Around The SEC: Greg McElroy Says Expectations, Hype Surrounding Tennessee Football Is Getting A Bit 'Out Of Control'

Tennessee football is one of the most intriguing teams in the nation this season, with plenty of analysts seeming to believe the Volunteers can make it incredibly far in 2023 after the finished out the 2022 season with an 11-2 overall record.

But some think the hype train needs to lay on the brakes -- at least a little bit. College football analyst Greg McElroy is among those, recently weighing in on where the Vols stand and the distance they can travel after showing vast improvement.

“When you look at Tennessee, some of the hype right now surrounding Tennessee is getting a little out of control,” said McElroy. “Some are saying ‘Hey man, 10-2 at the very worst. 11-1 possible.’ Now, I understand you beat Alabama last year, I understand last year you had a really good performance against Florida… So much to be proud of for what was accomplished last year. First 11-win season in 2 decades, the highest AP ranking in 2 decades, all these things need to be taken into account.”

He also expressed some concern where Alabama is specifically concerned.

“I think Tennessee, given the fact that the expectations are so insanely high this year, that’s where I’m a little bit concerned,” McElroy explained. “You know Bama’s been studying them all offseason, you know Georgia continues to study them because right now they are the second-best team in the SEC East… and they are the biggest threat to what Georgia’s doing. There are some other difficult games on the schedule as well for Tennessee.”

There's no question things look good on paper for Tennessee and that the team had one of the best quarterback rooms in the nation last season, but the Vols will have to put it all together on paper once more in 2023 as they prepare to keep the momentum going.

The Vols kick off the 2023 schedule with a matchup against Virginia on Sept. 2.