Myliterary contributors seem excited about Tennessee football getting a commitment from five-star running back David Gabriel Georges. But Terry wonders when the sharper critics among my contributors will find flaws.
They're good at finding flaws.
Terry writes: With the news of DGG committing to the Vols, it's obviously a major coup for Heup's 'crooting chops. The big question here is how will your anti-Heupel pundits (contributors) react to this huge accomplishment? Can't wait to see a negative twist on all of this.
My response: Nothing so far, but eventually I expect someone to point out:
Gabriel George isn't as big or fast as Herschel Walker.
His stiff-arm isn't as fierce as Derrick Henry's.
He can’t cut as sharply as Barry Sanders.
His high school
highlights aren’t as dazzling as Reggie Bush’s.
He’s the second-ranked running back in the class. And the No. 1 running back signed with Georgia.
Doug writes: Should we be concerned that Zee Spearman's DUI that apparently occurred in the summer before her senior season was not reported at the time? And/or, that we have no knowledge of the issue being addressed internally as to repercussions or punishment.
Or, are these types of issues routinely kept quiet and the general public is kept in the dark more than we realize?
My response: Universities rarely have been in a rush to announce bad news. But fans have more reason to be concerned about a lack of transparency now.
They contribute to revenue sharing that benefit athletes. They pay a “talent fee.” And some of them support lucrative NIL deals for athletes.
So, they deserve to know what’s going on with the programs and athletes they support financially.
Colorado Mark writes: Kiffy has it all: the stadium, the fans, the players, the white home Jerseys, the Cajun cookin’.
But most importantly, he has the Dream Team, as in the coaching staff. Ed Orgeron was the last piece in the puzzle. Kirby Smart is about to get served a big heapin’ chunk of King Cake, and that new king is − as much as I hate to say it − Kiffin.
My response: Lane Kiffin is one of the top coaches in college football. But he never has had all the resources that he does at LSU.
He’s seemingly in a can’t-miss situation. But he has missed before when the odds were stacked in his favor.
Kiffin’s 2024 Ole Miss roster probably was second only to Ohio State’s in talent. The Rebels looked like a sure bet to make the College Football Playoff but suffered an inexplicable loss to a bad Kentucky team.
Then, with the playoffs still within reach, Ole Miss was upset by Florida in The Swamp.
As well as Kiffin recruits and works the transfer portal – coupled with LSU’s NIL riches – he’s set up to win a national championship. But setups haven’t always worked out for him as a head coach.
Sir James: Your article about Coach Heupel's consistency is right on. When you regularly play Alabama, Georgia, and any number of SEC power teams, winning is hard. Not so for Notre Dame. I looked at its schedule.
What a bunch of pushovers and patsies. The only preseason top-15 team they play is Miami.
Look at UT's schedule. Any SEC team would trade ND in a heartbeat.
My response: You are right. Notre Dame probably has scheduled its way to 10 wins and a playoff berth.
Not playing in a conference is a huge advantage, because conference rivalries raise the possibility of upsets. Notre Dame should be treated like any other independent, or Group of 6 program.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: One reader doubts Josh Heupel will get credit for David Gabriel Georges | Adams
