The Tennessee Volunteers ended up finishing the 2011 season with a disappointing 5-7 record, thanks in large part to a brutal schedule and a numerous injuries. The biggest surprise to last season was the fact that the Volunteers managed to go just 1-7 in conference play.
Head coach Derek Dooley is now in a proverbial hot seat to turn this program around, as the Volunteers haven't won more than seven games since going 10-4 back in 2007. With 19 starters coming back for the 2012 campaign, Dooley should field his best team since joining the program. They can be the darkhorse in the SEC East if they can just stay healthy.
Offense
Quarterback Tyler Bray was the main reason why this team was optimistic about their chances last year. Unfortunately, he got injured and played in only seven games. Despite that, he was still able to lead the team with 1,983 yards and an impressive 17 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. If he can remain healthy, look for the Volunteers to be a lot better in 2012.
It's looking like Bray will have a field day throwing the ball to wide outs Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. Rogers earned 1st Team All-SEC honors and Hunter was on his way to a huge season last year before suffering a season ending injury in game three of the season. Tennessee should have one of the top receiving corps in the nation if they can get these two players to stay on the field.
While the passing game looks to be one of the best in the SEC, they need to get more out of their running game if they really want to blossom in 2012.
A healthy Bray would do wonders to the running game. Not only that, but with him around, the Volunteers drastically improve their offensive line, and could be one of the best in the conference.
Defense
With all the injuries on offense, the Tennessee defense managed to hold their own in 2011. The Volunteers allowed just 22.6 ppg and 341 yards of total offense. With nine starters coming back, this unit should be even better in 2012.. The Vols brought in former Alabama linebacker coach Sal Sunseri to take over at defensive coordinator and will make the switch from 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme this year. Even though the players have to learn a new scheme, I expect this unit to thrive under Sunseri..
With the losses of 1st Team All-SEC defensive tackle Malik Jackson and defensive end Ben Martin, it seems as though the switch to a 3-4 scheme is actually a good idea. They return defensive tackle Maurice Couch, who is expected to open up as the team's new nose tackle. They also add 380-pound defensive lineman Daniel McCullers, and are excited with the addition of college transfer Darrington Sentimore, who is expected to start right away at defensive end.
The linebacker spot seems to be all set for the Volunteers in 2012, as they return much improved young players in Curt Maggit and A.J. Johnson (top two tacklers from last year). They also bring back starting outside linebacker Jacques Smith.
The Volunteers are also excited about the return of all four starters in secondary. Senior corner Prentiss Wagner is one of the best the SEC has offer, and the team is extremely high on sophomores Justin Coleman (CB) and Brian Randolph (FS).
Be sure to check out Football Free Picks during the regular season for all your Tennessee betting needs. You will find the best available odds for every game, plus get expert advice on who to take against the spread.
SEC Prediction - 4th SEC East
This is a very interesting year for Tennessee football. After being a major disappointment and winning one conference game last year, the team seems poised to make a run at Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina in the SEC East. Bray will look to move on from his injury-shortened season last year and go back to being one of the elite quarterbacks in all of college football. Their weapons in the offensive end and their defensive prowess will make them be a tough out against whoever they face. Unfortunately, a couple of road games at South Carolina and Georgia, plus very tough home games against Florida and Alabama may force team out of the contention. If they can remain healthy at key positions, they could surprise some of the conference's perennial powers.
Head coach Derek Dooley is now in a proverbial hot seat to turn this program around, as the Volunteers haven't won more than seven games since going 10-4 back in 2007. With 19 starters coming back for the 2012 campaign, Dooley should field his best team since joining the program. They can be the darkhorse in the SEC East if they can just stay healthy.
Offense
Quarterback Tyler Bray was the main reason why this team was optimistic about their chances last year. Unfortunately, he got injured and played in only seven games. Despite that, he was still able to lead the team with 1,983 yards and an impressive 17 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. If he can remain healthy, look for the Volunteers to be a lot better in 2012.
It's looking like Bray will have a field day throwing the ball to wide outs Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. Rogers earned 1st Team All-SEC honors and Hunter was on his way to a huge season last year before suffering a season ending injury in game three of the season. Tennessee should have one of the top receiving corps in the nation if they can get these two players to stay on the field.
While the passing game looks to be one of the best in the SEC, they need to get more out of their running game if they really want to blossom in 2012.
A healthy Bray would do wonders to the running game. Not only that, but with him around, the Volunteers drastically improve their offensive line, and could be one of the best in the conference.
Defense
With all the injuries on offense, the Tennessee defense managed to hold their own in 2011. The Volunteers allowed just 22.6 ppg and 341 yards of total offense. With nine starters coming back, this unit should be even better in 2012.. The Vols brought in former Alabama linebacker coach Sal Sunseri to take over at defensive coordinator and will make the switch from 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme this year. Even though the players have to learn a new scheme, I expect this unit to thrive under Sunseri..
With the losses of 1st Team All-SEC defensive tackle Malik Jackson and defensive end Ben Martin, it seems as though the switch to a 3-4 scheme is actually a good idea. They return defensive tackle Maurice Couch, who is expected to open up as the team's new nose tackle. They also add 380-pound defensive lineman Daniel McCullers, and are excited with the addition of college transfer Darrington Sentimore, who is expected to start right away at defensive end.
The linebacker spot seems to be all set for the Volunteers in 2012, as they return much improved young players in Curt Maggit and A.J. Johnson (top two tacklers from last year). They also bring back starting outside linebacker Jacques Smith.
The Volunteers are also excited about the return of all four starters in secondary. Senior corner Prentiss Wagner is one of the best the SEC has offer, and the team is extremely high on sophomores Justin Coleman (CB) and Brian Randolph (FS).
Be sure to check out Football Free Picks during the regular season for all your Tennessee betting needs. You will find the best available odds for every game, plus get expert advice on who to take against the spread.
SEC Prediction - 4th SEC East
This is a very interesting year for Tennessee football. After being a major disappointment and winning one conference game last year, the team seems poised to make a run at Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina in the SEC East. Bray will look to move on from his injury-shortened season last year and go back to being one of the elite quarterbacks in all of college football. Their weapons in the offensive end and their defensive prowess will make them be a tough out against whoever they face. Unfortunately, a couple of road games at South Carolina and Georgia, plus very tough home games against Florida and Alabama may force team out of the contention. If they can remain healthy at key positions, they could surprise some of the conference's perennial powers.
About the Author:
Jack Jones will be posting his college football picks at Betfirms.com this season. Be sure to go to our site today for a more detailed Tennessee football preview.
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