Page 53 - Cityview Jan-Feb 2017

ITGOTWORSETo open the month of November, Tennessee handily defeated Tennessee Tech, 55-0. However, it’s questionable whether that game should even be allowed on the schedule. The win over TTU was followed by a three-game stretch against, arguably, the worst teams in the SEC: Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt. The Vols gave up 1.13 miles (1983 yards) of total o ense to go 2-1 against the bottom of the SEC East, losing in the nal game of the regular season to Vanderbilt.The loss to Vandy took Tennessee from an almost assured return trip to the Sugar Bowl to a match against Nebraska in the Music City Bowl.The Vols have shown improvementin virtually every measurable category since Butch Jones has been named head coach. Recruiting, wins, graduationrates, and academic standing have all improved. Coach Jones has handled disciplinary problems with exceptional speed and e ective results. Though Jones was generous in saying that the 2016 seniors had won “the championshipof life,” what the Vol Nation wants isto hear Coach Jones discuss how we’re going to get to the next level and win an SEC championship.A win over Nebraska in the MusicCity Bowl along with a strong nish to recruiting will go a long way in restoring the fervor and love for this team that means so much to the fans of East Tennessee.The hype of 2016 is over, but 2017 is right around the corner.Hobe Brunson is an avid Vol fan and sports photographer. His work has been featured on si.com and espn.com.JANUARY FEBRUARY 2017 51