Four days, folks. Here's the view from Rocky Top on this Tuesday morning:
- Despite being a one- to two-point favorite, the Vols are feeling like underdogs. That's usually a good thing. The problem, though, is that Cal's feeling a bit miffed, too, as they finished
lastthe 2004 season 10-1 and yet didn't qualify for a BCS bowl. - After 26 votes yesterday, 26% of Vol fans believe that the offensive line will be the key unit to watch against Cal this weekend. The defensive line is next with 23%, and QB is after that with 19%. The charge for the o-line is to get more physical. It will be tough, though, as coach Fulmer says that Cal's defensive front seven is as good as any he's seen in the SEC. The good news is that UT running back feels like he's in the best shape of his life.
- Corn from a Jar is beginning to have concerns about Cal's defense, which is apparently the best that coach Jim Tedford has ever had. CFAJ's a bit uncertain just how uncomfortable to feel, however, because as he says, "The bag of garbage I carried out to the curb this morning might be the best bag of garbage I ever had, but it still stunk."
- ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit is picking the Vols to win the SEC East and to lose to Auburn in the SEC championship game.
- The depth chart for the Cal game features the following starters:
Offense
QB: Erik Ainge (10)
TB: Arian Foster (27)
FB: Cory Anderson (45)
WR: Jayson Swain (1)
WR: Robert Meachem (3)
WR: Bret Smith (9)
C: Michael Frogg (73)
LG: David Ligon (66)
RG: Anthony Parker (75)
LT: Arron Sears (76)
RT: Eric Young (54)Defense
LT: Justin Harrell (92)
RT: Matt McGlothlin (68)
LE: Turk McBride (90)
RE: Antonio Reynolds (89)
MLB:Marvin Mitchell (40)
SLB:Ryan Karl (39)
WLB:Jerod Mayo (7)
LCB:Jonathan Wade (4)
RCB:Inquoris Johnson (29)
FS: Jonathan Hefney (3)
SS: Antwan Stewart (24)Return Specialists
PR: Jonathan Hefney (33)
KR: Lucas Taylor (12)Punters / Kickers
P: Britton Colquitt (47)
PK: James Wilhoit (25)
KO: James Wilhoit (25)
DS: Ryan West (69)
H: Casey Woods (85)
That's it for this morning. Head on over to the Diary section and continue the conversation on any of these talking points. Thanks for reading.