2008 record: 5-7, 3-5 (5th in SEC East)
2008 bowl: Beat Wisconsin 21-17 in Outback Bowl
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: Unranked
Coach: Lane Kiffin 0-0 (1st year)
Offensive coordinator: Jim Chaney (1st year)
Defensive coordinator: Monte Kiffin (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 6
Location: Knoxville, Tenn.
Stadium: Neyland Stadium (grass; 102,038)
Last league title: 1998
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton is supposed to be a symbol of stability with Tennessee’s offense. Fact is, Crompton is working with his fifth offensive coordinator in four seasons. New coach Lane Kiffin said the offense has been simplified and there are efforts to capitalize on Crompton’s strong points. He has a top target in junior receiver Gerald Jones, but there was bad news with a season-ending injury to Austin Rogers and a broken foot for junior Denarius Moore, who won’t return until the early season. Don’t be surprised if freshmen Bryce Brown, rated as the nation’s No. 1 recruit, and David Oku become the primary ball-carriers. There are three holdovers on the offensive line, paced by potential All-American senior Josh McNeil, who has made 35 consecutive starts at center.

Defensive: The Vols have two franchise-type defensive players in junior strong safety Eric Berry and junior defensive end Chris Walker. Berry, an amazing playmaker, has 12 interceptions for 487 yards (14 off the NCAA record for career interception return yardage) and three touchdowns. Berry is coming off shoulder surgery, so Kiffin described Walker as Tennessee’s best defensive player in the spring. Walker is a smallish, ridiculously fast edge pass-rusher, the type of athlete perfect for new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, formerly of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tennessee’s biggest worry is replenishing the linebacker corps, although senior Rico McCoy is a keeper.  

Specialists: Which Daniel Lincoln will show up? He was magnificent as a freshman All-American, but mediocre as a sophomore (10 of 18 on field goals). For the first time since 2001, a Colquitt will not be Tennessee’s primary punter (that duty falls to junior Chad Cunningham). The return game should be handled by junior Dennis Rogan (second in SEC kickoff returns with a 24.9-yard average).

Coaching: Lane Kiffin, a salesman at heart, has plenty to prove. He came up through the ranks at USC, got an early opportunity with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders (where he bombed) and now finds himself at the wheel of an SEC speed racer. Kiffin is not intimidated in the least. He has his legendary father, Monte, running the defense. His staff, including the frenetic Ed Orgeron, is filled with recruiting maniacs. Kiffin, intentionally controversial, has gotten everyone’s attention. One question remains: Can he manage a team at the highest level? 

Heisman Hopefuls: Berry, pound for pound, might be the best defensive player in America. If that’s not good enough for Heisman contention, that says more about the award’s voting process than Berry himself.

Game of the year Sept. 19 at Florida The Tennessee-Florida game used to be an annual slugfest for the SEC East title. This season’s game could feature a KO blow. Remember, Kiffin subtly predicted a Vols win upon his hiring. Then he called out (falsely) Florida for alleged recruiting violations. The Gators are still growling and the Vols could be in for the fight of their lives. If they give a good account of themselves — let’s not even think about pulling an upset — it could set the tone for a nice season.

Overview: Last season was downright painful. The Phil Fulmer era slowed to a crawl and nobody was talking about Tennessee on a national level. Well, that has changed (has it ever!). But very soon, Kiffin’s bravado will give way to on-field results. The recruiting has gone well and the excitement level has peaked. Tennessee, while not a realistic choice (yet) to compete for an SEC title, is back on the map. We’ll have to see how soon it is ready for the fast lane. 

Next up: No. 25 BYU

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