Posted by RichRollin on July 25, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

?????????????????????????

Posted by WVVOLFAN on July 25, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what about VOLS, who gives a rats rear end, other the DC, MCB, and gator99, about tebow, and percy?

Posted by TommyJack on July 25, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

None of this matters. Tee it up.

Posted by H1Gator on July 25, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by yemmusdarb on July 25, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pre-season awards and such are only good for giving fans something to waste their time on until the first ball is kicked off.

I'd rather see our players on things like this after it's all said and done.

Posted by ctownvol on July 25, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lying rat coach? Let me remind you, fool, that you came on a UT site. Obviously, you are a UT fan since you care enough to log on here and read about UT sports. I know I wouldn't be caught dead going to a gaytor site. I guess I am just smarter than you, but that's pretty obvious.

Posted by WVVOLFAN on July 25, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what you said ctown, H! the other gator fans on this site have a lot more class than you. take it somewhere else.

Posted by cjraney on July 25, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

H1-
That's King Rat to you...and the King doesn't lie, he mentors.

But speaking of lying, does Coach Urbie limit his lies to HS recruits or is everyone fair game?

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

3rd in the East...give Foolmore a contract extension.

Posted by cjraney on July 25, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was hoping the media types would pick us 4th behind USCe. 3rd will have to do. Really get the guys fired up. Is anybody else ready to get this season started?

Posted by marc_ash on July 25, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No surprises here. GA is everyone's golden boy and the Tebow lead Gators are always going to get the nod because of him.

I am a little surprised that UT was picked third. Not because I think they were going to be picked higher...but because I thought they would be picked 4th. South Carolina has a very strong team this season. And, with all of the "unknowns" for the Vols going into this season, it surprises me the media didn't jump all over that.

OK by me. Post the preseason rankings on the wall in the locker room along with all the naysayers posts from this message board. That outta motivate some.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just more bulletin board material.

UT may be 3rd, 1st, or 6th... but all this stuff with Bama, being lowly regarded as a team, attacks against the program and coaches, and having very good players disrespected in these preseason polls... are things good football teams use to bring it all in focus.

If UT's DT's play well and especially against the top teams and the running game returns to form then UT will wear the crown. If they don't then 3rd or 4th in the East is realistic.

I like the fact that guys who just recently set all kinds of strength records are being "challenged" by this kind of disrespect... could be some fun when the games start.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, kind of interesting that the two best OL's in the conference... UF and UT, only had one pick between them.

I hate UF but Trautwein is an excellent football player.

It is also interesting that Massaquoi keeps showing up on these lists. He's done basically nothing in his career. His career totals for receiving are 1362 yds and 100 catches. Taylor had over 70 catches and 1000 yds LAST YEAR.

Vol fans give Rogers the business for dropping passes but I don't think there's another WR in the SEC who has dropped more that hit him in the hands than Massaquoi. Just the token Bulldog I suppose.... Everyone KNOWS they're going to be great therefore they MUST have an All-Conference caliber WR somewhere.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

marc, if not for the QB position, I have no doubt that USC would have been picked ahead of UT.

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 25, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,

Massaquoi has also dropped 100 passes in his carrer, I remember we were recriting him and Joe Cox and GA signed them both. They were going to be the QB/WR combo of the future in the SEC. Is Cox still on UGA's depth chart?

Posted by Sheepscape on July 25, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is all worth so much fart gas. I haven't paid attention to preseason crap since the 05 debacle, whether it was favorable to the Vols or not. Hard not to see Florida ahead of us given Fulmer's record vs Meyer and our recent troubles against the Gators regardless of who is coaching.

The Georgia lovefest is hilarious. Their schedule it brutal, and we've taken 3 of 4 from them.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a few things......

1. i hate georgia with a passion....but they consistently win around 10 games a year now. it's understandable for there to be a georgia lovefest coming off a 12-2 season with a bcs bowl win and a final ranking of #2 in the polls with most of the team returning. that said, i think their schedule will kill them.

2. you have to pick someone to win the league. all this basically means is that the media expects florida and georgia to beat tennessee. no one would claim that tennessee is incapable of beating florida or georgia. it's not like people would drop dead of shock if tennessee won the division. now, if south carolina, kentucky or vandy do it.....

3. if there is someone not getting any respect by the media or the coaches in these preseason polls, it's the florida offensive line. all those skill people are nice, but, they can only put up the numbers they do because the o-line is doing its job. they led the conference in almost every offensive statistical category, but none of the o-lineman are all-sec caliber. hmmmm.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I keep hearing about the brutal Ga. schedule this year. Who are they playing that makes it any more brutal than the Vols? I think our schedule looks pretty darn tough.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pammyvol1000

at lsu
at auburn
at south carolina
at arizona state
florida (jax)

all of these games are away from athens.

then throw in

tennessee and alabama at home.

