Bleacher Report - Articles by John Johnson

A Look at The 2009 Tennesee Volunteer Football Season

John Johnson — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:55:50 -0400

With two-a-days and training camp merely a couple weeks away, the Tennessee Volunteers look to put an offseason of tremendous turnover and controversy behind them.

The Vol’s offseason, which began under new leadership for the first time in over 17 years in the likes of former Oakland Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin, found themselves in the national spotlight again. In many ways the spotlight was unwanted by many Tennessee followers. It included several recruiting violations, although none were major, the Alshon Jeffery recruiting situation in which Kiffin was accused of telling the kid he would be pumping gas if he did not come to Tennessee, and the constant war of words between Kiffin and, seemingly, every SEC coach that wanted to take a swipe back at him. The constant bickering between coaching staffs seems to have added fuel to what was already intense SEC football games.

With Rocky Top buzzing and the Vols firmly situated as front-line news in the college football world, Coach Kiffin had seemingly achieved one of his main goals: He made the Tennessee football program relavant again. For Kiffin, his biggest question and, more importantly, his biggest task was, and still is, how to keep the Vols in the primetime.

What, seemingly, gets lost amongst all the negativity that swirled around Lane Kiffin and the Volunteer program is that Kiffin was able to sign a top-15 recruiting class for the 2009 season during a coaching change. This is no small feat and should not be over-looked. Most coaches had over a full year to recruit players, but Kiffin had less than six months to sign his new Volunteers.

Kiffin was able to sign the No. 1 high school running back in the nation in Bryce Brown out of Wichita, Ka. Brown, who looked to be a possible replacement for graduating senior Arian Foster, may play an even more significant role this upcoming season due to the loss of tail backs Lennon Creer, who transferred, and a season-ending injury to the talented freshman Toney Williams, who suffered an ACL tear.

Kiffin was also able to recruit the highly sought-after high school wide receiver Nu’Keese Richardson out of Pahokee, Flo.

Richardson and other incoming freshman receivers like Zach Rogers, brother of senior wide out Austin Rogers, and Marsalis Teague were expected to play significant roles in the upcoming season as the program looked to replace three of their five leading wide receivers from last season, but, as of early Tuesday morning, the Vols' receiving corps took another significant blow, as their active leader in receptions, the man who picked off 76 balls, Austin Rogers, would be lost for the season with an apparent ACL tear.

The Vols have also lost junior wide receiver Denarius Moore for at least eight to 12 weeks with a broken bone in his left foot. For the Volunteers' passing game to be effective, the younger players will have to step up and accept a more prominent role in the offense. The equalizer of this situation is that since everyone is learning Kiffin’s new offensive system, no one has a distinct advantage. The players who play will come from those who seize the opportunity.

With the skill positions, offensively, relatively stock-piled with young talent, a much-improved offensive line—look for left tackle Aaron Douglas to have a fantastic season this year as he anchors the offensive line—and virtually the entire 2008 defense that was ranked fourth in the country returning, Lane Kiffin and the Tennessee coaching staff have turned their main focus to the position that was of much concern in '08, being the quarterback.

Last season, Jonathan Crompton, then incumbent starter to the graduating senior in Erik Ainge, struggled mightily in Dave Clawson’s offensive system. Clawson was relieved of his duties last season during the coaching turnover in Knoxville. This season, however, Crompton looks to regain the trust and faith back of Vols fans that saw such promise out of the young North Carolina gun-slinger during his earlier days on campus in Knoxville.

Crompton, who has stated that during last season’s debacle he received death threats, seems more determined than ever to hold onto the starting job and lead the Volunteer program back to the promised land. Crompton, who had a tremendous spring ball session and showed great progress and understanding of Kiffin’s offensive system, will still face stiff competition during training camp. In order to retain the starting job, he must show tremendous resolve as young competitors in Nick Stephens, who too had a tremendous spring, will be chomping at the bit to get a chance at starting.

Taking a glance at the Volunteer schedule, one can make the case that the Vols, have a good chance of rebounding from a disappointing 2008 campaign. Eight of the Volunteers 12 games this season will be played at home, highlighted by the early season rematch against the uprising UCLA Bruins. Tennessee looks to avenge last season second half meltdown and overtime 27-24 loss to the Bruins in Pasadena, California.

