Well, we’ll see if the team can replicate this kind of success against the SEC, and if the first game was any indication, probably not, but there’s hoping.

Again, it was the offense that had to carry the defense in this game, scoring points out the wazoo, and actually taking some deeper shots down the field.  By the time the Georgia game rolls around in 2 weeks, Ainge’s pinkie should be healed up, and hopefully the deep pass will be more available as a few of the receivers (Lucas Taylor mostly) stepped up and showed some playmaking ability.

Granted, the opponent was Arkansas State, and not quite the level of say, Arkansas, it was good to see the Vols be able to move the ball, get *some pressure on the opposing quarterback, and intercept passes among other things that they previously had no idea how to do.

It seems Tennessee has been playing pretty well at home, as the two losses have come from away games.  Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas and Vanderbilt (yes, they get included in the discussion) are all at home with Alabama and Kentucky on the road.  If Tennessee is able to pick up all the home games, that would make the team bowl eligible, and if the Orange could actually win out, there would be a backdoor chance to get into the SEC Championship Game provided Florida loses 2 games down the road (which is a real possibility considering how Kentucky is playing and their near misses to South Carolina in years prior).

The season is not all lost, but the team has to be able to put together a better game against quality competition.  The reality of the situation is, we’ve only played one conference game, and the meat of the schedule is still ahead.  Georgia had a big win over Alabama, and it appears they will field a very strong team in two weeks in Neyland “between the LEDs.”  So, until then, let’s get that pinkie healed up, and some more bricks for the Wideouts.