It's pretty flawed how much people are discounting the vols. They've had two top-five recruiting classes in a row. I don't know if they'll win the East or not, but they could win it. The fact that they could is a major development for them. They're an interesting team right now. Last year they were competitive in almost every game they lost. They did so with inferior talent to almost every opponent they played. However, butch has made pretty sorry coaching decisions. I think he's going to end up being much like Fulmer. Great talent and not so great game-day performance.Their program is trending right now.
Other programs in the East are fading (usc/uga/Vanderbilt/Kentucky). Tennessee is going to be competitive on talent alone. With Miles and Saban in the twilights of their respective careers and Malzahn seeming to have an interest in the nfl, it's a time period where a program (or two) can really pick up the reigns and control the conference for a time.
At the end of the day, the Gator game this year is a major, major game for Jones. He's coming in with a junior quarterback and talent at WR and RB. The OL for Tennessee is coming back intact I think. Have no clue about their defense, but it has to be better on talent alone. The pressure is on them. It's not a game he needs to win. But if he loses to us and Oklahoma beforehand, the fans will start to get restless. A loss this year to us and a loss next year could really direct the long-term future of the that program.
