Talking head makes an amusing but fair marital reference regarding 2024 Tennessee Vols

The Tennessee Vols have started their 2024 season off in impressive fashion.  At 4-0, they've been in complete control of every game by the time the third quarter ended.  Not something that happens every day.

But is this the type of team with staying power?  One talking head thinks so.

On3 Sports' J.D. Pickell discussed the Vols this week ahead of their game on Saturday against Arkansas, and he had a very specific - and relatable - description for why he's buying the Vols as a title contender this season.

"This is the kind of team now where you can take them home to meet your parents," Pickell said. "Previous Tennessee teams, the 2022 team, they were awesome, they were fun to watch.  They were a great fling, but you were like, 'is this really going anywhere?  Is this really a team win a national title? That you can put a ring on?'

"It wasn't, right? It was fun to watch. It was a great time. It was enjoyable. It was great to be around. But it wasn't one of those teams where you're like, 'hey, this could be the one.' So, if I'm a Tennessee fan right now because of the defense and because of the generational talent you have at quarterback that we've talked about ad nauseum now - and the culture from this team that we've seen, to be able to go on the road in Norman and win a low scoring game - if you're a Tennessee fan, this could be the one. "

The amusing marital analogy does seem to fit as far as putting a ring on someone you value as complete and wholesome, rather than just exciting with little depth (or at least that seems like what most people would/should want in a marriage).

The 2022 Tennessee team was as explosive of an offense as this program has ever seen. Record setting.  Honestly good enough to compete for a championship.  But on the other side of the ball, there were some tough moments.  The team gave up 49+ points twice and 27+ five times.  It was, to be fair, great at other times, holding Kentucky to 6 points, LSU to 13, and Clemson to 14. Overall, a relatively good defense, but ultimately not a championship caliber one.

That could be different this season.  Defense travels, and the Vols appear so far to have one that can go on the road and assert its dominance.  Between a defensive line that rolls in impact players all game like the blades of a meat grinder, the steady play of Keenan Pili in the middle, and the standout play of the secondary so far - spearheaded by All-SEC candidate Jermod McCoy - Tennessee has been as good as anyone on that side of the ball this season.

So, while Tennessee fans might want to wait to open up their hearts to the thought of these Vols being championship worthy, sometimes you have to let your guard down and follow your heart.  It it's meant to be, the ring will come.

Related: Tennessee Vols will have to avoid the dose of 'rat poison' they were served on Saturday against Arkansas