So...what if we go 6-6 again next season?

[checkerboards09]

If we go 10-2 in the 2015 season I've no doubt that in Jan'16 someone will create a thread posing the question "So what happens if we only go 10-2 next season?"

Being a little too over-dramatic.

 

[Bluetic]

I see a 7-5 regular season with a bowl win getting us to 8, and then 2016 is where we point to realistically getting to the 9+ win range again. Next year's schedule is not much better than the last few. Is 8 or 9 possible this year in the regular season... absolutely, but I wouldn't put any of my money on that bet.

This, but we are not deep enough at all positions to sustain many injuries, so injuries could be a disaster.
And I am sure all Vol fans want to win...

 

[sjt18]

I see a 7-5 regular season with a bowl win getting us to 8, and then 2016 is where we point to realistically getting to the 9+ win range again. Next year's schedule is not much better than the last few. Is 8 or 9 possible this year in the regular season... absolutely, but I wouldn't put any of my money on that bet.

How much research did you put into that prediction? UT returns virtually everyone... one year more experienced... one year stronger.

The schedule is "better" and if the Vols are better then the improvement should be more than that.... even conservatively.

I'll give you a "for instance". Mizzou's most productive WR returning in '15 had 5 catches in '14. They lost Murphy. They lost the heart of their D success in both DE's and a DT. UT will be more talented than they are.

 

[tallyho]

Here's another way to look at next season's record:
Sure Wins - Bowling Green, Western Carolina, North Texas and Vandy (4)
Probable Wins - South Carolina and Kentucky (2)
Toss Ups - Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas (4)
Probable Loss - Mizzou (1)
Loss - Bama (1)

Based on these projections 8 wins is a reachable goal with no major injuries to key players and an upgraded Oline.

 

[sjt18]

This, but we are not deep enough at all positions to sustain many injuries, so injuries could be a disaster.
And I am sure all Vol fans want to win...

UT returns more of their 2 deep than any other SEC program. They are tied with Vandy for the most returning starters. What do you base that contention on? Have you looked at the depth of other programs?

No team except maybe Bama is immune from extraordinary injuries. UT is about as prepared as anyone else in the SEC to overcome injuries.

 

[checkerboards09]

How much research did you put into that prediction? UT returns virtually everyone... one year more experienced... one year stronger.

The schedule is "better" and if the Vols are better then the improvement should be more than that.... even conservatively.

I'll give you a "for instance". Mizzou's most productive WR returning in '15 had 5 catches in '14. They lost Murphy. They lost the heart of their D success in both DE's and a DT. UT will be more talented than they are.

It's been so long since we've had a great season some people have forgotten where we're supposed to be. Sad as hell.

 

[sjt18]

Here's another way to look at next season's record:
Sure Wins - Bowling Green, Western Carolina, North Texas and Vandy (4)
Probable Wins - South Carolina and Kentucky (2)
Toss Ups - Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, and Arkansas (4)
Probable Loss - Mizzou (1)
Loss - Bama (1)

Based on these projections 8 wins is a reachable goal with no major injuries to key players and an upgraded Oline.

Why do you think Mizzou is a probable loss?

Here's their last depth chart for this past season. Note who they're losing and the value those players have to their team:

2015 Missouri Tigers Football Depth Chart | Ourlads.com


The ONLY way UT should lose to Mizzou is if the Vols are badly outcoached. The talent of the two teams will not be very close. Experience will actually favor UT at most positions.

 

[Bluetic]

UT returns more of their 2 deep than any other SEC program. They are tied with Vandy for the most returning starters. What do you base that contention on? Have you looked at the depth of other programs?

No team except maybe Bama is immune from extraordinary injuries. UT is about as prepared as anyone else in the SEC to overcome injuries.

Last year, South Carolina returned more than anyone. We need a middle lb and we need to stay healthy. I mean God forbid Dobbs, Hurd, Sutton, etc get hurt early in the season. All I am saying is that we aren't immune to the same kinds of things any other team isn't immune to. GBO! Oh, I think Bama was effected greatly by injuries. In the play off they lost their starting middle linebacker and safety, their best two guys. With the loss of Dre Kirkpatrick and Clinton-Dix in the off season, they were toast.

 

[sjt18]

Last year, South Carolina returned more than anyone.

But who did they lose? Shaw, Ellington, Clowney, Sutton, Quarles... basically all of the players that made them a competitive team. They have not recruited consistently well enough to replace that production.

UT loses one truly critical player- AJ. They only lose 4 other players from their two deep- Lane, J Williams, Sutton, and Gilliam. UT probably now has at least two players at each of those positions competing to replace those players who are more talented than those players.

We need a middle lb and we need to stay healthy.

