Define Success For This Season

[VFL-82-JP]

Just wanted to ask a question @RDU VOL#14 How does the TN O-line look in your opinion? I think you guys look pretty good on the O-line, but just wanted some opinions of Vols fans.

This could be a very big deal as far as our game against one another is played out. If we can’t stifle y’all’s run game and get pressure on Nico it’s very possible you guys may put up big points on us.

In the past, not so much last season, we’ve had a player or two on the interior that demanded double teams. This opened up things for others. You know the whole “if there is two on me, somebody’s free” deal.

The truth is that if you guys can handle our defensive front well it will very possibly be a close game. Just wanting to hear your opinion, or the opinion of other knowledgeable Vols.

I look forward to reading RDU's response as well, but here's a rundown while we wait for him:

The interior trio are about as solid as a fieldstone wall. Center Cooper Mays (senior; you'll remember his older brother Cade) is a pre-season All American (first team) and on the Rimington and Outland watch lists. To his right, Javontez Spraggins has been our starting RG for three years. 1,600 plays in '22 and '23, and allowed only four sacks...as well as paving the way for some really prolific offense in '22. On Cooper's other side, Jackson Lampley has been with us forever, it seems, though he only became a starter last fall. These three have played together so many years, they can probably read each other's minds.

The outside edges are the newer pieces of the puzzle. John Campbell, Jr., at RT, transferred to us from Miami after the '22 season. He played LT for us most of last season, until he was injured the week before our game against you guys. The move from LT to RT is the unknown quantity in his play. Meanwhile, Lance Heard, a sophomore transfer from LSU, is our new LT. He was named to the SEC all-freshman team at the end of the season. Consequently, we have high hopes for him, though he is the new element of the unit.

RDU will be able to provide more insight.

Go Vols!

Edit: Heh, RDU responded while I was typing; going to read his notes now.

 

[DirtyDawg]

I look forward to reading RDU's response as well, but here's a rundown while we wait for him:

The interior trio are about as solid as a fieldstone wall. Center Cooper Mays (senior; you'll remember his older brother Cade) is a pre-season All American (first team) and on the Rimington and Outland watch lists. To his right, Javontez Spraggins has been our starting RG for three years. 1,600 plays in '22 and '23, and allowed only four sacks...as well as paving the way for some really prolific offense in '22. On Cooper's other side, Jackson Lampley has been with us forever, it seems, though he only became a starter last fall. These three have played together so many years, they can probably read each other's minds.

The outside edges are the newer pieces of the puzzle. John Campbell, Jr., at RT, transferred to us from Miami after the '22 season. He played LT for us most of last season, until he was injured the week before our game against you guys. The move from LT to RT is the unknown quantity in his play. Meanwhile, Lance Heard, a sophomore transfer from LSU, is our new LT. He was named to the SEC all-freshman team at the end of the season. Consequently, we have high hopes for him, though he is the new element of the unit.

RDU will be able to provide more insight.

Go Vols!

Edit: Heh, RDU responded while I was typing; going to read his notes now.

Thanks for the knowledge, very insightful. As you kind of eluded to, playing O-line isn’t just about the individuals talent or strength. It’s very much about how the line plays together as a unit. Basically just being on the same page and acting as one. This is where a guy like Mays is so valuable. Thanks very much for the insight, very informative and helpful.

 

[chuckiepoo]

That’s a comforting thing for you guys. We’ve got a new starter at center in Jared Wilson, and I’ve heard great things about him. Although, he has been battling injuries lately and Tate Ratledge, probably our best guard and lineman, has handled most snaps during fall camp.

We aren’t wanting for talent on the O-line, but as you know center is a very important position. I’m a bit concerned that we had to pull Ratledge to cover center in Wilson’s absence. Looks like Wilson is a go for week 1, but our depth there isn’t where I’d like it to be.

Many Saturdays to play, and many damnable injury reports.
Pray for safe and healthy play.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

I look forward to reading RDU's response as well, but here's a rundown while we wait for him:

The interior trio are about as solid as a fieldstone wall. Center Cooper Mays (senior; you'll remember his older brother Cade) is a pre-season All American (first team) and on the Rimington and Outland watch lists. To his right, Javontez Spraggins has been our starting RG for three years. 1,600 plays in '22 and '23, and allowed only four sacks...as well as paving the way for some really prolific offense in '22. On Cooper's other side, Jackson Lampley has been with us forever, it seems, though he only became a starter last fall. These three have played together so many years, they can probably read each other's minds.

