Adams: Vols (1-3) have reason to feel good

In the midst of a disappointing Tennessee football season, fans are sometimes so consumed by the darkness they can't see the bright spots. Media-types often fall into the same trap.

That's why I've compiled a list of feel-good facts about UT's 1-3 season.

n UT got to play in the Rose Bowl.

n The Vols haven't lost a night game at home since September of 2006.

n The Vols play Northern Illinois in Neyland Stadium on Saturday night.

n The special teams are improving.

n "Vol Calls" is more interesting.

n Brandon James will never return another punt in Neyland Stadium.

n UT running back Arian Foster has rushed for 2,657 career yards. The school record is 3,078.

n The Vols lead the SEC in defending fourth-down conversions.

n Traffic won't be bad before or after the Northern Illinois game.

n Mississippi State hasn't beaten a Division I-A opponent in four tries.

n Mississippi State is coming to Neyland Stadium on Oct. 18.

n The defense is improving.

n Arian Foster didn't push a defender after the whistle in the Auburn game.

n The G-Gun has gone airborne.

n The Vols haven't lost a starter to injury since the season started.

n Georgia will be overconfident (Oct. 11).

n The Vols will have two weeks to get ready for nationally ranked Vanderbilt on Nov. 22.

n In losses to Florida and Auburn, the team never quit.

n Wyoming ranks 117th out of 119 teams in points per game.

n Wyoming is coming to Neyland Stadium on Nov. 8.

n No one has recovered an onside kick against UT.

n Punter Britton Colquitt is in the last week of his five-game suspension.

n Tim Tebow will never gain another yard in Neyland Stadium.

n Alabama will be overconfident (Oct. 25).

n UT has gained more yardage than three of its four opponents.

n Strong safety Eric Berry is having an All-SEC season.

n Kentucky has lost 23 consecutive games to UT.

n Kentucky is coming to Neyland Stadium on Nov. 29.

n UT coach Phillip Fulmer got to shake Tim Tebow's hand after the Florida game.

n The Vols have won six consecutive games in November.

n If you attend the UT-Vanderbilt game in Nashville, you can watch the UT men's basketball team play in nearby Murfreesboro the night before.

n The Vols won't lose the SEC championship game.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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