My Game Projections for 2005

#1
OldVol

OldVol

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#1
I haven’t had a lot of time to be online lately. I had a few extra minutes and I wanted to present my opinions on our schedule and how our team will/might perform against each.

I’d like everyone to chime in on your thoughts about my picks and projections.

University of Alabama Birmingham

I am probably among the minority here who believe this game could be a lot closer than we’d like. If it is I don’t view it as a bad sign for the remainder of our season, rather, I’d surmise a close game would probably be the result of a) looking past them to the Florida game, B] UAB being a lot better than some might have given them credit for. I do believe they’ll be a good early season test for our revamped secondary, but in the end, our overwhelming advantage in talent on the defensive front, as well as depth, will probably cause the game to get out of hand by the 4th quarter.

Projected score: VOLS 38 UAB 10

University of Florida

A lot has been said about this game on this board. There seems to be 2 primary schools of thought here. a) Urban Meyer is a football god who will indeed be the second coming of SOS and the Gators move immediately to the front of the SEC pack. B] Meyer will get his comeuppance and realize that this indeed is not the MAC or MW. I, as many of you know, subscribe to the latter. I’m of the opinion that Meyer is a good young coach, but good young coaches don’t usually do all that well in situations where the fans and the school administration are unreasonable in their expectations. Ron Zook was promised the time he need to rebuild the talent level. He rebuilt the talent level but was not given a fair amount of time to see what the talent could do. If Meyer doesn’t produce immediately he will be out in 3 years. I believe UT will benefit by getting him early, but in the end, his scheme is too cheap to succeed in the SEC. This game will come down to who runs the ball the best. That gives the Vols a huge advantage. This game has been won 12 of the last 13 years by the team who rushed for the most yards. It will be a big game for Gerald. Ainge will start and benefit by the powerful running game.

Projected score: Vols 27 Gators 10

Louisiana State University

This is the game that worries me more than any. We’ll be coming off the big win at Florida and have to go directly to Baton Rouge. They are loaded. They are good. But, they have a new coaching staff too. I believe it will be a knock down drag out affair. I believe the big difference in this game will be QB play. It’s my opinion that Russell will get the start but he’s just not the caliber of QB that can win an SEC championship. In the end it will be their demise in this game. The QB position is probably going to the heir apparent, Ryan Perrilloux, but not this soon.

Projected score: Vols 17 Tigers 14

University of Mississippi

All of the screaming, drinking, fighting and cursing Mr. Orgeron has been doing down there will probably come to a screeching halt during this game. I do believe Ole Miss could be undefeated when we face them but this will not be a replay of last year’s game. The Vols are so far superior to the talent in Oxford that this is one game that will probably be very one sided.

Vols 35 Rebels 7

University of Georgia

Of all the game on the schedule I believe this game provides one of the best opportunities for us to lose. Georgia is not as bad as some of their detractors would like us to think. Yes, they’re going to be hit hard by losses, but they have great talent to plug the holes, and they’ll be looking for revenge big time from last year’s loss. It was our pounding of them that cost them a huge season. After our game, they didn’t have a lot left to play for really. The NC was out, the SEC was likely out, and 04 was supposed to be their year.

Projected score: Vols 21 Dawgs 20 (but this one could easily go the other way)

University of Alabama

This is the year Fulmer gets some well earned satisfaction by watching the Vols hammer the Tide in overwhelming fashion. Croyle is a decent QB when he’s healthy. Let’s see, when was the last time he was healthy for an entire season? Oh, yeah. The Vols are going to pull away early in this one and the Crimson Tide will be going out. Since there’s no love lost between these two teams, look for the Vols to run it up if they can, and I believe they can.

Projected score: Vols 38 Tide 14

University of South Carolina

He’s back! Steve returns to the conference with no QB, no receivers, no running game, and a so-so defense. But it’s Steve. This is probably not the year Steve scares the Vols, but eventually, he’ll have them competitive. I don’t think he’ll get the quantity of great players he’ll need to compete consistently in the conference, but he’ll knock off a good team here and there. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks up on Alabama, or possibly even Florida. He wanted the job or he wouldn’t have talked to them. It’s going to be a long day for Steve in Knoxville this year though. The real reason Steve has toned down is; he knows he doesn’t have the talent to be cocky.

