SEC East...what about the schedules?

[jakez4ut]

obviously a lot is being discussed about what we should accomplish this year based on who's returning, where we get FL and Bama and the general not so warm and fuzzy feelings people seem to have about the SEC East. ipso, facto, Tennessee is the favorite.

ok, i get it.

i haven't heard or seen much discussed about the schedules of the 3 contenders...we all know TN's road. the 4 game gauntlet...FL, @UGA, @aTm, Bama...then we settle in to the KY, Vandy, MO, USC segment. which should be workable. it's that early 4 game stretch that will define the season....right?

let's compare that to UGA and FL's road to Atlanta....
UGA's schedule i think on the whole is a tad easier. the bad news for them....they have a 5 game SEC stretch....@ MO, @Ole MIss, TN, @ SC, Vandy...now, it's not who they play, but where....3 out of 4 road games to start SEC play. and we're sandwiched between two of them. who has it rougher? us with VT and FL before UGA or them with @MO and @ Ole miss? push? idk?

UGA then has the rest of it's SEC east schedule including the annual @ JAX and then home for Auburn. how many SEC losses do you see realistically? if i'm a GA fan, the season probably comes down to TN, @ ole miss, FL and Auburn. they lose at least 2 of these 4.

FL's road...they open SEC play against KY in week 2. then they are off on a stint of games that will test the gators as well. @TN, @Vandy, LSU, MO...then a buy. shapes up pretty well...obviously TN and LSU present the challenge, but their schedule is broken up quite nicely. after the bye, they go to JAX, then go to ARK, and finish up SEC play at home against USCe. they don't have a gauntlet part of the schedule. the closest thing they will have is the back to back UGA/ARK game.

and their ooc is a joke, aside from the annual FSU game.

so, as i look at the schedules, i think FL has the easiest road by far, followed by UGA, and then TN. i think TN and UGA's schedules are really close....but TN has it's annual West against Bama and goes to aTm, which is tougher than any road game either GA or FL will face (aside from coming to KNO for FL)

so long story short, while i think we definitely have a team capable of winning the East, i think the lesson here is don't ...i repeat...do not let it come down to hoping one of the other teams loses that 3rd game. we need to take care of business and control what we can control. b/c the other two teams could find themselves in a play in game in November just because of how their schedules align.

 

[TAF]

Come ON September 3rd!!!!

 

[TNnative]

obviously a lot is being discussed about what we should accomplish this year based on who's returning, where we get FL and Bama and the general not so warm and fuzzy feelings people seem to have about the SEC East. ipso, facto, Tennessee is the favorite.

ok, i get it.

i haven't heard or seen much discussed about the schedules of the 3 contenders...we all know TN's road. the 4 game gauntlet...FL, @UGA, @aTm, Bama...then we settle in to the KY, Vandy, MO, USC segment. which should be workable. it's that early 4 game stretch that will define the season....right?

let's compare that to UGA and FL's road to Atlanta....
UGA's schedule i think on the whole is a tad easier. the bad news for them....they have a 5 game SEC stretch....@ MO, @Ole MIss, TN, @ SC, Vandy...now, it's not who they play, but where....3 out of 4 road games to start SEC play. and we're sandwiched between two of them. who has it rougher? us with VT and FL before UGA or them with @MO and @ Ole miss? push? idk?

UGA then has the rest of it's SEC east schedule including the annual @ JAX and then home for Auburn. how many SEC losses do you see realistically? if i'm a GA fan, the season probably comes down to TN, @ ole miss, FL and Auburn. they lose at least 2 of these 4.

FL's road...they open SEC play against KY in week 2. then they are off on a stint of games that will test the gators as well. @TN, @Vandy, LSU, MO...then a buy. shapes up pretty well...obviously TN and LSU present the challenge, but their schedule is broken up quite nicely. after the bye, they go to JAX, then go to ARK, and finish up SEC play at home against USCe. they don't have a gauntlet part of the schedule. the closed thing they will have is the back to back UGA/ARK game.

and their ooc is a joke, aside from the annual FSU game.

so, as i look at the schedules, i think FL has the easiest road by far, followed by UGA, and then TN. i think TN and UGA's schedules are really close....but TN has it's annual West against Bama and goes to aTm, which is tougher than any road game either GA or FL will face (aside from coming to KNO for FL)

so long story short, while i think we definitely have a team capable of winning the East, i think the lesson here is don't ...i repeat...do not let it come down to hoping one of the other teams loses that 3rd game. we need to take care of business and control what we can control. b/c the other two teams could find themselves in a play in game in November just because of how their schedules align.

