What are some of the major position battles going on within your team?
Offensively, Tennessee has a lot of talent in the backfield, and several guys will be fighting for playing time. Senior Arian Foster will likely be the starter at running back. He will split playing time with sophomore Lennon Creer and freshman Tauren Poole, who has shown flashes of star potential.
Defensively, the secondary and linebackers should be solid, but the big question mark is with the D-line. The starting front four should be pretty good, but there is little depth behind them. The biggest battle there is to find guys to fill in when one of the starting four needs a break or in the event that one gets hurt. The coaches are looking for highly touted sophomore DE Ben Martin to step up, and for continued improvement from the rest of the pack.
Who are some players on each sides of the ball that you see emerging as stars this year?
Gerald Jones has all the tools to become a household name in Knoxville. He is a solid receiver with great play making potential, and the "G-Gun" package will allow him to showcase both his arm and legs.As good as Eric Berry was last year, he should be double that or better this year.
Are there any injuries your team is worrying about?
Montario Hardesty's leg injury is just another in a long line of unfortunate injuries he has sustained throughout his career at UT. Hardesty could be a real contributor were he ever to return to and remain at full strength. Jonathan Crompton's surgery on his throwing arm went smoothly and he has resumed throwing but it remains to be seen if the surgery had any adverse effects on him. Big tight end Jeff Cottam suffered a right leg fibula fracture in spring practice but is expected to make a full recovery by fall.
What do you think your team’s major strengths and weaknesses will be?
Strengths - The secondary should be pretty stout with the emergence of Eric Berry and the return of the talented Demetrice Morley. All the rest have seen plenty of game time and drastically improved toward the end of last year. Tailbacks should have a good year running behind a big veteran offensive line, but must become more consistent.
Weaknesses - With Britton Colquitt's suspension, punting duties fall to Chad Cunningham who is improving, but has been sporadic. Lack of depth at defensive tackle is a real concern.
What games are you most looking forward to watching this year?
Tennessee was embarrassed by both Florida and Alabama on the road last year and I'd really like to see Tennessee return the favor. Also, since our blog deals with both Tennessee and Auburn sports, the UT - Auburn game will obviously be of great interest.
What record do you think your team will end the regular season with?
It's really tough to say, as there is growing parity in the SEC and truly anything can happen. This Tennessee team has the potential to be special but must endure stiff tests from UCLA, Florida, and Auburn in the first 4 games. It also must brave a four game stretch against Georgia, Mississippi State, Alabama and South Carolina, all of whom should be improved.
Optimistic Prediction: 11-1, loss to Florida, Georgia, or Auburn
Realistic prediction, 10-2, losses to, again, Florida, Georgia, or Auburn
For more SEC Roundtable, go here.
Comments (6) Add a comment »
from 5 days ago
At UCLA, at GA, at Auburn, and at South Carolina, and still play FL, Bama, and Mississippi State and have only 2 losses?
I just can't see it.
I think the Vols will have 3 losses by Oct. 11th. From there, they will be in some dogfights. And all that good karma from last year might catch up with you guys this year.
Whatever the case, the East should be entertaining this year.
from 5 days ago
I think Tennessee is going to be a lot better than most think, provided they stay healthy.
I agree that every game will be a dogfight (save maybe 2) and Tennessee will definitely lose some games (I don't think they'll lose to Florida, Georgia and Auburn though).
I also agree with you about the karma though. I think there's a distinct possibility that Tennessee might get surprised by Kentucky, Vandy, or Miss. St.
But on the whole I think Tennessee will be a solid team capable of winning every game on the schedule.
-- Chris - The Pigskin Pathos --
from 4 days ago
Tennessee should beat UCLA easily since I think the Bruins will be a disaster until Neuheisel and Chow can stock the program with some actual talent. Especially when you look at the injury problems at quarterback out there.
I've seen Arian Foster have some great games, so if he can become consistent the Vols will have an excellent running game. Everything I've read says Crompton should be ready to step in an perform at QB, though every first-year starter goes through some growing pains. Losing Cutcliffe hurts though, especially when you consider that Georgia under DC Willie Martinez never beat Tennessee while Cutcliffe was UT's OC.
I really think South Carolina will struggle, Miss State won't win 8 games again, and Alabama is too thin to seriously compete for a league title. Tennessee could very well end up 10-2, but those losses will likely be to division rivals Georgia and Florida who are just loaded for this year.
from 4 days ago
David,
I guess I don't understand why you think South Carolina, Miss State, and Alabama will all struggle. General consensus seems to be that all three will improve.
As for UCLA, I just can't see an inexperienced Vols team traveling across the country and laying a smackdown on the Bruins, even if they do have limited talent.
You really think Tenn will win at Auburn and at SC?
from 3 days ago
Tim,
What inexperience does Tennessee have??? They have a complete O-line returning with tons of experience, their backfield and WRs are all experienced and talented and Crompton's been at Tennessee chomping at the bit for two years already. Things will not be so new that he cannot compete. Arian Foster is coming back to take the rushing record and even though there's defenses willing to stack the box, Foster has proven that he thrives when the offense is deposited on his shoulders.
The defense is loaded in the secondary and I think the only weakness is the D front four, which could still surprise if they remain healthy. Tennessee is the underdog despite having "dawged" Georgia and making it to the SECC and they certainly owe Florida and Bama this year. These are all must win games and the Vols will live and die by the outcome of those three. It's doable. Very doable.
Flying under the radar is what the Vols love most...
from 3 days ago
Just because Crompton has been at the school does not make him game experienced. You have a new QB with a new system.
Secondary is very solid, but front four and LB's are question marks, in my opinion. "Loaded" might be an overstatement.
Arian Foster is good, yes, but the only reason he's getting the rushing record is because better backs don't stay all 4 years.
Are you just counting the game at Auburn a win by saying the FL, GA, and Bama games are the games that will determine Tenn's season? What do you think Tenn's win-loss record will be?
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