2008 SEC Outlook: Tebow's Gators poised for another championship run

The Tennessee Volunteers are coming off of a somewhat surprising 10-win season that included an unexpected trip to the SEC Championship Game.  UT returns 14 starters, but loses leadership and production on both sides of the ball in quarterback Erik Ainge and linebacker Jerod Mayo.  Defensive coordinator John Chavis is excited about his 2008 unit; in particular, freshman all-american Eric Berry and junior Demetrice Morley could very easily develop into the best safety combo in the nation.  Also, junior linebacker Rico McCoy has the talent to be an All-SEC first teamer after recording 106 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in 2007.  However, the Vols are unproven up front and must develop on the defensive line if they want to defend their East division title.  Lack of a consistent pass rush has been a major issue for the Vols in recent years.  Defensive linemen Demonte Bolden, Dan Williams and sophomore Ben Martin must rise to the occasion for the Big Orange.  Despite questions on defense, the most intriguing questions surrounding the 2008 Vols revolve around new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson, the former head coach at the University of Richmond.  Tennessee returns proven talent on offense, and will surely rely on senior running back Arian Foster, who needs only 685 yards to become UT's all-time leading rusher.  Junior quarterback Jonathan Cromptom performed well in the spring scrimmage, answering looming questions about the quarterback position.  Despite winning the SEC East in 2007, the Vols are only three years removed from a 5-6 record and they have not won an SEC title since 1998, with no BCS appearance since 1999.  Clearly, this is a critical season for head coach Phillip Fulmer.  As usual, the Vols have a very challenging schedule - that said, road trips to Auburn and Georgia may be enough to knock the Vols out of the SEC East race.

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