The Tennessee Volunteers were popular pick to win the SEC East this season, but came up just short. The Vols went 9-4, with those four losses coming by a combined 17 points. The Vols' expectations are going to be even higher next year and they might be able to reach them. Here are 3 Reasons Why Tennessee Can Win The SEC Next Season.
3. Favorable Schedule
Favorable is a relative word in the SEC, but the 2016 schedule sets up pretty well for the Vols. They get Florida and Alabama earlier in the season and at home. That's a big help, especially since those schools have QB questions (see below). They have to travel to Georgia, but that might be their only really challenging road game, assuming Texas A&M can't find a QB for next year. The Vols avoid LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arkansas and Mississippi State next season. The Vols are going to be the favorites in the SEC East and could capture the entire conference.
2. Strong QB Play
Quarterback is going to be a major question in the SEC next season. Who does Florida, Georgia and Alabama start? Outside of Ole Miss' Chad Kelly, who could turn pro, the best QB in the SEC next year is Joshua Dobbs. The dual-threat had a great junior year and should be even better next season. Dobbs completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,291 yards, 15 TDs and five picks. He was just as deadly on the ground, racking up 671 yards and 11 scores. With one of the top QBs in the conference, the Vols will be in position to win the SEC.
1. Young Talent Everywhere
Butch Jones has done a great job recruiting at Tennessee and it's going to payoff next year. The Vols lose just two of their current starters on offense and three on defense. While a player or two could go pro early, the Vols are going to be loaded on both sides of the ball. Few schools return that much talent and it's only going to get better with another offseason. Next season might be the year Jones and the Vols make a run at the SEC title.