KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Vols fans frustrated with Fulmer hoped 2009 would be kinder with Kiffin. And with only five wins in '08, some big orange faithful had seen enough.

"It was terrible. Just didn't care to watch it. I just knew it was time for a change. It wasn't fun anymore," said fan Jane Kimzey.

Enter Lane Kiffin. Seemingly as youthful as his players. And one victory away from guiding the Volunteers back to a bowl game. With near misses against SEC powerhouses Florida and Alabama, fans feel the excitement's back at Tennessee.

"I really believe that the enthusiasm, the will to play is there a little bit more than it was under Coach Fulmer," said fan Greg Lasatter.

Here at Alumni Hall, they carry more Vols merchandise than just about anybody. And when the team is winning, the cash register's ringing.

"I will say that last year about half way through the year you could absolutely feel it and from the 2nd half of the year on was very troublesome. Overall I would say a marked improvement over the year, definitely," Owner Jeff Goodfriend told WVLT.

The Vols are staring at a 7-5 record to start the Lane Kiffin era. And although true Volunteer fans never stopped wearing orange, the color's a little bit brighter today.

"Coach Fulmer was great but I felt it was time for a change and I think he'll do a great job," Kimzey, said.

"From day one with Coach Kiffin come to town sort of funny I was a Vandy fan up until this year. I really enjoy watching Lane Kiffin and Monty. I believe within the next 2-3 years, he'll have them playing for a national championship," said Lasatter.