SHSUHorn
Thief
I'm starting to really break down some of the teams to get ready for the season and wanted to get some discussion on what I think are the biggest games early on for opening weekend. Biggest game for me (outside of Texas lol) opening weekend is Tennessee traveling to Berkley to face a Cal team that will be trying to avenge a 35-18 loss that wasn't as close as the score indicated. I've got this line pegged for Vegas opening Cal at -4.
Tennessee had a more improved passing attack last year with Cutcliffe back at OC. Ainge improved and rebounded from 2005 but he did have knee problems during spring practice that led to surgery. He is suppose to be back 100% but that time could've been used to click with almost an entire new WR corp. UT loses its top 3 WRs including 1st round pick Robert Meachum. The 3 players combined for 148 receptions, over 2300 yards, and 21 TDs.
Outside of WR the biggest question mark on offense may be the UT running attack that finished 96th in the country. The tailback by commitee didn't work and it looks like sophmore Lamarcus Coker may be the best of the bunch and will carry the load.
UT finished 50th overall on defense and couldn't stop the run finsihing 72nd. Losing its top 3 DTs in the rotation to graduation won't help. They have some young talent there but not sure they will be ready in time for the opener. In the secondary they have to replace both corners due to the graduation of Jonathan Wade and Antwan Stewart along with the injury to Inky Johnson and Roshaun Fellows getting booted from the team they are extremly thin at corner. The Vols left spring practice with only 2 corners on the depth chart and none of them have started a game. They also lost starting strong saftey Demetrice Morley to grades recently.
With Florida coming up in two weeks how much focus will this team have on Cal?
Cal returns everyone on offense but the left side of the line and Lynch. Longshore should be even better throwing to one of the best WR corp in the country led by the first team all-american punt returner Desean Jackson. the senior Justin Forsett will be just fine at RB and bring the same dimensions in the flat that Lynch had. Forsett had close to 700 yards rushing last year so he's seen plenty of action.
Honestly when does a Tedford offense ever really lose a beat?
The defense is where the issue was last year especially defending the pass where they ranked 108th. Only 5 starters return as well so there will be some early growing pains. Unless secondary coach Littlejohn made some improvements in his second year at Cal this game may come down to who's offense will be more explosive.
I like Cal at home here in this spot and think they are the play anywhere up to 6.5 points.
Thoughts on who you like?
Tennessee had a more improved passing attack last year with Cutcliffe back at OC. Ainge improved and rebounded from 2005 but he did have knee problems during spring practice that led to surgery. He is suppose to be back 100% but that time could've been used to click with almost an entire new WR corp. UT loses its top 3 WRs including 1st round pick Robert Meachum. The 3 players combined for 148 receptions, over 2300 yards, and 21 TDs.
Outside of WR the biggest question mark on offense may be the UT running attack that finished 96th in the country. The tailback by commitee didn't work and it looks like sophmore Lamarcus Coker may be the best of the bunch and will carry the load.
UT finished 50th overall on defense and couldn't stop the run finsihing 72nd. Losing its top 3 DTs in the rotation to graduation won't help. They have some young talent there but not sure they will be ready in time for the opener. In the secondary they have to replace both corners due to the graduation of Jonathan Wade and Antwan Stewart along with the injury to Inky Johnson and Roshaun Fellows getting booted from the team they are extremly thin at corner. The Vols left spring practice with only 2 corners on the depth chart and none of them have started a game. They also lost starting strong saftey Demetrice Morley to grades recently.
With Florida coming up in two weeks how much focus will this team have on Cal?
Cal returns everyone on offense but the left side of the line and Lynch. Longshore should be even better throwing to one of the best WR corp in the country led by the first team all-american punt returner Desean Jackson. the senior Justin Forsett will be just fine at RB and bring the same dimensions in the flat that Lynch had. Forsett had close to 700 yards rushing last year so he's seen plenty of action.
Honestly when does a Tedford offense ever really lose a beat?
The defense is where the issue was last year especially defending the pass where they ranked 108th. Only 5 starters return as well so there will be some early growing pains. Unless secondary coach Littlejohn made some improvements in his second year at Cal this game may come down to who's offense will be more explosive.
I like Cal at home here in this spot and think they are the play anywhere up to 6.5 points.
Thoughts on who you like?
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