Pump the Brakes and hang on...

[BigOrangeTrain]

Not true. Two solid wins where we are in control of the games and a Vandy blowout will be more than enough unless freaky stuff like TCU and Oregon running the table were to happen. In that case it won't matter what we did after the Georgia loss.

Wrong.

 

[Kylo]

Calm down and lighten up, Francis. Tennessee should destroy the final 3. If they don't, it will be a massive upset. Enjoy the ride and quit worrying so much.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

View attachment 513110

OOOHHHH boy! A blast from the past. Haven't see you in ages, Al Neuman, gave up buying MAD Mags upon entering grad school.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Wrong.

A Sugar Bowl matchup between 11-1 Tennessee and 9-3 Texas would be pretty cool

 

[orangebloodgmc]

Brakes? We don't need no stinkin brakes.

 

[Deebowbear]

Better whip that ass all 3 games left point blank GO VOLS

 

[WillisWG]

Throttle those !

7. Carry the fight to our opponent and keep it there for 60 minutes.

Followed by attack, attack, attack. Always attack!

 

[sjt18]

Cut out the blowout scenario stuff - that is certainly possible any week but the goal is for the VOLS TO WIN OUT...

Pump your own brakes. The goal may be to win out but if UT wants to make the playoff then they need to leave no doubt they're the best 1 loss team in the country. They will have to overcome conference champions as well. So yeah, UT needs to win all 3 of the last games and dominate.

Just don't get really frustrated if late season games are a struggle - each week is a different dynamic with weather adventures tossed in.

You are probably one of the ones who told people to "pump the brakes" when predicting 8 or 9 wins for the Vols this year, weren't you? All you're doing is trying to disguise your own negativism in some cloak of "wise restraint". If you need therapy... go find a pastor or counselor. This is not the place for it.

You guys that have played any outdoor sport know that.

I have. Played in the cold, the heat, the rain, the snow, the wind, humidity,... you name it. Guess what- both teams play in the same elements. Both teams have to mentally and physically overcome the SAME challenge.

Coaches are scheming to pull the upset and opponents will be psyched up. Of course the Vols are scheming as well and I look forward to see what Hooker can do with Tillman, Hyatt and Bru all ready to roll with a chip on their shoulder.

So UK, LSU, Bama, et al didn't scheme... weren't "psyched up"?

Missouri will be a tough ballgame.

If it is then UT does not deserve to be in the playoff. Plain and simple. Mizzou has a bad offense. Very bad. They have a good D but not the athletes to hang with UT if UT plays reasonably well. Folks like you were saying the very same crap last year. I got to witness that one in person.

That team has played well and has 2 of the most snake-bit losses I have ever seen with the Auburn game - running back drops ball for a fumble at the goal line therefore creating a turnover on what should have been the winning TD - and Kentucky where a terrific special teams play that would likely have won the game turns into a personal foul penalty that costs the game.

Auburn is probably the worst team in the SEC next to Vandy. Have you already forgotten what UT did to UK... playing their B game?

In other games with the exception of Kansas State - Missouri is very competitive.

And other than UGA, which of those teams is worth a dime?

Weather conditions may play into this but remember Tennessee is still a hunted, top ranked team and will get everyone's best shot. Do not at all be surprised if this is a really close ballgame. Sure a blowout would be ideal but don't blow a gasket if it is not. I am glad this one is in Knoxville.

This should not be a "really close ballgame". It SHOULD be a surprise if it isn't a blowout and ESPECIALLY with UT coming off the UGA game with lots to prove.

South Carolina in Columbia is also not a walk in the park. Again - Vols are the hunted team and will have to play well on the road and not fall into the crowd noise trap and must definitely tighten up on special teams - particularly punting. Win and stay alive...

You can't afford to take anyone light. But UT should monkey stomp all three of these teams.

Vanderbilt - this should be a much easier game with the crowd being for the Vols. Win and then Vols are likely in the playoffs.

If there is a one loss Pac12 champ then UT will be in competition with a 1 loss Big10 runner up and a 1 loss ACC champion. If the Vols are NOT impressive in these last 3 games... they're more than likely NOT getting in unless somehow everyone else has 2 losses.

 

[sami]

Wrong.

Sound argument. Hard to argue when the facts are laid out like that.

 

[DawggoneRight]

If we wAnt to make the playoffs we need blow out wins. Style points matter. If Missouri is a tough game, then we aren’t as good as we thought we were.

Georgia enters the chat: "Ummm..."

 

[DooleyOrangePants]

Pump your own brakes. The goal may be to win out but if UT wants to make the playoff then they need to leave no doubt they're the best 1 loss team in the country. They will have to overcome conference champions as well. So yeah, UT needs to win all 3 of the last games and dominate.

