This is Your Warning Not to Sleep On Tennessee This Year | A 2024 Season DEEP Dive

[@FlyinBlind]

Oh, Lort, the gimmicky thing. We were expected to win 3-5 games, pulled out 7 and went to a bowl. This offense is fashioned off Mike Leach's and Art Briles' offenses. Why does no one call the air raid a "gimmicky" offense? Why were Patrick Mahomes or RG3 never called a QB from a "gimmicky" offense? Why is no one saying Kalen DeBoer's offense this year will be "gimmicky"? Quick answer - because it's Tennessee.

[@foster7517]

PREACH

[@jeffmercer9655]

Air raid offense how do you say that they run the ball more than they throw it

[@spencerwarren9219]

Hownis something a gimmick passing game when they run 54 percent ofbthe time.

[@FlyinBlind]

@@spencerwarren9219 I think the speed makes these folks feel like they're getting conned. Kinda like trying to figure out how a magician does his tricks.

[@Explicit6ixty9]

Yall talk like you’ve won anything of importance this century

[@djangoapple8230]

Gimmicky is the defense faking injuries cause they can't adjust to vols offense. That's the only Gimmick I've seen.

[@bryanjackson405]

The OL, DL, LB & WR are going to be LEGIT this year for the VOLS! NICO is going to be in the Heisman talk. Let everyone keep sleeping on the VOLS. We'll see ya in the CFB playoffs!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

This will be a good team. Best of luck to your vols and thanks for watching.

[@davidpolk6171]

First year had 30 players transfer out when Josh came in. To do what that team did was amazing. Lookout with recruiting, and the defense is getting elite!

[@Explicit6ixty9]

Just throwing around the term elite now are we

[@Explicit6ixty9]

Tennessee is an offensive team and the offense isn’t even elite. lol this is why yall are so disappointed halfway into every season cause yall set yourselves up for failure with this delusional nonsense 😂

[@Haystacktn]

I believe Harbaugh gave South Carolina Tennessee's signals

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Hahahahaha

[@suzannekeith7304]

I agree. SC had their signals. Imo no doubt.

[@shepherd5234]

Do you also believe in Sasquatch? More evidence of sasquatch.

[@jonathanross149]

Amazing that a sub-par USC was able to win back to back against elite teams UM scouted against.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@jonathanross149 are you actually being serious? You think south carolina got tennessees signals from Michigan's Conor Stalion?

[@tagalong24]

You guys nailed it! I’m a die hard Vols fan and OU, Georgia obviously are the games that concern me the most as far as losses. NC st is good team but I think we use game one as a tune up for NC st. Coach H is very very good coming off a buy or two weeks to get ready for a team so hopefully we have a better year this year! GO VOLS!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I can't wait to see that game! Nc state is one of my picks to go to the acc champ this year. Not to say they will beat tennessee, but they have a nice roster and a good transfer qb this year. As far as oklahoma, I think temnessees defensive front will be able to get after Arnold. I'm not a huge believer in the ou lines of scrimmage right now. Best of luck this year, thanks for watching!

[@CornJar81]

Nailed what? A lot of bad takes.. said squirrel wouldn't get 1,000 yards because the WR room is too deep than said he had concerns about the WR depth😂😂😂

[@roberttuck4687]

Are you serious? Gimmicky offense? It's not a gimmick to find your opponent's weakness and take advantage of it. The only reason we go up tempo is so teams can't substitute. The gimmick is to fake injuries to keep from getting your butt kicked.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Here is my beef with the scheme: I feel like in big games (games against the big boys), the offense leaves the defense out to dry. When the offense goes 3 and out twice in the first quarter, the defense ends up stuck on the field for almost 15 minutes. And there hasn't been enough defensive depth to overcome it when it does happen. I just feel like Tennessee has good enough players at every position on offense to run a prostyle offense. Obviously, going fast to keep the opposing teams defense on the field is ok and something every single team does. But trying to run the most plays on offense in the country is not a full proof plan. Not to mention, you have to slim the playbook to a dozen plays or so to go lightning fast like that. It hasn't worked out well against UGA or bama accept one game, and had to score 50 to win that one. To win a natty or sec champ. the team will have to find a way to be more complimentary.

