Entering his second year many believed that Derek Dooley would have his Volunteers competing for an Eastern crown. Yet, in a year where many SEC coaches have had great success, Dooley failed hard. Tennessee finished a miserable 5-7 and an even more horrifying 1-7 in the SEC. With another poor season many Volunteer fans are now doubting if the son of legendary UGA coach Vince Dooley can truly get Tennessee back to Atlanta.
The Vols started out the 2011 season with a 3-1 record with their only loss coming to a Florida team that at the time was ranked 16th in the country. They ran into a surging Georgia team at home and lost their second SEC game 20-12. The next three games were devastating to the Vols with losses to Alabama, LSU, and South Carolina. The were finally able to pick up their fourth win against Middle Tennessee State, but were hammered by Arkansas 49-7 the following week. Tennessee was still able to beat their instate rival Vanderbilt 27-21 in overtime, but lost to Kentucky in a heart beaker 10-7.
The Volunteers defense took a hit after losing defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon. The Volunteers return 20 starters including QB Tyler Bray and RB Tauren Pool. There was some controversy earlier in the month which involved receiver Da'Rick Rogers who was arrested. Many believed form him to be kicked off however Tennessee has decided to keep him on the team
Tennessee and Derek Dooley hope to finally get things going in 2012 and compete in the East once more. While the Vols return a good number of starters and some talent they still will not be able to capture the Eastern Crown next season.
Early Prediction-Georgia 31 Tennessee 14
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