You are probably one of the ones who told people to "pump the brakes" when predicting 8 or 9 wins for the Vols this year, weren't you? All you're doing is trying to disguise your own negativism in some cloak of "wise restraint". If you need therapy... go find a pastor or counselor. This is not the place for it.

I have. Played in the cold, the heat, the rain, the snow, the wind, humidity,... you name it. Guess what- both teams play in the same elements. Both teams have to mentally and physically overcome the SAME challenge.

So UK, LSU, Bama, et al didn't scheme... weren't "psyched up"?

If it is then UT does not deserve to be in the playoff. Plain and simple. Mizzou has a bad offense. Very bad. They have a good D but not the athletes to hang with UT if UT plays reasonably well. Folks like you were saying the very same crap last year. I got to witness that one in person.

Auburn is probably the worst team in the SEC next to Vandy. Have you already forgotten what UT did to UK... playing their B game?

And other than UGA, which of those teams is worth a dime?

This should not be a "really close ballgame". It SHOULD be a surprise if it isn't a blowout and ESPECIALLY with UT coming off the UGA game with lots to prove.

You can't afford to take anyone light. But UT should monkey stomp all three of these teams.

If there is a one loss Pac12 champ then UT will be in competition with a 1 loss Big10 runner up and a 1 loss ACC champion. If the Vols are NOT impressive in these last 3 games... they're more than likely NOT getting in unless somehow everyone else has 2 losses.

A resounding golf clap for you. Absolutely nailed it. Media has already been setting the table for this, if UT doesn’t demolish these last 3, it’s going to be used against us and an argument against us getting in. And you know what? They will win that argument whether we like it or not.

 

[CAVPUT]

Just win. Teams go in thinking they need a certain score can sometimes push to hard and force things. Just play your game and have fun. Let it come to you.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Sir.

If I'm pumping the brakes, that indicates I'm driving.

If I'm driving, my hands should be on the wheel.

So I'm not sure you can tell me to both pump the brakes AND hang on.

 

[knox73]

Don't turn on our great coaching staff and team if one of the opponents rises up and plays a super competitive game and there is no blowoff.

Pump the brakes and then pump them again. A win is a win... Crowd needs to be crazy again tomorrow and push the team on.

At least one of these games will be a nail biter. That's ok - Pitt and Bama games prove the Vols can win in the 4th or 5th quarters.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Georgia enters the chat: "Ummm..."

Georgia is undefeated. So your point?

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Don't turn on our great coaching staff and team if one of the opponents rises up and plays a super competitive game and there is no blowoff.

Pump the brakes and then pump them again. A win is a win... Crowd needs to be crazy again tomorrow and push the team on.

At least one of these games will be a nail biter. That's ok - Pitt and Bama games prove the Vols can win in the 4th or 5th quarters.

None of these games will be nail biters. You are seriously underestimating our team.

 

[GordonC]

Georgia enters the chat: "Ummm..."

 

[sjt18]

Don't turn on our great coaching staff and team if one of the opponents rises up and plays a super competitive game and there is no blowoff.

No one has talked about turning against them. That's a straw man. I think most of us realize that we're playing with house money. Are you kidding? A NYD65 bowl is the "consolation prize"? So no one is talking about turning on the staff or team. None of us expected it to be this good.

But if UT wants to be in the playoff, and I think most of us will be disappointed if that opportunity is missed, then they need to blow these last 3 opponents out.

Pump the brakes and then pump them again. A win is a win... Crowd needs to be crazy again tomorrow and push the team on.

Pump your own brakes... and stop concerning yourself with peeing on other people's enthusiasm.

At least one of these games will be a nail biter. That's ok - Pitt and Bama games prove the Vols can win in the 4th or 5th quarters.

You just stated an expectation that Heupel and the team will underperform at least once in the next 3 weeks. What were you saying about turning on our staff and team? You just did it.

 

[The Original Fade]

Here’s my obligatory “Ok dad” reply to the OP

 

[BubbaDoc]

 

[lefthander]

These Vols are a pissed off team carrying a chip with something to prove about themselves to everyone. They’re going to want to blow the doors off, on both sides of the ball, of every upcoming team they play to make a statement. Style points count from here on out and they know it.
How they handle the remaining games will show us tons about the culture inside this program. I don’t think we’ll see any mercy shown to anyone.

I just hope we win out. Period. As with many teams of the past (and I mean many) Vol fans have been deluded into believing they are far better than they are. This is not a Bama or Ga roster. Our talent and depth make Vols vulnerable almost every week. Mizzou probably cannot score enough to win--unless turnovers give them a short field. Chickens at home in my mind treacherous. Vandy--say no more. Cannot believe we are actually talking about a one loss season.

