Nnnnnnnnno, Kirby. UF? Puleeez! I sorta'do and sorta' don't go along with your hypothesis overall, but you're apparently expecting the gayduhs to overachieve exponentially. I'm tossing that one out figuring you may have been hung over or something when you posted that. Not sure about all 6 of those others winding up ahead of UT (BTW, you left out tOSU and popular choice UM). Why? Concerning those other teams you and I mentioned, you're leaving out the fact that a growing number of 5*s and noteworthy 4*s won't sign with anybody until the drama's reached its pinnacle, which will occur on NSD. That's next February. We've got to consider those teams' records at season's end to determine if most of those other 8 programs are indeed more likely to sign higher ranked rosters than UT. I'd say throw out half of them just on that criteria. Don't you think the Vols will win...say...at least 10 games? 9 just wouldn't cut it and 10 possibly would be close...barring at least the SECC. We've got to also consider the earlier signees naturally levitating toward the teams which are getting lots of attention throughout the season...looking hot and being hyped....you know...glam programs of the moment. If our Vols make an impressive mark on those first half-dozen games, then let's figure at least 2 of those 5*s will be coming on board prior to the USCjr game, with an additional handful of 4*s...collectively some time before season's end; even more with an SECe banner in December. Those current 3*ish commits will become more and more nervous as the season progresses (gradually being pared off), provided the Vols are notably impressive at least up to the bammer game. I don't read minds other than my own, but mine tells me a lower than #8 ranking should indicate more than a pair of Ls are on the record by that point. Finally: I don't hold faith in the mindset that gobs and gobs of 5*s are necessary for NCs, but the mere fact that a program can attract the most coveted players out there highlights those most desirable programs which are inviting them to join. IE it's a true luxury to cherry pick through nothing but the most-likely-to-succeed crowd. Butch is a clean closer and if Shoop's D becomes the orange swarm that's being predicted and if DeBord's fast and physical offense meets its expectations as a terrifying juggernaut for DCs, then we can/should expect no worse than a #5 composite ranking on NSD. Let's never forget: At the end of the day...winning championships trumps all else. AMIRIGHT?