CFI: SEC CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE HELD IN ATLANTA

Is there a hotter quarterback in the country right now than Tennessee’s Erik Ainge? We’ll find out next week at the Georgia Dome when the Volunteers face LSU in the SEC Championship. Thanks largely in part to Ainge’s career day Saturday, which included seven touchdowns and a career high 397 yards in another SEC Classic, as the Volunteers defeated the Wildcats 52-50 in four overtimes. Ainge has not thrown an interception in his past four games and has been sacked just three times all season.


Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Volunteers claim SEC East title with 52-50 win over Kentucky

By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Sorry Georgia, resilient Tennessee is back on top in the SEC East.

The Volunteers stuffed a scrambling Andre Woodson on a 2-point conversion attempt in the fourth overtime to secure a 52-50 victory Saturday against Kentucky and a spot in the Southeastern Conference title game.

No. 19 Tennessee's 23rd straight win over the Wildcats handed the Volunteers (9-3, 6-2) the division title and a shot at LSU in next week's SEC title game.

Tennessee and Georgia finished tied atop the East, but the Volunteers earned the title thanks to their 35-14 win over the Bulldogs on Oct. 6.

Erik Ainge threw for a career-high 397 yards and seven touchdowns and running back Arian Foster had 216 total yards for the Volunteers.

Woodson matched Ainge throw for throw, throwing for 430 yards and six touchdowns, but the Wildcats (7-5, 3-5) let a chance to beat the Vols for the first time since 1984 get away.

Tennessee's winning streak over the Wildcats is the longest active winning streak by one team over another in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Kentucky trailed by 17 points in the second half but had its chances late, none better than in the second overtime after Sam Maxwell intercepted Ainge near the goal line.

The Wildcats ran the ball on three straight plays to set Lones Seiber up for a 35-yard field goal. But the kick was blocked by Dan Williams.

The teams traded touchdowns in the third overtime, but the Wildcats stuffed Foster's 2-point conversion. A personal foul on the Volunteers following the conversion attempt pushed Tennessee back to the Kentucky 40 instead of the Kentucky 25 at the beginning of the fourth overtime.

No matter, Ainge hit a wide-open Quinton Hancock on the first play to put the Volunteers in front. Ainge then found Austin Rogers for the conversion over the middle.

Kentucky responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Derrick Locke, but Woodson was stopped at the Tennessee 3 caught in between trying to find a receiver and taking off the for the end zone.

The victory capped an improbable run by the Volunteers, who seemed out of the race after being crushed at Alabama last month. Tennessee has now won five straight while Kentucky, which was on the fringe of the national championship hunt after upsetting No. 1 LSU in mid-October, has lost four of its last five.

It wasn't easy. Kentucky trailed 31-14 in the third quarter, but rallied to tie the game on a 20-yard field goal by Seiber on the last play of regulation.

That was just the start of the fun.

Yet whenever the Wildcats seemed to grab control, Ainge or Foster would step up and make a play. Foster ran for 118 yards and caught nine passes for 98 yards and a score.

Rafael Little had 77 yards rushing and caught 11 passes for 108 yards for the Wildcats. Jacob Tamme, Steve Johnson Keenan Burton - who helped usher the Wildcats into the Top 10 earlier in the season - combined for 23 catches, 273 yards and five scores.

The trio is part of a class of 16 Kentucky seniors who had hoped to make their final home game the exclamation point on a two-year period in which the program challenged some of the conference's elite.

Instead, the regular season ended the way most of the 22 before it, with a loss to their border rivals.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports

No. 19 Vols hope to fix road troubles against Kentucky

By BETH RUCKER
Associated Press Writer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The final obstacle between Tennessee and a Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title lies on the road - a place that hasn't been kind to the 19th-ranked Volunteers this season.

Tennessee (8-3, 5-2 SEC) has won only one game on the road this year and suffered all three of its bruising losses away from home. The Vols travel on Saturday to Kentucky (7-4, 3-4) to face a Wildcat team that's as good as the Vols have seen since they last lost in Lexington in 1981.

``I don't really know the perfect answer of why we haven't been good on the road,'' wide receiver Austin Rogers said. ``We've played some good teams on the road this year. We definitely need to treat it as a business trip like coach (Phillip) Fulmer says and go up there and get a W.''

Tennessee completed its home slate last weekend undefeated after squeaking by Vanderbilt with a 25-24 win. The Vols got one solid road win against Mississippi State, but lost to California, Florida and Alabama by a combined 77 points.

The Vols have given up an average 23.2 more points on the road than at home this season and have scored an averaged 38.1 points at home compared to 25.2 on the road.

Their home statistics have been better in almost every category: they run the ball better, convert on third down more frequently, hold opponents to fewer yards, draw fewer penalties and score more in the red zone.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis acknowledged that the Vols haven't played as well on the road as they needed to, but felt that ``everything that can go wrong did go wrong'' against California and Florida.

``We've had some turnovers that were returned for touchdowns. We've had some punt returns that were returned for touchdowns. Defensively we didn't get ourselves off the field. It was a combination of a lot of things,'' he said.

But Chavis and the rest of the Tennessee coaches say their team has grown significantly since those losses in September and October and benefited from a four-game home stand with both decisive wins and close calls.

Fulmer said he was forced to use some young players in the Vols' early road games because of injury, and those players are now more mature having played in several games.

``I have never made a big deal out of being at home or being on the road, and that's because you've got to play and win at both in this league,'' he said.

It may also help that Tennessee is confronted with the same must-win situation this weekend that it's faced since beating South Carolina at the end of October. Wins in every game since then, including Saturday's matchup with Kentucky, meant a trip to the SEC championship on Dec. 1.

Plus Tennessee has had a way with the Wildcats in recent history. The Vols' 22 consecutive wins over Kentucky is the longest active winning streak over a single opponent in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Quarterback Erik Ainge said he likes where Tennessee is right now.

``I think we're playing good football. I think we're kind of hot right now. Whether it's 20 degrees and snowing or whether it's 55 degrees and sunny, we know it's still 11 on 11 and the field's the same size.''

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: SECSportsmeda

No. 22 Tennessee hog-ties Arkansas, 34-13

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Erik Ainge threw for two touchdowns and Arian Foster ran for another as No. 22 Tennessee beat Arkansas 34-13 on Saturday.

The Volunteers (7-3, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) kept their drive for an SEC Eastern Division title alive and again silenced critics of coach Phillip Fulmer with a balanced offensive attack and one of their best defensive performances of the season.

The Razorbacks (6-4, 2-4) struggled all day in the red zone and continually hurt themselves with penalties. They gained 10 more yards than the Vols, but held the ball for seven fewer minutes.

Arkansas' Darren McFadden, the SEC's top rusher, finished with 117 yards on 22 carries, and Casey Dick completed 12 of 22 passes for 140 yards and two interceptions. Last week, McFadden tied the SEC single-game rushing record with 321 yards against South Carolina.

The Vols started and ended the first half with a bang. Tennessee drove 64 yards on the game's first possession, aided by three Arkansas penalties, and Ainge threw a 16-yard TD pass to Austin Rogers across the middle with 10:15 left in the first quarter.

Tennessee also marched down the field with about a minute left in the half and scored on a 14-yard pass from Ainge to Josh Briscoe with 10 seconds left to give the Vols a 20-3 halftime lead. Ainge finished 12-for-25 for 128 yards.

Arkansas narrowed the lead to 27-13 with 8:27 left in the game on Michael Smith's 9-yard touchdown run after a handoff from McFadden out of the Razorbacks' ``WildHog'' formation. It was as close as the Hogs would get.

McFadden carried the Arkansas offense in the second half after only gaining 25 yards rushing in the first half. Felix Jones, the SEC's second-best rusher, left the game in the first half with a deep thigh bruise after rushing for just 3 yards.

The Razorbacks' only first-half points came on a 31-yard Alex Tejada field goal after the Vols came up with a big stop on third-and-6. Tejada also kicked a 42-yarder in the third quarter.

