Georgia Football Preview

2006 was the ultimate in Jekyll & Hyde football for the Dawgs. There was the points in the season where we lost to Vanderbilt and Kentucky, and with all due respect to my friend Stu, we shouldn’t be losing to Vandy (or Kentucky)–ever.

The biggest reason for those losses was the most devastating injury (in practice, no less) to placekicker Brandon Coutu, one of the best in the nation. His back up was the awful Andy Bailey. Thanks to Bailey, Georgia started going for 2 point conversions more than I have seen any college football team do in recent memory.

It was that bad with Bailey.

Plus, there was the Tennessee debacle where we took a solid lead into halftime and came out in the 2nd half (at home) and got killed. We allowed Erik Ainge to play like he was Joe Montana and lost badly. But then we closed the season with three straight big wins including a road thrashing of Auburn, our usual win over a feisty Georgia Tech, and a stirring comeback win in the Chick Fil-A Bowl against ranked Virginia Tech.

The key for Georgia’s upswing at the end of the 2006 season was the growth of freshman sensation Quarterback, Matthew Stafford, one of the most heralded recruits in Georgia history, and the hope to Georgia fans to finally bring us home another national championship–a taste we haven’t experienced since 1980.

Stafford looked like a typical Freshman during much of the season, stuck early behind fill-in senior legacy, Joe Tereshinski III, and even had to be pulled in the 4th Quarter of a possible embarrassing home loss to a mediocre Colorado team because he was so ineffective, before back up Joe Cox bailed us out.

But Stafford matured towards the end, took control, and got on the same page as new offensive coordinator (and former Georgia QB) Mike Bobo, and the team hit a peak in the last 3 games–all good wins over good teams.

Part of Georgia’s problem is the national media. Despite the overwhelming success Mark Richt has been brought this program in his first 5 seasons (including 2 SEC titles) the national media is in love with Spurrier, Fulmer, Saban and Urban Meyer, and Georgia continues to have to fight for respect and fight uphill with their quiet leader.

This year, Georgia has a real uphill battle with several losses along the offensive line and the defense line including stalwarts Charles Johnson, Quentin Moses & Ray Gant. A lot of pressure is on Stafford and his receivers, but I think he can handle it.

The Schedule:

S1 vs. OKLAHOMA STATE (Athens)
S8 vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (Athens)
S15 vs. WESTERN CAROLINA (Athens)
S22 @ Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
S29 vs. OLE MISS (Athens)
O6 @ Tennessee (Knoxville)
O13 @ Vanderbilt (Nashville)
O20 BYE
O27 @ Florida (Jacksonville) - THIS IS ALWAYS A ROAD GAME UNTIL THEY START HAVING HALF THESE GAMES IN ATLANTA
N3 vs. TROY (Athens)
N10 vs. AUBURN (Athens)
N17 vs. KENTUCKY (Athens)
N24 @ Georgia Tech (Atlanta - high school stadium)

Quarterbacks

This team starts & ends with what Matthew Stafford does. While ESPN continues to lap up Tim Tebow and his little runs like he’s Randall Cunningham, Matthew Stafford will be the best Quarterback in the SEC. Yes, better than Ainge, Blake Mitchell, Tebow, & even the vaunted Matt Flynn. We may not win the SEC, but he’s the most talented Quarterback in the conference. No matter how much ESPN promotes Tebow. As Mel Kiper said, Stafford has the best arm in college football and will be playing on Sundays.

He has a firm handle on this offense now and has plenty of weapons around him. Behind Staff, Matt has a very solid back up in Joe Cox. Cox proved himself on a few occasions last year, in particular the Colorado game, but he gives the Dawgs depth. After Cox, Blake Barnes has talent but is not going to break in, and the Dawgs added a terrific freshman named Logan Gray, who offers a tremendous arm and running attack.

Running Backs

This position will also be even stronger this year with a healthy & returning Thomas Brown, a lightning quick back with great explosiveness. He will start, but is being pushed hard by a top notch recruit named Knowshorn Moreno. Moreno has been a beast during practice and spring drills and many think he may yank the starting job sooner than later, no matter how good Brown is.

Also back and a contender for big minutes is talented Kregg Lumpkin. Like Brown, he got over a major leg injury a few years back, but is very talented and just gives the Dawgs even more great depth. The depth is so good at RB, that heralded star freshman recruit Caleb King, is now going to redshirt. Like QB, this should be a position of terrific strength for Georgia.

Wide Receivers

The weapons for Stafford got deeper once again with the return of 5th year senior, the speedy Sean Bailey. Bailey put on a show in the SEC Championship game in 2005 (receiving 2 TD passes from then senior starter, DJ Shockley) before breaking his leg and losing the 2006 season. Bailey returns to a deeper, more mature corps of receivers.

The other expected starter along with Bailey is the electrifying Mikey Henderson, who became a highlight reel for the Dawgs with some electrifying punt return touchdowns last year. Pushing Henderson and Bailey will be AJ Bryant & Mohammed Mossaqoi, two more talented receivers who shouild see plenty of playing time. Big things are expected from Mossaqoi to finally deliver on some of the promse he’s shown.

Also expected to see regular field duty will be Kenneth Harris, solid with the occasional flashy catch, and star recruit Israel Troupe. Kris Durham is another lanky, 6-6 receiver who also made the occasional big catch.

Tight end should be a big upgrade this year with the departure of Matrez Milner; Milner had great physical gifts but couldn’t hang onto to the damn ball and his end zone drops singlehandedly cost us the Florida game.

Many Georgia fans are relieved to see Tripp Chandler as the starter, who’s not as athletically gifted as Milner, but good hands, a good blocker and very reliable. He will be pushed by a pair of talented back ups including 6-6 Coleman Watson and former star recruit, Na’Derris Ward.

Offensive Line

Many predictors have been saying Georgia’s offensive line could be a huge problem with all the departures, but heralded freshman Trinton Sturdivant has come in and immediately made a huge impact, so a lot of the concerns have been eased.

Georgia has two returning starters in Fernando Velasco and Chester Adams, who are both a year older and more experienced, and should help the younger players coming in like Chris Davis.

Also helping will be another new starter, JUCO transfer Scott Haverkamp.

Overall, the offensive line will have it’s off moments at times, but this unit will actually be a lot more solid then being projected, and should still give Stafford’s rocket arm enough time to get his downfield touchdown passes off.

And keep an eye on Military college transfer Vince Vance–very talented and a good chance he pushes his way into a starting role this season.

Defensive Line

There’s a whole bunch of new starters on the Defensive line with the departures of stalwarts like Moses, Johnson & Gant. However, at a school like Georgia, we are expected to reload and not rebuild, and the new starters should perform better than the national media wants to give them credit for.

Among the new starters is Jeff Owens, a talented and speedy back up who finally gets a chance to start. Marcus Owens and Geno Atkins, two more small & speedy defensive players are expected to start as well.

The star on the line this year should be Sophomore Roderick Battle. Very talented, a very hard hitter.