[@tagalong24]

@@1st_LONG_CFBlet’s not forget last year at Bama in first half TN beat the dog snot out of Bama it was the massive let down in the second half that cost them the game I mean we were up 21 at half with a average at best Milton. TN can absolutely play with Bama especially at home

[@michaeldavenport1378]

Good job, guys! …I’m a Vols fan and your knowledge and unbiased breakdown was refreshing. Better job than a lot of Vols that do what you do on KZbin…No joke. 👍🏼Good luck to you guys on the football season and with the channel. 👍🏼🍊

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@@michaeldavenport1378 we appreciate that! Best of luck this season and thanks for watching!

[@michaeldavenport1378]

@@1st_LONG_CFB I shared your video on FB to spread the word. 😎✌️👍🏼

[@Pondy33]

The 2022 team would have beaten that 2016 team. Badly. So I don’t know why we’re comparing 2016 vs 2024

[@pitb_ullclark9639]

Takeing into account the ivestigation the fact that 30 transfered the fact that they are just now having competive compentions for openings instead of longsnapper at mlb in practice. The team has improved on def. Every year under hype. The off has the best oline/wr/te rooms under hype as well. Scary is an understatement

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

It is really crazy to think how far this team has come over the last few years. Huepel does deserve a lot of credit! Best of luck this season, thanks for watching!

[@joshuawhite7515]

We didnt get better last year..but that was because of Joe Milton. Milton held the team back alot. I'm not trying to hate on him but it is what it is. He was horribly innacurate and couldn't go through his progressions at that level.

[@Hunter10139]

Regarding the Mizzou "rivalry", I dont think many vols care all that much. You never want to lose but Mizzou seems to care a lot more than the vols do.

[@mattross9631]

2026 will be a top 5 class and we really only use transfer portal for our immediate needs that coming season

[@GobigOrange901]

Exactly the transfer portal is just a luxury for us really

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

That is the recipe for real championship success, I believe. Thanks for watching!

[@djangoapple8230]

It was excruciating to watch Milton. 6 yr senior and he still couldn't figure it out.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

His whole career was hard to watch and it just went on foreverrrrrrr lolol

[@spencerwarren9219]

D line coach gardener said he always plays 10 guys. He said thisbyear the diffrence is 8 of them would start at most schools in sec. We are deep as hell on d line. We will keep them fresh innthe 4th quater .

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

That front 7 is sick!

[@tnjrcfl1]

​@1st_LONG_CFB no doubt, but back end is huge question once again. More speed and athletes back there, hopefully they can play. The front will help the secondary as the pressure will be consistent...

[@jonathanross149]

Coach Heupel with an elite QB and Defense can beat anyone.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think this will be his best defense! Best of luck this year, thanks for watching!

[@chrisbaker8944]

That and every team we played has to pass a lot to keep up with our high scoring offense but for the defense to have beat the offense in the first scrimmage says we mite have a top 10 offense and a top 10 defense

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Defensive front 7 is awesome, I am a little concerned about the secondary, but maybe the pass rush will be able to get home and hide some deficiencies on the back end!

[@chrisbaker8944]

@@1st_LONG_CFB That and give better chances for a pick if we can get consistent pressure which I think we will. So all I can say is time will tell on the secondary now I do believe they are better than most think.

[@spencerwarren9219]

Was at practice this week and this team hasn't looked this much like a nfl or cfp natty champ team with this much depth and talent since the Fulmer days. This team is going to be very dangerous. I will tell you surprised me massively. Is rb Payton Lewis. He is a massive tall beast. I'll tell you two players he reminds me alot of . Rb Henry from Bama current titans rb. The other is Jamal Lewis. Payton is going to be unstopable once gets down plays and pass pro down.

[@antoniusjohnson3824]

Derrick Henry is with The Ravens now.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Noted. Thank you for watching! We obviously feel pretty good about the team this year! Best of luck to your vols this season!

[@tnjrcfl1]

Awfully HUGE names to be throwing out. I hope your right. GBO

[@robert45tn]

I think Tennessee's season will depend on how Nico does

[@1ll1c1t]

Good job guys. I subbed. Lost some steam at the end but overall good show!!

[@ImAlwaysRightCFB]

Thank you for the feedback and the sub!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thanks for watching, best of luck this season!

[@shannonqueen6397]

You're correct, you have to be able to recruit. That being said, Heupel recognizes his needs as well as talent. He also has coaches on his staff that gets the most out of their players.Heupel gets the 18:43 character players that he wants too.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Top 5 classes 3 years in a row has got to be the goal. That is the last piece of the puzzle to me!