The biggest glaring omission to your post is this; How many of the teams you discussed returns a proven starter at QB? Not Bama. Not A&M. Not Georgia. Not Florida. Tennessee does.

The question is can Dobbs be the passing threat we need him to become? On D, our secondary, backers, and front line seem primed to dominate. Special teams looks promising. On Offense, there is plenty of confidence in our running game, and the linemen who will lead the way. TEs look good as well.

The concern is consistency in the medium to long range passing game. I have rewatched several games from last year, and still try to be confident that area will be what we need it to be. To make a serious run at a SEC conference title, Tennessee needs to reclaim the WRU moniker. And that will mean Dobb's accuracy gets dialed in tight. But if it isn't, I hope someone with the last name of Dormady, Jones, or Gaurantano can prove they can do what he can't.

For the first time in a very long time, Tennessee holds it's own destiny in it's hands. As to the opposition, I will worry about them only on their respective weeks.

 

[jakez4ut]

The biggest glaring omission to your post is this; How many of the teams you discussed returns a proven starter at QB? Not Bama. Not A&M. Not Georgia. Not Florida. Tennessee does.

The question is can Dobbs be the passing threat we need him to become? On D, our secondary, backers, and front line seem primed to dominate. Special teams looks promising. On Offense, there is plenty of confidence in our running game, and the linemen who will lead the way. TEs look good as well.

The concern is consistency in the medium to long range passing game. I have rewatched several games from last year, and still try to be confident that area will be what we need it to be. To make a serious run at a SEC conference title, Tennessee needs to reclaim the WRU moniker. And that will mean Dobb's accuracy gets dialed in tight. But if it isn't, I hope someone with the last name of Dormady, Jones, or Gaurantano can prove they can do what he can't.

For the first time in a very long time, Tennessee holds it's own destiny in it's hands. As to the opposition, I will worry about them only on their respective weeks.

no, nothing was omitted, that wasn't the topic.... as i stated, in the thread

obviously a lot is being discussed about what we should accomplish this year based on who's returning, where we get FL and Bama and the general not so warm and fuzzy feelings people seem to have about the SEC East. ipso, facto, Tennessee is the favorite.

ok, i get it.

i haven't heard or seen much discussed about the schedules

and by virtue of the title "what about the schedules?".....it was not meant to discuss personnel....but the....schedules....:salute:

 

[Neyland Law Vol]

I agree OP that we have the hardest road of the three SEC East title contenders. I worry about us getting really up from beating UF and then having to go TO UGA six days later. If TN wins that UF game Knoxville will be wild, and it will be really hard for a bunch of 18-21 year olds to get re-focused for what will likely be a much more difficult game on the road against UGA.

Thus, I think that part of our schedule is bad for us. Then we obviously have the hardest west draw having to face the defending national champion, 6 straight #1 recruiting classes, Bama team.

I worry that just a loss to UGA (due to having a hard time getting up after a UF win) and a loss to Bama, would be enough to allow UGA to win the EAST.

UGA would own the tiebreaker and if they beat us its hard to find three additional losses on their schedule.

Thus, given the way the schedules shake out I would give UGA as good a chance as the vols to win the EAST.

 

[OrngeChkrboardVFL]

I agree OP that we have the hardest road of the three SEC East title contenders. I worry about us getting really up from beating UF and then having to go TO UGA six days later. If TN wins that UF game Knoxville will be wild, and it will be really hard for a bunch of 18-21 year olds to get re-focused for what will likely be a much more difficult game on the road against UGA.

Thus, I think that part of our schedule is bad for us. Then we obviously have the hardest west draw having to face the defending national champion, 6 straight #1 recruiting classes, Bama team.

I worry that just a loss to UGA (due to having a hard time getting up after a UF win) and a loss to Bama, would be enough to allow UGA to win the EAST.

UGA would own the tiebreaker and if they beat us its hard to find three additional losses on their schedule.

Thus, given the way the schedules shake out I would give UGA as good a chance as the vols to win the EAST.

I think the opposite, respectfully. I think if we beat UF, the players will have the taste of blood in their mouth and will be gunning for UGA immediately. I believe the fans might still be in a hungover state but the players will be very ready.

 

[Boca Vol]

jake,

I wouldn't call UF's OOC a joke when our "hard" OOC game is a "neutral" site game vs. VT.

A lot of fans dismiss the annual FSU/ UF game because it's every year.

 

[Madscientistvol]

I think the opposite, respectfully. I think if we beat UF, the players will have the taste of blood in their mouth and will be gunning for UGA immediately. I believe the fans might still be in a hungover state but the players will be very ready.

