How ESPN didn't give the Tennessee Vols' offense enough respect this week
The Tennessee Vols finished the 2021 season with the No. 7 scoring offense in the nation in Josh Heupel's first year leading the program (39.3 points per game). That's impressive in its own right. But it's even more impressive when you consider that Tennessee averaged just 21.5 points per game in 2020 (No. 109 in […]
The Tennessee Vols finished the 2021 season with the No. 7 scoring offense in the nation in Josh Heupel's first year leading the program (39.3 points per game).
That's impressive in its own right. But it's even more impressive when you consider that Tennessee averaged just 21.5 points per game in 2020 (No. 109 in the nation).
The Vols' offense improved by 18 points per game in just one season despite a new offensive system being installed and a general lack of depth.
The future is bright for Tennessee's offense, right?
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg doesn't seem to think that's the case.
Rittenberg revealed his Top 25 future offensive power rankings on Wednesday and he surprisingly doesn't have Tennessee in the top 10. He has the Vols all the way down the list at No. 21.
From ESPN:
The Vols return their top rusher and receiver in Jabari Small (796 rush yards, nine touchdowns) and Cedric Tillman (1,081 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns) but must build depth, especially at receiver. Junior Jalin Hyatt is back after a 21-catch season, and the development of ESPN four-star recruit Cameron Millerand others is worth watching. Tennessee returns a solid group of backs behind Hyatt, including sophomore Jaylen Wright. The team also adds ESPN four-star recruit Justin Williams.
There's no good reason to have Tennessee this far down the list. In theory, the Vols' offense should be even better in 2022 than it was in 2021.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker and the rest of the offense — including star wide receiver Cedric Tillman — have now had a full offseason in Heupel's offense. Instead of going through a complete offensive installation this spring, Hooker and company have been able to focus on operating even more efficiently.
As far as the future of the offense?
It couldn't be brighter.
The Vols have a commitment from five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Four-star quarterback Tayven Jackson enrolled this past winter. And Heupel has proved that his system helps wide receivers flourish. There's no reason to think that Tennessee's offensive ascent is going to stop anytime soon.
More talent = more points. The Vols are adding elite talent, which means this offense, despite what ESPN believes, is going to get even better over the next few years.
Featured image via Henry Taylor/The Leaf-Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK
