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Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty helped the Vols defeat Cal 35-18 last season at Neyland Stadium.
Cal by the Numbers
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BERKELEY, Calif. - Tennessee critics will get off to a fast start this season. And they won't have to wait until the end of the season opener to fire their first shots.
By the end of the third quarter, you're sure to hear: "Looks like the Vols aren't as good as last year."
Don't be discouraged. Nobody else is likely to match UT's first three quarters of 2006, either. By then, the Vols led ninth-ranked Cal 35-0 at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee 27, Cal 20: A popular theory: After being embarrassed last season in Neyland Stadium, the Golden Bears will be properly motivated to avenge that defeat.
Revenge will keep them closer. It won't make up for UT's overall advantage in speed, strength and toughness.
Sabama 34, Western Carolina 7: Nick Saban's first LSU team lost to UAB. But he was a mere $1 million coach back then. Four-million-dollar million coaches don't lose to Western Carolina.
In fact, Sabama could hire somebody named Mike for its head coach and still beat Western Carolina.
Auburn 30, Kansas State 17: The Wildcats were good enough to upset Texas and win three of their last four games in 2006 behind 6-foot-6 freshman quarterback Josh Freeman, who bulked up to 250 pounds this spring. That will just make him a bigger target against Auburn's speedy defense.
Arkansas 45, Troy 13: It took them three years, but the Razorbacks finally got it right. Instead of playing the Men of Troy, they're playing plain old Troy.
As one-sided as this match-up might be, it won't approach the blowout status of the last two Trojan-Razorbacks games, which Southern Cal won 70-17 and 50-14.
Florida 51, Western Kentucky 14: As Urban Meyer begins his third season as Florida's head coach, he's still trying to escape the shadow of his predecessor, Ron Zook.
Sure, Meyer might have led the Gators to a national championship last season. But he's no Zook when it comes to season openers.
Florida hasn't scored more than 34 points in either one of its season openers under Meyer. It averaged 55 points per game in three season openers under Zook.
Georgia 37, Oklahoma State 27: Other than UT, no other SEC team has a scarier opener than the Bulldogs, whose revamped defense will be challenged by a balanced Oklahoma State offense. The Cowboys return seven starters from an offense that averaged more than 200 yards both rushing and passing last year.
The Bulldogs haven't scored fewer than 29 points in a season opener since 1996. They might need every bit of that to beat the Cowboys, who knocked off Alabama 34-31 in the Independence Bowl last December.
Kentucky 48, Eastern Kentucky 17: Maybe the Wildcats haven't figured out how to beat in-state rival Louisville. But at least, they've figured out how to postpone the beating.
After losing four consecutive season openers to the Cardinals, Kentucky shrewdly scheduled their nemesis for the third game. By then, they will have victories over Eastern Kentucky and Kent State.
Ole Miss 27, Memphis 23: Ed Orgeron needed only two seasons to make history twice at Ole Miss. Not only is he Ole Miss' first Cajun head coach, he's also the first Ole Miss coach to lose eight games in consecutive seasons.
Scheduling has been in his biggest problem. He couldn't schedule Memphis every week.
He has lost to Wyoming, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State. But he's 2-0 against Memphis.
South Carolina 38, Louisiana-Lafayette 7: When shopping around for an easy non-conference opponent, SEC teams often ask the question: "So who's worse: Louisiana-Lafayette or Louisiana-Monroe?"
The Gamecocks got it wrong, according to The Sporting News, which ranks Louisiana-Lafayette as the 94th best team in the country. Louisiana-Monroe is No. 111, according to the same publication.
Vanderbilt 30, Richmond 10: Coach Bobby Johnson continues to make progress with the Commodores.
Last year, he opened the season against Michigan. This year, he is opening the season against Richmond.
That's progress. And it's also a great opportunity for Vanderbilt to win its second season opener in the last 10 years.
