NASHVILLE — Is it possible to get excited for a game that figures to be a blowout?

Strangely enough, yes.

On the one hand, if Vanderbilt plays Tennessee close, it could make for some anxious moments for the Vols' coaches. Particularly after two players, Kevin Burnett and Karlton Neal, said a loss to the Commodores would affect some UT coaches' future.

Both comments were said in jest, but still, somewhere along the line that seed had to be planted.

Should things go according to script, UT could gain some significant momentum.

It has been quite some time since the Vols looked like a young dynasty in the making, particularly on offense.

If Tennessee's playmakers don't awaken in Nashville (are you listening Cedric Houston, Chris Hannon and Robert Meachem?), then there really might be some issues with this team.

The offense will do fine under Rick Clausen's direction. He's the ultimate caretaker. Smart, doesn't force many things — outside that backbreaker pick to Notre Dame — and his arm strength has improved.

SAY WHAT?

I'm not normally one to get too excited about gambling lines, but UT opening as a 12-point favorite over Vandy had me scratching my head.

I still haven't figured it out. What could the folks in Las Vegas possibly know that I don't? OK, so Vandy has played some folks close this season and this is a home game.

But who have the Commodores really played close? And they've been outscored 40-0 in the fourth quarter in SEC games? Finally, this is a home game in title only. The stadium will be orange on Saturday.

THE NIGHTMARE

How could it happen? How could Tennessee possibly lose to Vanderbilt? Maybe a fumble here, an interception there, some special teams breakdowns ... .

Nah. Not enough. Maybe if the Commodores could break some big offensive plays I'd give them an outside shot.

My hunch is that the Vols' marked improvement in the secondary insulates them from possible upsets against Vandy and Kentucky.

INTERNAL ISSUES

The Vols need an impressive win, and they need it bad. The heck with the pollsters, it's the players and coaches who need to get their swagger back. For UT to have any shot against Auburn, it's going to take some confidence and momentum, two things the Vols sorely lack.

Tennessee's coaches need to turn the players loose. John Chavis does it every week on defense. It's time for the offense to have some fun and create some wrinkles.

FINAL ANALYSIS

I don't know that I'd pay to see this game. I don't even think it would hold my attention if I were watching it on television. Come to think of it, I wonder if Vandy will have any other games on TV in the press box?

In all seriousness, I'll be watching Tennessee closely to see if there is some spark or intangible that could lead the Vols to an upset over Auburn.