The Real Problem Behind the Meltdown

[Volheaven50]

OK. I'll say it here and probably get roasted for it,

Too many SEC fans are delusional and not keeping up with what's been happening the last 2 to 3 years in CF - including many on this board

First, it comes down to $$$$ - like it or not - and that translates to TV money and eyeballs. Have you noticed what the Big Ten is doing as of late? They're after - and getting - huge TV markets.... New York City, Philly, Wash DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and on and on and I know I've missed a few. All are markets over 2.5 million people. That translates to around 51 to 52 % of the CF TV markets-eyeballs in the country. I think I've read that the SEC controls 35 to 37%. Like it or not, the Big Ten is here to stay.

Don't think so? Michigan and Washington - both current Big Ten members - Played for NC last year with Michigan winning it. And many so-called experts think this year's winner will come out of the Oregon - OSU game - both being Big Ten powerhouses.....and they could end up playing Penn State in the final. In fact, OSU could have 16 to 18 players drafted in the next NFL draft which would break Georgia's record of 15 a few years ago.

With that said, is the SEC still the top CF conference. Yes, probably, but not by much as it used to be. It's minimal now - if at all. I'm just tired of listening to many Vol fans bitch and complain about what happened on Saturday night. We got obviously beat by a better team but I know a few Vol fans that just thought that we were going to go up to Columbus and slap the hell out of them.....you know, SEC, SEC, SEC. Wake up people (Some of you anyways).

 

[Cartervol]

Let's see. Top to bottom yes the SEC is still better. Indiana made the CPF and Vanderbilt might could beat them..The new NIL and expanded playoff may draw the two conferences closer. Look at the recruiting rankings though for further proof..

 

[Volheaven50]

Let's see. Top to bottom yes the SEC is still better. Indiana made the CPF and Vanderbilt might could beat them..The new NIL and expanded playoff may draw the two conferences closer. Look at the recruiting rankings though for further proof..

Agree. My point is that the days of the SEC automatically assuming to go in and win the NC are over - LONG OVER. There are powerhouse teams now in the Big Ten. I guess I just got tired of some of my Vol fans complaining how the OSU loss was a fluke and hammering on Heupel and the team. That OSU team - when things are clicking - is a total nightmare for anybody. I think their biggest issue is at HC as Ryan Day sometimes looks like a deer in headlights (except on last Saturday).

 

[vol94]

Ohio state has the best roster on paper. Their payroll is about $22 million vs. TN’ $14 million. Ohio state has better players/ simply put. Their only deficiency is the oline, which looked good vs. TN. Of course, they out schemed us by pulling guards, misdirection and pre-snap motion causing much confusion for TN defense and coaches.

 

[Okie]

OK. I'll say it here and probably get roasted for it,

Too many SEC fans are delusional and not keeping up with what's been happening the last 2 to 3 years in CF - including many on this board

First, it comes down to $$$$ - like it or not - and that translates to TV money and eyeballs. Have you noticed what the Big Ten is doing as of late? They're after - and getting - huge TV markets.... New York City, Philly, Wash DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and on and on and I know I've missed a few. All are markets over 2.5 million people. That translates to around 51 to 52 % of the CF TV markets-eyeballs in the country. I think I've read that the SEC controls 35 to 37%. Like it or not, the Big Ten is here to stay.

Don't think so? Michigan and Washington - both current Big Ten members - Played for NC last year with Michigan winning it. And many so-called experts think this year's winner will come out of the Oregon - OSU game - both being Big Ten powerhouses.....and they could end up playing Penn State in the final. In fact, OSU could have 16 to 18 players drafted in the next NFL draft which would break Georgia's record of 15 a few years ago.

With that said, is the SEC still the top CF conference. Yes, probably, but not by much as it used to be. It's minimal now - if at all. I'm just tired of listening to many Vol fans bitch and complain about what happened on Saturday night. We got obviously beat by a better team but I know a few Vol fans that just thought that we were going to go up to Columbus and slap the hell out of them.....you know, SEC, SEC, SEC. Wake up people (Some of you anyways).