Among the reserves, the x-factor player in my opinion is Kade Weston. Like running back Knowshorn Moreno, Weston was a star recruit from the state of New Jersey a few years ago but some weight issues have prevented him from realizing his full potential. He’s mammoth and could be a huge run stopping force for Georgia–if he can keep his weight somewhat under control.

All in all, this will not be Georgia’s best Defensive line by any means, but it will be competitive. It’s hopeful that even the games this unit doesn’t play as well, Stafford’s high octane offense will be putting major points on the board to supplement.

Linebackers

Georgia lost two more good players here with the graduation of Tony Taylor and Jarvis Jackson.

However, Georgia has a chance to be just as good this season with super fast linebackers like Darnell Ellerbee, Darius Dewberry (another big time recruit ready to break out) and Brandon Miller, who was one of the top linebacking recruits in the country a few years back, but has had mounting injuries at times. I think Miller will be the one who’s the leader of this group.

The key reserve is Marcus Washington–a very hard hitter like many others on the Dawgs defensive depth chart. After that, depth is in thin if there are injuries and it might gives some talented freshmen a chance to play. What hurt the depth even more was the loss of Akeem Hebron who was suspended for the year. Hebron was expected to be the star here.

Secondary

A few months ago, us Georgia fans received crushing news when it was announced that star cornerback, and the guy would have probably been our best defensive player in 2007, Paul Oliver, was ruled academically ineligible. This was a very tough loss and definitely is affecting the way a lot of analysts are viewing Georgia’s defense this year.

Oliver ended up being taken by a shrewd Chargers organization in the 2nd round of the NFL’s supplemental draft.

So, the Dawgs have to pick up the pieces and thankfully, there are some other studs to help do that.

It starts with safety Kelin Johnson, who had some of the best highlight reel hits on wide receivers of anyone this past year. Kelin’s safety cohort will be CJ Byrd, who also has a wealth of talent and should keep Georgia strong at safety.

Trying to offset the loss of Oliver at Corner, will be Bryan Evans and Asher Allen. Evans is solid, but Allen is the player with the star potential. Another heralded recruit who needs to step up this year and hopefully become a leader.

However, Georgia coaches love what they see out of star reserve safety Reshard Jones and there’s a good chance Jones likely takes Evans or Allen’s starting corner spot, just to get him onto the field sooner than later. We’re also very excited about another big recruit named Quentin Banks, a sophomore and possibly the best hitter in the group.

Despite how hard the loss was of Paul Oliver, this group still has the potential to strike fear into opposing receivers.

Special Teams

Despite the graduation of excellent punter, Gordon Ely-Kelso, Georgia is fortunate to have back one of the best kickers in the country in Brandon Coutu.

Coutu’s injury last year was a huge factor in the Vanderbilt and Kentucky losses, as back up Andy Bailey gave ulcers every second he strode onto the field. Hopefully, Coutu will stay healthy and Georgia fans will never ever have to see Andy Bailey ever kick again–he flat out sucks. Sucks, sucks, sucks.

Andy Bailey = the Chris Reitsma of Georgia football.

With Ely-Kelso gone, the punting duties come down to either junior Brian Mimbs or fresman legacy, Drew Butler, son of former Dog kicking legend, Kevin Butler, who went onto a great career with the Chicago Bears.

But as long as we have Coutu, we will win at least 2-3 games because of him alone this year.

Outlook

Most forecasters are dismissing Georgia as a legit threat in the SEC. Frankly, I don’t understand why.

Yes, without question LSU is the best team in the conference and deserves to be favored to win in Atlanta in early December.

But while every single person at ESPN, Fox, CBS, etc. is gaga over Florida, again (and let’s face it, our won-loss record with Florida the last 16 years gives anyone pause) I am not at all sold of Tim Tebow’s ‘gimmick’ making him a sudden star. He doesn’t nearly have the arm of a Stafford, though certainly Tebow has the weapons, if his arm shows more than we’ve all seen.

But keep in mind that Florida lost all their defensive starters practically and despite being loaded once again recruiting-wise, Florida will have to outscore teams to win this year. That generally doesn’t work all the time (see: 2007 Braves).

Tennessee is now dealing with an injured Erik Ainge and some big losses of star players on their offense. Sure, I don’t expect Georgia to blow either team out, but let’s just say I won’t be as shocked as say Lee Corso if Georgia wins both those huge rivalry games. Mark Richt is 3-0 as Georgia coach at Neyland Stadium and we have a chance to be 4-0 this year. That big disgusting sea of orange does not intimidate us and we’ll have revenge on our minds.

The sleeper SEC East team of course is South Carolina. With the evil genius Spurrier and better talent, it would not be shocking for this USC to possible sneak ahead of all of us in the division and represent the East in Atlanta.

So, I will save making actually predictions on individual games and put the Dawgs at 10 wins, Bowl game included. No matter how much America dismisses the Dawgs or ignores the quiet confidence of Mark Richt, I know what we’re capable of and these kids will play hard and smart for Richt.

GO DAWGS.

- Alex R.

2007 Vanderbilt Season Preview

If this isn’t the year Vanderbilt finally breaks its bowl drought, I may give up hoping that it will ever happen while the school remains in the SEC. (And I don’t think VU will be leaving the SEC anytime soon.)

 

This year’s team features 18 returning starters—9 on offense, 7 on defense, and both kickers—and, unlike previous iterations of Commodore Football, that’s actually a good thing. Coach Bobby Johnson and his staff, now entering Year 6 at the helm, have, in addition to bringing in a few more higher-profile recruits than did previous staffs, done a remarkable job of finding under-the-radar types who are capable of playing—and playing well—in the toughest division of the toughest conference in college football. In addition to an experienced roster and an increased talent level, Vanderbilt’s schedule this season is one that should prove favorable to a bowl run. The team plays 12 games this season, and 8 of them are at home. Further, what look to be the 4 toughest opponents it will face this season will be played on the road. While for an elite school, this makes for a “bad schedule year”—you want your toughest opponents coming to your place, because the goal is going undefeated, and you figure you can handle the weaker teams on the road—I think the opposite is true for Vanderbilt, who doesn’t stand a great chance of beating the toughest opponents anyway and should be able to maximize its home-field advantage, what little there is in Nashville, by playing the least-strong teams there.

 

Schedule (conference games in bold, away games designated with a “*“)

 

Richmond

Alabama

Ole Miss

(bye)

Eastern Michigan

Auburn*

Georgia

South Carolina*

Miami-OH

Florida*

Kentucky

Tennessee*

Wake Forest

Quarterbacks

 

Chris Nickson, a RS Junior who was recently voted onto the third team for pre-season All-SEC by the coaches, will lead the team in this, his second season as the starter. Last year, many may not realize that he finished 4th in the SEC in total offense per game (third among returning players), averaging 173.8 yards passing and 57.8 yards on the ground, while throwing 15 TDs and rushing for another 9. A dynamic athlete with a strong arm, Nickson showed flashes of brilliance as a Sophomore, but the coaches hope he will improve on his 2006 accuracy and decision making. Boasting an efficiency rating in the lower half of conference starters last year, the focus in offseason practices has been on increasing his 54.8% completion percentage and decreasing the number of turnovers he surrenders (13 INTs, ___ fumbles lost). Both will be important to the team’s success in 2007.

