Today On Rocky Top: Vols Or Razorbacks Have Better Outlook?
By Zach Ragan
From ESPN
"Arkansas and Tennessee aren’t so different. Both teams are currently 5-5, and both will host ranked opponents this weekend with the opportunity to become bowl eligible.That might not sound like much, but it’s the next step in the rebuilding process that is beginning to take shape for second-year coaches Bret Bielema and Butch Jones. By next year, it’s not crazy to think that both the Razorbacks and the Vols could make a run in the SEC.So we pose the question: Which school, Arkansas or Tennessee, has a brighter future and which is better equipped to win finish near the top of their division in 2015?Read more at ESPN"
From Bleacher Report
"A trying week for Tennessee’s football team will end when a tough opponent comes to town Saturday night, and several key things must happen in order for the Volunteers to keep this late-season surge going.At this point, it would be a monumental surprise if senior middle linebacker and emotional leader A.J. Johnson played against Missouri in the midst of a sexual assault investigation. The same goes for sophomore cornerback Michael Williams, who is also allegedly involved.Read more at Bleacher Report"
From Fox Sports
"On a week when Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson expected to play the final home game of his productive career, the Volunteers instead must find a way to replace the all-Southeastern Conference performer.Johnson and sophomore cornerback Michael Williams were suspended from all team-related activities Monday, one day before a Knoxville police report named them as subjects of a rape investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.While players have insisted the situation hasn’t distracted them heading into Saturday’s g with No. 19 Missouri (8-2, 5-1, No. 20 CFP), the absences of Johnson and Williams hamper a defense that also must play the first half without junior safety Brian Randolph, who received a targeting penalty last week against Kentucky.Read more at Fox Sports"
From the Kansas City Star
"Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs wasn’t terrible in his first career start in November 2013 at Missouri.He completed 26 of 42 passes for 240 yards, but Dobbs also threw two interceptions with no touchdowns and led the Volunteers’ offense to only three points in a lopsided loss.The No. 19 Tigers won’t see that Dobbs again at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Neyland Stadium.“He is a different player,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said of Dobbs. “He’s playing at a whole different level.”Read more at the Kansas City Star"