 

[xpsyclonex2002]

We embarrassed the sports media ........for the umpteenth time in the last decade......by us losing so uncompeditively against GA. They hyped us up calling it the game of the year and we laid an egg. The only way we are getting into the playoff if by murdering everyone else we play. If Mizzou makes this game compeditive, we lose even if we win.

 

[livefaith]

Cut out the blowout scenario stuff - that is certainly possible any week but the goal is for the VOLS TO WIN OUT... Just don't get really frustrated if late season games are a struggle - each week is a different dynamic with weather adventures tossed in. You guys that have played any outdoor sport know that. Coaches are scheming to pull the upset and opponents will be psyched up. Of course the Vols are scheming as well and I look forward to see what Hooker can do with Tillman, Hyatt and Bru all ready to roll with a chip on their shoulder.

Missouri will be a tough ballgame. That team has played well and has 2 of the most snake-bit losses I have ever seen with the Auburn game - running back drops ball for a fumble at the goal line therefore creating a turnover on what should have been the winning TD - and Kentucky where a terrific special teams play that would likely have won the game turns into a personal foul penalty that costs the game. In other games with the exception of Kansas State - Missouri is very competitive. Weather conditions may play into this but remember Tennessee is still a hunted, top ranked team and will get everyone's best shot. Do not at all be surprised if this is a really close ballgame. Sure a blowout would be ideal but don't blow a gasket if it is not. I am glad this one is in Knoxville.

South Carolina in Columbia is also not a walk in the park. Again - Vols are the hunted team and will have to play well on the road and not fall into the crowd noise trap and must definitely tighten up on special teams - particularly punting. Win and stay alive...

Vanderbilt - this should be a much easier game with the crowd being for the Vols. Win and then Vols are likely in the playoffs.

Here are some ESPN scenarios:

By the numbers: Breaking down six possible College Football Playoff scenarios

If Vols win out - they can be an extremely dangerous playoff contender against anyone including the Georgia Dogs. The Tennessee strength of schedule is unquestionable and the string of high quality wins is unmatched.

Thank you for the reality check. These are SEC teams that could make their seasons if they could pull an upset.
People around here still go on about beating #1 AU in 1985! That shows you how up these teams will be to make their season.
Way too many around here who've drank the Kool aid and think it's impossible to lose one of these last 3. We need to play well.

 

[livefaith]

We embarrassed the sports media ........for the umpteenth time in the last decade......by us losing so uncompeditively against GA. They hyped us up calling it the game of the year and we laid an egg. The only way we are getting into the playoff if by murdering everyone else we play. If Mizzou makes this game compeditive, we lose even if we win.

Wrong on both counts.

The sports media could care less @ Thier pick results. They know (we should) that their accuracy is no better than anyone else. It's all for ratings to hype or shock fan bases. They'll have forgotten after this week's bad picks.

Second, we don't need to blow MU out to get in the top 4. UGA nearly lost to them. We just need to win. Dominant never hurts, but it's not imperative.

 

[BACKDOC]

Cut out the blowout scenario stuff - that is certainly possible any week but the goal is for the VOLS TO WIN OUT... Just don't get really frustrated if late season games are a struggle - each week is a different dynamic with weather adventures tossed in. You guys that have played any outdoor sport know that. Coaches are scheming to pull the upset and opponents will be psyched up. Of course the Vols are scheming as well and I look forward to see what Hooker can do with Tillman, Hyatt and Bru all ready to roll with a chip on their shoulder.

Missouri will be a tough ballgame. That team has played well and has 2 of the most snake-bit losses I have ever seen with the Auburn game - running back drops ball for a fumble at the goal line therefore creating a turnover on what should have been the winning TD - and Kentucky where a terrific special teams play that would likely have won the game turns into a personal foul penalty that costs the game. In other games with the exception of Kansas State - Missouri is very competitive. Weather conditions may play into this but remember Tennessee is still a hunted, top ranked team and will get everyone's best shot. Do not at all be surprised if this is a really close ballgame. Sure a blowout would be ideal but don't blow a gasket if it is not. I am glad this one is in Knoxville.

South Carolina in Columbia is also not a walk in the park. Again - Vols are the hunted team and will have to play well on the road and not fall into the crowd noise trap and must definitely tighten up on special teams - particularly punting. Win and stay alive...

Vanderbilt - this should be a much easier game with the crowd being for the Vols. Win and then Vols are likely in the playoffs.

Here are some ESPN scenarios:

By the numbers: Breaking down six possible College Football Playoff scenarios

If Vols win out - they can be an extremely dangerous playoff contender against anyone including the Georgia Dogs. The Tennessee strength of schedule is unquestionable and the string of high quality wins is unmatched.

When you can only score 17 points per game............it aint gonna be that close.