Ready or Not, Here Comes Cal!

Are the Vols ready to open the 2006 season? That question, my friends, is moot. Because, ready or not, here comes California.

Chavis will have his defense ready-- even with a fair share of new starting players. The Vols have plenty of quality up-front and at linebacker. Their defensive backfield has played solid all preseason.

The offense is still registering "moderate" on my concern meter. Forget the quarterback play (for a minute). Success on offense this season will come down to Arian Foster and the Vol running game. If the offensive line can spring Foster (and his back-ups) for big runs-- the passing game will fill-in the gaps. No doubt about it. It's got to be that way. Vol coaches preach balance on offense. But that balance has to start somewhere-- and this year it's with the ground game.

I also think David Cutcliffe has enough savvy and game management confidence to pull a few surprises.

Special teams looked much improved during the preseason. At least, the return game (kicks and punts) did. James Wilhoit looked inconsistent on field goals-- but he's made some big ones, including a game winner against Florida two-years ago, and a clutch kick to force overtime against LSU last year.

Depth has always been a huge advantage for the Vols. They can wear-out teams late in a game. But this year the head coach has concerns. If it's there, that depth will have to develop quickly.

Saturday night's game is a toss-up. Really. Cal is very good, but the Vols didn't suddenly turn into Kentucky.

The Golden Bears are dealing with a healthy (and deserved) dose of preseason hype. But they've also got to contend with a cross-country flight, the heat and humidity of a southern September night, and a UT football team that's tired being a target for criticism.

Ready or not, the 2006 season is here. It's about time!