2025 Season Projections

[wfschrec]

It is not so much doubt, as realism. When you play a bunch of playoff teams (Tenn, SMU, Clemson, ND), a bunch of other 9+ win teams (Duke, UConn, Miami), Georgia Tech (everyone's ACC sleeper), get Pitt/BC (who swept us last year, and UNC (with Belichick)... it is not being mean to struggle to see 6 wins on a team that was very good in closing games last year, but lost a lot of talent to NFL Rosters, injury, and transfer.

Yet we play a team like Tennessee that lost just as much with IMHO downgrades up and down the lineup. The fact is we should win 6 or more games this year.

 

[Archbold44]

Would you say Fran is wearing Orange colored glasses? I think most of us understand that there are some challenges in having a good season this year. That doesn't mean you don't try and take an optimistic view of how the season Could go. For example I could see Syracuse beating Tennessee. I don't view that game as a prayer given how both teams are set up right now. Punch them in the mouth with some physical play, get a couple turnovers and if I am Nixon I would play aggressive early and show faith in your QB. I think our skill player talent at RB and WR is top notch. Beat Tennessee and now there is a great chance of starting 3/0.

Agree 100%.

 

[Archbold44]

There is nothing real about the upcoming season yet. So, someone believing that we can win 10+ games is no less real than believing our ceiling is 6 games. One is just more optimistic than the other.

I get that. But you do not think that there is optimism in Kansas State, TCU, etc.? The voters will usually be heavily swayed by (a) last year; (b) changes to/from rosters/coaches from last year, and (c) schedule. What else can voters go by???

I would not be shocked for any/all of Miami/SMU/Tennessee/ND win less games than last year. Whether that means they drop by one win or a few ... who knows? They could all be 9-3 teams and still beat us. We also do not know if BC/Pitt/UNC/Ga Tech/Duke will be better.

I have not seen us play a harder schedule in my several decades. Perhaps at the end of the season, it will not seem to have been as hard because of what transpired. The bell curve to me is flatter than with prior coaches (i.e. we can never rule out a 10-win season with Fran), but the curve still centers on 5.5 wins.

 

[CbusCuse]

Yet we play a team like Tennessee that lost just as much with IMHO downgrades up and down the lineup. The fact is we should win 6 or more games this year.

You sure about that regarding Tenn?

We are relying on our 1 4-star from our 2025 class to start at CB.

Meanwhile, yes Tennessee brought in a weak transfer class but did bring in one four star transfer. And to go along with that they brought in 1 freshman 5-star and 14 4-star freshmen all ranked as high or higher than Samuel. And they have had a top 15 recruiting class the past 4 years so can likely back fill much better than us and would not have to rely on transfers as much.

They were a playoff team and finished 2024 ranked #9. Yes they lost some strong players but i wouldn’t bet on them not being talented

Not sure what there depth chart looks like but hopefully they are relying on some freshman starters that will not be adjusted to college game speed yet. That and Aguilar not being all that special gives us a shot. I think there passing game will be weak but guessing they should be solid in every other area.

 

[djorange1989]

I am always hopeful when it comes to Fran’s Syracuse Orange but this year could be rough. We just may have to sweep our home games to go bowling, we shall see. One freaking game at a time, folks!

 

[wfschrec]

You sure about that regarding Tenn?

We are relying on our 1 4-star from our 2025 class to start at CB.

Meanwhile, yes Tennessee brought in a weak transfer class but did bring in one four star transfer. And to go along with that they brought in 1 freshman 5-star and 14 4-star freshmen all ranked as high or higher than Samuel. And they have had a top 15 recruiting class the past 4 years so can likely back fill much better than us and would not have to rely on transfers as much.

They were a playoff team and finished 2024 ranked #9. Yes they lost some strong players but i wouldn’t bet on them not being talented

Not sure what there depth chart looks like but hopefully they are relying on some freshman starters that will not be adjusted to college game speed yet. That and Aguilar not being all that special gives us a shot. I think there passing game will be weak but guessing they should be solid in every other area.

Their WR room is decimated, the only proven QB on the roster has had unflattering results against the only two P4 programs he has played, their secondary is thin and even thinner if Boo Carter can’t go, their OL lost significant leadership much like ours and their RB room has been in preseason disarray. My gf is a Tennessee fan and I can assure you that they will not be anywhere close to what they were last year. Their 1 area of strength is their DL and it’s depth but that is something that can be mitigated if we can run the ball and utilize a quick strike passing attack. I watched all their games last season it is no coincidence they lost to Arkansas and struggled with a mediocre OU squad. The key for us is matching their size up front and controlling game speed. If you think they will be as good as they were last year I have a bridge in Brooklyn that’s for sale. The question is can we improve in areas to mask our lost production.

 

[DomeHolmes]

The biggest plus for us is getting them early in the year.

They lost 4 OL, their all Sec RB, QB, 3 top receivers. If we were home, the crowd noise might put us over the top vs a new offense. With the crowd against us, we need a clean game.

There is a reason they are only ranked 24.

This game is absolutely huge. A close loss isn’t devastating but a win would be monumental, and set expectations at 8-4 or better.

 

[Marroniac]

August 15th. This is usually when I start getting irrational.

What if Nixon was mostly responsible for our success on offense last year and not McCord? Vols don’t stand a chance. 10 wins is a lock. ACC champs.

 

[kcsu]

August 15th. This is usually when I start getting irrational.

What if Nixon was mostly responsible for our success on offense last year and not McCord? Vols don’t stand a chance. 10 wins is a lock. ACC champs.

Nixon is an amazing coach and better person. He is a star i fully expect him to be a head coach at a very high level. He is special