Top 25: Southern Cal 52, Idaho 10; West Virginia 45, Western Michigan 17; Texas 48, Arkansas State 6; Michigan 45, Appalachian State 14; Wisconsin 27, Washington State 16; Oklahoma 45, North Texas 7; Virginia Tech 27, East Carolina 7; Ohio State 41, Youngstown State 7; UCLA 24, Stanford 7; Penn State 45, Florida International 6; Florida State 23, Clemson 20; Nebraska 37, Nevada 17; TCU 30, Baylor 13; Hawaii 55, Northern Colorado 17; Texas A&M 44, Montana State 10.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284.
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Comments » 23
FatherVol writes:
I'm in shock! JA picked the Vols to win. I sure hope it's not a curse...
Vols 31 Cal 25
FWBVol writes:
UT players are use to playing in BIG games in the SEC against Florida, Geogria, Alabama.... On the other hand, the magnitude of this game seems to have gotten inside the heads of the Cal players. Call it revenge or redemption, the Bears have been thinking about this game too long for their own good. I believe UT's young receivers will do OK and our running game will explode. I feel good about the DT situation and the secondary looks as if it's rounding out. UT comes away with a nice win. I say Vols 31-17.
andy112382#209793 writes:
I was shocked to see Mark May pick us! Lou Holtz is sad, yet funny to listen to. At first when pointed out to him the game last season after he said Cal would defintely win, he said none of that matters and that it was last season, etc. But as soon as he talked about Tennessee he said how last season we only average 114yds rushing a game, I was trying to figure out how 2006 doesn't matter for Cal but matters for Tennessee, he may be a good guy outside of football, but I think he needs to be escorted off the air. GO VOLS!!!
Tennessee 37
Cal 20
mtnvol writes:
Jack A$$ picked the Vols? I didn't feel the earth stop moving! When did the sun rise in the North?
Lous Holtz is showing his age and its just sad. I agree that he comes up with something funny every now and again, but his slips are more noticable. Time to retire, Lou!
DaveVol writes:
I never read JA's columns but I do like to read the posts. Holtz has a grudge against UT, not sure why. Tennessee big: 42 - 10.
bpvol#216873 writes:
I am very concerned about todays game. Several areas of weakness last year must be improved for us to beat Cal.
Namely, our running game, our defense against the run and special teams. IF we don't establish the run and our inexperienced defensive tackles can't stop the run, we could be in for a long day.
I believe our db's will be able to handle Cals passing attack.
AT the end of the day, Tennessee wins in a close one 35 - 31. Go Vols
CoverOrange writes:
Looking at UT on paper, we lost our best O lineman, our best D lineman, all WRs that accomplished anything last year, 3/4ths of the starting secondary and we have back RBs that barely managed to make it to line of scrimmange on each run. Why would any national pundit predict anything good for UT? But, when an unknown takes the place of a known, the likelyhood of improving is just as likely as declining. Key to the receivers was the intent to limit rotation last year, thus limiting chances for younger guys, but we know there is some exciting possibilities in Moore and Hancock, et al. And Mapu should back in form. Eric Berry will probably make a few mistakes but pure athleticism will make up for some. The OL is even across the line in experience and capability. Intangibles like Foster is playing for his grandfather for the first time could be a factor. the national pundits can only go by what they see on paper. That is not where the game is played.
DaveVol writes:
A lot of my predictiion is that I have no respect for the pacifier 10. If usc played in the SEC they would routinely have 2 and 3 losses a year. I believe we will run the ball hard, like we used to and use a controlled passing game to keep the defense honest. All of this depends on execution, something that does concern me with our green receivers. At the end of the day I believe it comes together and Tennessee will come away with a big victory. With the limited exposure to what actually goes on in practice everything is guess work until they start popping the pads. By the end of the first quarter we'll know what this team has.
bpvol#216873 writes:
WD40 I hope your right about the intangibles and the heart of this team. We all know about heart, skills and luck. 1998 was all about slightly above average skills, quite a bit of divine intervention and all about heart....
