Coalition of the Realists

[Volosaurus rex]

It would FAR surpass the Stoerner miracle in my books. In 98 we were supposed to beat the Razorbacks.

The closest thing to it in my eyes would be the Miami win in the Sugar bowl BUT we WERE in the Sugar Bowl already lol. To me beating Oklahoma would far surpass anything that has happened in my 44 years of bleeding orange!

That depends on whether you are talking about public perception or the line established by oddsmakers. If memory serves me correctly, we were only 8 ½ point underdogs to Miami in the 1986 Sugar Bowl but, if you listened to Keith Jackson and, especially, Frank Broyles, Tennessee should have felt privileged to step on the same field, let alone breathe the same rarified air consumed by the godlike Hurricanes. If, however, you are defining underdogs by Vegas criteria, I cannot recall us emerging victorious from a game in which we were more prohibitive underdogs than the 2001 Florida game. The Reptilian Horde was favored by 18 ½ points, despite the fact that we were ranked either fourth of fifth going into that game. No second-ranked team should ever be favored by that much over another top five team but the Lizards were so favored. I do not personally remember the point spread for the following game but this source (Tennessee Volunteer Football: Top 6 Performances of Past 30 Years | Bleacher Report) indicates that we were “two-touchdown” underdogs going into the 2003 game with Miami in which we snapped their 28-game home winning streak. Other candidates for greatest upset victory by a Tennessee team would have to include, at least from the standpoint of public perception, wins over defending national champions and No. 1-ranked LSU in 1959 and top-ranked Auburn in 1985. I have no idea what the point spreads were for either of those games, but they were both played within the friendly confines of Neyland Stadium. Ironically, the 1959 Vols finished the season with three consecutive losses after the 14-13 victory over LSU and posted a 5-4-1 overall record. The 1985 “Sugar Vols” had demonstrated promise offensively but were unranked when they faced Auburn.

All things considered, I would probably have to regard victories over Florida and Miami in 2001 and 2003, respectively, as our two greatest upset victories achieved on the road, which is important for the sake of comparison to the situation we will face Saturday in Norman. The “Miracle at South Bend,” of course, was a monumental come-from-behind road victory, but I don’t believe that we were particularly sizable underdogs in that game.

 

[sjt18]

At least I was willing to take a stand and lay out my realistic expectation. We lose. Do you expect us to win? I'd say, judging by your post above, that is a resounding 'no'.

That doesn't make you a negavol, just a realist.

The likelihood is that UT loses. That's not what you said. You said it was a foregone conclusion. There is a HUGE difference between those two things.

Unlike you apparently, I wasn't gifted with the speed to play college football. But I did play in a very good small HS program that has put a couple of names at UT that you'd recognize. I happened to play on that school's very first state championship team. We were predicted to finish third in our conference behind the school that produced Jimmy Streater and his brothers. We won it.... and had an undefeated regular season. Our first game was against the defending state champ who had a couple of D-1 players. They were predicted to destroy us. We won. We were predicted to lose the 2nd game too... won by 36. Predicted to lose the third game to a team with a player who I think eventually played for a national champ in college. We won. By the state finals... the media stopped predicting us to lose. We won that one too.

In terms of "talent", we were the least talented team in our conference. We were actually a 1A sized school playing 2A. IIRC, every 2A school we played... and beat... had an enrollment twice ours. We weren't fast, big, or even extraordinarily strong.

But... much like UT's players have been saying of late... we expected to win every time we took the field. We were physical and believed the team that hit the best would win. We played good assignment football focused on consistent execution. We had good player leaders and played well together.

As you might imagine by now... I absolutely LOVE the "way" Jones coaches players. (My only reservation is gameday ability).

I know... "Cool story bro'"... but I say all that to say this... A well coached team that has enough talent and executes can win ALOT OF GAMES and overcome almost any disadvantage whether it be experience or talent or whatever.

 

[Vol Revolver]

First things first- I sincerely hope Tennessee pulls off a historic upset in Norman this Saturday night. I'll be in orange on my couch hanging on every play. I have stated previously we will lose this game...in spite of how hard we collectively cheer for the Big Orange.

So, in light of the anarchy that will undoubtedly consume this board around 10pm ET Saturday night, I was hoping to go ahead and start a thread for all of us who saw this loss coming.

We'll call it the 'Coalition of the Realists'. We are passionate about Tennessee football, love the school, and want nothing more than for our team to be relevant again. And with that, we recognize that we simply aren't there yet. In some circles, this description is what is known as a 'Negavol'.

If you meet the above criteria, please come on in and announce your presence now before the game even begins.

