Memphis Pregame (and Postseason) Thoughts

Thirty minutes to kickoff at Neyland, and the Vols have returned to their traditional orange and white uniforms. Tennessee fans hope another tradition returns this season-- a postseason bowl game.

The Vols used to be a regular guest at places like Orlando, Tampa, Dallas, and Tempe. But not lately. Tennessee has missed playing postseason football twice in the last four years. And there's no guarantee of a trip this year.

The Vols are 4-4 as they enter tonight's game with Memphis, but momentum (if there really is such a thing) is on their side. The Vols have looked sharp in their recent wins, and played mostly solid football in their losses to Alabama and Florida.

The SEC has agreements with nine bowl games. With a successful run in November, the Vols could land in one of the conference's New Year's Day games.

Last week, scouts from the Outback (Tampa), Chick-fil-a (Atlanta), Orange (not sure why) and Cotton (Dallas) watched the Vols clobber South Carolina.

Again Memphis, only the Chick-fil-a is here, and while a trip to Atlanta on New Year's Eve would be nice for Tennessee, the Vols want to play on a bigger stage.

The SEC bowl formulas are set. There's not much guess-work and suspense anymore-- but trust me, having covered this stuff before-- there is still some maneuvering and negotiating done behind the scenes. The difference between the Vols going to Tampa or Dallas, will depend on wins and losses-- but fan support, and overall marquee value (aka Lane Kiffin) will also play into the decision.

Oh, and the Vols also need four more things. 

Wins.