Mike Strange

Tennessee heads into the NCAA softball tournament this weekend holding numerous advantages.

In this era of diminished expectations, Tennessee fans long for a performance by somebody in orange they can stand up and cheer about.

As much as Tennessee fans wish it were otherwise, their football team cannot compare in talent or depth with several of its SEC opponents.

Nick Saban and I are proponents of a nine-game SEC football schedule.

The University of Tennessee’s two diamond sports operate at opposite ends of the SEC standings. Softball is playing for an SEC title. Baseball is playing to end a five-year absence at the conference tournament.

While Tyler Bray might be crushed at being ignored by the draft, his dream of playing in the NFL shouldn’t be.

We can only speculate as to when Tyler Bray really started expecting that he might see his name flash on the screen.

Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.

On Nov. 29, 2008, when Phillip Fulmer coached his last football game at Tennessee, the SEC had won two consecutive national championships.

They come on signing day, all with a dream. Time flies and then comes draft day, but for only a few.

Two years ago during Tennessee’s spring football game, I took advantage of sideline access to ask a coach how closely what was going on resembled a real game.

Two touchdowns transpired Saturday at Neyland Stadium, one by the offense, the other by a walk-on defensive back. Yet the final score was 95-71.

The ride Saturday from the Lexington hotel to Cliff Hagan Stadium was silent.

Sprawled across the office wall behind Dave Hart’s desk is a photographic mural. It depicts University of Tennessee athletes in various endeavors.

They work in a state-of-the-art football palace. Every gadget and gizmo is at their disposal.