Tennessee has been better as an underdog than a favorite the past few years. And the bigger the underdog role, the better.

That's the best reason to be optimistic about UT's chances in the SEC championship game against Auburn a week from Saturday. In fact, it's probably the only reason.

Three times in the past four seasons, the Vols have won games as a double-digit underdog. They did it against Florida in the last game of the 2001 regular season. They also did it last season at Miami and this year at Georgia.

They might have a chance to do it again against Auburn.

It wouldn't be surprising if Auburn were favored by 10 points in the Georgia Dome on Dec. 4. The unbeaten Tigers are a better and healthier team than UT. They also will have the advantage of an open date Saturday.

And they might be the most motivated opponent UT has played since the 1998 Orange Bowl game against Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers entered that game as a long shot to win the 1997 national championship, trailing unbeaten Michigan in both polls. A victory wouldn't have been sufficient to move them past Michigan. A dominant victory was required.

And a dominant victory was achieved.

Nebraska rushed for 409 yards en route to a 42-17 victory against UT. Given the circumstances, it was an extraordinary performance. Not only was there pressure to win big, there was formidable competition to overcome.

That 1997 UT team was arguably more talented than UT's national championship team. It had Peyton Manning at quarterback, and Jamal Lewis at running back. It had Leonard Little and Al Wilson at linebacker.

Yet, it was no match for Nebraska, which swayed enough voters in the coaches' poll to overtake Michigan.

Auburn isn't that far long. It has to get in the championship game before it can win it. Based on Sunday's votes in both top-25 polls, you can understand Auburn's dilemma.

With a 21-13 victory on the road against Alabama, Auburn gained two more first-place votes in each poll. But overall, it lost ground to Oklahoma in the battle for second place and a berth in the national championship game.

That sends a familiar message. Just winning isn't always enough.

"It's a little bit alarming that we would lose ground, but we also picked up some first-place votes in both polls, " Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said during Sunday's teleconference. "I think voters will get a little more serious in the next two weeks.

"This is a beauty contest now. You're just going out and showing what you can do. And see if people like your team better than the other team."

You can see all three contestants Dec. 4. UT will play Auburn for the SEC title, Oklahoma will play for the Big 12 championship against Iowa State or Colorado, and No. 1 Southern California will close its regular season against UCLA.

Oklahoma, which has outscored its past two opponents 65-3, is quite capable of winning by four touchdowns against either Iowa State or Colorado. USC will be a heavy favorite against UCLA. Auburn clearly will have the biggest challenge - and the biggest opportunity.

Neither UCLA nor Oklahoma's opponent in the Big 12 playoff game will be ranked. The Vols could end their regular season on the fringe of the top 10 with a victory over Kentucky on Saturday.

So Auburn will have a chance to change the minds of voters by beating UT convincingly. That should bring out the best in the Tigers - and the Vols.

Top 25: My AP ballot: 1. Auburn, 2. Southern California, 3. Oklahoma, 4. California, 5. Utah, 6. Texas, 7. Louisville, 8. Boise State, 9. Miami, 10. Tennessee, 11. Georgia, 12. Arizona State, 13. Michigan, 14. Iowa, 15. Virginia Tech, 16. LSU, 17. Florida State, 18. Virginia, 19. Wisconsin, 20. Texas A&M, 21. Oklahoma State, 22. Boston College, 23. West Virginia, 24. UTEP, 25. Bowling Green.

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