I don't want to hear how predictable Tennessee football is. Based on the Saturday's scrimmage, such criticism is outdated and grossly inaccurate.

In fact, the Vols might be the least predictable team in the country - at least before the ball is snapped.

One media representative showed up 45 minutes late for Saturday's scrimmage and said, "Their schedule said the scrimmage would start at 2:45."

Another reporter wasn't about to trust a schedule. He said he called the UT football office Friday afternoon and was told the scrimmage would begin at 4:20.

He only missed it by 2 hours, 20 minutes and about a quarter of a mile. He was the only guy at Neyland Stadium when the scrimmage ended at Haslam Field.

For the record, the scrimmage started at 2 p.m. Also for the record, I would have been on time if I hadn't stopped to assist an injured kitten. I'll spare you the details because it's not my style to brag about acts of random kindness.

I know what you're thinking: "Who cares about an injured cat? What happened at the scrimmage?"

That's my point. Nothing happened.

I was initially disappointed to hear UT would close all but the first 30 minutes of its practice sessions to the media once the regular season began. Now I say, "Why wait?" Close the whole shebang right now.

And don't stop with the media. Don't let the defense in, either.

Everybody on UT's defensive line looked like Georgia's David Pollack. UT's running game was nothing but a disappearing act. The quarterback would hand the ball to a running back, who would promptly vanish in a white flash of defenders. UT defensive coordinator John Chavis gained more yardage than the running backs just rushing onto the field to congratulate his defense.

It's not uncommon for the defense to be ahead of the offense at this juncture of the preseason. But you don't expect it to lap the offense, which produced one touchdown and a succession of comedic acts, none of which amused energetic running backs coach Trooper Taylor.

Taylor had a starring role in the second-most exciting play of the scrimmage. After running back Jabari Davis and freshman quarterback Eric Ainge fumbled a handoff exchange, Taylor staged an impromptu fast break in which Ainge and Davis were required to chase down and recover one Taylor bounce pass after another.

The most entertaining play was a nicely arched 65-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer to wide receiver Robert Meachem. You want another highlight? Reread the first sentence of this paragraph.

You can't blame the scrimmage mishaps solely on a couple of freshman quarterbacks, who took most of the snaps. The quarterbacks didn't miss a block or a pass and they didn't center the ball over a 6-foot-6 quarterback's head.

They both struggled and flashed potential. They also raised a question: "What about C.J. Leak?"

Although Leak is listed as the No. 1 quarterback, he only played a couple of series. Coach Phillip Fulmer and offensive coordinator Randy Sanders explained that by saying "We know what C.J. can do."

The logical interpretation might be: "We know what C.J. can do and we're not satisfied with it." But the coaches didn't say that.

Sanders said Leak's lack of scrimmage time is neither an endorsement nor a condemnation. He and the rest of the offensive staff just wanted to see what the freshmen could do.

Asked if a freshman could start the season opener, Sanders doesn't rule out the possibility. It makes you wonder if the coaching staff expects Leak to fail and is determined to see which one of the freshmen is most capable of taking the job.

Leak, a sixth-year senior, handles all this remarkably well. He took the coaches' explanation at face value and wasn't insulted by the lack of scrimmage time.

"I like playing ball but I know they've got to get the young guys ready," Leak said.

Leak played only sparingly last season as a backup to Casey Clausen but got plenty of work in the spring. He says he's comfortable with his command of the offense and his timing with the receivers.

When asked if Leak would see more action in the next scrimmage, Fulmer said, "Absolutely." Sanders said, "It's possible."

The next scrimmage is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Media-types are encouraged to arrive early - just in case.

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