A community of reasonable fanatics.
Tennessee Volunteers football news, information, commentary, and analysis. Gameday on Rocky Top is a community of reasonable fanatics all sharing a passion for Tennessee athletics. Scores, game previews and recaps, and more, all often with a touch of humor.
Things are slower over here these days, and I just kind of assumed the picks contest would be something we let go of…but I’ve just come to realize how much I just really enjoy running this thing. Some of my oldest friends, who may even still be floating around this […]
In 2021, the thing Tennessee was statistically worst at was sack rate allowed. The Vols surrendered 44 sacks, 124th nationally, and UT quarterbacks went down on 10.48% of their pass attempts. That percentage was the worst in Knoxville during the post-Fulmer era. The 2021 offensive line sent Cade Mays to […]
Since the AP poll expanded to 25 teams in 1989, Tennessee has been ranked in the preseason poll 24 times. That includes yesterday, when the Vols debuted at #12. In the continuing adventures of “being back”, if you take the average of those 24 appearances over the past 35 seasons, […]
How much progress can a program make in a coach’s first two years? One of the things I’ve enjoyed playing with the most these past few weeks is Bill Connelly’s historical SP+ data. Using a simplified version of his SP+ formula based on points scored/points allowed, Connelly has a rating […]
Our family moved back to Knoxville a year ago now. I often joke that I need a side gig with the chamber of commerce, because I’m not sure anyone is happier to be here. In that time, it’s been a delight to watch our church and our children grow. My […]
There was this nice string of days last week that went Vols in Omaha –> Julian Phillips in the NBA Draft –> Phil Steele arrives in my mailbox. Because the joyful weight of an #everythingschool is felt most on the calendar. This is June 29, and it’s time to talk […]
Tomorrow will be 77 days until it’s Football Time in Tennessee. Today is one day until Omaha. Growing up, it felt like football could always have the kind of year they just enjoyed in 2022. The Vols finished in the Top 15 14 times in 19 seasons from 1989-2007. There […]
Tennessee’s five-year strategic plan for the athletic department was released 11 months ago. In the “competitive excellence” section, the plan calls for the Vols to earn the top Director’s Cup finish in the SEC, and for each sport to strive for a Top 16 finish nationally. Tennessee just won the […]
Lady Vol softball went through Alabama 10-5 yesterday, opening the Women’s College World Series with a bang. Up next: the two-time defending national champs from Oklahoma, who boast an average 57-1 record this season. The two met last season, with Oklahoma winning deep into extra innings. The Sooners carry all […]
A couple of years ago when we lived in Virginia and Mississippi State was making its way through the College World Series, someone in our church asked what we thought about the Bulldogs as Tennessee fans. I’ve used that conversation to highlight the importance of change in SEC football scheduling: […]