Tennessee will also face SEC rivals Georgia, Auburn, and South Carolina at home. These highlighted games are earmarked with intrigue because the Vols will face both Auburn and Georgia back-to-back weeks in October before going on the road to play Alabama. Volunteer fans should get a very good indication of what to expect for the ’09 season.

The Volunteers' October 31 match-up against South Carolina initiates the budding rivalry between Lane Kiffin and the “old ball coach” Steve Spurrier. The two coaches have exchanged words through the press during the offseason and now have this match-up bulls eyed on their calendar. The Vols also will be seeking revenge from last year’s no show against the gamecocks in South Carolina.

Though the upcoming season may look promising, by playing a retooling Georgia and a poor offensive Auburn club at home the Vols still face a very difficult road schedule highlighted by their third game of the season against the Florida Gators in the “Swamp” and their October 24 match-up against Alabama. ‘Bama, the defending SEC champs have a bit to prove this season. They are out to prove that last season was not a fluke and that they are going to be a constant within the SEC.

More importantly, the fierce rivalry between the Florida Gators and the Volunteers came to a head this offseason when both programs took verbal shots at one another. Words between Kiffin and University of Florida coach Urban Meyer have added fuel to the blazing rivalry. The two have since exchanged apologizes since their feud, but everyone knows neither has forgotten nor forgiven what has been said.

With the Gators returning former Heisman Trophy champion in Tim Tebow and arguably the best defense in the country, the Vols will face a tremendously difficult task once they step foot in the swamp.

Rounding out the schedule, you could surmise that the Vols have a realistic chance at improving from last season’s disappointment. Factor in that they are returning virtually their entire defense from last season and…well the offense has to be better than last year, there’s no reason not to think the Vol’s can’t contend in the SEC.

Final records of 10-2 and 9-3 are not entirely out of the question. Then again, if the team from last year rears its ugly head, it could be a long season for the Volunteer football program.

If this season is a tumultuous as the offseason, then throw all predictions out of the window, because no one knows what can happen. Knowing Kiffin and his motives, he has the boys believing that they can contend, and that’s surely the only thing that matters.

With most experts counting the Vols out and predicting a season similar to last season, the Vols are primed to be world beaters and take on the “us against the world” mentality. OK, so maybe it’s a little over-used, but in many cases it works. There’s nothing more dangerous than a team that believes and is motivated. So 10-2? Now wouldn’t that be something to sing “Rocky Top” to.

Vols 2009 Schedule

09/05/09	vs. Western Kentucky	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
09/12/09	vs. UCLA	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
09/19/09	at Florida *	Gainesville, Fla.	3:30 p.m. ET
09/26/09	vs. Ohio	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
10/03/09	vs. Auburn *	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
10/10/09	vs. Georgia *	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
10/24/09	at Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Ala.	TBA
10/31/09	vs. South Carolina *	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
11/07/09	vs. Memphis	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
11/14/09	at Mississippi *	Oxford, Miss.	TBA
11/21/09	vs. Vanderbilt *	Knoxville, Tenn.	TBA
11/28/09	at Kentucky

11 Going on 12......Same O's Story, Just a Different Year!

John Johnson — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:03:23 -0500

A once storied franchise has now found its self as one of the laughing stocks of the league.

After 11 straight losing seasons and constant rejection by marquee free agents, the Baltimore Orioles will now encounter just as much hardship at home as they will on the road.

By missing out on the hometown hero in Mark Teixeira, the Orioles are left empty handed and barely afloat as the AL east gets stronger by the minute.

With the fans seething at Owner Peter Angelos, GM Andy McPhail and Mark Teixeira, I began to wonder, “Why can’t the Orioles sign anyone worth a grain of salt?” Aren’t they tired of hearing and bringing in players like the Tim Redding’s and Mark Hendrickson’s of the world?

It’s an interesting question to think about. When Adam Loewen decided to make the switch from pitcher to outfielder, the Orioles bent over backwards to help prolong his career and ease his adjustment.

He was even allowed to remain with the big club and work with “the King of Swing” in hitting coach Terry Crowley. Instead of appreciating the work and the effort the Orioles had put in, Loewen bolted out the door leaving the O’s empty handed at the altar and accepting a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

I would think someone within the organization would have felt disrespected, but then again this wasn’t the first time. In Loewen there was not guarantee he would turn out to be a suffice outfielder but, it’s the principle of the matter.