 

Talent-wise, QB depth is generally thought to be a position of real strength for the Commodores, though the performances of backups Mac Adams (another smart dual-threat passer, this one a RS Sophomore) and Richard Kovalcheck (a Senior and former highly-touted recruit who transferred from Arizona last offseason under the short-lived rule allowing players to do so without sitting out a year) have left a lot to be desired in practice, with neither player showing the sort of decision making that playing against SEC defenses requires. If Nickson is lost to injury for any significant time, this will be a real problem.

 

It smacks of cliché, but the fate of the VU season will probably be determined in large part by how well their QB plays. If the team is to make it to a bowl, Nickson must remain healthy and improve on his accuracy and decision making. The coaches seem to believe this will happen, and I must confess that I am of the same opinion—this kid has a chance to have a breakout season and be a special player in this conference.

 

Tailbacks

 

Another key to Vanderbilt’s season will be not having Chris Nickson lead the team in rushing again.

 

That will depend primarily on two players, Cassen Jackson-Garrison and Jeff Jennings. The former, a Senior with SEC size and speed but questionable vision and aggressiveness, was the starter for all of last year, rushing for only 614 yards and 5 scores, on 4 yards per carry. The latter, a RS Junior who blew out his knee at the end of the 2005 campaign and missed all of last season, is probably the more talented player—most fans would certainly like to see him get the majority of the carries in 2007—and seems to have fully recovered from the injury. Coach Johnson has said that the RB duties will be split between the two, but I have to think that the situation is a fluid one, and if one of the two emerges (almost certainly Jennings, if either) once the real games start, he’ll become the featured back.

 

The only other RB who, barring injury, is likely to see any significant action is RS Sophomore Jared Hawkins. Hawkins is smallish, but he showed flashes of game-breaking ability last season, when he averaged nearly 7 yards per carry in 43 attempts. Many fans have been clamoring for a year for Hawkins to get more touches, and the primary reason he doesn’t would appear to be his tendency to fumble, which, according to reports, has not improved a great deal in practice. Still, Hawkins should see the field and may have a say in how Vandy’s season goes.

 

Receivers

 

The main story here is, of course, Earl Bennett, one of the top receivers in the country and one of the players on nearly everyone’s All-America teams. Known (by fans and NFL scouts) for his great hands and sharp route-running, the Junior from Alabama, as most know by now, is on pace to break the SEC career marks for receptions and yardage, after combining for 161 catches and 2,022 yards (and 15 TDs) over his first two seasons. Thought by some to be a fluke after his first season in Nashville, Earl put his name on the national stage to stay in 2006 by having an even better season than in 2005, this time with defenses geared towards containing him without Jay Cutler throwing to him. As last season showed, Bennett’s production will be there, regardless of what the rest of the receiving corps is able to provide.

 

There is in 2007 a lot of optimism surrounding those other receivers. Though starter Marlon White graduated, the overall talent of the unit seems to have gotten better this year, with another year of experience. Vanderbilt’s primary offensive set will now include 3 WRs (last year, the H-Back set was the most common), so the unit will feature two new starters, George Smith (a RS Junior who has battled back from a spinal disease and, at 6′3″/200 lbs, should be a strong compliment for Bennett) and Sean Walker (a Junior and the fastest of the VU receivers, he has big-play ability and should be able to stretch the field, something Commodore pass-catchers have struggled with in the past). The second wave of receivers is also quite talented, if inconsistent, and inclludes Justin Wheeler, Bryant Anderson and Alex Washington, all of whom should see the field plenty in 2007.

 

Tight Ends/H-Backs

 

Brad Allen returns as the starter at TE for Vanderbilt. Allen was highly regarded coming out of high school but has yet to materialize into the weapon the coaches thought they were getting. He should be pushed hard by his backups, as Vanderbilt has a number of very big, athletic players at the position, led by Justin Green and Jake Bradford. As the strongest blocker of a crowded, talented group, however, Allen is likely to keep his starting job, at least for this year, even if he doesn’t progress as a pass-catcher.

 

VU enters 2007 without its H-Back, Steven Bright, from a season ago, and he will be difficult to replace, as evidenced by the change in offensive sets. Still, while Bright was probably the most versatile player on the team (a former QB for the Commodores, he had good speed and great hands, and he was a strong blocker), he had an injury-filled career in Nashville, so the staff got used to preparing gameplans that didn’t include him. Expect the H-Back, if used much at all, to come from that same group of TEs.\

 

Offensive Line

As a unit, this is probably the team’s greatest strength, and it’s certainly the main reason I and many other fans are optimistic about the 2007 season.

 

The starters are all Seniors–four of them, red-shirts–with a great deal of size (averaging 6′5″/307 lbs) and, perhaps more importantly, experience. The real stars on the O-Line are the two Tackles, RT Brian Stamper (in his sixth year at Vandy after being granted a medical red shirt by the NCAA–after his petition had initially been rejected by the SEC–for last season), and LT Chris Williams (perhaps the best individual lineman in the conference), both of whom stand a good chance to play on Sundays next year. Rounding out the line are Center Hamilton Holliday (the only true Senior of the bunch) and Guards Josh Eames and Merritt Kirchoffer, though Kirchoffer is being pushed by RS Sophomore Brad Vierling for playing time.

 

As for depth, it’s also very strong and relatively experienced. Guys like Vierling, Thomas Welch (T), and Ryan Custer (G) should also see a fair amount of playing time–they saw it last year because of a rash of injuries–though, if healthy, the 5 Senior starters will take the vast majority of snaps.

 

All in all, this group of linemen should consistently at least break even, if not win, the battle against defensive fronts around the league, and in this conference, that’s really saying something. Their play will be crucial if there is to be any improvement in the running game–though, admittedly, the problem in that area last year was hardly the fault of this unit–and should provide Chris Nickson with the time he needs to make better decisions and more accurate throws. Vanderbilt may actually be able to wear down opposing defenses, something that hasn’t been the case very often in recent seasons in Nashville.

 

Defensive Line

 

The starters on the D-Line are very capable, but the real issue with this unit is depth, particularly up the middle.

 

At one End position, Curtis Gatewood, a RS Senior, had a breakout campaign in 2006 (49 tackles, 8 TFL, 7 sacks) and looks to build on that in 2007. One of the hardest workers on defense, Gatewood can rush the passer and stop the run. As evidence of his disruptive presence, he finished last season with 4 forced fumbles, good for third in the conference. At the other End position, manned by solid-but-unspectacular Chris Booker a season ago, 2 RS Sophomores, Steven Stone and Broderick Stewart, will be used to try to approximate the contributions of Gatewood on the other edge. Stone will be listed as the starter and he is the better run stopper of the two. Stewart, a speedster who showed flashes of real ability last year, is much smaller in size and, at least for the time being–until he can prove that he won’t be consistently bowled over or otherwise made irrelevant on run defense–will serve as the pass-rush specialist.

