Tennessee fans want to feel optimistic. Now, it’s up to the Vols to give them just cause.

The Vols head into 2004 with plenty of questions. Subsequently, most fans don’t expect a championship-caliber season. However, fans hope this season unveils reasons to feel optimistic about future title contention.

The following are four keys that could give UT fans cause for optimism after this season:

1. Find a Quarterback-This dilemma outweighs all others combined. At present, senior C.J. Leak is the starter with junior Rick Clausen close behind.

Ultimately, the quarterback depth chart may be determined by UT’s record. Tennessee coaches would love to be able to run the ball effectively, play well defensively, and limit the quarterback’s opportunity to make mistakes.

However, if the Vols are 0-2 in the SEC before the Georgia game then it’s time to plan for the future. Freshmen Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer have drawn rave reviews from media and teammates. Both will get a chance to play this year.

While it would be unlikely for either to start the season opener, it’s not as impossible as some might think. Tennessee coaches will play the quarterback who is least likely to make mistakes. Usually, that candidate is an upperclassman. That doesn’t hold true this year given Leak and Clausen’s inconsistent past.

Bottom Line: Leak will probably start the season. If Leak struggles, Clausen will play. Expect both freshmen to play early in the season. Then, one will take over the starting job by mid-October.

Odds for starting the season opener: Leak-50 percent, Clausen-40 percent, one of the freshmen-10 percent.

2.Beat Georgia-This is the key game of the year for Tennessee despite whatever record the Vols might have going into Athens. If UT gets off to a decent start, then the stakes are the SEC East. IF the Vols start slow, the trip to Athens is still significant.

The Georgia rivalry is beginning to feel like the Florida series in the nineties. Whether it’s an untimely injury, a 14-point swing just before halftime, or a late comeback, something always seems to go wrong for the Vols that costs them the game.

UT coaches and players never admitted that there was a mental jinx with Steve Spurrier’s Gators even as Florida won five straight from 1993-1997. Still, something didn’t seem right. There was clearly a mental hurdle to be surpassed.

If the Bulldogs win this year, it will be five straight dating back to 2000. That might have a greater psychological impact to Tennessee’s program than whatever impact it might have in the standings.

Tennessee could also use the win for recruiting purposes. Georgia might never be the prospect gold mine it was during pre-Richt times but UT could use one or two key players to annually supplement their class.

Bottom Line: Georgia will be tough to beat in Athens. Efficient quarterback play will be the key. Whoever lines up behind center will need to make enough plays to win while limiting mistakes at the same time. UT’s secondary versus Georgia’s talented group of wideouts will be the other match-up to concern UT fans.

3. Show signs of offensive life-Tennessee’s offense has been mired in mediocrity since 2001. Fans have voiced all their complaints whether it centered on offensive coordinator Randy Sanders or head coach Phillip Fulmer.

Whatever the cause, UT fans want desperately to see an explosive offense that lights up the scoreboard. Having a quarterback quandary doesn’t help. But if the Vols’ 2004 offense shows signs of growth as it matures, then most fans will patiently wait for 2005 to see the fireworks fly.

Bottom Line: Phillip Fulmer and Randy Sanders face a tough challenge in 2004. Confidence in the offense among fans is at a near all-time low and no one knows who will be playing quarterback.

UT’s offensive line has been average for too long. This year, that unit has enough talent, depth, and experience to be one of the top groups in the nation. Fans are ready for them to play to that level. If UT can control games up front, then simple passing plays will take advantage of young, talented wide receivers.

4.Find Jason Allen’s cornerback mate-UT was so pleased with cornerback Antwan Stewart that they considered moving Allen to safety. Jonathan Wade and Jonathan Hefney were set to compete at the other cornerback position.

That plan was nixed when Stewart suffered a torn ACL during spring practice. Therefore, Allen stays at corner. Talented sophomore Corey Campbell will man one safety spot with Brandon Johnson and Jarod Parrish, among others, competing at the other.

Wade and Hefney will draw the spotlight. It’s nearly impossible to hide a sub-par corner in the SEC. One of the two talented players will need to grab the reins like Allen did last year. The prospects of UT having two lockdown cornerbacks for the next three years will excite even the most pessimistic fan.

Bottom Line: Hefney looks like the player UT needs. His explosiveness is undeniable. Wade will be good. Most likely he will play nickel back and back up both corner positions.