The Orioles have fallen so far from grace that they can’t even find a home for spring training. While discussing possible contracts with Vero Beach, Fl (former home of the Dodgers) and Sarasota, Fl the Orioles did not exactly receive the most heartwarming of welcomes.

Vero Beach got sick of negotiating and put on a 30 day break in which another team could swoop in, and Sarasota had nothing but nice things to say about the Orioles franchise. (And yes I’m being sarcastic) Sarasota told Baltimore officials that they would be willing to negotiate on higher terms had they been a “premier” franchise like the Red Sox’s. To many this would be an ultimate sign of disrespect, yet the Orioles still hope and plan to do business with them.

For the life of me I don’t understand why the Orioles organization is trying to do. Last year the city had accepted the idea and concept of rebuilding.

People were willing to take the losing and the growing pains that come with the process. And there were some glimmers of hope in outfield prize in Adam Jones and the arrival of catching prospect Matt Wieters and pitchers Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman.

But, this off-season the thought of bringing in Mark Teixeira and closing the gap on being competitive left Oriole fans seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, only to have that light blocked out by Yankee pinstripes.

A city yearning for a winner has again been left wanting more by its inconsistent ownership. The Orioles have the money to spend, it’s not like they are the Minnesota Twins and other small market organizations. Baltimore owns its own network and after years of winning and not spending owner Peter Angelos has stocked with money.

Every year it’s about the “future” and “we’ll be better next year” with the Orioles. Well, when that day arrives someone please wake me up and maybe then I’ll consider spending my hard earned money. Like most fans I’ve had enough with the losing and I can’t stand anymore. Hummm….maybe I’ll drive a little further down ’95 and buy season tickets to the cross town Washington Nationals. Hey, at least it’s a fresh start.

Jason Campbell Leads Washington Redskins' Resurgent Offense

John Johnson — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:34:01 -0500

With a 7-4 start the Washington Redskins find themselves in second place in the tough NFC east and in prime position as the NFL playoffs near. The season for the Redskins began with several questions, including how the Redskins would transition from Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs to the relatively unknown Seattle quarterback coach in Jim Zorn.

And to the surprise of many outsiders, the transition between coaches has been somewhat smooth. Much of this season’s success can be attested to the on and off the field leadership of players like middle linebacker London Fletcher and running back Clinton Portis. But, one factor in the season’s success that tends to be over looked by many has been the stellar play of young quarterback Jason Campbell.

Jason Campbell is entering his fourth season in the NFL and his third as a full-time starter in Washington. Under the leadership of new coach Jim Zorn, Jason in many ways is having his most successful season as a NFL quarterback. A lot of his success can be credited to Zorn’s hand on approach.

Zorn, a former NFL quarterback in his own right is also credited with developing Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during the time he spent in Seattle. This offseason, Zorn implemented an entire new pass game which became Campbell’s eighth offensive system in as many years.

But, while many coaches in the league would have tied the hands of their young quarterback in a new offensive system, (e.g. Al Saunders when he was offensive coordinator for the Redskins in 2006-'07) Jim Zorn allowed for Jason’s growth with trust in his quarterbacks judgment and a rare assortment of drills.

During camp, Campbell could be seen dodging tackling dummies, as well as tennis balls to simulate how to avoid pressure. He would then be asked to deliver the pass to a receiver stationed downfield to simulate a receiver breaking open during a scramble. On many occasions, this drill has paid off in full for the Redskins.

With the development of Jason Campbell, the Redskins offense has also been much more consistent this season. Clinton Portis is having his best season as a Washington Redskins as he leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,206.

Clinton’s success can be pointed to the fact that teams can no longer stack the box with sevenand eight players to shut down the run. In previous years, teams did not respect the Redskins' downfield attack in the pass game and were able to load up the box on Portis.

Last season, when Todd Collins took over for the injured Campbell the Redskins surprised teams. Collins was very effect finding the underneath routes but never effectively stretched the defense with down the field passes.

The Redskins’ luck ran out in the postseason however. The Seattle Seahawks took away the underneath routes from the offense and the offense became stagnant.

The deep ball is something Jason Campbell has had success throwing. On several occasions this season Jason Campbell has hooked up with Chris Cooley, Santana Moss or Antwan Randel El for a big completion.

