How to define success (or disappointment) in Josh Heupel's second season at Tennessee?
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Beware of the bird. OK, maybe not.
Tennessee football will open the season against the Ball State Cardinals on Thursday (7 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium to kick off Josh Heupel's second year, which comes with soaring expectations.
While 35½-point underdog Ball State is unlikely to threaten the Vols, the challenges will begin in earnest the following week against Pittsburgh.
On this episode of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks assess what would define success in Heupel's second season, compared to what would be labeled a disappointment.
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Keep in mind, betting odds say the over/under win total for the Vols is 7½ regular-season victories.
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Here's how they set the bar:
What would be a successful Tennessee season in Year 2 under Josh Heupel?
Sparks says: Go at least 8-4. Beat Florida. Go to a Florida bowl. Show improvement in areas that were a weakness last season, like pass rush and pass coverage.
Adams says: Go at least 9-3. Hang tough with Alabama or Georgia.
Toppmeyer says: Go at least 8-4. Beat at least one member of this rival trio: Florida, Alabama or Georgia. Don't lose to Kentucky.
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What would be a disappointing Vols season in Year 2 under Josh Heupel?
Sparks says: A 7-5 record or worse. A loss in a mediocre bowl game. A lack of improvement in areas that were a weakness in 2021.
Adams says: A 7-5 record or worse, with whippings at the hands of Alabama and Georgia.
Toppmeyer says: A 7-5 record or worse. Or, an 8-4 record including a loss to Kentucky.
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Blake Toppmeyer is an SEC Columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat writer for the Knoxville News Sentinel. John Adams is the News Sentinel's senior columnist. If you enjoy their coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it. Also, you can subscribe to The Volunteer State podcast for free so you won't miss an episode. Toppmeyer and Adams also host another weekly podcast, SEC Football Unfiltered. Or, check out their SEC Unfiltered newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What defines success in Josh Heupel's 2nd season at Tennessee football?
