The Tennessee Volunteers were popular pick to win the SEC East last 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 for the 2016 season - and they might be able to reach them. Here are 3 reasons why Tennessee won't just win the SEC, but make the College Football Playoff this season:
3) Favorable Schedule
Favorable is a relative word, especially 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. 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, setting themselves up with a great chance to be successful.
2) Strong QB Play
The best QB in the SEC next year is Joshua Dobbs, no question about it. The dual-threat had a great junior year, completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,291 yards, 15 TDs and five picks, and he should be even better next year as he continues to grow. 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 - safe to say Tennessee is 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 deliver on all the hype.
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