Worth reading 2.14.19: Fixing to find out if these problems are actually problems

If you read only one thing about the Vols today . . .

. . . make it this, from 247Sports:

• Rucker: Tennessee’s defense is a problem. Or … is it?

Interesting questions here from Wes, namely whether things that would normally be problems are actually problems when you’re winning all the time anyway. With the strength of schedule now trending upwards, I think we’re fixing to get the answer.

Other Vols stuff worth reading today

1. Clemson tops Alabama again — in FPI rankings, via ESPN. First, S&P+ had Tennessee at No. 21, and now ESPN has us at No. 15 heading into the 2019 season. We’ve overvalued returning production in the past much to our detriment, but it was based on an assumption that we’re hoping has now changed, that returning personnel will be developed by the coaching staff into valuable experience.
3. Tennessee 85 South Carolina 73: Eliminating the Puncher’s Chance, via Gameday on Rocky Top
4. Pruitt reveals what Vols must do to recruit at ‘elite’ level, via 247Sports
5. Pruitt: Maurer has potential ‘to be a good guy’ at QB, via 247Sports
6. Finally for No. 1 Tennessee ‘the focus begins on Kentucky’, via 247Sports
7. Everything Rick Barnes said after the win over South Carolina, via 247Sports
8. No. 1 Tennessee Completes Sweep of South Carolina, 85-73 – University of Tennessee Athletics, via UTSports
9. Schofield, Williams Named to Naismith Trophy Midseason Team – University of Tennessee Athletics, via UTSports
10. Pilot Flying J Pulls ESPN Deal After Story On Browns’ Culture, via Sports Business Daily
11. Tennessee Football Announces 2019 Coaches Clinic and Camp Dates – University of Tennessee Athletics, via UTSports

Behind the paywalls

• What Tennessee is getting in two big-time transfers, and why…, via The Athletic
• Bring on the ‘Cats, via VolQuest