'Tony B: As we approach the end of another week without resolution of Von Pearson's "Suspension for Suspicion," let's counter our column of a couple of weeks ago which encouraged Vol fans to tap the brakes with a list of reasons to go into full "mash the gas" mode:

DEBORD VS BAJAKIAN: Mike Bajakian is a good offensive football coach but he had some flaws, and his offense was responsible for the fact Butch Jones went 0-2 vs. Will Muschamp at Florida. We were all skeptical of the Mike DeBord hire when it happened because of his recent inactivity, but this looks like an upgrade. DeBord seems to have brought a steady hand to the offensive side. He's clicked with Josh Dobbs and has worked with OL coach Don Mahoney to improve that vital position group. Plus, Butch is an offensive coach and probably needed an OC he respected more.
OL IMPROVEMENT: This unit may continue to be a group of no-names going into the season but some names may emerge. Sophomore OG Jashon Robertson had an admirable true-freshman season as a starter and could be All-SEC level in 2015. If celebrated incoming freshman OT Drew Richmond can ascend to a starting job, which creates a lot of options. Don't sleep on OT Brett Kendrick or freshman OG Chance Hall, as well as future star Jack Jones at OT or OG, whose nasty streak is long.


THUNDER & LIGHTNING: Maybe not as original as the legendary Cobb-Webb RB combo so eloquently described by the Vol Colonel in a recent column, but a healthy Jalen Hurd at 6-3, 240 will be athletic and physical and juco transfer Alvin Kamara can make people miss. Also, we can't forget what a threat Josh Dobbs poses in the read game on the keeper.


PASSING GAME BENEFITS FROM T&L: Passing opportunities should be aplenty if the run game improvement materializes. Look for TE Ethan Wolf to have a breakout year, if so. WR Marquez North should bounce back. WR Josh Smith is nifty. Slot man Pig Howard is the smallest but the toughest in the clutch. Celebrated freshman Preston Williams is still rehabbing a knee injury from last fall, but is one of the best WR prospects Tennessee has signed in some time.


AARON MEDLEY: Some of these big games will almost certainly boil down to a field goal. Sophomore Aaron Medley looks like a star. Put an asterisk by this name.


KAHLIL THE BARBARIAN: What if Kahlil McKenzie is dominating inside as a freshmen in the DL, with DE Derek Barnett and DE Curt Magitt wreaking havoc on the edge. If so, even Lloyd's of London might not touch an insurance policy on whoever QBs for Florida. Even if it takes Kahlil more time to get acclimated, the defensive interior should be solid and Steve Stripling may be the best position coach on this staff.


REPLACING A.J. AT LB: We play some strong running teams: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama. The Vols will need to be salty at linebacker in those games. Freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr. can maybe fill the bill in the middle if he stays healthy.


BEST SECONDARY IN SOME TIME: We know CB Cam Sutton is an excellent football player, but Emmanuel Moseley showed promise as a freshman starter on the other side and juco Justin Martin makes this situation much stronger. Add in the competition at safety provided by Todd Kelly Jr., and the ability to put people like Rashaan Gaulden in the mix in the nickel, and don't discount Willie Martinez as a DB coach. With the pressure that should be applied in the pass rush, these guys should get some turnovers.


HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: There is no hungrier fan base in the SEC than the Big Orange Nation. Neyland Stadium will be rocking when the Oklahoma Sooners come to town. A great September will only add gasoline to the fire as Arkansas and Georgia come calling. We may have to attach a rope to Basilio during the Smartway Dalton Bearing 5th Quarter if we get these big wins, to keep him from busting through the roof of the Ray Mears Studio.

Orange Throat'

'We are another week closer to football season. Still a bit of boredom in the air.

1. Braxton Blackwell keeping UT on his list is a good sign. Rick Barnes knows the guys at Oak Hill well.

2. Putting Marshall on the basketball schedule is a quality move. That will get the Vols ready for teams that run.

3. Awful loss for the US to Jamaica. There's no way to put lipstick on that pig.

4. On the other hand, Jamaica is in the Gold Cup final. That is a major accomplishment for a nation their size.

5. It appears CONCACAF has decided Mexico has to win this tournament. I keep waiting for Danny Davis or Bill Alfonso to referee a match.

6. Panama and Costa Rica have reason to be irate. If they were in the South American tournament, they would at least be getting beaten fair and square.

7. I am losing patience with the Reds and their wait and see trade approach. Time to blow it up.

8. Tampa Bay is in an interesting position. They say they have no money, but they are in contention.

9. I legitimately hope the Donald Trump phenomenon is just people being bored. I would vote for Bashir Assad before I would that fool.

Keith'