 

True Freshman Theron Kadri, a raw athlete with size and a big-time motor, and RS Freshman Teriall Brannon, another big-but-unrefined athlete, will provide depth. The coaches would obviously prefer not to have to rely on these younger players, and barring injury, they shouldn’t have to much, given Gatewood’s ability to play every down.

 

As for the interior line, depth is a real concern even with a completely healthy unit. The starters, Senior Theo Horrocks and RS Senior Gabe Hall, should be fine–they’re both big, relatively athletic guys–at least as far as stopping the run is concerned, though they aren’t expected to generate much pressure on the opposing QB. Horrocks, in particular, is a very good player (like Gatewood, he has a nose for the ball, having forced 3 fumbles in 2006) and one of the more vocal team leaders.

 

Behind those two, though, it gets dicy. Greg Billinger, a RS Freshman, is the primary backup. A UGA commitment before deciding to renege and sign with the Commodores a couple years ago, Billinger is certainly a talent, but the concern with him is his inexperience. Adam Smotherman, another big and talented RS Freshman, was to be the fourth member of the tackle rotation, but in addition to his obvious inexperience, he’s suffered through a lingering knee injury all offseason and will not be at full strength to start the season. After him, the DTs aren’t really even worth mentioning by name, at least not in 2007.

 

Linebackers

 

This is the real strength of the Commodore defense (as usual), and is led by MLB Jon Goff, a RS Senior and the player, along with WR Earl Bennett and LT Chris Williams, receiving the most attention from NFL scouts. Coming off a season in which he recorded 93 tackles, good for 7th in the conference and 2nd among returning players, Jon should–and, frankly, will have to–go a long way toward solving the run-stopping problem likely to be created by the lack of depth on the interior line.

 

On the strong side, RS Senior Marcus Buggs returns and is as reliable as they come. Though undersized (listed at 5′11″/228), the converted safety has the speed to hold his own in coverage, and his production is very good (50 tackles, 10.5 TFL in 2006)–the coaches don’t have to worry about the Sam position. On the weak side, Brandon Bryant–a RS Sophomore who received perhaps more praise from coaches during offseason workouts and practices than any other player–will fill in for Kevin Joyce, who graduated after last season. A sure tackler with SEC speed, Bryant may well be better than Joyce, who had 59 tackles, was in 2006.

 

The Commodores also boast quality depth at LB, as RS Sophomore Patrick Benoist (who was in a fierce battle with Bryant for the Will starting job prior to injuring his ankle) and RS Freshman Nate Campbell should see a lot of action, in addition to True Freshman Jon Stokes, the most highly regarded nationally of VU’s incoming Freshmen.

 

Defensive Backs

 

Vanderbilt returns all 4 starters in its secondary from a year ago, and the coaches are hoping that extra year of experience will lead to on-the-field improvement, particularly with the Cornerbacks.

 

Last year, Sophomores DJ Moore and Marlon Lewis showed flashes of ability, as well as their inexperience–they were true Freshmen in 2006, obviously–in giving up far too many big passing plays. Both are said to have had exceptional camps, though, and should hopefully show that improvement on the field. Moore, in particular, shows the kind of athletic ability needed to be a shut-down corner in the SEC and which, quite honestly, Vanderbilt has not featured in a decade. With the added experience, too, the coaches are expected to allow the Moore and Lewis to play closer to the line of scrimmage, thereby limiting the number of short, easy passes opposing offenses were able to complete with some frequency in 2006, when the corners frequently gave 8-yard cushions before the snap.

 

Leading the reserve CBs–and likely to see a lot of time on the field in the Nickel formation, which the Commodores frequently employ–is RS Sophomore Darlron Spead, who has the ball skills needed to create turnovers. Other reserve CBs include two upperclassmen, RS Juniors Josh Allen and Jared Fagan, who are listed on the second string but are expected by most fans to be bumped down in the pecking order as the year goes on by some of the more talented younger players. In particular, a name to watch out for is Jamie Graham, a true Freshman and local product who is a dynamic athlete–he may well play for Kevin Stallings’ basketball team, too–and who, the coaches feel, is worthy of seeing as much playing time as possible.

 

Unlike the CBs, the Commodore Safeties have little to prove. SS Reshard Langford, a RS Junior, is among the hardest hitters in the league and does a good job protecting the middle of the field in addition to helping out with the run. Though he isn’t particularly fast and does not have sure hands–he dropped more than one interception last season–his role on the team does not require either. In my opinion, Langford is probably the most underappreciated player on Vanderbilt’s roster, by outsiders. He is very much like UGA’s Greg Blue, who graduated a couple years ago and whom I also saw play a lot of football. I’ll be shocked if Reshard doesn’t play in the NFL. At FS, RS Sophomore Ryan Hamilton will enter his second year as a starter. What Langford lacks in ball skills and speed, Hamilton makes up for; in addition, he is a sure tackler, though, at 6′2″/210, he could still stand to add some weight to his lanky frame.

 

Backing up the safeties will be Sophomore Brent Trice and RS Sophomore Joel Caldwell, who played as a CB last year before being moved. Trice is a playmaker, one of the best athletes on the roster–another guy the coaches are looking to find a way to get on the field–and Caldwell has reportedly done quite well in the transition to Safety.

 

Special Teams

 

This was the real bugaboo of the 2006 Vanderbilt Commodores–lost to Arkansas by 2 after missing a last-second FG; lost to Ole Miss by 7, despite outgaining them 400-179, after two missed FGs, a fumbled punt and a sack taken by the punter; lost to Florida by 6 after having 2 punts blocked. Add to that Vanderbilt’s abysmal kick coverage, ranking ___ in the nation last season, and it’s not hard to see what area of this football team needs the most improvement over last season.

 

Placekicker Bryant Hahnfeldt looks to rebound from a subpar Sophomore season to the form he showed as a freshman in 2005. Last season, the kicker, recovering from a knee injury sustained at the end of 2005, never found a rhythm and connected on only 8 of 17 FG attempts. Reports indicate, however, that Hahnfeldt has been very strong this offseason, kicking with much greater accuracy and connecting on 50+-yard attempts with regularity. Assuming he can get over any residual mental effects from the 2006 season, there’s no reason that Hahnfeldt shouldn’t be a weapon for the Commodores in 2007.

 

The punting situation must also be shored up. Last season, Freshman Brett Upson was only 10th in the league in punting average–37.4–but that wasn’t even the main problem with the unit, which was consistently exposed for the poor blocking that resulted in several game-changing blocked punts. This year, the coaches have opted to keep several starters in on the special teams units, so, while the injury risk for these guys increases, the protection for the kickers is expected to be greatly improved.

