No. 20: Tennessee
These aren’t desperate times in Knoxville, but with a slate that starts with California, Southern Miss and Florida, it could quickly develop into a pressure-packed situation for Phillip Fulmer.
Tennessee must find immediate help at receiver to establish a perimeter threat if its offense is to have any kind of success. Fulmer has said the Volunteers will simplify schemes to get playmakers on the field. If or when the passing game gets going, the Vols will be better suited to re-establish a run game that sank to unprecedented depths (96th in the nation) last season.
Erik Ainge’s psyche is another factor, as the talented senior has at times forced the issue under pressure. Should Ainge falter, Jonathan Crompton has shown toughness in adverse situations.
The defense has an alarming situation up front, where Big Orange fans have been spoiled by at-times dominant success against the run. Fulmer put the team through a physical spring with hopes it would aid in the maturation of front-line players. The linebacking corps is strong and fast, and the secondary possesses playmakers. But without a good front four, it could be for naught.
Britton Colquitt will be challenged to handle both punting and kicking duties, and wear on his leg could become a factor.
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