May seem counter-intuitive, but I think last night's game helps the way most people view the Vols. Despite 7 turnovers (near 5 decade record, 6 fumbles lost), despite 12+ penalties, despite missing 4 all-sec guys entering the game and losing another 6-7 guys for all/part of game due to injuries, despite questionable calls and clock operators...TN put up almost 700 yds of offense (record against TAMU defense), came back from 21 down in 3rd and 14 down late in 4th, and made TAMU use double overtime to put us away on their home turf. Not the result we wanted, but a ton of heart and gumption shown. And with a lot of 2nd stringers (especially on D), we clearly looked like the better team last night (so many 3 & outs for Knight in 2nd half - and 2 of the 3 first half TD were gifts off fumbles giving them very short fields). You take away 4 or 5 of the 6 fumbles, and UT wins that game by a couple TDs at least (just shows how good this Vols team is).
Either way, I think we likely impressed some folks in the process despite the tough way to lose and will only fall to #10 or #11 in the polls. Can debate taking the offsides at the end of regulation and letting Kamara punch it in from the 1 (easier to debate imo because the game seemed lost, and since again was so improbable down 14 with a few min left, why not go really aggressive and try to steal it there and end the game). Can debate the Dobbs decision in the 2nd OT not to dump it off to Byrd. But an incredible effort, on the road, against an undefeated top 10 team, especially from Kamara & Kelly & Dobbs & the banged-up D.
Obviously, Bama is now a must-win to achieve what we want (win SEC east, win 3 of the 4 game brutal stretch, and have a shot at an SEC title and playoff play-in game by which time we'll have many of these injured guys back including Cam Sutton). Being at home helps, Arky did put up nearly 500yds of offense against them, but UT is so depleted (both injuries and likely emotionally after the last 3 weeks)...can they get up one more time in front of the home crowd and avoid the turnovers and upset the #1 team in the country? I think they can (no team has ever felt more "due" to play a complete game and avoid the killer early shooting-yourself-in-the-foot plays), and no bye week will ever be more rewarding if they do...
Either way, I think we likely impressed some folks in the process despite the tough way to lose and will only fall to #10 or #11 in the polls. Can debate taking the offsides at the end of regulation and letting Kamara punch it in from the 1 (easier to debate imo because the game seemed lost, and since again was so improbable down 14 with a few min left, why not go really aggressive and try to steal it there and end the game). Can debate the Dobbs decision in the 2nd OT not to dump it off to Byrd. But an incredible effort, on the road, against an undefeated top 10 team, especially from Kamara & Kelly & Dobbs & the banged-up D.
Obviously, Bama is now a must-win to achieve what we want (win SEC east, win 3 of the 4 game brutal stretch, and have a shot at an SEC title and playoff play-in game by which time we'll have many of these injured guys back including Cam Sutton). Being at home helps, Arky did put up nearly 500yds of offense against them, but UT is so depleted (both injuries and likely emotionally after the last 3 weeks)...can they get up one more time in front of the home crowd and avoid the turnovers and upset the #1 team in the country? I think they can (no team has ever felt more "due" to play a complete game and avoid the killer early shooting-yourself-in-the-foot plays), and no bye week will ever be more rewarding if they do...
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