Top Five Dark Horse SEC Teams Who Could Contend for a Title
By Ryan Summers
Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) looks to pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Joshua Dobbs. The answer to Volunteer fans prayers has surfaced as the leader in Knoxville and for the first time in the Butch Jones era at Tennessee, the program knows exactly who the starting quarterback will be.
Tennessee went 7-6 last season and 3-5 in the SEC. Dobbs threw for 1206 yards and nine touchdowns through the air while rushing for 469 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Last season, Dobbs emerged as the starter in the final five games of the season, tallying a 4-1 record.
Along with Dobbs coming out of the woodwork to lead the team, the Vols have an offensive line that is gaining experience and has returned for another season together.
The group returning to play in front of Dobbs started in 58 of 65 possible line starts in 2014.
Besides the big guys up front and Dobbs, the offense will have to deal with some depth issues at running back and wide receiver. The games will really be won however, by the Volunteer defense.
Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Brian Randolph (37) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) celebrate a defensive touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
A defense that in 2014, was third in the SEC in sacks with 35 and tied for third with 15 interceptions.
The Volunteers return a bunch of guys in the defensive secondary including Brian Randolph, Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and LaDarrell McNeil.
The task of commanding the defense falls into the hands of leading tackler and preseason All-SEC linebacker Jalen Reeves-Martin who led the Vols last season with 101 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
Tennessee will compete for the East this season and can definitely win a majority of their games. The Vols only leave Knoxville five times in 2015.
Rocky Top is going to see a winning team in 2015, something it hasn’t been to accustomed to in recent years. Look out for this dark horse SEC East squad.
Next: Ole Miss
