We aren’t going to the playoff again. Enjoy baseball and softball for now

[sonofUT62]

Finally somebody is speaking the truth here

I know you haven’t been on the board for long but you’ve usually been a pretty solid poster. You’ve been in about 9 threads now dragging Aguilar. It’s not really my business but you’ve made your point. Maybe let it go and see how it plays out. Just a thought.

 

[Volfan76]

I’m afraid this coming up football season could be a long one. By no means do I think we are bad but the Nico thing is gonna hurt us for sure. No way would we ever want to swap him for that UCLA/App State guy. I do think Nico’s family kinda runs the show but let’s not forget that the offense we were running last year wasn’t the typical Heupel that we know. Maybe he didn’t trust Nico and I mean we made the playoffs so not a terrible decision but we didn’t air that thing out like we are used to. That Oklahoma game for example had us all wondering why we are just playing not to lose when our defense basically won us the game. We took our foot off the gas pedal wayyy too much and I would rather us get out there and air it out. Back when we had Palmer, Jennings, Callaway it always amazed me we didn’t just give them a chance at a jump ball more because they more than not always came down with it. And you have the chance of a PI call. We now don’t have near as much talent but I think Matthews is that guy too so let’s see if we open it up. I’m scared our coach will just run and have them same little passes and screens. I’m thinking about 7 or 8 wins but when Faizon gets here it’s game on and we can get a natty. If he doesn’t watch this season and be like why am I going here

Not sure how the Nico thing "hurt us". Nico leaving will play zero negative role in whether or not we make it to the playoff.

 

[Sudden Impact]

You are entitled to your opinion, but that is just it, your opinion.

When you state we are not going 10-2 I would agree as it would be a ceiling. But a safe bet the over and under is 8.5 may be lower.

Then the tirade, Nico's departure is probably a good thing for this team vs a bad. One of those kid's that knows more than the coach and was not going to conform. An infection, IMO.

The coach, any coach, should know his team's ability better than anybody. They are not fans they are not selling snake oil they are setting goals and standards. Now we are paying kids who think they know everything and now they are smarter than the coach.

As fans we by into the hype without really knowing. NIL and the transfer portal has turned this into a crap shoot.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

I know you haven’t been on the board for long but you’ve usually been a pretty solid poster. You’ve been in about 9 threads now dragging Aguilar. It’s not really my business but you’ve made your point. Maybe let it go and see how it plays out. Just a thought.

Man its hard to. I have soured on 2025.

Aguilar may end up being okay, but if you go back to the end of 2024 0 people would be excited about "trading" with UCLA. It really isn't Aguilar's fault; we let a diva and his team get as much leverage as possible and now our organization is hurt the most by this deal.

And it isn't just about Nico. Lot of folks here are making fun of me for choosing his enunciation guide as my name, but I only did that because it was funny looking and helping the yokels pronounce it.

 

[driscokid]

I’m afraid this coming up football season could be a long one. By no means do I think we are bad but the Nico thing is gonna hurt us for sure. No way would we ever want to swap him for that UCLA/App State guy. I do think Nico’s family kinda runs the show but let’s not forget that the offense we were running last year wasn’t the typical Heupel that we know. Maybe he didn’t trust Nico and I mean we made the playoffs so not a terrible decision but we didn’t air that thing out like we are used to. That Oklahoma game for example had us all wondering why we are just playing not to lose when our defense basically won us the game. We took our foot off the gas pedal wayyy too much and I would rather us get out there and air it out. Back when we had Palmer, Jennings, Callaway it always amazed me we didn’t just give them a chance at a jump ball more because they more than not always came down with it. And you have the chance of a PI call. We now don’t have near as much talent but I think Matthews is that guy too so let’s see if we open it up. I’m scared our coach will just run and have them same little passes and screens. I’m thinking about 7 or 8 wins but when Faizon gets here it’s game on and we can get a natty. If he doesn’t watch this season and be like why am I going here

We didn’t make the playoffs because of Nico. Everybody is dealing with the same stuff. We’ll see what happens….