Arkansas went three-and-out in their first possession of the third quarter, and Tennessee responded with Foster's 59-yard touchdown run, the Vols' longest rushing play of the season that put them ahead 27-3.

Daniel Lincoln added field goals of 25 yards and 28 yards in the first half. The second field goal set a record for most field goals by a freshman, breaking James Wilhoit's mark of 17 set in 2003.

Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo ran 33 yards for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by backup quarterback Nathan Emert with 2:46 left in the game.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

November not kind to Vols' Ainge

By RON HIGGINS

If it's November, it must mean that Tennessee senior quarterback Erik Ainge is crossing his fingers while knocking on wood.

Because the way Ainge's Novembers have gone throughout his college career, he needs all the help he can get entering Saturday's game against Arkansas in Knoxville.

As a freshman in 2004, he separated his shoulder in a 17-13 home loss Notre Dame on Nov. 6 and didn't play the rest of the season.

As a sophomore in 2005, he played the entire game in a 41-21 Nov. 5 loss at Notre Dame, trying to repair badly damaged confidence from being benched earlier in the season.

And last season as a junior, after severely spraining an ankle in a 31-24 win at South Carolina on Oct. 28, Ainge played just one series in a 28-24 home loss to LSU on Nov. 4 and didn't play a down in a 31-14 loss at Arkansas on Nov. 11.

"I want to stay healthy and keep winning, that's the goal," said Ainge, who has thrown for 2,138 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. "We ended last year on a rough note (losing three of the last five games, including a 20-10 loss to Penn State in the Outback Bowl).

Last week's 59-7 blowout of lowly Louisiana-Lafayette was a welcome sight for Ainge and the Vols' offense. The previous two weeks, in a 41-17 loss at Alabama and a 27-24 overtime win over South Carolina, the Vols had been outscored in the second half and in overtime by 41-6.

Against Louisiana-Lafayette, the Vols led 24-0 at the half. From that point, Tennessee was able to empty its bench and work on some new wrinkles, such as its G-Gun formation, in a live situation without fearing mistakes might lose the game.

"Any time you get a lead like that, you can run some different packages, different plays, get some young guys in the game to get some experience," Ainge said. "We ran the ball well. We did what we wanted to do in the passing game. It was a good way to get ready for Arkansas."

Arkansas is one of three SEC teams Ainge hasn't beaten as a starter. There's the feeling that if Ainge had played in last year's game instead of backup Jonathan Crompton, the Vols, at the very least, would have produced enough offense to keep Arkansas' explosive, run-oriented attack off the field. Crompton was 16-of-34 for 174
yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and he was sacked four times.

Instead, Arkansas led 28-7 at halftime. By that time, Tennessee's offense had gone three downs-and-out on 4-of-7 first-half possessions. After the opening two quarters, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden had outgained the Vols by himself, 128-117.

It wasn't a pleasant situation for Ainge, sidelined with the bum ankle and watching his team fall apart on national television (ESPN) and not being able to play before a stadium full of Hog-calling fans "I remember their offense had a great game," Ainge said. "We did some good things on offense, but we weren't as sharp as we needed to be. Our best players didn't have great games.

"Arkansas played really well. I'm not saying it can't happen again. But sometimes you play better than you are, and sometimes you play worse than you are. They (Arkansas) played one of their best games against us last year."

Vols' coach Phillip Fulmer recalled Crompton did the best he could under the circumstances, but ... "Erik manages games exceptionally well, and we missed him last year," Fulmer said. "We're glad he's healthy and he's able to play."

Because Ainge is full speed this time around, Arkansas certainly expects more of a fight than last season.

The Razorbacks' 17-point win last year was Arkansas' largest victory margin in its three wins in the 15-game series, and even then Tennessee scored a consolation TD on the Hogs with 30 seconds left to play.

"We had a lot of respect for Crompton, but Erik Ainge has more velocity on the ball and seems to handle things better," Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said. "We need to get some pressure on him and not give up any big plays to his receivers."

Source: Scripps Howard News Service; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Vols outlast No. 15 Gamecocks in OT, 27-24

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- All those complaining about Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer will have to quiet down for a while. The Volunteers are in position to play for a conference title again.

Daniel Lincoln kicked a game-tying 48-yard field goal with 5 second left, then provided the only points in overtime, and Tennessee recovered after blowing a big lead to beat No. 15 South Carolina 27-24 Saturday night.

The victory, coupled with No. 20 Georgia's victory over ninth-ranked Florida earlier Saturday, puts the Volunteers (5-3, 3-2) atop the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division. The Vols are tied with Georgia but hold the head-to-head tiebreaker after beating the Bulldogs earlier this month.

Lincoln got two chances to force overtime. He hooked a 43-yarder wide left, but a false start penalty on the Vols gave him another chance. This time, Lincoln sent the 48-yarder through to tie the game at 24.

Then he won it with his 27-yarder in overtime.

Steve Spurrier came in with his Gamecocks (6-3, 3-3) in charge of the East and needing to win out for South Carolina to become the first SEC team other than Tennessee, Florida or Georgia to win the division title.

But Ryan Succop, who gave South Carolina its only lead of the game at 24-21 with 1:24 left with his own 49-yard field goal, was wide right on a 40-yarder on fourth-and-8.

Fans filled talk radio shows calling for Fulmer's firing after the Vols were embarrassed in a 41-17 loss to Alabama last week. Fulmer's in his 16th season at Tennessee, but his last SEC title was in 1998, when the Vols also won the national championship. Their last SEC East title was 2004.

The Vols have been good, but that's not good enough for many in Knoxville.

Georgia gave the Volunteers a fresh opportunity in the SEC East before they took the field Saturday night and Fulmer's guys came through - barely.

South Carolina came in looking for its best start since 2001. But two of its four turnovers came in the final 6:52 of regulation. Spurrier threw his headset to the turf in disgust after Blake Mitchell, who came off the bench in relief of Chris Smelley, overthrew Kenny McKinley on third down.

That forced the Gamcocks to settle for Succop's field goal.

Tennessee had gained only 70 yards in the second half, but got a huge lift from LaMarcus Coker on special teams after South Carolina took the lead. He took the kickoff up the right sideline to the 31, stopped and went back across the field to the left to set up a struggling Erik Ainge at the 47.

It didn't help.

Three plays later, Caspser Brinkley sacked Ainge after the Vols used their last timeout. Ainge spiked the ball to stop the clock with 9 seconds left.

Lincoln came in and made the longest kick of his career when it counted most.

South Carolina chose to start on defense in overtime, and the Gamecocks held Tennessee to Lincoln's field goal.

But Mitchell bobbled the snap on the Gamecocks' first play, and his pass to Cory Boyd resulted in a 5-yard loss. He found Freddie Brown for a short pass, then Mitchell overthrew McKinley in the left corner of the end zone.

South Carolina outgained Tennessee 501-317 and held the ball for more than 36 minutes. Boyd finished with 20 carries for 160 yards and a 29-yard touchdown run.

Mitchell was 31-of-45 for 288 yards, and he ran for a TD and threw for another, an 8-yarder to McKinley that tied it at 21 in the fourth quarter.

Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty each ran for touchdowns, and Ainge threw for a TD and 216 yards on a night where he bounced a handful of passes and overthrew others.

The Vols improved to 6-1 in overtime. This was South Carolina's second overtime game and first since Sept. 27, 2003. Both were in Knoxville, and the Gamecocks now have lost both.

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS

No. 15 Gamecocks, Vols playing for pride, SEC East prominence

By BETH RUCKER
Associated Press Writer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Both South Carolina and Tennessee have something to prove.

The No. 15 Gamecocks were booed on their home field last weekend in a 17-6 loss to Vanderbilt while the Volunteers fell apart on the road in a 41-17 loss to bitter rival Alabama.

A win Saturday night in Knoxville would help either team prove those losses were flukes.

``We have to get that out of our system,'' South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said. ``It's history. It was a lousy offensive game. We have to get our confidence back and get ready to play Tennessee.''

