By JIM STEELE
pressbox1.com

KNOXVILLE - Last year was a screwy college football season, to say the least.

It started with Appalachian State's victory over Michigan in the Big House and ended with two-loss Louisiana State capturing the national championship. And in between, Tennessee went 10-4 played for the SEC crown and had the eventual national champs on the ropes.

Oh, by the way, the captured a thrilling 21-17 victory over Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl last January.

When the season ended, the off-season was even more uncertain. Gone was four-year quarterback Erik Ainge, who neared Peyton Manning's passing marks. Gone was offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who was picked to lead the Duke University program. There were some big holes on offense, on the field and the sideline.

Fulmer went in a bit of a different directio when seeking a new leader for his offensive unit. He tapped Richmond coach Dave Clawson for the job.

"He's intense, he listens and everywhere he's been he's had success," said Fulmer of his choice. "He takes good players and finds them a way to get the football and he has taken teams and made them good."

Quarterback Jonathan Crompton said he's excited with the new scheme, which has a lot of similarities with the hold scheme, but ups the tempo a bit.

"With this new offense, we are going to get the ball to our playmakers," he said. "The guys in the field will make the difference this year."

Crompton said he savors his role as the Vols' starting quarterback, even though he did see significant action in the 2006 LSU game. He entered that contest in the second frame, threw for 183 yards and two TDs, both scores to Robert Meacham. His 54-yard completion to Meacham in the fourth frame gave the Vols the lead, but they suffered a 28-24 loss to the Tigers.

"This is what you dream about," said Crompton.

There are a lot of players who have seen significant playing time this year on both sides of the ball, but the Vols do have a bit of depth at running back and on the offensive line.

"We have seven guys who can play up front," Fulmer said. "We'll put the best five out there on the field."

With Arian Foster and Monterio Hardesty returning to the backfield, that will take a lot of pressure off of Crompton.

"It helps to have good running backs because it takes the pressure off people and that's a big advantage," the quarterback said. "We have a better offensive line and it means other teams have to stop the run, so we have a lot of options."

Senior guard Anthony Parker said he likes the new scheme.

"We've been over the plays and doing drills," he said. "We have a better feel for what's going on and what's new will be helped by what's old."

He agreed with Crompton about spreading the wealth on offense being an advantage.

"OUr offensive line and running backs will take pressure off (Crompton) so he doesn't have to do too much," Parker said. "Our offensive has all five starters back, we have an experienced backfield and an exceptional receiver corps," Said Foster, who is just under 800 yards from becoming the Vols all-time leading rusher and is currently seventh on the all-time ground-gaining list. "All we have to do now is relax and play ball."

He likes what he sees in Crompton.

"He's a gamer," said Foster. "He's team-oriented an if we make mistakes, we can make up for it."

There seems to be agreement that the transition with the new offensive coach has been good.

"I like his style," said Foster. "He's laid back, but he likes to let his playmakers get the ball."

Parker said he's been pleased with the change, too.

"It's been real smooth," Parker said. "There's a lot of new terminology, but it's the same scheme and it's football. We just have to take it an process it."

The 18th-ranked Vols will have a a chance to showcase their new offense tonight when they face old rival UCLA in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is 7 p.m. CDT.