Projected score: Vols 28 Gamecocks 3

Notre Dame

The Fighting ‘Caucasians’ (we don’t want to offend anyone particular brand of Caucasian) will not go away easy. They have a new coach but they have mostly the same players. What’s that? They beat us last year? Oh, yeah. I remember that. It was a frustrating loss and barring repeated circumstances (the injury of the QB won’t be as devastating this time around) this game is very winnable for the Vols. I do think Weis will improve on the last head coach, but it will take time. Never again will Notre Dame be the team that everyone feared. The landscape has changed too much for them to succeed on that level. They will be a good team in 05 though. Not good enough to beat us again though.

Projected score: Vols 24 Notre Dame 10

University of Memphis

This is not a game I like. I know we have a lot of loyal fans in Memphis but this game is played for political reasons and that is the wrong reason to schedule a game. The chances of their winning are so slim it’s laughable. But the chance of them being a nuisance is good. If we are undefeated at this point in the season, a close game here would hurt us in the polls and could cause us to miss out on something big in January. I recall the 99 and 00 games which we won by a total margin of 3 points. They’ll play us tougher than anyone on their schedule and still lose.

Projected score: Vols 24 Tigers 17

Vanderbilt University

Bless their hearts! They just can’t get over that 2/9 hum, can they? What would it take to energize a school that has a) no athletic department, B] no fan support or backing, c) no notable coaching d) Ivy League players, e) Ivy League facilities, and f) the worst mascot in all of college sports? Is Charlton Heston still living? One of those Biblical miracles might come in handy for Vandy.

Projected score: Vols 51 Vandy 10

University of Kentucky

What were they thinking when they hired Rich Brooks? This guy has to go. They’re never going to win the SEC, but they could do far better than they are. Last year’s game aside, and I know they’ll save their best for us, but it will not be nearly enough this time around.

Projected score: Vols 42 Cats 0
 
#2
#2
WOW - that took a lot of thought - I agree on most parts except the Bama and some of the UAB points - I think that UAB will score more than 10 pts. traditionally we do not open well against teams like that. Not that we have lost but we tend to struggle and get caught up in the opening day experience - who knows though we might come out and destroy them.

and then there is Bama - I think this could be one of the toughest games we have all year - they are pissed with us - it's at Bama - there is something about that game that just bugs me.

Just my 2 cents
 
#3
#3
I like your optimism, but IMO some of those points spreads are a bit unrealistic. I think even the ND game will be closer.
 
#4
#4
Yes, some of the scores are optimistic. Some are a reflection of what I view the talent levels to be based on factors such as coaching changes etc.

Since I believe it is almost impossible to make a coaching change and go undefeated, I know, Coker did it at Miami, but I said ALMOST impossible, I think Florida and LSU are in store for some growing pains.

I really do fear the Georgia game the most. It's on The Hill, but Georgia has good talent and an established coaching staff.

I'll readily admit LSU and Georgia could be reversed in score, but I took the optimistic approach.

I do not believe there will be any other huge threats to this team in 05.

 
#5
#5
I think you have the LSU and Memphis games on the money. I believe Florida will score more points than you estimate, but I do agree that we should win b/c of superior line play and winning the rushing battle.
 
#7
#7
Originally posted by U-T@Aug 17, 2005 6:25 PM
Somewhat good but I still see us dropping 1-2 games
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Anyone who isn't concerned about out schedule needs to take out their orange colored glasses for a bit. We are playing in the SEC after all and I’d be lying if I wasn’t worried about LSU, Bama, and Georgia. No one knows how good D.J. Shockley will be, if you remember he was able to drive the ball down the field against us when Greene couldn’t do it.
 
#8
#8
Originally posted by OldVol@Aug 17, 2005 1:13 PM

University of Alabama Birmingham

I am probably among the minority here who believe this game could be a lot closer than we’d like.

Projected score:  VOLS 38 UAB 10

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:yourock:
Where's Blazer when we need him?

I think that the Florida game will be closer, with more points for UF, and probably more for us. The offense will be able to put up some points, but I see a few key turnovers going our way, helping us to the win.

LSU and Georgia won't be as close (hopefully). Our run D should be solid and will shut down LSU for a one-sided affair on the road.

As for the ol' ball coach only getting 3 points, I have to doubt it. He'll fake punt and go for it at 4th and 40 if he has to. I agree that we'll win big, though.

Memphis scares me. MUCH closer than we would hope (as usual).

November will bring silence to the jibberish about our performances against Vandy and UK last year.

 
#9
#9
FWIW, Urban will be here more than three years. Ill ban myself for life if hes not. Zook was always had players in trouble, was involved in the "frat house", had teams that were obviously not well coached, blew games in the 4th quarter, lost to miss st and ole miss. He was a horrible failure and the Gator Nation is pleased to see him go. He brought it all on himself. Urban will not be fired in 3 years. Book it.
 
#10
#10
I am not sure why you would think LSU or UGA won't be close.

Both teams are loaded
 
#11
#11
LSU is very loaded. Im still not sure about UGA though. I think DJ is a good QB, and that they have a good team, but I just think theyre up against too much and lost too much. They were a decent team with all those guys, now how will they be without um? Maybe some new players and attitude is what they need though. I still think they only win 7-8 games.
 
#12
#12
UGA still has tons of talent on the lines and should be able to at least decently control the lines against any team in the country. Plus Richt has done some crazy good recruiting. UGA's o-line should afford the new guys some time to flourish.
 
#13
#13
I may go around once a week or so and bring this topic back to the top just so you guys can do one of the following:

a. Bow at my feet and give honor to the genius that is OldVol.

or .........

b. rale, opine, and generally mock the senility of an old fart.

I have a feeling you’re all going to be worshiping me by game 4.

I will remain my lowly, humble, non-egotistical self though, regardless of how much adulation you all heap upon me.
 
#15
#15
Originally posted by milohimself@Aug 18, 2005 1:22 AM
UGA still has tons of talent on the lines and should be able to at least decently control the lines against any team in the country. Plus Richt has done some crazy good recruiting. UGA's o-line should afford the new guys some time to flourish.
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Which is one of the reasons I have this game as a virtual toss-up.

There's 2 things our defense does when we play against a good scrambling QB like D. J.

1. We fold like a cheap suit. (McNabb-Syracuse, opening game of the 98 campaign, the NC run was almost over before it began. We were a far superior team to Syracuse and the season proved that as it played out, yet we only beat them by 1)

2. We smother them like parmesan on a cheap piece of veal. (Like in the Cotton bowl against A&M this January.

Which defense turns up will determine the outcome of the GA game.
 
#16
#16
Originally posted by kiddiedoc@Aug 17, 2005 10:29 PM
:yourock:
As for the ol' ball coach only getting 3 points, I have to doubt it.  He'll ake punt and go for it at 4th and 40 if he has to.  I agree that we'll win big, though.
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As I have said before, "Never underestimate Steve." And I may be doing just that with my prediction. But the cupboard is beyond bare at USC, it's empty and the rats have moved in for the short term. Steve will not only have to recruit his pants off, he'll have to clear out the old mentality that it can't be done at SC.

The ugly truth of it is; this is exactly where we were at the beginning of the 99 season. The Bob Vila of college restoration had just landed on the scene. I must admit, everyone in the SEC probably held their collective breaths when they heard Lou was the New Kid On The Block. After all, the guy had built a winner at William & Mary, for crying out loud. Then he proceeded to turn around programs at NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and ND.

The poor guy went 0/11 that year and with all of the loss of talent by graduation and being tossed from the team for rules violations, I don't know that Steve has any more talent than Lou did that first year. If he does, he recruited it this year.

I find the situation eerily similar to the 99 situation. We beat them 30/7 that year. I believe we are better than the 99 team.
 
#17
#17
Originally posted by OldVol@Aug 18, 2005 10:51 AM
As I have said before, "Never underestimate Steve." And I may be doing just that with my prediction. But the cupboard is beyond bare at USC, it's empty and the rats have moved in for the short term. Steve will not only have to recruit his pants off, he'll have to clear out the old mentality that it can't be done at SC.

