Fans might have one more reason to lament Tennessee's loss to Clemson in the Peach Bowl.

Tennessee's decision last week to close practices and limit the amount of information made available to the public could be a result of the Vols' 27-14 loss to Clemson last season.

Shortly after that game, UT coach Phillip Fulmer was informed Clemson had a scout present at Tennessee's "closed'' practices at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga.

A college assistant who was in close contact with both staffs wanted Fulmer to be aware that the Tigers knew how the Vols would adjust - from a play-calling and formation standpoint - to Clemson's various alignments.

Fulmer said he doesn't have proof or want to_speculate that Clemson did anything inappropriate.

But when asked why practices were being closed, Fulmer said, "In Atlanta there was all that talk and all those people floating around. We'll do a better job of who comes to practice.''

The high school facility where UT practiced for the Peach Bowl featured a large clubhouse that overlooked the field. Furthermore, more than 100 fans were in attendance with little or no security check on most days of practice.

Clemson, meanwhile, enjoyed the private confines of Georgia Tech's facilities.

UT offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens said the coaches took note of the large attendance at practices during bowl week.

"When we were at practice, I swear we said, 'Look at all the people here,' '' Stephens said after the game in January. "They (Clemson) also ran a couple of blitzes we hadn't seen from them all year. Two of their sacks came on corner blitzes.''

UT's blocking schemes for Clemson, perhaps not_coincidently, didn't account for blitzes from the cornerback.

When the Tigers were on offense, UT linebacker Kevin Simon said it was like they were in the Vols' huddle.

"That offensive coordinator they got, he knew what he was doing and how to exploit what we were doing,'' Simon said after the game.

UT athletic director Mike Hamilton shunned the notion that possible wrongdoings at the Peach Bowl had anything to do with Fulmer's decision to close practices.

"With all the film exchange that goes on, I doubt there were many secrets,'' said Hamilton, who is also a Clemson graduate.

UT defensive coordinator John Chavis, whose halftime adjustments led to Clemson scoring just three second-half points, said a spy shouldn't matter.

"All we had to do was execute,'' Chavis said. "We just had too many busts.''

Tim Bourret, Clemson's sports information director, said his school won't respond to accusations unless a UT official goes on the record with more-specific charges.