So, here’s a four-section preview of Tennessee’s offensive line. The first three all feature “if” and “hope” as integral parts of the analysis. Here’s the fourth:
Let’s be honest: The Tennessee offensive line was, for the most part, horrible last year. Just an improvement from horrible is bad, which isn’t going to be good enough to compete on a week-in, week-out basis in the SEC. Plus with the expectation that at least one of the true freshmen is going to play, growing pains are to be expected. One should expect the Vols to be better up front with all of the quality additions and the potential return of Smith, but how much better will they be?
Yeah, that looks like it’s gonna end well.
Get The Picture 
Someone should remind them that HOPE is a tiny little town in Arkansas, not a strategy to win with in the SEC.
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Firstly, I would like to remind everyone that Butch Jones had the opportunity to retain Sam Pittman on staff but declined.
Last year was Tyson Helton’s first time calling plays and setting the game plan. He obviously didn’t do a good job. Will Friend has shown himself to be a solid OL Coach. Jim Chaney has a long history of putting together a limited offense that suits the talents of his players. The offense should be slightly better and enough to be fighting for bowl eligibility before Vandy kicks their ass again.
Chaney does his real work / improvement in the off-season, so 2020 will really be the barometer for what Pruitt can do at Tennessee. I expect Chaney to have put together a middle of the road SEC offense by then. The questions will be what can Pruitt do with an average offense and how willing are the Tennessee fans / administration willing to roll the dice again.
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This year, UF and UT will both learn that “year 2 bounces” are hard without an OL
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At Volnation – and I’m being completely serious – they are already talking about what they should do when Saban retires and ‘Bama comes to poach Pruitt. Words fail me.
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I hope they do poach Pruitt.
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Pruitt is not dumb enough to take that gig if offered. Not sure anyone would want it except maybe Jimbo.
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My point wasn’t about how smart Pruitt is or isn’t; I’m thinking more about how damn delusional their fans are. If Saban left tomorrow, Butch Jones has as much chance being named their HC as Cornbread does. And I believe if Saban leaves five years from now, that will still be the case.
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Article is all hope and BS. The sentence that says they have add 60 lbs of muscle is crap. Professional bodybuilders can’t add 60 lbs of muscle with steroids and specific diets.
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Tbh, 60 lbs spread out over 5 guys is only 12 lbs each
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If Trey Smith doesn’t play they will be bad, If their center isn’t ready to go they will be horrible. I am really not sure how people are thinking they get to 9 wins this year. I expect 7 as the ceiling and 5 as the floor.
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If it is spread over the 3 deep it is 4 pounds per person.
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I’ll give em credit for landing two 5-star OL recruits. If Smith can return and turn into the player he was projected to be when he was a recruit, they might have the 3rd or 4th best OL in the division. I think the jury is still out on whether Friend is a capable OL coach. Agree there’s lots of “ifs”.
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pffft… why would any rational human being waste their time writing an article about the vowels? It’s not like they are going to do anything worth a hoot. Sucking = orange.
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