It's the return of Randy.

A year removed from a dark and difficult time in his life, Randy Sanders has resurfaced as an integral member of a Kentucky coaching staff that was looking for answers.

Now while many questions remain, a number of others have apparently been worked out, thanks in part to the former Vol quarterback and offensive coordinator. The new Kentucky quarterbacks coach has helped mold Andre Woodson into one of the SEC's more productive players. It's his knowledge of the Big Orange, however, that Tennessee fans are wondering will be enough to help the Wildcats snap the Vols' 21 game win streak over the Big Blue. It is the second longest active winning streak in Division I-A football and one Sanders helped build during his days on The Hill.

Sanders has taken a low-key approach to his return to Neyland Stadium. In fact, he sounds like the old Randy, saying, "I spent a lot of time there, but at this time, it's still our next opponent."

As for putting his personal feelings aside, he told us this week, "I probably have more friends at Mississippi State and at most of the schools we play. So once they put the ball on the tee, it's football and you worry about the friendships afterwards."

With all due respect, Coach, I think it's a little more than football. It is Big Orange blood tinted in Blue.

It's an old friend forced out and now fighting back the only way he can.

Oh, how sweet would Randy's revenge taste. That's right, it's just football. See you today, Coach Sanders.

Rick Russo is sports director for WVLT Volunteer TV Sports Overtime. Read his blog on govolsxtra.com.