RockytopInsider "Why TN could overachieve in 2017"

[VolsnRavens]

Why Tennessee Could Overachieve In 2017 | Rocky Top Insider


Great write up and if we get some good luck, we could have a great season. Not saying world beaters. But better than some are saying.

"Many are thinking the 2017 season will be a 7-5/8-4 team at best and because of the recent dip in recruiting and departure of players to the next level, are forgetting the still deeply talented roster that the staff has built."

"This team may not be five star behind five star like Alabama, but it does have plenty of talent and with all the upgrades at coaching the 2017 Vols may have a chance to surprise some teams this season."

Go Vols!!

 

[northknoxvol]

Hopefully so..........especially if we get good QB play!

 

[05_never_again]

IMO, 8-4 would be an overachievement, yet 95% of the fanbase would see that either as no improvement or the team getting worse.

In a strict wins and losses sense 8-4 is technically no improvement from 2016, but you also have to look at the schedule and roster in 2017 relative to 2016 when making that determination.

I'm sorry to say it, but given the schedule and roster next year this team has 5 or 6 losses staring it right in the face, and if that occurred, the fanbase is not going to handle it well. If you're Butch Jones, that is not a good position to be in.

 

[Chilmonty]

This is Volnation OP, how DARE you post something remotely positive!! :blink::blink:



.

 

[DocVOLiday]

IMO, 8-4 would be an overachievement, yet 95% of the fanbase would see that either as no improvement or the team getting worse.

In a strict wins and losses sense 8-4 is technically no improvement from 2016, but you also have to look at the schedule and roster in 2017 relative to 2016 when making that determination.

I'm sorry to say it, but given the schedule and roster next year this team has 5 or 6 losses staring it right in the face, and if that occurred, the fanbase is not going to handle it well. If you're Butch Jones, that is not a good position to be in.

I'm sure some would argue that any roster problems at this point are on butch

 

[05_never_again]

I'm sure some would argue that any roster problems at this point are on butch

I'm not talking about roster "problems" per se; I'm saying that 2017's roster, on paper, looks inferior to 2016's.

That's not necessarily Butch's fault. We just lost a lot of experienced players and the guys behind them, at some positions more than others, appear to be talented but haven't played at all or haven't played much.

That's why 2016 was so disappointing because the stars were aligned in different ways (Butch's most experienced and talented team since he started, schedule was largely favorable) and they still couldn't win the East. In 2017, the stars aren't aligned like they were in 2016, yet expectations aren't going to be adjusted.

 

[OuterBanksVol]

This season reminds me of the "deflated" feeling we all had after Peyton graduated in 1997. Everyone felt like we blew our chance to win an NC, and we know how that turned out.

I'm not saying we have NC talent, but I do think we'll actually win the SEC East.

Hope springs eternal!

 

[Ericvol2096]

I've been feeling a surprise 9-3 season this year setting up big expectations again in 2018 in a deliver big results or bust season for Jones in 2018.

 

[VolsnRavens]

I'm not talking about roster "problems" per se; I'm saying that 2017's roster, on paper, looks inferior to 2016's.

That's not necessarily Butch's fault. We just lost a lot of experienced players and the guys behind them, at some positions more than others, appear to be talented but haven't played at all or haven't played much.

That's why 2016 was so disappointing because the stars were aligned in different ways (Butch's most experienced and talented team since he started, schedule was largely favorable) and they still couldn't win the East. In 2017, the stars aren't aligned like they were in 2016, yet expectations aren't going to be adjusted.

I agree last year we underachieved. I hope our defense really improves in Shoop's second year and the addition of the new coaches. On paper, we got better coaching wise. And we do have some talented players on the roster. In my opinion, this year is hard to judge. We have "on paper" an easier schedule. But so much went wrong at different times last year, it's hard to say. Gonna be another year on the edge of my seat drinking.

 

[livefaith]

What worries me about 17' ...
#1 Losing talent in several areas. (DE, QB, RB, LB, DB, PR)
#2 New staff melding properly
#3 ??

What excites me @ 17' ...
#1 Quality talent following at every position loss. Most with experience to build on.
#2 Maturity and depth across the board will be bigger, faster, stronger, smarter.
#3 Bad taste of underachievement mixed with lower expectations, coaches & players.
#4 Strengths in the trenches with healthy studs and solid depth. A Jones' 1st at UT.
#5 Hope springs eternal!

 

[orangeluvr]

Said it all along, the Vols will be better than expected , esp if we can get the pass game going. It's shaping up to be the year of the pass in the SEC. :yes:

 

[Rudy123]

Why Tennessee Could Overachieve In 2017 | Rocky Top Insider


Great write up and if we get some good luck, we could have a great season. Not saying world beaters. But better than some are saying.

"Many are thinking the 2017 season will be a 7-5/8-4 team at best and because of the recent dip in recruiting and departure of players to the next level, are forgetting the still deeply talented roster that the staff has built."

"This team may not be five star behind five star like Alabama, but it does have plenty of talent and with all the upgrades at coaching the 2017 Vols may have a chance to surprise some teams this season."

Go Vols!!

I could spin this to where we underachieve next season also.
These articles are just opinionated.

We could underachieve! (1) Hit with injuries at key positions (2) Lyle can get out coached again by Mason & Muschamp (3) Players we depend on end up not progressing this off season like we expected them to. Example: Q.B. position

 

[KBVol]

I'm sure some would argue that any roster problems at this point are on butch

If there are roster problems after 5 years and the head coach isn't responsible, who is?

 

[volnbama_]

IMO, 8-4 would be an overachievement, yet 95% of the fanbase would see that either as no improvement or the team getting worse.

In a strict wins and losses sense 8-4 is technically no improvement from 2016, but you also have to look at the schedule and roster in 2017 relative to 2016 when making that determination.

