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9. Great Expectations
Tennessee turned a lot of heads by clocking in at No. 9 in the pre-season AP poll. It marked the first time the Vols have cracked the AP top 10 since week 10 of 2006 and the first time inside the preseason top 10 since 2005. Allow me to put in perspective how long that’s been with a personal tidbit:
In 2005, I was not yet dating my wife.
WE HAVE FIVE CHILDREN NOW.
Tennessee will desperately want to stay inside that top 10, and will experience great pressure in trying to do so. But last year, we saw firsthand how this team and its staff didn’t always enjoy its finest moments when under great pressure. But this year’s mantra is “Own it,” which is encouraging, indeed. Because last year it felt as if they could have done a better job of owning things.
Players and coaches alike.
Owning expectations, along with decisions made in the heat of battle that lead to results, won’t diminish the pressure any. But at least the pink elephant in the room has been addressed. Because their rankings say it all. A lot is expected of these guys this year. They’re not the young, up-and-coming bunch they used to be. And it sounds like this team is acknowledging that.
Players and coaches alike.
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