Losses to both the Golden Bears and the Gators could be a crushing blow for a
program as emotionally fragile as Tennessee. The players could begin doubting
themselves and the fans could begin questioning the coaching staff.
Fortunately for the Big Orange, all three of the games mentioned above are in
Knoxville. So is Game 4 against Marshall (Sept. 23).
Following a Game 5 visit to Memphis (Sept. 30), the Vols are looking at five
imposing challenges in a row – at Georgia (Oct. 7), Alabama (Oct. 21), at South Carolina (Oct. 28), LSU (Nov. 4) and at Arkansas (Nov. 11). Arkansas has been
nearly unbeatable at home under Houston Nutt, so Tennessee may be hard-pressed
to go 2-3 during that five-game stretch.
On a positive note, the open date between Georgia and Bama could prove to be a
real blessing. The Vols close at Vanderbilt (Nov. 18) and at home vs. Kentucky
(Nov. 25).
The optimist might point out that Tennessee’s big games with Florida, Alabama
and LSU are at home; the pessimist could reply that the Vols have been a
mediocre team on home soil in recent years … going just 18-9 over the past four
seasons.
Tennessee’s key game, as always seems to be the case, is Florida. If the Vols
can win their league opener against the Gators, the momentum could help them
contend for the Southeastern Conference title.
Conversely, a loss to Florida would leave the Vols facing a long, uphill climb.
They haven’t won a conference title since 1998, and the natives are getting
restless.