Posted by ssukonic on July 25, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator;

Thanks for coming on here and not being a jerk like some of your brethren. Time to tee it up and really see what happens.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pammyvol1000

also, of that group, they play the following in a four consecutive week stretch....

at lsu
florida (jax)
at kentucky
at auburn

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UGA:

@Arizona State - I guess better than UCLA
@Auburn - we play them as well
Florida-neutral (get them at home)
@LSU - brutal
@South Carolina (we play them there as well

UT:

@ UCLA
@ Auburn
@ South Carolina
@ Vandy
@ UGA

I don't think UGA wins the SEC this year with those road games.

Posted by Sheepscape on July 25, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99,

There are always teams like Georgia that get rolling late in the year and the media adores them(while omitting they didn't even get to the conference title game) The Vols have been that team before and usually the next year is a letdown. For example the Vols finished hot in 01, but bricked into a wretched 8-5 in 02. If Georgia can pull it off, I will eat my words but like you they play tough games away from home.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arizona State is UGA's first game outside of the South in a long, long time....isn't it like 30 years?

Posted by chrisw2967 on July 25, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator: the reason behind the fact your off. line isnt getting any hype is because Tebow has consumed it all , if a man didnt know any better you would think Tebow was the only player on your team. he doesnt need any linemen , hes superTimmy

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin

don't know.

arizona state is supposed to be a ranked football team. ucla isn't.

don't put up at vandy. you have enough respect for fulmer that you don't expect that to be a problem.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

now, i will show you why florida is probably the pick to win the east.

@ tennessee
@ vandy
@ florida state
@ arkansas
georgia (jax)

Posted by diggerland17 on July 25, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im going 2 absolutley love it when the Vols hand Florida there 1st loss of the year in a frenzied Neyland Stadium. Georgia reminds me of the Vols a few years ago when we came n as the media darlings with all the hype only 2 suffer some injuries and a tough schedule and fall flat on our faces. The Vols r underrated this year but im sure thats ok with them. GO VOLS!!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UGA hasn't played a road game outside of the South since the 1960s. The ASU game is in between UGA's game @ USC and then their home game vs. Bama. The ASU game will be tougher than most expect.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

also, florida does not have a brutal back to back stretch.....

ex. tennessee plays florida and auburn (the two teams picked to win the division) back to back.

Posted by VOLstuckINky on July 25, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole miss got one vote .... reminds me of the spurrier Duke vote in the coaches poll

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99G:
I can certainly see THE BIG VOLS & LSU and Auburn but-
Georgia Southern
Central Michigan
Georgia Tech
???

Posted by VolGraduate on July 25, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There should be a conference vs. conference tournament. The SEC would blast the other conferences. Could you imagine having McCoy, Brinkley and Spikes at linebacker...that would get nasty.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pammyvol1000

everyone has a couple of cupcakes.

Posted by VOLstuckINky on July 25, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volgrad .. it should be more like the Ryder cup ... the SEC vs all other conferences. It's the only fair way to do it.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pammy, it's the road schedule where losses are probably likely to come from. Florida has the "easiest" road in conf being at Arky, at Vandy, and UGA in Jax and then at Tennessee.

Tennessee is at Auburn, at USC, at UGA, and at Vandy

UGA has at LSU, at USC, at Auburn, and Florida in Jax and then is at UK. That's pretty brutal.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i'll put it this way.

i don't think there is a team in the country that would trade their schedule for georgia's.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UGA schedule, last year record:

Ga Southern, 7-4 (traditional FCS power)
Cent Michigan, 8-6 (won MAC, lost Motor City Bowl 48-51 to Purdue)
@USC, 6-6
@ASU, 10-3
Bama, 7-6
OPEN
UT, 10-4
Vandy, 5-7 (lost 17-20 to UGA last year)
@LSU, 12-2
UF, 9-4 (Jax), revenge game for UF
@UK, 8-5
@Aub, 9-4
OPEN
GT, 7-6

I think UGA is actually UT's most likely loss (not that they won't lose more than one only that UGA looks difficult). IMO, there's a good chance that UGA comes in with a loss or even two. Besides revenge for the past two years, they'll be struggling to preserve hopes for their overhyped season.

If UGA does somehow survive this with only one loss then they should forget the NC game and just send them the trophy. I just don't see any less than 3 or 4 losses for a team that has alot bigger holes than most are talking about.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

auburn (who hates georgia something fierce) is looking for some revenge too.

brutal, absolutely brutal.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gotcha Workin!
I live 40 minutes from Athens and I have to hear that Ruff Ruff crap all the bleepin time. So when Tennessee rolls into town.. I will be flying my orange flags all the way down Hwy 78.
Go Vols!!

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

for once, we are in complete agreement.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More interesting upset possibility info.

Cent Michigan is going for a 3-peat as MAC champ with 8 starters returning on both sides of the ball. The OL loses 1 OL, 1 WR, and a FB from an O that avg'd 34.8 ppg and 447 yards per game.

