Post-spring predictions continue to roll in, and Tennessee football is getting a good bit of respect with its players and its overall rankings. However, should those things be higher? Caleb Calhoun and Dave Hooker discuss in Off The Hook’s Tuesday, April 18 podcast. They also look at other SEC teams’ situations, debate if the Vols could win the East and continue their NFL Draft coverage.
ESPN FPI has Tennessee football at No. 12
Despite a top six finish and 11-2 record last year, the ESPN Football Power Index after spring practice has the Vols coming in at No. 12, fourth among SEC teams behind the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs and LSU Tigers. They are even behind the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. Is that too low?
Which SEC school has the worst quarterback situation?
Spring practice is either over or winding down for most programs, and a lot was revealed about the quarterback situations for many Tennessee football rivals. Brad Crawford of 247Sports ranked the Vols’ situation at No. 4, and UGA, at No. 3, was the only team on UT’s schedule ahead of them. Florida was dead last. What does this all mean?
Paul Finebaum praises Tennessee football
Recently, Paul Finebaum discussed being high on the Vols once again this year. Although he is a UT graduate, Finebaum is also just an SEC expert in general, and most of his experience has been covering Alabama over the years. How much should anybody read into what he is saying about Rocky Top?
Could Tennessee football win the SEC East?
Given the issues of other teams’ quarterback situations in the league and the fact that Georgia is indeed looking for a quarterback in the portal, do the Vols now have a more realistic chance of winning the East this year post-spring practice? What would be their pathway to doing that?
Is Alabama fading or rebuilding?
It’s pretty clear Alabama has one of the worst quarterback situations in the SEC right now with Bryce Young gone and no known successor. Nick Saban may see his worst team since 2010. Are the Tide as a program fading, or is this just going to be a rebuilding year for them?
Which former Vol not named Darnell Wright has the best pro potential?
By far the most sure bet among players from Tennessee football in the NFL this year is Darnell Wright. However, who behind him has the best chance of a long-term career in the pros? Is Hendon Hooker the best option, or does somebody else fit that bill? Which player outside of Wright is the most sure bet?