Did you ever leave a Tennessee game thinking, "It could have been worse?"

For example, take last year's Georgia game. The Bulldogs led 41-7 after three quarters and appeared on their way to a victory of epic proportions. Final score: Georgia 41, UT 14.

For another example, take last week's Auburn game. The Tigers led 31-3 at the half before downsizing their passing attack in the second half. Final score: Auburn 34, UT 10.

I've got other examples: the 2001 Cotton Bowl against Kansas State, the 2000 Fiesta Bowl against Nebraska and the 1994 Florida game in which the halftime score of 31-0 was the same as the final.

Bottom line: UT fans can stop worrying about Georgia surpassing its biggest margin of victory in the series (44-0 in 1981).

Georgia 34, UT 7: After three quarters.

Georgia 34, UT 23: Final.

Florida 24, My Punk School 23: Theories abound as to what's wrong with defending national champion LSU.

The most recent rumor: Curley Hallman's brain was transplanted into Nick Saban's head during the off-season.

South Carolina 27, Ole Miss 10: Spirits are high in Oxford now that the Rebels have avoided becoming the first team in NCAA history to lose to Memphis, Wyoming and Arkansas State in the same season.

With the pressure off, the Rebels can enjoy consecutive games against South Carolina, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas and LSU.

Rutgers 24, Vanderbilt 20: No element of society is immune to the drug epidemic. It already has taken a toll on teenagers, housewives, corporate executives, NFL running backs and even a couple of musicians.

And now there's compelling evidence that oddsmakers are on crack cocaine. Vanderbilt has been installed as a six-point favorite to win a second consecutive game.

Alabama 23, Kentucky 10: A great opportunity for the Tide to impress voters in the Alabama state poll. Current rankings: 1. Auburn (5-0), 2. UAB (3-1), 3. Troy (3-2) and 4. Alabama (3-2).

UAB 30, Mississippi State 10: The Bulldogs' battle cry "Remember the Maine" isn't working. Since losing to the Black Bears, the Bulldogs have been outscored 82-13.

Auburn 34, Louisiana Tech 17: It's too bad the Tigers didn't recruit Louisiana Tech's Ryan Moats. Then it could have the three best running backs in the SEC.

Top 25: Southern Cal 34, Cal 28; Oklahoma 30, Texas 20; Florida State 41, Syracuse 20; Purdue 27, Penn State 13; Michigan 23, Minnesota 21; Wisconsin 23, Ohio State 17; Oklahoma State 34, Colorado 27; Maryland 24, Georgia Tech 10.

Record: 96-13 (.887) overall, 61-48 (.559) against the spread.

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