I think it will really start with Virginia Tech. Winning big on that big of a venue will be a huge high to start on.

 

[Lawrence Wright]

jake,

I wouldn't call UF's OOC a joke when our "hard" OOC game is a "neutral" site game vs. VT.

A lot of fans dismiss the annual FSU/ UF game because it's every year.

In order for UF's schedule to be universally accepted as challenging, we must do the following...

- Flip UT and FSU on the schedule (to appease UT fans)
- Add Miami every year (to appease Miami fans and guarantee their stadium sells out once every other year)
- Move the UGA game to home-and-home (to appease UGA fans who claim playing in Jacksonville favors UF)
- Schedule an OOC opponent outside the state of Florida, every year, preferably a Top 15 team from a Power 5 conference (to appease fans like the OP who don't consider playing FSU every year to be all that significant)

 

[Neyland Law Vol]

I think the opposite, respectfully. I think if we beat UF, the players will have the taste of blood in their mouth and will be gunning for UGA immediately. I believe the fans might still be in a hungover state but the players will be very ready.

I hope you are correct! I've just seen it happen so much in CFB - a team gets a big win against a rival, then flubs the following week - especially when that next game is on the road against a team you beat the year before. Recall 2001 as a great example - beat #2 UF then lose to a 3 loss LSU team the following week (who we beat earlier in the year).

I also think UGA will be gunning for us since we beat them last year. Plus they blame us (wrongfully) for Chubs injury, and he will likely be wanting revenge against us.

It sets up as a trap game.

 

[Neyland Law Vol]

In order for UF's schedule to be universally accepted as challenging, we must do the following...]

- Flip UT and FSU on the schedule (to appease UT fans)
Yes this should happen
- Add Miami every year (to appease Miami fans and guarantee their stadium sells out once every other year)
This would be a cool series
- Move the UGA game to home-and-home (to appease UGA fans who claim playing in Jacksonville favors UF)
Seems fair
- Schedule an OOC opponent outside the state of Florida, every year, preferably a Top 15 team from a Power 5 conference (to appease fans who don't consider playing FSU every year to be all that significant)

If your not going to Add Miami, it would be nice to see UF play someother Power 5 school every now and then - and while your at it - schedule that other Power 5 school before the UT game

 

[LA Vol]

The schedule sets up best for UGA, IMO. The Dawgs get the Vols at home, while UF comes to Neyland and the Vols go to Athens. The UGA crowd will be loud, obnoxious and out for blood-- they inexplicably, idiotically insist that the Vols intentionally went for Chubb's knee, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

 

[Neyland Law Vol]

The schedule sets up best for UGA, IMO. The Dawgs get the Vols at home, while UF comes to Neyland and the Vols go to Athens. The UGA crowd will be loud, obnoxious and out for blood-- they inexplicably, idiotically insist that the Vols intentionally went for Chubb's knee, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

Agreed.

 

[DocVOLiday]

no, nothing was omitted, that wasn't the topic.... as i stated, in the thread
and by virtue of the title "what about the schedules?".....it was not meant to discuss personnel....but the....schedules....:salute:

TNnative just got schooled in wireless

 

[Lawrence Wright]

- Flip UT and FSU on the schedule (to appease UT fans)
Yes this should happen
- Add Miami every year (to appease Miami fans and guarantee their stadium sells out once every other year)
This would be a cool series
- Move the UGA game to home-and-home (to appease UGA fans who claim playing in Jacksonville favors UF)
Seems fair
- Schedule an OOC opponent outside the state of Florida, every year, preferably a Top 15 team from a Power 5 conference (to appease fans who don't consider playing FSU every year to be all that significant)
Not every year, but would be nice every now and then for UF to try an OCC out of Florida

No, flipping UT and FSU shouldn't happen. In-state rivalries end the CFB season, and it's not our fault yours is Vandy and ours is coming off a national title and CFP appearance over the past 3 years.

Miami needs us more than we need them, period. We're playing them in Orlando in 2019, and we're also playing what will likely be a loaded Michigan squad in 2017 at Jerry World.

UGA fans loved the Cocktail Party in Jax every year up until 1990. Now it's some huge advantage for UF to play in front of 40,000 UF fans, while UGA only gets to play in front of 40,000 of their fans. It's totally unfair.

You won't see UF schedule a home-and-home anytime soon with a Texas or Ohio State as long as FSU is on the schedule every year. The degree to which people discount FSU on our schedule every year is laughable.

 

[Neyland Law Vol]

No, flipping UT and FSU shouldn't happen. In-state rivalries end the CFB season, and it's not our fault yours is Vandy and ours is coming off a national title and CFP appearance over the past 3 years.

