Finally, it’s here.

If it seems like this offseason has been longer than any other, it’s because it has.

Collegiate football in East Tennessee ended in November, not January, last year.

The Vols finally fell completely off their perch as an SEC contender and erased any notion they were still among the elite teams in the nation with a 5-6 record.

There’s a phrase for that: Rock Bottom.

Make no mistake about it, no matter what happens Saturday against the mighty Cal Golden Bears — yep, that’s right "mighty’’ — things can’t and won’t get worse.

If you think that sounds like a hint that this analyst expects a Cal victory but doesn’t believe the Big Orange Nation should panic, you would be right.

The Golden Bears SHOULD win, despite a shrinking betting line that favored Tennessee by 1½ at last glance.

Cal brings back 18 starters ? UT returns, what, 10, counting Erik Ainge?

Neyland Stadium certainly can be intimidating, but honestly, don’t you think playing Southern Cal on the road was more frightening for these experienced Bears?

Don’t even talk about weather helping the Vols.

The California guys might not be as used to the humidity, but the Golden Bears are a deeper team than UT.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said it himself, he’s disappointed with some second teammers who haven’t gotten themselves to the level they need to be at.

If you’re still reading, and believe me, I know some die-hards have already moved on to the next GoVolsXtra link, I can give you a scenario where Tennessee wins.

No. 1: Erik Ainge proves the doubters wrong and has an efficient afternoon with no turnovers.

No. 2: Tennessee special teams makes some pivotal plays or Cal special teams mess up.

No. 3: Vol offensive linemen meet up with Dr. David Banner, and he turns over his secret to becoming the Hulk.

In short, it’s going to take some inspired play on offense, and the ol’ Tennessee "Winning Edge’’ on special teams.

It could happen, I just happen to think the odds are against it.

Perhaps if UT had last year’s defense coming back, guys like Kevin Simon, Jason Mitchell and Omar Gaither knocking heads rather than this green linebacking corps of Ryan Karl, Jerod Mayo (who I really like) and Marvin Mitchell, things would be different.

Yeah, the secondary is great in coverage, but the hardest hitter is Jonathan Hefney, and at 190 pounds, he doesn’t scare many people. Especially not a 220-pound thoroughbred like Marshawn Lynch.

KEY PLAYERS: Lynch for the Bears, Ainge for the Vols.

KEY STAT: If Cal outrushes UT, it’s over.

OVER UNDER: Lynch 100 yards rushing; Ainge one interception; UT receivers two dropped passes; Harrell 1½ sacks; Cal four team sacks.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Vols’ cornerback Jonathan Wade. This guy can make some game-changing plays.

PREDICTION: Cal 24, Tennessee 16.

GRIFF’S SEC ODDS:

Picks made with co-host Bob Hodge on the Sports Page every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon on 99.1 FM the Sports Animal. The show is streamed on GoVolsXtra.

Georgia (no line) over Western Kentucky

Southern Miss (plus-20) over Florida, Gators straight-up

Alabama (minus-162) over Hawaii

Auburn (minus 142) over Washington State

LSU (minus 302) over Louisiana Lafayette

Southern Cal (-8) over Arkansas

Memphis (+32) over Ole Miss, Memphis straight up

Kentucky (+222) over Louisville, Louisville straight up

GRIFF’s Super 16 Poll

Voted on weekly on the Football Writers of Association of America website, FWAA.com.

1. Notre Dame

2. USC

3. Florida State

4. West Virginia

5. Florida

6. Ohio State

7. Auburn

8. Iowa

9. Texas

10. LSU

11. California

12. Clemson

13. Miami

14. Louisville

15. Oklahoma

16. Georgia

On to your Ask Griff questions ...

Q: We had a few email exchanges about three years ago regarding Casey Clausen primarily, as I recall. I’ve since moved to Florida (and it just can’t compare to TN, but the job’s great).

Anyway, I don’t get much VOLS info down here. I’m looking forward to seeing the VOLS have a good comeback. Sounds like Mr. Chavis has the D turning out pretty good, but how do you think the offense will do?

We’ve got an awfully tough schedule (as usual), is the O-line up to it? Will 2-3 receivers step up and make the big plays? Will the QB’s have the confidence to stand steady and get the ball where it needs to go? (Ol’ Bo’s impressing me lately ...) Are the RBs up and ready for SEC defenses? Has Wilhoit hurt his foot, or do you think something is distracting him (sounds like he’s out of the norm — or maybe he just had a bad day)?