One thing for sure, we always play better as the underdog..
Davevol I might disagree about the end of the first quarter. We have been known in the past to be a team of halfs, we could look sad in the first half and get inspired in the 2nd.
I know one thing...my entire honey do list for the last 3 months will be done by 5:00 pm as its the only thing that makes the time go by until 8:14 ET
mdvol writes:
Corso picks Cal!!! Perfect! WE ARE GOING TO FREAKIN' KILL CAL! Vols 35-Cal 17! Enjoy the day folks.
DaveVol writes:
BP you are correct, we are a team of halves. Today I have no honey do list. I'm trying to do work related work.
Vol43 writes:
I really feel good about this game. We got 'em where we want 'em. We're the underdog...sweet! I wish John Ward could make a surprise visit to the radio booth for this one.
THE University of Tennessee Volunteers.
I like the sound of that!
bpvol#216873 writes:
Calm down mdvol...your gonna peak to early.
We still have about 7 hours, 7 minutes until game time...pace yourself
DaveVol writes:
If you put Corso's brain in a bird, it would fly backwards!
jwGOLDENBEAR writes:
This year I'm afraid all of you UT fans will be REALLY disappointed at the results of your Cal visit. You taught us a BIG lesson last year; the Cal Bears football team has become faster, quicker, stronger & even tougher this year! And from what I've been reading in the Knoxville newspapers, your UT team has some flaws that should be exposed next Saturday. But...enjoy the scenery at one of the most magnificent stadiums in the world as you view the dreaded outcome. All of us here in Bear country wish you a successful remainder of the season!
FWBVol writes:
Hey jwGOLDENBEAR, what position do YOU play for Cal. Isn't it time you start getting ready for the game? LOL> Just because you learned a lesson doesn't mean you things will be any different. BTW, Tennessee is faster, stronger etc. than last year as well. Join your tree huggers and leave football to the MEN from the SEC.
murrayvol writes:
Generally good picks, John. But about that Michigan-Appy St. game. I'd like to have been a fly on the wall for Carr's postgame speech. "Look at the upside boys. We can still win the Big(sort of)Ten and go to the Rose Bowl. Now I may not get there with you but you can do it." Ouch! Go Vols!
DaveVol writes:
JW it must be nice to live in " bear land" where everything is golden. You may want to stay there, the reality of the game will disappoint you.
invisiblekid writes:
Wonder if Adams took the over on the MI-App. game. Living about 45 minutes from good old Boone NC and following the Mountaineers for the past seven years, I am feeling pretty good about football in general right now. Hope that feeling continues for another 5 hours or so.
DaveVol writes:
Just saw ND take it on the chin, Haha. Jimmy has the look in his eye like Casey did "I hate loosing", he's probably going to be a good one.
FatherVol writes:
Dave, you have the one-liner of the season thus far in what you said about if a bird had Corso's brain. I still laughing hysterically.
ND will be lucky to win 6 games this year, so JC (and I don't mean the all-holy one) will get used to that glazed look in his eye. Charlie will be gone after next year.
Your friendly Catholic priest whose two favorite teams are Tennessee and whoever is playing Notre Dame (with the exception USC - I just can't pull for a Cailfornia team under any curcumstances).
DaveVol writes:
Thanks, it's nice to spread humor especially at Corso's expense.
I do think that JC will be good. I know GT was falling back in their coverage but he throws a good ball and looked good in the pocket. My opinion of course.
virginiaandlaloma writes:
Hey, anybody see the Cal game tonight? Just wonderin' how badly you beat up on that poor, hapless Pac-10 team.
Oh... they put up 45 points, huh?
Well... Don't feel too bad. By the end of the year, after Cal scores more points per game than the combined scores of most Tennessee men's and women's basketball teams, your defensive effort tonight will define you as one of the finer teams in the country.
GO BEARS!!!
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