I'm sorry to say it, but given the schedule and roster next year this team has 5 or 6 losses staring it right in the face, and if that occurred, the fanbase is not going to handle it well. If you're Butch Jones, that is not a good position to be in.

The schedule is extremely favorable compared to past seasons

 

[MrVolton]

I'm not talking about roster "problems" per se; I'm saying that 2017's roster, on paper, looks inferior to 2016's.

That's not necessarily Butch's fault. We just lost a lot of experienced players and the guys behind them, at some positions more than others, appear to be talented but haven't played at all or haven't played much.

That's why 2016 was so disappointing because the stars were aligned in different ways (Butch's most experienced and talented team since he started, schedule was largely favorable) and they still couldn't win the East. In 2017, the stars aren't aligned like they were in 2016, yet expectations aren't going to be adjusted.

The 2017 roster could and should be better at OL and DB than the 2016 roster, since Sutton was really only a factor in 2 or 3 games last year. Losses at DE and offensive skill positions do stand out on paper though.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Excited about JK, O LINE with lots of experience, Jennings & Byrd, and a QB battle between a couple of highly regarded players.
Worried about depth at DT, LB, and questions that remain at the secondary. Need some players to step up on defense if we are going to "overachieve."

 

[Doberman]

If there are roster problems after 5 years and the head coach isn't responsible, who is?

But.....Dooley

 

[MrVolton]

IMO, 8-4 would be an overachievement, yet 95% of the fanbase would see that either as no improvement or the team getting worse.

In a strict wins and losses sense 8-4 is technically no improvement from 2016, but you also have to look at the schedule and roster in 2017 relative to 2016 when making that determination.

I'm sorry to say it, but given the schedule and roster next year this team has 5 or 6 losses staring it right in the face, and if that occurred, the fanbase is not going to handle it well. If you're Butch Jones, that is not a good position to be in.

8-4 would be a good accomplishment and reasonable expectation. There is a fine line between 8 wins and 7 wins, and a couple bad breaks can make the difference there. 9 wins or greater is overachieving. This is not a 6 win roster compared to schedule, and 6 wins or less should definitely be considered underachievement.

 

[Hacksaw]

I think 8-4 would be a good season, considering the strength of schedule and having a new QB. Anything beyond that will be a great achievement, IMO.

I really hope we can avoid the kinds of catastrophic injuries we endured last season.

 

[IluvdoubleD's]

Boom?









There is only one place you have to look to make or breakbthis season and it ain't the QB. They are a lot alike. It's 1000% about the line play this year. I pray these new line coaches are willing to take on the challenge.

 

[KBVol]

The schedule is extremely favorable compared to past seasons

Tough opener in Atlanta, go to Florida and Alabama, get a very talented LSU team. I agree it's not as difficult at this point on paper, and there doesn't appear to be a 4 game gauntlet like last year, but "extremely favorable" may be overstating it a bit....especially since we're gonna be a less talented, less experienced team, less proven team.

 

[BeardedVol]

Tough opener in Atlanta, go to Florida and Alabama, get a very talented LSU team. I agree it's not as difficult at this point on paper, and there doesn't appear to be a 4 game gauntlet like last year, but "extremely favorable" may be overstating it a bit....especially since we're gonna be a less talented, less experienced team, less proven team.

That's pretty much how I see it. We basically open the season with an away game against a team that runs an offense that's hard to prepare for any time much less as the opener, and breaking in a new QB in his first SEC road game at the swamp, is not going to be fun for CBJ.

 

[Iam4utalways]

What worries me about 17' ...
#1 Losing talent in several areas. (DE, QB, RB, LB, DB, PR)
#2 New staff melding properly
#3 ??

What excites me @ 17' ...
#1 Quality talent following at every position loss. Most with experience to build on.
#2 Maturity and depth across the board will be bigger, faster, stronger, smarter.
#3 Bad taste of underachievement mixed with lower expectations, coaches & players.
#4 Strengths in the trenches with healthy studs and solid depth. A Jones' 1st at UT.
#5 Hope springs eternal!

The expectation will always be the same. Give your all for Tennessee.

Let the chips fall.

I like our chances.

2017 has started great and I expect it to end with greatness as well.

 

[Rudy123]

Why Tennessee will win the SEC East in (2016)

Dobbs headed in to his senior season is a seasoned veteran who can both pass and run. The running backs have HUrd, who is on the verge of being U.T.'s all time leading rusher along with Kamara who is a versatile player. At the receiving positing, there is dependable Josh Smith along with Malone and Jennings who has the size and athleticism to be a great receiver. The offensive line should be improved from last season.

On defense, Kirkland & JRM will be the best linebacking corps in the whole SEC. Tuttle and Mck will be greatly improved and healthy. Sutton will be the leader in the secondary.
the special teams is good with Daniels as the punter.

Our schedule is favorable. Alabama is strong but Florida & Georgia have cracks on their team that we can exploit and win those games. Then South Carolina & vandy are guaranteed wins for us.

We will likely not lose any games this season against SEC East opponents..... this will send us to Atlanta for the SECCG....


NOTICE HOW NONE OF THESE PREDICTIONS HAPPENED?????? The prediction on Hurd, JRM, Kirkland were incorrect. The predictions on Tuttle & McK were wrong. Beating USC & vandy were wrong.

The point to this whole thing is that we can't predict anything because there are too many variables......

 

[Rudy123]

We were not able to predict the perfect 1998 season. We were not able to predict the 2005 debacle. We were not able to predict the 2007 season in which we took the back door to get to the SECCG. Coming off the 2007 season, with us representing the SEC East in the SECCG, and with A. Foster returning, who would have thought that we would have lost that many games??????????