The outside edges are the newer pieces of the puzzle. John Campbell, Jr., at RT, transferred to us from Miami after the '22 season. He played LT for us most of last season, until he was injured the week before our game against you guys. The move from LT to RT is the unknown quantity in his play. Meanwhile, Lance Heard, a sophomore transfer from LSU, is our new LT. He was named to the SEC all-freshman team at the end of the season. Consequently, we have high hopes for him, though he is the new element of the unit.

RDU will be able to provide more insight.

Go Vols!

Edit: Heh, RDU responded while I was typing; going to read his notes now.

I think you covered it better than I did

 

[chuckiepoo]

Y’all know, @DirtyDawg is Kirby…

 

[sami]

Anything less than a playoff spot will be a failure.

If that happens, CJH needs to be looking at the clock. It’s unfortunate but, the major success he had in year two set a very high president!

I'll assume this is just a joke post poking fun at idiot fans.

And I'm not sure what the president has to do with anything, whoever he is.

 

[DirtyDawg]

Y’all know, @DirtyDawg is Kirby…

Well I certainly couldn’t hack it as a D1 coach, but I sure wish I had Kirby’s bank account!!! I’d own me a Tennessee Smoky Mountain vacation home!!! Hell, I might just live there year round!!! I’d invite some of you good folks over to have a few beers, talk college football, and introduce me to some Tennessee ways of living!!!

 

[chuckiepoo]

Well I certainly couldn’t hack it as a D1 coach, but I sure wish I had Kirby’s bank account!!! I’d own me a Tennessee Smoky Mountain vacation home!!! Hell, I might just live there year round!!! I’d invite some of you good folks over to have a few beers, talk college football, and introduce me to some Tennessee ways of living!!!

Ya seem like a purty good sort. I’m grateful for fans that can go behind the lines and provide relevant conversation. Back when the Saints had Brees and the Texans were ascending, 2011ish2012, 13, I recall visiting Canal Street Chronicles. Had a blast at that site.

 

[adam.vol]

Y’all know, @DirtyDawg is Kirby…

That thought crossed my mind.. Could our fans serve as scouts for an opponent? Nah, not enough info to draw up a game plan.. But maybe enough for an oddsmaker or at least a gambler.

 

[chuckiepoo]

That thought crossed my mind.. Could our fans serve as scouts for an opponent? Nah, not enough info to draw up a game plan.. But maybe enough for an oddsmaker or at least a gambler.

We’re just paranoid. F***ing xenophobia creeping in…

…gambler? That definitely should be considered.

 

[adam.vol]

…gambler? That definitely should be considered.

If I had confidence that I could choose between valuable information and useless details, this would be a good place to do homework on a team, without having to risk insider information.

 

[chuckiepoo]

If I had confidence that I could choose between valuable information and useless details, this would be a good place to do homework on a team, without having to risk insider information.

Running the comments and reference data through a database to assign value, may getcha somewhar.

There’s about twenty years of data here…

With the right algorithms you could cypher the analysis in a few minutes.

Think Luhnow..

 

[Other_Guy]

…or berth

Sorry, I work 3rd and was homeschooled and am left handed.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Sorry, I work 3rd and was homeschooled and am left handed.

…my fingers get in the way and auto correct totally fails my particular proclivities to false strike a button.

I had an uncle that was left handed. Played the hell out of the piano, clarinet and saxophone. Marched in the Sugar Bowl.

 

[unfrozencvmanvol]

If Nico is a generational QB then our expectations should be the same. It's national championship or bust.

Like the Spartan king famously said: "if". The guy hasn't took an SEC snap yet, some of y'all are putting an awful lot on him at this moment in time, considering that. Do I hope he's Michael Vick or Johnny Manziel 2.0? Yeah. Is it fair to him to expect out of the gate dominance like that? No.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Like the Spartan king famously said: "if". The guy hadn't took an SEC snap yet, some of y'all are putting an awful lot on him at this moment in time, considering that. Do I hope he's Michael Vick or Johnny Manziel 2.0, yeah, is it fair to him to expect out of the gate dominance like that? No.

Yep. The game really slowed down for Hooker his second year. Nico has had almost two years to understand the offense. I think we’re good here.

