Tennessee always has a talented roster, but oddsmakers consider the Volunteers a 35/1 long shot to win the 2009 BCS National Championship.
Tennessee returns a 1,000-yard rusher in Arian Foster and a 1,000-yard receiver in Lucas Taylor to its offense in 2008. Jonathan Compton will be the starting quarterback this year. Defensively, linebacker Rico McCoy (106 tackles), defensive end Robert Ayers (four sacks) and safety Eric Berry (five interceptions) return for another season.
Tennessee is a long shot at all major online sports books. Oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog have made the Vols a 30/1 long shot to win the BCS National Championship this season, while Sportsbook.com lists them at 35/1 and SBG Global at 100/1.
Along with Foster and Taylor returning on offense, Tennessee will benefit from having four starters return on the offensive line, too. Although the offense will have to adjust to a new scheme, the offensive line gave up just four sacks for an entire season – an outstanding feat. Phillip Fulmer always has his team ready to play, so they might be able to make some noise in a stacked SEC East Division. They’re a long shot, but the offense is good enough to keep UT in contention this year.
Tennessee Volunteers 2009 BCS National Championship Odds to win
Bodog: 30/1
Sportsbook.com: 35/1
SBG Global: 100/1
Tennessee Volunteers SEC East Conference Odds to win
Bodog: 9/1
Sportsbook.com: 9/1
SBG Global: 8/1
Tennessee Volunteers 2008 Season Win Over/Under Totals
Tennessee Volunteers Over 8 Wins (-115)
Tennessee Volunteers Under 8 Wins (-115)