The CheckerBoard

I'm not used to hearing this much optimism from our head coach. I must say it's rather refreshing! :-)

I have no idea how the next 3 or 4 years are going to turn out for Tennessee football. That being said, I love the approach that Coach Jones takes with everything about his job. Here's hoping that it translates into a return to a winning tradition that we as alumni and fans can all be proud of!

Call it what you will--over-achievement or getting the most out of players--I'll take it. I do get a sense that these coaches are reaching the players differently. Only game days will show if the differences translate into better execution. We'll see.

We went toe to toe with some great teams because we had a professional air attack, great O-line, and serviceable running game. The aerial attack is getting drafted. I am sure that our new QB(s) and WR's will be good, but there is no way that can match last year's production. If we want to play with the big boys this year, the defense has to be effective, disruptive, and sound. Otherwise, those teams that can score will simply outscore UT.

If our offense turns out to be high octane, then that will be a pleasant surprise, but it won't win enough games. Last year shows that. The champs have stout D. UT needs some stout D.

Vols!!

I thank the Lord for many blessings, and one of those is that our football team is back in competent hands.

You must have got a down vote for that reply ODA751 don't know why your dead on in my book I uped you +1.GBO

The one thing that I would compare right now is that we have a ton of positive news and a positive momentum and we didn't bash some other team and the way they recruit players. We didn't negative recruit kids that didn't want to come to Tennessee. Coach Jones and staff have been positive and worked their butts off to get kids to look at Tennessee.

During Kiffin's early months he made the comment that he was getting Tennessee's name out there and it didn't matter if it was good news or bad news it was Tennessee's name in the headline.

Dooley didn't know how to get us in the headlines and from some of the reports we're hearing he was working as hard on the recruiting trail and again he was very sarcastic and condesending.

We don't know if Butch Jones can win games but at least we have something to be proud of right now and something that current and former players are really supporting without all the BS.

I can feel the big MO starting.... the Vol train is moving now!! Bringing in the previous players to help emphasize and bring faces and a personal feeling to these players about the tradition of the program is BRILLIANT! This will do wonders for their commitment, focus and when things get tough in a game, when they get punched in the mouth, when they're in the 4th quarter and their tired, it's this sort of intangible pride in what they're a part of that will make a huge difference. last year, this team was within striking distance to win at least 3 more games at probably 2 upsets. If they could pull out 1 or 2 upsets in the grueling October schedule, they'll go to a bowl and this first season would be a resounding success. Clearly we have to see the product on the field, but everything about this team feels different. I was not a big fan of this hire as a head coach, but I must admit, I am very impressed so far with the beginning. Strong starts don't mean strong finish, but I'm for the first time in a very long time, truly excited! and the practice video is awesome!

Awesome info Ryan!

I think the Youtube in the story is a great feature, FWIW.

I upvoted the downvote you got for upvoting someone's downvote of which I upvoted also.