 

When it comes to returning kicks, the main issue focused on this offseason has been hanging on to the football, something Vanderbilt’s returners, particularly those returning punts, have been seemingly unable to do over the past couple of seasons. Reserve WR Alex Washington, who, despite having speed and quickness, struggled mightily when given the chance last season, is listed as the primary kick returner to start the season, much to the surprise of most onlookers. Earl Bennett may also field punts–his hands are sure, and he’s proven to be quite elusive–but the staff is leery of exposing their star to injury. The name to watch for here, as in the secondary, is Freshman Jamie Graham. He returned kicks and punts in high school and is a good bet to be doing the same for Vanderbilt at some point during the season.

 

Kick coverage was also a problem for the Commodores in 2006, as opponents too frequently began drives with good field position. That could be an even greater problem this season, with the new NCAA rule moving the ball 5 yards back on kickoffs. Still, with Hahnfeldt’s leg–one of the stronger in the conference when healthy–back at full strength, most coaches believe the coverage should improve this season. Punt coverage may still be an adventure. On kickoffs, Patrick Benoist, the reserve LB set to miss a game or two with an injured ankle, is the main gunner, whereas on punts, Freshman reserve LB Jon Stokes, who will serve as the team’s long snapper, is said to be very strong.

 

2007 Outlook

As mentioned, this could–no, should–be a special year for Vanderbilt’s football team, which is poised to break its 24-year bowl drought. (No player on the team was alive the last time the University played football past November.)

 

The roster is deep and experienced, and the schedule sets up favorably for getting to the 6-win mark. In no particular order, here is a summary of the major issues coming into the season–that is, those questionable areas of the team on which the success of this season may well hinge:

• Nickson’s continued progression and health

• A more consistent ground game from those not named ‘Chris Nickson’

• Health on the D-Line

• Cut-down in number of big plays given up by the CBs

• Improvement in all aspects of the kicking game–kicking, kick coverage, blocking, and returning

• Turnover margin (not directly referenced anywhere above, but the team was -2 in 2006, and that has to improve–Nickson needs to be more careful with the football, our DBs need to catch more of the balls they get their hands on, and our kick returners have to keep their eyes on the freaking ball)

All of these are important, but I think Nickson’s health and improved special teams are the two most critical to a good season for the Commodores. And I think the Alabama game, in Week 2, will be the biggest game of the season. If we win that game, I’m very confident we’ll go bowling; if we don’t, I’m very confident we won’t. That game, in addition to providing one of the better opportunities to pick up a win, will demonstrate whether we’re ready to win.

 

Now, as for my predictions:

 

I see 4 games that we have absolutely no business losing–Richmond, Eastern Michigan, Miami-OH, and Ole Miss. We are demonstrably better than each of these teams (though obviously less so in the case of Ole Miss), and even the Vandy Alum in me won’t let me pick against the Commodores in any of these games. That’s 4 wins.

 

I see 2 games that we have no realistic shot at winning–Auburn and Florida. While I could make a case that upsets are possible in both games (Auburn–it’s in the middle of a brutal stretch for them, and we could get their let-down effort; Florida–we’ve played the Gators really close the past couple of years and those were much more experienced Florida teams), predicting wins in either strikes me as insane. That’s 2 losses.

 

Now, the other six games, the swing games. I don’t think there’s any way Vandy wins all 6 of these, but I think we’ll win some (and could win any); I rank them here in order of increasing likelihood of victory, with rationales:

 

South Carolina–We weren’t able to beat these guys under Spurrier before the top-flight recruits started pouring into Columbia, so I don’t see us beating them in their supposed breakout season. However, they’ve had a good bit of offseason turmoil, Blake Mitchell is incredibly shaky, and prognosticators are often wrong. But I just don’t see us winning this one–they seem to have our number. Predicted loss.

 

Tennessee–Even if there’s very little left for the Commodores to play for at the end of the season, the players will be more up for this game than any other. And UT has a lot of questions coming into this season (Who plays WR? Who plays DT? Who stays out of prison?). With that said, I can’t see winning consecutive games in Knoxville. We lose.

 

Georgia–This one’s pretty tough, because I am not buying UGA this year. Their weaknesses–inexperienced O-Line and thin secondary–would seem to play into Vandy’s hands, since they probably won’t be able to expose the Commodore D-Line, and Nickson will presumably be able to have success in the air. If we hadn’t beaten them last year (as I predicted would happen, FWIW), I would definitely pick us to do so this year. It’s just a strong matchup for us, at least on paper. But we did beat them last year, and they’re our homecoming opponent this year–I think they come to Nashville with revenge on their minds and, though it’s close, I think they probably leave with a win.

 

Alabama–Another tough one, though I’ve made my feelings on what the outcome will be well known. While Alabama has more highly-recruited players, a lot of it, especially on defense, is very inexperienced. Combine the general inexperience on D with the fact that Saban is converting to the 3-4 scheme–and we catch them in Week 2–and I think that bodes very well for VU. Also, we return more players and we barely lost in Tuscaloosa a year ago. While actually beating Bama has proved to be much easier said than done for Vandy in the past, and the Saban Factor is hard to ignore, I think we get ‘em this year. Win.

 

Wake Forest–Wake, defending its ACC championship, is obviously a very good team, but I think we have better players. I honestly don’t know a lot about the Demon Deacons, but I think we should be able to beat them in Nashville, even considering their great 2006 season. Frankly, I’m probably underrating this team, but I just am not able to imagine a world where Wake Forest is a tougher opponent than Alabama or Georgia. Not much analysis here, obviously, just a gut feeling–win.

 

Kentucky–Yes, they won 8 games last year, and they have a potent offense, featuring one of the best QBs in the country. But that defense is horrible . Truly awful. We can score with them, and I like our defense’s chances of slowing their offense down a lot better than I like their defense’s chances of slowing Vandy’s down. Also, I seriously doubt they’ll be able to duplicate that +15 turnover margin they produced a year ago, which was a big reason for the successful season. We will win.

 

So, it looks like I’m predicting a 7-5 (bowl-eligible!) season, which feels about right. I think 6-6 (still bowl-eligible!!!) is probably equally likely, and there’s always the Vandy Factor, which brings all those sub-.500 records into play, too. Though legitimately possible, I believe, I dare not think about predicting anything north of 7 wins.

 

Whatever happens, it promises to be an emotional year for the Vanderbilt faithful.

2007 South Carolina Gamecocks preview

Steve Spurrier enters his third year as the coach at USC. He has said the team’s goal this year is no longer to have a winning record and to make a bowl game. The goal now is to win the SEC.

Offense

Senior QB Blake Mitchell is once again penciled in as the starter. Mitchell started off last year mediocre with the OL like swiss cheese and was benched for the mobile Syvelle Newton. Mitchell returned after halftime against Arkansas on a mission, throwing 10 touchdowns in the team’s final 18 quarters. Mitchell is an experienced accurate passer. He does not have a cannon, but can make all the necessary throws. He will be backed up by redshirt freshman Chris Smelley and sophomore Tommy Beecher. Star recruit Stephen Garcia may also get a look as a backup.

