With the 2023 season over, it’s time to already begin looking ahead to 2024. Caleb Calhoun and Dave Hooker do that for Tennessee Football on Off the Hook Sports’ Wednesday, Jan. 10 podcast while also breaking down UT’s finish this past season, Vols assistants and a transfer pickup. They also talk the CFP and bad firings. Jimmy Hyams joins the show.
Temple DB commits to Tennessee Football
Josh Heupel and the Vols added their third transfer portal defensive back of this offseason. Following Jermod McCoy and Jakobe Thomas, Temple Owls cornerback Jalen McMurray committed to Tennessee Football. How big of a pickup is this for the Vols? Is McMurray just a body, or could he help out? Jimmy Hyams joins to discuss.
Willie Martinez or Joey Halzle?
Two key assistants for Tennessee Football faced a good bit of scrutiny this year in defensive backs coach Willie Martinez and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle. Who faced more scrutiny between them? Which of them deserves the level of scrutiny they received the most? Hyams remains on the show to discuss.
Final polls place Tennessee Football at No. 17
For the first time since 2003-04, Tennessee Football has finished in the top 20 of both major polls in back to back years, coming in at No. 17 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. It’s the first time since 1998-99 that the Vols finished in the top 20 in back to back seasons with at least one of those years being a top 10 finish.
Way too early predictions for 2024 Vols
What is the most likely scenario for Tennessee Football entering 2024? Early predictions have the Vols in 10-20 range when it comes to rankings despite the hype behind Nico Iamaleava. Would anything less than 11 wins be a major disappointment for the program? Should they actually have more wins?
Regrettable firings in college sports
With the Tennessee Titans firing Mike Vrabel Monday in what is universally seen as a stupid move, what is the most regrettable firing in college sports history. Do the Vols regret firing Phillip Fulmer or Johnny Majors? What about Jerry Green? Are there other SEC programs who made a mistake with their firings?
CFP and ESPN in talks to extend deal
Reports surfaced Tuesday that the College Football Playoff and ESPN, whose deal runs out in 2026, are currently in negotiations to extend it through 2032. How much does this benefit the SEC, which is about to enter 10-year contract with ESPN? Will this favor the league in CFP selections?
