2008 Tennessee Football Preview:
Head Coach: Phillip Fulmer
The University of Tennessee Volunteers football program is one of the winningest programs in college football history. The Vols rank in the top 10 all-time in winning percentage. With 15 seasons as head coach, Phil Fulmer looks to bring the Tennessee Volunteers back to national championship contention in the next few years. Watching a Tennessee game at the enormous Neyland Stadium and its sea of orange is truly an unforgettable college football experience.
The 2008 Tennessee Volunteers are heading into the season with hopes of retaining their hold on the SEC Eastern Division. The Volunteers have lost their senior QB, Erik Ainge, who was selected in the 5th round of NFL draft picks for the NY Jets in 2008. The team will have to spend a little time adjusting their play for whoever will take over the reins at QB - that is most likely Jonathan Crompton. Crompton started only one game in 2006 as an injury replacement for Ainge, and is the only man on the roster who took any snaps in '07.
The Tennessee defense is looking up, as the two top Volunteer tacklers are returning at linebacker. Also, safety Eric Berry will be returning, who last year earned Freshman All-American honors for his team leading five interceptions. However, the Volunteers are going to have to boost their pass defense and defensive line, after ranking 84th in the nation in 2008 versus passes and 85th in the nation in total sacks. The deciding factor for this Tennessee team will be just how well the team can manage without Erik Ainge, and how effective the team will evolve defensively under coach Phillip Fulmer and the defensive coordinators.