After starting the season struggling a bit, having off-field issues with Coker, the injury bug biting right in the crotch, few would have predicted this Volunteer squad would end up in Atlanta come December. I must admit, I was one of the doubters. I did pick us to win the East, preseason, and for LSU to win the West, but the loss to an Alabama team that I felt could not compete with us talent-wise had me doubting.
None-the-less, here we are, and after LSU loses to Kentucky ( a team they should have beat) and to an Arkansas team that gave us little trouble, adding in the fact that the game will be played in a neutral site, I am optimistic. I wouldn't put any money on the game and if you held me down and stuck your butt in my face, I'd be forced to pick the Tigers in this one, but I think we have as good a chance as anyone in the East would at knocking them off.
My one chagrin is that, now that LSU is out of the National Championship picture, we won't have the opportunity to return the favor that was dealt to us in 2002's SEC Championship game when Matt Mauk, and tailback Dominick Davis, both thrust into action due to injuries to starters, ended #2 Tennessee's National Title hopes.
But there still is that SEC Championship trophy on the line, and the Vols seem to play better with their backs against the wall and when the media gives them no chance.
Let the best team win. Geaux Vols.
