Knoxville was partying like it was 1998 eight weeks through the 2022 season. They had four wins over top-25 opponents, beat LSU in Death Valley, clawed past the Crimson Tide, and steam rolled other opponents by way of Hendon Hooker’s back. Then midnight struck as their losses at Georgia and South Carolina halted any hopes they had at the CFP. Still, a 10 win season is nothing to brush over as the Vols are back in the top-15 in the polls ahead of the 2023 season.
I'm not here to tell you what you’ve already heard. Yes the absence of Hendon Hooker, Cedric Tillman, and Jaylin Hyatt will sting, but coach Josh Heupel and his staff have built a good foundation in Rocky Top and that will continue on this year and the years to come.
I wonder what it’s like cheering for a team in the same division of the SEC as Georgia. Do they hope to get second? Do they hope Georgia has an off game when they meet? Do they pray to the football gods that someone else can play a perfect game and beat them? Well, Tennessee is trying their hardest to close that gap, but it's a harder gap to close than Michael Strahan’s front teeth.
So who do the Vols have to lean on this year? Only the strongest arm in the nation, Joe Milton III. We got a glimpse of what he can do in the Orange Bowl last year when he threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns leading his team to victory. There are certainly worse positions to be in than this Tennessee offense is in. The help includes wideouts Squirrel White and Bru McCoy, both capable of having standout years. In the backfield you will find a three-headed monster in Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, and Dylan Sampson.
The offensive numbers will be consistent with last year’s team, the question will be whether the defense can hang on.
There was a drastic improvement last year in Tim Banks’ group, shaving almost seven points off their opponents average against them, but this side will also lose some key players that have people questioning which direction they will go in this year. They will still have solid experienced players and hit the portal pretty well, but it will take some players stepping up big time to compete with Georgia in the SEC East.
Prediction: This team will be around the top 10 or 15 all year. As long as they don’t have any major slip ups (Go hoos), I see them winning 9 or 10 games. 9-3
How Many Games Will Tennessee Win In 2023?
9 or more
8 or less
Comments