In order for Portis and the Redskins to continue to have success, Jason Campbell must continue to make good decisions with the football and aggressively throw the ball down the field and attack the defense.

With only five games left to play before the playoffs begin, Jason Campbell and the Redskins offense will have some tough test to pass. They have road games against the Ravens, Bengals, and the 49ers. They also still must face NFC east foe the Philadelphia Eagles. But there is no bigger game than this week’s showdown at FedEx Field versus the New York Giants.

The Redskins can ill-afford to fall to 7-5 and four games behind the Giants for the division lead and in all likelihood a game behind the Dallas Cowboys for a Wild Card berth. The Giants come into the game with a record of 10-1 and one of the league’s toughest defenses.

In order for the Redskins to have success they must handle the Giants’ front seven and remain turnover free. The Giants will look to shut down the run. This will add more pressure to Campbell being efficient. If he plays as well as he has progressed, the Redskins can find themselves in prime striking position as the playoffs near.

With the season winding down the Washington Redskins could not have asked for a better start to their season. They have put themselves in position to have success and make the playoffs. When the season began, this team was being overlooked and predicted to have a top 10 draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

But, with Jason Campbell’s success as a passer, Clinton Portis’ Pro Bowl season running the football and the stellar play of the defense; the Redskins have turned out to be one of the most dangerous teams in football.

They are a hungry team with playoff aspirations.

Maryland Terrapins Hoops Preview

John Johnson — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:55:06 -0500

After a disappointing finish to the 2007-2008 basketball season that began with so much promise, the Maryland Terrapins look to rebound with a new look team. Last season, which saw the Terps fail to make the NCAA tournament for the second time in three seasons, and a second-round loss to Syracuse in the NIT tournament, has left this year’s team hungry and thirsting for success.

Head Coach Gary Williams may have his deepest squad in years. Though the team lost a few players due to graduation, a talented group of freshman and sophomores will be leading this 2008-2009 Terrapin basketball team.

The Terps, who are unranked at the beginning of the season, could find themselves in prime position to fly under the radar and surprise a lot of teams. With the graduation of forward James Gist and center Bambale Osby, the Maryland front court will have a different look to it. Junior forward Landon Milbourne and sophomore center Braxton Dupree should see significant minutes in the absence of Gist and Osby.

Last season, Milbourne averaged 8.5 ppg along with 3.6 rebounds per game. Also, younger players such as Cliff Tucker and freshman sensations Jin-Soo Kim and Sean Mosley should add extra fire power and punch to the Maryland offense. Kim is a freshman from South Kent, CT. He originally hails from South Korea.

In his first preseason game, Kim scored 20 points against Northwood University and established himself as an offensive and defensive threat. He showed the ability to hit the jump shot as well as an array of offensive moves around the basket. He should become a very productive and important player for the Terrapins in his freshman season.

While a host of new players will have an impact on this year Terrapins, the key to success for this season Terrapin squad is going to be the guard play of junior Eric Hayes and sophomore Greivis Vasquez.

Vasquez in his first season at Maryland has shown the ability to create an array of shots off the dribble as well as the propensity to create opportunities for others as well. He is going to have to continue to develop and cut back on the turnovers if Maryland is going to make a run at the NCAA tournament, let alone strike fear into Duke and North Carolina.

The Terps also face a difficult schedule this season as the ACC is much improved from top to bottom. The heavy favorites, Duke and North Carolina, are clearly the best two teams within the conference.

But, schools like the University of Miami, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech, bring an athletic ballclub to the conference and should not be over looked. Maryland will also play a tough out of conference schedule, as they will be participating in the Old Spice Classic as well as the ACC/Big-10 challenge.

The matchup against seventh ranked Michigan State in the Old Spice Classic on Nov. 27 should be an interesting early-season test for the young Terrapin squad. If they can play well and even win, it should give them confidence for the remainder of the season. After the Old Spice Classic, on Dec. 3, the Terps will play an improved Michigan basketball team in the ACC/Big-10 Challenge.

If the Terps are going to rebound and make it to the NCAA tournament this season, they are going to have to win the games they are favored to win as well as put up a good showing and steal a couple games in which they are underdogs.

Though the Terrapins may have the talent to win the ACC and be very competitive against the top teams in the country, they must bring their “A” game every night. If they play up to their potential they will surprise a lot of experts and a lot teams around the country.