Everyone in the SEC has holes at this point and will need to stay healthy. That's the main thing I'm trying to get some of you to see. The roster problems UT has going into '15 are more or less "normal". They aren't extraordinary. They are in fact LESS than many of the teams UT will play this fall including USCe, Mizzou, and UF.

I mean God forbid Dobbs, Hurd, Sutton, etc get hurt early in the season. All I am saying is that we aren't immune to the same kinds of things any other team isn't immune to. GBO!

OK. Sorry. I think we agree :good!:

But if that's the case I'm not sure why you say 7-5. Are you assuming the Vols will get hit by extraordinary injuries? Unless they are, this should be an 8+ win roster. Everyone will have injuries. Someone will have lighter than normal injuries. (It is way past UT's turn for that). Someone will have heavier than normal injuries.

Oh, I think Bama was effected greatly by injuries. In the play off they lost their starting middle linebacker and safety, their best two guys. With the loss of Dre Kirkpatrick and Clinton-Dix in the off season, they were toast.

Sort of... they probably wouldn't have been hurt that much by those losses against most of the teams they play. To play for championships they definitely needed their best guys on the field... not so much to beat aTm et al.

 

[KingtUT]

I can't stand it when people pencil in Alabama as a loss. Those days are over. We may lose but to act like it's over before it starts is ridiculous. We have enough talent to beat everybody we play if we catch a couple a breaks or cause a couple of turnovers. Everybody needs to flip that pencil upside down and start erasing cause times.......they are a changing folks!

 

[mreorange]

6-6 would mean CBJ is not the answer.

greatday!
That is the dumbest post ever!

 

[Sudden Impact]

This is not me being a NegaVOL at all. Just posing a question for the offseason.

With all the momentum we have after drubbing Iowa, along with the returning talent and a schedule that is, as always, tough, but not too tough for at least 8 wins, what if we repeat this season's record and lose a couple of games in the fashion that we lost to UF and UGA? What will happen? How much support does CBJ start to lose? Could we still get another top ten class the following spring?

How would you react if this happened?

Technically you are being a NegaVol....let's get through spring and the summer. Then ask it. Now is just not the right time.

 

[checkerboards09]

greatday!
That is the dumbest post ever!

And you're an awesome fan for being ok with 6-6 yet again with a loaded team! This isn't Kentucky!

 

[AstroDobbs]

If we go 6-6 again we will destroy our bowl opponent again and be 7-6. And back to back winning seasons will have a good feeling considering were our program has been. Another bowl win and winning season will be good enough for Butch to bring in a top 10-15 class.

But 2016 if we dont win 9+ Jones probably isnt the guy.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I can't stand it when people pencil in Alabama as a loss. Those days are over. We may lose but to act like it's over before it starts is ridiculous. We have enough talent to beat everybody we play if we catch a couple a breaks or cause a couple of turnovers. Everybody needs to flip that pencil upside down and start erasing cause times.......they are a changing folks!

i don't see any for sure losses on the schedule

 

[chargervol]

The only intended "dig" or argument in any of those posts was towards the one who implied the OP was an 8 year old.

I must be due for sensitivity training based on your reaction however( this IS another dig LOL)

Meh, maybe it was me then. I did have a toothache this morning. I'll bite the bullet on this one. :hi:

 

[chargervol]

How much research did you put into that prediction? UT returns virtually everyone... one year more experienced... one year stronger.

The schedule is "better" and if the Vols are better then the improvement should be more than that.... even conservatively.

I'll give you a "for instance". Mizzou's most productive WR returning in '15 had 5 catches in '14. They lost Murphy. They lost the heart of their D success in both DE's and a DT. UT will be more talented than they are.

I have a feeling Arky will be tougher than Mizzou.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

greatday!
That is the dumbest post ever!

Really? Think about this, we were a starting QB mistake and a couple of injuries away from a 10 win season in 2014. Going 7-6 with a dominating bowl victory with all the adversity was a great feat by CBJ.

Now going 6-6 with a more experienced team, more talent and an easier schedule is almost unacceptable. 8 wins has to be the floor at this point. We cannot become complacent with 6-6 or 7-6 seasons.

 

[checkerboards09]

Really? Think about this, we were a starting QB mistake and a couple of injuries away from a 10 win season in 2014. Going 7-6 with a dominating bowl victory with all the adversity was a great feat by CBJ.

Now going 6-6 with a more experienced team, more talent and an easier schedule is almost unacceptable. 8 wins has to be the floor at this point. We cannot become complacent with 6-6 or 7-6 seasons.

