UT Notebook: September 29

Junior offensive guard Cody Douglas introduced it before the season as a way to acknowledge which offensive lineman has the most dominant, or pancake, blocks. Douglas said Munoz is first with around 20 blocks. Douglas said he and senior center Jason Respert are tied for second with approximately 15.

Douglas said the Vols starting five offensive linemen have approximately 70 dominant blocks this season as compared to 30 to 40 at this time last year.

Proud brother: Vol offensive tackle Arron Sears said he has enjoyed watching his brother, Auburn linebacker Kevin Sears, on tape during game preparation this week.

"He’s different than when I saw him in high school," said Sears. "He’s probably 25 pounds heavier. He looks like a good run-stopping linebacker. I’m proud of my brother. He’s stepped up.

"Both of us are excited getting ready to play each other."

Sears said Saturday would be the first time he and his brother will truly face off. Sears said he and his brother rarely tangled during high school practice because Arron played offensive line and Kevin played safety.

Shy Smith: Sophomore wide receiver Bret Smith has done an admirable job avoiding the media despite being requested on several occasions for interview. Several teammates have said that Smith is just a quiet by nature.

"It just seems like he’s never completely healthy in practice," offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said of UT’s enigmatic receiving yardage leader. "We’re always trying to help him get to the games so he’ll be full speed. Then he gets in the game and catches touchdowns and makes plays. He knows how to play football."

Smith has 126 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions.

High speed: Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville said 230-pound tailback Ronnie Brown is actually faster than fellow running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams who weighs 210 pounds. Tuberville said the two tailbacks have similar physical approach to running the football.

Parys: Junior defensive end Parys Haralson said he will have to be more disciplined this week since Auburn relies so heavily on the run.

"I have to play my gap assignments more," said the Vol speed rusher. "Auburn wants to run the ball. We have to be prepared to stop the run."

Swain secondary synopsis: Vol sophomore wide receiver Jayson Swain said Auburn is the best secondary UT has faced this season.

"Their secondary is the most experienced we’ve played so far," Swain said. "They’re physical and very athletic. We’ve got to go out there and pull out all our tricks to win."

Tinsley’s take: Wide receiver Derrick Tinsley said opposing defenses have to decide whether they will defend the pass or the run which is a result of UT’s offensive balance.

"Last year, a lot of guys would put nine in the box and make our young receivers win the one-on-one match-ups,"

"This year, teams have to defend both. They can’t stack nine in the (running) box now with out improvement at wide receiver."

"If they do, the wide receivers are going to take over. It’s going to be real hard for teams to prepare for us."

Tinsley said he has been bothered by a nagging shoulder injury. Tinsley, who has been wearing a green non-contact jersey in practice, said he will be close to 100-percent by Saturday.

More Vols: In what may be some early motivation for the Vols, Georgia’s athletic department is selling "Clash of the SEC Titans" T-shirts promoting Saturday's LSU-Georgia game. Georgia hosts the Vols next week ... Safety Jason Allen and linebacker Kevin Burnett lead the SEC with 9.7 tackles per game. That adds up to 29 for the season.