The Terps have a lot to prove this season and they have a great deal of motivation. With no one outside of College Park believing in them, the Terps can only believe in themselves. That in itself makes them a dangerous basketball team in an already difficult and dangerous conference.

Baltimore Orioles Head Into a Big Offseason

John Johnson — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:31:22 -0500

With the city buzzing at the possibility of its native son returning home, the Baltimore Orioles face a significant offseason ahead of them. With Mark Teixeira declaring for free agency, the Orioles are most certainly going to be in the bidding for him.

But, the O’s have other glaring needs with which they must address. The birds must address starting pitching and shortstop play if they are going to build upon a season that showed so much promise early on.

With pitcher CC Sabathia in high demand, look for Baltimore to go after the somewhat second tier of starting pitching within the free-agent market. Arms like A.J. Burnett (who makes his offseason home in Maryland), Ben Sheets, and Jon Garland are possible pitching candidates and should be on the Orioles offseason radar.

A.J. Burnett has all the stuff in the world and last season led the American League in strikeouts. Last season, Burnett pitched 200+ innings and would be a great front-line starter to go along with current Oriole ace Jeremy Guthrie.

But his enigmatic career has been plagued by several injuries, including an elbow injury. It should be interesting to see how aggressive the Orioles will be with signing the Maryland resident.

Ben Sheets, who missed the final month of the Brewers season with an elbow injury finds his career paralleling with A.J. Burnett. Sheets, a young arm with the ability to no hit a team on any given day, has often frustrated management with a rash of injuries. Sheets, possibly the best free agent arm on the market other than Sabathia, will not come cheap.

If the Brewers lose out on the Sabathia sweepstakes, look for them to do everything in their power to keep Sheets in Milwaukee.

Jon Garland may be the most under-appreciated pitcher on the free-agent market. Last season with the American League West Champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Garland went 14-8 with a 4.90 ERA. His overall career record is 106-89 with a 4.47 ERA.

Garland, who has shown throughout his career that can be relied on and is a durable starting pitcher, may be the most inexpensive out of the other two pitchers named. His addition to the young Orioles rotation would most certainly be welcomed.

While the Orioles need to address starting pitching, they must also look to fill the void at shortstop. Last season the Orioles started five different players at shortstop (Castro played the most games at shortstop with 61; batting only .193 on the season). This was more than any other team in baseball.

The gaping hole at shortstop was created after Team President Andy MacPhail traded Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros in a blockbuster deal. The Orioles played musical chairs at shortstop last season as they tried to find someone who could hold down the position until this offseason came.

With Brandon Fahey, Freddie Bynum and Luis Hernandez in the minors, and with Juan Castro and Alex Cintron filing for free agency, Baltimore is left without an incumbent starter at shortstop.

With free agents like Rafael Furcal available, or possible trade candidates like San Diego Padres SS Khalil Green, Pittsburgh Pirates SS Jack Wilson and Milwaukee Brewers SS J.J. Hardy, there are plenty of viable long-term solutions for the Orioles shortstop problem.

Baltimore also has some in-house situations to address. They would most certainly love to trade catcher Ramon Hernandez to help clear the way for top prospect catcher Matt Wieters. But, Hernandez’s lack of defensive hustle and his streaky productivity have raised concerns with other ballclubs.

Baltimore would also like to trade enigmatic pitcher Daniel Cabrera. The organization has grown frustrated with his lack of consistency. If the birds can sign a couple free agent pitchers, look for them to explore possible trade partners for the 27-year-old Cabrera.

Lastly, Baltimore must address the Brain Roberts contract situation. Brian has expressed his desire to remain an Oriole for the remainder of his career. He has also expressed his desire to win and play for a contender. He has made himself available for trade possibilities.

Team President Andy MacPhail has stated that he would like to sign Roberts to a long term extension. Roberts is Baltimore’s largest trade chip outside of star right fielder Nick Markakis, but Roberts is also the face of the franchise and very involved within the community.

Last offseason, MacPhail and the Orioles organization made several moves that paid dividends during the season and more importantly could pay huge dividends on the upcoming Oriole season.

With solid building blocks like CF Adam Jones, RF Nick Markakis, and a very solid bullpen (closer Chris Ray and middle reliever Dannys Baez return from injury) in place, MacPhail and the Orioles find themselves in a pretty good situation.

