• Scores
• Schedules
• Stats
• Rankings
• Teams
• Recruiting
• Message Board
• Tickets
• RSS

Lane Kiffin's first preseason camp as Tennessee coach has been physical and dotted with injuries, but, as the new coach is fond of saying, it's time.

Time to see what the Volunteers have. Time to quit talking about what the new UT program will be like. Time to play the games.

That time arrives Saturday when the Vols host Western Kentucky in the season-opener at Neyland Stadium. A number of freshmen will be playing key roles, which is fine with Kiffin.

"I thought we signed a number of players who would have significant roles for us as freshmen," he said. "With injuries, it's become more significant, especially at receiver. That's good; it's good for the competition. I think it shows that these guys have worked extremely hard."

At least four veterans on offense -- receivers Austin Rogers, Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones, as well as center Josh McNeil -- will miss the opener with injuries. Rogers is lost for the year, while McNeil might be and Jones probably won't be back until after the Sept. 19 trip to No. 1 Florida.

Kiffin has been most pleased with the work of freshmen receivers Nu'Keese Richardson and Marsalis Teague. In fact, Richardson tops the depth chart at one wideout spot and Teague is a second-teamer, so both will play a lot.

Highly touted freshman Bryce Brown will share duties at tailback with proven senior Montario Hardesty, while Janzen Jackson has a chance to earn the start at free safety in practice this week.

"I think we still understand that doesn't mean they will be perfect," Kiffin said. "They are freshmen."

Just more talented than most, which they'll have the chance to prove right away.

--Tennessee continues to beef up its non-conference schedule for future seasons, inking a one-year pact with 2008 Big East champion Cincinnati on Sept. 10, 2011, in Knoxville. The Bearcats are coached by Brian Kelly, who was rumored for the UT vacancy last fall before Lane Kiffin was hired.

--As many as six freshmen could earn starts for Saturday's season opener against visiting Western Kentucky. One is OT Aaron Douglas, a converted tight end who was moved in the spring because of a lack of depth in the offensive line.

--SERIES HISTORY: This is the first meeting between Tennessee and Western Kentucky.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: It won't really be all that different from the Phillip Fulmer era, as the Vols will attempt to establish a power running game and then throw off play-action. What will have to be different is the play of QB Jonathan Crompton, who was said to be better in the spring and preseason. Then again, he was said to be ready last year before playing so badly that he helped bring the team and Fulmer down with him. It will help that the line will have four senior starters and a simpler system than the one Dave Clawson implemented last year with no success.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: With Monte Kiffin running the show, UT will stick with its normal 4-3, rather than the 3-4 Kiffin preferred in Tampa Bay. What won't change is Kiffin's famous Tampa 2 coverage scheme and it should look good with SS Eric Berry, who might be the best football player in the SEC -- including Tim Tebow. There is a concern at cornerback, where unproven Anthony Anderson and Art Evans will start. The front seven, led by LB Rico McCoy, should be solid.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Going against the guys has been good, but I'm ready to see another color on the field." -- Freshman FS Janzen Jackson, eager to get the season going against Western Kentucky on Saturday.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Western Kentucky at Tennessee, Sept. 5 -- This should be the ideal opener for new coach Lane Kiffin. His Volunteers are a 30-point favorite against the Hilltoppers, who are in their first season as a full-fledged member of the Football Bowl Subdivision. They likely will get nothing out of this one other than a big paycheck and a lot of bruises. Even if UT's offense struggles, the defense should keep Western Kentucky from having a real shot at an upset.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Look for the Volunteers to bust out the running game early and often with four seniors on the offensive line and a distinct size advantage up front. TBs Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown will probably enjoy good games. Watch special teams play as well, as the coaches are really emphasizing this facet and aiming to produce more big plays in the kicking game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QB Jonathan Crompton -- The unfortunate recipient of death threats from a few deranged fans last year, Crompton has to be on point early or the 100,000-plus will shower him with a chorus of boos. If Crompton continues to struggle with decision-making, backup Nick Stephens will get a chance.

WR Nu'Keese Richardson -- He'll not only start on offense, but will return punts. Richardson is the receiver who spurned Urban Meyer's Florida for the Vols, inspiring Kiffin's infamous boast that Meyer had committed a violation. That wasn't true, but Richardson's talent sure is.

SS Eric Berry -- By himself, Berry makes a UT game worth the admission price. Whether it's a huge hit, textbook coverage or his ability to make a game-breaking interception, Berry brings something exciting to every game. Defenses must always scheme to neutralize him and even then, it doesn't work.

ROSTER REPORT:

--C Josh McNeil (knee) was beaten out by Cody Sullins for the starting job he's held for three years. McNeil is likely out for at three weeks, but some in the program are afraid he might have played his last game.

--WR Denarius Moore (foot) is out 2-to-4 weeks after going down in preseason camp. Moore is the fastest returning receiver on the roster and will work his way back into the rotation upon his return.

--WR Gerald Jones (wrist) will miss 3-to-6 weeks. Jones, a versatile receiver who can make big plays but isn't afraid to make the tough catch over the middle, is hoping to return for the Florida game Sept. 19, but might be out until October.

Previous Report: 04/27/2009