Well, we managed to extend that UK streak; think we can do it again here at home? Tougher proposition no doubt about it--but NOT as if this Tennessee team is the up'n'coming "new power in the SEC" we were supposed to get steamrolled by, either.
Aw, there I go. And why not? Yeah, everyone's talking about how they're definitely "more talented" than us, and maybe they are, but it ain't lookin' by a whole lot, if so.
The "experts" all had this one a pretty sure win for the Vols comin' into the season: Now they're more split on it--something about "maybe if it wasn't in the Swamp...". Hope that turns out to make the kind of difference it once did. Otherwise I see us losing a close one in SOME kinda combo of headcase-breakdowns.
Sorry, but that's how I see us and our main, consistent weakness nowadays, curtesy of both recruiting and coaching on part of both latter-day Meyer/Addazio AND Muschamp to follow: Inattention/stupidity (post 2009 Championship and Meyer " breakdown") in the former duo, just inept unreadiness as an HC in the latter case (and he ain't exactly workn miracles over at Auburn either, is he, even just on D? Ya gotta get the horses 'for ya can ride 'em to the winners circle).
So: bottom line is I have NO idea who actually wins this one--but if we could put one mostly mistake-free game together, in the Swamp or ANYWHERE, this Coach, with this talent, could rise up and beat this Vols team. Handily.
The frustrating, sad truth is, even with the current "half-empty cupboard" in G-ville, I remain convinced that this coach could beat any of the 2nd tier in our league--and therefore, by extension, most of the rest of the schools in the country--"on any given day", IF they bought fully in and played AS A TEAM, the kind of team he intends to build here. Except at a few skill positions and depth along the O line, we are already close to being good. The rest is "in their heads".
I just can't pick against our boys here. Fundamentally constructed that way, I guess. But I'll be watching this one thru my fingers, I fear. If we win it, it'll be late, and close. Maybe our kicker finally comes thru. Nice story maybe--but frankly I'd rather it were in the hands of Grier and Robinson, come to that. Or better yet, and far more likely: Vernon snags a pick-6 to put it away? Sigh. I really hate it that I can't just chalk up a loss here and go watch the Horns/Cowboys game with my gf.
Aw, there I go. And why not? Yeah, everyone's talking about how they're definitely "more talented" than us, and maybe they are, but it ain't lookin' by a whole lot, if so.
The "experts" all had this one a pretty sure win for the Vols comin' into the season: Now they're more split on it--something about "maybe if it wasn't in the Swamp...". Hope that turns out to make the kind of difference it once did. Otherwise I see us losing a close one in SOME kinda combo of headcase-breakdowns.
Sorry, but that's how I see us and our main, consistent weakness nowadays, curtesy of both recruiting and coaching on part of both latter-day Meyer/Addazio AND Muschamp to follow: Inattention/stupidity (post 2009 Championship and Meyer " breakdown") in the former duo, just inept unreadiness as an HC in the latter case (and he ain't exactly workn miracles over at Auburn either, is he, even just on D? Ya gotta get the horses 'for ya can ride 'em to the winners circle).
So: bottom line is I have NO idea who actually wins this one--but if we could put one mostly mistake-free game together, in the Swamp or ANYWHERE, this Coach, with this talent, could rise up and beat this Vols team. Handily.
The frustrating, sad truth is, even with the current "half-empty cupboard" in G-ville, I remain convinced that this coach could beat any of the 2nd tier in our league--and therefore, by extension, most of the rest of the schools in the country--"on any given day", IF they bought fully in and played AS A TEAM, the kind of team he intends to build here. Except at a few skill positions and depth along the O line, we are already close to being good. The rest is "in their heads".
I just can't pick against our boys here. Fundamentally constructed that way, I guess. But I'll be watching this one thru my fingers, I fear. If we win it, it'll be late, and close. Maybe our kicker finally comes thru. Nice story maybe--but frankly I'd rather it were in the hands of Grier and Robinson, come to that. Or better yet, and far more likely: Vernon snags a pick-6 to put it away? Sigh. I really hate it that I can't just chalk up a loss here and go watch the Horns/Cowboys game with my gf.