John Adams

Have you heard? Tennessee probably will wear orange jerseys tonight.

Last year at this time, Tennessee fans were wondering if Monte Kiffin would leave Tampa. Now, you might wonder if he could go back to Tampa.

Before the season, you couldn't have imagined a more unlikely candidate to challenge UT's single-season rushing record of 1,464 yards, set by Travis Stephens in 2001. Montario Hardesty had never rushed for more than 384 yards in a single season.

Tennessee beat South Carolina 31-13, and first-year coach Lane Kiffin was critical of his offense. My, how things have changed.

You knew Tennessee was playing catch-up in the SEC when the 2009 football season began. And you knew it wasn't just chasing national championship contenders like Alabama and Florida.

Tradition took a beating at Neyland Stadium on Saturday night. So did South Carolina. Tennessee celebrated Halloween by wearing black jerseys. Its wardrobe might have gotten mixed reviews, but its performance in a 31-13 victory was worthy of an encore.

As the 2009 picks panel heads down the stretch of the regular season, picks panel administrator John McAdams couldn't resist looking back.

So what are you wearing to Halloween night at Neyland Stadium? I'll be disguised as an over-the-hill sportswriter with a receding hairline and a bad knee. Whether I use one or two crutches will be a game-day decision.

The SEC has won three consecutive national championships, and its long-term television hook-ups with CBS and ESPN are the envy of every conference in college football. So how much better could it get?

The World Series begins Wednesday, and Lane Kiffin is down to his last strike. Let the drama unfold.

Tennessee could have practically made its season by beating Florida or Alabama. Now, it can make its season by beating everybody that's left.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - You don't celebrate this Tennessee loss.

Alabama claims 12 national championships, half of which are actually acknowledged by college football's general populace. But in the context of the Tennessee-Alabama series, the Tide's No. 1 ranking is hardly business as usual.

After Tennessee's 45-point outburst against Georgia, its most optimistic fans might have wondered, "Has the offense turned the corner?"e;

Tennessee's open date might have come two weeks too soon. Never mind that the Vols will have had two weeks to prepare for No. 1 ranked Alabama. A team also could use an extra week to get over the Tide.