A win still means more than just pride.

Both teams are in the middle of a free-for-all in the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division and can't afford another loss. The Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2) and Volunteers (4-3, 2-2) are among five teams with two SEC losses.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer compares the SEC race to the playoffs fans have long wanted.

``The highs are high, and the lows are low. It's important to put each one of those behind you as fast as you can,'' he said. ``You can look at this like a single-elimination tournament. I told the guys on Sunday, it's like the NFL trying to get in the playoffs. It's one and done.''

Spurrier and Fulmer haven't had time for the trash-talking they enjoyed when Spurrier coached the Florida Gators. They've had too much to worry about trying to salvage this season.

The Gamecocks haven't scored a touchdown in six quarters, and Spurrier isn't sure who will be his quarterback on Saturday.

Freshman Chris Smelley has started the last four games. But after throwing two interceptions against Vanderbilt, Smelley may be sharing time Saturday with fifth-year senior and former starter Blake Mitchell and third-stringer Tommy Beecher.

Regardless of who is throwing the passes, Kenny McKinley will be at the other end to catch. The junior is averaging 65.6 yards receiving a game.

Tennessee's defense has struggled all year against the pass, ranking 11th in the SEC with an average 249 yards passing allowed. The Vols' young secondary gave up 363 yards through the air to Alabama.

``We've got a lot of things to correct, and certainly that's one of them,'' Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis said.

Some sacks might help the Vols slow Spurrier's ``Cock-n-Fire'' offense. Tennessee has only gotten to the opposing quarterback nine times this season, an SEC worst, but South Carolina has allowed the most sacks in the conference at 26.

Tennessee has been able to protect its passer, Erik Ainge. The Vols have allowed only two sacks all season.

But Ainge's top target, receiver Lucas Taylor, injured a toe at Mississippi State two weeks ago and was ineffective at Alabama. Josh Briscoe suffered a concussion in a catch at Alabama, leaving starter Austin Rogers and freshmen Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore to carry the load.

Taylor and Briscoe are expected to play Saturday. Whether they'll be in top form is another concern. Neither practiced much this week.

South Carolina ranks first in the Football Bowl Subdivision in pass defense, but has struggled against the run. Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker are itching to carry the ball after the Vols ran only 19 times for 103 yards at Alabama.

``When we were winning, we could run the football and use a lot more clock,'' Tennessee tight end Chris Brown said. ``Things go a lot better when you're running the football well.''

The winner won't face an easy road to the SEC championship game. Tennessee still must play Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Kentucky while needing at least a Florida loss to play for the title.

A South Carolina win, and the Gamecocks control their own destiny with games against Arkansas and Florida.

And Spurrier is hoping that history is on his side, especially after winning in Knoxville two years ago, 16-15.

``Two years ago we beat these three teams,'' he said. ``We beat Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida somehow. We were underdogs in about every game, so it worked out. We believe we have a chance.

``We have to 'one game at a time' it, get some breaks and not beat ourselves and play with a lot more effort and smarts than we did last week.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL.COM; PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS

CFI: FROM THE NEWSLETTER ISS. #7: PART II

WHAT YOU MISSED: THE TEAM THAT IS ON THE CUSP THIS WEEK IS…

Alabama Hosting Tennessee (October 20, 12:30, ESPN2): After their dramatic win over Arkansas, the Tide lost a heartbreaker in overtime to Georgia. Those back-to-back slugfests took their toll as they struggled in a loss to FSU, which knocked them out of the polls. Now they play host to a ranked opponent in Tennessee and if Nick Saban can get a win in his first “Third Week in October” rivalry game, his Crimson Tide will find themselves among the top 25 once again. Both teams have had inconsistent running games this season and how they run the ball dictates how effective their offenses will be. Not that Erik Ainge and John Parker Wilson cannot throw the football -- they can -- but they are not nearly as efficient when their offenses are one-dimensional. It the Vols have to bring their safeties up in run support, D.J. Hall (pictured) could have a field day.

CLICK ON CFI LOGO TO SUBSCRIBE

Ainge, offense cruising for No. 20 Tennessee

By CHRIS TALBOTT
Associated Press Writer

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) - Titus Brown is used to creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks.

However, the Mississippi State defensive end rarely got close enough to Tennessee's Erik Ainge on Saturday to shake hands, let alone disrupt his nearly flawless game.

``It gets frustrating trying to get to him,'' Brown said. ``You work so hard to get back there and right when you do, he makes a great play.''

Since getting overwhelmed 59-20 by Florida a month ago and tumbling from the Top 25, the 20th-ranked Volunteers have vaulted back into the polls and the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division chase by averaging 38.6 points and 464 yards per game during a three-game win streak.

Tennessee (4-2, 2-1) is tied for second in the SEC East entering its game this week at Alabama after winning a tough road game 33-21 over resurgent Mississippi State (4-3, 1-3).

The key has been a balanced, patient offensive attack that has had a counter for every trick opposing defenses have tried since what coach Phillip Fulmer called an ``embarrassing'' loss to the Gators.

``Our quarterback play has been outstanding, our running backs have done a great job, our offensive front continues to improve and our receivers have done a good job,'' Fulmer said. ``So we've been about as balanced as we have been in a while.''

Tennessee is now No. 1 in passing offense in the conference with 270.5 yards per game and fourth overall, averaging 425.5 yards. Ainge is second in total offense (256 ypg) and third in passing efficiency (140.8 passer rating). Tailback Arian Foster is sixth with an average of 89 yards per game and has rushed for 294 yards and five touchdowns during Tennessee's winning streak.

Perhaps the one stat that most shows how proficient the Vols' offense has been is the number of sacks allowed. They lead the nation with two in six games. Four teams have allowed four.

``The receivers are where they're supposed to be, Erik does a great job knowing where the problems are, feeling pressure, getting it off with a quick release, and the line's done a good job of protecting,'' Fulmer said.

With all that time, Ainge has been able to look downfield to his young receiving corps. That has paid off for Lucas Taylor, who had career highs of 11 catches for 186 yards against Mississippi State. The yardage was the third-best single-game performance for Tennessee since 2000.

Ainge found Taylor for a 51-yard touchdown and hit him with a 26-yard pass near the end of the first half that set up a momentum-changing field goal.

``He deserves everything he gets,'' Ainge said of the junior. ``He is the hardest working kid I've seen in my entire life. He doesn't say much, he just gets the job done. I would throw to him for the rest of my career if I could.''

Taylor has emerged from the shadow left by Robert Meachem, a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints. He leads the SEC and is 12th nationally in receiving yards per game with 103. He's second in the SEC and 21st nationally in catches per game with 6.8.

Fulmer said Taylor's emergence has been a surprise.

``I don't know that anybody expected that,'' Fulmer said. ``Lucas has been a good player since he's been here. Even as a freshman, you could see flashes of his talent.

``It's pretty good right now, pretty special. Lucas is having one of those great years.''

The same thing can be said for Ainge, Fulmer said when asked if the senior should be considered among the nation's best quarterbacks.

``Every Monday when we have a boatload of pro scouts come through here, I think they probably do, too,'' he said.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports

Tennessee, Mississippi State Set to Battle in Starkville

By CHRIS TALBOTT
Associated Press Writer

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi State has won four games in a season for the first time since 2000, beaten Auburn on the road and proven the rebuilding process is marching forward.

Yet, coach Sylvester Croom believes backers will be hard to find Saturday when No. 25 Tennessee comes to Starkville.

``Nobody's going to give us a chance to win,'' the fourth-year coach said.

``There's just an idea that Mississippi State can't do this.''

And looking at history, who could blame the doubters? The Bulldogs have had losing records in 13 of the last 20 seasons. Meanwhile, Tennessee has had four SEC championships and been ranked in 16 seasons of that span.

But Croom thinks the SEC might be different today.

``Anybody can beat anybody, and that's the thing I want our players to understand,'' Croom said.

