JR’s top 25 - #2 Tennessee

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Thursday, August 25, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Volunteers
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The Tennessee Volunteers are coming off a Cotton Bowl in which they destroyed Texas A&M 38-7. The season was better than I expected as the QB controversy looked to be a huge hindrance early on, but the Volunteers stuck together and lost only to Notre Dame and Auburn (the lost to the Tigers twice).

Heading into the spring QB Brent Schaeffer transferred, leaving the job open to Rick Clausen and Erik Ainge. As of right now the starter has yet to be determined and whoever the choice is, they will be capable of leading this team to the promised land. We do know who will be on the receiving end though, as top WR Robert Meachem returns, as do several other top talents. RB Gerald Riggs Jr. is one of my favorites heading into this season. Competing with Cedric Houston last year Riggs still racked up 1107 yards and was the leading rusher.

The Tennessee Volunteers defensive unit returns nine starters and there is top talent everywhere. Five 2nd Team SEC players return; DT Jesse Mahelona, DE Parys Haralson, MLB Kevin Simon, LB Omar Gaither, and CB Jason Allen. Every position is experienced so look for the numbers to improve over last years. There is so much talent on this D and they should stand fast in the very tough SEC East.

Tennessee has their best team since 1998 in my opinion. They have the offensive weapons and a stacked defense. The SEC will be brutal this year though and games at Florida and at LSU will prove their fate early. UT has a shot at not only an SEC title, but a National Title as well.
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