Tennessee Volunteers Overrated?

Offseason news about last season’s starting QB at Tennessee was plentiful. Nico Iamaleava had a moderately successful season with the Vols last year throwing for 19 TD’s to just 5 picks. He also rushed for 358 yards and 3 TD’s.

In the offseason, he demanded more money for his NIL deal. The University didn’t play ball and Iamaleava transferred to UCLA for less money. He claims it was the best move for him anyway because of UCLA’s proximity to his family.

Now Tennessee is trying to figure out who their #1 signal caller will be. By most accounts, that role will belong to Joey Aguilar come week 1. He last played at Appalachian Sate where he threw for 23 TD’s and 14 picks last season. As you know, App. State isn’t exactly the SEC so it will be interesting to see how successful he can be at this level.

Not a Lot in Return

Tennessee went 10-3 overall last season but they only return 3 starters on offense and 7 starters on defense. There will be a lot of new faces in this starting lineup.

The Vols beat a one good team last season (Alabama) but lost to the Arkansas and Georgia before losing to Ohio State in the playoffs.

Prognosis

This year Tennessee comes out of the blocks ranked #24 in the AP top 25. They will host Georgia, Oklahoma and Arkansas and have to travel to Alabama, Kentucky and Florida. Everyone of these games is a potential loss.

Sportsbooks have their total wins over/under listed at 8.5 wins. I suppose this is an accurate number but I am not sold on this team at all. They have some great up-and-coming talent but with a new QB and 11 other new starters I would bet against them having  a great year. I’d take the under 8.5 wins (-145) if I were to bet this. I think finishing 7-5 or 8-4 is probably a realistic prediction.