This is our second glimpse into the future of the world of sports. We were incredibly precise on some predictions for 2015 (Peyton Manning and Steve Spurrier finishing off their careers). We were remarkably inaccurate on others (Tim Tebow earning a roster spot in the League). There were even a few where we were slightly off target (the Titans didn’t land the top pick to draft Jameis Winston).
So this year we’ve tweaked our system a bit. Instead of dropping more than a bill at the Psychic Friends Network (which is even more shockingly still a thing in 2016), this year we’ve created an algorithm that will tell us precisely what will happen in the sports world. And by created an algorithm we mean had local radio personality Phil Williams spin us around in our office chair until random thoughts popped into our heads. And by office chair we mean a Kroger shopping cart.
Without further hesitation here are 10 predictions sure to be wrong in the world of sports this year:
The Football Vols will finish the season 11-3:
Tennessee is going to be a little better than most think this year. The competition in the SEC East isn’t particularly stiff. Three of the Vols six in-division opponents will have new coaches, as will Virginia Tech who Tennessee plays in the Battle at Bristol to open the season. Throw in gimme wins against Appalachian State, Ohio, Tennessee Tech, Vandy, and Kentucky and Butch Jones team will only have to win two of three against a Florida team without a quarterback, an Alabama team that loses a ton, and Kevin Sumlin’s Texas A&M squad looking to break in a new offense, to hit the 11-win mark. We’ll take the Vols losing to Alabama in both the regular season and the SEC Championship as well as a loss to Baylor in the Sugar Bowl.
Your Kids Will Fall in Love With Katie Ledecky:
2016 is an Olympic year and Ledecky will be the most dominant American athlete at the Rio games. Ledecky is an 18-year old swimmer with a girl-next-door smile and currently holds 10 world records in freestyle events. She’ll be on NBC more than Matt Lauer this summer.
The Titans Will Draft Laremy Tunsil With the Top Pick in the Draft:
Of course the state’s NFL team would love to trade out of the top spot but, without a can’t miss franchise QB in this class, there probably won’t be any takers. No quarterback was sacked more than Marcus Mariotta last year and you can’t sell jerseys of a QB sitting on the IR. Look for Tennessee to take the best tackle on the board.
Rick Barnes Squad Will Win 20 Games This Year:
Call us crazy but the SEC is garbage and we’re already watching this team take steps. Admiral Schofield is already getting better and Shembari Phillips is already putting up double figures against quality opponents. It will take both the SEC Tournament and the NIT but Barnes will have a much better year in his first season on The Hill than Donnie Tyndall did.
The Lady Vols Will Make the Final Four:
There’s just too much talent on the roster and Holly Warlick is too good a coach for this to go any other way. For all of the belly aching around town about Warlick’s struggles early in the year, no coach in the history of the sport has had a better first three years. Holly is letting them struggle right now but basketball is a tournament sport. What happens in November and December in college hoops almost never matters.
Both the Golden State Warriors and New England Patriots Will Go Back-to-Back:
We picked the Pats to win two in a row last year and this year we’re doubling down on that bet by giving you the Warriors over the Cavs in 6 in the NBA Finals. No player in the history of sports will be scrutinized the way LeBron will after another Finals loss. We’re also playing the percentages that LeBron can’t stay healthy 11 post-seasons in a row. No one can.
Peyton Manning Joins the Tennessee Titans Front Office:
This one’s too much of a no-brainer not to happen. He can’t play anymore and the Titans could print money bringing Peyton into the fold. Tennessee has, at times, seemed to derive joy from the pain of their fans but even they can’t screw this one up. Peyton would take the job. Peyton would unite the state around the team. It also isn’t like Peyton can screw them up anymore than they already are. There’s absolutely no risk involved.
Oklahoma Wins Both the NCAA Tournament and the College Football Playoff:
We’re bleeding over a bit into 2017 with this one. The football Sooners return Baker Mayfield, a beastly offensive line, and two NFL stars at running back. It will also be year two in Lincoln Riley’s offensive system. OU basketball has a senior guard named Buddy Hield that’s currently averaging 26 points per game…in college. Hield will be this year’s Danny Manning or Carmello Anthony, the player that seemingly wills his team to a tournament title.
The Second Season of Daredevil Will Be Better Than the Sixth Season of Game of Thrones (SPOILERS INSIDE):
Yes, this one isn’t technically sports but it needs to be stated. We all know Jon Snow isn’t really dead. Netflix Daredevil series was brutal, dark, and fantastic last year. The fact that Vincent D’Onofrio was shut out during awards season for his portrayal of Wilson Fisk is an outright disgrace.
The Dodgers Beat the Rangers to Win the World Series:
Admittedly I’m biased here (as a Dodgers fan) but LA has way too much talent to lose again in a diluted NL. The Cardinals should take a step back. The Nationals are a train wreck and the Mets can’t keep all of those young arms healthy two seasons in a row.
