Co-existing quarterbacks

"It really doesn't matter to me,'' said freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer, who started the first three games for the Vols. "You have to play the same regardless of who starts. I'm definitely happy. I'm playing as a freshman and splitting time, and most of all we're winning.''

Schaeffer had a big hand in the Vols' season-opening win, wowing the crowd with his dazzling open-field runs and pinpoint passing in UT's 42-17 victory over UNLV.

The past two games, against Florida and Louisiana Tech, UT's other talented freshman quarterback, Erik Ainge, has gotten the majority of the work.

Some speculated Schaeffer's attitude might suffer a bit with Ainge's increased playing time heading into UT's game Saturday against No. 8 Auburn.

Schaeffer admits it bothers him when he's not on the field -- but only to a point.

"Being a competitor, you always want to be on the field,'' Schaeffer said. "But I want us to win regardless of who's in there.

"When we first came into this, the coaches explained that sometimes when one of us is hot, we'll stay in there more series, and Ainge has done a great job.''

Schaeffer hasn't done too badly himself. Though he only played three series against Louisiana Tech, he saved his best for last, driving UT 80 yards on seven plays to help secure the victory.

Schaeffer was 3-of-4 passing for 50 yards and threw a TD pass in the one series he played in the second half. Ainge was 3-of-7 for 30 yards and a TD on his four second-half series.

Ainge ranks fourth in the nation with a 184.06 pass efficiency rating. Schaeffer doesn't have enough pass attempts to qualify for the national rankings. But if his 178.53 rating were eligible it would rank seventh, one spot behind Heisman Trophy winner Jason White of Oklahoma.

Schaeffer said he hopes to settle in against Auburn and play his game. He said his biggest challenge is trying not to do too much. Schaeffer, by nature, is always looking to make a play with his feet or his arm.

"Sometimes, I have to calm myself down and realize I still have second and third down to work with,'' Schaeffer said. "I try to play every play like it's my last, so there's times I have to force myself to just throw the ball away if the play's not there or just run out of bounds.

"I'm trying not to press myself to make the big play all the time. It's going to happen. I know the time will come.''

UT's coaches have yet to announce which quarterback will start against Auburn. Should Ainge get his first start, Schaeffer sees there's an advantage in that for him.

"We've talked to Brent about that,'' UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said. "It gives him an opportunity to see what the defenses are doing.''

Schaeffer said he's already seen an alphabet soup's worth of defensive schemes.

"We work on film study to see what teams have done, but coming in they'll have a whole new game plan,'' he said. "They look for my speed and try to contain me outside. That just opens up the running game for our backs.

"The most important thing is for us to win.''