The CheckerBoard

The attitude we're hearing from the players is far better this year than it has been in the last few years. If that translate into performance on the field, UT will have a lot of reasons to be proud again.

Based on these comments (as well as some made in recent weeks), this team seems much more confident than it has in a few years. I think part of that comes from experience, but part of it also comes from the fallout of the loss to Kentucky last year. Three or four years down the road, that UK loss might wind being the best thing that could have happened to UT, because of how it's caused everyone to refocus.

I have loved everything i've heard about and from this team lately. We're ready to surprise a few people.

I like Coach Dooley's posture. I like his no none sense attitude. I like the players perspective ("coach ain't on the hot seat, we are). I believe when coach got here the conventional wisdom was that he would need 3-5 years to get the team stable again. Well I trust the team is about to have a very good year 3 and Coach Dooley will suddenly find himself surrounded by happy fans clad in orange. And that is not based on blind crossed finger hope. The Vols have talent, depth, and confidence. That is the formula for good season.

Go Big Orange! I'll hang up and listen to your comments...