National analyst reveals what Tennessee Vols must do in 2023 to earn 'credibility'
The Tennessee Vols exceeded expectations last season by winning 11 games and nearly reaching the College Football Playoff in Josh Heupel's second year on the job (that ugly loss to South Carolina in November will haunt UT fans forever). Moving forward, the Vols are hoping to compete for championships on an annual basis under Heupel. […]
The Tennessee Vols exceeded expectations last season by winning 11 games and nearly reaching the College Football Playoff in Josh Heupel's second year on the job (that ugly loss to South Carolina in November will haunt UT fans forever).
Moving forward, the Vols are hoping to compete for championships on an annual basis under Heupel.
But before that can happen, Tennessee has to prove that they aren't a one-hit wonder. The Vols have to show the college football world that they're "for real".
So how they can do that in 2023 (outside of winning a national championship or SEC championship)?
According to On3 national college football analyst JD PicKell, the answer is easy — Tennessee has to beat either Alabama or Georgia this fall.
“I think to make that statement that you are for real and … this thing is going to have some staying power, I think you need to beat either Alabama or Georgia this coming season,” said PicKell earlier this week. “You’ve got to beat one of those teams."
“I believe in Josh Heupel, I believe in the system they run, I believe in the culture that I’ve been able to gauge from what they do there, I believe in how they’re recruiting," added PicKell. "I’m bought in on Tennessee now. I think it’s just gonna be a matter of taking it to the field and executing. Again, taking down one of the big boys from a brand perspective, Alabama and Georgia. Get one of them like you did last year, I think that would give you a lot of credibility and prove that you are for real in Knoxville.”
I think that's more than fair from PicKell, who offered plenty of praise for Heupel and the Vols.
Tennessee is clearly moving in the right direction. But if the Vols want to be an elite program, then they have to act like an elite program. And that means getting wins against Alabama and Georgia on a somewhat regular basis.
The Vols opened some eyes last season with their first win against Alabama since 2006. In 2023, they can open even more eyes by either beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa or taking down Georgia in Neyland Stadium.
Anonymous SEC coach slams Tennessee Vols QB Joe Milton
An anonymous SEC coach slammed Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton this offseason
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