Their defense wasn't good... but I'm not convinced that UGA's O is going to be as good as many others seem to be.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, CMU catches UGA maybe looking ahead to a big revenge game @ USC... If they come in flat, this is the kind of team that could embarrass them.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CMU, QB Dan Lefevour-Tim Tebow Light

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UGA will roll CMU....a few years ago people were calling for Boise State to give UGA a game and UGA waxed them 48-7. UGA will be ready and should win easy.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt
very slim possibility there.
Ga loses to
TN
LSU
FL
But as you know, anything's possible in football.
Look at Appalachian State.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Boise State was being hyped as real competition and not preseason fodder. They were the first game followed by close win against USC and a blow out of ULM.

Situation isn't the same... and CMU may be a much better team than BSU was at that point.

UGA should win. But if they come in even a little flat ahead of USC and ASU then they could be in trouble against a team that can put up pts like CMU.

Posted by ctownvol on July 25, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pammy- What part of town are you in? I live in Covington.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also wonder what kind of celebration will happen when FL scores against Ga.. fans rushing the field.. ha .. couldn't resist.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

where your point is relevant is that its one more game georgia has to take seriously. they can't just start preparing for south carolina. they will actually have to prepare for central michigan (who i think they will beat handily as well)

georgia simply can't afford to lose any home games under any circumstances.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pammmy, my guesses would be:

ASU- very good team looking for respect at home, coached by Dennis Erickson.

UF- sky high Gators, only question is if UF will knot up with emotion

Aub- home revenge

Great potentials for a 4th loss: UT, LSU, USC.

I would be more confident of a UT win if all the circumstances didn't favor UGA: home game, after an OPEN date, revenge... and probably by then a little desperation.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 25, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin 11:42am-

It's a pre-season poll for Christ's sake! We FINISHED 1st in the East last year. If you're going to constantly bash Fulmer, and I know you are, at least try to bash him for stuff that is his fault. He can't control where the media places us in their COMPLETELY WORTHLESS pre-season poll. They didn't pick us to win the East last year either did they?

99gator 12:31pm -

Good post. Thanks for putting things in perspective.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Lawrenceville off Hwy 20 close to Loganville Ct.

Posted by rootin4volz on July 25, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gaytors suck.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, We don't always disagree. I think we both agree that UF should be favored in the East and that their most likely loss is UT @ K'ville.

If the Vols don't get them, I think they'll roll through the rest of that schedule.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt
I just have a good feeling that JC will come down here like Ainge and show Dawgs what The Orange is all about. It's his time to shine and all will be fine..

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LAST NIGHT THE UGA VS USC GAME WAS ON ESPNU. THE USC D-LINE WAS DOMINATING THE UGA O-LINE. I THINK UGA LOSES 2 STARTERS OFF THAT LINE. U STOP MORENO U STOP UGA. STAFFORD DOESN'T HAVE THE RECIEVERS TO BEAT YOU PASSING IMO. THEIR D-FENSE SHOULD BE PRETTY GOOD THOUGH. IF OUR OFFENSE CAN CLICK WE SHOULD BE A PRETTY BALANCED TEAM.

Posted by Volchaz on July 25, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think UGa can escape their brutal schedule either.

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 25, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad I'm not the onyl one falling for the Georia hype-fest this year.

It's not too, too far-fetched to say they coudl end September 2-3. I just don't see how they do any better than 9-3.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

i am getting more worried about the georgia game for florida. can't be so focused on revenge that you forget the most important thing is to win the football game. meyer has a master's degree in psychology, so i assume the he will have their heads on straight.

but, you get revenge by winning the game. not coming up with your own unsportsmanlike celebratory move.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 25, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really don't want to see UGA lose any non-conference games, just hope they lose to us and enough SEC teams to put us back in the SECCG. If the Dawgs manage to lose to the Chippawas, I'll slap the sh_t out of every Georgia fan I know. On the other hand, I'd love to see UF fall flat on their face!

Posted by smokey90 on July 25, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone know anything about Keenan Graham? Is he very interested in UT?

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 25, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator - you better be worried about the Vols. Fulmer is going to unload a can of whip arse.

Posted by spvol on July 25, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can only surmise that Tennessee's two first-place votes were from those "homers" Grif and Adams.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please .. no 2 way or 3 way tie this year in the East. Tennesse beats FL and Ga..
After the last 2 years ( especially the heartbreaker in K-town), we got to smash those gaytors.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

better beat florida this year.....

or you're staring at 5 straight in gainesville next year.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GOSHDARN, I'm just not falling for it either. That win over the gators last year did a lot for them. Not only for their own confidence but the media loves UF so much that when UGA beat them everyone was all of a suuden on the UGA bandwagon. If not for a fumble by Vandy they (UGA) would have lost that game. The UT vs UGA game was no where near as close as the score indicated and our defense was pretty pour last year.

Posted by huntined on July 25, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Fla. and read a lot on this team.. Hey guys they are loaded.. Will have running backs and SPEED...Now Ga didn't lose much last year and at the end of the year they were strong..So for us to be placed third with new off. cord. and Q.B looks about right to me.. Now I am a VOL FAN thru and thru but,, We just did scoot thru last year.. remember S.C..AND..Ken..O.T. AND CLOSE..
I think we were picked 4th last year and got some breaks,,Let's just wait and see what all the teams have..

