SEC East Title Contenders
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Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones celebrates with players after a win against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Volunteers won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
…..Tennessee
I know Butch Jones has turned the program around. For the first time in years, there is a positive energy around the UT football program that has Vols fans chanting ‘Rocky Top’ every where they go. I can’t blame them for having a positive outlook on this year. Their projected starting line up on offense has everybody returning. That is insane. Their offense is led by star running back Jalen Hurd, but their success relies on the arm of Joshua Dobbs. I’ve heard Dobbs name mentioned as a dark horse for Heisman and as the best quarterback in the SEC behind Dak Prescott, but I am having a hard time seeing it.
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The defense is returning 8 starters, and this is where I expect the drastic improvements. Last year, Tennesse fell victim to starting so many underclassmen. Missed reads, over pursuing the ball, getting out of lanes, and other mistakes were constantly made by this defense that boasted 7 starters that were either freshmen or sophomores. With the elite talent that they possess, I would not be shocked to see Tennessee improve drastically on defense.
There is a reason to be excited in Knoxville, but right now it is all speculation on what this team COULD do this season. Until I’m shown otherwise, I still expect this team to finish behind 3 of their SEC East Foes.
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