Don't Panic, Vol Fans!

I spent Sunday in Nashville covering the Titans loss to the New York Jets. On the drive home, I was hit with stunning news from UT.

Two key defensive players are out for the season-- after suffering injuries in the win over Air Force.

The good news is, UT says defensive lineman Justin Harrell will fully recover from a ruptured bicep tendon. Harrell's UT career may be over. He's a senior.

Defensive back Inky Johnson remains hospitalized (in stable condition) with what UT calls blood vessel and nerve damage to his upper right extremity.

My primary concern is for the well-being and recovery of both players.

But with the SEC opener against Florida just days away-- Vol Defensive Coordinator John Chavis has some big gaps to fill.

Don't panic. He's got the players to do it.

Look for Saturday night's defensive hero, Xavier Mitchell to play a bigger role at defensive end-- leaving the option of moving the very versatile Turk McBride inside to cover for Harrell.

The Vols have enough front-line players at defensive back to cover for Johnson. The question at both positions is depth, a subject Head Coach Phillip Fulmer has been harping on all season.

UT's defense faces a huge challenge. But keep this in mind. Their best defense may be a good offense. The Vols are averaging 33 points a game.

They're capable of winning a shootout-- even against Florida.