when a program delivers a great season or a championship or plays exceptional all year. For programs returning to prominence, it is pretty common to under deliver on expectations the first year with high expectations.
For the first time in a long time, all off season everyone associated with the program heard how they great they were going to be. For the players and coaches, it is almost impossible to not buy into the hype, which impacts attitude, preparation, practices, team chemistry and ultimately performance. This feels like what happened to our Vols this year. Add in the injuries and the SC loss was almost inevitable.
Of course, there are outliers (obviously Alabama and I think Ohio State and Michigan, but we don't have Saban or Meyer or Harbaugh). For the rest of us, this is part of the process. We need to mature as a program. Think Clemson.
Once this season is over (which will be our best season in years), the players and coaches will look back and learn from it. We will not assume we should win "just because". And this will make the program better -- off season workouts will be more focused, better fall camp preparation, better team chemistry, better practices and ultimately more consistent good play.
Go Vols.
For the first time in a long time, all off season everyone associated with the program heard how they great they were going to be. For the players and coaches, it is almost impossible to not buy into the hype, which impacts attitude, preparation, practices, team chemistry and ultimately performance. This feels like what happened to our Vols this year. Add in the injuries and the SC loss was almost inevitable.
Of course, there are outliers (obviously Alabama and I think Ohio State and Michigan, but we don't have Saban or Meyer or Harbaugh). For the rest of us, this is part of the process. We need to mature as a program. Think Clemson.
Once this season is over (which will be our best season in years), the players and coaches will look back and learn from it. We will not assume we should win "just because". And this will make the program better -- off season workouts will be more focused, better fall camp preparation, better team chemistry, better practices and ultimately more consistent good play.
Go Vols.
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