When you're listing the pluses for the University of Tennessee's 2004 football season, don't forget the schedule.

Pessimists might be fretting about playing Florida in the second game with an inexperienced quarterback. And they're probably more than a little worried about back-to-back games against Auburn and Georgia, with the latter game in Athens.

But by UT standards, this schedule is easier than most, particularly when you consider the Vols are breaking in a new quarterback.

Think back to 1994 when the Vols had to replace Heath Shuler at quarterback. They opened at UCLA; then played Georgia, Florida, Mississippi State, Washington State, Arkansas and Alabama on successive Saturdays.

In 1998, quarterback Tee Martin had to make his first start in the Carrier Dome against Syracuse and quarterback Donovan McNabb. Martin's second start was against a great Florida defense.

Two years later, new quarterback Joey Mathews started his first game in the season opener against a tough Southern Mississippi team known for unorthodox defensive schemes.

Compared to those games, this season opener is a bargain for whoever wins UT's starting quarterback job.

UNLV, this year's opening opponent, is ranked 91st among 117 Division I-A teams by Athlon's preseason football magazine. Most preseason publications project the Rebels to finish last or next to last in the Mountain West Conference.

UNLV returns seven starters from a decent defense, but its lack of offensive firepower means the Vols won't have to score a lot to win.

After an open date, the Vols will play longtime nemesis Florida in Neyland Stadium. But the Gators aren't what they used to be. Coach Steve Spurrier is long gone, and Florida has had back-to-back five-loss seasons under Ron Zook.

Moreover, UT's new quarterback will be going against an inexperienced Florida defense. The Gators will return only two defensive starters from last season and will field an all-new secondary.

The third game is against Louisiana Tech, ranked 96th by Athlon, and with most of the starters returning from a defense that gave up 510.5 yards per game last season.

After those back-to-back games against Auburn and Georgia, the schedule will lighten up again. None of UT's last six opponents is a cinch to have a winning season.

The game at South Carolina might be the most difficult, but the Gamecocks haven't beaten UT since 1992.

Notre Dame (Nov. 6) is UT's most formidable non-conference opponent. That's not saying much.

The Irish went 5-7 last year. Although they return 14 starters, they're hardly assured of a better record.

Notre Dame's first four games are against Michigan, Michigan State, Washington and Purdue. After eight consecutive games without an open date, it likely will be beaten down and disheartened by the time it comes to Neyland Stadium.

That should set UT up for another strong finish. After the Irish, the Vols will have an open date, followed by games against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.

By then, they won't have an inexperienced quarterback.

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.