[@jroger30]

2020 wasn’t a Heupel year. It was the last year of Pruitt. Let’s not put that on Heup! Haha

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I hear ya, just a generic measurement of time we use on these breakdowns. We are ware he wasn't there yet.

[@CoryA77]

No Tennessee was at like 47% on the blue-chip ratio he said Tennessee could be the first under 50% if they won it this year

[@roberttuck4687]

Also, last year's team was a bridge year from Hooker to Niko. We were limited yes. But, this year will be much different. With the exception of Heupel's first year due to all the transfers, last year was the worst talent we will have for a long time.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I remember UGA going through a year or two like that before the last 2 nattys. Gotta get the new group of young guys going. Huepel needs a top 5 class (or at least top 10) this year, and this team will be really getting into the championship conversations. Thank you for watching and best of luck this year!

[@JoeDunagain]

Hey guy's. I'm a Tennessee fan and I just happened to come across this podcast. I really enjoyed yalls breakdown and yalls professionalism. Obviously a lot of us Tennessee and Georgia fans just can't seem to get along lol, but I have nothing but respect for Georgia and its fans. I enjoyed this so much that I subscribed to yalls podcast. Hope you don't mind having a Tennessee fan on here. I'll be very civil and show respect as long as I'm treated the same way lol. I believe that Tennessee can finally start making the Tennessee-Georgia game a true rivalry again. Great show guy's and good luck this season (except for the Tennessee game lol). God Bless yall 🙏

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thank you for your kind words! We want fans from as many teams as possible, so thank you! We enjoyed breaking down the team, Tennessee has come a long way over the last 4 or 5 years. This is the best defense Tennessee has had in years! Very exciting. Best of luck this season, and we will see you next time!

[@jacobnorris2]

Does this guy know Alabama has a new coach so how could a new coach automatically have a teams number. I’m just interested in the explanation of that is roll tide Willie giving the game plan?

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think it's just more about the fact that bama has a top 3 roster in the country, talent wise. And alabama has had their way with Tennessee for a while now, except the once in 2022. Tennessee gets the 3rd sat in Oct at home this year, so we will see! Best of luck this season and thanks for watching!

[@midtownpowerwashers1368]

The only thing you got wrong is that our D line is the best room on the team not the Oline. Rodney Garner has already stated he is planning on rotating 13 players, which is a pretty crazy number. Also missed WR Kaleb Webb who saw a lot of action last year. I agree with both record picks, it really could go either way.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching. Best of luck to the vols this year!

[@JustTellingTheTruth556]

I was in Gainesville that game. Complete debacle of a game. Very embarrassing to be at that game

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@@JustTellingTheTruth556 I am still scratching my head on that one....

[@tagalong24]

@@1st_LONG_CFBthe biggest and main issue with Florida last year we were missing cooper mays at center and that’s what changed after Florida he came back and this team was much different on offense. We couldn’t do anything in that game missing coop just killed us

[@joshuawhite7515]

Well, we're getting there. The recruiting is getting a lot better. As long as we can have a decent year this year like 9-3 or 10-2, and beat at least one good team, the recruiting will keep getting better.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Need a top 5 class this year and this program will be off to the races

[@jeffmercer9655]

Guys Mike Mathews was a five star I'm pretty sure I remember I was there

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

He was in most recruiting rankings. He will be a star no doubt.

[@boosted9319]

Tn has 5*s -lance heard, NICCO,BRU McCoy,Mike Matthews, Jordan Ross, Davien hobbs. They starting to get those 5*s

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

That is such a big deal! I think that's what is honestly missing to more consistently beat the big boys in cfb. Thanks for watching and best of luck this season!

[@ethanwilliams7925]

Pearce Jr was a 5* on on3 site. He was number 11 in the nation that year and given his performance I would lean on ON3's assessment

[@boosted9319]

@@ethanwilliams7925 true so was Hobbs tn has talent now and a lot of it.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@ethanwilliams7925 the star rating we used were composite, I believe. Recruiting has been really good, just need a couple of top 5 classes to get over the top!

[@PFCAVB00]

Pretty spot on for some UGA fans. Theres a lot of context to the year over year stats. I believe we drop the UGA and oklahoma game. This team has talent like we havent seen in a long time, but the offense has a record of struggling on the road under heuple. 10-2 is my pick, 9-3 is a neutral year, 11-1 is my ceiling. Going to be a lot of fun to watch this year.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

We appreciate you watching and commenting. I think 12 team cfp should be the goal, and as I am discovering, where you seed and what side of the bracket you are on is going to decide how far a team like Tennessee can go this season. If you get in a favorable bracket, a final 4 in football is possible for this team, legitimately.

