The Vols ended the 2014 season on a high note and things are looking promising for 2015. One of the Vols concerns last season was their inexperienced offensive line. This season, the whole O-Line returns intact as they now have 64 career starts returning. The O-Line really tightened up the last 6 games of last season only giving up 13 sacks with Dobbs as the quarterback and I'm looking for more play like that this season. The Vols have two big-time running backs in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara, a former Alabama tailback and a receiver corps that might be the most talented in the SEC if Von Pearson is able to play (Pearson was suspended prior to the Spring game). I also like Josh Dobbs at quarterback who looked great in the Spring Game and I think he is the perfect guy for this offense.

The defense is stout with Barnett and Maggitt, but they now get stronger with 2 promising guys up front in Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle and Kendal Vickers. The Vols also have one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC in Cam Sutton. There are playmakers on both sides of the ball and I think that the defense this season will create havoc, force turnovers, and give the offense some great opportunities to score.

Looking at the Vols schedule this season, I think they have a shot of making a lot of noise and making a run for the SEC Title and possibly a shot at the National Championship. Let's look at some noteworthy games this season:

1) Vs. Oklahoma ---This is a revenge game from last year's 34-10 loss and the Vols will be motivated to return the favor. Oklahoma's offense figures to be out-of-sync with new QB Mayfield and new OC Riley's offense. I think the Vols outscore Oklahoma at home as the Sooners offense will be trying to work the 'kinks' out and Neyland Stadium will be rocking and the crowd noise will be an issue for Mayfield. Lay the points with Tennessee.

2) @ Florida---The Vols get the win here on the road. Their front 7 will be all over the Florida offense that will have a young QB behind center in Will Grier. This is a game where the team that rushes for the most yardage will more than likely win the game. Hurd and Kamara will dominate against an inexperienced Florida front 7. I also look for the Gators to make some costly turnovers. Vols win easier than most think and I advise to lay the points on the road.

3) vs. Arkansas----Luckily for the Vols, they play the Razorbacks at home and that's why I give them the edge here. I will say that the Vols probably be a 6-7 point favorite in this game and that might be too many points, but I do think they get out of town with the win. Vols Win- Razorbacks Cover the Spread.

4) @ Alabama-----Now this is going to be the game you want to watch. The Vols come into Tuscaloosa off a week of rest and will be ready for Alabama this season. I am expecting a lower spread than usual, probably in the 7.5-9.5 point range. I think Hobbs will give the Tide problems with his legs and that he will be able to make some big plays off the playaction. While many will be backing the Crimson Tide in this game, I will be looking for a play on the Vols if they are getting 7 points or more. Are the Vols ready to beat Alabama?... That remains to be seen, but I will say as long as the Vols are getting 7 points or more, they WILL cover this spread.

Trap Game---October 10th vs. Georgia The Vols are coming off games vs. Florida and Arkansas and if they win both games, they might be looking at a Top 10 ranking. So the Vols will need to keep their focus and maintain their composure for this revenge game here. While the Vols do have an upcoming bye week, it must be noted that they have Alabama on deck and that is why I say this is a trap game. The Georgia defense figures to be stout behind DC Pruett. Georgia has now beaten the Vols in 5 straight meetings but Georgia will be coming off a game vs. Alabama, so there is a chance they come into this game a bit flat and deflated. I think the Vols can win this game, but they will need to be fully focused and win the rushing game as this one will have Chubb and Hurd featured. Vols WIN, but I would not want to lay more than 3 points in what I expect to be a close game.
 

Paul Chirimbes
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