VTTW Board Index

I think we're going to be unloading years of frustration this fall.

we can do that....that'll soothe some wounds for a while.           :patriot:

I am projecting the same thing.

But I thought that after the Iowa crushing too...

Depends if our passing game and WRs are much improved. The good defenses....Bama, A&M, UGA, FL, Virginia Tech will load the box if it isn't.

Been hearing Butch say for 3 years our vertical passing game has to improve and it hasn't....Not holding my breath that it does.

Well here's what I've decided. No matter how many times I've been optimistic and had my hopes dashed, none of those times were 2016. 2016 is a new year with fresh hope and plenty of reason to be optimistic, and I'm determined not to let past failures drag me down. That's my life as a fan: optimism and homerism and I'm not letting anything take that away from me.

I'm in sort of fresh-outlook-on-life-mode all around and I'm making UT sports a part of that. WWFDT. All of them.

Word... :box:

I salute you Clock, and am hoping for the same - partially because I don't want to see the fallout if we're not in Atlanta.

15-0

YES!!!   :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Agreed, I'm feeling pretty good about the upcoming season.  If our defense can gel and if Shoop proves to be the real deal....   :nod:

1. Defense wins championships
2. Offense is similar to '98 - mobile QB, strong running game, questionable passing but with significant threats
3. Defense wins championships
4. Serious threats in special teams
5. Did I mention the defense?

Yes defense wins championships. But the last time I checked, you still have to score more points than your opponent to win. If you hold your opponent to 7 points and you score only 6 points, you lose. Give me a good defense and an offense that can score when given the opportunity, makes few mistakes and turnovers, and can make a first down late in the game and I will beat a great defense. So no a great defense does not always win a championship if the offense sucks or the coach plays not to lose rather than to win. UT has proven that numerous times.

I'm absolutely stoked about the defense. And while "defense wins championships" may not be an absolute statement, I don't think you'll find many teams that win championships without good defense. Oregon can attest to that. In fact, Nick Saban has made a legacy for himself with strong defenses and strong running games. This Tennessee team could have both. Saban has proven that if you have an average passing game, a strong defense and strong running game will do the rest. I'm not saying this team is going to win the national championship or even compete for it, because I don't think our OL will be as strong as the average Alabama OL, and that's a huge part of it, too. But I expect this team to be very, very good. If Butch grew up as much in the second half of the season last year as he seemed to and as we all hope he did, good things are in store for this team, and I expect to be playing in Atlanta when December rolls around. Anything less than that and I'll be bitterly disappointed.

I'll take a carbon copy of last year's defensive performance with one slight tweak: shore up 4th down. :banghead:

For the first time in a long time we have a lot of beasts on defense, with experience on the DL. Secondary has some elite athletes. This defense should be very very good.

Is Tuttle going to be back and healthy?  I have not heard.

He's walking on it but I don't think he's playing football on it anytime soon. I've seen him on campus twice and haven't been terribly encouraged.

Thankfully Fall camp is still a ways off.

Butch said today he will be back at fall camp

Butch says (and doesn't say) a lot of things when it comes to injuries.  I'll believe he's back when I see him on the field in a game. 

In the meantime, we still owe that POS from UGA a big one.  A shredded knee for a shredded knee. :bird:

Knee injury recovery can take place in as little as 6 months, but the athlete usually isn't full speed for at least a year.  Of course, a DT needs speed less, but I am sure a knee would affect cutting and pushing which he definitely needs.  My guess is he will be back but not as effective, but might come on strong at the end of the season.

Wasn't his injury lower leg? If it was his knee I must have missed it.

Yes it was a lower leg injury.

I was just following BDVs lead, but you are correct Tnphil

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2578764-shy-tuttle-injury-updates-on-tennessee-dts-leg-and-recovery

"broken fibula and torn ankle ligaments"

How ironic...Bleacherreport is accurate and BDV is not.   :dielaughing:

I did have a broken fibula once also.  6 weeks to heal but recovery took another 3-4 months.  Being on crutches will atrophy you really fast.

I think Tuttle's recovery will depend on how well he can protect his ankle.  Those can linger forever.