Published: January 08, 2009 04:14 pm      

ROCKY TOP BEAT: Excitement returns to Vols football

Here it is the start of new year and if last weekend is any indication, the beginning of an exciting sports year at UT. While Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols were busy making history, Lane Kiffin continues to put the excitement back into Vol football.

The introduction of Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron as new additions to the football coaching staff put the rest of the SEC on notice that the Vols plan on being part of the SEC championship picture in the foreseeable future. The hire of Monte Kiffin is an instant drawing card for the best defensive players with sights on the NFL after their collegiate playing days. He clearly stands at the top of his profession

Monte Kiffin aside, perhaps the best hire by new coach Lane Kiffin is Ed Orgeron. Known as one of the best recruiters in the country, he will have some of the most talented athletes in the country playing for the Vols. Need proof, just look at the athletes he recruited to Ole Miss that will challenge for the SEC West next season.

The Lady Vols were on the road last weekend playing a Rutgers team that had circled this game a year ago following the now infamous “clock game."

Remember last season when the clock seemed to stand still in the last second of the game allowing Tennessee to pull a miracle finish?

I doubt the Lady Vols will face a more determined team this season unless they meet UCONN in the post season. Overcoming a twenty point halftime deficit (the most in Lady Vol history) in that environment to win the game certainly will pay dividends as this young team continues to come of age for Coach Summitt.

On the other side of the coin the men took a step backwards as they parlayed a slow start at Kansas into another road defeat. Kansas opened the game in front of a sellout crowd at legendary Fogg Allen Fieldhouse with more intensity and toughness that sank the Vols before they could right the ship. Coach Pearl probably has the talent to repeat as SEC champions, but unless the entire team has a sense of urgency about defense they will continue to struggle against better teams.

Wednesday night the Vols had a chance to atone for an earlier season misstep when they played Gonzaga at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Bulldogs had handled the Vols back in November at the Old Spice Classic in the championship game. This time the Vols played better but without a flu stricken Scotty Hopkins in the rotation, they dropped a tough game in overtime when Gonzaga outscored the Vols 16-6 in the extra period. Fear not Vol fans, this team will be better by mid February and will hit its stride for the post season.

While Tennessee fans look forward to 2009, I am sure Jim Butler is still basking in Vanderbilt’s bowl victory in the Music City Bowl. Jim, how did you get so many people to attend the game?

Hope that enthusiasm carries over into the regular season next year

It looks like the first part of 2009 will have a little of everything for Tennessee fans as the Vols and Lady Vols compete for the SEC regular season championship and the football Vols get ready for what promises to be a demanding spring. So buckle up Vol fans and get ready for the ride, it sure looks like it could be a wild year with Rocky Top once again being heard far and wide in 2009. Go Vols and Lady Vols!!!!

Frank Gale is a Chronicle correspondent, and his column appears regularly.