I truly expect the VOLS will come out and defeat Cal — it would do the VOLS great to start off on a good note; I say that because I believe in Phil Fulmer, John Chavis, and the VOLS, and I think they’ll get the job done this year. At least that’s my fervent hope!

Hope all is well in Knox-vegas!

Paul Barker

pvbarker@comcast.net

GRIFF: Wow, that’s about a complete team breakdown you’re asking for! I would be able to answer the questions better after seeing the first game (sounds like Fulmer saying he needs to see the film, I know), but after three scrimmages here’s my take on your questions?

Team bouncing back: Yes, but not early. I look for a 2-2 September slate but perhaps an undefeated or one-loss October.

UT offense: More disciplined, still not where it was at the skill positions.

Offensive line: Young, but Greg Adkins is a keeper at offensive line coach. Give him another year and see what you get.

UT defense: Not as good as last year and certainly the greenest group I’ve seen at linebackers in some time. They’ll be balling in October after a few games under their belts, but don’t expect a miracle.

QB confidence: Ugh. Hard to gain confidence against Cal and Florida. I really don’t know if Ainge will hold the starting job through the season. I think Georgia will be a pivotal game for both Ainge and the team.

Running backs: Lots of talent, but inexperienced. If Foster doesn’t hold on to the ball, don’t be surprised if Montario Hardesty bumps him from the starting lineup. Hardesty could be the X-factor if his knee holds up. I like LaMarcus Coker a lot, too, but I think this year he’ll do more on third downs catching the ball out of the backfield when he’s not running sweeps.

James Wilhoit: Love this guy. Tennessee wouldn’t want to trade him for any kicker in the nation. Clutch, smart and talented.

Beating Cal: It could happen, but it will take a great effort from the Vols and a so-so day from the Golden Bears.

Q: Griff! Why don’t you ease up on your reports of the Vols! How about a little positive to your readers, and cut out some of the negative!

Your sounding more like a Paul F in Alabama!

And living in the state I’m tire of the bum!

Michael Seavers

seavers@bellsouth.net

GRIFF: You are talking about syndicated columnist/talk show host Paul Finebaum in Birmingham.

Well, I don’t mind controversy, but I’m not going to say something just to be controversial, which I think Paul does at times. (Heck, he’s made a fortune doing it.)

I’ve got to sleep at night, Michael, so if you see something under my byline, I mean what I say, and say what I mean, regardless of what people might think.

It’s kinda funny, because some folks used to accuse me of being a UT homer!

Whatever. When the team was good, I write they are good. When they are in a rebuilding mode, as I think they are now until I see differently, I’m gonna write that, too.

Q: Getting away from the Vols for a second. What do you think of the announcers ESPN has for Monday Night Football? Personally I WILL NOT watch as long as this goofy crew is in place. Past Monday they argued about the second string quarterback for the entire second quarter. Can not stand Joe Theisman. The other white guy is trying to be the second coming of Howard Cosell, is not going to make it. Have been a fan of MNF since its beginning, will not be a fan any longer! Watched 1st half this week then changed to local news!!

William (Bill) Goodrich

goodvol1@bellsouth.net

GRIFF: Sometimes, you’ve got to look at some of these TV guys like cartoon characters and appreciate the entertainment value.

on’t take them too seriously. Most of them are pretty knowledgeable, Theismann included, but their business is ratings driven and they have a lot of different types of folks to satisfy.

Personally, I just settle back and relax and learn. You don’t have to agree with everything they say.

Q: Long-time reader through GVX just finishing your article in regard to 18 basketball games on TV. Haven’t seen any mention of Dane Bradshaw over the offseason. I thought his timely three pointers were sorely missed while he was nursing that wrist late in the season when everybody was doubling Lofton. Early in the season in key wins against Florida and Kentucky Bradshaw was able to hit some big baskets being freed up by all the attention paid to Lofton.

In fact, smothering Lofton became the way to beat the Vols and most teams employed that defense causing the late season swoon. Anyway, curious as to how he was rehabbing and if he’s getting his stroke back.

Bill Beasley

wgbeasjr@comcast.net

GRIFF: We had a story on Dane earlier this week. He’s still got another month before he’ll be turned loose to practice his 3-pointers. With Ramar Smith in school, it looks like Dane’s primary responsibilities will be on the front line at small forward or power forward.

Bradshaw will still pop in the points when needed, but I don’t think he’ll be asked to score as much as he was needed last year.

The good thing about Bradshaw is that he doesn’t worry about stats. He just worries about the wins.