The Volunteer State USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Paul Finebaum's optimism grows for Tennessee football.
The SEC Network's opinion king emerged from SEC media days feeling more bullish about the Vols' playoff chances and their place within the conference pecking order.
Is that sunny outlook warranted?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks re-evaluate Tennessee's playoff prospects and assess whether their estimation of Tennessee has improved, regressed or stayed about the same throughout the offseason.
Their verdict: A 9-3 record is more likely than a playoff berth, but an accommodating schedule nonetheless helps make Tennessee a playoff contender.
Also in this episode, an update on the latest developments in the Neyland Entertainment District project that would bring a hotel, restaurant and bar to liven the area around the stadium near the riverfront, at the expense of the G10 parking garage.

Greg McElroy hypes Nico Iamaleava’s Heisman Trophy campaign. Is Tennessee quarterback deserving?

Why Tennessee football should brace for disrespect at SEC media days

With one beard – and a lot of victories – Tony Vitello won the hearts of Vols fans.
Now, Tennessee baseball rules the sport, for the first time ever. Tennessee's championship drought is over.
When the Vols beat Texas A&M 6-5 in Game 3 of the College World Series finals on June 24, it marked Tennessee's first national championship in any sport since its women's indoor track and field team won the crown in 2009. That's a 15-year span without a title. How long will Tennessee go before winning its next title? Not that long.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams revisit the baseball team's triumph in Omaha and debate which Tennessee team will be the next to win a national championship.
For this debate, the hosts consider four programs: football, men's and women's basketball and softball.
And the hosts agree that one program stands above the rest as being next in line.

Tennessee baseball remains College World Series favorite, but which teams are top threats?

Why Tony Vitello ranted about Tennessee baseball's success and a College World Series preview