Here’s the problem that Pruitt and Fulmer have at UT. Last season was a disaster for the Vols, and I don’t think this season will be any better. It could even be worse. They won 4 games last season, including squeakers to Ga Tech and UMass!

UT is tissue paper thin on o-line. One of the worst in the SEC. They will be God awful on offense and don’t have nearly the defensive players to tote the load. I’d bet a lot of money (probably will) that they’ll drop the opener to WV, and by a pretty good margin, making the already restless natives even more restless. Boosters will be on Phil, and Phil will have to share some of that pressure with Jeremy. And Jeremy does not play well with others.

UT might get a reprieve their next two games, but if UMass can almost win at K’ville, you can’t count UTEP and MTSU as sure wins.

Then comes murderers row. Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, then South Carolina. I have no idea how Pruitt sleeps at night. They could come into that stretch with one or two wins. Things could get very ugly, very quickly. Fulmer has been on losing sides before, and he really, really didn’t like it. Pruitt’s not used to losing, and he’ll have to bear that along with Phil’s “recommendations”. This is a recipe for disaster. They should beat Charlotte but then face Kentucky, Mizzou, then at Vandy. UT could easily lose the last three, which would put them at three to four wins for the season. Vol fans tend to jump ship with those type numbers, and booster’s patience has already worn extraordinarily thin. And It will take a miracle for the Vols to even make a bowl appearance, again.

Then you have to turn to recruiting. How many studs want to play for a cellar dweller? Most 17-18 year olds can’t even remember the last time the Vols were competitive. UT has historically counted on national and regional recruiting. Kirby’s done a great job on locking down the four and five stars in Georgia, and is even taking some cream from TN. Alabama kids aren’t interested in TN, Boom and Dabo are in SC, Florida kids have plenty of home state school options, where does UT turn for new, talented prospects? What’s the draw?

UT’s paying Pruitt a great salary, but it’s not enough for what he’s about to face. Pruitt’s two or three and out.

Then who?