SEC Spring Practice: Biggest Question for Every Team in the Conference

Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) and quarterback Josh Dobbs (11) prior to the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Volunteers

Biggest Question: Can the Offense adjust Mike DeBord’s offensive system?

Everything was supposed to be falling into perfect place for Butch Jones’s Tennessee Volunteers. They had the youngest team in college football, found a quarterback, had nearly everybody returning next year, and were becoming the trendy pick to win the SEC East.

Two straight Top 5 recruiting classes only helped the matter…a lot. But the stability in the rebuilding process was interrupted by offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian’s departure to the NFL. Now, after everybody has been developing, the Vols have to learn a new offense.

Fortunately, Jones brought in Mike DeBord, who will keep lots of the same aspects of the offense. But for things to truly be successful, DeBord’s offense has got to mesh with his players this Spring to get things started. August practices will be too late for the veterans on this squad who might have to unlearn some of the things they have learned.

For Tennessee, adjusting to the new offensive coordinator means a likely very successful season. Struggling to adjust prolongs the program’s return to excitement.

Let’s all hope the Vols can adjust. College football is just not the same when Tennessee is not as relevant as it needs to be.

Next: Texas A&M Aggies