Tennessee cornerback Jason Allen stood on the sideline last Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., helped by a couple of crutches.

He was a spectator and fan for the first time in his life as he watched UT's 6-3 loss to Alabama.

"It was a strange feeling," Allen said earlier this week. "Like I said, it was my first time missing a football game, and at first it really didn't dawn on me that I wasn't playing, till the kickoff and the defense went on the field, and I said, 'I'm not playing.' It really bothered me."

Allen's career at UT ended when he suffered a hip injury in the Oct. 8 loss to Georgia.

That loss also ended Allen's hopes of an SEC championship, the primary reason he returned for his senior year at UT instead of entering the NFL draft.

A native of Muscle Shoals, Ala., Allen says he won't be on UT's sideline for any more games — and not because he's bailing on his teammates.

"It was just one particular game," he said. "I was at home anyway. I just wanted to go home for a last time to Tuscaloosa. Right now I've just got to rest, lay in bed and let it heal up on its own."

Allen hopes to be running at full speed by mid-January in time to tune up for the NFL combines.

For now, though, he will rehab and offer encouragement to teammates and friends.

He has taken sophomore cornerback Inky Johnson under his wing. Johnson got his first start at Alabama in place of Allen.

"I call Inky my little nephew," Allen said. "Ever since he came (to UT) he's always been around me, wanting to learn and get better. We talk on a regular basis, almost every day, about things and how to improve, certain techniques in this game, and stuff off the field as well.

"I really like Inky a lot. I think he can be a heck of a football player here. He's just got to continue to work hard and get better."

Allen believes Johnson did fine in his starting debut.

"I think Inky came in and did a great job for his first start," Allen said. "I woke up around 6 o'clock Saturday morning, and the first thing I did, I sent him a text message and let him know to relax and have fun and play football, and just let his athletic ability take over.

"I think coach (Larry) Slade and coach (John) Chavis did a good job preparing the secondary and whole defense. They played a great football game, particularly Inky."

Allen said several of Georgia's players called him after his injury.

Among those who called was quarterback D.J. Shockley, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Bulldogs' 23-20 victory over Arkansas last Saturday.

Allen called Shockley after the Georgia quarterback was injured. The two have been friends since their high school playing days.

"I wanted to encourage him after he had his injury," Allen said. "He called and the guys down at Georgia called and encouraged me. It's all about staying positive and keeping the right attitude."

Allen has tried to keep that attitude since he was hurt.

He jokingly says that he expects to start against Notre Dame on Nov. 5, or that he plans to play in UT's bowl game.

Then he faces the reality that his college career is finished.

"It was a little rough (watching from the sideline)," Allen said, "but it makes me stronger, makes me want it even more, and it's going to make me work harder when I'm in rehab."