When Tennessee center Jason Respert saw videotape of the UNLV Rebels, they reminded him of Arkansas. And it wasn't just their red jerseys.

"Two years ago when Coach (John) Thompson was still at Arkansas (as defensive coordinator), they ran a 3-3 and were very aggressive," Respert said. "The teams are very similar."

Thompson, who is now the head coach at East Carolina, is famous for using unorthodox fronts and repeatedly changing his alignments.

"(The Rebels) will show you a three-down look, then a four-down look," Respert said. "They change it up."

That could create problems for UT's two freshmen quarterbacks, who will be playing their first college game.

"We've been simulating (UNLV's) defense the past two days," Respert said Monday. "Our scout team gives us a good look. The (quarterbacks) will be ready."

Respert said the Rebels don't look that much different from SEC teams in terms of speed and athleticism. He also said they looked faster than Fresno State, UT's opening-season opponent in 2003.

The Vols beat Fresno State 24-6.