Great points. Maybe we got outplayed and outcoached. It could be either or both. It doesn't matter, though, because we can't win a NC.

I keep reading how JH isn't the guy to bring a NC to the Vols. A quick read through posts on this forum will tell all of the whys that he can't do it.

Then, I read that it can't be done by anyone who isn't Ohio State, Oregon or Texas because of the amount of money they spend. It goes on with how no one can match the $, so winning a NC is not possible anymore except for a few teams will $20+ million in NIL each year.

Since it can't be done without $ we don't have, let's quit complaining and be thankful that we are not one of the 90+ teams who are not in the SEC/Big10. Those teams are really going to struggle from here on out.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Top to bottom, starting with our weakest vs their weakest all the way to our best vs their best, the SEC would wipe the floor with the Big 10.

The fact that we are the third best and got annihilated by the team that is probably their second best, or possibly their best, doesn't change that. That was an awful matchup for us.

But I would comfortably predict that if our 14 played their 14, we win somewhere around 9-10 of them.

 

[Aerie Vol]

Top to bottom, starting with our weakest vs their weakest all the way to our best vs their best, the SEC would wipe the floor with the Big 10.

The fact that we are the third best and got annihilated by the team that is probably their second best, or possibly their best, doesn't change that. That was an awful matchup for us.

But I would comfortably predict that if our 14 played their 14, we win somewhere around 9-10 of them.

It’s 16 now and we probably win 12.

 

[njvols]

Ohio state has the best roster on paper. Their payroll is about $22 million vs. TN’ $14 million. Ohio state has better players/ simply put. Their only deficiency is the oline, which looked good vs. TN. Of course, they out schemed us by pulling guards, misdirection and pre-snap motion causing much confusion for TN defense and coaches.

IMO, an area where JH needs to pivot. If we're truly going fast, and we implement more misdirection & pre-snap motion, I think it adds a degree of complexity.

The talent gap is real though b/t us and the top 4-6 teams in CFB...think JH has a good "in the building" culture, and obviously facilities and fan support is top notch...need NIL $$$ to do major work in portal to fill most glaring needs.

 

[CAVPUT]

OK. I'll say it here and probably get roasted for it,

Too many SEC fans are delusional and not keeping up with what's been happening the last 2 to 3 years in CF - including many on this board

First, it comes down to $$$$ - like it or not - and that translates to TV money and eyeballs. Have you noticed what the Big Ten is doing as of late? They're after - and getting - huge TV markets.... New York City, Philly, Wash DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and on and on and I know I've missed a few. All are markets over 2.5 million people. That translates to around 51 to 52 % of the CF TV markets-eyeballs in the country. I think I've read that the SEC controls 35 to 37%. Like it or not, the Big Ten is here to stay.

Don't think so? Michigan and Washington - both current Big Ten members - Played for NC last year with Michigan winning it. And many so-called experts think this year's winner will come out of the Oregon - OSU game - both being Big Ten powerhouses.....and they could end up playing Penn State in the final. In fact, OSU could have 16 to 18 players drafted in the next NFL draft which would break Georgia's record of 15 a few years ago.

With that said, is the SEC still the top CF conference. Yes, probably, but not by much as it used to be. It's minimal now - if at all. I'm just tired of listening to many Vol fans bitch and complain about what happened on Saturday night. We got obviously beat by a better team but I know a few Vol fans that just thought that we were going to go up to Columbus and slap the hell out of them.....you know, SEC, SEC, SEC. Wake up people (Some of you anyways).

I miss the Bluebonnet Bowl.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

OK. I'll say it here and probably get roasted for it,

Too many SEC fans are delusional and not keeping up with what's been happening the last 2 to 3 years in CF - including many on this board

First, it comes down to $$$$ - like it or not - and that translates to TV money and eyeballs. Have you noticed what the Big Ten is doing as of late? They're after - and getting - huge TV markets.... New York City, Philly, Wash DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and on and on and I know I've missed a few. All are markets over 2.5 million people. That translates to around 51 to 52 % of the CF TV markets-eyeballs in the country. I think I've read that the SEC controls 35 to 37%. Like it or not, the Big Ten is here to stay.

Don't think so? Michigan and Washington - both current Big Ten members - Played for NC last year with Michigan winning it. And many so-called experts think this year's winner will come out of the Oregon - OSU game - both being Big Ten powerhouses.....and they could end up playing Penn State in the final. In fact, OSU could have 16 to 18 players drafted in the next NFL draft which would break Georgia's record of 15 a few years ago.

With that said, is the SEC still the top CF conference. Yes, probably, but not by much as it used to be. It's minimal now - if at all. I'm just tired of listening to many Vol fans bitch and complain about what happened on Saturday night. We got obviously beat by a better team but I know a few Vol fans that just thought that we were going to go up to Columbus and slap the hell out of them.....you know, SEC, SEC, SEC. Wake up people (Some of you anyways).

Just what we needed. Another thread to explain why it was okay that we walked into Columbus, tucked it between our legs, and took an epic beating we obviously weren’t prepared for. OSU has more talent. We get it. Bama has had more talent for years and look at how we’ve played them the past few years. Care to explain that? Florida has more talent on paper, we beat them to.

Just another poster burying their head in the sand after the ass kicking. We were unprepared, undisciplined(as always with Heup), unmotivated, and once again out coached

 

[1974Vol]

What is going to happen is a lot of teams are going to become farm teams for the schools with money in the BIG 2, SEC and Big 10. We're already seeing it to some respect, but why waste a roster spot on a high 3 star kid out of HS, when you can get an All Big 12 guy with 2 years of eligibility? It will be about money, always is, but you're still gonna have to do evals on who fits and who doesn't. Then there's the culture thing, it is real, football is just too hard to prep for, for a roster full of hired guns to win consistently. No one has it figured out yet, but while money will be very important, you will need more than that to win.

 

[901 Orange]

Agree. My point is that the days of the SEC automatically assuming to go in and win the NC are over - LONG OVER. There are powerhouse teams now in the Big Ten. I guess I just got tired of some of my Vol fans complaining how the OSU loss was a fluke and hammering on Heupel and the team. That OSU team - when things are clicking - is a total nightmare for anybody. I think their biggest issue is at HC as Ryan Day sometimes looks like a deer in headlights (except on last Saturday).

There was already powerhouse teams in the B10. Michigan, OSU, & Penn St ate

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

Not that it matters, but, when I was stationed in Germany from '76 to '78, we had only two live football games a year - the Superbowl and the Ohio-Michigan game. And, yes, I'm still effected by it.

 

[901 Orange]

Edit: there was already powerhouse teams in the B10. Michigan, OSU, & Penn St aren't new powerhouse programs. They have been good for a LONG time now. They simply added Oregon. It's no difference from us adding Texas. The natty could easily be Texas vs UGA for a 3rd time this year. I don't think it was ever a given that the SEC would win the natty every year. It was a given that whatever SEC school survived would be the most equipped team to win a title. If you're able to win the SEC you most likely have the talent, coaching, and war scars to win a title. That won't change no matter what the B10 does. They're going to have to win 15 of the next 20 titles to build what the SEC has.

 

[bigorangepoppa]

OK. I'll say it here and probably get roasted for it,

Too many SEC fans are delusional and not keeping up with what's been happening the last 2 to 3 years in CF - including many on this board

First, it comes down to $$$$ - like it or not - and that translates to TV money and eyeballs. Have you noticed what the Big Ten is doing as of late? They're after - and getting - huge TV markets.... New York City, Philly, Wash DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and on and on and I know I've missed a few. All are markets over 2.5 million people. That translates to around 51 to 52 % of the CF TV markets-eyeballs in the country. I think I've read that the SEC controls 35 to 37%. Like it or not, the Big Ten is here to stay.

