The Tennessee Volunteers were popular pick to win the SEC East last season, but came up short after a strong start. The Vols went 9-4, including a three-game losing streak in October. While the Vols' expectations aren't as high after losing many marquee players this offseason, the Vols have plenty of talent ready to step in and take over. Here are three reasons why Tennessee will win the entire SEC this season:
3) Favorable schedule
Favorable is a relative word in the SEC, but the 2017 schedule sets up pretty well for the Vols. They get Georgia, South Carolina and LSU at home, with Alabama and Florida (who's expected to take a big step back this year) being their only road games against tough competition. With their big games at home - especially against the biggest threats in the SEC East - the Vols have a good road to the conference title game.
2) The emergence of Jarrett Guarantano
Guarantano is in a heated quarterback competition to replace Joshua Dobbs with Quinten Dormady, one that looks like it may stretch into the regular season. Many think that Dormady left spring practice as the leader, but it's no secret that the coaching staff really wants Guarantano to take the reins of Tennessee's offense and run with it. He hasn't taken a regular season snap yet, but his speed, athleticism and strong arm give him the tools to be a real dual threat star. Even if Dormady starts the year as the starter, Guarantano will see time on the field in special packages. It's only a matter of time until this talented redshirt freshman runs the offense.
1) Talent all over the field
Yes, Tennessee has to replace a number of starters, but the Vols have recorded four straight top 15 recruiting class (two of those years in the top six), showing that they have the talent to do so. It's time for players like John Kelly, Marquez Callaway, Trey Smith and Nigel Warrior to step up and make a real impact. They all certainly have the skillsets to do so.
Follow our Tennessee Volunteers team page for all the latest Tennessee football news!
Back to the Tennessee Volunteers Newsfeed