[orangeblooded_2]

This VOL fans opinion:

First of all, let's clear up some misconceptions about Tennessee students/alumni, namely that you aren't all rednecks. Tell us what your university has contributed to the academic landscape to get rid of those football sneers.

25,000 students from all across the world, and only 85 of them are there to play football. Does this need any more explaination?

There has long been a contention that SEC fans are more passionate and diehard in support of their teams, especially in contrast to the laid-back Pac-10. Having lived and travelled through the South in my formative years, I know how much you guys care about it, perhaps tooo much. Is this really a good thing, or does it burn you out (especially after a loss to Florida or LSU)?

It doesnt burn this Vol fan out. I will say that the expectations are so high for each years team that people can be blinded by their love and their expectations...only to be disappointed and hurt when the team doesn't live up to them.

I enjoy having the Warriors shock the world in May, the Giants and As stumbling to last place in summer, the 49ers and Raiders dancing down the standings. Tennessee has the Titans and the Vols. Would you like more sports, or is that all you need? What do you guys do the rest of the year in Knoxville to keep things hustling and bustling sports-wise?

Thank you for NOT including Vandy and Memphis among the states football elite. The VOLS and TITANS are plenty for this state.

I assume most of you were at Rocky Top last year. How much do you think the crowd contributed to the demolition of Cal? Or was the team that much better?

Not the crowd as much as the overall atmosphere. Ultra-large stadium, packed to the brim with rabid fans on opening day, coming off of a 5-6 season...we were ready to kick somebodys butt...it just so happens it was CAL.

Why does UT seem to fall into complacency after certain games? You guys were dominant against us and then nearly got knocked off by Air Force the next week. Your teams have so much talent yet have fallen short ever since '98. Any idea where these lapses stem from? Does the team just get too psyched up after huge victories?

Coaching...pure and simple. However, in defense of AF, they have always had a highly potent offense and I take nothing away from them. They damn near kick our butts.

Break down the game for us. Other than the setting, there have been a few noticeable changes. We've lost Marshawn Lynch, a spectator in Neyland, and most of our defensive stars from last year. You lost [WR Robert] Meachem and most of the dynamic receivers that tore up Cal last year, and you won't have Coker available this week. What will be the key changes and matchups that fans on both sides should look out for?

Last year Cal faced off against one of the worst rushing offenses in the history of Tennessee. Coach Fulmer is an old Offensive Lineman and he knows the running game is our bread and butter. Look for UT to set a tone early that we are going to run the ball. This is going to take the pressure off of Ainge and our young WRs.

Defensively, we have "THE CHIEF", John CHavis as DC...Longshore can't make any completions to Jackson if he is on his back.