As the new football season approaches, many UT fans in town have differing opinions as to the impending success of the team. The majority of fans seem to think we will go 8-4.
Is this good enough? It seems so for "Phat" Phil, as my Alabama friends like to call him, who will receive a bonus for just eight wins this season.
I am probably in the minority when I say that I believe this team will represent the East in the SEC championship game.
Why? Let me list a few reasons.
1. Fulmer's back is against the wall
He is always clutch when getting out of tight spots ,and this is definitely one of those years where he needs to produce. He will do enough to silence the critics for a few more years.
2. New offensive mind
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I have a good feeling about the new offensive coordinator. I think he will bring a more innovative offense to the field this year. He has had success with his past QBs, and I believe he will use Jonathan Crompton as needed and rely on senior Arian Foster to move the chains. He is not afraid to use tight ends, and we have a solid receiving corp coming back, along with the entire offensive line.
3. Defense
The secondary is solid, led by Eric Berry at safety, which will allow a lot more blitzing by the front seven to pressure the opposing QB (e.g. Tim Tebow, Matthew Stafford, John Parker Wilson).
4. Expect the unexpected
In those years where Tennessee is not expected to compete at a top level, they always come through. Ask Tee Martin. Depending on the start to the year, they will be underdogs against Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and possibly South Carolina. They love that role.
Maybe it is just a feeling, but I expect a lot out of this Volunteer football team. I am not a huge supporter of Fulmer, but I think he may be able to hold his own against Meyer, Spurrier, Richt, Saban, and Tuberville this year.
Just typing those names reminds me of the power of the SEC, and I didn't even mention Petrino and Nutt, who could be dark horses.
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about 1 month ago
Shirnil,
I agree that the Vols are being a little overlooked, and yes they seem to play better as the underdog when no one expects them to win.
However, right now I think they will upset either Florida or Georgia and be second in the East and maybe get an at large BCS bid if they just stay with one or two losses.
about 1 month ago
The Vols will have their toughest test on plains at Auburn. Tennessee owns GA. Florida and Bama are due for major paybacks. It should be a great season for the Vols as long as they take care of business by winning the home games and not overlooking the doormats (Vandy, etc.). Look for Demitrice Morely to be SEC defensive MVP.
about 1 month ago
Good article. TENN is a team to watch. I don't agree that "phat" Phil's against a wall, he has the most secure contract in the history of the conference, win eight games get another year, this guarantees he gets his extra year at least eight out of ten years. I know some fans want him gone but it seems his job's secure, with his relationship with the AD.
about 1 month ago
Who are these qb's Dave Clawson has had success with?
about 1 month ago
Jon Cromton will be a huge part if Tennessee's sucess. I am from Western north carolina and i remember watchin him play for both Erwin and Tuscola. He will have a great chance to step up this year and help Tennessee win some big . I am actually glad the Ainge has gone on to the NFL, i feel that crompton has more potential to be a bigger playmaker. Crompton has a strong arm and he can also run a little bit. If the front 7 can perform on defense then i feel tennessee has a great chance of winning a SEC title and Securing Fulmer's job for a few more years.
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