SEC Football: Breaking Down 2015 SEC Championship Odds

Sep 13, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tennessee Vols (9/1)

One of college football’s most inexperienced teams in 2014, a 7-6 record and a Gator Bowl win was something to be proud of. However, nobody will be impressed if Tennessee repeats in 2015.

With Joshua Dobbs directing an offense that returns all eleven starters and a defense that returns eight starters and two all-conference defenders in Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt, not only do Tennessee fans have high expectations for their football program, but so do national pundits and ‘Vegas odds makers.

With ‘Vegas looking on this fall, Tennessee will have to accept its status as a preconceived contender with its chip on its shoulder. A bunch of talent returns, but we’ll have to wait until fall to find out if the Vols are pretenders or contenders.

Roll the dice: Tennessee hasn’t been relevant in years and the state is hungry for a winner. Butch Jones has a team that’s young and dangerous on both sides of the ball. The question is if UT can handle the pressure.

Next: Ole Miss