Miami needs us more than we need them, period. We're playing them in Orlando in 2019, and we're also playing what will likely be a loaded Michigan squad in 2017 at Jerry World.

UGA fans loved the Cocktail Party in Jax every year up until 1990. Now it's some huge advantage for UF to play in front of 40,000 UF fans, while UGA only gets to play in front of 40,000 of their fans. It's totally unfair.

You won't see UF schedule a home-and-home anytime soon with a Texas or Ohio State as long as FSU is on the schedule every year. The degree to which people discount FSU on our schedule every year is laughable.

I didn't know about that game with Michigan in 2017. Is that to start the season?

 

[Lawrence Wright]

I didn't know about that game with Michigan in 2017. Is that to start the season?

Affirmative.

Florida to Face Michigan in 2017 Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium - Florida Gators

 

[TUSKtimes]

I hope you are correct! I've just seen it happen so much in CFB - a team gets a big win against a rival, then flubs the following week - especially when that next game is on the road against a team you beat the year before. Recall 2001 as a great example - beat #2 UF then lose to a 3 loss LSU team the following week (who we beat earlier in the year).

I also think UGA will be gunning for us since we beat them last year. Plus they blame us (wrongfully) for Chubs injury, and he will likely be wanting revenge against us.

It sets up as a trap game.

Tenn has really been in the wilderness. The question is, are any of the vol's opponents going to be top 10 when you get there? Getting past a top 10 team early or late on the schedule has been impossible for almost the last decade.

 

[VolFootballIsLife]

I agree OP that we have the hardest road of the three SEC East title contenders. I worry about us getting really up from beating UF and then having to go TO UGA six days later. If TN wins that UF game Knoxville will be wild, and it will be really hard for a bunch of 18-21 year olds to get re-focused for what will likely be a much more difficult game on the road against UGA.

Thus, I think that part of our schedule is bad for us. Then we obviously have the hardest west draw having to face the defending national champion, 6 straight #1 recruiting classes, Bama team.

I worry that just a loss to UGA (due to having a hard time getting up after a UF win) and a loss to Bama, would be enough to allow UGA to win the EAST.

UGA would own the tiebreaker and if they beat us its hard to find three additional losses on their schedule.

Thus, given the way the schedules shake out I would give UGA as good a chance as the vols to win the EAST.

I agree with most of this. I don't think getting up to play UGA will be an issue but it is, no doubt, a must win and I don't believe the fans are talking enough about this game.

For the reasons you mentioned above, a loss here and any other SEC loss will be hard to overcome. As always , beat UF and UGA and you're in the drivers seat.

Any other SEC loss will be easier to overcome. The UGA game might be for all the marbles!

 

[GBO97]

Tenn has really been in the wilderness. The question is, are any of the vol's opponents going to be top 10 when you get there? Getting past a top 10 team early or late on the schedule has been impossible for almost the last decade.

Because the garbage teams of the Kiffin, Dooley, and early Butch years have anything to do with our 2016 team. Smh

 

[TUSKtimes]

Because the garbage teams of the Kiffin, Dooley, and early Butch years have anything to do with our 2016 team. Smh

But an interesting reminder that the SEC schedule really demands we beat top 10 teams to get through Atlanta. Everyone has to go the long way.

 

[KBVol]

Because the garbage teams of the Kiffin, Dooley, and early Butch years have anything to do with our 2016 team. Smh

You're right. And Bama and Clemson finishing as last year's #1 and #2 teams has absolutely nothing with most preseason projections having them as....#1 and #2 going into this season.

 

[jakez4ut]

In order for UF's schedule to be universally accepted as challenging, we must do the following...

- Flip UT and FSU on the schedule (to appease UT fans)
- Add Miami every year (to appease Miami fans and guarantee their stadium sells out once every other year)
- Move the UGA game to home-and-home (to appease UGA fans who claim playing in Jacksonville favors UF)
- Schedule an OOC opponent outside the state of Florida, every year, preferably a Top 15 team from a Power 5 conference (to appease fans like the OP who don't consider playing FSU every year to be all that significant)

the fact you can rattle off that list ought to tell you something.....and not sure where Miami fits in, since y'all don't play them very often, not sure a 1x in 5 years qualifies?? but whatever.

FL GA USCe lean on that ACC instate rivalry a lot. and it does prevent you from crossing borders to play big games. kudos on the michigan game in Dallas.

and while FSU is obviously not a pushover ooc, it is a game we get to see every year, so yeah, maybe we are desensitized to it.

when is the last time FL left the state for a big OOC game?

as for the GA game, it's in JAX, that's an hour from Gainesville, and 5 hours from Athens....

you gotta admit, things set up for FL's schedule pretty nicely. you don't have any super tough stretches in conf play, and other than FSU, the ooc is a joke.

