I played just a few of these last year, and the Vols shit the bed. For those that know my, I am not a homer and will bet against Tennessee all the time. Just ask Tide how long it took me to get from the screen porch to my computer to hit Bama on the HT line last year against UT.:mj07:
Having said that, and following the Vols through early training camp, there are a couple of things I wanted to see before I decided on a futures bet for this team:
1 - How back-up QB Justin Worley is progressing
The reason is simple, at any point in time, Bray could fail a drug test or do something else stupid. Worley had a great scrimmage and was able to get good playing time last year.
2 - How much better the O-Line is
All five starters return, and the also have depth. What this means is that they should be able to run the football. It doesn't have to be much with the amount of receivers this team has. Phil Steele and others don't know it, but the Vols have the best receiving corp in the country.
3 - The change from the 4-3 to the 3-4
Experience tells us that teams do not do well when changing from a 4-3 to a 3-4. I honestly think it will help this team. The key is Daniel McCullers at NG, 6'6 380. Also, the two outside backer will probably be sophs. Curt Maggitt and AJ Johnson. Both of these guys played significant minutes last year, and with Herman Lathers back, they will be fine. The secondary is still the question mark, but there is experience there as well.
4 - Schedule
The Vols have 4 wins - vs Georgia State, vs Akron, vs Troy, and vs Kentucky.
The Vols should or could be favored in 5 more games - vs NC State, vs Missouri, @Vanderbilt, @Cowbell, and vs Florida.
3 games that I expect them to be dogs - vs Bama, @Chickens, @Dawgs
Risking $1150 to win $1000
Tennessee over 7 wins
Risking $100 to win $140
LSU under 10
I think LSU will get popped at least twice and with a young QB and the Honey Badger now gone, I like this bet. Tough games will be Bama, @Arkansas, vs Game Chickens, and @ A&M
Risking $100 to win $110
Oklahoma over 10
I think the Sooners will win at least 8 of their first 9 games. The only two that will be competitive in my opinion are Texas in Dallas, and at home vs Notre Dame. The last three are road games at West Virginia and TCU, and Bedlam at home. I like this bet, but they have to stay healthy.
Risking $100 to win $140
Virginia Tech over 9-
This one is tough, but the only tough road game I see is at Clemson. They get the Noles and Jackets at home.
GLTA and now less than two weeks away:00hour :00hour
Having said that, and following the Vols through early training camp, there are a couple of things I wanted to see before I decided on a futures bet for this team:
1 - How back-up QB Justin Worley is progressing
The reason is simple, at any point in time, Bray could fail a drug test or do something else stupid. Worley had a great scrimmage and was able to get good playing time last year.
2 - How much better the O-Line is
All five starters return, and the also have depth. What this means is that they should be able to run the football. It doesn't have to be much with the amount of receivers this team has. Phil Steele and others don't know it, but the Vols have the best receiving corp in the country.
3 - The change from the 4-3 to the 3-4
Experience tells us that teams do not do well when changing from a 4-3 to a 3-4. I honestly think it will help this team. The key is Daniel McCullers at NG, 6'6 380. Also, the two outside backer will probably be sophs. Curt Maggitt and AJ Johnson. Both of these guys played significant minutes last year, and with Herman Lathers back, they will be fine. The secondary is still the question mark, but there is experience there as well.
4 - Schedule
The Vols have 4 wins - vs Georgia State, vs Akron, vs Troy, and vs Kentucky.
The Vols should or could be favored in 5 more games - vs NC State, vs Missouri, @Vanderbilt, @Cowbell, and vs Florida.
3 games that I expect them to be dogs - vs Bama, @Chickens, @Dawgs
Risking $1150 to win $1000
Tennessee over 7 wins
Risking $100 to win $140
LSU under 10
I think LSU will get popped at least twice and with a young QB and the Honey Badger now gone, I like this bet. Tough games will be Bama, @Arkansas, vs Game Chickens, and @ A&M
Risking $100 to win $110
Oklahoma over 10
I think the Sooners will win at least 8 of their first 9 games. The only two that will be competitive in my opinion are Texas in Dallas, and at home vs Notre Dame. The last three are road games at West Virginia and TCU, and Bedlam at home. I like this bet, but they have to stay healthy.
Risking $100 to win $140
Virginia Tech over 9-
This one is tough, but the only tough road game I see is at Clemson. They get the Noles and Jackets at home.
GLTA and now less than two weeks away:00hour :00hour
