I have now posted three stories on the Tennessee Volunteers facing the California Golden Bears tonight.  Some of you have commented and I appreciate it.  But where is Lisa?  I mean, I am in her arena, supposedly at least.  But she has yet to even comment on my Vols representing the SEC taking on her PAC 10 University of Southern California rival.

http://tnjn.com/2007/aug/30/unproven-receiver
s-one-of-the-/

Oh Lisa, come out and play!  Come out and play warrior! I know for the most part I cut and paste.  I prefer to call it editing.  But nevermind that, what are your thoughts on the game?

From utsports.com

After more than four weeks of grueling preseason practices, the Vols finally open the 2007 season Saturday in a primetime showdown with the California Golden Bears.

The heaviest weight placed on Tennessee’s back is that of the entire Southeastern Conference.  There are three games featuring SEC teams against BCS opponents on opening weekend, but only Tennessee faces a ranked team.

In all, the SEC will play 13 regular season games against BCS opponents, and judging from preseason rankings, this weekend’s game sits behind only the LSU-Virginia Tech matchup when it comes to national title implications. Of course, anything can change by Nov. 24, when the final four of the 13 games are played.

“We are always thinking about representing the conference,” quarterback Erik Ainge said. “But once it is kicked off, that all goes away. We will go out there and represent Tennessee and the SEC, but our focus is on the game itself.”

The word ‘revenge’ has also been used over and over again. Cal has reportedly been seething for a full calendar year after its lopsided 2006 loss on Rocky Top.

http://tnjn.com/2007/aug/31/tnjncom-picks-
week-ones-bigges/

On the field, Tennessee’s defense will have to contend with one of the Pac-10’s best quarterbacks in junior Nate Longshore, not to mention a group of veteran receivers including Heisman Trophy candidate DeSean Jackson. The Vols’ offense looks to establish the run against a Cal defense that lost three of its four starting defensive linemen from a year ago.

“We are going to approach this one like we would any other game,” junior linebacker Jerod Mayo  said. “We know what kind of talent they have, and our coaches will have us prepared. Our focus is on what we can do, what we have prepared to do, not what they can do.”

more..

http://www.utsports.com/football/article.aspx?
id=35338

The final BCS rankings put Florida in the National Championship Game LSU in the Sugar Bowl and Tennessee in the Outback.  I never thought I'd say this but, uh, thanks Florida.  Eck!  That was like kissing your step-sister.

What a difference a year makes.  Last year Tennesee spent the New Year in Knoxville watching other teams, well, like, uh, Florida, play in bowl games.

In 2005, the Vols were coming off of an SEC Eastern Division Championship and a huge Cotton Bowl win where Rick Clausen, playing in the place of an injured Eric Ainge, had led the team from Rocky Top to a demolishing of what had been a pretty good Texas A&M team.  Then, beneath the radar, Eric Ainge won the job back in the spring.  However, Eric struggled throughout the season leading to calls for Clausen who the fans loved.  The team seemed to have its doubts about Eric too.  Conversely, they seemed to have their spirits raised up when Clausen came in as he did when he led a tremendous fourth quarter comeback over LSU which ended up being the high point of the season.

Exit Randy Sanders as Offensive Coordinator.  Welcome back David Cutcliff as Offensive Coordinator.

David told Eric to cut his hair and lose his earring.  Eric called Peyton Manning to ask him what to do.  Peytons advice?

Shut up.  Do what he says.  Listen to him.  You will be a better quarterback.

Thanks Peyton.

Eric took Peyton's advice.  He did what David told him to.  He is a better quarterback.  He has matured beyond the potential he showed as a Freshman and fortunately, only occasionally, do we get a glimpse of the harried Sophomore that simply threw the ball up in the air for an easy Nortre Dame interception and touchdown return in 2005.

In 2006 David, Eric and the Vols have come bouncing back.

2007 Outback Bowl
Jan. 1, 2007
Tampa, Fla. - Raymond James Stadium - ESPN - 11 a.m. EST