Don't think so? Michigan and Washington - both current Big Ten members - Played for NC last year with Michigan winning it. And many so-called experts think this year's winner will come out of the Oregon - OSU game - both being Big Ten powerhouses.....and they could end up playing Penn State in the final. In fact, OSU could have 16 to 18 players drafted in the next NFL draft which would break Georgia's record of 15 a few years ago.

With that said, is the SEC still the top CF conference. Yes, probably, but not by much as it used to be. It's minimal now - if at all. I'm just tired of listening to many Vol fans bitch and complain about what happened on Saturday night. We got obviously beat by a better team but I know a few Vol fans that just thought that we were going to go up to Columbus and slap the hell out of them.....you know, SEC, SEC, SEC. Wake up people (Some of you anyways).

The B1G has a nationwide footprint now that Oregon, Nebraska, Northwestern, UCLA, USC, Washington are all a part of it. So it only makes sense they would have so many lucrative markets. Looking at the SEC, the market doesn't have nearly the footprint of the B1G. Question is, as far as I'm concerned, is what teams could the SEC invite to match that footprint? Honestly, I can't think of many. FSU, Virginia, Virginia Tech, would get us a little more market share, but not enough to matter much.

 

[Gandalf]

SEC at the top and B10 at the top are fair parity. Next strata of SEC though is tough and would wipe the floor vs equivalent B10.

B10 is very top heavy. SEC now has a lot more parity.

 

[VOLtaism]

OK. I'll say it here and probably get roasted for it,

Too many SEC fans are delusional and not keeping up with what's been happening the last 2 to 3 years in CF - including many on this board

First, it comes down to $$$$ - like it or not - and that translates to TV money and eyeballs. Have you noticed what the Big Ten is doing as of late? They're after - and getting - huge TV markets.... New York City, Philly, Wash DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and on and on and I know I've missed a few. All are markets over 2.5 million people. That translates to around 51 to 52 % of the CF TV markets-eyeballs in the country. I think I've read that the SEC controls 35 to 37%. Like it or not, the Big Ten is here to stay.

Don't think so? Michigan and Washington - both current Big Ten members - Played for NC last year with Michigan winning it. And many so-called experts think this year's winner will come out of the Oregon - OSU game - both being Big Ten powerhouses.....and they could end up playing Penn State in the final. In fact, OSU could have 16 to 18 players drafted in the next NFL draft which would break Georgia's record of 15 a few years ago.

With that said, is the SEC still the top CF conference. Yes, probably, but not by much as it used to be. It's minimal now - if at all. I'm just tired of listening to many Vol fans bitch and complain about what happened on Saturday night. We got obviously beat by a better team but I know a few Vol fans that just thought that we were going to go up to Columbus and slap the hell out of them.....you know, SEC, SEC, SEC. Wake up people (Some of you anyways).

Right now the SEC has spread itself thin as practically all of its members have joined the player auction for recruits and transfers. The Big 10 has only a few teams participating in this auction, so those teams have been able to build a rock solid roster faster. The SEC will catch up as their budgets increase, the war intensifies and players get rich. The SEC will end up dominating this sport same as they did in basketball and for the same reasons, basketball just required less players to dominate. Its easy to predict, just follow the dollars.

 

[sami]

Agree. My point is that the days of the SEC automatically assuming to go in and win the NC are over - LONG OVER. There are powerhouse teams now in the Big Ten. I guess I just got tired of some of my Vol fans complaining how the OSU loss was a fluke and hammering on Heupel and the team. That OSU team - when things are clicking - is a total nightmare for anybody. I think their biggest issue is at HC as Ryan Day sometimes looks like a deer in headlights (except on last Saturday).

Nobody with any sense thought that UT was going to roll over Ohio State or believed it was a fluke. If anything, it was hope that the OSU hangover from the Michigan game and the ill will toward Day would continue, but I made a thread suggesting that a fast start was mandatory in a hostile setting against a team that talented, and that a slow start would likely be fatal. We know what happened.

