2012 Football Schedule and Predictions

[Stogie Vol]

I know it's still fairly early to be making predictions, but here is what I expect.  In a sense, my outlook is optimistic in that I have my reservations about Tennessee really pulling it off. In another sense, it is realistic in that it is where we should be at this point in time...maybe slightly ahead of where we should be. I'd rather say that I have high expectations rather than being optimistic.

In other words, if these predictions bear out, Dooley is safe for now.  Any worse than this, then he should be on an extremely hot seat if he survives at all.

1. NC State: W
2. GA State: W
3. Florida:    W
4. Akron:     W
5. Georgia:   L
6. Miss. St.: W
7. Alabama:  L
8. S. Car.:    L
9. Troy:      W
10. Missouri: W
11. Vandy:   W
12. Kentucky:W

[Inspector Vol]

I am hopeful but my optimism has waned. Of course when August gets here my optimism will increase but for now it is virtually non-existent.

I don't see but 2 sure wins and maybe 3 right now. In the past I would have included KY and VU but not this year.

I am fully in the wait and see mode. I like Dooley and I like the things he has tried to do with the VFL program and embracing the history and traditions of UT. He still has to win though and I don't know how much rope the new AD will give him.

[WoodstockVol]

I think Tennessee wins all the non-Conference games and beats Missouri,Vanderbilt and Kentucky in the SEC. 7-5 and a Liberty Bowl invitation is My prediction

[Volcreed]

I never step to far out on a limb with season predictions, this year even less because I can think of so many factors I think is key to 2012 that are just plain question marks until the season starts:

1. Hunter off ACL (that fact was the biggest turning point to me last year)
2. Leathers Ankle (After the season you hear just how big a factor HL leadership was to this D)
3. New Coaches (Secret to Fulmer's success was staff stability)
4. Da'Rick factor (I am pro Da'Rick 1000's times over, but Da'Rick was/is a hard case to understand)
5. 3-4 adjustment (not a simple adjustment)
6. Smith, Brewer Etc. (How fast do they adjust to new positions, and I am of the school Smith and Brewer are 2 big winners from 3-4)
7. JUCO Guys (Looking at Bryon Moore Jr last year I thought he was SEC ready the day he signed, but didn't happen that way)
8. CB's (My biggest question mark from last year was CB play, and I thought we had talent and was not playing near that talent)
9. Bray (I compare Tyler to EA mystery thou EA came back and had an nice year the next year)
10, Lane/Neal/Bourque (Lane 2 years off ACL, Neal from Doghouse back to TB and Bourque freshman we need 18-20 per game from 1 or 3)
11. Could be many more?

I guess most teams have issue after 3 day of spring football, and I have promised myself no prediction in 2012! I do enter optimistic, but cautiously.

[VinnieVOL]

Agree with your predictions, Stogie.  If DD doesn't beat Florida this year, it's over for him.