Happy Halloween Vol Nation! What’s scarier; that the Vols can still blaze their own path towards Atanta with a 5-3 overall record? Or, that Vanderbilt is just a game out in the East? I enjoy reading and hearing that the Vols control their own destiny because many would argue that every team controls its own destiny. Whether that destiny includes a last place SEC East finish or a divisional title, and both possibilities are out there for this schizophrenic team. With a sweep of their last three conference games, Tennessee will play for its third SEC Title in the Phillip Fulmer era. Conversely, with three straight losses, the Vols would likely finish last in the East with a 6-6 record. So what will happen?
Well, Tennessee will run through Louisiana Lafayette Saturday in Knoxville. And then the fun begins with much pressure. Can Tennessee run the Conference table and end up in Atlanta with a chance at its first BCS Bowl game since the 1999 season? Anything is possible. The problem is that losses in all three games are a possibility as well.
The answer to that question lies with the Tennessee defense and its ability to hold up against the run game threat Arkansas will bring with them to Neyland Stadium. Also, will the Vol secondary be able to contain Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett and what will Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson do to this young group of defenders. The argument can be made that it is clearly more likely that Tennessee goes winless during this stretch than it is possible for them to run the table.
Five opposing running backs have reached the century mark against the Vols in 2007 and none would crack the two deep in the Razorbacks backfield. Darren McFadden finished second in Heisman balloting last year and needs another great stretch run to get back into the mix this year. Arkansas backup running back Felix Jones is averaging close to nine yards per carry. Arkansas will have a great chance to end the Vols Atlanta dreams next Saturday.
Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett is the all-time leading receiver in Southeastern Conference history. The Dores are getting better and are trying desperately to get to that elusive (for them) six-win bowl eligibility mark. As theVol D has given up big performances thus far to running backs, wide receivers have had similarly alarming success against Tennessee this year. The men in orange are ranked #94 in the nation against the pass and four wide receivers have eclipsed the century mark receiving against the Vols. So, Earl Bennett will be licking his chops as Vanderbilt tries to beat Tennessee twice in three years.
That leads us to Kentucky and its Heisman hopeful quarterback Andre Woodson. Mississippi St. quarterback Wesley Carroll had a career day against the Vols as did Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson. Blake Mitchell threw for almost 300 yards in two and a half quarters. So, Andre Woodson will likely have a huge day.
It’s more likely that Tennessee finishes 6-6 than it is for them to roll to Atlanta with a 9-3 record, unless, Tennessee can figure out a way to outscore each of these teams, which is possible. Arkansas has had trouble stopping the run and Kentucky made Mississippi St. look like a national title contender. As for Vanderbilt, Bobby Johnson is doing a great job building up a program many thought could not be built up. The Dores are a late fumble by Cassen Jackson-Garrison deep in Georgia territory away from 6-3 overall and a 3-2 mark within the Conference. That’s how close Vanderbilt is from first in the East. What a year!
The question I have for you this week; what will Tennessee’s record be at the end of the regular season? 9-3, 8-4, 7-5 or 6-6?
E-mail me and your responses may be used on the show. brentd@wlac.com
Be sure to catch Prime Time Sports every weekday evening from 5p-8p central time on wlac.com keyword PTS.
Vanderbilt at Florida:
Is Tim Tebow’s shoulder better? That is the question. The Gators are coming off an embarrassing loss to Georgia and are big favorites against Vanderbilt. However, the Commodores will not be intimidated by the Swamp. The last trip to Gainesville for the Black and Gold ended in 2 overtimes with a 49-42 loss. It’s not your daddy’s Vanderbilt team, but Florida has too many playmakers, even if Tebow doesn’t run the ball. Look for the Gators to win by 13. 37-24.
LSU at Alabama:
Nick Saban has worked wonders in his first year as Head Tide man. LSU is the elite SEC team with its eyes still on the big prize, and the boys from the Bayou have an enormous talent advantage. They also have a huge chip on their shoulder with a certain desire to get back at the coach that left them out in the cold. LSU wins this game relatively easily, 30-13.
Heisman:
I am blessed to have a Heisman vote, though I am a few years too late to try to do anything about a Michigan defensive back who stole a trophy from a more deserving player. Not to hold a grudge. But here is my current Heisman top 5:
5. Andre Woodson QB Kentucky:
64% completion rate; 2,431 yards passing; 28 TDS 7 INTS
-great numbers and a great year, but a total flame out last week in an indefensible home loss to Mississippi St.
4. Matt Ryan QB Boston College:
61% completion rate; 2,433 yards passing; 19 TDS 8INTS
-Ryan is on the list because of intangibles. The guy is a winner. Check out the last few minutes of the Virginia Tech game.
3. Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
100 receptions; 1,451 yards receiving; 18 TDS
– You have to have a numbers guy on the list and Colt Brennan has missed too much time, but check out these numbers and consider that Crabtree is just a freshman.
2. Tim Tebow QB Florida
66% completion rate; 2,510 total yards 30 total TDS
– Tebow is a warrior, but the Gators have three losses. Numbers are amazing for a sophomore.
1. Dennis Dixon QB Oregon
69% completion rate; 2,377 total yards; 24 total TDS
– Dixon has come along way and is an extremely dangerous dual threat guy. Oregon is 7-1 and clearly in the hunt for the big game. Duck RB Jonathon Stewart is getting Heisman talk too.
Thanks for reading. Have a great football weekend.
-Brent Dougherty
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