Tennessee football: Vols fans should minimize expectations for 2018

By Colby Howell | Jul 12, 2018

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /

Tennessee football is bringing excitement as the Fall is drawing close. Jeremy Pruitt’s plan is in motion. But Volunteers fans shouldn’t get carried away.

Let’s explain this as briefly as possible because I could flip this coin for hours. It’s easy for a fan base to feel excited when the fall season draws close. Tennessee football’s case, however, is much more personal. Vols fans have had high hopes for the program ever since Butch Jones and staff demolished #13 Northwestern to cap the 2015 season.

When 2016 didn’t go the way fans thought, they could no longer stay silent. As most know, this was a major factor in the release of Butch Jones. The search for a new leader was embarrassing, but ultimately, Jeremy Pruitt came out as the new face of Tennessee football.

This, in and of itself, was one of the biggest accomplishments for the university’s football program. Fans have high expectations for the future, as do the staff. Year 1, however, is one of the trickiest seasons to access.

The Vols return a lot of injured playmakers that haven’t seen a lot of playing time. Pruitt has also loaded up the depth chart with graduate transfers and JUCO stars to implement immediate help. In addition, Pruitt has put together a veteran staff.

In this case, it might be easy for fans to get carried away. But something all fans must consider as fall camp approaches next month…

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The reason the media and Vegas odds have such a low outlook on the Vols is because of all the unknowns. Jeremy Pruitt, while highly accomplished, is a first-year head coach. Nobody can read into the future but he’s always been a well-liked guy, and his personality could sway some big-time recruits.

At this point, however, there’s just no way to tell. Let’s reflect on the Orange and White Game. Either the offense made vast improvements, or Tennessee’s defense can’t stop anybody. This is one of the most unsettling factors headed into 2018. Pruitt has said himself, “We could win the game, but I still might not sleep that night because of the way we played.”

If that’s the case, it could be a long season for his staff. This is a defense that gave up 240+ rushing yards a game in 2017. However…this is also a defense that was incredibly winded. The offense was completely lethargic and accomplished nothing, putting the defense right back out on the field.

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Jarrett Guarantano showed signs of promise, both last season and in the Orange and White Game. But, there’s still a ways to go, especially now with Keller Chryst in the picture.

For a new head coach, year one is loaded with “trial and error.” You have to teach your system; you have to move players around to where you think they’ll be strongest. The bright side is, you can almost guarantee Pruitt loves the low expectations.

Additionally, fans have put their trust in Pruitt. He has proven himself to be a game changer when building his defense. He’s no stranger to the BCS National Championship stage. The list goes on and on. Fans haven’t seen this kind of staff since the Fulmer era.

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So, that said, the expectations should be incredibly low for year 1. Tennessee football could lose to the West Virginia Mountaineers, Florida Gators, Missouri Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks. It could be painful. Then again, it may not be. Only time will tell.

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