Now you see him, now you don't

Don't be surprised if Tennessee sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge considers transferring after the season. It's obvious that the Vols' coaches don't know what to do with him. After sitting on the bench the last 2 games, he played one first-half series at Alabama on Saturday and went three-and-out. Then, he was sent in the game stone cold on a Hail Mary throw from his own end zone (it was intercepted) on the final play of UT's 6-3 loss. "We actually wanted to get him in a couple of series," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said of Ainge. "But it seemed like every series, every play was crucial. We probably should have gotten him back in the game." ... Vanderbilt has to win two of its last three games against Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee to become bowl eligible. The 4-4 Commodores have an open date this weekend after losing four straight. While it looks like Vandy can handle Kentucky, the Commodores have lost 14 straight to Florida and 22 straight to Tennessee. "We still think it's doable," said Vandy receiver Earl Bennett, whose optimism comes from the fact he's a true freshman who doesn't know any better.

The Chicken Curse

Seems like everytime South Carolina gets going, something bad happens for the Gamecocks. Triple-threat Syvelle Newton, who played tailback, receiver and quarterback, had just led Carolina to three straight TD drives against Vanderbilt on Saturday, when he tore his left Achilles tendon diving into the end zone. Newton, who ran for a score, threw two touchdowns and caught a pass in the 35-28 victory over the Commodores, will be out until next season. Carolina coach Steve Spurrier doesn't even expect him for spring practice. "We're hoping Syvelle will rehab very well," Spurrier said, "and take care of his academic work and use this time to maybe strengthen his upper body a little bit and get himself in tip-top shape for next season," Spurrier would like to use Newton as a tailback. ... Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has his weekly spin going on why the Wildcats are so woeful. "The situation we're in, we've had to play a lot more freshmen than we should have to because we don't have the quality and experience." Brooks said. "And here I go, I'm going to make excuses again, guys. I'm just telling you the facts, OK. The probation numbers have reduced the quality of the upper classes."

Go go Joe Joe

Now that Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley has a sprained knee and will miss Saturday's game against Florida, do the No. 4 BCS-rated Bulldogs play like national champion contenders or like Average Joe's, as in backup quarterback Joe Tereshinksi. Tereshinski, who will get his first college start against the Gators, has completed 13-of-23 passes for 207 yards this season as a backup. Shockley has temporarily become Tereshinkski's coach. "He's probably going to be tired of me because I've been in his ear so much," Shockley said.