Tennessee Football Preview 2024
In the Volunteer State, there’s five Division I schools that compete in college football, but the most prominent of that group are a pair of schools, the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University that compete in the rugged SEC. The other three: Chattanooga, Memphis and Middle Tennessee complete that group, but battle with a much lower profile. At the professional level, the Tennessee Titans are ready to start their 19th season in the state. So there’s action on both Sat & Sun for all the Tennessee sports betting enthusiasts in the state.
Tennessee Volunteers Football
Since taking over in 2013, head coach Butch Jones has seen improvements in the Tennessee Volunteers’ won-loss record in each season. Entering the 2015 college football season, that positive trend appears set to continue. This year, Jones and his squad have their sights set on something higher than the Tax Slayer Bowl. Tennessee needs to keep quarterback Joshua Dobbs healthy to make such dreams a reality, since total inexperience is below him on the depth chart. When Dobbs isn’t taking the ball himself, he’ll have the duo of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara to hand off to, with Hurd returning after a team-high 899 yards last season.
Another pair in the receiving unit will also look to have a huge impact, with Pig Howard back after pacing this department with over 600 yards through the air. Marquez North might have challenged him had a shoulder injury not entered the picture in 2014, which means that the Vol passing game could be prolific this season. That could be difficult if the offensive line underperforms again, with only Jashon Robertson a highlight in this group.
The opposite sentiment exists on the defensive line, with Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett returning after racking up a combined 21 sacks during the 2014 campaign. They’ll be needed due to the departure of A.J. Johnson at middle linebacker, but leading tackler Jalen Reeves-Maybin will hopefully fill the bill. The secondary has Cameron Sutton and incoming transfer Justin Martin at cornerback, while Brian Randolph provides a hard-hitting safety.
Vanderbilt Commodores Football
Replacing James Franklin as head coach at Vanderbilt was going to be tough, as Derek Mason found out in 2014 by winning just three non-conference games. The possibility for improvement exists, but getting back to a 2015 bowl game might be difficult. The lack of offense was the major problem, resulting in a change of offensive coordinators. Still, the option between Wade Freebeck and Johnny McCrary at quarterback doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
Ralph Webb, who led the team with 912 rushing yards last year, is back, but the receiving corps is either coming back from injury or still raw. Steven Scheu at tight end led the Commodores in reception, but he suffered a broken leg in spring ball. Meanwhile, receivers like C.J. Duncan, Trent Sherfield and Ronald Monroe have yet to develop. Even though four starters return to the offensive line, this area was a disappointment in 2014. On the defensive side, Caleb Azubke and Adam Butler offer potential.
The linebackers have ample talent, with Stephen Weatherly a great pass rusher and leading tackler Nigel Bowden living up to his billing. Bowden’s debut is what top recruit Josh Smith is hoping for, since he’s has the skill set to step right into the lineup. Vanderbilt was vulnerable to passing attacks, and the secondary doesn’t appear to have gotten enough upgrades to expect much of an improvement.
Tennessee Titans Preview
The arrival of Marcus Mariota hopefully portends greater things for a Titans squad that labored under a 2-14 record with first-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt. The season was discouraging enough that signal caller Jake Locker retired at the age of 26. Running back needs a boost for Tennessee, with Bishop Sankey and rookie David Cobb the most likely to provide that effort.
At receiver, a combination of potential and hoped-for comebacks helps define this group. Rookie Dorial Green-Beckham is likely to step right in to help, with Kendall Wright looking to get back to his 2013 production level. Tight end is where the team’s leading pass-catcher in Delanie Walker can be found. On the O-Line, Taylor Lewan had a strong rookie season, but needs more help from the rest of his brethren. The defensive side of the ball is also underwhelming up front, though the addition of Dick Lebeau to the coaching staff should make things interesting.
The Tennessee Titan linebackers had Avery Williamson come out of nowhere to finish with 79 tackles, and hopes that free agent signee Brian Orakpo can stay healthy enough to also contribute. An overhaul of the secondary was needed, but it remains to be seen if the new pieces will fit into more stops. Regardless, this is a rebuilding year, so Tennessee fans need to be patient.
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