SEC Previews: Phillip Fulmer Tries to Prove Doubters Wrong at Tennessee...Again
SEC East No. 3: Tennessee Volunteers
2007 Results and Offseason
The Vols and coach Phillip Fulmer were not expected to compete for the East Division Title, especially after a 39-point loss at Florida. But UT went on a 6-1 streak in the SEC to clinch a berth in Atlanta for the second time in four years. The Vols brought in a small and somewhat disappointing recruiting class in the offseason and lost offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.
2007 Record: 10-4 (6-3)
Ret. Lettermen: 47
Offense (8 RS 21 RL)
Erik Ainge is gone to the NFL, leaving the starting quarterback job to Jonathan Crompton. Crompton had his most extensive action against Arkansas last season. The junior was a highly rated passer out of high school. Running back Arian Foster should leave Tennessee as its all-time leading rusher coming off a 1,193-yard season last year. He is joined by Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer in the backfield. UT has three very capable tailbacks. Tennessee will arguably have the best o-line in the SEC with four returning starters who all have shots at All-SEC teams. Left guard Anthony Paker was second-team AA last season. The Vols return their top-four pass-catchers, including leader Lucas Taylor (1,000 yards, 73 rec).
Defense (6 RS 22 RL)
UT had an off-year on defense, finishing last in pass defense in SEC play. The biggest loss will be linebacker Jerod Mayo, whom the Patriots made their first pick in the NFL draft. Rico McCoy will assume the leadership role at the position and will be joined by two new starters in the linebacker corps. Two starters must be replaced up front, but returning is senior Robert Ayers, who made eight tackles for a loss last season, and Dan Williams, with 40 tackles at defensive tackle. The future of the secondary looks bright with strong safety Eric Berry. Berry had five interceptions in his true freshman season to lead the Vols. Brett Vinson is the best cornerback on the team, and the Vols expect Demetrice Morley back, as well.
The Vols return both specialists after the first five games of the year. Punter Britton Colquitt is suspended for the first five. Jonathan Hefney and LaMarcus Coker are gone as kick returners, so expect to see Dennis Rogan handling both duties.
Schedule
Non-conference matchups include: @UCLA, vs. UAB, vs. N. Illinois, and vs. Wyoming. From the West, they tackle: vs. Alabama, vs. Miss. St., and @Auburn. After a bye on Sept. 6, the Vols play eight straight. UT holds the longest winning streak in the nation over Kentucky, at 23 games.
Tennessee is the Rodney Dangerfield of the SEC. They had a blip on the radar a few years ago, missing out on a bowl, but they continually compete for East title when no one expects them to. I do think Florida and Georgia are a head above this year, but don't count UT out if a big-time player goes down for UF or UGA.
Likely Wins: vs. UAB, vs. N. Illinois, vs. Wyoming, vs. Vanderbuilt
Likely Loss: @Auburn
Likely Record: 9-3 (5-3)
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