James Wilhoit has never been more important to the University of Tennessee.

The junior kicker handles three facets of the Vols' kicking game: field goals, extra points and kickoffs.

However, it's not his versatility that makes him such a vital cog.

With UT's offense ranked 107th in the nation in scoring, every point is coveted. Three of UT's four wins this season have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Wilhoit's kickoffs (which often sail into the end zone or beyond) also are vital, given UT's inconsistent special-teams play.

"It seems like every week, it always comes down to the fourth quarter," said Wilhoit, who is 11-of-16 in field-goal attempts this season. "It's usually a field goal or something like that so we've definitely had a lot of pressure situations.

"You know that every point is going to count in a game when we're not scoring as many points."

Wilhoit knows the UT-Vanderbilt series better than most. He was raised in Hendersonville, about 20 miles from Vandy's campus.

"For Vanderbilt, it's a huge game," Wilhoit said. "Every year, they're always hearing about Tennessee. Obviously, I think there is probably some resentment there. This is always going to be a heated rivalry."

There won't be as much at stake as once thought. Thanks to Kentucky's upset of the Commodores on Saturday, Vanderbilt won't be going bowling.

Wilhoit suspects the Commodores, who are 4-6, will make this week's trip to Knoxville their bowl game.

"That's how I would take it," Wilhoit said. "You've got a great atmosphere in Neyland Stadium. Going against your in-state rival, I definitely think this is a game you can use as your bowl game."

Just For Kicks: Coach Phillip Fulmer said UT's kicking game took a step in the right direction Saturday against Memphis. Fulmer said he was particularly pleased with UT's kicks and kick coverage.

High Praise: Fulmer didn't hold back when describing Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler.

"Our biggest challenge, maybe, of the year from a quarterback standpoint," Fulmer said when referring to the senior star. "Their offense (is) a big challenge for us."

Building Blocks: Fulmer said he met with his reinvigorated team after the Vols broke a six-week, four-game losing streak Saturday with a 20-16 win over Memphis. The message was clear: build on that success.

"That's a tough thing to have to go through, particularly, when you not used to going through it," Fulmer said of the losing streak. "We're not where we want to be by any stretch of the imagination, but it's certainly better than the alternative."

UT is 4-5.

Aching Ainge: Fulmer said he met with sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge, who was benched in favor of senior Rick Clausen on Saturday. It was one of countless quarterback changes this season.

"This has been the craziest season I've ever been a part of," Fulmer said. "I don't think he's (Ainge's) destroyed. He's a very confident person. He just needs to be sure he's taking care of the football."

Ainge threw one interception against the Tigers and another that was negated by a penalty. Fulmer said Memphis' multiple defensive alignments only made Ainge's job tougher.

"It's very unconventional and hard to deal with," Fulmer said, "particularly if you're inexperienced."

Fulmer said his coaching staff had not discussed whether Ainge will play Saturday. Fulmer said Clausen will start.

Achieving Ayers: Fulmer said freshman defensive end Robert Ayers' playing time likely will increase throughout the remainder of the season. Ayers had four tackles against Memphis.

Open Arms: UT has opened the first four sessions of practice, which was a return to the previous practice policy. Practice was completely closed Oct. 31.