Worst-Case Scenario
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. The Vols’ worst-case scenario in 2018 would be nearly repeating the same outcome as last year and going 4-8 overall.
If Tennessee goes 4-8 this season, it likely means they at least win one SEC game at least. The worst case scenario assumes the Vols lose to West Virginia and probably every conference game except for their match-up with either Kentucky or Vanderbilt. Tennessee’s three non-conference home games should be gimmes, and the Wildcats and Commodores figure to be the next easiest games on UT’s schedule.
Tennessee’s schedule certainly doesn’t give fans too much of a reason to be optimistic. The Vols open up the season against a top-20 team in West Virginia before playing two easy games at home. Then the Vols face Florida at home and Georgia on the road before a much-needed bye week. After the bye, UT visits Auburn, hosts Alabama, and goes on the road to South Carolina.
It’s not crazy to think Tennessee could be 2-6 at that point. And if they’re limping and downtrodden after that brutal October stretch, how will they approach November?
But what would have to happen for the Vols to drop eight games for a second consecutive season? Another rash of injuries, for starters.
If the Vols sustain another round of injuries like they have the last two seasons, their depth at every position will be tested. And UT’s depth at multiple positions is already pretty thin even without injuries.
What if Tennessee’s younger players don’t develop like many think they will? What if the older four and five-star players can’t cash in on their potential under the new coaching staff like many fans are hoping for?
Tennessee will be in deep trouble if any or all of those things happen, and another losing season could very well be in store if the worst-case scenario starts to unfold like it did last year.