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

smokey90, i to am interested in this Keenan Graham. 4* DE. Where is savageO?

Posted by huntined on July 25, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ga lost to S.C. and TENN last year..Fla beat both of those teams bad...Fla lost to AUB..L.S.U AND GA..But in the S.E.C any team can beat you...KEN beat L.S.U SO IT ALL COMES DOWN TO WHO IS READY TO PLAY..If GA and FLA make it to their game undefeated and they could.. I would love to be at that game..

Posted by orangeblood on July 25, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder which media member picked ut to win it all....and who the HELL picked Ole Miss?? hahaha, is Archie in the media panel now? Or wait....was it lou holtz?? He always picks the upset...lol

Posted by chrisw2967 on July 25, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think being picked 3rd is lucky cause we really dont know what kind of off. were even going to have I know I see posts saying were going to have an awesome off. and I hope we do but it remains to be seen and once its unvailed and it will be against fla , then we will know if we have an off. or not

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 25, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is everybody on the Gamecock jock? I know they'll have a really good defense, but correct me if I'm wrong when I say that their offensive line sucks, their QB sucks, and they've only got one receiver that's any good. Also, their starting running back from last year is gone. How are they going to score enough points on a consistant basis to win many ball games?

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Huntined, I too live in Fla which sucks by the way. I would rather be at our house up in the Cumberland Plateau. Anyway, i think us being picked 3rd is spot on. New OC (which i think will be an upgrade), new QB (which i also think is an upgrade) learning a new system. I do not understand how Auburn can garner the #7 ranking when they have the same issues we have on top of a new DC also. Go figure. We did come on at the end of last year though. Remeber SC beat UGA & KY beat LSU. We had LSU on the ropes and if not for Ainge making those 2 poor decisions (I was there & saw it first hand) we could have sorry should have won that game.

Posted by waterskier3 on July 25, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we'll be number 2 in the east and ga 3... ga will never make it thru that schedule and we'll have 2 or 3 sec losses... auburn, fla, ga or ala take your pick... the vols will be doing good if they split those 4. all the other games they should win just because they are the vols....

so we'll be 2nd in the east and get a little better bowl than last year... and then it'll really be WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR"""""

just to many issue that haven't been fixed.. getting better but still not championship caliber.. yet

Go Vols!!!!

Posted by GatorHater326 on July 25, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A comment made earlier ... you stop Moreno you stop Georgia... if we focus all on Moreno and force Stafford to throw ... look who he has to get his receivers past ... the "Goon Squad" by the 2nd quarter they'll be running off route to avoid the over the middle hits

GO VOLS!!

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think people are putting a lot of stock into two games - Florida and Hawaii.

Given the SEC landscape last year and looking at it 9 months later, the game against Florida makes perfect sense - or as much as could be expected in the SEC last year.

Hawaii? C'mon. The only teams in the SEC I would not have flat out guaranteed would have beaten them were Vandy and Ole Miss, and I'd given Vandy a 85% chance.

I just think there is a better than average chance there is going to be some sad UGA fans this fall.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gatorhater326, amen brother! Goonsquad 2008!

Posted by TommyJack on July 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99, 2:12: Thanks. I'm sure no one here had considered that.

Posted by BornNBredAVol on July 25, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

38 days, 5 hours, and 10 minutes till UCLA (all my times are according to UTsports.com)

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tj

@2:47

lord, i apologize.....

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

huntined,

UGA lost two SR OL's that will be replaced by underclassmen and maybe even a true Fr. They lost Bailey (top WR). Brown and Lumpkin are gone- between them they led UGA in rushing for the 3 yrs preceeding last year. They'll be replaced by two guys who have never had an SEC carry. They lost Mikey Henderson a great return guy and O back up.

The D should be solid talent wise but they did lose: Miller a versatile LB/DE type, two starting DB's, and Marcus Howard (sack leader).

The biggest thing to me is that they will be less experienced and probably worse on the OL... and they simply don't have a proven WR on the team.

Massaquoi is getting all kinds of preseason love but the guy has dropped passes his whole career and has never had more than 505 yds or 38 catches in a season. UT had three guys better than that last year. MSU returns a WR with better numbers than Massquoi had last year as does every other SEC team except Ark if I'm not mistaken.

If the two teams could be swapped in tact, UT fans would be loudly proclaiming doom... young OL, no RB depth, no WR's, QB with a history of not coming up big in big games, D and DC with a history of not coming up big in big games....

Posted by stevefrommemphis on July 25, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I apologize for the off-thread comment, but in response to something posted yesterday....

Workinlikeheck,
You've called me a liar and a loser, so I guess I'll have to disclose my tenative running schedule for the fall.
Aug 31: (if I go to UCLA, still undecided) Nike World 10K at Los Angeles Coliseum
Sept 11: (if Georgia game is night game) Joe Johnson 10K - qualifier for Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta next July 4
Sept 18: (if Miss State game starts at 3:30 or later) Signal Mountain Road Race

Come run with me. See if you can outrun an old man.

