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5 Things The Tennessee Vols Must Do To Win The SEC East In 2017

By Zach Ragan

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Head coach Butch Jones against the Northwestern Wildcats during the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Head coach Butch Jones against the Northwestern Wildcats during the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Vols
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 26: Micah Abernathy /

Stay Healthy

This one goes without saying, but it’s probably the most important item on this list.

Tennessee lost some games they should’ve won last season because of an inordinate amount of injuries.

With all the talent the Vols lost from last season, they can ill afford to deal with the same amount of injuries. Tennessee won’t win nine games again this season if they lose key defensive and offensive pieces.

Unfortunately for the Volunteers, they aren’t off to a good start in this area.

Reports surfaced Saturday evening that starting middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr severely injured his knee. It’s looking more and more like the Vols can’t count on Kirkland to be a significant part of the defense in 2017. It’s injuries like this that Tennessee can’t afford to deal with this season.

Hopefully Kirkland’s injury is an anomaly and the Volunteers will be able to stay mostly healthy this year.

If not, however, then you can forget about Tennessee being relevant in the SEC East.

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