We answer your best questions about Tennessee athletics and anything else in our weekly mailbag, Insider Mailing.
“How does UGA avoid the overhyped hot takes from the media? All that instate talent yet haven’t won anything since Pac-Man was a craze.” – Scott Compton
Nathanael: It’s a little bizarre to me too honestly. Vols get trashed for not living up to expectations all the time, but Georgia doesn’t. I think it partially helps the Bulldogs that they had a “legendary” coach for a while in Richt and they have won the SEC East several times over the last decade. Tennessee hasn’t even done that. Georgia hasn’t won too many major bowl games or “championships,” but they’ve still done more than Tennessee over the last ten years.
Will: Because Kirby Smart recruited so well. It’s like the Vols’ 2014 season in a lot of ways — Georgia has the talent to be a good football team, and they’ll get the chance to prove it this year. Local Georgia media is a totally different story. There are still many people in the state of Georgia who aren’t happy with the way Mark Richt was treated. I’m not sure they have totally voided the takes you’re talking about.
“Are you expecting an Orange Carpet Day like last year? Or a bigger one?” – Clay
Nathanael: If I remember correctly last year, the Vols picked up six or seven commitments in one day, didn’t they? I don’t foresee that happening again this year. If I also recall correctly, only about half of them even stayed committed till Signing Day. It was a nice little headline grabber for a couple days, but it ultimately had little substance. Vol fans shouldn’t want that to happen again this year unless those recruits actually stay committed.
Will: I think Tennessee will match last year’s Orange Carpet Day. The early signing period has moved the whole calendar up and making the summer recruiting period much more interesting. UT could very well carry its current momentum into that big weekend and come out with five or six more commitments.
“If CBJ gets 6 wins or less this season, will the strength of the 2018 recruiting class save his job or does Currie can him? Especially if Chip Kelly is available.” – Bobby Brown
Nathanael: If the Vols go 6-6, Jones maybe survives. It’s still possible. But if Tennessee has a losing record and misses a bowl game, I don’t even know if a No. 1 overall recruiting class would save his job. And it won’t matter, because the Vols aren’t going to have the No. 1 class in the country. So if the Vols go 6-6 or worse (which I don’t think either will happen), then there’s a very high chance Currie will cut ties.
Will: I think making a bowl game is the difference. Granted, I don’t see any way this team only wins six games, but for the sake of the mailbag I’ll humor the idea. You can’t fire coaches based on hypothetical replacements. If John Currie ever fires Butch Jones, it will be because he’s not getting the job done, not just because Chip Kelly is “available.” Because then if you miss on Kelly, you’re looking at settling for a Dooley caliber coach.
“Butch has been on quite a roll lately with recruiting. If (when?) he continues to fail to deliver on gameday, will the class hold together?” – Kenny Martin
Nathanael: I think it will hold for the most part. The higher-rated players will stick around in my opinion (all the in-state players I mean), but I do think some of the more “on the fence” guys would go. But for the most part, I think the class would remain intact.
Will: Anytime Jones’ teams have faltered, it hasn’t heavily impacted his recruiting classes. With the strong base of in-state prospects in the 2018 class, I don’t think many of them would just jump ship.
“What are your thoughts on dipping fries in mayo instead of ketchup? They do it here in Germany and I think I’m converted.” – Andrew
Nathanael: I hate mayo on anything ever. So I would never even think about trying this.
Will: Mayo is evil and should be banned in any and all circumstances.
“KihgeryhttKrfghLbjHuh Llu we are pCJ I’m going run so te UTCoachBobShwoopfeThe r love to have otl I love to GBO. Ei or Dr?” – Luke Slabaugh
Nathanael: Thank you for this, Coach Shoop. I mean, Luke.
Will: I appreciate the Shoop-style hacked tweet here. But honestly, are we sure Bob is ok? This could easily be a plea for help in a hostage situation.