You made a bad assumption when you assumed I show up in Knoxville the day before the game. I usually arrive 2 to 3 hours before kickoff and leave immediately afterwards. I have places to go and things to do.

The rest of you writers: I don't care what you do in the student section. Stand up, sit down, curse.... But when you come over to the west side, you're supposed to act like adults and be considerate of other fans. Some day you may be 80 years old and crippled like some west stand fans, and you won't like it when some kid stands up constantly and blocks your view.

I dare say that I have seen more games in person than have been played during the lifetimes of most of you standers. I can tell you that even the students sat down and watched the game as recently as the 1980s, and they had just as much spirit as you claim to have now. The standing phenomenon did not really catch on until the ESPN-ification of the event - the panning of the crowd by the TV cameras giving face-painted idiots their one second of glory.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the only way we are going to beat UF is if our D-line can get consistent pressure on tebow. Look at the games UF lost last year. LSU, UGA, Auburn, & Michigan all got into the backfield and got pressure on tebow. Although i think if tebow had not been injured in the UGA game it would have been different. We weren't able to get a whole lot of pressure on anybody last year so that is concerning. Mayo is a BIG loss.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator is right about another thing. This needs to be UT's year unless UF has a mass exodus to the draft.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jmbigorange, that's the key to the spread option in general. Your inside guys have to disrupt that operating bubble in the backfield between the tackles. Even forcing the rollout is a big advantage since it hurts the misdirection possibilities and halves the field for passing.

It is even better if you can get inside pressure and contain/pressure from your DE's off the corner.

Posted by TommyJack on July 25, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stevefrommemphis: Some good points.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, good points. always enjoy your posts.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

harvin and spikes are gone.

cunningham (don't know what his draft stock would be) and tebow are in the don't know category.

most everyone else is either too young still to be draft eligible or is not coveted by the nfl.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, hopefully the secondary is worthy of the hype and can allow chavis to send in some blitz packages.

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 25, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Steve -

If I am 80 and crippled, I can promise you that I won't be attending UT games. If it's that much angst on you to come, I suggest you go the same.

Only at UT do we have fans complain because people get into the games.

99 - How would this discussion go over in Gainesville?

Posted by volwalk on July 25, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe we were predicted 3rd last year as well. Vols 3rd in July and 1st in December. Gayturds 1st in July and 3rd in December. No matter what the media says we are still 1st in the east until FL, GA, KY, SC or Vandy proves to be man enough on the field to knock us off the top.
GO VOLS

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

goshdarngoodfootballplayer

the attitude down here is "line 'em up and bring 'em on"

people are extremely confident. the reasonable ones (i like to think i am) would like to see something from the defensive side of the ball before really getting excited.

but, most people believe the offense is so good that the defense just needs to make the leap from bad to average to have an outstanding year.

florida would be my pick to win the league (what a shock) but, i do not have the same confidence heading into the season that i did for some of the years while spurrier was at florida.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jm, that will be fine for everyone else... but against UF, UT MUST get pressure from the four down DL's. I think UT's secondary will be outstanding but you can't put them in man2man all day against UF.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, 3:15. nice to see not all the gator fans are delusional. I have a gator buddy taking me to the hawaii game this year. I'm looking forward to it because i have never been to a game at the swamp. I've been to Doak Campbell and it did not impress me. Neyland stadium is the holy grail for me but looking forward to catching a game in the swamp.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 3:21, agreed. Having Berry & morley back there has got to give some confidence to the front four. Just hope we don't suffer any injuries.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jmbigorange

hope you have fun.

the swamp will not exactly be the same as when tenn or fsu come to town. so, it may not be as impressive to you when you go to the hawaii game.

Posted by b_neas on July 25, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stafford at second team QB makes me laugh so hard i cry. No doubt kid has a laser for an arm, but accuracy and touch are terrible.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stevefrommemphis, by the time the games get here, your "marathons" (now only 10ks) will be down to 1 mile fun runs. LOL!!!!!! So, you arrive 2 to 3 hours before a game, run a marathon at some point that day and then go to the game and sit on your hands? PS, my assumption was based on you running marathons the day of games and then going to the games. This is what you claimed to do and that's why you sit on your hands because you are tired and expect everyone else to sit down.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99GATOR, I realize the gameday atmosphere would be a little different if it were ut, aub, or fsu. My love for the vols runs deep but i am a college football fan first & foremost. I would love to catch a game at a lot of various stadiums even if the vols aren't playing. Now i will be able to cross the Swamp of that list.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

b_neas, Stafford is 2nd by default. The other returning starters are the kid @ MSU, JP Wilson, and Casey Dick...

Aub, USC, LSU, Ole Miss, UT, and UK all have new starters.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 25, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrimm1998 & 99gator, What is you guys thoughts on the miami game this year? My gator buddy seems to think that game could be tougher than what most people think. Especially if marve is as good as advertised.

Posted by HotlantaVol on July 25, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99 - If you had asked me this time last year whether Tebow would leave a year early for the draft, I would have said "No way". All four years and then I would have picked him to get drafted like Matt Jones (as a slot receiver or a safety, not as a coke-head). But after seeing him last year, I think he could play QB in the league. He has arm-strength, accuracy and touch as a passer coupled with good decisions and intelligence. So he now has shown the potential for early draft.

That being said, however, I think he stays all four just from a moral/education standpoint. He has his ducks in a row much more so than just about any other potential 1st rounder and will want to make sure he is ready on a personal level not just on a football level.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on July 25, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin,
Here's a link to the results of one I ran in Kingsport on the morning of the Air Force game 2006...See finisher #191
http://www.eastmanroadrace.com/RaceRe...

I don't complain about people standing because I'm tired. In fact, I (or anybody else in reasonably good shape) could probably run a race in the morning, then go to the game, then outrun the standers in another 10K after the game. I complain because standing and blocking the view of others is boorish and inconsiderate and not the type of behavior my parents (and the parents of others raised in the 1960s and 1970s) tolerated.

Posted by HotlantaVol on July 25, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unless, that is, he graduates in three years and can justify leaving early by leaving with a degree, but I would guess he wouldn't graduate quite early enough since he spends all summer on mission trips and doing speaking engagements rather than in the classroom.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tebow will most likely graduate early from what I've heard. I believe he did the missions work during breaks and attended both summer sessions this year.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stevefromemphis...wow, you can run. It still doesn't change the fact that you claimed to run marathons the morning of gamedays. Now, they all of sudden are 10ks. It's quite cute that you've used this as a forum to try and legitimize your hobby of running and challenging me to race you. Is this where I challenge you to a bench press competition, a 100 meter dash, a 100m swim, 1 on 1 basketball, armwrestling?

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim said: "miami fans are not looking forward to this year. What does that tell you?"

Well... it tells me they've looked at their own depth chart. There are 4 true Fr projected to start on O plus a RS Fr... along with 5 Sophs and a Jr. Some of their positions on Rivals are listed as only one deep because they'll be rounded out by Fr who haven't arrived yet.

On D, as many as 9 in their two deep will be Freshmen... only one Sr.

They will be extremely athletic but extremely young.

No need to act like UF scaring the U is really very impressive this year... it isn't.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 25, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Only thing that suprises me is Auburn getting the nod over LSU in the West. I know LSU is replacing the QB but they are still loaded. It looks like the love fest may be over before it ever really got started.

Under the radar appears to be the rally cry for the Vols this year. I don't care what it takes to motivate them, just show up ready to play.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Tebow is going to stay for his senior season. So, what you heard is wrong."

Just keep telling yourself that...

If UF wins the NC, count on it- he's gone. If UF doesn't and he gets abused... which is really IMO the only way they don't win the SEC... he'll have to consider getting paid before he's seriously injured.

Posted by BSweet on July 25, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tebow seems the to have the type of character that he would stay until he graduated. I can definately see him staying all 4 years but if he graduates early, I could see him leaving early as well. I don't know Mr. Tebow personally, but he seems like someone who truly values his education. Once that diploma is in hand, I think it's just a coin toss as to what he does. If he did graduate early, and leave early, it just gives him a much larger platform for his missionary work. Timmy's a gator, so I don't much like him, but I sure do respect the heck out of him. And besides, once he leaves UF, my feelings may change as they have for other former gators like Emmitt Smith and Jevon Kearse. Hope the Freak returns to form this year. That would be awesome for the Titans!

Posted by DennisVols on July 25, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Those who can play the game get on the field, those who can't write news reports about it.
What a group of SEC or sports reporters thinks won't buy you a cup of coffee at Waffel House.
As always it will be decided on the field and these predictions have been wrong every year for the last several years. In '98 we were picked 3rd so things are looking good for a championship year.
Go Vols!!!!

Posted by TommyJack on July 25, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

StevefromMemphis: Why don't you and workin just pull out a ruler and settle this thing. Good Grief.

Posted by sjt18 on July 25, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep telling yourself that mcbrim... It will only hurt worse when he breaks your heart.

Posted by dvols on July 25, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

is it happy hour yet?

Posted by IPOrange on July 25, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim - what if he graduates in 3 years?

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

harvin and spikes are gone.

tebow is set to graduate in december which may change everything about him coming back.

i really don't know. would not be surprised either way.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on July 25, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin,
I have never said on here that I have ever run a marathon on a game day, and you cannot prove otherwise. You called me a liar and a loser, and I proved you wrong. Now I am not going to waste any more of my valuable time on you.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for the poster who asked....

miami has an awful lot of problems. the topic of discussion down here it who is worse miami or florida state and who will get back to prominence first.

but, no one debates that they both have a long, long, long way to go.

Posted by BSweet on July 25, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's the problem with those smart boys! Sometimes they go and graduate early! Almost makes you wish he would cut loose and party a little more, eh gator fans? And yes McBrim, I'm joking. I do appreciate Mr. Tebow's fine character. But that fine character may(and I say may) bite both ways if he does graduate early.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 25, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

steevefrommemphis, we can all see how valuable your time is by running and posting comments in this board. What seats are your in? I'd love to get in the row in front of you and stand. I love it when people yell at me to sit down.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim

harvin 50/50?

are you serious?

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just because it a pet pieve (sp?) of mine....

leaving school early to go make millions of dollars says absolutely nothing about someone's character.

no one is a good or bad human being, because they choose to enter a profession and start working as opposed to continuing to end school.

sorry, off the soap box now.

Posted by dvols on July 25, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

down in front!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i cant see the band!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by BSweet on July 25, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99-I take it Harvin isn't as studious as Tebow? You think he's pretty much a lock to go? Barring any injury that is.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 25, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

down in front!!!!!! i cant see the field!!!!!!

Posted by TommyJack on July 25, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

peeve. tough one.

Posted by vtvol on July 25, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd like to know who the two writers were that gave Tennessee their two first place votes. What do THEY know that the others don't?

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tj

extremely tough. those 5 letter words will get you ever time.

bsweer

it's not academics....it's money. yes, he and spikes are good as gone.

Posted by marc_ash on July 25, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think it will matter one way or the other for FL if the Vols beat them. UF has never suffered if they lose to the Vols because it occurs so early in the year. The only other team that would stand in the way of keeping them from the east crown would be GA...who has been UF's whipping boy for the past 20 years with a few exceptions.

I think if UF loses to UT, they will be in a position to win out if they can get past UGA (which I stongly feel they will). I think UT will have a very hard time beating UGA in Athens this year and there are other games on a tough schedule that will greatly be in question (Auburn and SC...don't sleep on SC folks). UGA I think will be out of the mix with at least 3 losses on that brutal schedule.

I agree with SJT though...if they can run the table or even come out with 1 loss...hand UGA the trophy and don't even make them play in the NC game.

Posted by BSweet on July 25, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99- If the charcter issue was directed at me, maybe I worded what I was trying to say wrong. I wasn't saying athletes of bad character leave early. I only meant that some go to college just until they can go pro while others want to go pro but want the education just as badly. It seems that Tebow's character is to want both. That doesn't make him of higher moral character than any of his fellow athletes, just of different character. I'm sorry if you thought I was trying to disparage those who leave early. I wasn't. If I had the oppurtunity to make millions doing something I love, I can't say I wouldn't take it. But I think Timmy values both oppurtunities just as much. But that is only observation of his actions. Like I said, I don't know the guy personally.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bsweet.

i was just making a general statement. too many people associate a kid being good with staying in school.

for instance.....joakim noah, corey brewer, al horford....good.

mareese speights......bad.

good or bad has nothing to do with the choice to leave for the draft or stay in school

Posted by VolFanInAtl on July 25, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder how these projections would have gone if Cut were still here. Without the unknown aspect of a new OC I feel like TN matches up pretty well with FL or GA.

Foster for Hiesman!

Posted by BSweet on July 25, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While we're talking about Harvin... I know he is as fast as the legendary "spotted ape", but do you think he will make the conversion to a good pro WR? I think, because of his size, we may be looking at the league's next Devin(sp?) Hester. Great return man, but maybe not spectacular receiver.

Posted by 99gator on July 25, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bsweet

i could tell you a story....but, will just say hester's problem is between his ears. don't need brain cells to return kicks.

i actually think the answer to your question is no. i think harvin is a better rb than receiver and he is not playing rb in the nfl.

Posted by BSweet on July 25, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well it's Friday night! Time to go a'drinkin'. Anybody know where I can get some of that Grey Goose orange kool-aid I've been hearing about? lol Just in case I'm back on here later tonight, I apologize in advance for any incoherance. Bye all.

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 25, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99 -

Do tell. Sounds interesting!

Posted by ctownvol on July 25, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin- Challenge him in rock, paper, scissors. Best 2 out of 3. Winner gets Dupree.

Posted by BigMix on July 25, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing like a good player that loves his School. We've been blessed with plenty.

Posted by supersmo18 on July 25, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

who cares about all this? tennessee thrives in the "traditional" 3rd place SEC east predictions. we'll just allow FL/GA to beat one another then lose to two other teams like always, and we'll win tiebreakers again to make it to the SEC championship.

Posted by pdhuff on July 25, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ikid 4:42 - good insight- LSU is loaded with a green QB. Miles is a riverboat gambler who does fairly well at 34-6.

I think they wil roll thru the West. I think Ga will be a force in the East. We shall soon see.

Make a note of my prediction - under 350 yds for UCLA- we'll be ok. Over 350, bring the Grey Goose Koolade. We simply cannot have a 2-9 sieve.

The adventures of punting!!!

Hope springs eternal....

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 25, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two words:
Eric Berry..
Well, maybe 4
Jonathan Crompton

Go Vols!!!!!!!!

Posted by BigOrange_supporter on July 25, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets get past UCLA first!

Posted by steve22043 on July 25, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm optimistic. A little worried about Chow's involvement in our first game. My observation about last year that appears may be the same this year is I've never seen an offensive line that was so good at pass protection but was so inept at run blocking. That's not us--we throw a little but not run and gun--Fulmer's always stressed "pound the rock", and Ainge wasn't that good a thrower anyway. We've got some good running backs--teach the OL to run block.

