National CFB writer takes his annual shot at Tennessee Vols just ahead of the 2023 season
A national college football writer who has a reputation for throwing shade at the Tennessee Vols lived up to that reputation this week. Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, a media figure that most Tennessee fans are very familiar with, made some bold predictions on Monday for the 2023 college football season. And it won't come as […]
A national college football writer who has a reputation for throwing shade at the Tennessee Vols lived up to that reputation this week.
Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, a media figure that most Tennessee fans are very familiar with, made some bold predictions on Monday for the 2023 college football season. And it won't come as any surprise that he managed to take a shot at the Vols.
Forde said in his column that Tennessee is the most "overrated" team in the SEC this fall.
From SI.com: Replacing a guy who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting (Hendon Hooker) probably won’t be that easy. Same with breakout receiving star Jalin Hyatt. Circle Sept. 16 in The Swamp as an early barometer on whether the Volunteers can replicate last year’s 11–2 season.
Outside of the overrated label, Forde's take on the Vols is at least somewhat fair. Joe Milton has to prove he can be a suitable full-season replacement for Hendon Hooker (though to be fair, his teammates have full confidence that he will be…and they're the ones that have seen him every day for the last two years). And the road game against Florida will absolutely give everyone a great idea of what to expect from Tennessee this season.
But throwing the overrated label on the Vols seems personal. It's not like anyone is picking Tennessee to reach the College Football Playoff. Most outlets aren't even picking the Vols to reach a New Year's Six bowl (The Athletic is one of the only major outlets that thinks UT will play in a NY6 bowl for the second straight season).
What exactly is "overrated" about Tennessee?
It seems like Forde is ignoring the fact that Alabama is dealing with a similar situation. The Crimson Tide are trying to replace quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. And they have options that are far less proven than Milton.
Obviously, Forde just loves throwing shade at Tennessee. He's been doing it for years, essentially every chance he gets. And usually, he looks foolish for it.
Remember when Forde called Vols forward Uros Plavsic a "hack"?
Or how about last summer when Forde did a victory lap when Tennessee received their notice of allegations from the NCAA (and Forde somehow managed to bring up Schiano Sunday)?
Speaking of the NCAA investigation, Forde wrote another column this summer that took issue with the Vols not receiving a post-season ban (Forde would apparently prefer to see UT's student-athletes who had nothing to do with the violations get punished….not surprising).
It's clear that Forde has something personal against Tennessee. Who knows why, but the existence of the Vols certainly seems to plague Forde on a daily basis.
The term "rent free" tends to be overused, but Tennessee football is undeniably living rent free in Pat Forde's head.
Peyton Manning gives his thoughts on Joe Milton’s accuracy
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning gave his thoughts this week on UT redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton’s accuracy
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC
