Next year means everything

[VFL-82-JP]

No chance of that happening with Nico gone to the portal!

Heh. That's dumb.

Nico isn't going anywhere. He's our starting QB next season.

Are you just trolling, Tucson, or do you really believe this crap?

Go Vols!

 

[LordBolton]

I don't think the difference in defense can be discounted. We made huge strides on that side despite at least 3 catastrophic injuries. Assuming the offense gets back on track we should be stellar next season.

 

[JRich]

So was 2023 the "norm" and 2022 the "outlier"? Or should I expect more out of this team in 2024?

IMO, 2022 is the outlier and 2023 is closer to the norm, although I think they could have done better in certain games/moments. UT has a brutal conference schedule year after year, and winning 10/11 games is very difficult and hard to sustain, and shouldn't be expected in this conference unless you can recruit in the top 4 year after year. You should expect better QB play in 2024, which is key to offensive success, and I would also expect improvement in the defensive secondary as many bad players should move on.

I can't agree that these teams are "essentially the same." They are very different in skill, ability, personality, and leadership at many important positions, including coaching staff, which is the norm across college football year to year, even for the "elite" programs. Any coach at any level for any sport will tell you that.

I also can't agree that next year "means everything," buts that's just me, personally. It's just college football, and I have been a fan in both good times and bad. Even for the players and coaches. They have family, friends, and futures that mean more than just one season of football.

 

[b_gann]

I see where you’re coming from. As far as the floor goes, I think we saw it this year. Considering the schedule, the QB situation, and all the injuries it was a brutal season. If we win 8 again next year it just reinforces the floor (in my mind) and my confidence in Heupel goes up.

I think we both agree that hovering around 8 or 9 wins while working to find a QB to take you over the hump is NOT a bad place to be. Heck LSU is thought to be one of the best teams in the SEC and they’re operating with a Heisman contender at QB right now. They only have one more win than us.

7-5 is the mark for concerns I think.
8-4 will be a disappointment but depending on roster turnover and schedule can be understood

We catch Miss St, Arkansas, and Florida (I know I know) in likely great years. NC State is solid but we should be favored. Only three games we're likely dogs in is Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma. 8-4 is a reasonable mark.

We need to eliminate these just no-show games though. That's the sour taste of this year.

 

[vol94fan]

So what do you think happened the last 11 games?

I think coach called a conservative offense and didn't let Joe throw many vertical passes until after we got way behind.

 

[OH-Vol]

This is a bad argument though. "Hooker and Hyatt and Tillman weren't good before Heupel worked his magic on them" but wait why didn't Heupels magic wand work on Milton or Keyton or White? Since he apparently has the hand of God that turns players into NFL draft picks. Lol pass.

Hooker and Hyatt were all time good players.

Hooker and Hyatt were that good, but Milton is that Bad. Our passing game was limited to bubble screens, come back routes and deep bombs.... anything relying timing was not an option. Nico may not be a great in year 1, but he won't be worse than Joe.

Defense of Front Seven will be nasty, IFFF we can every cover anybody