Posted by dvols on July 25, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i just heard tim tebow was in a car wreck and shattered his collar bone?? anybody else hear this??

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 25, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dupree said he wants in on that rock paper scissors action. He said he was the Halls Elementary 3rd Grade Champion.

Posted by marc_ash on July 25, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://tennessee.scout.com/a.z?s=7&am...

Posted by IPOrange on July 25, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General - Dupree was also hall monitor of the week once. He's a fine citizen.

dvols - it's probably all crap.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 25, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IP - Of course Dupree was 18 years old and and 6 ft. tall in the 3rd grade

Posted by marc_ash on July 25, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://tennessee.scout.com/a.z?s=7&am...

Posted by marc_ash on July 25, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dvols,

what was your source?

Posted by gator4life on July 25, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

quick, somebody get a ventilator for us Gator fans.... if ur gonna throw that out there dvols, u gotta bring more to the table!!!!

Posted by wheatbarley on July 25, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The ice cream man, he's a hillbilly fan, got 78's by Hank Snow. The Vols will take some teams by surprise with coach Clawson at the helm. And the wino and I know...

Posted by BillVol on July 26, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's say we do finish 3rd in the SEC East. I wonder how that translates to our season record, both in the SEC and overall?

Posted by Joe2724 on July 26, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Crompton is so great, and going to lead UT to a SEC crown, how come he didn't overcome Ainge last year?

Posted by invisiblekid on July 26, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PDHuff, agree on the 350 yards against UCLA unless it is a blowout(not likely) and they rack up some garbage time yards.

Joe2724, a reasonable question. Only the Guru at Duke could give an insightful answer. Not sure who is predicting the Vols to walk away with the SEC though. Article reports that the Vols are expected to finish third and most on here seem to be looking at the season with cautious optimism.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 26, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

K-Town
In case you missed it. Deadline is today (noon) to vote for Title Town USA on espn.
The Rocky Top video is great!!
Go KNOXVILLE!!!

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 26, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ooops! Sorry.. Sunday is the deadline.

Posted by pdhuff on July 26, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm pretty sure Dupree voted for Tenn and I suspect Whitelightning from Wisconsin (stole glazed do-nut truck and had wild police chase pre-bowl 2007) was the other.

Ikid, 350yds, period. That will show a lack of "coaching 'em up". We go to battle with the same 11th ranked "D" up front.

Posted by IPOrange on July 26, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Joe2724 - numerous Vols fans have pondered that one for the past year. Loyalty seems to be the predominant theory.

Posted by TommyJack on July 26, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Joe2724: Cutcliff's most egregious mistake. Unforgivable IMO.

Posted by pdhuff on July 26, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, the giant shadow over Cut's shoulder has a pecking order that only a rare few (Berry-Washington etc) can ever get out of line. Jamal Lewis could not start.

You simply must do your time as noted in the "charts" and STAY THE COURSE!

We must continue to pray for gnat's to eat lots of cabbage.

Posted by bigfan502 on July 26, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know there is praise for Crompton from most fans...one thing worries me....does anyone care to guess why he wasn't inserted in the games last year..which i think were just a few times. Some say he can be mobile, tuck the ball and run if the opportunity presents itself..is that true?The Vols in my opinion, should always have a double threat at QB..now in the last years..two of our QBs stood there in place as if they were stuck in concrete..when the opposing defenses came near the QB threw interceptions as a result of panic...it seems. A QB who can scramble and a real threat to run it appears to me can many times can to a great degree devastate a defense. Can someone assure me that Crompton can be a real double threat..to pass or run..is he quick enough to take it to the house when is open..now this only really effective when a Qb is able to make a split second decision and not become predictable..the last Vol QB to do that was Tee Martin who had the instict to run or pass at the right moment...A scrambling QB can in most cases render the opposing linebackers as ineffective. Will Cromton fill the bill?

Posted by bigfan502 on July 26, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A double threat QB can also serve another outstanding purpose by making the opposing defenses scramble around..thus on a hot day can basically tire them out..its the anticipation of what the Vol QB will do that could create havoc on opposing defenses, not really what option he may choose.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 26, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rogers commits to the Vols.

Posted by TommyJack on July 26, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

True, PD. Got to hope for the gnat's azz to be pointing the right way, too. We had some excellent windage last year.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on July 26, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Guys- I'm a little confused about the pre-seaoson rankings. Where is Tn? and how did FL get ranked above Ga. in the Sec? I thought Ga was ranked 1st or 2nd nationally.

Posted by Madkels on July 28, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Picking us 3rd is about right. We have UGA in Athens(they want revenge) and we seem to struggle with UF. If the media had more confidence in Fulmer's ability to win big games, we might be picked higher. It seems we have that mental roadblock UGA had against UF until last year. We need to play loose and forget the past. We have to turn around the UF demon and win at home. If we can, it will be a huge confidence booster just like UGA got when they whipped the Gators!

I'd also love to see us upset Auburn as we use to when they were ranked 1 or 2 nationally. Remember those days?