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 sways the vote, and Tennessee spent years swimming in mediocrity before Josh Heupel's arrival, while Alabama and LSU thrived.

On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks predict where Tennessee will be picked in the media's projected 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.

Should <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2024/07/08/nico-iamaleava-james-pearce-sec-media-days-2024-tennessee-football-cooper-mays-omari-thomas/74313051007/" aria-label="Link Tennessee">Tennessee</a> 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 sways the vote, and Tennessee spent years swimming in mediocrity before Josh Heupel's arrival, while Alabama and LSU thrived.
On today's episode, <a href="https://x.com/btoppmeyer" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a>, <a href="https://x.com/johnadamskns" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> and <a href="https://x.com/AdamSparks" aria-label="Link Adam Sparks">Adam Sparks</a> predict where Tennessee will be picked in the media's projected 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, <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/columnists/university-of-tennessee/john-adams/2024/07/08/tennessee-football-nico-iamaleava-sec-media-days-josh-heupel/74330925007/" aria-label="Link an explanation for why quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not make the cut">an explanation for why quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not make the cut</a> to represent the Vols at media days in Dallas.

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

A Tennessee Vols podcast from the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee.

The Volunteer State

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer.

Why Tennessee football should brace for disrespect at SEC media days

Advertisement