Let’s ride::::

 

[Other_Guy]

…my fingers get in the way and auto correct totally fails my particular proclivities to false strike a button.

I had an uncle that was left handed. Played the hell out of the piano, clarinet and saxophone. Marched in the Sugar Bowl.

My left hand knows how to handle a bowl of sugar lol

 

[Rockytop10nessee]

Beat two of OU, Alabubba, UGA….win playoff game, finish top ten. Work towards Natty Nico’s senior year. SEC Champs his Junior year.

Lmao if you think Nico is gonna be here for a senior year. Enjoy him now, we get two years and he’s gone.

 

[Rockytop10nessee]

What the coaching staff and players expect and what we expect and will accept as a successful season are apples and oranges. I would be greatly disappointed if the team didn't fully expect to win every game they play and have as their goals the SEC title and a playoff run, which should be the case every season.

As a fan, we can be a little more realistic and understand that with a brand new QB with one start under his belt and new starters at many critical positions, plus a secondary that is still a work in progress, an 'all or nothing' goal is a recipe for disappointment.

Nine wins and a bowl win is a very reasonable goal given the schedule and thinness in certain roster areas, while ten wins with a playoff appearance and possibly one playoff win would be a rousing success, especially with the recruiting victories and the talent coming in '25 and '26. Anything beyond that would be icing on the cake.

This isn’t just any QB with one start under his belt. I’m giddy as hell for all of you “pump the brakes” folks to finally realize that pumping the damn brakes isnt necessary.

 

[Rockytop10nessee]

What the coaching staff and players expect and what we expect and will accept as a successful season are apples and oranges. I would be greatly disappointed if the team didn't fully expect to win every game they play and have as their goals the SEC title and a playoff run, which should be the case every season.

As a fan, we can be a little more realistic and understand that with a brand new QB with one start under his belt and new starters at many critical positions, plus a secondary that is still a work in progress, an 'all or nothing' goal is a recipe for disappointment.

Nine wins and a bowl win is a very reasonable goal given the schedule and thinness in certain roster areas, while ten wins with a playoff appearance and possibly one playoff win would be a rousing success, especially with the recruiting victories and the talent coming in '25 and '26. Anything beyond that would be icing on the cake.

Winning 10 games on a schedule that will have us favored in at least 9 and potentially 10 games is NOT a “rousing success.”

It’s a good season.

 

[zjcvols]

I'm not selling my stock in Heupel at 9-3 but it would be a bit of a disappointment. 10-2 would almost assuredly mean playoff birth so that's where I'm at.

Nine wins with "close in the game in the 4th quarter losses to OU, Georgia and Bama" would be tolerable

Nine wins with a loss to Florida (let's pretend OU takes a step back and we have 3 TO's against UF) that costs us a playoff spot would be hard to bear.

 

[UTFranklinVol]

We have a 4th year head coach offensive guru and maybe one of the best QBs in the nation. Huepel now has all his recruits playing. We get Bama and Florida at home and Nick Saban is finally gone.

My mark of success would be a record on par with 2022 with no more than 2 losses. If we could beat Bama at home WITH Nick Saban then we can do it again without him. Winning at UGA will be tough but with divisions now gone we can have a shot at making it to the SEC title without beating them in the regular season. Regardless of having a shot at the SEC title we should be good enough to make the 12 team playoff and raise a ruckus.

IMO if we miss the playoffs it wasnt just an unsuccessful year, it would be a very big disappointment.

Georgia and Oklahoma can be accepted losses if we beat Bama and Florida and don't lose a single home game.

 

[Other_Guy]

Nine wins with "close in the game in the 4th quarter losses to OU, Georgia and Bama" would be tolerable

Nine wins with a loss to Florida (let's pretend OU takes a step back and we have 3 TO's against UF) that costs us a playoff spot would be hard to bear.

If your second scenario played out this is what I would do every year for eternity:
1. Get super pumped in the off season.
2. Tune in excitedly to several games.
3. Go watch paint dry when they play Florida.
4. Tune back in excitedly for the rest of the season.

 

[EZE]

Make the CFP. I would consider that an enormous success.

I’d say at least be in contention for the CFP late in the season. And, if we fall short, be playing our best football late so we take a lot of momentum into the following season.

Nico is a wild card. I don’t see him being a bust, but he will need to play really well for the team to contend.

 

[Nicovfl8]

Making cfp is success in my opinion