 

[Volador]

Hmmmm. Wonder how many posts like this one were created after Peyton left the UT campus? NOBODY on the planet expected a natty - and that is perhaps why they gelled so well as a team. Underdogs can outperform teams laiden with 5* talent 24 ways till Sunday.

Not givin' up on this team - no way, no how. All those who have or who are planning on doing so, please purchase a Bruins jersey with the name "Loser" on the back!

 

[LBKvol]

I'll pass.

I really was just curious about the "my guy" thing. I keep hearing it more and more and never from women (in the way you were using it). So I asked. You say it's a Texas thing. That's news to me. I've been to Texas many times and spent some time there. Don't recall hearing it down there, but it's been many years. I've started to hear it a lot lately. Just curious about the origin of those kinds of expressions and how they get started and become popular.

Probably more explanation than you were looking for.

Yeah idk man I just said it couldn’t tell you the Latin meaning and all that

 

[TnVol!]

Go cry to your momma. Wow!!!!

 

[LBKvol]

Hmmmm. Wonder how many posts like this one were created after Peyton left the UT campus? NOBODY on the planet expected a natty - and that is perhaps why they gelled so well as a team. Underdogs can outperform teams laiden with 5* talent 24 ways till Sunday.

Not givin' up on this team - no way, no how. All those who have or who are planning on doing so, please purchase a Bruins jersey with the name "Loser" on the back!

Couldn’t tell you about the Peyton years and all that, I was watching but I was also 7. Never said I was giving up on the team and I know that a no star can outperform a 5* so don’t know what you are saying exactly

 

[LBKvol]

Go cry to your momma. Wow!!!!

I would say go cry to yours but aren’t you like 75, probably using Siri to say what you want with them arthritis hands

 

[njvols]

We didn’t make the playoffs because of Nico. Everybody is dealing with the same stuff. We’ll see what happens….

Yeah, I think JH is modestly happy w/ his new QB room competition, and think we'd have seen us go out there much more aggressively, we'd probably have heard some $3MM+ range QB NIL deals floated out there, if JH didn't think he already had some decent options existing on the team. Could be wrong, but just my opinion.

 

[hound dog hillbil]

Wow, big prediction, hell lets make neyland a go cart track with putting putt.Go vols

 

[sonofUT62]

Man its hard to. I have soured on 2025.

Aguilar may end up being okay, but if you go back to the end of 2024 0 people would be excited about "trading" with UCLA. It really isn't Aguilar's fault; we let a diva and his team get as much leverage as possible and now our organization is hurt the most by this deal.

And it isn't just about Nico. Lot of folks here are making fun of me for choosing his enunciation guide as my name, but I only did that because it was funny looking and helping the yokels pronounce it.

I get it. The only reason I made comment or even noticed is because you’re normally a solid poster and you have a username that sticks out. One of two things will happen here. Aguilar will be terrible and no one will want to hear about you being right. Or he will be successful and people will keep receipts. Again you’re a grown adult and it’s not my business. It’s just a thought.

 

[txbo]

Hmmmm. Wonder how many posts like this one were created after Peyton left the UT campus? NOBODY on the planet expected a natty - and that is perhaps why they gelled so well as a team. Underdogs can outperform teams laiden with 5* talent 24 ways till Sunday.

Not givin' up on this team - no way, no how. All those who have or who are planning on doing so, please purchase a Bruins jersey with the name "Loser" on the back!

Feels like '98.

