Tennessee: Perfect Tenn: Vols crush California 35-18
It definitely wasn't as close as the score indicates, but Tennessee's offense was simply magnificent in rolling up over 500 yards of offense, and smashing any national title hopes of California's, while heavily boosting morale in Knoxville. Tennessee has definitely stamped themselves as contenders to win not only the SEC East, but the conference as well.
It was as good a performance as Tennessee's fans could ever ask for....
Rocky Top was in full force today, as an overwhelming wave of orange celebrated not only a victory, but the sign of a return to glory, and not a repeat of a shocking 5-6 season last year.
Tennessee's offensive line was nothing short of heroic, as they opened up hole after hole for the Vol backfield. The Cal defensive line simply had no answer for Tennessee's big men up front. Even in the late stretches of the game, Tennessee's second and third team OL were breaking large holes for LaMarcus Coker. Passing wise, Erik Ainge performed beautifully, throwing for four touchdowns. However, as well as Ainge played, he owes a lot of credit to his line, who gave him lots of time to find the right receivers, and make great decisions almost all night.
Robert Meacham was hardly mentioned during Media Days coverage, but he was simply amazing on the field tonight, and should be a candidate not only for All-SEC, but All-America as well. When big plays were needed, Meacham was making them. He gave the Vols breathing room with a 40 yd. touchdown reception in the second quarter, and doused any hopes for a Cal comeback with an 80 yd. touchdown reception on the second play of the third quarter, putting the nail in the coffin for the Golden Bears.
Simply put, this was as perfect an opening game as Tennessee could ask for. The crowd was terrific, the team was pumped, and Tennessee was clearly on a mission. They wanted to set the bar high; and assure the fans, as well as themselves, that they were much better than last year's 5-6 club. They not only set the bar high, they set it at astronomical heights. Thrashing the 9th-ranked team in the country was just the medicine needed for the entire Orange Nation, and the celebrations along the Tennessee River will carry long into the weekend.
Stay tuned to CSTV.com, as we'll have more coverage of Tennessee's win, including a look at the Neyland experience (which is incredible), and more post-game reaction from Volunteer fans. For tonight, we bid you good night from Knoxville, where Tennessee dominated Cal today in a 35-18 win.
