TAMPA, Fla. -- When Tennessee routed nationally ranked California in the season opener, I stupidly concluded that its dreadful 2005 season finally could be laid to rest.

Eight victories and a bowl invitation later, the 2005 season is still a topic for press conferences. It's the same topic with a different theme.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer is no longer asked, "How could you be that bad?" Instead, he's asked, "How could you be that much better?"

But you can't address the improvement without referring to the mishaps of 2005.

When Fulmer was asked to explain the differences in this season and last at an Outback Bowl press conference, his candid response was: There's not enough time. He then did his best to synopsize one of the biggest turnarounds in UT history.

He praised offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe and the rest of a revamped offensive coaching staff. He cited the dramatic improvement of quarterback Erik Ainge, and the determination of everyone associated with the program to prove the 2005 season was an aberration.

The proof is in the numbers. UT has gone from a 5-6 record to 9-3 prior to Monday's game with Penn State. It's ranked 17th nationally and can move higher with a victory against the unranked Nittany Lions.

The offensive numbers are even more revealing. The Vols averaged 18.3 points and 326.3 yards per game last season. They have averaged 29.3 points and 374.3 yards per game this season.

UT fans can savor those numbers right up until Monday's kickoff. But finally, on the first day of 2007, 2005 will become irrelevant. By then, fans will be thinking ahead. And by then, another turnaround will come to the forefront.

In a strange twist to a turnaround season, UT's defense took a turn for the worse in 2006. The Vols ranked ninth in the SEC in total defense and 71st nationally in run defense.

That's not only a concern for Fulmer in preparation for the Outback Bowl. It's a concern for next season when the Vols will have to replace their starting middle linebacker (Marvin Mitchell), their two starting cornerbacks (Jonathan Wade and Antwan Stewart) and their best defensive lineman (Turk McBride).

Aside from punter Britton Colquitt, junior safety Jonathan Hefney will enter next season as the only obvious All-SEC-caliber player on UT's defense. The lack of star power isn't the only concern.

Check out the schedule, which begins with a road game against California. Even if tailback Marshawn Lynch goes pro early as expected, the Golden Bears will return eight offensive starters, including star wide receiver DeSean Jackson and quarterback Nate Longshore.

Two games later, the Vols will play defending SEC champion Florida in Gainesville. Never mind the loss of starting quarterback Chris Leak. The Gators will return nine of their top 10 offensive linemen and a number of talented, young players at the skill positions.

Facing Cal and Florida in the first three games, UT's defense can't afford a slow start.

Florida won't be its only test in the SEC. UT's other seven SEC opponents will return an average of eight starters on offense, and all seven will return their starting quarterbacks.

Against that schedule, the Vols' defense will have to make a turnaround if they hope to win a conference championship.