Vols offense gives Tech plenty to deal with

It's enough to make a defensive coordinator lie down on a couch and search the ceiling for answers.

Through two games, no one has figured out how to stop the two-headed monster of UT freshman quarterbacks Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge.

Louisiana Tech, fresh off a 48-0 spanking from Miami, will have its hands full Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Not only have the Bulldogs had to prepare for two distinctly different QBs, but the Vols have a multitude of playmakers as well.

UT has scored 10 touchdowns, each by a different player in two games this season. The receivers shuffle in and out, and UT utilizes four tailbacks.

"I think the offense will just evolve itself into whatever we settle into,'' said Fulmer, sounding as ambiguous as ever. "We can keep each other healthy and fresh at tailback by playing more guys.

"Obviously the quarterback thing has worked itself out.''

Obviously.

It's not a multiple personality offensive disorder - it's a multiple personality offense by order of the head coach.

Vols On Offense: UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders pointed out Louisiana Tech is allowing opponents to convert on just 20 percent of their third downs.

"We'll have to establish a rhythm,'' Sanders said. "We need to be able to run the football, and we have to get the quick passing game going.

"If you aren't clicking, and you get behind on down and distance, they can get very unpredictable.''

Sanders said that's not good news for his young QBs. Look for the Vols to keep things simple as long as possible.

Projected Stats: UT 205 yards rushing; Schaeffer 7-for-12, 125 yards passing, one TD; Ainge 8-for-15, 145 yards, two TD.

Vols On Defense: Tech back Ryan Moats has been the focus throughout the week, but UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said there's more to the Bulldogs' run success than just Moats.

"Their entire line is back from last year, and they run the zone play as well as anyone I've seen,'' Chavis said. "They'll reach block and stretch you, and that back finds the crease better than anyone we've played.''

Tech's passing game is another concern: Donald Allen runs a sub 4.5-second 40 and is completing 54 percent of his passes. He might complete more against a UT defense that ranks 96th in the nation in pass-efficiency defense and had its second shakeup in the lineup (linebacker Kevin Simon out) in as many weeks.

Projected Stats: Moats 21 carries, 100 yards; Allen 50 percent completion rate; Tech 305 yards total offense.

On The Spot: Safety Jason Allen must step up big in run support and settle the Vols' young secondary.

UT's kick-return game ranks 112th in the nation.

Players To Watch: Moats is the real deal; Houston and Riggs are battling for UT tailback supremacy.

Prediction: Tennessee 37, Louisiana Tech 13.