johnnyzip84

Some here will still think this paints a rosy scenario. I think it’s about as objective and logical as you can get. Of course it’s evident that the MAC is punching above its weight this year. But the results (especially the weekly improvement) of the 1st four games indicate the Zips are right there with them. Don Treadwell certainly has his work cut out for him this week, bringing the hated “sweaters” into town as the favorite. While the odds makers still aren’t believers, I’m sure the MAC coaches are fully aware of how well the Zips are playing.

NZF, you were far closer to the pick of the century than many of us thought possible Although it really upsets me that ZD is out for the year, we appreciate the early news. He was really coming into his own, too! Hopefully, he heals perfectly and is ready for 2013. Adding to Keener’s central point, why would any of us look at the rest of the schedule and see ANY of the remaining games as “unwinnable”? The improvement from week-to-week is glaringly obvious. Every MAC team (save for possibly OU, and I believe they will grossly overlook the Zips) has thus far revealed at least one “chink in the armor”. As long as a few key players stay relatively healthy the rest of the season, we should have a fighting chance in every single game. If the improvement continues from week-to-week, I REALLY like our chances to finish the season with a bang

Well said! Looking forward to seeing you in town again You know you're always welcome in Lot 9. I'm sorry. I said that all wrong. Welcome in Lot 9, you always are

I'm not sure where the 9.5 point spread came from, but the services reported in USA Today have the Zips getting 6 points. I'll wait until I know more about the injury situation before I make any predictions.

Quantify "major". less than 30%? less than 40%? less than 50%? less than 60%? Vol blogger's take on the game

UT struggled to run (83 yards on 28 attempts) against Florida. Imagine that. A legitimate SEC defense being hard to run on Against NC St (191 yards on 38 attempts) and Ga St (184 yards on 43 attempts) they were much more successful. I’m sure they view Akron’s defense as more along these lines, and in fact will probably point to the Zips generous rush defense in the 1st two games. Unquestionably, Bray and his receivers are the heart of the Vol offense. But to say “they don’t run the ball” is just a bit of an overstatement. I still expect them to open the game up a little more conservatively, with the notion that they may think they can overpower the Zips without Bray (or whoever) throwing it 40 or 50 times.

Even though the O/U is pretty high for this game, I think there is a good chance that the Zips and Vols will go over. The 2012 Zips only know how to play one way on offense. I don’t see that changing even if the game gets out of hand early. And if it doesn’t get out of hand early, that probably means the Zips are scoring. Tennessee will no doubt pound the Zips with the running game, before unleashing Bray, Hunter and Patterson. I really hope NZF is all over this, but my head says the Zips will fight valiantly before the Vols pull away for a fairly comfortable victory. But the Zips will once again cover! Vols 49 Zips 27

Nice call! K.E.N.T. has a decent defense that handled U@B's spread-option without too much trouble. But can they stop a real passing attack? We'll see. Both offenses, other than Archer, are b-o-r-i-n-g zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The USA Today lines are now up. 34 to 35 point dog with the O/U at 63.5 to 65.5, depending on the house.

While we're at it, let's just bring back ALL the Hoosiers who played HS ball in the area. Next up: Mark Murphy

I don't think you understand. The DUDE lives in TEXAS!

More on Kofi's recent opportunities

Courtesy of Steve French: Clayton Moore leads Jackson St over Texas Southern

Now I realize the Deacon Deacons were rebuked mightily by FSU this past weekend, but how did we (especially GP1) miss this from week 2? Hasan Hazime named ACC defensive POTW Ps: I got this tidbit from Frenchy as I was listening to Joe Dunn's show today.

Now I don’t think the 2012 Vols are in even close to the same boat as the 2008 Orange, but when I was in Syracuse for that 42-28 Zip victory, the SU fans were sounding EXACTLY like some of these UT fans. They disliked Greg Robinson to no end. I REALLY wish I was headed to Knoxville

It looks like Porter remains a big supporter of all UA athletics. Check out post #12 on the VolNation's pick the score thread!

I'll say this. Based on what I've seen so far in 2012, I'll be somewhat surprised if the Zips don't give the Huskies a better game than Kansas does.

Here is an early take on Powlus' time at Kansas. The article has a couple of Zip connections.

Vol fans are not in a particularly good mood right now (understandable). Some are at least a wee bit afraid of Coach Bowden.

And "Comet Bowden" is doing his best to drastically alter UA's orbit from near-circular to elliptical Edit: Coach Bowden = perihelion, & Ianello = aphelion

Agreed that seems low. George Thomas, this appears to be an excellent question for Tuesday's press conference (or sooner). On a related note, can you investigate the situations for the following players? 1) OL Curtis Black 2) DB Benny Cunningham 3) DL Arlington McClinton 4) OL Kevin Mills 5) DB Josh Smith 6) DL Jason Stargel 7) LB Dillon Kern 8) DE William Houst

Mel Kiper has UT WR Justin Hunter up to #5 overall on his board. He's the #1 wideout according to the self-professed draft guru. With C Patterson at the other WR and Tyler Bray at QB, I think they'll have a hard time setting the over/under for this one! The blowout win sure has skewed a few NCAA FBS stats in favor of the Zips! #26 Total Offense #39 Total Defense #5 Passing Offense #14 Passing Defense

Cover your eyes, Lee. So far, the oddsmakers don't want to touch this one. I know it's early in the week. I'm sure there will be a line sooner or later.

Xingu Black Beer Mount Carmel Amber Ale River City Brewing Hop Baron River City Brewing Jenneke River City Brewing Unit 6 River City Brewing Helles Lager That 3 Floyd's IPA with the Mango/Peach/Citrus flavor Keener brought was unique and tasty