But the national media has been dancing on UT's grave (and anyone who had issues with the asinine bracket), ignoring the fact that UT had by far the toughest draw against the likely national champs while Penn State is getting a free ride into the semifinals of this joke playoff. Oh, and the fact that Indiana was embarrassed by ND.

I'm not an SEC cheerleader, but the fact remains that top to bottom it is head and shoulders superior to the Big 10, which goes maybe six teams deep out of 18 if you want to include Michigan and Illinois, and that Indiana and Penn State were given ridiculously favorable treatment despite losing to the only decent team they played all season. The way the national media and "committee" favored the Big 10 all season was enough to make me wish the SEC would play its own 4-team playoff and tell the rest of the country to f***k off.

I've said on here ad nauseum that Sankey went into business with the Big 10 and ESPN for one reason and one reason only - the Big 10 owns the big media markets and Sankey wanted a piece of that action, even if he had to sell out his conference competitively to get it done.

The SEC is far and away the superior league in football, basketball, and for what it's worth, baseball, and it isn't remotely close. But the Big 10 has two powerhouse programs (one that was hijacked from the Pac 12) and all the big money media markets. This doesn't make it even close competitively between the two leagues, but it makes the Big 10 the power player in the only way that matters anymore - $$$$$$$$$$$.

 

[sami]

There was already powerhouse teams in the B10. Michigan, OSU, & Penn St ate

Michigan and Ohio State, yes. Penn State is still only a glorified Indiana until they actually beat someone, and that doesn't include SMU and Boise St., the two teams they "drew" in their free ride to the final four in this ridiculous bracket.

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

While you speak some truths, truth is the population center has been shifting South for some time and will continue to do so.

We need to harp on the no state tax benefits of having an NIL deal in Tennessee and even the lower cost of living.

 

[Volheaven50]

Since it can't be done without $ we don't have, let's quit complaining and be thankful that we are not one of the 90+ teams who are not in the SEC/Big10. Those teams are really going to struggle from here on out.

Yep, and almost every one of those teams are now scrambling to get in the SEC or Big Ten. It's pretty obvious that CF - in the future - will revolve around those 2 conferences. It's simple - it's all about $$$$$ and the huge money results from TV and eyeballs

 

[BreatheUT]

It’s 16 now and we probably win 12.

They'd sneak in an additional upset win or 2 to make it 11-5 or 10-6 at worst.

Now I'm really questioning if we could beat South Carolina, Ole Miss, and even Bama or Florida on a neutral field or away.

There are so many good teams in the SEC like Mizzu an A&M that the Ohio State loss raised more questions than answers. We are probably not the 3rd best but higher than 7th best.

 

[livefaith]

Solid post ... Prepare thyself ...

 

[Volheaven50]

Ohio state has the best roster on paper. Their payroll is about $22 million vs. TN’ $14 million. Ohio state has better players/ simply put. Their only deficiency is the oline, which looked good vs. TN. Of course, they out schemed us by pulling guards, misdirection and pre-snap motion causing much confusion for TN defense and coaches.

Yeah, we read about OSU's NIL because they let it out but if the truth be known, I have to believe that some teams are masking their REAL NIL money - specifically Texas and especially Oregon (Phil Knight - NIKE) - and dwarf that OSU figure. That Texas oil money is vast. There are probably a few more that either rivals OSU or surpasses it. I've read that the 2 Texas QBs together pull in somewhere around $8 to 9 million

 

[LegionnaireOfTheMiserable]

Let's see. Top to bottom yes the SEC is still better. Indiana made the CPF and Vanderbilt might could beat them..The new NIL and expanded playoff may draw the two conferences closer. Look at the recruiting rankings though for further proof..

If Indiana hadn’t made the playoff, they would have added Alabama. Vanderbilt did actually beat them.

The SEC is the best conference, but not by that much. The SEC had two playoff caliber teams and a whole bunch of teams that could lose to any half decent team on a given day.