Recent history supports Croom's theory. Except for No. 1 LSU, every SEC team has at least one conference loss at the season's midpoint. And eight teams are .500 or worse against league opposition.

The Volunteers have been a fine example of the up one week, down the next nature of the SEC. They were beaten soundly by then-No. 5 Florida 59-20 in a game some thought signaled Tennessee's fall from Rocky Top. But then Tennessee turned around and thumped then-No. 12 Georgia 35-14 last week in a game that was never close.

And even if Croom's theory doesn't hold up, there's the chance Tennessee could overlook the trip to Starkville with upcoming games against hated rival Alabama and No. 7 South Carolina.

``For us to overlook a team with a better record than we have would be silly,'' Vols quarterback Eric Ainge said.

Saturday's game - the first of three straight against ranked SEC teams for the Bulldogs - will feature strength against strength with Tennessee's impenetrable offensive line clashing against Mississippi State's active defensive front.

The Volunteers have allowed just two sacks in 193 passing attempts this season. That's best in the nation and has given Ainge, the SEC's top passer, plenty of time to complete 67.6 percent of his passes for 259 yards per game with only two interceptions.

The line also has led the Volunteers to 378 rushing yards in their last two games, including 190 against Georgia.

``I think they've got a physical line,'' Mississippi State defensive end Avery Hannibal said. ``They're willing to hit, on the pass they can go a long time. They seem like they're going to be probably the best offensive line we've faced.''

Mississippi State counters with a defense that uses pressure up front - most notably from end Titus Brown - to force mistakes. The Bulldogs have returned four interceptions for touchdowns this season, are tied for third in the SEC with 11 sacks and are sixth in the league in total defense, giving up 322.8 yards per game.

The Bulldogs complement the defense with a power running game meant to kill the clock and take the pressure off true freshman quarterback Wes Carroll and the team's foundering passing game. Carroll is one of three Bulldog quarterbacks who have started this season because of injuries. Original starter Michael Henig will be available, but won't start after a shaky performance last week coming back from a broken hand.

``It would be nice to be stylish and modern and be able to throw the football around, but that's not who we are,'' Croom said. ``So we're going to do what we do regardless of where we rank in passing stats.''

The last thing coach Phillip Fulmer wants is for the Volunteers to get caught up in the Bulldogs' offensive statistics. They're 12th in the league in passing offense with 133.8 yards per game, which has left them last in the league in total offense.

He said in some ways this week's game presents more challenges for the Volunteers than they faced a week ago in Knoxville.

``It's only natural for everybody to talk about last week or talk about the weeks ahead,'' Fulmer said.

``Mississippi State is a bit different than Georgia and in some ways a bigger challenge because of the experience they have up front. Mississippi State is a much more veteran football team and we're playing on the road.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Dawg Daze: Vols take down No. 12 Georgia, 35-14

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee reminded Georgia who owns Neyland Stadium.

Arian Foster rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns, Lucas Taylor made the most of his very short time as a quarterback and Tennessee put an emphatic end to No. 12 Georgia's winning streak in Knoxville with a 35-14 victory Saturday.

It was Georgia's worst loss since the 2003 Southeastern Conference championship, a 34-13 loss to LSU, and coach Mark Richt's first loss at Tennessee. The Bulldogs had won their last three games at Neyland.

It also was the most points allowed this year by Georgia (4-2, 2-2 SEC).

Tennessee (3-2, 1-1) began this year with high hopes, only to find itself struggling after a tough loss to California and a rout by Florida. The running game was patchy and the defense wasn't much better, and the grumbling about coach Phil Fulmer had already started.

But a bye last weekend worked wonders for the Vols. They went after the Bulldogs from the opening kick, and never let up. Tennessee scored on four of its first five possessions, showed it really did have a running game and made the Bulldogs look more like a work in progress than a top-15 team.

Montario Hardesty rushed for 68 yards and a score, and Erik Ainge was 17-of-22 for 165 yards. Taylor threw for a touchdown on his second career pass, and added six catches.

Georgia managed only two first downs in the first half, and didn't cross midfield until after halftime. The Vols shut down elusive running back Knowshon Moreno, holding him to only 30 yards - more than 50 below his average. Thomas Brown ran for 20 yards before an injured shoulder sidelined him for the second half.

Matthew Stafford threw for two touchdowns and 174 yards, but was under pressure much of the day. He finished 16-of-33, and threw one interception.

Though Tennessee has several different backs to choose from, the Vols had struggled to get their running game going early in the season. Not this day.

Alternating between Foster and LaMarcus Coker, Tennessee ground its way down the field on its first possession before Foster scored on a 9-yard run to give Tennessee the early lead.

The Bulldogs nearly picked Ainge off on Tennessee's second series, forcing the Vols to punt. But they came right back and showed they've got a few things in their offense that could make the SEC East race interesting.

On the first play of the second quarter, Ainge took the snap and faked a handoff before giving the ball to Taylor. With the Georgia defense collapsing to stop the run, Taylor - who also threw a pass last season - launched a long throw that Coker hauled in down the left sideline. There wasn't anybody close to him, and he scampered into the end zone to put Tennessee up 14-0.

Georgia's defense had been solid against the run, but they looked out of synch Saturday. When Hardesty barreled into a pile of defenders in the red zone, he simply spun off of them, veered right and ran into the end zone.

Foster gave Tennessee a 28-0 lead at halftime with a 22-yard run.

The Vols weren't quite as aggressive in the second half, but they didn't need to be with Georgia struggling.

The Bulldogs are starting three freshmen on the offensive line, and they'd held OK so far. But there was little room for Moreno and Brown to run Saturday.

When Stafford did have time to throw, somebody was on his receivers. He did find Kris Durham for a 24-yard catch early in the second half that got Georgia across midfield, and found Demiko Goodman two plays later for a 26-yard touchdown.

Tripp Chandler caught a 2-yard scoring pass with 6 minutes to play, but any hope Georgia had of rallying ended on the next series, when Stafford was intercepted.

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

VOLS SINK IN SWAMP

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

Once again another Tennessee team goes to The Swamp and gets whipped.

This is where Vol players go to lose their season. It all started with a big punt return for a touchdown for the Gators and while the Vols responded with a big kickoff return if their own their drive came up empty. Tennessee put on challenge in the second half, but there came a point when the Vol nation just sat down and shut up. Life was drained not only from the team, but the fans as well.

At this point, at 1-2, the local media is full of shame and anger as well as shock. Let’s look at the facts:

Key Points:
1. Brandon James (pictured) 83-yard punt return for a TD.
2. Erik Ainge/Arian Foster fumble returned for a TD.
2. Tim Tebow 30-yard TD pass to Riley Cooper opened up lead.
3. Erik Ainge 15-yard TD pass to Chris Brown at the end of the half.
4. Eric Berry 96-yard interception return for a TD.

Big Hits:
1. Florida defense allows only 37 yards rushing for the game.
2. Eric Berry has solid game including a big third down hit that stopped a Florida drive.
3. Tennessee offensive line good pass protection in the first half.

That Yellow Flag:
1. Both teams combine for 16 penalties for 106 yards.
2. 1st quarter offsides by Florida on 4th and inches that gave Tennessee a first down.
3. Illegal formation in 2nd quarter cost UT first down they needed.

Aint That Special:
1. Brandon James 193 return yards.
2. LaMarcus Coker kickoff return for 74 yards.
3. Tennessee special teams a bit slow and missed tackles.

Low Ends:
1. Tennessee offensive line could not open holes for backs.
2. Tennessee was 5-17 on third down conversions.
3. Jonathan Hefney kept going for big instead of just tackling.

Into The Mind:
1. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer goes for 4th and 7 with 12 minutes to go, yet on two 4th and one situations he opted to punt and kick a field goal. Do you think the message he sent his offense and Florida’s defense set the tone for the rest of the game?
2. Florida coach Urban Meyer proved he is light years ahead of Fulmer. He utilized his big play guys and let Tebow take control. With that he pumped up his defense and they fed off that. That’s coaching baby!

