Labor Day 2008 won’t just be remembered in Knoxville as another day off for the working man, but a storybook beginning for the Volunteers quest for a national championship.

 Tennessee will open its season against the UCLA Bruins in the historic Rose Bowl Stadium Monday night at 8 EST on ESPN.

 The game is one of only two games played Monday as part of college football’s appealing opening week, granting Tennessee a national spotlight game.

 “It's a really exciting time for our football team, particularly the opportunity to go to the Rose Bowl and play against an outstanding team like UCLA,” head coach Phillip Fulmer said during the team’s media day Tuesday.

 Tennessee will reflect on the one-year anniversary of their 45-31 loss to the California Golden Bears as motivation for their second consecutive season opener in the Golden State.

 It is also the third consecutive year the Vols have opened the season against a Pacific 10 Conference opponent. Needless to say, conference bragging rights are on the line again.

 Vol fans may tell you this could be a big year for Tennessee, which returns 16 starters. Graduation was less kind to the Bruins this off-season, which returns only 12 starters.

 Defense was UCLA’s bright spot last year, yet only five starters return in 2008. Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner, who led the team with four interceptions last year, will be the only returning starter in a weakened secondary. Fifth-year senior Michael Norris will share cornerback duties. Senior Bret Lockett and junior Aaron Ware will handle the safety positions. 

 Defensive tackle is the strongest position with the return of Brian Price and fifth-year senior Brigham Harwell. The UCLA defensive line will have the task of breaking through Tennessee’s impenetrable offensive line that only allowed four sacks in 2007.

 The Bruins should be comfortable at linebacker, with the return of smash mouth junior Reggie Carter and senior Kyle Bosworth. Carter will be the Bruin’s defensive signal-caller at middle linebacker.

 Special teams is certainly the highlight of this UCLA team, led by sophomore place-kicker Kai Forbath, who was 25 of 30 on field goals last season, including five from 50 yards and beyond. Senior punter Aaron Perez has performed well with a 42.3 yard average.

 With loads of supporting talent returning from 2007, Tennessee will be looking for redshirt junior quarterback Jonathan Crompton to make a strong start to his career as a starter.

 “The fact that we are breaking in a new quarterback makes it even more interesting, I think,” Fulmer said. “Jon had some experience at this level with the two games he's played significant roles in and a lot of practice snaps. He's practiced well and really improved taking care of the football.”

 UT will look to control the trenches on offense, as experience should overpower the Bruins defensive line, giving Crompton time to make some big plays.

 Big plays from Crompton should be on the agenda, as the Tennessee receiving corps is one of the most impressive entering a season in recent years.

 With 1,000 yard receiver Lucas Taylor heading the group, senior Josh Briscoe and junior Austin Rogers look to add to the air attack. Expect speedy sophomore Gerald Jones to be the sleeper in Tennessee’s stable of weapons.

 Senior running back Arian Foster will have an opportunity to begin his quest for the Tennessee all-time rushing record if the offensive line can create holes. When healthy, Montario Hardesty is a good change of pace to Foster. While, Foster is more of the slasher type back, Hardesty looks to run defenders over.

 “It's obvious that you've got some guys like Arian Foster, and I think a group of tailbacks that are very capable of being guys that make plays for us,” Fulmer said.

 The offense will have to produce many first downs, as Tennessee has a big question mark at the punter position as sophomore Chad Cunningham will have to fill in for the suspended senior, Britton Colquitt.

 “Chad has improved his times and his consistency,” Fulmer said. “And I'm anxious to see him play.”

 Sophomore place-kicker Daniel Lincoln will strengthen special teams after a freshman campaign where he nailed 18 of his first 20 attempts.

 UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel will expect new offensive coordinator Norm Chow to really bring the magic for the Bruins, who truly suffer on offense.

 Quarterback is a huge concern, with starting quarterback Patrick Cowan suffering a season-ending ACL tear and backup senior Ben Olson injuring his right foot in spring practice.

  Junior college transfer Kevin Craft will lead the offense under center. Before starring at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in Walnut, Calif. Craft played in nine games for San Diego State in 2006, starting five of those contests. He completed 69 of 121 passes for 737 yards with four touchdowns.

 On paper, Craft will need to get rid of the football quickly with only one returning starter on UCLA’s offensive line. Left tackle Micah Kia leads a line that includes converted defensive tackle Darius Savage at left guard.

 Senior running back Kahlil Bell could make noise, although he is coming off recent reconstructive knee surgery. Freshmen Aundre Dean should get some carries as well.

 The receiving corps also appears questionable, with leading fifth-year senior Marcus Everett coming off a medical redshirt due to an ankle injury. Everett had five touchdown catches in 2006.

 The Tennessee defense, most notably the defensive line, will have an opportunity to create some confidence against a suspect UCLA offense.

 Look for seniors Demonte’ Bolden, Robert Ayers and Dan Williams to start the redemption process after a total of 24 sacks in 2007. They will be supported in the pass-rush by returning junior linebacker Rico McCoy.

 “Last year was the first time Demonte’ Bolden, Walter Fisher and Dan Williams had played any significant snaps. I think those three guys are ready to have really good years for us,” said Fulmer.

 Many Volunteer fans will be watching the new starters at linebacker, seniors Ellix Wilson and Nevin McKenzie. Senior Adam Myers-White will also see some playing time.

 The secondary will be Tennessee’s obvious strength, with sophomore strong safety Eric Berry and junior free safety Demetrice Morley.

 “Defensively, having the experience returning in the secondary is a real plus for us,” Fulmer said. “It allows us to do more things.”

 Berry returns from a stellar freshman year where he collected five interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 222 return yards.

 The secondary will cause problems for UCLA’s inexperienced quarterback and receivers. Look for the Bruins to play it safe and stick to the ground.

 In this BCS era, every win counts and the Volunteers know that. Despite UCLA’s apparent weaknesses, when all is said and done this should be considered one of the more notable opponents for Tennessee in 2008.

 “Going on the road, and I've talked about it with the team, there is a mental and physical toughness you have to have to go and play and win in those settings,” Fulmer said. “I'm very encouraged because of the maturity returning on this team.”

 Expect Tennessee’s offense to begin to find its rhythm under new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson, as Crompton begins his era at quarterback.

 "The new offense, I'm excited to see it unveiled and to play in a real football game,” Fulmer said. “We've made progress and we're working to get the ball to our playmakers.”

 The Volunteer defense will also get its chance to disprove expectations at their weaknesses in the front seven.

 UCLA will undoubtedly have trouble being offensively productive. Forbath will be the Bruin’s leading scorer by the end of the night, as Craft will be unable to lead the offense to the end zone multiple times.

 At least not until the Volunteer reserves are called in.

 Final Score: Tennessee 38 UCLA 13