Bru McCoy, Dylan Sampson Split on Who Would Win Between 2022 Vols and 2024 Vols: A Battle of Tennessee’s Best

The University of Tennessee Volunteers football program has undergone significant growth over the last few years. From a historic 2022 season to the promise of even greater success in 2024, the Vols have quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). As the program continues to rise, former players are taking a moment to reflect on where Tennessee stands, particularly in comparing the current squad to one of the most successful teams in recent memory—the 2022 Vols.

Among those voicing their opinions are two standout players from the 2022 squad: wide receiver Bru McCoy and running back Dylan Sampson. Both have been instrumental in Tennessee’s recent success, with McCoy making key catches and Sampson emerging as one of the top offensive playmakers. However, when asked who would win in a hypothetical matchup between the 2022 Vols and the 2024 Vols, McCoy and Sampson offered very different perspectives. Their contrasting views have sparked an interesting debate, one that fans and analysts alike are eager to dive into.

This article will explore the reasons behind the split between McCoy and Sampson’s views on the 2022 vs. 2024 Vols debate. We will break down their arguments, examine the strengths of both teams, and analyze the aspects of Tennessee’s evolving football program that could influence such a hypothetical matchup. Additionally, we will discuss what these contrasting perspectives say about the state of Tennessee football as it stands today and its future under head coach Josh Heupel.

The 2022 Vols: A Historic Season

To fully appreciate the debate between McCoy and Sampson, it’s essential to first reflect on the incredible achievements of the 2022 Tennessee Volunteers. Under the direction of head coach Josh Heupel, the 2022 Vols became one of the most dominant teams in college football, finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) conversation. It was a season that was marked by a high-powered offense, explosive plays, and a reimagined style of football that energized the fanbase and put Tennessee back on the map.

Offensive Firepower

At the heart of the 2022 team was the offense, which was one of the most explosive in the country. Quarterback Hendon Hooker, now a household name, orchestrated the high-tempo offense with precision, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. His ability to lead the offense with poise and confidence was critical to Tennessee’s success. Hooker’s chemistry with wide receivers like Jalin Hyatt (who won the Biletnikoff Award that season) and Bru McCoy was another key factor in the team’s offensive dominance.

The 2022 Vols were known for their ability to score in a hurry. They had a potent deep passing game, but what truly set them apart was their versatility. Whether they were going over the top or wearing down defenses with the running game, Tennessee was an offensive juggernaut. The offensive line, while not the best in the SEC, was efficient in creating holes for the running backs, and tailback Jabari Small had a breakout season.

In terms of special teams, Tennessee had one of the top return units in the country. This ability to make big plays on all sides of the ball gave the Vols an edge in a number of close games.

Defensive Improvement

While Tennessee’s offense garnered most of the attention, the defense was no slouch either. Under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, the Vols showed significant improvement on the defensive side of the ball in 2022. Tennessee was not necessarily elite in terms of raw statistics, but they were opportunistic, forcing turnovers when it mattered most and making timely stops. Players like linebacker Jeremy Banks and defensive back Trevon Flowers were pivotal in key situations.

The 2022 defense wasn’t perfect, and it had its fair share of struggles—particularly in the secondary and against top-tier running teams. However, the defense was often put in tough situations due to the offense’s up-tempo style, meaning they had to make quick stops and avoid getting worn down. Despite these challenges, the defense played with grit and was effective enough to help the Vols achieve their 11-win season.

The 2024 Vols: Looking Toward a New Era

As the 2024 season unfolds, Tennessee is looking to build on its success and continue its trajectory toward being a perennial contender. The 2024 Vols are a well-balanced team with some familiar faces, including star quarterback Joe Milton III, who took over after Hendon Hooker’s departure. Milton is a physical specimen with a rocket arm, but his success depends on how well he can harness that power and show consistency.

Offensive Evolution

In 2024, Tennessee’s offense remains high-powered, but there are some differences from the 2022 team. Milton has a stronger arm than Hooker, which allows the offense to stretch the field vertically even more. His deep throws can hit targets in stride, and the Vols’ wide receivers have the speed to take advantage of that.

