Tennessee football fans have every reason to be frustrated after another lopsided loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa. In moments like these, emotions run high and perspective can easily be lost.
Still, as rough as the Volunteers looked, this wasn’t a repeat of the Butch Jones era.
A fan named Chris wrote: “This is Butch Jones all over again — all that ‘champions of life’ nonsense. UT’s the best team in the SEC with a coaching staff that belongs in the FCS.”
My response: Jones’ “five-star heart” is alive and well after Arkansas State improved to 3–4 with two straight wins.
But even on Josh Heupel’s worst day — and the Oct. 18 Alabama game was certainly one of them — he’s still miles ahead of Jones as a head coach.
Mike writes: Beating Alabama is always a tall order, even when you play well. But when a team plays as poorly as Tennessee did on Saturday, there’s simply no chance of pulling off the upset. I’m frustrated with the lack of execution — way too many mistakes.
And what happened to that defense we all thought would be a strength? I know there have been injuries, but their performance has been flat-out disappointing.
My response: “Disappointing” doesn’t even begin to cover it — the Vols are allowing 36.5 points per game in SEC play.
Jack writes: Someone needs to tell our defenders that tackling without using your arms isn’t a real technique. They’re flying past ball carriers like they’re allergic to contact. And can someone remind our secondary it’s okay to look back for the football on deep passes?
My response: Tired tackling can be just as bad as armless tackling. The defense’s effort on Alabama’s final touchdown drive was almost laughable — though Tennessee fans certainly weren’t laughing.
Glenn writes: After another sloppy loss to Alabama, fans need to remember that nearly half of this roster is made up of freshmen and redshirt freshmen. Even with some portal help, this is still a rebuilding year. Heupel and Tim Banks are catching heat now, but they’re also building for the future. Saturday’s loss hurts, but the sun still rose, and brighter days are ahead for the Vols.
My response: “Rebuilding” doesn’t fly anymore. With Tennessee’s NIL power, the Vols can compete for ready-made talent. The portal is full of experienced players, and while some of those additions have paid off, the lack of depth could haunt them later. At 5–2, they’re still alive in the playoff race — but they may regret not adding more veteran help.
Jimmy writes: Tennessee’s defense is a sieve, same as it’s been for years. That looked like the same zone scheme from the South Carolina debacle in 2022. Heupel’s clock management at the end of the half was brutal — that pick-six was on him. Go out in a run set with a clear passing down? Alabama saw it coming. Two more wins (New Mexico State and Kentucky) and we’re 7–5. This collapse will be on the head coach.
My response: Your faith in the Kentucky matchup should at least give the Vols some confidence heading into the final stretch — because their playoff hopes, while faint, aren’t completely gone yet.
Gary writes: I’ve got a simple solution for all the weak and clueless athletic directors out there — which, let’s be honest, is most of them. These massive buyouts are absurd.
Here’s a bit of common sense: “Coach, we’ll pay you a fair salary to do your job with integrity and effort. But if your performance drops off, we’ll move on. No buyout, no excuses.”
I’m tired of seeing spineless ADs get pushed around by agents. News flash — no coach is irreplaceable.
My response: It’s always easier to spend someone else’s money. And when it comes to agents versus athletic directors, that’s the most lopsided matchup in all of sports.
No Comment! Be the first one.