FAST FORWARD: Hard to say what 2009 holds at this point, just because the new coach, expected to be Lane Kiffin, has to put his stamp on the program. What's known is that the talent level has to be ramped up at the skill positions, most notably quarterback, if Tennessee is to challenge the SEC big boys. But after this year's disaster, simply returning to a bowl game under new leadership seems like a logical goal.

RECRUITING TRAIL: Some feel Kiffin's probable hire is a preemptive strike towards keeping Virginia prep quarterback Tajh Boyd, who some think could be the Volunteers' man under center next fall. The new staff will have to curry favor with a handful of recruits who have already de-committed after Fulmer's resignation. If they can do that and keep the holdovers in the fold, this will be a top 10 recruiting class with across-the-board help on both sides of the ball.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That at the end of the game was something you will never forget." -- Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer on being carried off the field by his players Saturday night.