This is a rebuilding year for Phillip Fulmer (how fans hate to hear that phrase) amd only ten starters return from 1999. No one will be missed like Tee Martin, but that's what they said about Peyton Manning. One thing Fulmer would like to miss this year is the abundance of penalties in big games like this one. It may be difficult with such an inexperienced offensive unit.

Tennessee Game Plan

Offense: Spread the defense with formations. Run right at them with Henry and Stephens. Control Alex Brown in the pass rush. Defense: Have blitzes ready for young QBs. No man coverage without safety in middle. Stop the run on early downs. Kicking: Give Leonard Scott and Eric Parker running room on returns. Fake field goal awareness is important. Players: Communicate with each other over the noise. Concentrate under pressure. No break in confidence if you start slowly. Coaches: Have something new in all phases. Challenge team to step up. Clock management will be vital at end.

A.J. Suggs has been named starting quarterback this week; at least the Vols will know who is out there first. Suggs' performance will be judged by what he may not do (e.g., turn the ball over to the aggressive Gator defense). The running game features the tandem of Travis Henry and Travis Stephens, two hard running backs who can go the distance once in the open. Tennessee must feature these two in an effort to control the ball and the game.

The offensive line has veterans at most positions, but the game plan to minimize variations is critical this week. Look for the Vols to return to their patented three wide receiver offense with two backs in the backfield as the main formation. It has been their most productive offensive set over the years, and this game calls for their best "stuff."

The Volunteer defense is strong right up the middle and that bodes well against run-oriented offenses. You say that Florida is a passing team. Not this week. Tennessee can match up with the Gator receivers and play them man to man, but would be better to mix the zone coverages to disguise their intentions. They will also have some blitzes ready for the younger quarterbacks that Florida might rotate if Jesse Palmer is on the bench.