Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy just made a very strong statement about Tennessee ahead of the game against Texas that Vols fans need to hear
We’re going to find out a lot about the Tennessee Volunteers this weekend when they take on the Texas Longhorns.
Former Alabama quarterback turned ESPN analyst Greg McElroy isn’t the most popular guy among Tennessee Vols fans.
That’s mostly because he’s a former Alabama quarterback.
And I get it. SEC rivalries are personal, and McElroy is on the other side of the rivalry for Vols fans.
But while I understand why Tennessee fans don’t love McElroy — and look, he’s had some takes that I haven’t loved — I don’t think it’s wise to dismiss his analysis.
I actually think McElroy is a really good X’s and O’s analyst. He played the game at a high level (he won a natty at Alabama and played a couple of years in the NFL), so he understands the game in a way that those of us who didn’t play at a high level simply can’t. He’s never going to bat 1.000 with his analysis, but I think he has plenty of insight to offer.
Something else to point out: I’ve been writing about Tennessee football for almost 14 years. I’ve seen a lot of predictions and analysis, and most of it usually ages poorly.
I’ve written a lot about McElroy’s predictions about Tennessee over the years, and a lot of his takes have actually aged pretty well.
For example, when a lot of folks were predicting that Tennessee would beat Ohio State in the College Football Playoff a couple of years ago, McElroy was one of the few who didn’t think the game would be close.
It wasn’t what Vols fans wanted to hear, but it was solid analysis from McElroy.
Greg McElroy made a bold statement about Tennessee ahead of matchup against Texas
McElroy is picking Texas to beat Tennessee, but he was very close to picking the Vols, and that’s in part because he thinks Josh Heupel’s squad is a top 10 team.
“I love the matchup,” said McElroy on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. “I think Tennessee’s got a real chance to win the game. … I think it’s going to be super competitive. Part of me wants to pick Tennessee. I’m not going to. I’m going to lean Texas. But part of me wants to take Tennessee in this game for sure.
“I think the [noon kickoff time] helps Texas. I do think Texas being battle tested is significant. I do think the Texas defense will travel, and I think Arch Manning understands he’s got to be patient in this game. He can’t press. But all things considered, I think Tennessee is very, very good. I think they’re a top 10 football team. Anytime you go on the road and try to make it happen, it’s going to be very tough. I still lean Texas, but it’s going to be close. It’s going to be real close.”
Asking true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon to beat the No. 1 team in the country in his first career SEC start is asking a lot. But if Tennessee can run the football, avoid costly penalties, and keep the Texas offense off the field, then the Vols will have a real chance in this game.
