Tennessee Volunteers
2001 record: 11-2 (7-1 and first in the SEC East)
Coach: Phillip Fulmer (11th season, 95-20)
Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense, 2 kickers

Outlook: At least Phil Fulmer is walking into this with his eyes wide open. "We have a big old 'X' on our chest," he said when practice began, aware that his program is the league's leading candidate to fill the post-Spurrier power vaccuum.

In truth, Tennessee had pretty much earned equal billing with the Gators over the last few seasons. The Volunteers' national title is fresher (1998 vs. '96), and it won the SEC East last year in The Swamp -- a truly liberating experience for Florida-phobic Big Orange fans. But Spurrier's aura and offense are so mesmerizing -- and Fulmer's persona is so bland - that following Florida was much more fun. And gun.

	Around The SEC
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	Auburn Tigers
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	Kentucky Wildcats
	LSU Tigers
	Ole Miss Rebels
	Mississippi State Bulldogs
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	Tennessee Volunteers
	Vanderbilt Commodores

But now Fulmer is the league's straw boss, and his team is winning most SEC straw polls. If the Volunteers aren't in the title conversation -- the league's and the nation's -- somebody will have to explain why.

Quarterback Casey Clausen and big wide receiver Kelley Washington form what could be the nation's No. 1 pitch-and-catch combo (auditions are being taken for the second wideout spot). Tight end Jason Witten has All-American talent. The running backs are unproven, but they'll operate behind a deluxe line.

Defensively, Tennessee might start nothing but juniors and seniors. Coordinator John Chavis must replace last season's starting front four, but the Vols rotated in a lot of players and will have experience in the trenches. Life is not bad when you lose John Henderson, Albert Haynesworth and Will Overstreet and replace them with seniors, but someone must step forward as a dominant pass rusher. Eddie Moore and Keyon Whiteside are excellent linebackers, and the secondary is full of talented veterans.

Keep an eye on: Michael Munoz and Gerald Riggs have NFL surnames and NFL potential. In fact, one might run behind the other all the way to the pros someday. Sophomore tackle Munoz, son of arguably the greatest offensive lineman of all time, Anthony Munoz, is back after missing all last season with an injury -- and Fulmer is just about slobbering over him. True freshman Riggs, son of former Atlanta Falcon Gerald Riggs and the Vols' star recruit, has a chance to crack the rotation at running back.

Key game: For once, Florida-Tennessee is a bigger prove-it game for the Gators. Tennessee-Georgia is huge, especially given the Bulldogs' upset win in Knoxville last year, but still not The Game. If the Vols win those two and take care of a couple other difficult chores, Nov. 9 could be the national Game of the Year (or at least share top billing with Oklahoma-Texas). That's when Miami visits Neyland Stadium. One or both could have Fiesta Bowl hopes on the line.

It's a good year if. . .: Did we mention the Fiesta Bowl? Last time it served as the national title game, Tennessee was playing in it -- and winning it. A return engagement would qualify as a very good year, and it's not out of the realm of possibility. The Vols don't leave the state until Oct. 12 and only leave the state three times all season. They catch the Gators, Hurricanes and Crimson Tide at home. If the running backs and defensive linemen come through, Tennessee could wear that 'X' on the chest right into January.

Pat Forde covers college football for the Louisville Courier-Journal.