After Tennessee was outmuscled by Penn State in the 1994 Florida Citrus Bowl, the battle cry was: Let's Get Physical.

The Vols responded by winning 40 games over the next four years.

After they were pushed around by Nebraska in the 1998 Orange Bowl, the mantra was: Let's Get More Physical.

The next season, Tennessee won a national championship.

Last season, Tennessee's young offensive line was whipped up front by Georgia, Alabama, Memphis, and, finally, Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl.

Guess what? Tennessee needs to get more physical. Again.

"We got pushed around last year,'' said offensive tackle Reggie Coleman. "We don't want that to happen again.''

Youth was an excuse for the offensive line last season. The defense had no such excuse in the Cotton Bowl.

Kansas State pounded UT for 297 rushing yards, leaving defensive tackle John Henderson to proclaim afterward: "Some of our players gave up.''

The Big Orange was in shambles after the Cotton Bowl. But, typical of coach Phillip Fulmer's program, that could lead to big things this year.

Youth at quarterback and along the offensive line no longer is a concern. The receiving corps is thin, but has a playmaker in Donte' Stallworth. The defensive front seven ranks among the nation's best.

The biggest question marks regard some skill positions on offense and the safeties. And just how physical Tennessee will be.

In the offseason, fullback Will Bartholomew coined a slogan that made its way to camouflage T-shirts: "Preparing for Battle.''

"We're not Miami, but we do want to spice things up a bit,'' said Bartholomew. "We want to be a dominant team.''

Bartholomew led the spirited offseason workouts with a 501-pound bench press, one of 11 team weightlifting records set. Senior guard Fred Weary benched 505. Coleman squatted 645.

Almost half of the Vols' projected starters missed some or all of spring practice, yet, the Vols seemed to get plenty of things accomplished.

"We're farther ahead as a team now than we were in two-a-days last year,'' defensive end Will Overstreet said in the spring.

Can that team win the SEC? It depends on the development of a running back, the emergence of a receiver, improved play in the secondary, and the will to withstand a brutal schedule.

Travis Stephens, who has 872 career rushing yards, is the heir apparent at running back. But, he's 5-9, 190 pounds, and so even Fulmer questions Stephens' staying power.

A trio of freshmen are available: The highly touted Jabari Davis, Cedric Houston and Derrick Tinsley.

Stallworth, who caught 35 passes last year (but none in the last two games), needs to have a huge year. Eric Parker is a steady, possession receiver, with kick returner Leonard Scott the other extreme -- he ran the 100 meters in 10.05 seconds this spring (the fastest time of any college football player running track), but must improve his hands.

Keep an eye on Kelley Washington, a walk-on who played baseball in the Florida Marlins organization the past four years. He was the hit of the spring, and could find a home in the fall as a backup quarterback or receiver, where he is athletic enough to make plays while learning the system.

The Vols didn't make a lot of springtime progress in the passing game, with most receivers out for one reason or another. Look for the tight end to become a larger weapon after Jason Witten led UT in receiving in the spring.

Last season, the offense ranked second in the SEC in scoring (32.6 points per game), third in rushing (162.7 yards per game) and fifth in total offense (373.2) -- respectable numbers all.

With Casey Clausen back for his sophomore season combined with the veteran line, those numbers should be improved this season. Clausen won each of his six starts in the regular season, completing 121 of 194 passes for 1,473 yards, with 15 touchdowns and an un-freshman-like six interceptions.

The offensive line ranks among the SEC's best, even with right tackle Michael Munoz out for the year with cartilage damage to his left knee.

Fred Weary is back after missing most of last season with an injury, and lends a veteran's maturity to the group of sophomore center Scott Wells, and juniors Anthony Herrera and Will Ofenheusle, along with Coleman.

Tennessee's defensive front seven might be the best in the SEC. It is anchored by Henderson, who won the Outland Trophy (the first Vol to do so since 1964) and became the first tackle to lead the SEC in sacks (12) in more than10 years.

But the secondary is of primary concern. The Vols allowed opponents to complete 53.6 percent of their passes for 220.2 yards per game and 17 touchdowns. The secondary gave up too many big plays, and defensive backs recorded only six interceptions, an embarrassing figure considering opponents threw 366 passes.

Cornerback Andre Lott and free safety Rashad Baker return, and free safety Steven Marsh played a lot as a backup last year.

Tennessee could be a touchdown better team than last year, but the record might not show it because of a challenging schedule that takes the team to Arkansas, Florida, Alabama and Notre Dame.

Lindy's Football Annuals (National, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, ACC, plus Pro) are available at newsstands regionally, or can be ordered as a set at www.lindyssports.com, or by calling 1-205-871-1182.