Starting at the top

[orangemiata]

Tennessee is ranked pre-season No. 2 in the nation by Athlon magazine. Some say it's better to start low with low expectations and then move up. But others say in today's ranking environment, it's better to start high and then try to stay there. Case in point: Auburn last year.

Anybody have any thoughts about this?

[fernandomike]

Tennessee is ranked pre-season No. 2 in the nation by Athlon magazine. Some say it's better to start low with low expectations and then move up. But others say in today's ranking environment, it's better to start high and then try to stay there. Case in point: Auburn last year.

Anybody have any thoughts about this?

If your aspirations are to win the national title, then you are much better off starting near the top. As far as UT is concerned, I prefer when they are the underdogs because they seem to play much better when the experts predict them to get whipped.

[Neo]

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[GTmorris1970]

Under the current plan, until someone beats Southern Cal., they will be number one IMO. Doesn't matter what Tenn. or anyone else does, until they lose. They very well may not lose again this year. :cool:

[SilverBritches]

If your aspirations are to win the national title, then you are much better off starting near the top. As far as UT is concerned, I prefer when they are the underdogs because they seem to play much better when the experts predict them to get whipped.

Your chances are better but the past 2 years have shown it is bad luck (AU in '03 and UGA in '04).

[fernandomike]

Under the current plan, until someone beats Southern Cal., they will be number one IMO. Doesn't matter what Tenn. or anyone else does, until they lose. They very well may not lose again this year. :cool:

It isn't so much about who is number one as Auburn will tell you. It is about who is number two. We all know that they were better than a vastly overrated OU.

[GeauxTo]

It isn't so much about who is number one as Auburn will tell you. It is about who is number two. We all know that they were better than a vastly overrated OU.
If the Vols can start off with victories over both Florida and LSU, that might be impressive enough to move them from #2 to #1. That would be daaaaayyuuuuum impressive!
;)

[GTmorris1970]

If the Vols can start off with victories over both Florida and LSU, that might be impressive enough to move them from #2 to #1. That would be daaaaayyuuuuum impressive!
;)

I still say until someone knocks off the Trojans they will remain number one, and rightfully so IMO. That is some accomplishment they have made. I understand there are some deep feelings on the subject with some people, but they deserve to be number one until someone knocks them off. As far as the Auburn argument last year, noone can blame them for being upset. Anyone would have been. But, I do not believe ANYONE wanted any of the Trojans on that night. May have turned out just as well that they did not play. :cool:

[supergenius]

Tennessee is ranked pre-season No. 2 in the nation by Athlon magazine. Some say it's better to start low with low expectations and then move up. But others say in today's ranking environment, it's better to start high and then try to stay there. Case in point: Auburn last year.

Anybody have any thoughts about this?
Some believe that starting lower and "sneaking up" on people is better but I would rather start at the top.

[i luv ut]

Tennessee is ranked pre-season No. 2 in the nation by Athlon magazine. Some say it's better to start low with low expectations and then move up. But others say in today's ranking environment, it's better to start high and then try to stay there. Case in point: Auburn last year.


I remember in 2002 when we were ranked pretty high. That season was AWFUL! I just think the team plays better when they are underdogs.

[Foxman]

It honestly shouldn't matter. Whether a team is ranked #1, #25, or #119, Coaches will still coach the same way. Players will still try to win. Fans will still cheer.

But sometimes, I guess coaches and players get caught up in the pressure of predictions and media focus.

I just hope our ranking doesn't get to our head.

[Volnooga]

Personally, I don't care if UT makes it to the Rose bowl. I'm more concerned about individual games. I want to win each Saturday. Rankings and Bowls will take care of themselves.