderbilt team with barely enough scholarship players to make it happen. It does nothing to change opinions on Pruitt, but it is always satisfying to beat Vanderbilt and we may have to wait 9-10 months to see the Vols win again, so enjoy it for what it is.
TN 38
Vandy 14