 

[TXbenVol]

I’m afraid this coming up football season could be a long one. By no means do I think we are bad but the Nico thing is gonna hurt us for sure. No way would we ever want to swap him for that UCLA/App State guy. I do think Nico’s family kinda runs the show but let’s not forget that the offense we were running last year wasn’t the typical Heupel that we know. Maybe he didn’t trust Nico and I mean we made the playoffs so not a terrible decision but we didn’t air that thing out like we are used to. That Oklahoma game for example had us all wondering why we are just playing not to lose when our defense basically won us the game. We took our foot off the gas pedal wayyy too much and I would rather us get out there and air it out. Back when we had Palmer, Jennings, Callaway it always amazed me we didn’t just give them a chance at a jump ball more because they more than not always came down with it. And you have the chance of a PI call. We now don’t have near as much talent but I think Matthews is that guy too so let’s see if we open it up. I’m scared our coach will just run and have them same little passes and screens. I’m thinking about 7 or 8 wins but when Faizon gets here it’s game on and we can get a natty. If he doesn’t watch this season and be like why am I going here

Thank you for this enlightening message.

I will forego watching my beloved Vols this fall.

 

[EZE]

Man its hard to. I have soured on 2025.

Aguilar may end up being okay, but if you go back to the end of 2024 0 people would be excited about "trading" with UCLA. It really isn't Aguilar's fault; we let a diva and his team get as much leverage as possible and now our organization is hurt the most by this deal.

And it isn't just about Nico. Lot of folks here are making fun of me for choosing his enunciation guide as my name, but I only did that because it was funny looking and helping the yokels pronounce it.

I don’t see it this way at all.

Addition by subtraction IMO.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

I get it. The only reason I made comment or even noticed is because you’re normally a solid poster and you have a username that sticks out. One of two things will happen here. Aguilar will be terrible and no one will want to hear about you being right. Or he will be successful and people will keep receipts. Again you’re a grown adult and it’s not my business. It’s just a thought.

Thank you for the kind words. I will calm down about Aguilar. I am also trying to change my username now too.

 

[Pride85]

I love these chicken little posts. We are doomed. Cancel the season. Fire the staff. Demolish the stadium.

 

[Rocky Top T]

We were going to lose 3 games this year, regardless of the QB. I think if we win 8-9, good season

 

[sjt18]

I’m afraid this coming up football season could be a long one. By no means do I think we are bad but the Nico thing is gonna hurt us for sure. No way would we ever want to swap him for that UCLA/App State guy.

Based on? I'm not saying that Aguilar is a top shelf QB. I am saying that he's proven MUCH more on the field than Nico. Nico was pretty mediocre. Maybe all of the behind the scenes drama hurt him. Who knows? But Aguilar IMO is pretty much a wash or maybe a gain vs the way Nico played last year.

Then you have the reports that he threatened to sit out the playoff game to leverage more NIL. You have recent reports that he started skipping team workouts to leverage for more NIL. That's not what you need leading your team or shaping the culture of your locker room. That one thing is a certain improvement with Aguilar.

I do think Nico’s family kinda runs the show but let’s not forget that the offense we were running last year wasn’t the typical Heupel that we know. Maybe he didn’t trust Nico and I mean we made the playoffs so not a terrible decision but we didn’t air that thing out like we are used to. That Oklahoma game for example had us all wondering why we are just playing not to lose when our defense basically won us the game. We took our foot off the gas pedal wayyy too much and I would rather us get out there and air it out. Back when we had Palmer, Jennings, Callaway it always amazed me we didn’t just give them a chance at a jump ball more because they more than not always came down with it. And you have the chance of a PI call. We now don’t have near as much talent but I think Matthews is that guy too so let’s see if we open it up. I’m scared our coach will just run and have them same little passes and screens. I’m thinking about 7 or 8 wins but when Faizon gets here it’s game on and we can get a natty. If he doesn’t watch this season and be like why am I going here

Again, Nico was a mediocre player last year. Sometimes he was flat out bad. You give pretty good reasons for why we should think that... so why do you think losing him damns the season?

Nico is physically talented. Nico's ability to read Ds was suspect and something opponents took advantage of. He supposedly has an elite arm but he couldn't consistently hit the long ball nor did they trust him to throw the sideline screen that made the O so effective with Hooker.

So yes. You are correct. Heupel very much appeared to limit the O playbook to what Nico could do. He also leaned heavily on the run game for the same reason.


Nico still has time. He's young. He's physically gifted. But it takes more than physical gifts to be a championship QB.