[@kenashburn5473]

Overall I think this was a very good breakdown. A couple points of contention would be the Alabama game and the belief that Alabama and UGA have figured out Heupel's offense. I believe it is more likely that Bama and Georgia simply have had better talent than UT. If you look at how well those Georgia DB's covered Tennessee receivers in 2022, they were like glue. It's going to be another one of two recruiting cycles before UT will have the talent to really compete with Georgia but I do believe Heupel will eventually get us there. With respect to Bama, I'm going to give the edge to Tennessee this year. I know their new coach has an awesome record and he has been recruiting lights out, but it's still a new system and I'm not sure how quickly everything will get implemented and running smoothly. If this were a road game I would have to lean Bama, but not in Neyland.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think you make some really good points. Nick saban and kirby smart rarely take the field with an inferior roster, talent wise. Therefore, they almost always win. And there is a lot of truth to that! Top 5 classes every year (while also filling holes here and there with the portal) is the key to being in the national title hunt year in and out. And at this point, I think you are correct that Tennessee has the edge in that game against bama this year. We will see how bama looks against Georgia in week 4 and that should tell us something. Thanks for watching and commenting! Sorry it has taken me some time to get back to you. Best of luck this season! 👍🏼

[@ManfreeFreeman]

Tennessee has averaged 9 wins over the last 3 years. The first time that's been done since 02-04. Can Heupel get UT to the top of the mountain? Time will tell but he's certainly the best coach we've had since Fulmer. I think it would take a lot of luck to win a natty within the next 2 years but Heupel has turned UT into a desirable destination for recruits and if the trends we're seeing continue its not unreasonable to think that UT could find themselves looking at a natty as soon as 2026.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I completely agree! This program was in the ditch just a few years ago. Coach has done an outstanding job. I think the goal has got to be to just make the 12 team playoff this year and go from there!

[@ManfreeFreeman]

@@1st_LONG_CFB Exactly and if we just miss the playoffs this year that's not a failure in my opinion. Next year it feels like the playoffs might be the minimum fans as a whole will accept.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@@ManfreeFreemanI think so! this tennessee fanbase is hungry!

[@terrancebrown7486]

I completely disagree! What the heck yall think Hepuel being doing last 4 years? Bro we was at the natty doorstep his second year! We have all the right peices this year. Only question is secondary. And that is solid this year. Bro we have right now on our team 4 if not more 1st round draft picks. This and next year is our chance at a natty. You definitely have not paid attention too Tennessee football

[@CoryA77]

Enjoyed the show. First time ive seen you i subscribed and liked amd commented a lot lol. GBO

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thank for watching! Best of luck this season!

[@antherun]

Solid points about the recruiting. It is very competitive in the SEC. Unless you are elite with talent acquisitions, you will be outside the top 5 teams. Tennessee has had to overcome massive roster attrition, mostly on defense, and Ncaa sanctions on top of over a decade of failure. If this season is successful (10+ wins), Tennessee has everything in place to recruit at that top-10 to top-5 level every single year moving forward.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think so too, top 5 classes are now available at Tennessee again and that is the last piece of the puzzle. Recruit in the top 5 for 3 years in a row and Tennessee is back to fully restored glory.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@daveratledge]

Wow!... Thanks for your hard work and breakdown. Good stuff!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thanks a ton! We sure do appreciate you watching. Best of luck this season!

[@daveratledge]

@@1st_LONG_CFB Yes sir. Finally a great coaching staff and young men that want to be here because they know that.

[@coltonditmore9087]

What aspect of Heupels 1st year made you concerned?

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

What??

[@coltonditmore9087]

@1st_LONG_CFB I believe you said you had concern "early on at tenn" if his offense would work and then the concern was gone after 2022. That was his 2nd year. So what made you concerned in year 1? He overachieved and was robbed of winning 8 games.

[@svenkreuzberg2274]

How is Nico Iamaleava performing and what about that secondary ? This 2 questions will decide if its a Rocky Top or Rocky Flop season. Simple is that.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I agree, and we will see how injuries mount up. It's a loonnnggg season. Thanks for watching and best of luck this season.

[@JonDeLong]

3 of 4 losses to top 10 end of season teams

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

You thinking 4 losses this year?

[@davidpolk6171]

We are the deepest in defensive line, and Wide Receiver. Bryson, Leacock at wide out you haven't mentioned.

