Tennessee has some major flaws on offense right now, and haven't played like a top 10 team. But the potential was their to justify the preseason ranking. This was a 11-3 team that killed Texas A&M right now.
Other than Claussen's arm strength limitations, the offensive line, which lacked depth going in, is banged up. Riggs has disappointed and not played as strong with the full load this year. And our big, fast track stars haven't been able to play strong and crisp on the football field.
But you can see the talent on the team. Had Ainge not regressed, had Meecham, Fayton, and Swain played to their talent and recruitment level, the hopes were legitimate.
Turnovers ended up killing us in this game though. Both took points off the board in the first half.
I hope Jason Allen is ok. He came back even with a first round grade from the NCAA committee. Our pass defense depends on our corners ability to play press coverage. The droppoff after Allen and Wade is tremendous.
As for UGA, they are a solid team, tough and strong up front. The one place where UT has played well was the line, and UGA wore down Mahalona and Co.
Florida's isn't that good, Collin has a point their, very small defensively. UGA should be able to beat them in the cocktail party. Though rivalry games are always tough.
As for our non-conference schedule, it is what it always is. We only have 3 nonconference games to schedule, and we schedule a couple of midmajors at home and try to get one traditionally strong team. That's standard. And more than what VaTech does, or Miami. FSU has a rivarly game with Florida, and have a history of going on the road to some tough midmajor places, so they get a pass on the Citadel this year. But typically, if a top team from a top league plays another top team from a top league in the regular season, you've done something most don't.
Teams like UNC, who are struggling to build a consistent program, need to schedule tough out of conference games for recruiting and exposure.