Why Tennessee football should brace for disrespect at SEC media days
Should Tennessee expect a dose of disrespect when the media who cover the SEC vote next week to predict the conference's standings?
Probably a hint of it, at least.
Like the Vols, programs like Alabama and LSU offer a mixture of strengths and lingering questions, but Tennessee might struggle to keep up with those programs in the vote. History can sway the vote, and Tennessee spent years swimming in mediocrity before Josh Heupel's arrival, while Alabama and LSU thrived.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," hosts, Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks predict where Tennessee will be picked in the media's predicted order of finish.
Their verdict: Tennessee will be picked No. 6. But, two of the hosts think the Vols should be picked higher than that.
Also in this episode, an explanation for why quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not make the cut to represent the Vols at media days in Dallas.
As for where we're picking Tennessee to finish in the SEC? Here's how we see it:
Adams: Fourth. I'm all-in on Nico Iamaleava, and the schedule is favorable.
Sparks: Fourth. I like Tennessee's roster and schedule just enough to elevate the Vols past programs like Alabama and Ole Miss.
Toppmeyer: Sixth. Georgia and Texas possess the SEC's best rosters. From there, I lean LSU, Ole Miss and Alabama over Tennessee. I don't know that I trust UT on the road against Oklahoma.
Where to listen to The Volunteer State
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's SEC Columnist and a published author. John Adams is the News Sentinel's senior columnist and a two-time published author. Adam Sparks covers the Vols with award-winning coverage for the News Sentinel. You can subscribe to read all their coverage, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.