Adams: Impact of a defeat

But few losses have the impact of the 38-28 defeat to Auburn in the SEC championship game. It was as close as UT has been in years to a good loss.

Even the most unrealistic UT fans were understanding.

You probably heard them say, "I don't feel so bad about that loss." You might have said it yourself.

That speaks volumes about the transformation of UT's image as it begins its final week of preparation for a second-tier bowl game against Texas A&M.

In the mid-to-late 1990s, UT was perceived as a program with great talent, which lost only when it under-achieved or was out-coached. Now, UT is being applauded for over-achieving and being well coached.

It got credit in October for upsetting Georgia. It got credit for losing to an obviously superior Auburn team three weeks ago.

The Vols haven't won an SEC championship since 1998. But six years after an unbeaten season, the expectations have finally dropped. The pressure on the coaching staff has ebbed as well.

The Vols started three different quarterbacks, two of them freshmen. They repeatedly had to patch up an injury-riddled offensive line. As if that weren't enough, the play of their inexperienced secondary ranged from absolutely dreadful to almost adequate.

They still managed to win nine of 12 games. Most importantly, they won the SEC East.

UT's 19-14 upset of Georgia in Athens probably did more for UT's coaching staff than any victory since the national championship game victory in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.

The 2001 victory over Florida was a bigger upset and also won the SEC East title for UT. But after a week of praise, the Vols suffered a devastating loss to underdog to LSU in the SEC championship game.

It's not just that the Vols beat Georgia. It's that they out-coached Georgia.

Bulldogs coach Mark Richt won two SEC East titles and one conference championship in his first three years as a head coach. His defensive coordinator, Brian VanGorder, was named national assistant coach of the year in 2003.

Yet UT looked better prepared, and its superior preparation showed on the very first possession when offensive coordinator Randy Sanders and freshman quarterback Erik Ainge got the better of VanGorder's experienced defense. Twice in the drive, Georgia's secondary was out of position on UT pass completions.

The victory also was significant because of the way Georgia had dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning four consecutive games and embarrassing UT in a 41-14 victory in 2003. Two and a half months later, the victory is still significant.

Never mind if UT loses a fifth bowl game in six years. Unless the loss is a blowout, fans will remember this team for winning the SEC East, not for losing the Cotton Bowl.

They will remember that it won close games against rivals Florida, Georgia and Alabama; that it threatened to overtake unbeaten Auburn in the fourth quarter; and that it could have as many as 17 starters returning in 2005.

The high expectations will return, too.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.