Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Cameron Sutton (23) celebrates with teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not even March and the hype for the 2015 Vols is already out of control.
Everyone from Mel Kiper to ESPN college football insider Brad Edwards has opined recently on Tennessee’s huge potential in 2015, essentially placing lofty expectations on team 119.
And while Vol fans might need to hold off on making reservations in Atlanta the first weekend of December, there is still legitimate reason for UT fans to be excited.
The SEC East should be as wide open as ever next season and the Vols should be one of the more talented teams in the SEC.
However, most of the talent is very young. Tennessee’s success in 2015 will be directly related to how quickly the newcomers are able to transition to playmaking contributors.
Tennessee certainly has the potential to win the SEC East, but so do a lot of other teams.
The Vols, who are plagued with another brutal schedule, have plenty of obstacles ahead of them in Butch Jones’ third year on the job. Tough games against Oklahoma and Arkansas loom. An adjustment to a new offensive coordinator has to be made. And there’s always the question of how 18-23 year old kids will respond to the added pressure that ESPN and other media outlets are placing on the program.
But for everything going against the Vols, there are still plenty of positives for team 119. Here are five reasons why the Vols could win the SEC East in 2015.