Tennessee +2.0
Tennessee has won 11 straight season openers, and while Cal is an exceptional team this year, I think they extend that streak by one.
I just don't like the idea of a rookie QB (Longshore) making his second career start in such a hostile environment. I know the Bears have a talented backfield with RB's Lynch and Forsett, but I don't like the retooling on the O-Line. It can lead to a couple of mental errors be it penalties or missed assignments that causes a crucial turnover.
Tennessee +2.0
The other factor that has me leaning towards the home chalk is the huge trip out east that Cal has to take, and the humidity that's sure to have an effect. The Vols had a season they'd much rather forget in '06, and the folks in Knoxville aren't too happy about what transpired. They suffered their first losing season since 1998, and saw its 16-year bowl streak snapped in the process. They're a squad out for redemption this season, and there's not a bigger stage than Rocky Top to reclaim your dominance within the college football ranks. I love the reacquisition of David Cutcliffe as Offensive Coordinator, and QB Erik Ainge will benefit greatly from it. I'm expecting a huge turnaround in offensive production this year.
The Bears are yet to have a huge win on the road yet in the HC Tedford era, and I'm betting that doesn't happen this evening. If it does, my hat goes off to the Bears, as this win could catapult them towards a very special season.
Game Time: 9/2/2006 5:30:00 PM
Play: Tennessee
By: Mike Rose
Tennessee has won 11 straight season openers, and while Cal is an exceptional team this year, I think they extend that streak by one.
I just don't like the idea of a rookie QB (Longshore) making his second career start in such a hostile environment. I know the Bears have a talented backfield with RB's Lynch and Forsett, but I don't like the retooling on the O-Line. It can lead to a couple of mental errors be it penalties or missed assignments that causes a crucial turnover.
Tennessee +2.0
The other factor that has me leaning towards the home chalk is the huge trip out east that Cal has to take, and the humidity that's sure to have an effect. The Vols had a season they'd much rather forget in '06, and the folks in Knoxville aren't too happy about what transpired. They suffered their first losing season since 1998, and saw its 16-year bowl streak snapped in the process. They're a squad out for redemption this season, and there's not a bigger stage than Rocky Top to reclaim your dominance within the college football ranks. I love the reacquisition of David Cutcliffe as Offensive Coordinator, and QB Erik Ainge will benefit greatly from it. I'm expecting a huge turnaround in offensive production this year.
The Bears are yet to have a huge win on the road yet in the HC Tedford era, and I'm betting that doesn't happen this evening. If it does, my hat goes off to the Bears, as this win could catapult them towards a very special season.
Game Time: 9/2/2006 5:30:00 PM
Play: Tennessee
By: Mike Rose