[@greenwave819]

Stayley & Webb

[@FlyinBlind]

@@davidpolk6171 Neither of you mentioned Nimrod, who's becoming a stud, and almost as big as Bru now.

[@jeffmercer9655]

Also they said Mike Mathews was a four star which I don't remember a four-star Mike Mathews I remember a five-star Mike Matthew

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Composite rating. Yes, he was a 24/7 5* prospect.

[@mgway4661]

@@FlyinBlindhe’s slow to process the field though. Kelsey Pope has mentioned that as recently as last week

[@foster7517]

Nico has full control of this offense now hes gotten way more vocalive seen s9me videos that suprised me i didnt think hed be as vocal as he is

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I feel like it has worked out perfectly with him sitting for a while, and then the bowl game, now he gets the keys to the offense. I do think he will be a star.

[@rpgolden]

Pretty thorough & fair breakdown outside of the gimmicky offense part.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I appreciate you watching and wish the best of luck to the vols this year. I just feel as though the offense leaves the defense out to dry too much. A couple of 3 and outs at lightning speed puts the defense on the field for a whole quarter straight and that creates a depth disadvantage the rest of the game against the UGAs, Bamas of the world. This offense hums for 9 or 10 games a year and seams to disappear a couple times a year. Just a thought. Thanks again!

[@daveratledge]

Just glad that we have a coach now. It's been a long time since the end of Fulmer til Heupal... Leave him alone 98'ers and we will be back. If you don't "Haslim" then welcome to the Dooley era again.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

It really was a long bumpy road to get to where Tennessee is today after fulmer. Heupel is doing a really nice job. Thanks for watching and best of luck this season.

[@Jus10sweat]

Lance Hurd left to UT because he wasn’t going to be the LT at LSU

[@TonyCanada-i8r]

This is not a gimmick offense

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

There are elements that are gimmicky. But I dont mean it to be as negative as it may have been perceived. I just think the offense running at warp speed had been a detriment to the defense at times with the stress it caused and the lack of depth in years past. With the talent this offense has, they can play more complimentary football. Thanks for watching! Best of luck this season.

[@joeyhoy1995]

Honestly, the one thing you got right early was this team does strike fear into teams. Nico is just that guy. He still has plenty of room for growth, but he should be a darkhorse Heisman candidate. We've done a great job at 3-Star development. Mayes our best O-Lineman was a 3 star. Could we use the portal more? Not really. There are only so many holes, and we want to develop some of our young guys. Going and revamping our secondary was the best thing we could do in the portal, in addition to grabbing more WR help. A healthy Tennessee team is a team ready for a top 6 seed in the playoff.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

You think Tennessee is winning the sec or going to the sec championship this year? If not, how would they make the top 6? I am still concerned about the secondary.

[@joeyhoy1995]

@@1st_LONG_CFB I think Georgia is not the same team as years prior. I'm not a huge believer in their QB. I think his weapons make him look better than he is. I don't think he wins games on his own, more Alex Smith than Patrick Mahomes/Tom Brady. Alabama has to come to Knoxville. Florida comes to Knoxville. I think it's completely within the realm of believability that the Big Orange have a punchers chance in Athens. I don't think Oklahoma is a contender. I think the ACC, home of NC State, as a whole has been a pretender for a while. I see a, albeit narrow, path to Atlanta. Word from their first scrimmage is the defense won the day, and it wasn't close, not a knock on Nico, but the team had most of the starting O-Line out. Getting the ground game going was near impossible against what is probably the best D-Line in the country. And an offense that practices against that, is in good shape come late season. Even the secondary was receiving praise for its performance. Now, how much of that was due to the pressure put on Nico from the less than adequate starting O-Line, well I don't know. But, we all saw what he can do late last year, and he's had a full offseason now. I think if Nico is that guy, and word is from everyone I've heard talk, he is. And, if JP is that guy, which everyone with eyes knows he is, the Vols are in the best shape they've been under Heupel. Word is also that David Sanders is set to commit to the Vols, this week I believe, that should place the Vols a near lock for a top 5 class. Which means most of the attention can start to turn towards the 2026 class which has already had two massive pieces commit this month alone. 9-3 is a disappointment this year. Big things are happening on Rocky Top, big things.

[@TheBarndoor]

No one is sleeping on TN. Jesus Christ. They've got a manageable schedule with the best defensive player in the league. Not to mention their star QB making his debut season.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Not in Tennessee they aren't. But I do feel like there are a lot of national audience and media who are not on the hype train necessarily.

