A&M, Georgia and Everybody Else

[Orange931]

Yes I hate it, but unfortunately I completely agree with you and I completely agree with the reasons you’ve stated. There will likely be at least one SEC team that gets screwed. It heightens the importance of the TN at GA game for sure, bc the loser of that game could be the team that gets screwed.

DirtyDawg, what’s your honest opinion on how our game will look? I’ve got y’all winning 24-14. Without an offense, we won’t get it done imo.

 

[LittleVol]

A&M will lose at S Carolina next week..

South Carolina is playing some good football right now.

I think A&Ms Dline and running attack are a problem tho. And the MBA kid is a capable passer. If we didn’t get Nico I had hoped Heupel would give him a hard look. Very good QB

 

[LittleVol]

I’m stating facts. Here’s another: neither of us has a damn clue what will happen in Athens. That’s for the two teams to decide.

That’s the only fact lol

 

[sami]

Yes I hate it, but unfortunately I completely agree with you and I completely agree with the reasons you’ve stated. There will likely be at least one SEC team that gets screwed. It heightens the importance of the TN at GA game for sure, bc the loser of that game could be the team that gets screwed.

Much more likely for TN than GA, as your losses would be to Top 10 teams at the time, while we lost to unranked ARK. Either way, to get bumped for Indiana or Iowa State would be galling. The respect that Penn State gets is the worst, pretty much on a par with how Notre Dame is treated.

 

[sami]

DirtyDawg, what’s your honest opinion on how our game will look? I’ve got y’all winning 24-14. Without an offense, we won’t get it done imo.

For crying out loud, the game is three weeks away! Why don't we see how the offense is playing and how both teams look then instead of prognosticating while we still have two games before that point?

 

[Orange931]

For crying out loud, the game is three weeks away! Why don't we see how the offense is playing and how both teams look then instead of prognosticating while we still have two games before that point?

I’m just saying as of now with how the teams look CURRENTLY. I’m going off of results, it’s fan discussion.

 

[LittleVol]

Much more likely for TN than GA, as your losses would be to Top 10 teams at the time, while we lost to unranked ARK. Either way, to get bumped for Indiana or Iowa State would be galling. The respect that Penn State gets is the worst, pretty much on a par with how Notre Dame is treated.

Indiana would have beaten Washington and Ohio State if they get in over 10-2 Tennessee.

And unless our offense gets back into gear, I honestly don’t want to run into Indiana. I’ve watched them 3 times this year and they’re good! They beat Washington with their backup QB. Rourke their starter is much more efficient in Cignettis offense.

But if Nico can get it into high gear, then Tennessee will beat anybody! Indiana, Georgia, A&M, or Oregon.

 

[DirtyDawg]

DirtyDawg, what’s your honest opinion on how our game will look? I’ve got y’all winning 24-14. Without an offense, we won’t get it done imo.

I’m expecting a defensive war in our game. A very physical game where control of the LOS will dictate the outcome barring huge mistakes by one team.

I think we will both attempt to control the flow of the game by establishing the ground game. I gotta say that you guys might have the better rushing attack or at the very least the best RB in Sampson.

Field position will be key imo so in turn I think that special teams will play a significant role. Having a short field to start drives would be a huge advantage.

Really I’m expecting a good old knock down drag out war with each team trying to impose their will in the trenches. I firmly believe that the team that can win these battles in the trenches will win the game. It will keep their offense on the field and give their defense time to rest while draining the opponent’s defense. For this reason depth and health in the defensive front might prove a key element for the winner. I think we (GA) is finally getting healthy in that area, but it’s also no secret that you guys have a deep and very strong defensive front, so only time will tell how these matchups will go.

I do think that us having home field advantage is a big advantage. We will know more in the weeks leading up, but right now I’m expecting a very competitive game just because of the potential for strong defensive play from both teams. I agree with you in the area of the final score. Something like 24-14 seems very plausible.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

Much more likely for TN than GA, as your losses would be to Top 10 teams at the time, while we lost to unranked ARK. Either way, to get bumped for Indiana or Iowa State would be galling. The respect that Penn State gets is the worst, pretty much on a par with how Notre Dame is treated.

Iowa State is Big 12, not Big Ten. Hence why their schedule is a complete joke rather than just mildly cupcakeish. Also not a big media market at all, and not a big brand either. It would be a head scratcher if they got in over UT with comparable record.

The CFP had a chicken-coop’s worth of egg on its face after the 2022 championship thanks to the weakness of the Big 12, the haplessness of that year’s Michigan team, and last but not least @DirtyDawg ’s ferocious UGA squad. In the wake of the TCU fiasco, they will favor the perceived better team over the more “deserving” team if things are relatively close otherwise, hence why Alabama got in last year over FSU. That’s good news for UT and others.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

I’m expecting a defensive war in our game. A very physical game where control of the LOS will dictate the outcome barring huge mistakes by one team.

