VolinArizona
not in Arizona anymore
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One of my very basic dreams was to one day be a sports writer who actually had half a brain in my head. Like a lot of other people, I haven't had the chance to do so, and my current career isn't going to allow me to ever try seriously to do so. SO, having said that, I wrote this little article, my first serious "piece." If you could, read it and offer up your opinions on the season upcoming, my eloquence or lack thereof, and anything else.
Staring Into Uncertainty
or
2006 Tennessee football preview
There is something to be said about anticipation after a strange 2005 season where everything that could go wrong, well, did. On the surface, a perennial powerhouse college football program falling out of the top 25, out of January, out of sight, out of mind, is quite alarming. A 5-6 record does that to people, especially after years and years of top 10 finishes and top 10 expectations.
The 2006 Tennessee football season, no, the build-up to the season, is something pretty new to East Tennessee and the countrywide following of the Volunteers. On one hand very promising, but in the same hand quite scary.
When you take a hard look at the 2006 Tennessee schedule, you wouldn't be shocked if someone predicted the Vols to finish 4-7 or 11-1, or somewhere in between. Last season's 5-6 record is misleading. Bounces here, stable quarterbacks there, competent assistants everywhere, and the Vols could have been 9-3. Tennessee had an amazingly tough schedule that future schedules with only Georgia and Alabama on the road seems like a cakewalk. With all of these "ifs" comes more "ifs." Tennessee's schedule is a *little* easier this season, but that's like saying fighting a 28 year old Mike Tyson is easier than fighting a 27 year old version.
Tennessee's offensive skill position players return. Losing Gerald Riggs (injured for half the season) won't really hurt the '06 Vols, because Arian Foster looks to be the real deal, and the depth at the position, by the end of the season, could be the best in the country. The wide receivers needed to mature from last season, and what better than a terrible, lonely bowl period to speed that up. These receivers have something to prove, and Big Orange Country is hoping they do it. The quarterback position is so completely different than last season. Sure, Erik Ainge is lining behind center, which he did at random times last year. But now, he won't have to rotate series with Rick Clausen, and he has one of the best college tutors out there: David Cutcliffe.
The offensive line, as most Vol fans will tell you, will probably hold the key to success. The projected starting line has 20 starts between them, so experience isn't invisible, but still not a sign that the line will dominate. They'll need to gel quick, like, before the opening game.
On defense, John Chavis is one of the better defensive coordinators in the country, and year after year puts a unit on the field that can keep UT in games.
Justin Harrell is the focus on the defensive line, but Turk McBride played plenty the past few seasons, and with some maturity, could be better than Harrell. Inexperience plagues the front 7 in general, with new starters at end and outside linebacker. The secondary looks to be one of the better in the nation, even without Jason Allen. Even with this young unit, nobody in East Tennessee seems to be worried about the defense. That's the reputation Chavis has.
The best, or worst, part is that this matters very little. A lack of talent isn't something Tennessee has had a problem with. What was it last season? Coaching? Effort? What? That's why the 2006 season, errrr, build-up, is so much fun. Can Coach Fulmer ice the hot seat? Will David Cutcliffe really energize the offense? Was last year mere variance? If Tennessee wins 9 or 10 games this season, then wins 6 or 7 in 2007, what is the reason?
Tennessee has 12 winnable games in 2006. They had 10 in 2005 (they were outclassed by Notre Dame). This team could win anywhere from 4 to 11. Some fans could even believe 12. Who knows? Nobody knows this season, and the entire Big Orange Country is staring into uncertainty.
Staring Into Uncertainty
or
2006 Tennessee football preview
There is something to be said about anticipation after a strange 2005 season where everything that could go wrong, well, did. On the surface, a perennial powerhouse college football program falling out of the top 25, out of January, out of sight, out of mind, is quite alarming. A 5-6 record does that to people, especially after years and years of top 10 finishes and top 10 expectations.
The 2006 Tennessee football season, no, the build-up to the season, is something pretty new to East Tennessee and the countrywide following of the Volunteers. On one hand very promising, but in the same hand quite scary.
When you take a hard look at the 2006 Tennessee schedule, you wouldn't be shocked if someone predicted the Vols to finish 4-7 or 11-1, or somewhere in between. Last season's 5-6 record is misleading. Bounces here, stable quarterbacks there, competent assistants everywhere, and the Vols could have been 9-3. Tennessee had an amazingly tough schedule that future schedules with only Georgia and Alabama on the road seems like a cakewalk. With all of these "ifs" comes more "ifs." Tennessee's schedule is a *little* easier this season, but that's like saying fighting a 28 year old Mike Tyson is easier than fighting a 27 year old version.
Tennessee's offensive skill position players return. Losing Gerald Riggs (injured for half the season) won't really hurt the '06 Vols, because Arian Foster looks to be the real deal, and the depth at the position, by the end of the season, could be the best in the country. The wide receivers needed to mature from last season, and what better than a terrible, lonely bowl period to speed that up. These receivers have something to prove, and Big Orange Country is hoping they do it. The quarterback position is so completely different than last season. Sure, Erik Ainge is lining behind center, which he did at random times last year. But now, he won't have to rotate series with Rick Clausen, and he has one of the best college tutors out there: David Cutcliffe.
The offensive line, as most Vol fans will tell you, will probably hold the key to success. The projected starting line has 20 starts between them, so experience isn't invisible, but still not a sign that the line will dominate. They'll need to gel quick, like, before the opening game.
On defense, John Chavis is one of the better defensive coordinators in the country, and year after year puts a unit on the field that can keep UT in games.
Justin Harrell is the focus on the defensive line, but Turk McBride played plenty the past few seasons, and with some maturity, could be better than Harrell. Inexperience plagues the front 7 in general, with new starters at end and outside linebacker. The secondary looks to be one of the better in the nation, even without Jason Allen. Even with this young unit, nobody in East Tennessee seems to be worried about the defense. That's the reputation Chavis has.
The best, or worst, part is that this matters very little. A lack of talent isn't something Tennessee has had a problem with. What was it last season? Coaching? Effort? What? That's why the 2006 season, errrr, build-up, is so much fun. Can Coach Fulmer ice the hot seat? Will David Cutcliffe really energize the offense? Was last year mere variance? If Tennessee wins 9 or 10 games this season, then wins 6 or 7 in 2007, what is the reason?
Tennessee has 12 winnable games in 2006. They had 10 in 2005 (they were outclassed by Notre Dame). This team could win anywhere from 4 to 11. Some fans could even believe 12. Who knows? Nobody knows this season, and the entire Big Orange Country is staring into uncertainty.
