Tennessee Looks to Bounce Back

Its Must Win in Knoxville

After last years surprising SEC East Conference championship, hopes were high for the coming season in Vol Nation. Rocky top returned their entire starting offensive line, had a running back that was an outside Heisman hopeful and the defense was full of talent. With all the returnees and talent it is truly shocking to see what the 2008 Volunteers have become. They are off to their worst start in 20 years and are in DIRE need for a win this week against Mississippi State to save face and maintain hopes of getting a third straight bowl bid.

Their season began with a tough trip to the west coast to face a new era UCLA team which had a new coach and new mind set. Upon losing in overtime, the Vols continued their struggles the rest of the month. They lost in succession to Florida and Auburn. With a 1-3 start Rocky Top nation began getting restless and painted a rock outside of the Tennessee Athletic facility which read: Fire Fulmer.

The intensity to fire the coach that has accrewed an overall 147-45 record at Tennessee with a national title, increased following more struggles through this month. At home against Northern Illinois the Volunteers struggled to put points on the board and get any offensive momentum by only defeating the lesser opponent by a score of 13-9.

Now Tennessee stands with a 2-4 record and is 0-3 in conference play. The game against Mississippi State will be crucial for the Volunteers if they have any hopes to salvage their dismal season. And if six wins is enough for a bowl, the Vols face an up hill battle because following the match up with Mississippi State, their remaining opponents carry a overall 22-10 record with five of those losses from one school, Wyoming.

It still isn’t to late to salvage the season, but the Volunteers must work fast to attempt to climb back into national credibility.