Tennessee's players and coaches are saying the right things this week in preparation for Notre Dame, but you have to wonder.

After all, one needs to go back to the 1985 SEC Championship squad to find the last Vols' team to win a game playing on an eighth-consecutive Saturday. The Irish have been successful coming off an open date in the past, running up a 23-2 record after taking a weekend off.

Beat up, banged up with bumps and bruises, the Vols look to start yet another reshuffled offensive line against Notre Dame. Tennessee is also down to one quarterback with significant playing experience. In past weeks, teams have needed to prepare for two different-style quarterbacks, or risk the misfortune South Carolina suffered by not having a plan in place for the now-injured Brent Schaeffer.

"The off week (Nov. 13) will help us, but you can't say we're looking forward to it because we enjoy playing,'' said UT tailback Gerald Riggs, who status is questionable after he suffered a hip pointer against South Carolina.

Vols' senior captain Kevin Burnett said he hopes the national voters in the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN coaches poll will sit up and take notice of Saturday's game.

"With the amount of injuries we have, it shows our depth and it shows what could happen if we get everything clicking at the same time,'' Burnett said. "This game, a lot of voters will be watching ... it's a respect game.''

Vols On Offense: UT's offensive tackles figure to have their hands full with Notre Dame defensive end Justin Tuck, who's tied atop the Irish's all-time list with 22.5 sacks.

"The guy is just a great player,'' Vols' offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said. "They'll move him around and do some things with him to give you trouble.''

The Irish play out of a base 4-3 alignment, preferring zone blitzes to bringing all-out pressure. Notre Dame has typically played zone coverage, which could mean trouble for freshman quarterback Erik Ainge unless he's accurate with his throws and reads.

Tennessee will look to get the running game going early to keep the Irish on their heels. Long down-and-distance situations put UT in position to turn the ball over.

Projected Stats: Ainge 19-of-34 passing, 285 yards, two touchdowns, one interception; Cedric Houston 23 carries, 125 yards, one touchdown.

Vols On Defense: UT defensive coordinator John Chavis compares Notre Dame's offense to the 2001 set employed by LSU — a team that gave the Vols trouble.

"They want to pound the football at you, running inside and outside,'' Chavis said. "The quarterback (Brady) Quinn has a really good arm. They'll run boots and waggles with him, which makes you play very disciplined.

"But you also have to play very physical. This is the most athletic line we've seen all season.''

Chavis said his linebackers will be tested by the smaller, faster Notre Dame linemen. The Irish will also play a lot of two tight-end sets, meaning the linebackers and safeties must be mindful of their coverage responsibilities.

Projected Stats: Quinn 19-of-41, 305 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions; Irish run game 25 carries, 85 yards.

Players To Watch: Notre Dame freshman tailback Darius Walker had 115 yards and two touchdowns in the Irish's 28-21 win over Michigan.

Tennessee receiver Chris Hannon and C.J. Fayton have shown a knack for getting open against zone defenses.

On The Spot: Ainge, with the quarterback job all to himself, must show he can take charge.

Prediction: Tennessee 31, Notre Dame 20.