2007 Tennessee Vols College Football Picks & Predictions
June 6, 2008
Offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe went to a no-huddle offense in the spring to expand the game of quarterback Arik Ainge, who wet a school single-season marby by completing 67 percent of his passes last season. “He should be the best quarterback in the SEC,” Cutcliffe said. The Volunteers begin the season rated 7th in the land and return seven starters on offense. Ainge holds the key as to whether the Volunteers can get back to their National Championship days and compete with LSU and Florida for the SEC title.
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One potential issue is finding dependable receivers. The combined receptions for the returning wideouts is just 26. Lucas Taylor, Quintin Hancock and Austin Rogers have shined in the spring and emerged as Tennesee’s top receivers. Slick Shelley and Josh Briscoe will make strides. Four newcomers could be playing this fall at the wideout positions. The tight end position was so productive in the spring that Coach Phillip Fulmer didn’t even list the fullback position on the depth chart. They are led by Chris Brown and Brad Cottam, two excellent pass catchers and solid run blockers that will help Ainge cause opposing defenses serious troubles.
Lamarcus Coker has a thrilling burst and averaged 6.4 yards per carry last season. Adrien Foster, slowed by an ankle injury, averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, but was the most impressive running back in the spring and looked a step faster. He averaged almost 150 yards in five starts at the end of the 2005 season. Both backs should get their fair share of playing time in 2007. The line loses All-American tackle Arron Sears, but should be as good or better at four of the five positions.
The lack of depth at the defensive tackle position caused coordinator John Chavis to experiment with the 3-4 alignment in the spring. It just depends on how many tackles prove to be SEC ready as to whether or not he uses it. Xavier Mitchell, Antonio Reynolds, Wes Brown and Robert Ayers rank among the SEC’s best at the defensive end positions. They should be able to get to opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis to disrupt their timing. “Reynolds could be a big-time SEC end,” Chavis said.
Not many teams in the nation have more good linebackers than the Vols with Jerod Mayo making 83 tackles and Ryan Karl with 66 tackles for the 2006 season. Rico McCoy, Adam Myers-White and Ellix Wilson will all see playing time as well. Free safety Jonathan Hefney is one of the best in the country. He was second on the team in tackles with 96 and second in the SEC with five interceptions. He also had great success as a punt returner, producing 12.1 yards each time he touch the ball. The Vols will likely need help from one or two junior college signees in safety Nevin McKenzie and corner-safety DeAngelo Willingham.
The Vols are overdue to reclaim their spot among the SEC elite. The schedule is tough early with games at California and at Florida which will make or break their season. If Tennessee can somehow escape both road trips with wins, a National Championship will be in their within their grasps. A senior quarterback in Erik Ainge will help their cause tremendously. He knows what it takes to win the big game. Volunteer fans have high hopes for the upcoming season and are tired of getting let down time and time again. The 2007 season is the time for players to step up and make Vol country proud once again.
Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:
60-1
Bodog:
50-1
BetUS:
20-1
Odds to Win SEC West:
BetUS:
+300
Bodog:
+300
