Regarding that UT opener in '17, the Vols will be replacing their starting QB, Josh Dobbs, who with a successful season this fall as many are projecting for the Big Orange could be a Heisman candidate come late October. As normal, UT will find out what they are about by that time (late October) as their schedule is front-loaded as always. They have a bunch of guys this year who are juniors and will potentially be entering the NFL Draft a year early - for Tech's sake in that '17 game, we hope so.
Unlikely to happen, but if no guys enter the NFL Draft early, UT could start as many as 13 returning starting seniors in that opener against us in '17 including stud RB Jalen Hurd (who I think along with as many as 5 other juniors may bolt to the NFL after this season). Regardless, the Vols have recruited well and they'll be very strong. We will return a lot as well less JT5 as you point out on both sides of the LOS. Can't wait.