The running back room in 2024 has seen a more balanced approach. Dylan Sampson, now a key contributor, has developed into one of the top running backs in the SEC. He complements the offense with a combination of speed and power, making Tennessee’s running game a significant threat. The offensive line has also seen improvements, with a more experienced and deeper group that is capable of establishing dominance in the trenches.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Vols have taken major steps forward in 2024. The defensive line is stout and capable of disrupting the quarterback, while the linebacking corps is faster and more athletic. The secondary, which had been a weakness in 2022, has seen considerable improvement, with younger players stepping up to make key plays.

The 2024 Vols are well-coached, deep, and focused on playing a more complete brand of football. They can win games in multiple ways, whether by outscoring opponents in shootouts or by locking down defensively when needed.

Bru McCoy’s Take: The 2022 Vols Would Win

Bru McCoy, a former wide receiver for the Vols, is staunch in his belief that the 2022 Vols would come out on top in a head-to-head matchup between the two teams. His reasoning centers around the potency of Tennessee’s offense in 2022, specifically the leadership of Hendon Hooker and the electric receiving corps, which included himself, Jalin Hyatt, and others.

“The 2022 team was something special,” McCoy said in an interview. “When you have a quarterback like Hendon Hooker leading the offense, there’s no defense that can stop you. We had a dynamic offense with weapons all over the field, and that’s something I don’t think any team in college football was prepared for.”

McCoy emphasized the chemistry the 2022 team had, particularly between Hooker and his wide receivers. “There was something about the way we clicked,” McCoy continued. “It felt like we could score every time we touched the ball. Our offense was electric, and it was hard for defenses to keep up.”

While McCoy acknowledged that the 2024 Vols have a strong team, he believes the offensive firepower and experience of the 2022 squad would give them the edge. “That 2022 team had the perfect mix of playmakers, leadership, and offensive schemes. We were unstoppable. I still believe if we played them today, we’d win.”

Dylan Sampson’s Take: The 2024 Vols Have the Edge

On the other hand, Dylan Sampson, who has become a key player for the Vols in 2024, takes a different perspective. Sampson believes that the 2024 Vols, with their more balanced attack and defensive improvements, would ultimately prevail in a hypothetical matchup.

“I love the 2022 team, but this 2024 squad is something different,” Sampson explained. “We’ve got a better defense now, and that makes all the difference. We can stop teams when we need to, and our offense is just as explosive, if not more. Joe Milton’s arm is unreal, and we’ve got playmakers all over the field.”

Sampson pointed to the defensive improvements as the key differentiator. “In 2022, we had some defensive issues, especially in the secondary. But now, we’ve got a solid defense that can get stops when it matters. The combination of a powerful offense and a tougher defense makes us a more complete team.”

Sampson also mentioned the growth and development of the running game, with himself as one of the primary ball carriers. “We’ve got a strong, balanced offense. I think that balance would be too much for the 2022 team to handle, and our defense would step up when it needed to.”

A Hypothetical Showdown Between Two Great Vols Teams

The debate between Bru McCoy and Dylan Sampson about which Tennessee team would win—2022 or 2024—is a fascinating one. Both teams have unique strengths and playstyles, with the 2022 Vols boasting an explosive offense and the 2024 Vols being a more balanced, well-rounded squad. Ultimately, the answer to this hypothetical question depends on perspective. Would the offensive firepower of the 2022 Vols overpower the defensive improvements and overall depth of the 2024 Vols? Or would the 2024 team’s balance and growth on both sides of the ball prove too much for the 2022 squad?

What is clear, however, is that Tennessee football is on an upward trajectory, with both the 2022 and 2024 teams showcasing the program’s growth under Josh Heupel. Whether it’s the high-flying offense of 2022 or the balanced, tough-minded team of 2024, Tennessee has solidified itself as a force to be reckoned with in college football. The future is bright, and no matter which team you believe would win, it’s clear that Tennessee is headed in the right direction.