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  • While I am as optimistic as most Vol fans expecting major progress this year, we cannot as fans and alumni jump off the cliff if a September loss occurs. We play three high quality squads in Sept (NC State, Fla and UGA). We could sweep or be swept. I do not think we will do either (2-1 would be my prediction) but we must really consider that our program really took a steady decline from 2001 SECC game through two coaching changes. That is a 10 year decline. Practically speaking it is not realistic to ask someone to complete a turnaround within 3 years with a decimated roster. I think we are all optimistic based on the roster improvements but we also need to allow this staff and team to grow!

    Now back to the unfettered optimism.....

    orangetex

  • orangetex said...

    While I am as optimistic as most Vol fans expecting major progress this year, we cannot as fans and alumni jump off the cliff if a September loss occurs. We play three high quality squads in Sept (NC State, Fla and UGA). We could sweep or be swept. I do not think we will do either (2-1 would be my prediction) but we must really consider that our program really took a steady decline from 2001 SECC game through two coaching changes. That is a 10 year decline. Practically speaking it is not realistic to ask someone to complete a turnaround within 3 years with a decimated roster. I think we are all optimistic based on the roster improvements but we also need to allow this staff and team to grow!

    Now back to the unfettered optimism.....

    Well said and correct. +1

    tnbear66 ●

  • If we lose to NC State and Florida, I don't think it matters how far our roster had declined, that will be deemed unacceptable, and I'm not sure I'd disagree. Can only make excuses for so long, at some point you have to win. If we don't beat Florida this year, when will we? This is the year we have the massive QB/WR advantage. If we also lose to an ACC team that's not exactly a football power even by ACC standards, it would be very very difficult to recover.

    tallbrad

  • I agree with the thought. IMO, trying to define success this year completely by a W/L record is inadequate. While it is certainly an element of success, it is much more important to look at the program from a standpoint of are we making significant progress. If we are, the wins will take care of themselves.

    Chuck Turbul

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    VolsfaninSC

  • tallbrad said...

    If we lose to NC State and Florida, I don't think it matters how far our roster had declined, that will be deemed unacceptable, and I'm not sure I'd disagree. Can only make excuses for so long, at some point you have to win. If we don't beat Florida this year, when will we? This is the year we have the massive QB/WR advantage. If we also lose to an ACC team that's not exactly a football power even by ACC standards, it would be very very difficult to recover.

    I think this is right. Can't lose both games.

    I still feel that with limited injuries, this team should win at least 8 games.

    The caution part is saying 8 and not 10. I like what Dooley is doing a lot but he has to win on the field too. 8 wins is not unreasonable.

    If he gets 10 wins, he deserves a raise. Would be one hell of a turnaround.

    SRDC Vol

  • If we start 1-2, there will be a justified concern(hysteria) coming from the fan base. You can only talk about how the program is improving so long. You have to show the results on the field and that includes winning ball games. In this business, you are paid to win games and we have given 2 years to Dooley to re-work the roster and get us back on our feet. We keep hearing from Dooley how much better things are now and I do not think it is too much to ask of this team to beat either NCSU or Florida. It will be extremely difficult for this team and Dooley to recover from losing to both NC State and Florida. I expect us to win at least one of those games if not both so i am hoping this won't be an issue.

    Jetervol ●

  • Chuck Turbul said...

    I agree with the thought. IMO, trying to define success this year completely by a W/L record is inadequate. While it is certainly an element of success, it is much more important to look at the program from a standpoint of are we making significant progress. If we are, the wins will take care of themselves.

    Agreed +1.

    utkdominic

  • SRDC Vol said...

    I still feel that with limited injuries, this team should win at least 8 games.

    The caution part is saying 8 and not 10. I like what Dooley is doing a lot but he has to win on the field too. 8 wins is not unreasonable.

    If he gets 10 wins, he deserves a raise. Would be one hell of a turnaround.

    I agree with this. 8 wins means we got a couple of solid wins, and Dooley will get an extension of some sort. 9 or 10 wins means more $$, more years on that extension.

    tallbrad

  • We must stay the course for the year and evaluate the entire body of work this year as opposed to only examining the outcome of three tough Sept games, which I expect to win at least 2. My original point is that our talent level, staff and roster has grown substantially in the last 8 months. I really believe the compass is pointing north again for the vols and knee jerk reactions could thwart that inertia and prolong our recovery. Knee jerk reactions could be result of some disappointing Sept losses. My point is we need to examine the full season in its entirety. Keep in mind we are installing a completely new defensive scheme as well.

    Anyway, just food for thought over two weeks till season begins.

    orangetex

  • Chuck Turbul said...

    I agree with the thought. IMO, trying to define success this year completely by a W/L record is inadequate. While it is certainly an element of success, it is much more important to look at the program from a standpoint of are we making significant progress. If we are, the wins will take care of themselves.