[@lunchpailgolf827]

Think the breakdown was well-researched and informative. That said, to call 10-2 the ceiling is inaccurate. I agree that they might drop a game they shouldn’t and I agree that they have a good chance to beat Alabama at home. To my mind, the ceiling is 11-1, in a situation where they hold on against good teams they are favored to beat and pull out a victory on the Third Saturday in October. Either way, the Vols are not going to be a team anybody wants to see come CFB Playoff season.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Honestly, you are probably right. And you might really enjoy our playoff predictions coming up later this week. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching and best of luck!

[@bakertron846]

Ut is currently ranked 6th in recruiting nationally, 5th in the sec. Thats crazy

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@bakertron846 it really is crazy. It's no wonder the sec is the best conference year in and out.

[@Tri-StarTN]

Tennessee was up 2 possessions vs Alabama last year

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

And then lost by 2 possessions. Look, Tennessee is a good team. Can they be great? That's now the question and we will see. I think they can but haven't been yet.

[@Tri-StarTN]

@@1st_LONG_CFB this is the most complete team Tennessee has had since the early 2000s. I feel that the front 7 can mask any deficiencies in the secondary. I currently have Tennessee at 11-1 with a close loss to Georgia.

[@michael-thetailgate]

Where are you getting your stats about Heupel’s record against rivals? He has only played them all 3 times, not 4. Also, haven’t once heard a TN fan refer to Heupel as “Hopeful”.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Record vs rival since 2020. It's not a Huepel stat. It's a Tennessee stat. And yes, non-tennessee fans call him John Hopeful.

[@michael-thetailgate]

ah well the way you kept referring to it made it sound like you were talking about Heupel’s record against them. (Audio only, wasn’t watching). Also, who cares what non-Tennessee fans refer to him as? Especially if they are going to get his first name wrong too lol. That would be like me referring to Billy Napier as “Sunbelt Willy”, it doesn’t matter what people outside your fanbase says about your coach if your fanbase likes the coach. The thing that I constantly hear from TN fans is they “believe the heup”, which is dumb in its own way.

[@foster7517]

Its not a gimmick when you run more than you throw and set your offense up to win matchups and make it so other teams cant substitute

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@foster7517 it's not about the offense being balanced. I understand it isn't an air raid. But when you slim down your playbook to 12 plays to run at warp speed and leave your defense out to dry, it seems gimmicky. Too many times against the big boys over the last few years, Tennessee has tried the warp speed thing, go 3 and out twice in the first quarter and there isn't enough depth on defense to withstand it, therefore the defense is on the ropes the rest of the game. This system works great 10 games a year so it's nit picky of me I guess, but tennessee is looked at in a national light and I'm comparing tennessee to the modern day big boys of cfb. Georgia, Ohio state, Alabama, Oregon,.... none of these teams run an offense like that. Why do you think that is?

[@chacaabbaylee768]

Strongly believe Huepel will get a title, or really close to it(playoffs are gonna be hard to win for anyone) before he's done. I base this on how similar his recruiting has been to Fulmer's time at UT. Top tier qbs and d linemen. Doesn't matter the school, that's the formula

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think there is a lot of truth to that! Defensive line is the hardest position to build up to a top level in this sport. And now he has the qb, he's just young. I'm supper impressed with what huepel has done in a relatively short amount of time considering the turnaround that took place. Thanks for watching and best of luck this year!

[@joshuawhite7515]

I dont beleive Tennesee will even be in the National Championship game this year. Mabe next year, but idk. Im just hoping we can make the 12 team playoff. I love Nico, but im going to have to see him be a better passer than what we have seen so far. I know hes athletic and has alot of talent, but none of that matters if you don't have intelligence to process things fast and go through yiur reads and nake a good pass. Joe Milton is a prine example of that.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I agree, I do think he is going to be a real good one. Just takes some time, his best year won't be 2024 I wouldn't think.

