MIKE'S MATCHUPS: Vols must deal with another tough defense

But the underlying reality is that three of the Vols’ past four opponents rank in the top six in the nation in total defense. The other team, Ole Miss, practices against a David Cutcliffe offense that’s virtually identical to UT’s.

South Carolina ranks 12th in the nation in total defense, so don’t expect much to change on Saturday unless the Vols change up a few things.

One change up would be using Brent Schaeffer in some form or fashion. It’s understandable that the coaches have stuck with Erik Ainge over the past month. It’s also understandable Schaeffer is considering transferring.

If Schaeffer doesn’t see playing time against South Carolina or Notre Dame, consider him gone.

Finally, don’t put too much stock in Phillip Fulmer’s 35-0 record against the Vols’ four remaining opponents. His 11 straight wins over South Carolina don’t give UT any sort of advantage Saturday. If anything, it’s one more motivational tool for Gamecocks’ coach Lou Holtz heading into the 12:30 battle at Williams-Brice Stadium. Holtz is a master of mind games, one of the best game-day strategists to grace the sidelines, and UT is ripe to get beat.

TENNESSEE ON OFFENSE

UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders admits it's a guessing game against the Gamecocks.

"They're very multiple," Sanders said. "If we execute, we should be able to move the ball. At the start of the year we were running 52 plays where everybody executed and three plays where there were
breakdowns.

"Lately, it’s been three plays where everyone executes and 52 plays where somebody doesn’t do their job."

Part of it has to do with the injuries and a makeshift offensive line. But part of it has to do with Fulmer and Sanders keeping Ainge harnessed.

"If we had Casey (Clausen), it would be a different story," Sanders said. "But Erik is a true freshman. We’d be crazy to ask him to go out there and win the game on his own."

Like it or not, it might come down to that, anyway.

TENNESSEE: ON DEFENSE

UT defensive coordinator John Chavis chortled when it was suggested that South Carolina's offense lacks the skill players that Florida and Georgia boast.

"What about Troy Williamson?" Chavis said. "Florida and Georgia don’t have a receiver like him, but they wish they did."

Chavis remembers tailback Demetris Summers, who rushed for 158 yards on 27 carries against the Vols last season.

Another concern is that the Gamecocks can run the option out of most any formation. UT hasn't seen the option this season, and that could mean trouble with assignments.

To boot, the Vols don't even knows who will start at quarterback for USC.

It seems both the offense and the defense will be guessing Saturday.

PROJECTED STATS: SCHAEFFER COULD ADD WRINKLE

• Tennessee: UT run game 175 yards; Ainge 14-of-29, 220 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions; Schaeffer three offensive series, 90 total yards.
  
• South Carolina: Williamson four catches, 80 yards; USC run: 135 yards, two touchdowns.

KEEP AN EYE ON: WATCH FOR WILLIAMSON

Williamson is the best receiver in the SEC. UT defensive tackle Tony McDaniel needs to step up against his home state school.

ON THE SPOT: FULMER

Play Schaeffer some if you want to keep him around.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

TENNESSEE 21,
SOUTH CAROLINA 18

Mike Griffith can be reached at knsgriff@aol.com and heard on WKVL-AM 850 on the Monday Morning Quarterback show from 7-10 a.m.