'Hey Tone,

After reading your blog today I wanted to share my thoughts with you as to where my expectations stand for this year. I don't know if Phil Steele is right although I respect his work. And I'm not sure if the Colonel is overreacting or not.


I'm not sure what to expect honestly but I know what my gut is telling me.

Trusting My Gut: My gut feel takes me back to a team you will remember well the '89-90 Vols which followed a very disappointing 5-6 team with plenty of experience and sky high expectations that crashed and burned in spectacular fashion.




I have read some opine that this could be the '98 Vols that followed the disappointment of Peyton's last year. However, that seems way too optimistic. The comparisons between this upcoming season and the '89-'90 Vols is much closer to me. Here are some of the similarities I see.


It Feels Like '89, Not '98: Questions about whether the Coach can take us to the next level: Johnny Majors had done a great job of resurrecting a once proud program but there were rumblings of whether he could take us to the next level. The program was truly at a crossroads and all of the pressure was on the Coach. Sound familiar?


A Restless Fan Base: Well hell, that really could be any year for us now especially in the social media error so let's skip that.


Early Test On Road: A tough, traditionally strong early season opponent that would define the year with no real indication as to how the Vols would perform: UCLA on the road equals Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Some could draw the comparison here to Cal in '06 with some of the same questions hanging over Fulmer but that was at home and Fulmer's resume was too accomplished at that point.


Trust The Kids: There are more comparisons to be drawn between this season and '89 by position - specifically, like a first year starting QB and two decent options with a fan base split on who should be QB 1 or the excitement over a first year starting RB and how he might perform but I won't bore you.



I hope this season turns out to be the surprise that '89-90 was but I guess we will find out soon enough. What gives me hope is one other theme that these two teams share:

Grown Up O Line: The '89-90 season marked the return of a stronger, tougher in the trenches true SEC football Tennessee team which led to their success. As Dr. Sinclair said yesterday that line just grew up. Guys were older and stronger. I believe that this is the direction our current team is headed with the coaching changes and that is what it will take for us to return to prominence and repeat that season's success.


The Unknown Can Be Good:
So, in conclusion, my expectations are a bit of an unknown but I feel like I did heading in to '89. Like Tony said, I don't know what to feel but I feel like it's coming.

I Want More!!!
I was disappointed and a little embarrassed by the previous season with too many questions to give me confidence about the upcoming campaign BUT it was a new season and I loved my Vols so I had hope! If only this season turns out like '89!


Go Vols.....See You in Neyland.

Frankie

'Tony!!!


Fulmer AS Special Advisor One Liners: 1) What’s his buyout? 2) Because UT has $100,000 extra lying around. 3) Sorry Butch, we don’t have any money to pay you a raise but… 4) We really need to see the film first…. 5) With Fulmer officially being paid (again) by UT, I presume he’ll have an office. On that note, I declare that we can officially revive a term that I coined in the late Fulmer years to describe his headquarters/office/lair as The Hecktagon®. (Standard Basiliosphere royalty rates apply) 6) Viva Coacho Ocho

E In SG'

'Imagine no Nick Saban
It's easy if you try
No Little man statues
Made twice as big as life

Imagine conference champions
With some varietyyyyyy

Youuuuuu-hooooo -ooh
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I wish Nick's Dad would have loved him
And someone else could be #1!!


Go Vols
Eric'