 

At running back, senior Cory Boyd is the star of the offense with Sidney Rice now in the NFL. Boyd gained over 1,200 all-purpose yards last year and figures to be one of the top running backs in the conference. Mike Davis, another established runner, also will get lots of carries as a junior. Scat back Bobby Wallace could get an occasional carry as a change of pace.

 

The offensive line is replacing three interior starters, but looks to be in better shape than it was at this time last year. Jamon Meredith is an all-SEC candidate at left tackle. Justin Sorensen is an established SEC lineman at right tackle. William Brown, a senior, has experience and will start at center. Left guard and right guard will be covered by either sophomore Garrett Anderson, senior James Thompson, former defensive tackle Lemuel Jean-Pierre, or redshirt freshman Kevin Young. Andy Boyd was 2^nd team all-SEC at TE last year and is an excellent blocker.

 

At WR, junior Kenny McKinley returns as the leader of the core. He had over 50 receptions and 800 yards as a sophomore. He will be depended on to make key receptions now with the loss of Rice. Spurrier compared sophomore Jared Cook to Calvin Johnson during the spring with his size and speed, but Cook needs to work on his route running and hands to become a dependable receiver. Possession receiver Freddie Brown and speedster Moe Brown will also get plenty of looks. Highly regarded freshmen Chris Culliver, Jason Barnes, and Dion LeCorn will get opportunities as well.

Overall, the offense looks to be in good shape, and with Spurrier in charge it could be hard to stop.

 

Defense

 

The defense is led by MLB Jasper Brinkley, an All-American candidate. Tyrone Nix enters his 3^rd year as the defensive coordinator with what could be a very stingy Gamecock defense.

 

The front seven looks as good as it ever has in Gamecock history. On the defensive line, star freshmen Ladi Ajiboye, Travian Robertson, and Cliff Matthews have been deemed unblockable by Spurrier during practice. Last year Eric Norwood was named a Freshman All-American and was the team leader in sacks last year with 7. Jordin Lindsey, Nathan Pepper, Marque Hall, and Joel Reaves are also established SEC defensive linemen.

 

At linebacker, Jasper Brinkley may be the top MLB in the country, and returns for his senior season. His twin brother Casper Brinkley had a solid season last year and will be moved from the defensive line to linebacker because of the depth. Freshman All-SEC Rodney Paulk will return as well. Dustin Lindsey, Marvin Sapp, and Cody Wells will all return to make up the two-deep at LB.

 

Captain Munnerlyn and Carlos Thomas are penciled in as the starters at cornerback. Munnerlyn made a positive impact as a freshman. Thomas struggled after being moved from offense last year but was improved towards the end of the year. Stoney Woodson, a junior, will be the nickelback. Emanuel Cook, another Freshman All-SEC player, is the starting strong safety. Brandon Isaac returns from a medical redshirt year to start his final year at free safety, and should be solid. Chris Hampton, Darian Stewart, and blue chip recruit Mark Barnes will back up at safety.

 

Special Teams

 

 

New special teams coach Shane Beamer (Frank’s son) will try to help the return game and blocking improve. There was a lot of practicing on blocking kicks in the spring, so some Beamer ball in the fall might be fun.

 

The return game was an area of concern last year. It did look better late in the year when Munnerlyn became the primary kickoff returner. 5 star freshman Chris Culliver will get opportunities to return as well. McKinley has been the primary punt returner the last two years, but with his increased responsibility at receiver someone else may get a look.

Ryan Succop returns as the all-purpose kicker. He was a Lou Groza semi-finalist last year, hitting 16 of 20 FGs with a long of 55. He is one of the best in the country, and is a weapon in a close game.

 

Outlook

 

Carolina has the #2 most difficult schedule in the country this year, with away games at Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Florida and arch-rival Clemson also travel to Columbia for games. Most experts are picking USC 4^th in the East behind Florida, Tennessee and Georgia.

The key game, as usual, is the 2^nd game of the year at Georgia. If USC can escape Athens with a victory, it may catapult them to being a legitimate contender. However, the team is probably a year away with the tough schedule. 9 wins would be a fair prediction and a good year.

2007 Alabama Crimson Tide

The Nick Saban Era begins, but as all eras do it will be with the last guy’s players for the most part. Mike Shula did a fair job of recruiting, but depth is a major concern, particularly on the defensive side of the ball where at some positions no experienced players return.

Offense

Nine starters return on offense, together with most of the top reserves. John Parker Wilson is the quarterback, coming off a season in which he set school records for yards and touchdowns. He should be a better fit for the new offense than he was for the last, though nobody actually knows what that offense will be. He may run more, but needs to stay healthy as his backup is redshirt freshman Greg McElroy and the only other scholarship quarterback around is an incoming freshman. Wilson’s two top receivers, DJ Hall and Keith Brown, also return. Hall set the school single-season record for receiving yards last year and if healthy should set basically every career mark this year. His fellow senior Brown was actually ahead of Hall’s pace until injuries struck in midseason. Receiver is the deepest position on the team with Nikita Stover, Will Oakley, and Matt Caddell all returning and I expect to see a lot of three and four receiver sets. Three experienced tight ends return. Travis McCall is the best blocker and was the starter last season. Nick Walker is a physical freak and could be a major asset in the receiving game, as could 6-7 third-teamer Charles Hoke.

Running back Ken Darby (after a catastrophic year in which he seemingly lost the ability to play football at a high level and Shula nonetheless kept giving him the ball) and fullbacks Le’Ron McClain and Tim Castille are all gone, leaving the backfield in flux. Four halfbacks are in the mix, and it’s entirely unclear who will come out on top. Jimmy Johns was at the top of the depth chart entering spring but had academic issues leading to a brief suspension. Glen Coffee, who missed last season with a knee injury, probably has the best all-around skills but lacks a single outstanding capability like Johns’ power or Terry Grant’s speed. Grant, who took a medical redshirt after three games last year, should play some sort of role but seems too small to be an every-down back. Roy Upchurch has shown flashes but has had to have surgery on each foot in successive years. Saban at LSU tended to ride whoever had the hot hand and showed no sentiment whatsoever (Darby would not have been allowed to keep starting without performing as he did last season) and likely all four backs will see significant time. No experience whatsoever returns at fullback, where walkon Baron Huber is listed as first on the depth chart. The offense was kept basically under wraps all spring and it seems likely that the Tide’s base offense will be either three receivers or two tight ends.

The starting offensive line all return, but the line was the weak spot on the team and played a major part in Shula’s firing. Andre Smith starred as a freshman and has left tackle nailed down. Heading into practice, the only other sure thing was that Antoine Caldwell would play somewhere. It seems that Caldwell will stay at center with Justin Britt and Marlon Davis the guards. Right tackle is still in flux, as oft-maligned starter Chris Capps missed spring with shoulder injury and converted guard BJ Stabler missed time with a persistent knee problem. It seems likely that someone else — perhaps Drew Davis — will take over the position.