I think we will both attempt to control the flow of the game by establishing the ground game. I gotta say that you guys might have the better rushing attack or at the very least the best RB in Sampson.

Field position will be key imo so in turn I think that special teams will play a significant role. Having a short field to start drives would be a huge advantage.

Really I’m expecting a good old knock down drag out war with each team trying to impose their will in the trenches. I firmly believe that the team that can win these battles in the trenches will win the game. It will keep their offense on the field and give their defense time to rest while draining the opponent’s defense. For this reason depth and health in the defensive front might prove a key element for the winner. I think we (GA) is finally getting healthy in that area, but it’s also no secret that you guys have a deep and very strong defensive front, so only time will tell how these matchups will go.

I do think that us having home field advantage is a big advantage. We will know more in the weeks leading up, but right now I’m expecting a very competitive game just because of the potential for strong defensive play from both teams. I agree with you in the area of the final score. Something like 24-14 seems very plausible.

In theory, we kinda know what we’re going to get from both defensive lines. Likely the two best in the country. Y’all might have an edge in elite talent from the starters, while we probably have you beat for sheer depth.

The question marks are more on the offensive line, where we are young at left tackle but potentially gelling, and it sounds like you are getting healthy. Edge to us as far as running back, as you mention. Etienne is very talented, but Sampson is on another level right now. Perhaps what I’m most curious about is whether Nico can grow up in the next few games and if Carson Beck can return to form. If one or both of those happen, we could see a very different game from the rock fight that seems most likely at the moment.

 

[sami]

Iowa State is Big 12, not Big Ten. Hence why their schedule is a complete joke rather than just mildly cupcakeish. Also not a big media market at all, and not a big brand either. It would be a head scratcher if they got in over UT with comparable record.

I know that Iowa State isn't a Big 10 team, but threw them in there because they might just be an 11-1 team playing nobody. Treating the Big 12 as a 'Power 4' league is an utter joke, and bumping any 2-loss SEC team for anyone from that league would be a travesty.

 

[sami]

I’m expecting a defensive war in our game. A very physical game where control of the LOS will dictate the outcome barring huge mistakes by one team.

I think we will both attempt to control the flow of the game by establishing the ground game. I gotta say that you guys might have the better rushing attack or at the very least the best RB in Sampson.

Field position will be key imo so in turn I think that special teams will play a significant role. Having a short field to start drives would be a huge advantage.

Really I’m expecting a good old knock down drag out war with each team trying to impose their will in the trenches. I firmly believe that the team that can win these battles in the trenches will win the game. It will keep their offense on the field and give their defense time to rest while draining the opponent’s defense. For this reason depth and health in the defensive front might prove a key element for the winner. I think we (GA) is finally getting healthy in that area, but it’s also no secret that you guys have a deep and very strong defensive front, so only time will tell how these matchups will go.

I do think that us having home field advantage is a big advantage. We will know more in the weeks leading up, but right now I’m expecting a very competitive game just because of the potential for strong defensive play from both teams. I agree with you in the area of the final score. Something like 24-14 seems very plausible.

It really is likely to be one of those old school field position games where the team that can avoid penalties and win the turnover battle will prevail. I'm going to be very interested in seeing how Nico progresses in the next two games, because we will need him to protect the football and make a few plays to have any chance in Athens.

 

[VolCalls]

“I told you so” is the reason. Being right is most important to know it alls

Not at all. I hope I’m wrong and we beat Georgia in Athens, but I’m not expecting it whatsoever. It’s called managing expectations. You do you, my friend.

 

[volfan102455]

I fully expect Tennessee to beat UGA.

At some point we have to stop acting like our team cannot compete with the best of the best.

I know it is because many on here expect 50+ points a game, but how did that work out of us when we really didn't have a solid defense?

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I think you are forgetting who coaches LSU.

Kelly is a really good coach

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I fully expect Tennessee to beat UGA.

At some point we have to stop acting like our team cannot compete with the best of the best.

I know it is because many on here expect 50+ points a game, but how did that work out of us when we really didn't have a solid defense?

I don’t really see how you can look at how we have played and how UGA has played and think we should beat them.

 

[volfan102455]

I don’t really see how you can look at how we have played and how UGA has played and think we should beat them.

They lost to Bama. They struggled against Kentucky. They have struggled offensively at times.

They are not the same UGA team they have been the last couple of years. We are not the same team defensively. Statistically through 7 games the stats are close. Yes I know both teams have had games when the padded the numbers. I think we'll know more after this week as we play KY and they play Florida.

But honestly at some point we need to turn the corner and expect to win verses living in the past and saying "we can't" even before we try.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

They lost to Bama. They struggled against Kentucky. They have struggled offensively at times.

They are not the same UGA team they have been the last couple of years. We are not the same team defensively. Statistically through 7 games the stats are close. Yes I know both teams have had games when the padded the numbers. I think we'll know more after this week as we play KY and they play Florida.