PIVITOL POINT: TENNESSEE @ FLORIDA

Experience: Erik Ainge, a starter for most of his now four seasons in Knoxville, has seen action in 31 games and made 25 starts, while this is Tim Tebow’s first ever start in an SEC game…that has to count for something. On defense, Jonathan Hefney has 38 career starts, one less than the entire Florida defense has entering the season. In all, the Gators have played 26 freshmen (17 true) and 21 sophomores this season. They are as young as you can get with 73 percent of their roster either freshmen or sophomores.

To read the rest of Daniel Mogollon's game preview, as he breaks down when both teams have the ball, as well as tells you who is going to come out on top, click on the CFI logo to sign up for the weekly newsletter.

CFI PREVIEW: SEC EAST

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

Tennessee @ Florida: You ever run into that kid that you never liked knowing he liked you even less? Welcome to UT vs. Florida. The Vols must come out swinging hard and often. They cannot afford a moment of lapse if they hope to win this game. They must establish the running game to help Erik Ainge (pictured) move the football and must put lots of pressure on Florida’s Tim Tebow and force him into mistakes. If Tennessee can’t execute, then the Gators will start in high gear and end it on cruise control. In the end, the Vols will win because Ainge is playing at a much higher level than last year and because Coach Fulmer, the team and an entire Vol nation will stand for nothing less than that. Welcome to SEC football y’all.

Western Carolina @ Georgia: The Bulldogs have had their wake up call or so they hope. After absorbing last week’s loss to South Carolina, they should have no problem this week. The Catamounts have lost 11 straight and are staring an even dozen in the eye. Still Georgia must look to make improvements on offense, particularly the passing game. Matthew Stafford must be more efficient and consistent throwing the football. The one player Georgia must watch is receiver/return man Mike Malone. He racked up 322 all-purpose yards against Eastern Kentucky with half coming on returns. It should still be an easy day for the Dawgs as the look to win this one going away.

South Carolina St. @ South Carolina: The Gamecocks are about to play their first game as ranked team since 2005, as they are starting to make believers across the country. These are the games they must win, not only because it’s an easy game, but to start building the momentum they will need to compete in the SEC. Blake Mitchell and the offense look to get on the same page to get some continuity. South Carolina St. will hang on as long as they can and give all they got. This game should be another stepping stone in what looks to be a big football year for the Gamecocks. After all, they can now be considered contenders. Right?

Louisville @ Kentucky: In this game the theme will be scoring. The fight for the commonwealth features two good offenses that can score at will – both quarterbacks will be playing on Sundays next season. Louisville’s Brian Brohm has the Cardinals leading the nation in scoring average and total yards, so expect a shootout here folks with the winner being the team to make the least mistakes.

Mississippi St. @ Vanderbilt: The Bulldogs have one of the worst offenses in the country. Their first order of business is to put up points any way they can. Meanwhile, the ‘Dores are all banged up, but quarterback Chris Nickson is recovering faster than expected. So long as Earl Bennett can go at near full speed, Vandy will be fine even if it is Mackenzi Adams under center. Vanderbilt cannot do as it has so often in the past and lose a game like this. If they do, they can probably call it a season.

RATING THE QBs

By John Murphy, Yahoo! Sports

A conference-by-conference look at the top senior NFL quarterback prospects.

ACC

Matt Ryan, Boston College – A classic, drop-back passer who has very good physical tools and the necessary toughness/intangibles to become a starter at the next level. He's a better athlete than he is given credit for and can move around the pocket with enough presence to avoid pass rushers, while putting good zip on most of his throws. He does not receive the level of hype of others in this category, but could become a solid second-round choice.

Kyle Wright, Miami, FL – Wright is currently backing up Kirby Freeman. But USA Today's top-rated quarterback coming out of high school is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and runs 4.6 in the 40. That will surely get him a free agent shot, even if he remains on the bench all season.

Big East

Brian Brohm, Louisville – Brohm is the top-rated senior quarterback and has a chance to be the No. 1 overall choice in next year's NFL Draft. He will post great numbers in the team's wide-open offensive scheme, but will spend the postseason proving he can do the same if stationed under center (not out of the shotgun). Some teams aren't sold on him because he has not always been durable and other QBs who played in the same offensive scheme have struggled in the pros. Brohm has shown the necessary smarts, work ethic and physical tools to make believers out of all critics.

Big Ten

Chad Henne, Michigan – Henne was hoping for a possible Heisman campaign and national championship run. Instead he enters Week 2 with an 0-1 record. He has struggled in some big games. That creates doubt in the minds of NFL evaluators. Henne has good, but not great tools and really needs to step up his game or risk falling to the back end of the draft pool.

Anthony Morelli, Penn State – Morelli could make the biggest jump. He has all the qualities of a top-rated quarterback and is now surrounded by solid upperclassmen. He is a tough, smart kid with a nice arm and can rise up the charts by cutting down turnovers and proving he knows what it takes to carry a team.

Big 12

Sam Keller, Nebraska – Arizona State transfer who made his way to the Midwest for the chance to start. Keller sat out last year, but learned the offense and has looked very sharp throughout spring and fall drills. He has good size and a strong arm. He could be a surprise third- to fourth-round choice by year's end.

Bret Meyer, Iowa State – An athletic, dual threat who has fallen off in scouts' eyes because he forces too many balls and has committed too many turnovers. He needs to prove he is more of a passer than thrower in his final season.

Pac-10

John David Booty, USC – Booty has one of the most high-pressure positions in college football. He has proven to be a solid replacement to Matt Leinart. He throws a very accurate, catchable ball, but does not wow you with any one portion of his game. A good, but not great athlete, surrounded by USC's unreal talent level. Booty is still not the most vocal of leaders and might not crave the spotlight. He started the season with the Heisman Trophy and a national title within his reach. He needs to achieve those goals in order to prove himself as more than just a caretaker.

SEC

Andre' Woodson, Kentucky – Hot commodity entering his final season. Woodson has cut down on turnovers and shows rare athleticism for a 6-4, 225 pounder. He can make all the necessary throws and shows impressive zip on his deep throws. Has led the Wildcats to a bowl game two consecutive years. Has learned how to settle his feet, step up and work from the pocket, but can still make plays on the move. A big year could catapult him into the Top 20 of next year's draft.

Erik Ainge, Tennessee – Looks to be the top guy in the SEC and a first-round pick. But he is inconsistent and has failed to deliver in several big situations. He is still only 21, so there is time for him to mature and develop. His raw athleticism might be too much to pass over if he improves in other areas. He has battled injuries (MCL, pinky) over the past few months.

Matt Flynn, LSU – A first-year starter who has shown the athleticism and arm strength to ascend into the upper echelon by year's end. Smart, hard worker who waited his time behind JaMarcus Russell. He could be a solid mid-round choice with upside, similar to how the New England Patriots were able to grab former USC backup Matt Cassel.

WAC

Colt Brennan, Hawaii – Brennan has a great release, is highly accurate and shows more than enough zip on his short-to-intermediate passes. He has learned and grown from his early mistakes and become a true team leader. Has a chance to win the Heisman. Lacks the big-time frame of other passers in this year's group, but has the size to fill out to around 210 pounds. The drawbacks are his lack of experience under center and in a true pro-scheme. Is not called upon to throw a lot of deep or vertical routes.

SMALL-SCHOOL PROSPECTS

Josh Johnson, San Diego – A superb athlete who grew as a QB the past few years under the guidance of new Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. He heads into his senior campaign with many evaluators eyeing him as a possible surprise first-day draft choice. Johnson was suspended for one game after violating team rules in the offseason. He combines 4.5 speed with a strong arm and has become more accurate.

Joseph Flacco, Delaware – University of Pittsburgh transfer who brings excellent size (6--6, 230) and above-average arm strength to the field. He moves well in the pocket and completed 63 percent of his passes as a first-year starter last season. Has a chance to move up into the middle rounds of the draft with a big senior season.

