“And I should have started running a long, long time ago.” — Chris Daughtry

Last year, prior to the Florida game, I wrote what most already know to be THE key stat in the Tennessee-Florida series: the Vols simply MUST run the ball effectively to tame the Gators.

Last year, they didn’t do it and they lost.

This year, the question is the same. “Can UT run the ball on Florida?”

The Gators defensive line is as weak as it’s ever been going into a game against the Vols. Departures from last year’s national title team have left Florida thin and small up front. That should work to Tennessee’s advantage.

However, the Vols’ offensive line is no longer built big and beefy. In the 1990s, “leverage” was the key word for Vol lineman, whose big butts and tree trunk thighs allowed them to get a good push against opposing D-linemen.

Now, smaller UT lineman (a center that weighs about 275, for example) are in their second year of zone blocking schemes. That’s not the “pound ‘em in the mouth” style that Vol fans were accustomed to in the past.

Last week, the ground game finally showed some consistency in the second half against Southern Miss. Unfortunately, the Golden Eagles did very little substituting on their defensive line and there’s a good chance that Tennessee’s O-Line was simply punishing worn down opponents.

So was the second half a mirage or a turning point? We’ll have a better idea by about 7 p.m. tonight.

Either way, this is once again a major key for Tennessee. Running the football will allow the Vols to control the tempo of the game, to control the clock, and to keep the Gator fans in check. There’s nothing so disheartening as to see your team run over and run through.

UT players have said this week that they aren’t worried about the noise at Florida Field. But talking to a couple of former Vols this week, it became apparent that their experiences in The Swamp have left them VERY worried about the noise.

Especially with Tennessee’s no-huddle offense. Will the lineman, already in their stance, be able to hear Erik Ainge bark out the play call at the line of scrimmage? According to the former Vols I spoke with, they’re not so sure.

Run the ball, control the clock, and keep the crowd out of it. This is a must.

“Said, Woman, take it slow and things will be just fine. You and I’ll just use a little patience.” — Guns N’ Roses

Whether it’s on the ground or through the air, the Vols should be able to move the ball on Florida. More than likely, the Gators will be willing to sacrifice underneath routes all day.

That’s a good thing, since there have been no deep threat wide receivers emerge in UT’s practice sessions the last couple of weeks.

Tennessee has had few problems in 2007 marching the ball downfield bit by bit. The quick-strike days of Robert Meacham appear to be gone, but they’ve been replaced by a methodical, patient, efficient attack.

The trick? A 10-play drive requires more execution than a 50-yard touchdown pass. When you have to move the ball bit by bit, a busted play, penalty or mental mistake can quickly bring a drive to a halt.

So keep an eye on the amount of unforced errors by the Vols in today’s game. If the Vols execute as they have in their first two games, they should be able to hang 30-plus on Florida. But if the Gator crowd gets into their heads and starts forcing penalties, watch out.

“No, I’m not far from sight now. I’m just under the radar.” — Little Feat

Remember this name: B.J. Coleman. The freshman quarterback from McCallie is believed to be impressing the Vol coaching staff with his heady demeanor and his Manning-esque film study. Yes, you read that right. Manning-esque film study.

“It’s money that matters, hear what I say. It’s money that matters in the USA.” — Randy Newman

Last Saturday’s home opener against Southern Miss wasn’t just the local unveiling of the Big Orange, it was the unveiling of Neyland Stadium’s new LED fascia boards (that’s “big lighted signs” to you and me).

Now I’ve personally ventured into a lot of pro stadiums and arenas, so I’m used to these types of signs and I actually think they add a whiz-bang element to any game.

However, from listening to call-in shows this week, it seems that some folks don’t want a whiz-bang element added to UT’s games. The bright, flashing lights were jarring to some.

I guess hundreds of feet of scrolling scores and advertisements will do that.

But the thing that surprised me most was a recurring caller theme: “is everything for sale?”

Uh, yeah, of course it is.

Host Communications signed a contract with the university last year that gives them the rights to Vol broadcasts and in-venue signage. They’re going to pay UT about $80 million dollars over the next decade for those rights.

That’s a lot of money to make up. My guess is if there’s a way to put a paid advertisement into Neyland Stadium or Thompson-Boling Arena, Host is going to do it.

Just as other schools are doing likewise across the country.

And the UT Athletic Department, which has failed to operate in the black more than once in the past decade, will be more than happy to sit back and collect the cash.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.