Several years ago when Tennessee was struggling offensively, head coach Phillip Fulmer showed why he makes the big bucks. He announced that he would get more involved in the offense.

He made this decision after the team had been eliminated from the SEC East race but before it encountered the easy portion of its schedule.

Three years later, the timing is again right for the head coach to become more involved in the offense. The Vols are out of the championship race, they're struggling on offense and there's help on the way.

In UT's first six games, it didn't play a defense ranked worse than 43rd nationally. Five of its first six opponents are ranked in the top 25 defensively.

None of UT's last five opponents is ranked higher than 50th in defense: South Carolina (50th), Notre Dame (97th), Memphis (93rd), Vanderbilt (74) and Kentucky (100th).

So take more control, Coach. You will look brilliant.

Tennessee 27, South Carolina 7: Fulmer's "pound-the-rock" strategy should work beautifully against a soft South Carolina defense - provided, of course, the Vols hold the rock.

UT defensive coordinator John Chavis is expected to employ a similar strategy. It's called "pound the quarterback."

Florida 20, Georgia 17: You think Florida coach Urban Meyer's frilly offense won't work in the SEC? It will work better than Georgia's offense without injured quarterback D.J. Shockley.

The Gators' problems have been on offense and in the secondary. There's nothing wrong with their front seven, which is capable of shutting down Georgia's running game.

Without Shockley, Georgia won't be able to exploit Florida's vulnerability to big plays.

Bottom line: Meyer will be crying for joy after this one.

Auburn 27, Ole Miss 10: Although Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown are long-gone to the NFL, Auburn still has the best running back in the SEC. But you probably won't hear that from ESPN analyst Lou Holtz.

Kenny Irons played only sparingly at South Carolina under then-coach Holtz. In his first season at Auburn, