Breaking Down Tennessee's Schedule

On September 5th, Western Kentucky visits Neyland Stadium as one of the lowest rated teams in the NCAA. This will be a huge game for the Vols as Kiffin debuts in Knoxville. In this game look to the match up of the Hilltoppers offensive line against the new defensive front of Tennessee. The Vols will have to break in new ends Ben Martin and Chris Walker. If they can wreak havoc on the Toppers quarterback, then the Volunteer faithful will rest easier at night.

The following week the UCLA Bruins will try and prove that last year’s win was not a fluke. This year look for quarterback Jonathan Crompton to show out against the 7 returning Bruin defensive starters. The Bruins return cornerback Alterraun Verner and free safety Rahim Moore.

The biggest test for the new coaching staff will be on September 19th when they travel to Ben Hill Stadium to face the Florida Gators. The best match up for the Vols is Defensive Coordinator, Monte Kiffin against Florida Head Coach, Urban Meyer. The offensive guru of the SEC against the father of the Cover 2 defense, who figure out who will win the game.

After the hostile environment in the Swamp the Vols welcome the Ohio Bobcats to Neyland. Looking forward the Vols defense will have to be prepared for a strong passing attack by the Bobcats. Cornerbacks Dennis Rogan and Brent Vinson will have to lock down the receivers of Boo Jackson will have a career day in Neyland.

October 3rd the Vols try and avenge last year’s loss to the Auburn Tigers. The best match up for the Vols will be Tigers defensive end Antonio Coleman against Chris Scott (left tackle). If Scott can contain Coleman, the Vols offense will have time to operate against the Tigers stingy defense.

After facing the stingy defense of the Tigers, the Vols will face the tough Georgia Bulldogs. The best match up for the Vols will be the possible 107,000 fans in Neyland Stadium against Bulldog quarterback, Joe Cox. If the Vol Nation can get in the head of the inexperienced leader of the Dawgs, the Vols can increase their chances of winning.

The Vols get a much needed off week the week of the 17th and they must take advantage of the rest. If they can take the week and get everyone back to 100% then the rest of the season will be easier.

October 24th the Vols travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the 3rd Saturday in October. This year’s match up will feature one of the best defensive linemen in the nation in Terrence Cody. It will be up to Center Josh McNeil and guards Jacques McClendon and Vladimir Richard to establish the line of scrimmage.

October 31st the Vols will host the South Carolina Gamecocks. This year will prove one of two things right: either Steve Spurrier has UT’s number or he had Phillip Fulmer’s number. So the key matchup is which Head Coach can manage the game better Spurrier or Lane Kiffin?

The Tigers have to replace 4 of 5 offensive line starters and this will allow defensive tackle Dan Williams to destroy the Tigers hopes of pulling a repeat of the 1996 upset.

In Oxford The Vols will have to beat the best overall quaterback in the SEC. This will be an great game of chess between Jevan Snead of Ole Miss and Eric Berry on defense for Tennessee.

This game is dangerous for the Vols. If Vandy has a shot at going back to a bowl game look for the Commodores to be ready to invade Neyland Stadium. This is also a swing game to possibly make either team bowl elidigible. Look for The Vols to attack the poor quarterback play of Vandy.

Randall Cobb. The Alcoa native looks to make UT pay for passing on him a year ago. Can the Vols stop the attack of Cobb from every point on the field. If the Vols can stop Cobb, then the Wildcats have little shot at ending the 26 year losing streak .

This is what Lane Kiffin and Company must do to win this season. Let me know what you think. Thank you and have a good day.