Ricky Santos, New Hampshire – Has just average size (6-1, 215) and does not jump off the page when you see his workout numbers. But he is a highly accurate passer with great intangibles. He plays in a bit of a wide-open offensive system, but is able to find the open man and throws a very catchable ball.

Luke Drone, Illinois State – A two-sport star who has developed into a high-caliber performer. Lacks ideal size, but is very athletic, throws a good ball and has produced consistent results over the past two years.

Kyle Spotts, Kutztown – Came to the Division II program as a transfer from Colgate, and has made his mark as both a passer and runner. Has decent size, a good enough arm to be evaluated by NFL scouts and can make plays on the move as both a runner and passer. Does not have a great upper body build and has taken a few shots by holding onto the ball too long. But you like his toughness and ability to make plays.

Casey Hansen, Norfolk State – A big, strong-armed QB who could create some waves in the MEAC. He's 6-5, 220 pounds and a classic, drop-back pocket passer.

Brad Roach, Catawba – Possesses NFL size (6-6, 245), but will need to cut down on his turnovers, make better reads and increase his completion percentage in order to catch the eye of scouts this season. He is also not the swiftest player on the field, so making the right reads from the pocket and improving his footwork will be the keys for him to get next-level consideration.

Buddy Rivera, Northern Michigan – Has led the team in passing while also finishing as one of the top three rushers the past two years. He passed for over 300 yards in the opener and has proven to be a very good leader.

Known as the “Secret Weapon of the NFL Draft”, NFL Draft Bible head scout John Murphy is also Yahoo! Sports' NFL personnel and college prospect evaluator. Read more from Murphy at http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/expertsarchive;_ylt=AkkzD1soYcLK7hf0JkhVA6EuatAF?author=John+Murphy.

DAVEY O'BRIEN: Week 2 Brings Exciting O'Brien Match-ups

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 3, 2007) – The 2007 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O’Brien) candidates are through the first weekend and looking forward to this week's exciting match ups in hopes of gaining more votes from the fans. Fan voting will be a new exciting component to The O’Brien in 2007.

Watch List candidates are considered for The O’Brien based on quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship.

O'BRIEN CANDIDATE MATCH-UPS FOR WEEK 2

Harrell, Graham, Texas Tech Vs. Willis, Justin, SMU. Sept. 3, 3:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN

Brohm, Brian, Louisville Vs. Craddock, Joe, Middle Tennesse, Sept. 6, 6:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2

Ainge, Erik, Tennessee Vs. Young, Jeremy, Southern Miss. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Brennan, Colt, Hawaii Vs. Champion, Zac, Louisiana Tech. Sep. 8, 6:05 p.m. (CT)

Carney, Shaun, Air Force Vs. Johnson, Brian, Utah. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Carpenter, Rudy, Arizona State Vs. Hawkins, Cody, Colorado. Sept. 8, 9:15 p.m. (CT) on FSN

Clement, Chase, Rice Vs. Szymanski, Blake, Baylor. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Daniel, Chase, Missouri Vs. Adams, Seth, Ole Miss. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Davis, Nate, Ball State Vs. Schmitt, Andy, Eastern Michigan. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT)

Edelman, Julian, Kent State Vs. Woodson, Andre', Kentucky. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Hanie, Caleb, Colorado State Vs. Longshore, Nate, California. Sept. 8, 1:00 p.m. (CT) on CSTV

Hankins, Martin, Memphis Vs. Leonard, Corey, Arkansas State. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Harrell, Graham, Texas Tech Vs. Vittatoe, Trevor, UTEP. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Haugabook, Omar, Troy Vs. Tebow, Tim, Florida. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT)

Henne, Chad, Michigan Vs. Dixon, Dennis, Oregon. Sept 8, 3:30 p.m. (CT) on ABC

Holbrook, Chase, NM State Vs. Porterie, Donovan, New Mexico. Sept. 8, 8:30 p.m. (CT)

Lancaster, Kinsmon, UL-Monroe Vs. Harper, Cullen, Clemson. Sept. 8, NOON (CT)

LeFevour, Dan, Central Michigan Vs. TBD, Toledo. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)

McCoy, Colt, Texas Vs. Dalton, Andy, TCU. Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m. (CT)on FSN

Morelli, Anthony, Penn State Vs. TBD, Notre Dame. Sept. 8, 5:00 p.m. (CT) on ESPN

Painter, Curtis, Purdue Vs. Stinson, Cole, Eastern Illinois. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT) on Big Ten Network

Ryan, Matt, Boston College Vs. Evans, Daniel, NC State. Sept. 8, 1:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2

Sewell, Jameel, Virginia Vs. Lewis, Thaddeus, Duke. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT)

Skinner, Riley, Wake Forest Vs. Keller, Sam, Nebraska. Sept. 8, 11:00 a.m. (CT) on ESPN

Stafford, Matthew, Georgia Vs. Mitchell, Blake, South Carolina. Sept. 8, 4:45 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2

Sween, Karsten, Wyoming Vs. Jackson, Leon, Utah State. Sept. 8, 1:00 p.m. (CT)

White, Pat, West Virginia Vs. Morris, Bernard, Marshall. Sept. 8, 10:10 a.m. (CT)

Willis, Justin, SMU Vs. Meager, Daniel, North Texas. Sept. 8, 7:00 p.m. (CT)

The Watch List is based on All-America teams and Honorable Mentions published in at least six different preseason college football magazines. A candidate must be listed as an All-America quarterback or as a 1st or 2nd team All-American within his conference in at least one publication, or as Honorable Mention in at least three publications.

The 2007 season marks the first time in The O’Brien’s history that the fans will have a say in the voting. Fans will be able to vote for the starting quarterback from any of the 119 Division I-A football programs, leaving room for the possibility of a quarterback who is not on the Watch List to win the award. Fans can vote once daily on The O’Brien’s updated Web site, www.DaveyOBrien.com, in hopes of moving their pick to the final round.

The winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 6, 2007. The recipient will be honored Feb. 18, 2008, at the annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

THE ROAD TO ATLANTA: THE SEC EAST

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER
Down in the southern parts of America, college football stadiums were filled to capacity this past weekend -- anticipation and intensity so thick you can’t cut it with wire cutters. Welcome to the Southeastern Conference:

Last season, nine teams went to a bowl game winning a SEC record six. Two went to a BCS bowl and one stood alone as a BCS champs. Let’s peek into these teams and their chances of making it to Atlanta and the SEC Title game.

Florida- The defending champs now put their hopes of a repeat on the arms and legs of Tim Tebow. He has shown flashes of what he can do but is he ready to be the man? He has two good targets in Bubba Caldwell and Percy Harvin. Most of the offensive line returns, from a season in which they performed better than was projected in 2006. On defense, end Derrick Harvey tries to improve on an 11-sack season, including three in the BCS title game. The secondary is full of speed and ability. Can they mesh for a championship push? Other than Florida State their non-conference schedule is weak. Will the Gators repeat? Likely not but don’t count out this champ till the final round.

Tennessee- The Volunteers are looking to put Rocky Top back on top. Phillip Fulmer knows the Vol faithful won’t wait long for results or to start the call for the coach’s head. Senior quarterback Erik Ainge must step forward and be the complete signal caller Tennessee has waited for. Making it tougher is the fact that he has no standout receiver in his stable. Running backs Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker should form a potent ground game. They will need their inexperienced offensive line to do a better job of opening up holes than they did last year. The defense had its own difficulties getting into the opponent’s backfield. In order for the Vols to compete the defensive line will have to stop the run game and get pressure on the opposing quarterback to prevent the big plays that hurt them last year. Jonathan Hefney is the only sure thing they have in the secondary. The Vols will be hard pressed to make it to Atlanta but if Ainge and the defense hold their end up the Vols have a chance.

