Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson couldn't resist taking a jab at his cross-state rival at the SEC Media Days in Birmingham last July.

Hearing a cell phone ring in the audience, Johnson quipped: "Is that Phil?''

The joke, of course, was on UT coach Phillip Fulmer after he was advised to skip the annual event by his attorneys because of a pending lawsuit in Alabama.

It would seem Fulmer is getting the last laugh, as the Vols are 7-2 and poised to make their fourth appearance in the SEC championship game in the past eight years.

Johnson, meanwhile, has seen his program sink even lower, struggling to a 2-8 record after some prognosticators suggested a resurgence that might lead to a bowl.

As it turns out, Saturday will be Vanderbilt's bowl game, for all intents and purposes.

"It's as frustrating as you can imagine it would be,'' said Johnson, whose team has been outscored 78-7 in the fourth quarter this year. "It's easy to dismiss Vanderbilt as a poor team this year.''

No joke.

Vols On Offense: UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said Vanderbilt has as close to an NFL-style of defense as any team the Vols have played.

The problem is that the Commodores have few, if any, future NFL players.

"You have to break tackles and make plays, because they'll do a good job scheme-wise,'' Sanders said. "They're very multiple, and they do a good job disguising.

"But they are not as physical as Alabama, Auburn or Georgia.''

Sanders said he anticipates the Commodores will pressure junior quarterback Rick Clausen, who's making his first start at UT since transferring from LSU.

"Then, they'll sit back and see how we execute offensively,'' Sanders said. "But playing against a new quarterback, they're going to try not to let us run it. They're going to see if we can execute our passing game.''

Projected Stats: Clausen 12-of-21, 235 yards, three TDs; UT run game, 40 carries, 245 yards, two touchdowns.

Vols On Defense: UT linebacker Kevin Burnett said Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler's not as good as Georgia's David Greene — he's better.

"Cutler can throw it accurately, and he can run,'' Burnett said. " He's a competitor. He blocks well, and he'll hit you in the mouth.''

Chavis respects him, too.

"Cutler's a guy who will have an opportunity to play on Sundays,'' Chavis said. "He's got an NFL arm.''

Vanderbilt hopes to keep the game close and control the clock by mixing some option with a high-percentage short passing game.

The Commodores have a decent offensive line, but their receivers have dropped numerous passes.

Projected Stats: Cutler 15-of-30, 188 yards, two interceptions, one touchdown. UT four sacks.

Players To Watch: Clausen isn't as talented as the Vols' freshman quarterbacks, but the offense may be able to do more with him under center because of his knowledge of the offense. Receivers Robert Meachem and Chris Hannon are due for breakout games. Vanderbilt's Cutler will have his hands full against a swarming defense and might take chances he shouldn't.

On The Spot: UT offensive line. If the Vols can't run and protect the quarterback on Vanderbilt.

Prediction: Tennessee 41, Vanderbilt 7.