Q: Is there a reasonable explanation why Georgia continues to be ranked above the Vols? I know coaches do not like to speak out on this stuff, but I wish someone would raise some stink. Maybe it's all good and the Vols will be really fired up if they get an Auburn rematch. Imagine if they beat Auburn and end up ranked below Georgia. Maybe there will be a class action lawsuit or succession.

What a remarkable Tennessee team this is. They are great fun to follow, anything could happen anytime. You have to feel bad for Schaeffer, after what he did to turn around the USC game.

cdldoc@mtaonline.net

GRIFF: I'm most surprised by the disparity in the coaches' poll, with Georgia fifth and Tennessee 11th. It almost makes me wonder if the coaches are sandbagging the Vols to hurt Phillip Fulmer's national recruiting.

UT will be fired up for a rematch with Auburn, but it's going to take more than fire. It's going to take some great offensive execution. Also, keep an eye on the Tigers' health, as they have some physical games coming up with Georgia and Alabama.

As for Brent Schaeffer, no doubt, it's a tough break. If the Vols make it to the SEC title game, they owe it to Schaeffer. He came through in the clutch. Without him, I'm not so sure Tennessee beats South Carolina.

Q: I was surprised to see that Rick Clausen is the new backup quarterback instead of C.J. Leak. What's up with that?

phaddix@chartermi.net

GRIFF: Clausen has been working at quarterback all season, while Leak switched over to safety, then tight end, and now linebacker. Randy Sanders said Leak is the type of quarterback who needs the repetitions to stay sharp at the position, and he has had no team work at quarterback since the freshmen were named co-starters.

Leak is still throwing, and plans to work out for NFL teams as a quarterback. I admire his tenacity and drive.

Clausen is a capable quarterback, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him before the end of the season in some form or fashion.

Q: We got the win against S.C., so that's great. But what the (heck) is going on with our tackling? I went to UT from 83-87, have followed them with a passion since, and they seem to have problems tackling every year! If you watch them on film, a majority of the defensive players don't wrap up; instead they come in there trying to make the "Sportscenter Highlight Hit". Do they not practice tackling? What are Chavis and his crew teaching them as far as tackling goes? Apparently not the fundamentals. What's up? Oh, I think it's telling that Fulmer wanted to go into the locker room down and Sanders "accidentally" called a time-out. Perhaps he should "accidentally" do that more often and get Fulmer out of his "conservative comfort zone"!

markrobertson@comcast.net

GRIFF: John Chavis was the first to admit his team's tackling was poor against South Carolina, but it didn't look to shabby against Georgia, did it?

The Vols' tackling woes can be attributed to how the team practices. Of the three SEC teams I've covered on a daily basis — UT, Alabama and Auburn — the Vols have the least amount of contact during the practice week once the season starts.

The tradeoff is that the Vols have had the fewest practice injuries of the teams I've covered. There are times when UT is struggling with tackling where Fulmer will kick up the contact. But right now, with the offensive line banged up, the linebacking corps thin, and the tailbacks nursing some injuries, it makes sense to stay backed off.

I'd say UT teaches tackling fine. Jason Allen wasn't a very good tackler last year but he's become one of the best in the SEC. The weakness you're seeing is at strong safety, where Corey Campbell and Jarod Parrish are trying to headhunt.

Q: Barring a monumental collapse, Tennessee will play Auburn again in the SEC Championship. Since we got killed the first time around, isn't it safe to assume Auburn will be favored by (more than) 10 points? Does this mean I should go ahead and wager big on the Vols?

jplome2@email.uky.edu

GRIFF: If you can get the Vols and 10 points right now — assuming you are in Las Vegas, of course — I'd jump on it. I doubt the line for the game will be that high.

Personally, I wouldn't bet any UT games because of the youth of the team, as well as professional ethics, of course.

It's tough to beat the same team twice in a season, as the Vols learned in 2001 when LSU came back and beat them. Of course, Bama turned the trick against Florida in 1999, and LSU swept Georgia last season.

I just think UT is a more settled team than the first time it played Auburn. The corners are considerably better, the linebacking corps is more settled (last time was the first SEC game with Kevin Simon), and the defensive line has grown up. Question is, will the Vols be able to move the ball without the turnovers? Stay tuned.

Q: I am Belinda, representing my Husband Nick Du'Toit. Due to his predicament right now in Equitorial Guinea, I would like to ask for your partnership is re-profiling funds over Seven million six-hundred and fifty thousand united states dollars.

I will give all the details, but for now, it is important that I mention that the funds are originating from South Africa and it's legitimate.

I am offering you 14 percent for your "management fees." If you are interested, please write back and I will provide further instructions. I would also like to ask that you be discreet and that my request be treated as such. Finally, please note that this must be concluded in a matter of weeks.

ubuntu@zwallet.com

GRIFF: I appreciate your offer, but because of News Sentinel guild rules I'm unable to become involved in such an investment opportunity.

There's a local radio host named Tony Basilio who does a lot of financial wheeling and dealing. If you were to approach him and offer him some of your money to help advertise on his radio show, I'm sure he would put you on the air to talk Tennessee football.

Just out of curiosity, when would be the best time to plan a vacation to Equitorial Guinea? I've heard the surfing is great there, and there's a lot of exotic species to be seen, like the Do-Do Bird.