South Carolina- The Gamecocks feel this is their time, so says The Ole Ball Coach Steve Spurrier. After an 8-5 campaign, this team feels it is ready to compete for the East now. Quarterback Blake Mitchell came on strong during the second half of last season, but started this year serving a suspension. Spurrier has molded this kid and he knows how to get the best from his quarterbacks, so know one could more disappointed in Mitchell’s off the field troubles. Cory Boyd and Mike Davis give S.C. a solid ground game so long as the offensive line can step up, as the coach is demanding. Defensively they are still weak against the run, while their pass defense is a bit more stable and should get even better this season. Maybe this team should worry more about another a winning season before thinking they can win the East.

Georgia- The Bulldogs will have sophomore Matthew Stafford take the helm from day one after leading the Dogs to wins against three Top 25 foes (Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech) as a redshirt freshman. Kregg Lumpkin is a duel threat as a runner, as well as a receiver. On defense, they lose many of their starters, but they have a good young nucleus just itching to make their mark. The secondary is loaded with talent and is expected to give opposing wide receivers all they can handle. Lastly, they must improve on their woeful kick return game to hope to compete for the East.

Kentucky- The Wildcats are ready to take few bites out of the SEC. They come off a bowl win and have Andre Woodson at quarterback. He led the league in total offense, passing yards per game and touchdown passes. His number one target will be Keenan Burton who had 77 catches for 1036 yards and 12 touchdowns. On defense they just flat out stink -- they can score but will be scored on. A 37-35 game with this team is par for the course. Just as last year, the secondary will give up chunks of yardage. With this team, you know they won’t challenge for the East but they sure can be fun to watch and may even play spoiler with an upset or two.

Vanderbilt- After so many years of losing could this be the year? In a word…no. Can the ‘Dores break a 24 year drought and have a winning season as well as go to a bowl? Quarterback Chris Nixon has the tools and the receiver in Earl Bennett. Bennett is arguably the best receiver in the SEC -- he has great hands and runs great routes. The running game provided stability for Nixon allowing him to shine as a passer. Defensively, Vandy must do a better job against the run, as they gave up too many big runs that led to points for their opponents. They have the experience in linebackers Jonathan Goff and Chris Williams to get better. At this point, the only thing that matters is that they achieve their goal of a winning season and a bowl berth. The rest as they say will take care of itself.

Check back tomorrow for the SEC West

FROM THE DEEP SOUTH: THE SEC REPORT

BY NEIL BISMAN
SEC INSIDER

All twelve teams in the SEC were in action for the opening weekend of the season and they have only two losses to show for it. Unfortunately, for the conference, two of those losses were on television and they were not pretty. A third team who won in the national spotlight, made things a lot harder on themselves than it should have been.

-LSU may have gotten off to a slow start in their romp over Mississippi State but talk of them not looking very impressive are a little premature. The team was breaking in a new quarterback, a new offensive coordinator and had to deal with some bad weather. Add all of that together and suddenly hanging 45 points on the road doesn’t look too bad, even if it was over Mississippi State.

-Speaking of Mississippi State, perhaps it wasn’t in their best interest to wear white at home and force LSU to wear purple instead of their traditional white jerseys. Sometimes its best to let sleeping dogs, or in this case sleeping Tigers, lie.

-Florida picked up right from where they left off a season ago with a 49-3 rout of Western Kentucky in a contest shortened due to lightning. The young Gators’ defense looked shaky at times but that’s to be expected at this point of the season. Luckily for them, the offense looked to be in midseason form because this team is going to have to win quite a few shootouts if they hope to repeat as SEC Champions let alone National Champions.

-Alabama looked impressive in Nick Saban’s debut but they are going to need a lot more than they got out of John Parker Wilson if they hope to be playing in Atlanta on the first weekend of December. On the bright side, at least he didn’t look as bad as the Western Carolina helmets. It’s never a good sign when your logo matches that of a Broadway play.

-The Gamecock faithful had better hope that Blake Mitchell does not miss any more time because the South Carolina offense really struggled to get off the ground without him. Good thing this game was against a school from Lafayette, Louisiana and not Baton Rouge, Louisiana or else it may have gotten ugly.

-Earl Bennett continues to put up numbers normally seen in a video game. It may have been against Richmond but Vanderbilt looked impressive in the blowout victory as they look to make their first Bowl appearance since 1982. They are going to need a lot more though out of their running backs if they hope to make that dream a reality.

-A huge win for Ole Miss this past weekend on the road against Memphis. With the exception of a blowout loss at Arkansas, Mississippi played extremely competitive football down the stretch last season and should be able to build on some of that momentum. A win at home against up-and-coming Missouri next week could be just what this team needs to propel itself out of the SEC cellar. For that to happen though, they are going to need a much better performance out of BenJarvus Green-Ellis than the one they got in Memphis.

-Perhaps the most impressive performance of the week for the conference took place in Athens when the Georgia Bulldogs rolled over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys were a very trendy upset pick due to their high-octane offense but the Georgia defense did a tremendous job of shutting them down. Matthew Stafford continues play beyond his years and this Bulldog team may have a lot more bite than people give them credit for.

-The Kentucky offense looks extremely impressive with their three-headed monster of quarterback Andre Woodson, running back Rafael Little and wide receiver Keenan Burton but they need to get more out of their defense if they hope to replicate last season’s win total of eight. The defense did not look all that bad against in-state opponent Eastern Kentucky but that effort won’t cut it against in-state rival Louisville.

-Darren McFadden and Felix Jones continue to look like the best backfield in America but Casey Dick’s 11-of-20 effort against Troy, is not going to get the job done against conference opponents. Dick was without his favorite target in Marcus Monk but there is no guarantee that Monk will be back for the Hogs’ September 15 trip to Alabama. Houston Nutt and company had better have a Plan B.

-There is no truth to the rumor that Brandon Cox was injured during the typing of this SEC report but it would not be much of a surprise. The injury-plagued quarterback looked rather unimpressive and running back Ben Tate looked rather pedestrian filling in for the suspended Brad Lester. It wasn’t pretty but Auburn did prevail in the end over a young Kansas State team. K-State may be pesky, but what will Auburn do when they get an even peskier South Florida at Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday?

-Last and certainly least are the Tennessee Volunteers who apparently forgot to pack their defense for the trip to Berkeley, California. Cal deserves a lot of credit as they are an extremely fast and extremely talented football team but Tennessee looked flat-out terrible. The offense was able to expose an equally weak Bears defense and Erik Ainge did not appear to miss a beat with his broken pinky but the poor defense was just too much to overcome. If you feel something warm in Knoxville that isn’t one last summer heat wave, that would be the seat of one Phillip Fulmer.

Overall, a good week for the conference in terms of victories but many teams do have their problems. That’s what early-season cupcakes on the schedule are for; better to sort out the issues now than during the grind that is conference play.
Ala

Davey O’Brien Candidates Leave Their Mark in Week One

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 2, 2007) – The 2007 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O’Brien) candidates began their bids to take home the hardware this weekend. The O’Brien Watch List features 35 talented quarterbacks and is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback, inspiring student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field.

Watch List candidates are considered for The O’Brien based on quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. This weekend many candidates rose to the occasion to turn in stellar performances.

Week 1 Top Performers


•Erik Ainge, Tennessee, Sr. Threw for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns on 32 for 47 passing.

•John David Booty, USC, Sr. Threw for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 for 32 passing.

•Colt Brennan, Hawai’i’, Sr. Threw for 416 yards and 6 touchdowns on 34 for 40 passing.

•Brian Brohm, Louisville, Sr. Threw for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns on 21 for 16 passing.

•Shaun Carney, Air Force, Sr. Threw for 176 yards and 1 touchdown on 11 for 18 passing.

•Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State, Jr. Threw for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 for 20 passing.

•Chase Clement, Rice, Jr. Threw for 101 yards on 11 for 28 passing.

•Chase Daniel, Missouri, Jr. Threw for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns on 37 for 54 passing.

•Nate Davis, Ball State, So. Threw for198 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 for 36 passing.

•Dennis Dixon, Oregon, Sr. Threw for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 for 15 passing.

