First things first. Autumn is coming.

And so is the Chick-fil-A Kickoff between the Vols and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets:

That means that Butch Jones is doing the Car Wash thing at ESPN today and that the SEC Network will be showing 24 consecutive hours of Vols programming for Tennessee Takeover Day tomorrow.

Speaking of that Georgia Tech game, Brian Rice lays out some very good reasons to believe that the whole “they’re beating us in ticket sales” is myth. Also, while a lot of folks are (understandably) concerned about the Vols having to play that wicked triple option for the season-opener, John Adams is wearing his happy hat today and reminding Vols fans that Butch Jones is 7-0 in openers and bowl games.

Preseason All-SEC offensive lineman Jashon Robertson is loving the depth along the o-line heading into this season. It’s been a long, hard road, but there are nine or 10 players competing for those five spots, and Robertson says even he doesn’t feel safe, which is very good news for the entire unit.

Similarly, defensive tackle Kendal Vickers says the depth at his position is much better than it was a year ago, that he’s liking the new defensive ends as well, and that the entire defensive line should be better able to withstand any return of Murphy and his Law this fall (whew).

The Vols were picked a distant third in the SEC East after SEC Media Days last week. One Missouri writer picked Tennessee sixth, behind the Tigers. Fighting words!

Four Vols earned preseason All-SEC honors, and SEC Country has five more who with good seasons could make the postseason first-team list.

Preseason All-SEC wide receiver Jajuan Jennings has had a good and quiet summer and is ready to be the feature guy at his position.

While Butch Jones and his guys are hoping to improve things on the field this fall, John Currie, who says things are trending up for the Vols, is working hard to improve the fan experience at the stadium.