The Silverest of Linings

#1
mrmax86

mrmax86

Fight. Strain. Compete.
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#1
Looking at how awful Saturday's performance and result were, it's hard to see really any positives.

I'm a big believer that SOMETHING good will come out of the pain, we just can't see it yet.

I've been reflecting on Inky Johnson's injury, how gut-wrenching it was, and yet how inspirational and motivational he is, rising above a horrible situation...

Many of our players got a taste of the playoffs. It was right there. Some have further eligibility after this season that may have been ready to leave. Do you think with us falling short this year, that some guys could come back that wouldn't have otherwise?

Fellow Vol fans, if you don't agree with this, then what other silver linings do you guys see that could come out of this? Please resist the urge to crap on this thread with posts like "there are no silver linings", or any other BVS-fueled responses. Trying to think of some positives.

Edit: A previous version of this post incorrectly said Inky was injured against SC. It was Air Force
 
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#2
#2
I was in the grocery store the other day wearing my Tennessee hoodie proudly, despite the game on Saturday. A stranger came up and asked me if we had come back the previous night. I was cautious at first, expecting the antagonistic vitriol that comes out of the woodwork anytime the Vols are once again the hunted. But he was genuinely curious because he’d seen the team cut the deficit to 35-31 and then didn’t see the rest of the game.

He was sorry to hear we hadn’t come back, but stated that as casual sports fans he and his wife had watched us take down Bama and enjoyed that game. It reminded me that most people weren’t tuned in Saturday night, likely expecting us to win in a blowout anyway.

But the whole dang world saw us take down the Tide. 😁🧡
 
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#7
#7
Tennessee had the easiest road to the CFP when they were 9-1. Getting your hand that close to the "brass ring" and letting it get away can be very motivational.

The old axiom is true, "Anyone can beat anyone on any given day". UT played their arguably worst game of the season. SC played their best game of the season.

The cupcake conferences - "Big 10" and "Pac-12" only have 1-2 games a year that are viable. The rest are vanilla. It takes a special type of coach and player to maintain intensity/focus/determination etc. for 12 straight weeks in the SEC. Alabama, LSU and UGA have proven it can be done. I think UT is on the way too.
 
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#8
#8
utvols74 said:
Tennessee had the easiest road to the CFP when they were 9-1. Getting your hand that close to the "brass ring" and letting it get away can be very motivational.

The old axiom is true, "Anyone can beat anyone on any given day". UT played their arguably worst game of the season. SC played their best game of the season.

The cupcake conferences - "Big 10" and "Pac-12" only have 1-2 games a year that are viable. The rest are vanilla. It takes a special type of coach and player to maintain intensity/focus/determination etc. for 12 straight weeks in the SEC. Alabama, LSU and UGA have proven it can be done. I think UT is on the way too.
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Tenn did not have the easiest road if you factor in the fact they didn't control their own destiny.
If TCU and USC win out, they're in. Tenn is left out. Michigan/OSU loser could've had a shot too.
 
#9
#9
Actually, the Silver lining I see is that we don't have to play OSU and get embarrassed. With OSU's Qb and the fact that HH is out, it would probably have been worse than the SC game. Our defense definitely needs fixing... be it talent or coaches or both.
 
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#14
#14
mrmax86 said:
Sorry...you're right! I went to 2 games around that time in my life and sat in the same place in Neyland for both. Corrected the OP.
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It was a pay per view game. Can't remember what I paid to watch it but it was a nervous one. We barely pulled that one out.
 
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#16
#16
Only possible one I’ve got is that if the rumors are true and J Banks was suspended for a game for disregarding team rules, then the message is now sent that CJH ain’t putting up with any bull, no matter how important to the team you think you are. Word will now be out that you toe the line or you sit. That can make a big difference maintaining a good culture in the long term
 
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#17
#17
mrmax86 said:
Yes, I know this is the FF, and yes, I expected this to happen, but honestly, shut up.
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Sometimes, there are no silver linings. This was bad as all get out. If the rumors are true, he has lost the team and it might be another 5 years or longer and who knows how many coaching changes before this opportunity opens up again. Some of us have family members who won't be around much longer to see the Vols win another championship or at least contend for one. My eldetly father was heartbroken after what went down Saturday night and I'm still not in the mood to hear any Mary Sunshine try to put a positive spin on this epic disaster.
 
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#22
#22
mrmax86 said:
Does playoff committee also seed bowls, or is that a different group?
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Sports Talk on WNML Talking about it right now. Sugar Bowl is obligated to take highest ranked team (CFP Poll) available. Unless Bama loses Iron Bowl, they Are in
 
#25
#25
loservol said:
Sometimes, there are no silver linings. This was bad as all get out. If the rumors are true, he has lost the team and it might be another 5 years or longer and who knows how many coaching changes before this opportunity opens up again. Some of us have family members who won't be around much longer to see the Vols win another championship or at least contend for one. My eldetly father was heartbroken after what went down Saturday night and I'm still not in the mood to hear any Mary Sunshine try to put a positive spin on this epic disaster.
Click to expand...

Screen name checks out.
 
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