So you think expectations for Vols in 2015 are unreasonable?

[Creek Walker]

Yeah, you ain't seen nothing yet. Good thing it's just Bleacher Report. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2421421-bold-projections-for-college-footballs-final-four-for-2015-16-season/page/2

[Black Diamond Vol]

Actually, I have noticed of late that BR has made some great strides.  They appear to have weeded out all the teenage homer Clay Travis wannabes that used to populate that site.  Some of their better writers such as Barrett Sallee rival anyone on ESPN.  And you don't see nearly as many "25 reasons your team sucks" type articles anymore.  

But then I read the article you linked.  

Although if you go back and read page 1, the writer does go out of his way to mention that these aren't his actual picks (which he links elsewhere), they are his "out on a limb" picks.  And while it would take a lot of breaks to make the playoff (and probably pulling off a big upset in the SECCG), an 11-1 regular season isn't too outlandish if we stay healthy.  Unlikely?  Sure.  Impossible?  No way.  

It's been a long time since we've dealt with any expectations at all, so I figure what the hell- I'm going to embrace all this positive press while it lasts.

[LouisVOL]

Same here.  I have no false hopes and my ceiling expectations are well below yours, but it sure is nice to see Tennessee mentioned as relevant again.  It has been a long dry spell.  Just as long we avoid the curse of Dooley ("you won't have Tennessee to kick around anymore"), I am legitimately excited about Vols football for the first time in a long while.

Actually, I have noticed of late that BR has made some great strides.  They appear to have weeded out all the teenage homer Clay Travis wannabes that used to populate that site.  Some of their better writers such as Barrett Sallee rival anyone on ESPN.  And you don't see nearly as many "25 reasons your team sucks" type articles anymore.  

But then I read the article you linked.  

Although if you go back and read page 1, the writer does go out of his way to mention that these aren't his actual picks (which he links elsewhere), they are his "out on a limb" picks.  And while it would take a lot of breaks to make the playoff (and probably pulling off a big upset in the SECCG), an 11-1 regular season isn't too outlandish if we stay healthy.  Unlikely?  Sure.  Impossible?  No way.  

It's been a long time since we've dealt with any expectations at all, so I figure what the hell- I'm going to embrace all this positive press while it lasts.

[Creek Walker]

Actually, I have noticed of late that BR has made some great strides.  They appear to have weeded out all the teenage homer Clay Travis wannabes that used to populate that site.  Some of their better writers such as Barrett Sallee rival anyone on ESPN.  And you don't see nearly as many "25 reasons your team sucks" type articles anymore.  

I'll admit that BR has come a long ways. But it's hard for me to give them too much credit. I did some writing for them in their early days (not that I don't write enough with my day job, but sports writing is a hobby of mine, so...) and it really angered me how they steered traffic to inflammatory stories instead of quality journalism. I've actually considered doing some more writing for them but so far haven't plunged back in.