Defense

More is known about the defensive philosophy than the offensive right now, but less about the personnel. The team is probably smaller (and faster) than Saban’s desired style, as that was departed defensive coordinator Joe Kines’ preference, and there will be a period of transistion. Alabama will switch to a 3-4, both because it’s Saban’s preferred scheme and because the team returns virtually no experience at all at defensive tackle. In fact, the starting nose guard, Brian Motley, spent last year as a redshirt practicing at center. Backup Lorenzo Washington played briefly in blowouts last season. Senior leader Wallace Gilberry returns at one end; it’s hoped that the new scheme will free him up more after last season, where he was constantly double-teamed. Bobby Greenwood, who split time last season, will start at the other end, though he’s a shade undersized for a 3-4 lineman. Brandon Deaderick, who has more prototypical size and arguably a better name, should back up both end spots, and can also slide inside if the team goes to a four-man line.

There’s little experience back at outside linebacker as well. Keith Saunders, who shared time with Greenwood last season, will play a combo rush end/linebacker spot ala Jason Taylor (or, for us old guys, Derrick Thomas). Converted wide receiver Zeke Knight showed flashes as a rush end last season before injuries took him out, and is listed at the other OLB. Prince Hall, a freshman All-American last year, will start at one inside spot and call the signals. Senior Darren Mustin, a transfer from Middle Tennessee, looks to be the starter at the other spot. The listed backups (DeMarcus Waldrop and Marcel Stamps) are both remarkably undersized at about 200 pounds, and it seems likely that someone else will emerge here.

The bulk of the defense’s experience is in the secondary, which returns two starters and several other veterans. Cornerback Simeon Castille is the defense’s most likely candidate for postseason honors after an All-SEC junior season. He was shaky in coverage early on but came on late. He’s more of a playmaker than a pure cover corner, and a switch to more zone coverage (and working with DB specialist Saban, who called himself a “graduate assistant” for the defensive backs this spring) should help him. Lionel Mitchell and Eric Grey are still in competition at the other corner, but Grey’s persistent injuries argue that Mitchell will take over that job sooner or later, though both will play. Saban will play a lot of nickel, and young players like Marquis Johnson and Kareem Jackson could make an impact. Marcus Carter returns at strong safety, while Rashad Johnson, who split time with Carter last year, moves to the free spot. Justin Woodall is the most experienced backup.

Special Teams

Jamie Christiansen missed time early in the 2006 season with a groin injury that probably cost the team the Arkansas game when legacy Leigh Tiffin missed several makeable field goals and an extra point. Christiansen will be back full strength and should handle placekicking and kickoffs. PJ Fitzgerald was unspectacular but the least of the team’s problems last year as the punter, and hasn’t been pushed so far.

Javier Arenas was the primary return man last year, and was especially effective on punt returns. Kickoff returns were a problem last year, as both Grant and Upchurch spent time flanking Arenas before getting hurt. Saban will try to use his best athletes in return roles and expect some surprises.

Coverage was a problem in 2006, especially on kickoffs, though the team grew better as the season went on. In part, this was caused by the lack of depth, which forced a lot of very young players and walkons into coverage roles, but also reflected a lack of discipline. Both should be less of a concern in 2007.

Coaching

Despite the Jesus Christ Superstar greetings for Saban in Tuscaloosa, he isn’t going to work miracles. The main thing he should bring is renewed discipline, which seemed a concern (particularly on offense) during the Shula regime. The off-field problems of several players (including Hall, Johns, and last year’s defensive stalwart Juwan Simpson) were one concern, but just as damaging were the numerous boneheaded mistakes that put the team in holes that Wilson had to dig out of. Shula’s loyalty was also a problem; while loyalty is a fine thing, it’s not exactly loyal to the other players on the team to stick by someone who is clearly struggling (like Darby and Capps) or to the players as a whole to stick by a coach who is over his head (like offensive line coach Bob Connelly). Saban’s loyalty, certainly, can be questioned, but he’ll make the tough decisions that Shula would not. The Darby situation is instructive; Saban, in similar positions at LSU, didn’t hesitate to ditch LaBrandon Toefield or Dominick Davis if they were struggling and he had a better option.

Major Applewhite was brought in from Rice as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. The Owls played a wide-open, spread offensive style last season on their way to their first bowl appearance in about half a century, but only elements of that are expected to play a part in Tuscaloosa. Veteran NFL assistant Joe Pendry will be the offensive line coach and is also thought to take part in the offensive planning. Kevin Steele, former top FSU assistant, is the defensive coordinator, though Saban is expected to be the primary defensive mastermind.

Outlook

This is a “good schedule” year, with three of the four top rivals (Arkansas, Tennessee, and LSU) visiting Tuscaloosa. Traditionally, that means that if the team is good they have a good chance at ten wins and a good bowl, but if they’re bad that means they’ll have to win games on the road against the Mississippi schools to have a decent season. Georgia also visits Tuscaloosa, taking Florida’s place on the schedule, while the Tide visits Vandy. The key stretch should come early in the season. After a tuneup with Western Carolina, the Tide makes the Nashville trip, hosts the Razorbacks and Dawgs, then plays a “neutral site” game in Jacksonville with Florida State.

All of those games are winnable, but winning them all is a tall order. If they come out of that stretch 4-1, they’ll be in great shape. My guess is that they can handle Tennessee on the Third Saturday; that’s followed by an off week and then what should be a war with LSU Nov. 3. The season, as usual, concludes with Auburn, this time at Auburn.

Overall, my guess is that the Tide will win the games in which they’re favored and pick off at least one upset in the games they’ll be underdogs (Georgia, FSU, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn). I’m saying Tennessee. That would be 8-4, probably a third place finish in the West, and a mid-level bowl — say Atlanta, for the KFC/Church’s Peach Bowl Presented by Popeye’s.

They could be a lot better. The basic theory here is that Shula was as bad of an offensive coordinator as he’s thought to be, and Connelly even worse as a line coach, and that their seemingly competent replacements, together with an experienced offense, should win games until the defense gets settled. Remember, though Alabama lost seven games last year, they led in at least five of them and lost one game by one point in overtime and two others by a field goal, so just slight improvements could seemingly lead to ten or more wins. I can’t go that far, not for a first-year staff in the SEC, but it’s happened before.

UPDATE (9/31): Things change. Brian Motley has broken his ankle, leaving the team with only two defensive tackles. Lorenzo Washington will start, backed by true freshmen. Terry Grant has apparently won the primary running back job. Jimmy Johns seemingly will be used as a combo back similar to how Shula used Tim Castille, playing both tailback and fullback, and also some H-back.

Prince Hall and Keith Brown have been suspended for the opener. Brown was already on the verge of losing his job to the surging Mike McCoy, who will start in his place. I still expect to see a lot of three and four receiver sets. True freshman Rolando McClain will start for Hall, and may battle for the full-time job afterwards. Saban won’t say what Brown and Hall did.

Mike Johnson won the right tackle spot, with Chris “Turnstile” Capps moved to backup left tackle. Saban is going with Leigh Tiffin as his starting placekicker; Jamie Christiansen is hurt, but apparently this was already in the cards. I guess Saban hasn’t seen the tapes of the Arkansas game.