But honestly at some point we need to turn the corner and expect to win verses living in the past and saying "we can't" even before we try.

We aren’t the same defensively true. But we aren’t the same offensively either. We don’t run the super fast tempo like we used to. Our passing game is extremely anemic. Nico can’t pass for 200 yards and a couple of TDs agains inferior teams. How is is he gonna do it against UGA? Kirby has been Heupels kryptonite. I don’t see that changing.

I don’t think you can take their game against UF or their game against UK as any kind of gauge. Remember in 2022? UGA struggled with UK. But they destroyed us. This year UGA struggled with UK but blasted Clemson and Texas. I think we are a good team but until I see our passing game take off, I see no reason to think we can beat UGA. We can’t just rely on our running game to beat them. They have way too many elite athletes on the defensive side of the ball.

 

[foolonthehill]

Indiana would have beaten Washington and Ohio State if they get in over 10-2 Tennessee.

And unless our offense gets back into gear, I honestly don’t want to run into Indiana. I’ve watched them 3 times this year and they’re good! They beat Washington with their backup QB. Rourke their starter is much more efficient in Cignettis offense.

But if Nico can get it into high gear, then Tennessee will beat anybody! Indiana, Georgia, A&M, or Oregon.

Indiana is good not great. Iowa State is a complete fraud. They are short and slow.

 

[tennesseeduke]

A&M losses to SC and TX?

1-1

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I think ga will struggle with the gators this weekend.

I am glad we played UF when we did instead of later in the season.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

South Carolina is playing some good football right now.

I think A&Ms Dline and running attack are a problem tho. And the MBA kid is a capable passer. If we didn’t get Nico I had hoped Heupel would give him a hard look. Very good QB

A&M’s running QB has made them a much better team. They will be a challenge in the SEC Championship game. However, by that time, I believe our offense will be a fine-tuned machine

 

[DirtyDawg]

In theory, we kinda know what we’re going to get from both defensive lines. Likely the two best in the country. Y’all might have an edge in elite talent from the starters, while we probably have you beat for sheer depth.

The question marks are more on the offensive line, where we are young at left tackle but potentially gelling, and it sounds like you are getting healthy. Edge to us as far as running back, as you mention. Etienne is very talented, but Sampson is on another level right now. Perhaps what I’m most curious about is whether Nico can grow up in the next few games and if Carson Beck can return to form. If one or both of those happen, we could see a very different game from the rock fight that seems most likely at the moment.

Sorry, I meant to respond before but forgot. Seems like many Vols on here have extreme positions. Either TN has no chance or TN is better and will surely win. I agree with your assessment of the game.

I do think that if GA plays their A game they will win, but that’s not a knock on TN bc I think GA likely beats anyone if they play their A game. In truth though, GA has yet to play their A game, so TN has a decent chance to win.

 

[luthervol]

Sorry, I meant to respond before but forgot. Seems like many Vols on here have extreme positions. Either TN has no chance or TN is better and will surely win. I agree with your assessment of the game.

I do think that if GA plays their A game they will win, but that’s not a knock on TN bc I think GA likely beats anyone if they play their A game. In truth though, GA has yet to play their A game, so TN has a decent chance to win.

I think if TN and GA both play their A games....TN wins.
No knock on GA, there is simply no longer a separation.

 

[Volfan1000]

If you saw my Alabama, Georgia and everybody else post you know.

Had to.

This one is a joke. Possibly how it will go, but the parity has been mentioned many times for a reason.

A&M found a gem in Reed that looks like we had hoped Nico would look like as a Feshman. Still think he will get there.

Vandy’s coach is gone after this year. He may be called on by Florida. Albeit, Florida’s losses are looking defendable. (TN, Miami and A&M) if they win out, Napier may have saved his job. Wait, they have Georgia, TX LSU and Ole Miss. He gone too, but in a different way.

If we go 10-2, again talk about the parity for us to do that and not get in.

Will we, or can we beat GA in their house? Looks like that may be a requirement to get in.

My bad, I was about to say I’m not even going to think about that right now. The margin is thin and we have KY and Miss St. to focus heavily on.

Hopefully Josh doesn’t send the kids home to be with their parents like he did before the Arkansas game. I felt that was a bad and soft move and probably because he put too much stock in the win against Oklahoma. That is probably the only point where he let the importance of that game to him get in his way.

Maybe I’m reading too much into that. Wouldn’t be the first time, hence the reference to the Alabama, Georgia and everybody else post I made way too early to tell.

Old Miss destroyed those kids in their house.

If we end up 10-2 by playing like we have been, that is due to our schedule IMO.

Hopefully we see some continued improvement over the next couple of weeks.

Isn’t it nice to be at this point in the season and still have a chance at a dance again?

GO VOLS!

PS… what was that you were saying Eli?

I would like to see Tennessee play Texas or Texas A&M in Atlanta in the SEC Championship Game.