ESPN's "Bottom 10" forecast for 2009 included SEC underdog Tennessee among such schools as Washington (0-12), SMU (1-11), and North Texas (1-11).  Let's remember that while TN didn't have the best season last year, they did finish 5-7.  So why the bottom 10?

Tennessee is the only school to win more than three games in the bottom 10 list, and while I think they will have a tough season, they are certainly not one of the 10 worst teams in college football this year.  TN, while still floundering for a QB, has a top recruiting class and numerous solid players returning this season, including Eric Berry who is arguably the best defensive (perhaps all-around) player in college football. 

Tennessee, Lane Kiffin to be exact, is making people mad, and the negative buzz generated by Kiffin's controversial remarks is being reflected in some rankings.  Putting Tennessee in the 30s and 40s is reasonable, but putting them in the 50s, 60s, or bottom 10 is absurd.  Emotions are getting in the way of these rankings.  Duffy even states that Kiffin's remarks in the off season landed the Vols on the list.

I hope Tennessee pulls it out and proves everyone wrong with at least eight or nine wins this season, but I doubt they will fall below last year's 5.  I would like to see more honest evaluation of Tennessee's upcoming season, without all of the whining about Kiffin's behavior.