2007 Tennessee Volunteers

By Smitty

2006 in Review

The 2006 Volunteers regrouped and showed that 2005 was just a fluke. David Cutcliffe returned as offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach and apparently fixed Erik Ainge. Ainge was second in the league in passing averaging around 249 yards a game. On a funny note, Andre’ Woodson of Kentucky lead the league in passing while being coached by former Vol QB’s coach Randy Sanders. Maybe the most important coaching move was to shift Trooper Taylor from Running Backs to Wide Receivers coach. Taylor took an underachieving group and made them into studs, including first round pick Robert Meachem. Key injuries in the Air Force game to Justin Harrell and Inky Johnson really put a strain on the Tennessee Defense.

The season was rolling along smoothly until the LSU game. The Vols had come from behind late in the game, thanks to LSU’s many turnovers. But the Vols lost Ainge and the game. The next week Fulmer started back up Jonathan Crompton at Arkansas, but Darren McFadden completely dominated the Vols with a Hershel Walker like game.

Tennessee looked like they might finish in the top 12, but an embarrassing loss to Penn State in the Out Back Bowl put a sour taste back into many fan’s mouths.

2007 Positions Quarterback Erik Ainge is back after a good 2006 season. It is hard to believe that he is already a senior. Off season knee surgery may have set him back with feeling out his new receivers, but he should be ready to start the season. In both seasons where he was the primary starter he has been injured and forced to miss games. Super Sophomore, Jonathan Crompton should be a capable fill in, but will be pressed by Freshman Nick Stephens. Running Backs

This group was injury plagued and didn’t get many holes to run through all season. However, LaMarcus Coker stepped up and proved to be the home run threat the Vols have been without since Travis Stephens. Arian Foster was hurt al of last season and may even surpass Coker as the starter. Montario Hardesty may have the most talent of all the Vols backs, but is consistently injured.

Wide Receivers All three starters from last season are gone and no one in the spring really pulled away from the pack. It looks like Trooper Taylor may rely on some very talented freshman to step up early. That is never a good sign. Sophomore Quinton Hancock will probably start out as the number one with transfer Kenny O’Neal being the deep threat (trust me, he is like 4.2 fast) and Freshman Bret Vinson being the other target for Ainge. My vote for new comer of the year in the SEC is Vinson. All reports on him are that he might be the best athlete Tennessee has had at receiver in many years. He also has great hands. O’Neal is a former FSU track star and will return kicks. Josh Briscoe, Lucus Taylor, and Austin Rogers will all be in the fold as well, but really have been lack luster at best at UT. There are a few incoming freshman, like Ahmad Paige and Gerald Jones, that may pass them by as well. The Vols also have solid targets at tight end with Chris Brown, Jeff and Brad Cottam. O-Line

This is another of Tennessee possible weaknesses. The only sure starters are Josh McNeil, Anthony Parker, and Eric Young. That leaves a tackle and a guard slot open. Chris Scott seems to have won the left tackle spot and Ramon Foster should get the nod at guard. Jacques McClendon will battle Foster for his job all season. This group could be really good, but could very well be average at best.

Kicker

Daniel Lincoln will probably start off as the place kicker, but if he falters it will be punter Britton Colquitt.

DEFENSE

D-Line

Demonte Bolden, Dan Williams, Walter Fisher and J.T. Mapu will rotate at the tackle spots. Xavier Mitchell, Antonio Reynolds, Wes Brown and Robert Ayers will share time at the ends with Reynolds and Mitchell poised to cause a lot of damage. This group should be stronger that last years. Hopefully the pass rush will improve, because defensive back is green group of guys. John Chavis is also working in some 3-4 schemes, more on that in a second. Freshman Ben Martin should see some playing time as well.

Linebacker

The Vols strongest area has to be at linebacker. In fact, their depth is why Chavis wants to use a few 3-4 packages so he can get these guys on the field. Jerod Mayo, Ryan Karl, Rico McCoy, Adam Myers-White and Ellix Wilson all come to hit. Mayo, Karl, and McCoy will probably be the starters. If they can avoid injuries, they are going to be scary good. Look out for freshman Chris Donald to make an impact this season.

Secondary

The Good: All American Safety Jonathan Hefney is back and will also return kicks.

The Bad: The rest of last years starting secondary are no longer on the team.

The Ugly: Antonio Gaines, Marsalous Johnson, and Jarod Parrish all won starting jobs in the spring. None of them really seem ready to start in the SEC

Safety Nevin McKenzie and corner/safety DeAngelo Willingham, from the junior college ranks, will provide some support in the fall and will probably start. Antonio Wardlow will be a solid reserve as well. Freshmen Eric Berry may figure in too.

Punter

Britton Colquitt is the man! How could he not be with that last name? When he graduates I hope we can find another Colquitt, even if it is a sister.

Schedule and Smitty’s Forecast (This assumes everyone stays healthy)

09-01-2007	Sat	California	Berkeley, CA
09-08-2007	Sat	Southern Mississippi	Knoxville, TN
09-15-2007	Sat	Florida	Gainsville, FL
09-22-2007	Sat	Arkansas State	Knoxville, TN
10-06-2007	Sat	Georgia	Knoxville, TN
10-13-2007	Sat	Mississippi State	Starkville, MS
10-20-2007	Sat	Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL
10-27-2007	Sat	South Carolina	Knoxville, TN
11-03-2007	Sat	Louisiana-Lafayette(HC)	Knoxville, TN
11-10-2007	Sat	Arkansas	Knoxville, TN
11-17-2007	Sat	Vanderbilt	Knoxville, TN
11-24-2007	Sat	Kentucky	Lexington, KY

California- This should be a good game. I am giving the edge to the Vols after last years romp.

Southern Mississippi- Will also be a tough test, but Tennessee SHOULD pull this one out.

Florida- The defending national champs (ugh) only beat the Vols by a point last year and they lose a lot of key personnel. UT starts off 3-0.

Arkansas State- Whatever.

Georgia- UGA owns the Vols at home. I think Tennessee will pull out a close one however and get the upper hand in the SEC East.

Mississippi State- Arkansas State would give them a run for their money.

Alabama- “The Nick” effect won’t have settled in yet. Tennessee by 10.

South Carolina- Spurrier scares me, his team does not. 8-0.

Louisiana-Lafayette- 9-0

Darren McFadden…I mean Arkansas- Not with Nutt and not in Knoxville.

Vanderbilt- Vandy is going to a bowl this year, but not turning the trick again in Knoxville.

Kentucky- The Mildcats will be better this year, but they won’t stop this undefeated party.

SEC Championship Game (LSU)- The Vols come from behind late and beat LSU with a game winning field goal.

BCS National Title Game- Well I think USC will probably trip the Vols up, but I went out this far, minus well take them. Tennessee 28 USC 21, we are turning the trick in men’s and women’s basketball too!

Here there be previews

Eventually, SEC football previews will go here.