That way, if the Vols do win, we collectively admit we were wrong on all accounts and grossly underestimated CBJ and the team. However, if/when the Vols do lose, we won't have to engage in any amateurish gloating or I told you so's.

This won't end well...

Well said, Sir. This is exactly how I feel.
I am going to feel terrible if lose even though I know it's coming.

We are on our way back. Just a few more years. Hope everyone can display some patients and give Butch the time he needs to get this thing going. GBO!

 

[knoxvols11]

Welcome. I'd like to tell you we have a hat and some cool shirts, but then I'd be lying. We aren't a real club, just a club of realists.

Once the smoke settles from this dumpster fire thread, I'll start another one listing all of our founding members (with opt-outs upon request).

Put my name in BIG CAPITOL BOLD LETTERS!

 

[Hoghater]

Optimistically realistic here

 

[UT_Dutchman]

I hear and respect your opinion. But why does mine make me a defeatist? Why assume if I'm not full-blown, Jim Jones orange koolaid drinking and sunshine pumping, I'm pulling for defeat? This is at the core of my argument. You can expect defeat and hope for victory at the same time...particularly in a matchup like this.

For about the 8th time, I'll eat my crow gladly, with a second helping if Butch and the team pull this off.

Recoil, I have kept my labeling of posters to a minimum on VN . I never said anyone was either. I stated it doesn't matter how anyone labels their self or others. We don't control what happens on the field, the fine young men who choose our great university and coaches determine that. I was taught if you go in believing you will lose as player or coach you of course are already defeated. I just choose to go into the game believing we will win.

 

[gogators13]

And in your programs history it has never ever ever happened. Always one blemish on Florida's schedule throughout history. sorry I had to.

You would be correct.... We wouldn't have the Tebow speech hanging up if it wasn't for Old Miss..... :hi:

 

[huskyvol]

How about we form a coalition to ban coalitions?

 

[PerneVedisUncool]

Hope we win well lose by 25

 

[PagingDrVol]

I just want our boys to play hard. I will not melt down nor call for anyone to be fired if we lose. I will drink an extra beer (or three) and go to sleep. I'm going to hope and cheer for every play. Get out of there with our dignity and our health. Go Vols!

If every VN fan were like you, this program would be a lot better off.:clapping:

 

[jcon]

First things first- I sincerely hope Tennessee pulls off a historic upset in Norman this Saturday night. I'll be in orange on my couch hanging on every play. I have stated previously we will lose this game...in spite of how hard we collectively cheer for the Big Orange.

So, in light of the anarchy that will undoubtedly consume this board around 10pm ET Saturday night, I was hoping to go ahead and start a thread for all of us who saw this loss coming.

We'll call it the 'Coalition of the Realists'. We are passionate about Tennessee football, love the school, and want nothing more than for our team to be relevant again. And with that, we recognize that we simply aren't there yet. In some circles, this description is what is known as a 'Negavol'.

If you meet the above criteria, please come on in and announce your presence now before the game even begins.

That way, if the Vols do win, we collectively admit we were wrong on all accounts and grossly underestimated CBJ and the team. However, if/when the Vols do lose, we won't have to engage in any amateurish gloating or I told you so's.

This won't end well...

I've heard of you guys!

 

[knoxvols11]

How about we form a coalition to ban coalitions?

How about this to start your movement?


http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MrXnDbOpxU4

 

[Catbone]

Ahh.. so nice to see a fellow realist on the boards.

 

[General Jack]

The premise of this thread is kind of sad.

Vols banding together to pontificate on why we lose Saturday.

Yeah, we'll probably lose... but is it really necessary to unite behind such cause? Out of ... spite?

 

[General Jack]

Ahh.. so nice to see a fellow realist on the boards.

Nice to know you will find comfort in your smugness if we lose Saturday.

 

[kiddiedoc]

I'll kindly remain in the camp that stands by our history and the hope that our return to greatness comes sooner than later.

 

[butchna]

These same sunshine pumping koolaid drinkers are the same ones who will be calling for Butch Jones' head if the Vols don't beat the #4 team in the country on the road.

But you were already at the head of that line...at his introductory press conference! :glare:

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I'm afraid I can't back this logic. This isn't a coin flip and there are factors that weight the probability of the outcome far more than just the randomness of two variables making it a 50/50 chance.

I would agree that .01% represents too great a mismatch.

If upsets never happened then your logic would be right. However they do happen. There are other factors that weigh in but in the end, all games begin as 50/50. Nobody can predict the future.

 

[Recoil]

Nice to know you will find comfort in your smugness if we lose Saturday.

Not smug, just real.

The irony of this backlash is all of you I've made the maddest with this thread will undoubtedly be the ones ranting the most on here Saturday night.