[@CoryA77]

I think we have a top 5 offence and a top 15 defense this year!!! 10-2 possibly 11-1 if we win out at home and be Oklahoma on the road!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Top 5 would be crazy good on offense! Especially with a first year starter at qb. 10-2 is certainly possible, but will require nico to play really well and the secondary to be functional at worst. Best of luck this season! I can't wait to see it all play out! Thanks for watching

[@Servingemanualcouragously]

This is Hypes 4ths season 1-2 vs Florida and Alabama and 0-3 vs UGA. He will be .500 against both UF and UA after this season. Can win against UGA

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think the uga game in Athens is the only game I see that I don't think Tennessee can win. But who is to say UGA is healthy at that point? And it's college football so you literally never know for sure. Regardless of the uga game, Tennessee has a chance to do something special, just need to get a w against nc state early in the year and get some momentum going and who knows! Cfp is certainly possible.

[@walkerroadrevivalrevelatio565]

Cooper Mays as out of gator game He’s central to them winning and they played like high school players that day

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

That was a mind boggling loss! I lost money on that one.

[@michaelpalmer8669]

Kind of weird to use numbers “since 2020” considering Heupel’s been there since 2021

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Just a generic timeframe we use for every team.

[@sniff8739]

Who are you guys? Lol. You seem like nice fellas and we appreciate all the praise. OL a strength? I hope you're right but did you see that Iowa game or Florida for that matter. Dylan Sampson's biggest question is injury? My understanding (I live and breathe TN football. Hell, ran the mech pipe for the upgrades at Neyland this yr) is pass protection. Just look, again, at that Iowa game. Finally, I agree we're likely to lose one we shouldn't. NC State on a neutral field, though? Idk guys. I'm thinking an emotionally charged game in Norman with an expected quality opponent might be the slip up. Seems like a no brainer. Again, you seem like nice guys. I'm rooting for ya but I think your research needs a little work gentleman

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Who are you? Lol this isn't our prediction for 2023, this is for 2024. Whom on the oline are you concerned about? I don't think we said this is the best o line in the sec or anything like that? Further more, there is no more research to do. We just broke down the roster as it is and how we see it. You can only watch and report and that is what we have done. We are very familiar with Tennessee football and have been watching the team over the last few years. Tennessee has come a long way in a few years. This team was a dumpster fire not that long ago, should be happy that anyone wants to talk about Tennessee football again. Best of luck to your vols.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Oh and let me know, has or hasn't dylan Sampson had injury issues? I'll wait....

[@tnjrcfl1]

Telander not terl... but he's had an unreal off season looks like an NFL player physically, if he takes the step watch out you'll hear his name

[@dustinoutlaw1029]

I went to sleep and woke up and still 38-60 😂😂😂😂

[@kennethdickens4905]

Fair assessment. No sure where the gimmick is though

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Running as many plays as possible, as quickly as possible, and shortening the playbook to do so. Not to mention the unintended effect this has on the defense when the offense sputters early in a game. In years past, there has not been enough depth on the defense to handle that kind of stress. I feel like Tennessee is getting to a point talent wise where more pro style concepts, a larger playbook, and a more complimentary style of offense/defense could be played. I really don't mean to offend anyone with the "gimmicky" thing. It's just a thought. I think Tennessee is going to be really good this season, especially offense and the front 7 on D. Jury is still out on the secondary, but I appreciate you watching and wish Tennessee the best of luck this season! Hope you will hang out with us on the channel this year.

[@ut_punkn1859]

You missed that Josh Heupel won Oklahomas last Natty

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Good point! So many underlying storyline this year!

[@johnodell8692]

One thing, it's "for all intents and purposes" not "for all intensive purposes"

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Depends on how you use the phrases. Both are commonly used but have different meanings. You are late to this party, already hashed this out. I may or may not have used the wrong one at the wrong time, you will have to forgive me.

[@foster7517]

What u think about recruiting now

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Looking good. To get where this fanbase wants to go, 3 top 5 classes in a row is what's needed.

[@JetplaneVOL]

I watch these videos to see if yall really researched or if you are just making a video. I’m sure you all did some research but not enough. We probably won’t beat UGA but playing Bama at home under a new coach is a winnable game you have to know that. They will be 10-2 but really I think closer to 11-1.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

We will try to do better for you next time, Mr. jetplane. 11-1 would be the best season Tennessee has had in a LONG time. If you really feel that the vols will win 11 games in the regular season, you should go throw some cash on it because that isn't what vegas is saying. I can tell that you have really studied up on this yourself.....

[@thomassayers5944]

0 and four against who!? GEORGIA! How many championship in last few years!? 1 and 3 against who!?BAMA! How many Championship played in last decade!?, against the GOAT,and what were VOLS coaches prior to Heupel records against the GOAT and BAMA? HMMM?