If they can sure up their starting pitching and middle infield play the Orioles will find themselves capable of competing with the Red Soxs, Yankees, and the rebuilt Rays. Let’s just hope Owner Peter Angelos lets MacPhail open up the checkbook and spend a few bucks on these top free agent needs.

Change Forthcoming in Rocky Top

John Johnson — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:20:47 -0500

After weeks of speculation and an overall poor performance against a mediocre South Carolina team, Phillip Fulmer is out as head football coach at the University of Tennessee. Fulmer, whose record at Tennessee was 150-51 at the time of this decision, is most notably remembered for leading the Vols to a National Title in 1998.

His job security had become a source of scrutiny after a 1-3 start and the lackluster effort against the archrival Florida Gators. The longest-tenured coach in the SEC could not save his job, and eventually poor play led to his demise.

If poor showings against Georgia and Alabama didn’t seal his fate, the crushing defeat last Saturday night against the Gamecocks of South Carolina most certainly did. Losing to the Gamecocks dropped the Vols to 3-6 (1-5 SEC, last place) and almost certainly secured, with only three games to play, no postseason play for the second time in four seasons.

In 2005, after a 5-6 season, Fulmer found himself on the hot seat as well. Boosters, alumni, and fans were tired of finishing behind other SEC powerhouses, let alone not making a bowl appearance. It seemed the Vols were content to settle for competing for a chance at the Outback Bowl instead of a National Championship.

Well, Fulmer hushed his critics by leading the Vols over the next two seasons to a combined record of 19-8 and an SEC championship appearance (a loss to the eventual national champion LSU Tigers). But this year he could not escape his impending fate.

Before the season had begun in Knoxville, Tennessee faced several pertinent questions. With offensive guru David Cutcliffe leaving the Vols to accept the head coaching job at Duke University (4-3), Fulmer went outside the Tennessee family and hired former University of Richmond head coach Dave Clawson.

Clawson's offensive scheme, which didn’t seem to have a true identity, never seemed to mesh with the Tennessee players like it did with those he had previously coached at Richmond. The offense was plagued with penalties, sacks, and poor passing and rushing yards.

This lack of offensive output was a stark contrast from last year’s team that led the NCAA in sacks allowed with four all season. They were also at the top of the country in most major offensive statistical categories.

Fulmer had been praised by some and scrutinized by others at the same time for hiring a coordinator with no connection or affiliation to the school or conference. Fulmer believed the fresh concept would transition well with the young players, and the team saw a National Championship in their sights. Questionable play calling and poor offensive output all but ended those aspirations.

Tennessee was also transitioning quarterbacks this season. Jonathan Crompton was supposed to take over for four-year starter Erik Ainge (NY Jets). What was supposed to be a smooth transition, as Crompton had sat and learned under the guidance of Ainge, never panned out the way most envisioned.

Crompton never seemed to get comfortable within the new offensive system. He constantly misread defenses, made poor decisions with the football, and couldn’t seem to sustain drives.

Enter sophomore Nick Stephens, and a similar trend ensued. While Nick has done a better job protecting the football, the offense consistently finds themselves sputtering, unlike last season.

Most disappointing this season has been the run game. The Vols, who in the past prided themselves on running the football, marketed a three-headed monster this season with Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty, and Lennon Creer. The Vols also returned the entire offensive line from last year’s team that rushed for a combined 1,946 yards.

Thus far, this season has been a complete contrast from last year. Foster this season finds himself 735 yards behind his rushing total from a year ago. He has carried the ball 99 times for 458 yards.

With few bright spots to grasp on to (mostly on defense, i.e. Eric Berry), Tennessee has sought change. After ranking in the top 20 in recruiting the past couple seasons, and with this class on pace to be in the top 10, Vols athletic director Mike Hamilton realized the losing wasn’t due to a lack of talent, but that the coach wasn’t getting through to his players.

Now the coaching search begins. Will the Vols go after highly regarded Boise State head coach Chris Petersen, or will they try to make a big splash and get a big name coach to fill the job?

Jon Gruden’s name has been thrown around, due to his fiery nature and his ties to the university. Steve Spurrier has already come out and say he is not interested in the job opening and has no plans to leave South Carolina.

Only time will tell what fate has in store for the Volunteers. There is only one thing we know for sure. Tennessee finds their impending offseason like their concluding one: The Vols have more questions than answers.