What do we do when we get what we want? That’s been a moving target these past 15 years. Some seasons it was bowl eligibility, others just a fresh start. Just to play at all in 2020, which weirdly seems so long ago now. Above all, of course, was hope. […]
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Gameday on Rocky Top 2023 Picks Contest
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 […]
Where can Tennessee make the most progress in 2023?
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 […]
Vols in the Preseason AP Poll, 1989-2023
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, […]
Making the Most Progress: SEC Coaches & Historical SP+ in the First Two Years
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 […]
A Word of Thanks
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 […]
The Value of 2022: Ranking the Ranked
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 […]
Julian Phillips Continues the Expectation at Tennessee
Outgoing freshman Julian Phillips saw his decision to enter the NBA Draft pay off as an early second round pick last night, #35 to your Chicago Bulls. The headline for Tennessee, of course, is Phillips makes seven Vols drafted in the last five years: 2023: Julian Phillips, Round 2 #35 […]
Days Between Dates
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 […]
Omaha: Make a little history of your own
Last Monday, we did some research on how the 2022-23 Vols finished in the Top 16 in football, men’s & women’s basketball, baseball and softball for the first time in school history. That ride ain’t over just yet: Baseball always has the opportunity for the last word on an academic […]