In the absence of a big-play passing attack, Gerald Riggs will be wearing a bull's-eye when Tennessee meets Georgia on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

UT's senior tailback is coming off a season-high 125-yard rushing game in a 27-10 win over Ole Miss and has moved within the length of a football of leading the SEC.

After four games and 90 carries, Riggs is averaging 102.5 yards per game. Alabama's Kenneth Darby is averaging 102.6 yards in five games.

The 8th-ranked Vols (3-1, 2-1 SEC) take on No. 5 Georgia (4-0, 2-0 SEC) in a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. WVLT has the telecast.

"Gerald had some runs Saturday that were big-time runs,'' UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Sunday night. "He made some plays when there wasn't much there.''

Fulmer praised Riggs' maturity and progress this season, his first as the lone featured back.

"He's shown consistency and speed and he's protected well,'' Fulmer said. "He has become a complete back.

"But we've got to get him some rest.''

It won't come from Montario Hardesty. The freshman suffered a torn ACL in his knee and will be lost for the season after six carries.

Arian Foster, a redshirt freshman, becomes Riggs' primary backup by default. Foster is averaging 3.5 yards in 20 carries.

"I feel good about Arian,'' Fulmer said. "He did a nice job on the screen (pass) and he blocked hard. That's good to see.

"Certainly now, Ja'Kouri Williams and LaMarcus Coker become guys we make sure we get ready.''

Rick The Brick: Quarterback Rick Clausen doesn't take a back seat to older brother Casey in the toughness department. Casey built a reputation for playing hurt in his UT career and Rick is following suit.

Fulmer said that Rick Clausen should be ready to start against Georgia despite various ailments. Clausen was limping noticeably after the Ole Miss game due to an ankle injury. He also had ice packs taped to his left shoulder and elbow and played against Ole Miss with two dislocated fingers on his non-throwing hand.

"We think Rick will be fine,'' Fulmer said. "He's a tough guy.''

Clausen played every snap against Ole Miss. Fulmer said there was never any thought given to subbing in Erik Ainge.

"Erik is one play away from being the starter and that's the way he has to approach it,'' said Fulmer.

Center By Committee: The Vols have played four different centers this year, including three in the Ole Miss game. Rob Smith started at center. Richie Gandy and David Ligon both played a few snaps. It was Ligon's first action of the year after missing the first three games with a high ankle sprain. Anthony Parker, who has also played center, saw action only at guard against the Rebels.

"You'd like for one guy to take it and be healthy and run with it,'' Fulmer said, "but right now, that's not where we are.

"Rob's done a fantastic job. Ligon played in the second half to get Rob back at guard. We got Richie a few snaps and we think he's going to be OK for them (Georgia).''

Preferably, Gandy (knee) is good to go at center so Smith can return to his normal spot at left guard.

Injuries: Fulmer had no further information Sunday night on the injury report from Saturday. C.J. Fayton (ankle) went out in the first quarter. Defensive tackle Turk McBride (ankle) didn't play at all.

"We're in pretty good shape,'' Fulmer said. "After two physical games in six days, there's going to be some bumps and bruises. We're going to have to be smart about how we prepare this week and the kids are going to have to do a good job of getting back.''

Missed Record: Ole Miss had minus-17 net rushing yards going into its final drive Saturday. The Rebels added 67 yards against UT reserves to finish with a net 50 yards. Going into that final drive, UT's defense was on track to break a single-game record for fewest rushing yards. Auburn had minus-15 in 1997.

Polls: UT is No. 7 in the coaches' poll, No. 8 in the Associated Press poll. According to the AP poll, the Vols could play four top-10 teams in a stretch of five games. Florida was No. 6, LSU was No. 4, Georgia is No. 5 and Alabama (Oct. 22) is No. 7.