•Julian Edelman, Kent State, Jr. Threw for 161 yards an 1 touchdown on 17 for 26 passing.

•Caleb Hannie, Colorado State, Sr. Threw for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 for 27 passing.

•Martin Hankins, Memphis, Sr. Threw for 349 yards and 1 touchdown on 41 for 60 passing.

•Omar Haugabook, Troy, Sr. Threw for 204 yards and 1 touchdown on 15 for 43 passing.

•Chad Henne, Michigan, Sr. Threw for 233 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 for 37 passing.

•Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State, Jr. Threw for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns on 23 for 33 passing.

•Kinsmon Lancaster, UL – Monroe, Jr. Threw for 66 yards and 1 touchdown on 7 for 21 passing.

•Dan Lefevour, Central Michigan, So. Threw for 165 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 for 34 passing.

•Corey Leonard, Arkansas State, So. Threw for 259 yards on 23 for 36 passing.

•Nate Longshore, California, Jr. Threw for 2 41 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 for 28 passing.

•Colt McCoy, Texas, So. Threw for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 for 33 passing.

•Anothony Morelli, Penn State, Sr. Threw for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 for 38 passing.

•Curtis Painter, Purdue, Jr. Threw for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns on 14 for 30 passing.

•Matt Ryan, Boston College, Sr. Threw for 406 yards and 5 touchdowns on 32 for 53 passing.

•Jameel Sewell, Virginia, So. Threw for 87 yards on 11 for 24 passing.

•Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, So. Threw for 236 yards and 1 touchdown on 28 for 37 passing.

•Matthew Stafford, Georgia, So. Threw for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 for 24 passing.

•Karsten Sween, Wyoming, So. Threw for 253 yards and 1 touchdown on 25 for 34 passing.

•Pat White, West Virginia, Jr. Threw for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 for 18 passing along with 2 rushing touchdowns.

•Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky, Sr. Threw for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns on20 for 29 passing.

The Watch List is based on All-America teams and Honorable Mentions published in at least six different preseason college football magazines. A candidate must be listed as an All-America quarterback or as a 1st or 2nd team All-American within his conference in at least one publication, or as Honorable Mention in at least three publications.

The 2007 season marks the first time in The O’Brien’s history that the fans will have a say in the voting. Fans will be able to vote for the starting quarterback from any of the 119 Division I-A football programs, leaving room for the possibility of a quarterback who is not on the Watch List to win the award. Fans can vote once daily on The O’Brien’s updated Web site, www.DaveyOBrien.com, in hopes of moving their pick to the final round.

The winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 6, 2007. The recipient will be honored Feb. 18, 2008, at the annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

About The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® The O’Brien honors the nation’s best college quarterback of the year and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field. By recognizing and honoring athletes who excel in both sports and academics while exhibiting strong character and leadership, The O’Brien helps to instill a lifelong moral fiber in each candidate. The O’Brien is overseen by the Davey O’Brien Foundation, which was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The Foundation provides scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrien.com.

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #11 TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS




2006 RECORD: 9-4; BIG EAST: 5-3
Lost Outback Bowl vs. Penn St. 20-10
LOCATION: Knoxville, Tennessee
STADIUM: Neyland (102,038)
HEAD COACH: Phillip Fulmer
OVERALL: 137-41 (15 seasons)
AT TENNESSEE: 137-41 (15 seasons)

The Vols have dropped 13 games in the last three seasons and there is little doubt in the mind of many that they have taken a step back as a program. They suffered heart breaking fourth quarter losses to Florida and LSU, with Erik Ainge missing most the game against the Tigers, as well as their loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Phillip Fulmer was much closer to pulling out an 11-1 regular season than it may have appeared. Make no mistake…the Vols still have the horses to join the elite…a top ten finish and even a Southeastern Conference Championship are not out of the question.

WHEN THE VOLS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: David Cutcliffe (2nd Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain, Brent Smith, Arron Sears

Naysayers lament their lack of a running game last season, as well as the departure of their top three receivers, however there is hope for the Tennessee offense. David Cutcliffe did an excellent job of rebuilding Erik Ainge, who is poised to finish out his career in Knoxville with his best season yet. In Eric Young, they actually could have an upgrade over Arron Sears at left tackle and they may have the most depth at tight end of any team in the country. Chris Brown and Brad Cottam are future NFL draft picks, with Brad’s younger brother, sophomore Jeff Cottam showing promise as well. They are unproven at receiver, but do not count out Junior College transfer Kenny O’Neal or highly touted freshman Ahmad Paige, two of several talented prospects in the receiving corps. What can make a difference this season is a more explosive running attack. In Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker, they possess three backs that have all displayed flashes of brilliance, but none of them, is a proven feature back. Coker has the most potential, making his off the field issues, which have put his season if not career in jeopardy, a major blow to the Vols chances.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Eric Young (SR), 2) Erik Ainge (SR), 3) LaMarcus Coker (SO), 4) Brad Cottam (SR), 5) Chris Brown (SR), 6) Jeff Cottam (SO), 7) Josh McNeal (SO), 8) Chris Scott (SO), 9) Jacques McClendon (SO), 10) Montario Hardesty (SO), 11) Arian Foster (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: John Chavis (13th Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
KEY LOSSES: Justin Harrell, Turk McBride, Jonathan Wade, Marvin Mitchell, Demetrice Morley

Leading the defense is a trio of potential superstars in the back seven: senior safety Jonathan Hefney, junior MIKE Jerod Mayo and sophomore WILL Rico McCoy. They are the three best tacklers on the defense and each brings playmaking potential, Hefney as a ball-hawk, with backers Mayo and McCoy making their way across the line of scrimmage. Ryan Karl gives them a veteran presence at the SAM position, while newcomers will have to rise to the occasion at corner. Similar to receiver, they could field one JC transfer, DeAngelo Willingham, as well as a heralded true freshman, Eric Berry, who many believe is the best incoming corner. They have solid depth at defensive end, with the play on the inside a spot where they can elevate the level of play of the entire defense. Junior Demonte Bolden has as much ability as any of their defenders and JT Mapu is ready to have a big senior season after having some trouble assimilating back to football following a Mormon mission.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Jerod Mayo (JR), 2) Jonathan Hefney (SR), 3) Rico McCoy (SO), 4) Xavier Mitchell (SR), 5) Demonte Bolden (JR), 6) Antonio Reynolds (SR), 7) Ryan Karl (SR), 8) Eric Berry (FR)

THE SCHEDULE

Early season road tests will dictate what type of season the Volunteers will have. In week one, they travel all the way to the West Coast to take on the Cal Golden Bears, whom they took care of rather easily to open up 2006. A win over the Bears will show the Vols are for real, which they can cement when they visit the Swamp just two weeks later. With Georgia coming to Knoxville, a victory at Florida would put them in the driver’s seat to win the SEC East. A 3-0 start could spark a run at a SEC crown, while a 1-2 record could bring back some of that self doubt and put the rest of the season in jeopardy. How they might react to two September losses is anyone’s guess.

PIVOTAL POINT

To reach their potential, they must find consistency and stay away from making mistakes on and off the field. Coker’s problems are already strike one, as potentially losing their top back is not the way they wanted their season to start. Furthermore, will the new offensive lineman make all of their assignments? Can Erik Ainge stay away from the mistakes that plagued him as a sophomore? How about the newcomers at both wide receiver and corner -- are they ready to play SEC football? Mistakes on defense led to their losses to Florida and LSU, so if they clean it up, the sky is the limit at Rockey Top.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Losing Coker could truly curtail Tennessee’s chances, as he was expected to be the offense’s top breakaway threat. I am not too worried about the receivers…as long as Ainge plays at a high level their passing game will be just fine. With eight of their two-deep back along the offensive line and experience on the defensive line, they should be better in the trenches than they were in 2006, which will translate into more wins. A second season under Cutcliffe will surely help the offense and you can be sure Coach Fulmer is tired of hearing his doubters -- I expect the Vols to be motivated to getting back among the SEC’s elite.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #10 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown