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Watching with Ward: Time to turn it around

By Josh Ward (Contact)
Originally published 04:55 p.m., September 7, 2007
Updated 04:55 p.m., September 7, 2007

If you don't plan on buying the UT v. So. Miss game on Pay-per-view and want to avoid the crowd at the sports bar, hunker down with your computer and Watch with Ward. Get a play-by-play of the game and post your comments with the GoVolsXtra community.

Tennessee's 45-31 loss to California last Saturday was disappointing to Vol fans for a number of reasons.

UT entered the game as underdogs, and we found out why. Cal was clearly better than the Vols, and the Bears' playmakers made UT's defenders look silly at times.

UT fans found out they no longer cheer for a nationally elite team. UT hasn't been at an elite level for a few years now, but getting beaten by a team it dominated a year ago was upsetting for many. Don't get me wrong. Cal is very good and will contend for the Pac 10 championship, but the loss barely allowed UT to remain in the Top 25. You're not an elite team if you're battling to stay in the Top 25.

UT fans had plenty of questions about this team before the season and they still have plenty of questions after the opening game. There is a chance to correct mistakes at home against Southern Miss, but it's a good Southern Miss team that will take advantage of UT if it makes the same mistakes.

There will be plenty to look for when the Vols play Southern Miss on Saturday night.

Continue reading Watching with Ward: Time to turn it around.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.