    Thanks for signing up and posting, Chuck. Excellent first post. Please post early and often.

    Thanks again!

    preciatecha

    Kevin Ryan ●

  • I think the excuse making is done with the exception of al and ga maybe south carl we have more talent and depth that any team we play. Its time to start winning. I'm fully behind coach dooley I think he is the perfect fit for ut also I think he stays here even when he starts winning. But that time has arrived and I think we should give all 3 of the above teams all they want when we play. We still have issues but what team doesn't. I bet if we had a proven head coach this team would be a top 10 preseason pick. Just compare ut to our opponents its very clear we have the talent. Jmo what's yours

    hackburgman

  • SRDC Vol said...

    I think this is right. Can't lose both games.

    I still feel that with limited injuries, this team should win at least 8 games.

    The caution part is saying 8 and not 10. I like what Dooley is doing a lot but he has to win on the field too. 8 wins is not unreasonable.

    If he gets 10 wins, he deserves a raise. Would be one hell of a turnaround.

    So many intriguing question marks with a new staff and D, running game...

    8 wins and he definitely gets an extension. 5 wins and as much as I hate it, he's probably gone.

    6-7 wins and it's a crapshoot based on Harts inside view and experience. Keeping him at this point would lead to more stability for recruiting but a very divided customer base.

    "Count it down with me. Five, four, three, two, one. The national champion is clad in Big Orange!"

    kyvolunteer

  • orangetex said...

    We must stay the course for the year and evaluate the entire body of work this year as opposed to only examining the outcome of three tough Sept games, which I expect to win at least 2. My original point is that our talent level, staff and roster has grown substantially in the last 8 months. I really believe the compass is pointing north again for the vols and knee jerk reactions could thwart that inertia and prolong our recovery. Knee jerk reactions could be result of some disappointing Sept losses. My point is we need to examine the full season in its entirety. Keep in mind we are installing a completely new defensive scheme as well.

    Anyway, just food for thought over two weeks till season begins.

    I hear you, but the schedule only gets tougher in October.

    It will be tough for an unproven team to recover from a disappointing September.

    tallbrad

  • A little perspective here.

    Johnny Majors took over a Tennessee program that might not have been in as bad a shape as Dooley's in 2010. It took Majors, a proven coach one year removed from a national championship, five years to win 8 games. It took him seven years to win 9. Granted, he did win 7 in his third year, but he slipped back to 5 wins in year four.

    Bottom line: Program turnarounds in this league have never been easy and are almost certainly much harder now than they were in the '70s. If Dooley wins 7-10 games this year, it will be a remarkable turnaround for the Tennessee program. If he doesn't, IMO, and we are still reasonably competitive, it would be foolish to restart the process.

    Patience, grasshoppers, patience!

    signature image

    RockytopATL

  • tallbrad said...

    If we lose to NC State and Florida, I don't think it matters how far our roster had declined, that will be deemed unacceptable, and I'm not sure I'd disagree. Can only make excuses for so long, at some point you have to win. If we don't beat Florida this year, when will we? This is the year we have the massive QB/WR advantage. If we also lose to an ACC team that's not exactly a football power even by ACC standards, it would be very very difficult to recover.

    Agree 100%

    Amershamvol

  • Chuck Turbul said...

    I agree with the thought. IMO, trying to define success this year completely by a W/L record is inadequate. While it is certainly an element of success, it is much more important to look at the program from a standpoint of are we making significant progress. If we are, the wins will take care of themselves.

    welcome to the board, Chuck! Happy to have you here. Please post often!

    Nice first post, by the way.

    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan

  • RockytopATL said...

    A little perspective here.

    Johnny Majors took over a Tennessee program that might not have been in as bad a shape as Dooley's in 2010. It took Majors, a proven coach one year removed from a national championship, five years to win 8 games. It took him seven years to win 9. Granted, he did win 7 in his third year, but he slipped back to 5 wins in year four.

    Bottom line: Program turnarounds in this league have never been easy and are almost certainly much harder now than they were in the '70s. If Dooley wins 7-10 games this year, it will be a remarkable turnaround for the Tennessee program. If he doesn't, IMO, and we are still reasonably competitive, it would be foolish to restart the process.

    Patience, grasshoppers, patience!

    This is a good view, and I always appreciate some historical perspective.

    I can't help but feel that the environment couldn't be more different now than Majors' time. Patience gets you 3 years MAX, especially at a program that expects to win like UT's and especially in a conference as brutally competitive as the SEC. That's not to say it's fair or right, but fans are ready for wins.

    I think win or lose, Dooley has the program in much better shape than what he inherited. If it doesn't work out this year, I don't know if we're looking at a wholesale, from the ground up rebuilding process. I think other programs have proven that bringing in the right coach can create some excitement and momentum that helps to accelerate the transition process. So I'm not sure I agree with the comment about turnarounds being tougher than ever, at least not necessarily.

