John Adams: Vols will go on with song in their five-star hearts
Tennessee’s recent football signing class came up short on five- and four-star recruits. Undaunted, UT coach Butch Jones said he only wanted players with “five-star hearts.”
But that’s too catchy of a catchphrase to limit to recruiting. Tennessee Team 121’s slogan has to be: “It’s about the heart, not the stars.”
And I’ve got the musical accompaniment for it.
Georgia Tech: “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”
As tough as UT’s SEC schedule is, it can’t afford to stumble in its season opener. Although the Vols will be favored, Georgia’s unorthodox option offense could create uncertainty for a defense that was shredded repeatedly in 2016.
Indiana State: “Have A Heart.”
Tennessee should take Bonnie Raitt’s words to heart against the Sycamores. The Vols need to take it easy on an outmanned opponent and get ready for the Gators.
Florida: “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Gainesville will offer no fond memories for the Vols, who haven’t won there since 2003. Two years ago, Tennessee blew a 13-point lead in losing to the Gators 28-27.
Massachusetts: “Heart of Glass.”
Based on a 10-50 record for the past five seasons, the Minutemen break easily.
They should be easy prey for five-star hearts.
Georgia: “Heart Attack.”
The song popularized by Demi Lovato should revive memories of UT’s Hail Mary victory, which hit the Bulldogs with the suddenness of a heart attack last season. It also should remind the Vols to never give up on a game.
Alabama: “My Heart Will Go On.”
Regardless of the outcome, the Vols can’t allow it to affect them. After being hammered by the Tide last season, they were upset by South Carolina in their next game.
Kentucky: “Heart on the Run.”
No matter how furiously the five-star hearts of UT’s defense pumped, they couldn’t keep up with the Wildcats, who rushed for 443 yards in a 49-36 loss last season. The name of the German rock band that recorded “Heart on the Run” is appropriate for UT’s next defense: “Fair Warning.”
South Carolina: “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?"
Tennessee was the favorite to win the SEC East until it suffered a 24-21 loss to the Gamecocks. A victory next October can’t right that wrong, but it at least would help mend a broken five-star heart.
Southern Mississippi: “Heartless.”
Consider this a tribute from Kanye West to former UT basketball coach Donnie Tyndall, who was punished unmercifully for NCAA violations at Southern Mississippi. The 10-year show-cause penalty basically ended his college coaching career and proved the NCAA can be heartless.
Missouri: “Cold, Cold Heart.”
The song recorded by Hank Williams and Nora Jones is well suited for fans making the trip to Columbia, Mo., in mid-November. Two years ago there, the temperature was 28 degrees at kickoff.
But five-star hearts don’t get cold.
LSU: “The Heart Wants What It Wants.”
Never mind that LSU’s roster will be full of four- and five-star players. Selena Gomez’ song should remind the Vols that if five-star hearts want something bad enough, they can overcome five-star legs.
Vanderbilt: “Un-break My Heart.”
The Vols seemingly were Sugar Bowl bound when they took on the Commodores in Nashville. Vanderbilt’s 45-34 victory jettisoned them to the Music City Bowl.
With an assist from Toni Braxton, maybe UT can un-break its five-star heart this November.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @JohnAdamsKNS
More John Adams headlines:
- John Adams: Tennessee's experienced staff could make up for loss in continuity
- John Adams: The SEC will be running strong in 2017
- John Adams: Only the right QB recruit can beat Alabama's recruiting
- John Adams: Lady Vols' 'Big 3' too much for LSU
- John Adams: No. 17 in recruiting rankings is a bad number by Tennessee standards
- John Adams: Tennessee's 2014 recruiting class marked by attrition
- John Adams: Tennessee rises, falls to level of opponent
- John Adams: Warren could fill more than one need for Tennessee
- John Adams: How could Butch Jones impress Phillip Fulmer?
- John Adams: Which Phillip Fulmer might Tennessee get as AD?