The questions for any QB that starts for UT this fall are pretty straight forward and only marginally dependent on having elite physical talent.

1- Can they read D's and run the O?
2- Can the deliver the ball on time in the right place to give the receivers an opportunity to make plays?
3- Can they be a leader and positive force in the locker room? MASSIVELY underestimated by too many. "Good" QBs with GREAT leadership ability are better than what UT got last year from Nico.
4- Can they appreciate and build up the guys around them particularly the OLs? A QB can make all the difference in the world in how confident an OL plays. The line calls matter a lot. But just showing trust matters even more. The RBs last year trusted the OL... praised them. Sampson is said to have been a big leader in the locker room... and the OL blocked well for him.

None of this requires Nico's arm or athleticism. It requires good football intelligence and leadership. Some of us have watched long enough to see undertalented guys like Danny Wuerffel absolutely shred good defenses. Granted there was a ton of talent around Stetson Bennett but his results were MUCH higher than his physical talent would suggest even accounting for the talent.

 

[sjt18]

We were going to lose 3 games this year, regardless of the QB. I think if we win 8-9, good season

Go back to last year and consider the expectations for various SEC teams. Every year and especially with the roster fluidity we see today, some teams are going to gel and perform above expectations. Others will not. Talent is part of it but putting it all together means far more. Think about UK. There were people calling them a "dark horse". They went 4-8. Some questioned if Vandy could win a game. They were bowl eligible and a pretty tough out for most teams. Beat Bama too.

Point is that predictions like yours were never well based... and are even less so now. We can more or less see team talent. Maybe that's half of it. The other half is unpredictable.

 

[Rocky Top T]

Go back to last year and consider the expectations for various SEC teams. Every year and especially with the roster fluidity we see today, some teams are going to gel and perform above expectations. Others will not. Talent is part of it but putting it all together means far more. Think about UK. There were people calling them a "dark horse". They went 4-8. Some questioned if Vandy could win a game. They were bowl eligible and a pretty tough out for most teams. Beat Bama too.

Point is that predictions like yours were never well based... and are even less so now. We can more or less see team talent. Maybe that's half of it. The other half is unpredictable.

My at least 3 loss prediction is based on losing in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa and Georgia has our number, pretty obvious. Plus, we always lose one we shouldn't. So, 3-4 losses is a pretty safe prediction, regardless of QB.

 

[Tennman]

I think I'll refrain from what I was going to say. I'll just say this. I thought this would be Nico's year to bloom. From all accounts he was having a good spring, and yes I would feel more confident with him here at QB, If and only if he wanted to be here and some of the behind the scenes stuff coming out wasn't a thing. I think he got bad advice, I think someone was in his ear ( hmmm remember Hurd?), and I feel, he made a mistake. I think he's tarnished his image and waiting to see how the UCLA locker room will respond. I do however think Aguilar is a QB who can excel under our coaching staff. I wish he was on campus now so he could work with his receivers. I don't think the job is his, I think one of the three will earn it. Experience does help, especially opening up on the road playing a not great, but good team. All I know is I bleed orange, win or lose, I'm All VOL all the time. Go Vols !!!! Best wishes to Aguilar. Just do this son, give your all to the big orange !!

 

[bigmac]

I totally get the concern about the upcoming season. Nico’s loss is a big hit, and you're right, the offense last year just didn’t feel like the usual Heupel style. We definitely played too conservatively at times, especially in that Oklahoma game. I also miss the old days with Palmer and Jennings, we should’ve aired it out more.

 

[TJSVOLS]

Man its hard to. I have soured on 2025.

Aguilar may end up being okay, but if you go back to the end of 2024 0 people would be excited about "trading" with UCLA. It really isn't Aguilar's fault; we let a diva and his team get as much leverage as possible and now our organization is hurt the most by this deal.

And it isn't just about Nico. Lot of folks here are making fun of me for choosing his enunciation guide as my name, but I only did that because it was funny looking and helping the yokels pronounce it.

If you are soured on the next season, why don’t you let it go and move onto something else?