    This post was edited by tallbrad on 8/16/2012 at 2:05 PM

    tallbrad

  • tallbrad said...

    This is a good view, and I always appreciate some historical perspective.

    I can't help but feel that the environment couldn't be more different now than Majors' time. Patience gets you 3 years MAX, especially at a program that expects to win like UT's and especially in a conference as brutally competitive as the SEC. That's not to say it's fair or right, but fans are ready for wins.

    I think win or lose, Dooley has the program in much better shape than what he inherited. If it doesn't work out this year, I don't know if we're looking at a wholesale, from the ground up rebuilding process. I think other programs have proven that bringing in the right coach can create some excitement and momentum that helps to accelerate the transition process. So I'm not sure I agree with the comment about turnarounds being tougher than ever, at least not necessarily.

    Turnarounds are easier now? When the last six national champions are in your league?

    Turnarounds have NEVER been tougher in the SEC than they are now.

    signature image

    RockytopATL

  • RockytopATL said...

    A little perspective here.

    Johnny Majors took over a Tennessee program that might not have been in as bad a shape as Dooley's in 2010. It took Majors, a proven coach one year removed from a national championship, five years to win 8 games. It took him seven years to win 9. Granted, he did win 7 in his third year, but he slipped back to 5 wins in year four.

    Bottom line: Program turnarounds in this league have never been easy and are almost certainly much harder now than they were in the '70s. If Dooley wins 7-10 games this year, it will be a remarkable turnaround for the Tennessee program. If he doesn't, IMO, and we are still reasonably competitive, it would be foolish to restart the process.

    Patience, grasshoppers, patience!

    When Majors took over, Neyland Stadium seated 80,000; colleges and universities were still trying to figure out how to comply with Title 9; the Commodore 64 hadn't been released and when it was 5 years after Majors was hired, it, of course, didn't include an internet search engine; ESPN hadn't even launched; and Nike was still known as Blue Ribbon Sports. 1977 was a long time ago.

    You can call 7 wins remarkable, I call it the least he should do with this schedule and the talent, to his credit, he has on this team. He should be rolling into the season with 5 wins tucked away firmly in his pocket. He can't go 1-6 against everyone else without serious fallout. One thing that shouldn't be overlooked in 1977. Johnny Majors didn't have many Troy's, GA State's, and Akron's on the schedule. All that being said. The 2012 version of the Vols wins atleast 9 resulting in an extension for Dooley and really good recruiting class.

    This post was edited by DCVolunteer on 8/16/2012 at 2:12 PM

    DCVolunteer ●

  • RockytopATL said...

    Turnarounds are easier now? When the last six national champions are in your league?

    Turnarounds have NEVER been tougher in the SEC than they are now.

    USCe....Vandy....Arkansas...Auburn...all unique situations, but all have made significant strides in recent years. What does Alabama or LSU having won a national title have to do with UT's turnaround? The measure of a "turnaround" is not winning a national title or even competing with Alabama - to me, it's getting back to winning 8-10 games regularly. That level of performance should not be outside of UT's reach. We can't make excuses forever.

    tallbrad

  • 1. This may be the longest UT has gone without an SEC championship
    2. UF has won 7 straight against UT
    3. Saban isn't going anywhere and is 5-0 against UT
    4. UT hasn't beaten Auburn in over a decade I think
    5. UT spends a lot of money in recruiting... more than most
    6. UT has had 3 straight top 25 recruiting classes..z there's talent at the hill....

    ^ If UT starts off 1-2...... I don't personally think Dooley is the man to get the job done...

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    Go Vols

    orangeasylum

  • orangeasylum said...

    ^ If UT starts off 1-2...... I don't personally think Dooley is the man to get the job done...

    Unfortunately, I'd have to agree with this statement. Fortunately, I think we'll be 3-0. biggrin

    Most of us aren't even measuring our turnaround by whether we can compete with Alabama or LSU or (maybe) George yet. We just want to beat a decent ACC team and a down Florida squad at Neyland. I think we can do it, but we'll know for sure in a month.

    tallbrad

  • I have said in other threads that we have made a habit of losing to FU. Doing it again this year continues the trend but I guess you could say is par for the course. I don't like it but it is what it is.

    We didn't start losing to ACC teams until after 01 (Maryland, Clemson, UNC). Clear progress is not doing that any more. We must be State.

    My two cents.

    SRDC Vol

  • Chuck Turbul said...

    I agree with the thought. IMO, trying to define success this year completely by a W/L record is inadequate. While it is certainly an element of success, it is much more important to look at the program from a standpoint of are we making significant progress. If we are, the wins will take care of themselves.

    Welcome aboard!

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    Its not a stupid question until you ask it.

    Ram_Lock ●

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