One reader believes Josh Heupel should be fired if Tennessee doesn't make CFP | Adams

As we get closer to the college football season openers, my literary contributors are sharpening their opinions.

Sam writes: The Vols have a relatively easy football schedule with a hot shot QB. If they don’t make the playoffs, Heupel should be fired.

My response: You aren’t the only harsh critic among my literary contributors. But you are more patient than some.

At least, you are willing to let the season play out before recommending a coaching change. I’ve had contributors call for a coach’s firing after an ineffective first offensive possession.

James writes: I feel so good after reading your columns - Nico for Heisman - Yeah! Never mind that he has not faced the Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma defenses. This isn't high school football anymore. I look at Nico's body and just wonder how many blindside hits from big players will it take?

I know the offensive line has supposedly improved, but it was far from great last year. If Dylan  Sampson goes down with a knee injury and who is his backup? A lot of question marks at running back.

The Vols will lose 2 maybe 3 games and no Heisman winner will come from a non-playoff team.

My response: Impressive twist at the end. You were casting so much gloom in the first few sentences, I was expecting a 7-5 prediction.

We aren’t that far apart. A 10-2 season likely would put the Vols in the College Football Playoff.

Protecting Iamaleava is paramount. That won’t all be on his offensive line, though. Quick decision-making and a quick release will serve him well.

Susan writes: I was just reading your article in the Commercial Appeal. I guess it's a little strong to say it makes me sick. But I have a question:

If you have people playing sports at some University, but they are in no other way connected to the University, so in other words, they're just using the facilities, the coaches, etc.,

Why would it be called a "college" sport?

My response: Great question. It would still be referred to as a college sport because we need to distinguish it from the NFL.

The NFL is played by professional football players in a pro stadium. College football is played by professional football players in a college stadium.

Roger writes: I known you are writing for an audience squarely in the middle of the Bible Belt. But as a cradle, presumably to grave, Episcopalian I really struggled how to respond to your column.

Praying for world peace? Sure. Praying for a sick child to get healthy? Sure. Praying that God sends him TE’s? Oh, and please make sure they are at least 4-star players. But 5-stars would be nice, God; especially if it keeps them from those Oregon Duck heathens.

Hmm…

When interviewing players after games, one of the TV stations used to allow them a single mention of God’s glory and then cut away.  Hopefully you’ve gotten your one mention in for the season.

ADAMS: Reader raises question of 'unlimited eligibility' in college football

My response: I didn’t write the story you are referencing. You’re confusing me with someone else.

But since you broached the subject …. I wouldn’t fault anyone for praying, no matter how insignificant their request might seem. I think it is important to keep the channel of communication open.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com . Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: One reader believes Josh Heupel should be fired if Tennessee doesn't make CFP | Adams