Big-time running backs dot UT's schedule

Up next is Auburn's All-SEC tailback Carnell Williams, who rushed for 185 yards on 36 carries for the Tigers in their 28-21 victory over the Vols last season.

Although Williams is one of the best running backs in the country, he hasn't been as productive as the three running backs UT has already faced this season.

UNLV is 0-4, but you can't blame its failure on 5-foot-7 Dominique Dorsey, who rushed for 189 yards in a 31-21 loss to Utah State on Saturday. Dorsey, who rushed for 121 yards against the Vols in their season opener, ranks 13th nationally with 421 yards.

In the second game, UT ran into Florida's Ciatrick Fason, who ranks 16th nationally - one spot ahead of Williams - after gaining 210 yards against Kentucky on Saturday. Fason had 81 yards on 15 carries against UT.

Then came Louisiana Tech's Ryan Moats, the nation's leading rusher. Moats, who has rushed for 692 yards, gained 97 yards on 21 carries in a 42-17 loss to the Vols on Saturday night.

Offensive Aberration: A week after scoring 51 points and gaining 560 yards, Kentucky's offense returned to earth - in a crash landing. The Wildcats managed only 207 yards in a 20-3 loss to Florida.

"Florida's speed at linebacker shut us down on the perimeter pretty easily," Kentucky coach Rich Brooks told the Lexington Herald-Leader. "Offensively, we couldn't get in sync."

Sounds like the season opener, which the Wildcats lost to Louisville 28-0.

Gators Defense Recovers: Florida's defense did an about-face after giving up 30 points in a last-minute loss to UT. Kentucky quarterback Shane Boyd, who ranked second in the SEC in total offense, had only 162 yards - 100 below his average - against the Gators.

"Our plan was simple: to stop Boyd," Florida linebacker Travis Harris told the Gainesville Sun. "Their whole offense goes through him."

Summers Not Needed: South Carolina has won its past two games without tailback Demetris Summers, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Georgia game Sept. 11. Summers returned to practice last week and was cleared to play, but South Carolina coaches decided to give him more time to heal.

The Gamecocks had only 132 yards rushing in a 17-7 victory over Troy on Saturday.

Boss Hog: Arkansas senior quarterback Matt Jones, who has a history of clutch plays, made another in his team's 27-10 victory over Alabama. He reeled off a 50-yard run on a third-and-4 play with the Razorbacks leading 14-10 midway through the fourth quarter.

"You never know about Matt Jones," Arkansas offensive guard Gene Perry told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "He can pull a big trick out of his tail any time, and that's what he did."

Points Machine: Arkansas freshman running back Peyton Hillis scored two more touchdowns against the Tide to give him six in his first four college games. Hillis, who is 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, made a one-handed catch between two defenders for an 18-yard touchdown reception in the first half.