Umass, Presbyterian and N. Texas...FL plays 3 games outside of FL...@tn, @vandy and @Ark.

sorry, you just can't tell me that i'm supposed to feel bad because you play FSU?

the FL schedule is just easier. and if for no other reason, that's why they have a shot to get to ATL.

 

[99gator]

the fact you can rattle off that list ought to tell you something.....and not sure where Miami fits in, since y'all don't play them very often, not sure a 1x in 5 years qualifies?? but whatever.

FL GA USCe lean on that ACC instate rivalry a lot. and it does prevent you from crossing borders to play big games. kudos on the michigan game in Dallas.

and while FSU is obviously not a pushover ooc, it is a game we get to see every year, so yeah, maybe we are desensitized to it.

when is the last time FL left the state for a big OOC game?

as for the GA game, it's in JAX, that's an hour from Gainesville, and 5 hours from Athens....

you gotta admit, things set up for FL's schedule pretty nicely. you don't have any super tough stretches in conf play, and other than FSU, the ooc is a joke.

Umass, Presbyterian and N. Texas...FL plays 3 games outside of FL...@tn, @vandy and @Ark.

sorry, you just can't tell me that i'm supposed to feel bad because you play FSU?

the FL schedule is just easier. and if for no other reason, that's why they have a shot to get to ATL.

Ya think? They're only the winningest program in college football in the last 30 years, damn near averaging 10 wins a season in that time span.

People can spin this stuff all they like.

I don't have a problem with Tennessee's schedule. It's the same as most other schools. One OOC challenge, 3 cupcakes, and the conference schedule.

I just don't want to hear this utter and complete nonsense that playing an unranked UCLA (or whoever) on the road, a game where the two teams don't even care about one another is as difficult as playing #4 Florida State in Tallahassee when the two teams can't stand one another.

 

[Iam4utalways]

obviously a lot is being discussed about what we should accomplish this year based on who's returning, where we get FL and Bama and the general not so warm and fuzzy feelings people seem to have about the SEC East. ipso, facto, Tennessee is the favorite.

ok, i get it.

i haven't heard or seen much discussed about the schedules of the 3 contenders...we all know TN's road. the 4 game gauntlet...FL, @UGA, @aTm, Bama...then we settle in to the KY, Vandy, MO, USC segment. which should be workable. it's that early 4 game stretch that will define the season....right?

let's compare that to UGA and FL's road to Atlanta....
UGA's schedule i think on the whole is a tad easier. the bad news for them....they have a 5 game SEC stretch....@ MO, @Ole MIss, TN, @ SC, Vandy...now, it's not who they play, but where....3 out of 4 road games to start SEC play. and we're sandwiched between two of them. who has it rougher? us with VT and FL before UGA or them with @MO and @ Ole miss? push? idk?

UGA then has the rest of it's SEC east schedule including the annual @ JAX and then home for Auburn. how many SEC losses do you see realistically? if i'm a GA fan, the season probably comes down to TN, @ ole miss, FL and Auburn. they lose at least 2 of these 4.

FL's road...they open SEC play against KY in week 2. then they are off on a stint of games that will test the gators as well. @TN, @Vandy, LSU, MO...then a buy. shapes up pretty well...obviously TN and LSU present the challenge, but their schedule is broken up quite nicely. after the bye, they go to JAX, then go to ARK, and finish up SEC play at home against USCe. they don't have a gauntlet part of the schedule. the closest thing they will have is the back to back UGA/ARK game.

and their ooc is a joke, aside from the annual FSU game.

so, as i look at the schedules, i think FL has the easiest road by far, followed by UGA, and then TN. i think TN and UGA's schedules are really close....but TN has it's annual West against Bama and goes to aTm, which is tougher than any road game either GA or FL will face (aside from coming to KNO for FL)

so long story short, while i think we definitely have a team capable of winning the East, i think the lesson here is don't ...i repeat...do not let it come down to hoping one of the other teams loses that 3rd game. we need to take care of business and control what we can control. b/c the other two teams could find themselves in a play in game in November just because of how their schedules align.

The games for Florida are UT, LSU, UGA, and The Hogs, the rest should be W's(not FSU).
If we were playing The Hogs this year I would count them as a win, like I do Vandy, SC, Ky, and Mo.

Ga could lose to Ole Miss and Auburn, is think we would beat both of them, I think we beat Bama too, Ga would get scorched same goes for Fl.

Feeling good about 2016.

Jump higher Vols.