Again , and to repeat, being a realist is just about tempering expectations. I HOPE we win. We won't. But I hope we do.

 

[Recoil]

The likelihood is that UT loses. That's not what you said. You said it was a foregone conclusion. There is a HUGE difference between those two things.

Unlike you apparently, I wasn't gifted with the speed to play college football. But I did play in a very good small HS program that has put a couple of names at UT that you'd recognize. I happened to play on that school's very first state championship team. We were predicted to finish third in our conference behind the school that produced Jimmy Streater and his brothers. We won it.... and had an undefeated regular season. Our first game was against the defending state champ who had a couple of D-1 players. They were predicted to destroy us. We won. We were predicted to lose the 2nd game too... won by 36. Predicted to lose the third game to a team with a player who I think eventually played for a national champ in college. We won. By the state finals... the media stopped predicting us to lose. We won that one too.

In terms of "talent", we were the least talented team in our conference. We were actually a 1A sized school playing 2A. IIRC, every 2A school we played... and beat... had an enrollment twice ours. We weren't fast, big, or even extraordinarily strong.

But... much like UT's players have been saying of late... we expected to win every time we took the field. We were physical and believed the team that hit the best would win. We played good assignment football focused on consistent execution. We had good player leaders and played well together.

As you might imagine by now... I absolutely LOVE the "way" Jones coaches players. (My only reservation is gameday ability).

I know... "Cool story bro'"... but I say all that to say this... A well coached team that has enough talent and executes can win ALOT OF GAMES and overcome almost any disadvantage whether it be experience or talent or whatever.

First of all, the 'cool story bro' thing is a bit harsh. I hate when people do that on here. It's like they need that e-cred by insulting somebody who shares (in most cases) a pretty neat little occurrence.

Your experience sounds unforgettable and awesome. One of things you'll cherish for life. I had a couple of those type moments in my sporting career as well. Always cool to overcome the odds....which is exactly what I hope happens Saturday night.

 

[Recoil]

Ahh.. so nice to see a fellow realist on the boards.

I'm glad to open the floodgates. No more lurking in the shadows. No more fear of saying exactly what everybody else is thinking.

If the most realistic outcome is our beloved Vols losing, we aren't scared to come right out and say it, and hope like heck they don't.

 

[Recoil]

I'll kindly remain in the camp that stands by our history and the hope that our return to greatness comes sooner than later.

As do we, fellow realist, as do we.

 

[Recoil]

That would be cool!

Keep it up and we won't teach it to you.

 

[Recoil]

The premise of this thread is kind of sad.

Vols banding together to pontificate on why we lose Saturday.

Yeah, we'll probably lose... but is it really necessary to unite behind such cause? Out of ... spite?

Zero spite, General. No malice whatsoever. Just stating the most likely, obvious outcome of the pending matchup with OU.

Again, if you read the OP and throughout this thread, I've stated countless times I HOPE we win. We just won't.

My opinion is no more or less important than those that choose to believe Tennessee wins in Norman.

 

[Crazy Ivan]

First things first- I sincerely hope Tennessee pulls off a historic upset in Norman this Saturday night. I'll be in orange on my couch hanging on every play. I have stated previously we will lose this game...in spite of how hard we collectively cheer for the Big Orange.

So, in light of the anarchy that will undoubtedly consume this board around 10pm ET Saturday night, I was hoping to go ahead and start a thread for all of us who saw this loss coming.

We'll call it the 'Coalition of the Realists'. We are passionate about Tennessee football, love the school, and want nothing more than for our team to be relevant again. And with that, we recognize that we simply aren't there yet. In some circles, this description is what is known as a 'Negavol'.

If you meet the above criteria, please come on in and announce your presence now before the game even begins.

That way, if the Vols do win, we collectively admit we were wrong on all accounts and grossly underestimated CBJ and the team. However, if/when the Vols do lose, we won't have to engage in any amateurish gloating or I told you so's.

This won't end well...

I don't consider being realistic and being a so-called 'negavol' as being the same thing. I consider myself a realist. I realize that short of the Vols playing their A game and OU playing their F game, we have little chance in Norman of pulling off an upset.

I fully understand Butch is not a magician and he and his staff cannot fix over a decade of decay in just a couple of seasons.

That's being realistic, IMO.

However, I don't jump in every positive thread started by a so-called 'sunshine pumper' mocking their positive post, or making comments "if Butch can't get to 8 wins this season then...blah blah blah". I think the board does have some who simply choose to be a member of the legions of the miserable by never having anything positive to say about Butch or the Vols, and being unable to have others make such statements without countering with a negative statement. Sometimes I truly believe those types prefer that the Vols stay down to justify their negativty.

That's being a negavol, IMO.