The ugly truth of it is; this is exactly where we were at the beginning of the 99 season. The Bob Vila of college restoration had just landed on the scene. I must admit, everyone in the SEC probably held their collective breaths when they heard Lou was the New Kid On The Block. After all, the guy had built a winner at William & Mary, for crying out loud. Then he proceeded to turn around programs at NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and ND.

The poor guy went 0/11 that year and with all of the loss of talent by graduation and being tossed from the team for rules violations, I don't know that Steve has any more talent than Lou did that first year. If he does, he recruited it this year.

I find the situation eerily similar to the 99 situation. We beat them 30/7 that year. I believe we are better than the 99 team.
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They are hurting. Cheating Lou left a decimated program, under investigation, with off-field problems. Then, yesterday I heard a quote by Lou building up expectations for Stev-O to beat UGA this year. What a pecker-wood.
 
#18
#18
Originally posted by OrangeFrenzy@Aug 18, 2005 10:26 AM
They are hurting.  Cheating Lou left a decimated program, under investigation, with off-field problems.  Then, yesterday I heard a quote by Lou building up expectations for Stev-O to beat UGA this year.  What a pecker-wood.
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Yeah, if I were Spurrier I'd politely ask Lou to shut up and leave his program alone -- he's already helped enough. Then, offer to let him kick his dog, too, next time he's around.
 
#19
#19
Originally posted by kiddiedoc@Aug 18, 2005 11:28 AM
Yeah, if I were Spurrier I'd politely ask Lou to shut up and leave his program alone -- he's already helped enough.  Then, offer to let him kick his dog, too, next time he's around.
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Lou is one of those personalities that it's hard not to like him but he's really established a pattern with his exits.

Almost every school he left he did so with a lot of problems hanging.

If anything is to be his legacy it is that he was a good program builder when he was young, but as he aged he had to cheat.
 
#20
#20
Agreed. And SOS will be MIA from USC before the backlash of these sanctions is complete.

Hard to convince a highly-recruited player to come to your university when it was only a mediocre program, at best, and then got slapped with punishment from the NCAA.
 
#21
#21
Originally posted by OldVol@Aug 18, 2005 12:46 PM
Lou is one of those personalities that it's hard not to like him but he's really established a pattern with his exits.

Almost every school he left he did so with a lot of problems hanging.

If anything is to be his legacy it is that he was a good program builder when he was young, but as he aged he had to cheat.
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As a person with no stake in him, except definite personal convictions on character and integrity, Lou is a very easy person for me not to like.
 
#22
#22
Originally posted by OrangeFrenzy@Aug 18, 2005 11:51 AM
As a person with no stake in him, except definite personal convictions on character and integrity, Lou is a very easy person for me not to like.
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But you have to admit Lou is great in a room. There aren't a lot of people with as quick a wit who can cause a room to erupt, with his self deprecating humor, like Lou can.

He’s funny, intelligent, and has a down-home charm that is very appealing.

Isn’t it a shame he’s so dishonest? :naughty:
 
#23
#23
Originally posted by kiddiedoc@Aug 18, 2005 11:51 AM
Agreed.  And SOS will be MIA from USC before the backlash of these sanctions is complete.

Hard to convince a highly-recruited player to come to your university when it was only a mediocre program, at best, and then got slapped with punishment from the NCAA.
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Yep! What's the attraction?

On a great year, you might get invited to the Independence Bowl where you get to take in all of the sights and sounds of lovely, downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. Now that's a killer spot to spend your New Year's Eve, I tell ya'.

Here you go young #1 QB in the country, put your John Hancock on the dotted line and bring your New York sized ego to the beautiful hamlet of Columbia. Oh, did I mention our mascot's a chicken?

Good luck Steve. :lol:
 
#24
#24
Originally posted by milohimself@Aug 18, 2005 2:22 AM
UGA still has tons of talent on the lines and should be able to at least decently control the lines against any team in the country. Plus Richt has done some crazy good recruiting. UGA's o-line should afford the new guys some time to flourish.
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Richt has also lost some crazy good recruits.
 
#25
#25
Well, they still have lots of talent. Period. I'm telling you, Georgia's kind of scaring me. Almost as much as LSU now. UGA is in the exact same position the Vols were in last preseason; lost a lot of talent and leadership, everybody is casting them aside as a virtual guaranteed third place in the East.
 
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