Three years into his tenure with Tennessee, it’s time for Butch Davis and his team to start making good their huge potential. The Vols took a step up in his sophomore campaign, and with a host of starters returning on top of another great recruiting class, they have more than enough talent to make an even bigger jump in Year 3.
Sleeping on the Vols and their chances in the SEC this year? If so, read on below to get the tale of the tape for Tennessee in 2015. Also, see how the Vols stack up with the rest of the conference with our complete SEC wins preview.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]2015-2016 Tennessee College Football Preview
Overview
Tennessee improved by two wins in Year 2 under Butch Davis, which included their first bowl win since 2007. 17 out of 22 starters from that team will return this season, led by junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs. After not playing in the first seven games, Dobbs eventually made the QB spot his own after a strong end to the season.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Dobbs will be joined by Jalen Hurd – last season’s top rusher – and former four-star Alabama recruit Alvin Kamara in the Vols backfield. Top receiver Pig Howard (618 yards) also returns, while Marquez North should be back and healthy after a shoulder injury prematurely ended his 2014.
The offensive line had some major issues last season, especially in pass protection, but should be much better with a year of experience. Meanwhile, the defense is stacked with talent. The defensive line returns the dominant duo of Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt, and the secondary figures to be one of the best units in the SEC.
With a wealth of talent on the cusp of finally breaking out, Tennessee is a sleeper at +1,000 to take the SEC title this season.
Key Player – Joshua Dobbs
Joshua Dobbs didn’t begin last season as the starting quarterback, but did he ever finish it strong. He only made his first appearance in the eighth game of the season against Alabama, and he provided an immediate spark after they went down 27-0 to the Tide. He finished with 267 total yards, two passing touchdowns and a pick.
Dobbs started the rest of the way, and finished with 15 touchdowns (nine passing, eight rushing) in just six games. With expectations set high for Tennessee this season, Dobbs will be under pressure to continue producing at the rate with which he finished last year. And if he does, Tennessee will be a real contender to take the SEC East.
Key Game – vs. Georgia (Oct. 10)
Speaking of the SEC East, the Vols’ main competition for the division will be Georgia. The Bulldogs squeaked by Tennessee, 35-32, in last year’s meeting in Athens thanks to Todd Gurley. Although Gurley’s gone, Heisman contender Nick Chubb (+1,000) is set to lead the Bulldogs, who are the front-runners to take the division this season.
Thankfully for Tennessee, it will host Georgia in this year’s matchup, and victory over the Bulldogs could give the Vols the upper hand in the division.
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Best/Worst Case Scenario for the Season
Best Case Scenario
Dobbs delivers the goods and plays like he did at the end of last season. The defensive line continues its development and gets even more dominant. Meanwhile, the rest of the team is as deep and talented as advertised. Butch Davis orchestrates everything just right, and the Vols vault to the top of the SEC East.
Worst Case Scenario
Dobbs gets hurt, which leaves exactly zero quarterbacks with any sort of experience to take his place. The offensive line continues to struggle, feeding Dobbs’ backup to the opposing pass rushers like a lamb to the slaughter. The entire team fails to live up to all the expectations, and falls well under 8.0 wins.
Complete Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5 | vs. Bowling Green (neutral field) | 4:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, September 12 | vs. Oklahoma | 6:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, September 19 | vs. Western Carolina | 7:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, September 26 | @ Florida | TBA |
| Saturday, October 3 | vs. Arkansas | TBA |
| Saturday, October 10 | vs. Georgia | TBA |
| Saturday, October 24 | @ Alabama | TBA |
| Saturday, October 31 | @ Kentucky | TBA |
| Saturday, November 7 | vs. South Carolina | TBA |
| Saturday, November 14 | vs. North Texas | TBA |
| Saturday, November 21 | @ Missouri | TBA |
| Saturday, November 28 | vs. Vanderbilt | TBA |
Writer’s Prediction
Tennessee still improves from last season, but doesn’t quite reach conference championship contention as previously hyped. The Vols finish 8-4 in the regular season.
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