It’s the season of rankings, polls and speculation, but the Vols aren’t complaining about being ranked higher in most offseason/preseason polls than they have been in years in many cases.
Add another one to the list. The Sporting News came out with a preseason poll on Tuesday that places the Vols at No. 13 in the nation heading into 2016.
Here’s what it had to say about the Vols:
“Tennessee lost four games by a combined 17 points last season before rattling off seven straight wins capped with an impressive 45-6 win in the Outback Bowl. Joshua Dobbs’ evolution at quarterback continues, and Cameron Sutton’s return bolsters the defense. There’s offseason turmoil resulting from a Title IX lawsuit, but Butch Jones has this team ready to win the SEC East on the field. September games against Virginia Tech (at Bristol) and against Florida will set the tone.”
And I certainly agree about those important games in September. The Virginia Tech game doesn’t mean anything in the SEC East race, but the Vols would set a good tone for the season if they can take care of business in the Battle at Bristol.
Everybody knows all about what’s riding on the Florida game – it’s as close to a must-win situation as any team in the nation has heading into next season.
