E BEST-CASE SCENARIO: First off, FS Janzen Jackson returns. Then, QB Tyler Bray proves that his strong play down the stretch last season was a sign of a maturing star, and he develops a kinship with young WRs Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter that gives the Vols a solid all-around attack. The Vols also remain injury-free along both lines and legitimately challenge for the SEC East title, winning nine games and returning to a January bowl.
THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO: Jackson doesn't return, Bray doesn't improve and the lack of depth comes to the fore. In that scenario, the Vols actually could lose to Kentucky for the first time since, what, 1923?