[@ScottieReed-s8f]

Peyton Lewis didn't participate in spring practice because of shoulder surgery

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Noted, thank you. And thanks for watching. Best of luck this year.

[@MandyE426]

You talk about polishing 3 stars then mention James Pearce, Jr as one of the best players in the country. I would call that the definition of polishing a 3 star.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Yes, he is a dang good example.

[@michaelfrench4131]

Versus Florida outside of September Tennessee is 15-6 I like our chances

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Nice stat there. That loss last year had me scratching my head...

[@foster7517]

Missouri isnt our rival theyre just a lil brother who beat us once at their home feild if that was at neyland it woulda been a different game everybody knows that team was terrible at away games

[@greenwave819]

true

[@FlyinBlind]

@@foster7517 I'll believe Mizzou when they pull it off, this year and next. They're known for the one hit wonder. Last time, our coach was OC.

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Mizzou was a legit team in 2023, and they will be again in 2024! It really is a shame that Tennessee and mizzou aren't playing this year with all of the talk that has gone on off the field. Mizzou was just a bad matchup for Tennessee last year.

[@greenwave819]

@@1st_LONG_CFB it was nice that they had zero live flags all game long

[@TheBoomersdad]

Good show. GBO

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Thanks for watching, best of luck this season!

[@dirtyhiggins5484]

Go Big Orange!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Best of luck this year!

[@thetruth1446]

Umm, Fla or GA isnt TNs rival, KY is though. They were just in the East, not rivals

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

@thetruth1446 FL v tennessee is definitely a rivalry! And I would argue uga v tennessee is too, granted less of a rivalry than bama or florida.

[@thetruth1446]

@@1st_LONG_CFB Definitely not, Florida has just beat TN but no rivalry. No rivalry for GA eirher

[@thetruth1446]

@@1st_LONG_CFB I could ultimately give you Fla though, but it's not a defined Rivalry I'll say

[@nathanrussell2688]

​@thetruth1446 it's one of the biggest rivalry in the sec tennessee vs Florida has always been a rivalry since before I was born so it's definitely established as a rivalry where are you from to think it ain't or how old are you I could see if your like 13 you wouldn't understand cause tennessee ain't been good for a while but it's a huge rivalry game since 80s

[@CoryA77]

That and Missouri blowing us out making us look like hot garbage

[@VFL603]

This was just ok some of the things need to do the homework on

[@thomassayers5944]

I'm sorry, but if your gonna talk VOLS football, at least k ow what the hell your talking about! Bow about #1 offense in the nation in 22?, loss to Auburn?, obvious someone trying to correct him on a teleprompter or something, DAMN sure recruiting at a VERY High level! Co.e on man!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Yeah you are right, Tennessee is #1 in the country man and going a million and 0, my bad lol

[@shepherd5234]

Same shit, different year.

[@WMGamingE.]

That gimmick offence puts up 40 a game so......

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Not in the big games.....

[@CoryA77]

I think the Oklahoma game on the road is tougher than home against Bama

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

You may be right. Oklahoma may be a tougher matchup, but we know alabama is way more talented than oklahoma. Bama has another lackluster wr room this year and I think the passing game is where you can beat the Tennessee defense.

[@CoryA77]

@@1st_LONG_CFB I agree Bama is a more talented team but we beat them inn 22 should have in 23 I just think we get them at home and that makes the difference. In my opinion. GBO

[@coreynelson9727]

James Pearce was a 3*

[@donaldholcomb1152]

James Pierce was a 5 star recruit

[@Haystacktn]

FUGA

[@leviwhaley4419]

Lol

[@Road2redemtion]

1:23 intents and purposes

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Dork

[@Road2redemtion]

@@1st_LONG_CFB Dork? You're the dork saying "intensive purposes". Eat a bag Jr.

[@Road2redemtion]

@@1st_LONG_CFB thin ass skin jajajaja

[@Wetrockstah2116]

Freshman QB, Tennessee won't be as good as they think they will be. They will be solid, like 8-4 type. Their definitely not going to be a playoff team.

[@jeffmercer9655]

A true freshman is Year One I think this is Year #2

[@KerryCarson-r3n]

This is year 2 freshman red shirt his first year he is not a true freshman

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

Correct, he did play a little last year. Can't wait to see this guy starting!

[@1st_LONG_CFB]

I think they can be a game or two better depending on a couple things. If the secondary can somewhat come together, this will be a tough team.

[@BillyColeII-dr6dk]

How did he do against Iowa as a true Freshman?