Non-bowl teams that will rebound in 2014

#1
RockyTop22

RockyTop22

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#1
Tennessee Volunteers
2013 record: 5-7
Last bowl game: 2010 Music City Bowl (30-27 double-overtime loss to North Carolina)

This is where you say, “What? Over Florida?” But it only takes a few phone calls to football experts through the Southeast to convince you that the Vols, who haven't bowled in three years and just posted a fourth consecutive losing season for the first time in history, are on the more comfortable side of the SEC East growth curve than the Gators.

“The atmosphere in Gainesville kind of reminds you of what it was in Knoxville not so long ago," said an administrator from a fellow SEC school. "Butch Jones lost seven games this year, but he has also given that place a complete oil change culture-wise. People are buying what their head coach is selling there for the first time in a long time."

Jones has already changed the attitude. Now he's changing the talent level with what looks to be a huge 2014 signing day haul, currently measured at 33 players and ranked third by our ESPN RecruitingNation experts. Those newcomers will be tested early via a schedule that starts with four straight bowl teams, including Utah State, Arkansas State, Oklahoma and Georgia. Then Florida comes to town.

"They won't win the conference or even their division," the administrator continued. "But six wins and a bowl game is totally doable. Some fans will gripe about that, but the smart fans will realize that it’s progress


Ryan McGee outlines five non-bowl teams that will rebound in 2014 - ESPN
 
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#4
#4
People weren't buying what Kiffin or Dooley were selling for at least a year or two? Bull****.


I'm cautiously optimistic, but all these feel good stories don't mean a damn thing.
 
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#5
#5
Thrasher865 said:
People weren't buying what Kiffin or Dooley were selling for at least a year or two? Bull****.
Click to expand...

Well Kiffin was only here a year. And I think most fans were always in the fence about Dooley from the get go. Waiting to jump off.
 
#9
#9
Franklin out at candy Dooley to be hired today to teach the guys how to shower and lose games.
 
#14
#14
After the season ,it is amazing that without going to a conference championship or a bowl game TN still played 6 teams that finished with 11 or more wins. After that one had 9 wins and another GA 7-8 wins. This has to be a first in college football history. How could next yr. be worse?
 
#15
#15
I think this team has a chance to surprise some people due to other SEC East teams being a bit down next season. Tennessee has an opportunity to win any of the games against Florida (Muschamp), UGA (Murray-less), South Carolina, Vandy, & Kentucky in the East. Add in some non-conference wins and it could be a surprise season.
 
#16
#16
7-5 is good. 2015 though, no excuses.

I'd be ecstatic if we won 2 out of the 3 games we got between OU, Bama, Florida.
 
#17
#17
spikesglaring said:
I think this team has a chance to surprise some people due to other SEC East teams being a bit down next season. Tennessee has an opportunity to win any of the games against Florida (Muschamp), UGA (Murray-less), South Carolina, Vandy, & Kentucky in the East. Add in some non-conference wins and it could be a surprise season.
Click to expand...

Here we go. Starts already.
 
#19
#19
Very good article...

I totally agree - even 6 or 7 wins this year is progress given the schedule we have for 2014.

We are 2 possible 3 years away from competing for the conference again.

We need 3 good classes in a row like the one we are assembling for this year, then they have to get in, mature physically, and learn the system. When the 2014 class reaches their junior season, with 2 good classes behind it - we will be back on the map.

But, there are some on here who want instant gratification and don't understand the true talent deficit that has been present in recent years between us and the top teams in the SEC. And they will call for Butch's head by mid season, because they don't understand what it means to rebuild. Mark it down....
 
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#20
#20
"They won't win the conference or even their division."

it's not like we play in the SEC or anything. oh wait...

What is this guy smoking? winning this conference means your playing for the National Championship and he's acting like it should be a given?
 
#21
#21
volsfansince4387 said:
7-5 is good. 2015 though, no excuses.

I'd be ecstatic if we won 2 out of the 3 games we got between OU, Bama, Florida.
Click to expand...

0-3 probably...maybe 1-3 if we don't s*** the bed against Florida like the past 8 years. no reason why we can't beat Florida but we have a serious mental block on that game for whatever reason.
 
#23
#23
K-town Vol Fan said:
Did well.

But I agree. Although I'm sure Wylo and sj18 will disagree.
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Of course they will. They will inject their usual negative crap about our coaches and players. Along with babyavi could they be the 2 worst posters on this site?

I totally agree. I think we can win 7 games but i will be happy with 6 wins and a bowl appearance.
 
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#24
#24
We will rebound its year 2 of Brick By Brick Mr. Butch Jones! He has a plan and I like many other feel we are on a great path back to the top of the SEC. My predictions for the 2014 season are 7-5i think we get the win against GA and Vandy so its goin to be a good season with a decent bowl.

We get that bowl win and finish 8-5! Big improvement
 
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