Everyone always points to lack of in state talent as basis for longevity, though UT has historically recruited nationally...but everyone is recruiting nationally now. So, if it becomes an in state conversation about the "core", taking out GA and FL, using 4*'s as barometer, for 2018, 2019, 2020 numbers of 4* and above, Tennessee is a little behind Louisiana, a little ahead of Alabama (which, in theory, should be fractured some b/c of Bama/Auburn), and certainly way ahead of SC. It's all about if we have the right coaches and can they recruit, and do we have staff continuity. I think we check the boxes on all these. LSU, for example is a cult inside state lines, and we'll build that back too when we start winning. I'd put UT fan support on par w/ LSU, certainly.
When the sleeping giant awakens, people are gonna know we're back in the game. Writer doesn't know that the UT brand is strong, and this season is KEY. We go 7-9 wins, and we can start expecting a faster elevation. 6 wins or less, and recruits/fans are holding back, wondering "what do we have...Majors in a longer re-build, or a guy who sounds/acts alot different than Dooley/Jones, but record on the field is too similar."