Columns

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.

His black jacket, Doug Dickey explained Monday, was because he had to attend a funeral on his way to town. "I didn't know I was going to be in vogue when I got here,'' he said, getting a big laugh.

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.

I'm not sure exactly how Mike Hamilton spent his Sunday. This I do know:

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.

Angie Bjorklund's teammates will know what she's thinking this season. Tennessee's junior guard intends to have her say on women's basketball matters. In the process, will her teammates also know what she's been eating?

With Nov. 1 showing up on the calendar today, let's think about one of the best-known famous phrases in all of college football, courtesy of John Majors.

Two minutes or so into the second half, freshman Kenny Hall bolted off the bench, reported to the scorer's table as instructed and was waved into the game.

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 question put to Lane Kiffin on Tuesday wasn't about quarterbacks. It was something to do with a coach standing up for his players.

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.