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Tennessee football will have top-scoring SEC offense, magazine says

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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This is a self-described outrageous prediction for the Tennessee football Volunteers.

Despite losing its best two playmakers from last year, Tennessee football returns a ton of talent giving many people reason for excitement. Could that excitement turn into drastically positive results that nobody expects?

Well, one of Athlon’s self-described outrageous predictions was that the Vols would have the highest-scoring offense in the SEC. Yes, that seems crazy on its face, but there are some things that could make it possible.

Obviously, Tennessee football doing that with a defensive-minded coach like Jeremy Pruitt and the losses of Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway would be shocking. Here’s a bit of the outlet’s reasoning behind the prediction.

Now, it’s questionable if the UT defense will struggle. All but three starters are back, and the two best players based on Pro Football Focus’ analytics are on that side of the ball in defensive backs Bryce Thompson and Shawn Shamburger. To be fair, though, Thompson and Shamburger were helped by Nigel Warrior patrolling the field at safety, and he’s gone.

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On offense, even without Callaway and Jennings, the Vols have proven receivers in Josh Palmer and Brandon Johnson who should be in good position to take over. A bunch of young guys and rising stars also make up that position. Add in the returning running backs, including rising star Eric Gray, and the weapons should be there.

Then there are the three most important factors. Fifth-year senior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano hasn’t been consistent, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance. Meanwhile, there’s a chance the offensive line is the best in the SEC with its returning talent led by Trey Smith. Finally, Jim Chaney is back in his second year at the helm.

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Recent history has shown Chaney offenses take off when he’s in his second year. If that happens, and if there is a drop-off on defense, then Pruitt could end up overseeing the type of team he probably never wanted to see. But hey, Tennessee football fans will at least be entertained throughout the year if this prediction comes true.

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