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2008 Tennessee Vols NFL Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 8, 2008

The Tennessee Volunteers came within a fourth-quarter turnover of winning the SEC Championship last season, but they don’t enter the 2008 season with the same title game buzz following the departure of QB Erik Ainge. Georgia and Florida figure to be the teams to beat in the SEC East, but if Tennessee can survive a tough early slate, they could remain relevant in the SEC East race. Find out how Jimmy Boyd has their season shaking out in his 2008 Tennessee Volunteers predictions and season preview.

Offense

The offensive line is still stacked with four returning starters. Last season, this unit only allowed four sacks, which was best in the nation, despite attempting 534 passes. Guard Anthony Parker was an All-SEC selection last year and is considered the heart and soul of the interior. The offensive line will have to be more prepared to run block this season as the departure of Erik Ainge will likely mean less passing attempts as Jonathan Crompton tries to fill Ainge’s shoes. The Vols will also have to adapt to a new offensive coordinator in Dave Clawson. The former Richmond head man likes to spread the field, use lots of motion and shifts, and favors a physical running game. Senior tailback Arian Foster figures to see plenty of the football. He had 1,293 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and was also a big asset as a receiver out of the backfield with 39 catches. The receiving corps should be a strength with three guys returning who had 56 or more catches. Lucas Taylor had an exceptional season with 73 grabs last year. The big question is if Crompton will be able to deliver the way Ainge did.

Defense

This side of the ball was last year’s weakness, but it could be a strength this season. The Vols were forced to play three true freshman on the defensive side of the ball and now those three have gained a ton of experience in a hurry. Eric Bailey made the Freshman All-American team while playing corner and safety. I expect the athletic Demetrice Morley to team with Bailey to form one of the best safety duos in the SEC. Cornerback is Tennessee strongest and deepest spot this season. Marsalous Johnson, Antonio Gaines, Brent Vinson, and DeAngelo Willingham can all play. The departure of linebacker Jerod Mayo for the NFL Draft is one spot the Vols will not be able to improve. I expect defensive end Robert Ayers, who had four sacks last season, to emerge as an All-SEC performer this year.

Special Teams

All-SEC punter Britton Colquitt will miss the first five games of the season for violating a team rule and that could prove to be more costly than one might think with as tough as Tennessee early season schedule is.

Prediction – 3rd in SEC East

Having to break in a new QB along with losing their best defensive player will be enough to set this team back. The offense will still be strong with the running game more at its focal point, but ultimately, this team is not as complete as the likes of Florida or Georgia. Tennessee should take third in the SEC East ahead of South Carolina, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.

Check out all of Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 college football predictions articles to find out his thoughts on the upcoming season. Jimmy Boyd works hard all summer long so he can jump on the early football odds and make his clients money from the start of the season. Get consistent NCAA football picks all year long and bet on college football and win with the help of Jimmy Boyd.

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