2009 Vols Season Preview: New Era Begins On Rocky Top

A new season of football is about to kickoff in the south and with it begins a new era for the Tennessee Volunteers football program.  For the first time since 1992, the Vols will be led through the “T” by a man that is not Phillip Fulmer.  That honor now belongs to new head coach, Lane Kiffin.

The team is coming off of a season that to call it dismal would be an understatement.  It was probably the most unprepared and uninspired that a Tennessee team has ever looked.  To reiterate, it was bad, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Overall, the Vols ranked 115^th in total offense, averaging 268.8 yards a game.  They also averaged an abysmal 17.9 points per game, good enough to be ranked 110^th in the nation.  But you don’t need numbers to tell you that this was an awful team last season.  Needless to say, the Vols had numerous issues.  Issues that need to be fixed if the team is going to improve.

The worst play of all came from the quarterback position, where Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens both logged starts.  Crompton played in eight games last season and only passed for 889 yards.  He also threw five interceptions to only four touchdowns.  Stephens passed for 840 yards in his starts. 

So, quarterback is probably the biggest question mark to start the season.  It will continue to be as Kiffin has named Crompton as the starter.  Has he improved?  Is he capable of leading this team?  Those questions will be answered as the season goes on.  It the Vols hope to improve on last season’s 5-7 record, he’s going to have to.

The strong point of the team, as it was last season, is going to be the defense.  Last season the Vols had the third ranked defense, giving up 263.5 yards a game 

There should be a slight drop-off from the production of last year while the team adjusts to the schemes and style of defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.  Stud defensive back, Eric Berry, will be the anchor of this defense.  He is one area that you shouldn’t expect a drop-off.

The Volunteers have a tough road ahead to get back to the prominence the university is used to.   This season should be a step in the right direction.  Their win total might not show progress but on the field you will see marked improvement. 

The schedule lines up to be a tough go for the Vols.  As always, they have the toughest game on their schedule, having to play at Florida.  They also have a three game stretch where the play Georgia and South Carolina at home with a date at Alabama in the middle. 

Looking at that, there are several ways that the Vols could finish.  They have four or five games that cold go either way.  Fans can look for Tennessee to finish the season at 7-5, 6-6 or to match last season at 5-7.  It is all going to depend on how fast the offense comes along and if they can make some of the iffy games to go their way.

No matter what the finish, you can feel an excitement that hasn’t graced Rocky Top in a long time.  Win or lose this is going to be an great season for Orange Nation to watch