Maybe. But when I went to see Aaron and Abe about using their Primer Box in the reverse manner it normally works. In doing so, I was witness to what we here would call the future. Here's my report:
Volunteers Very Surprising
When the season started, few anticipated anything better than a .500 record for the Vols. There were some hard core fans who insisted the Tennessee Volunteers were everything from a 9-3 to 14-0 squad.
The 2013 team turned in a very surprising 12-2 season courtesy of winning the SEC east championship and defeating an equally the surprising Michigan State Spartans in the Outback Bowl.
The season was even more surprising due to the Vols having weak games against their first two opponents. Mostly due to Worleys marginally adequate play. But Worley fully woke up during the Oregon game though the Vols lost. However, his 312 yard passing performance was a prelude of what was to come thereafter. It didnt hurt that the Tennessee receivers evolved into serious threats anytime a passing play was called. Despite not having a Bray-like arm, Worleys wide receiving corps made it easy for him. When they walked out the Autzen Stadium as 31-21 losers, they also walked knowing they could play anybody and win.
Their other loss was to Alabama, of course. The 42-28 loss wasnt indicative of the Vols performance. Worley was put out of commission by the Tides defense. He got a helmet in the face after escaping a defender who dislodged his own helmet. Another incoming defender hit him in the face with an above shoulder tackle. That player was ejected but the damage was done. Peterman came in and gave a rock solid performance after a very shaky start. The Tides depth along with Nathans earlier jitters in his first three series was the difference. He had two straight interceptions and a fumble. All leading to Tide scores. Then settled down to give a passing and scrambling clinic. Without the turnovers, the Vols would have won 28-21 or lost by a closer margin than the final score.
Worley returned for the Missouri game with Peterman spotting him and latter being given from half to a full quarter of play. This added a dimension to the Vols' game and made it harder to prepare for them as each quarterback brought a different dimension to the game. It was like paying two different teams. This was a decisive factor in the Outback Bowl when Jones opted to switch back and forth between quarterbacks halfway through each quarter. The Spartan defense looked confused all game and the Vols left town with 38-12 victory, further illustrating SEC dominance over the B1G.