This. I think a minimum of 8 wins is more than fair to expect. 40 of 44 are returning from the two deep with the majority having at least 2 years experience playing in the same system. Add to it Dobbs having a full offseason as "the guy" with the 1's and you have a recipe for a very good-great team. I won't be shocked with anything from 8-4 to 10-2, we just HAVE to hit that 8 win plateau this year. We're experienced, we know how to win/compete and we've got talent. It's that time.

 

[OrngeChkrboardVFL]

This. I think a minimum of 8 wins is more than fair to expect. 40 of 44 are returning from the two deep with the majority having at least 2 years experience playing in the same system. Add to it Dobbs having a full offseason as "the guy" with the 1's and you have a recipe for a very good-great team. I won't be shocked with anything from 8-4 to 10-2, we just HAVE to hit that 8 win plateau this year. We're experienced, we know how to win/compete and we've got talent. It's that time.

I think it starts with OU. We have to get a W to get the momentum started.

 

[VOLorNuttin]

This is not me being a NegaVOL at all. Just posing a question for the offseason.

With all the momentum we have after drubbing Iowa, along with the returning talent and a schedule that is, as always, tough, but not too tough for at least 8 wins, what if we repeat this season's record and lose a couple of games in the fashion that we lost to UF and UGA? What will happen? How much support does CBJ start to lose? Could we still get another top ten class the following spring?

How would you react if this happened?

So...what if you find a 2nd crack in your bum, running sideways?

....just saying. Geesh, folks. Enough with the "What if Butch don't get it done?" BS!

 

[sjt18]

I can't stand it when people pencil in Alabama as a loss. Those days are over. We may lose but to act like it's over before it starts is ridiculous. We have enough talent to beat everybody we play if we catch a couple a breaks or cause a couple of turnovers. Everybody needs to flip that pencil upside down and start erasing cause times.......they are a changing folks!

It is now only in pencil... no longer in ink.

Bama loses a ton of production while UT does not. They have guys ready to step up who were previously "depth" but Bama's concern will be the guys who step up to become "depth". Just because of Saban's history of coaching success and string of recruiting classes... you have to "pencil" a loss in.... but no white out will be needed if things go well for UT.

 

[sjt18]

greatday!
That is the dumbest post ever!

No. It is a very realistic post. Jones can recruit at a very high level. That's proven. He can develop players... that has been proven at least to me.

The remaining piece is taking a talented, well-developed roster and beating someone that matters with it. This staff has not proven they can do that.

UT caught Mizzou in '14 in terms of talent combined with experience. UT was more talented. Mizzou capitalized on their experience and development. The game tipped on a couple of big plays... and IMO AJ would have been the difference had he not screwed up.

In '15, UT rockets past Mizzou. UT will not only be MUCH more talented... the Vols will return more experience. There is now a growing gap between UT and USCe/Vandy/UK. Due to their issues, UT has caught and possibly passed UF. They are close with UGA.

UT will still be young. But they will also be talented and experienced. A 6 loss season would be a MASSIVE underperformance of this roster.

I honestly don't think we'll have to worry about it. I think they'll win 8 and possibly more. But 6 losses would DEFINITELY call into question Jones' ability to coach head to head against SEC quality coaches.

 

[sjt18]

I have a feeling Arky will be tougher than Mizzou.

I don't think Ark will make the move many expect... but still agree with your post. I think Ark will rise from the bottom to "middling". I think Mizzou is in for a tough year in the SEC. They still play a very weak OOC schedule so they'll look better than they are.

UT's recruiting compared to Ark's recruiting puts UT's ceiling a good bit higher. The Hog staff has done a good job already of getting the potential from their roster... but I still think UT will have a distinct talent advantage when they meet. UT also returns more from their starting line up and two deep.

Just looking way, way out into the future... I think Barnett will own Skipper.

 

[MedicT]

No. It is a very realistic post. Jones can recruit at a very high level. That's proven. He can develop players... that has been proven at least to me.

The remaining piece is taking a talented, well-developed roster and beating someone that matters with it. This staff has not proven they can do that.

UT caught Mizzou in '14 in terms of talent combined with experience. UT was more talented. Mizzou capitalized on their experience and development. The game tipped on a couple of big plays... and IMO AJ would have been the difference had he not screwed up.

In '15, UT rockets past Mizzou. UT will not only be MUCH more talented... the Vols will return more experience. There is now a growing gap between UT and USCe/Vandy/UK. Due to their issues, UT has caught and possibly passed UF. They are close with UGA.

UT will still be young. But they will also be talented and experienced. A 6 loss season would be a MASSIVE underperformance of this roster.

I honestly don't think we'll have to worry about it. I think they'll win 8 and possibly more. But 6 losses would DEFINITELY call into question Jones' ability to coach head to head against SEC quality coaches.

Not at all. It would mean there is still a great deal of work to be done with his SOPHOMORE recruiting class.