By JOHN ADAMS, Scripps Howard News Service
SEC offense falls by wayside
In Tennessee's search for a competent offense, the Vols can at least find consolation. They're not alone.Half the teams in the SEC are struggling offensively. And most of those struggles are related to uncertainty at quarterback.
Gators' defense unproven just yet
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida middle linebacker Brandon Spikes was bragging about the play of his defensive tackles when he caught himself in mid-compliment."I don't want to go overboard yet," Spikes said. "We're fixing to play Tennessee."That's not just Spikes talking. That's the consensus of the Florida defense.
UCLA hangover to last for Vols: Other SEC notes
If Tennessee fans are looking for something positive to glean from the Vols' 27-24 upset loss at UCLA in overtime Monday night, you don't have to look further than last year. UT played dreadfully in a 45-31 opening-season loss to Cal last year and it still won the Southeastern Conference's East Division.
UCLA's trip combine to flip script on Vols
PASADENA, Calif. -- Pasadena? This was more like Hollywood.How does an offense as inept as UCLA's for three quarters suddenly look like the New England Patriots' in the fourth quarter? And how does a quarterback throw four interceptions in the first half, then turn into Joe Montana in the fourth quarter?
Richt, Georgia can thank Tennessee for beating
The Tennessee football team never got a thank-you note from the Georgia Bulldogs last season. UT coach Phillip Fulmer didn't get a fruit basket with "best wishes" before the Vols' SEC championship game against LSU.
Nation wises up to SEC depth, balance of power
Promoting football has never been difficult for the Southeastern Conference. But an easy job will be even easier this season.Georgia and Florida each has been ranked No. 1 in more than one preseason poll. Defending national champion LSU, Auburn and Tennessee all have top-10 potential.
Look out SEC: Florida offense is even better
Florida football coach Urban Meyer might need a larger notepad this fall.His pre-game ritual as a head coach includes a listing of playmakers. He jots the names down just before he boards the team bus on game day.
SEC schedule should be fair
The SEC spring meetings, which begin this week, always bring out the constructive critic in me.Today's target: the SEC football schedule.The SEC could improve its method of determining division champions.That would mean putting an end to non-divisional rivalries on an annual basis.
Will Vols alter tournament history?
The Florida Gators have won back-to-back national championships in basketball. They also have won back-to-back SEC Tournaments.That's not an aberration.
No. 1 Vols run out of comebacks this time
A Tennessee basketball program that has been climbing for three consecutive years couldn't hold its ground Tuesday night at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn.The No. 1-ranked Vols needed two comebacks against Vanderbilt. They only made one.
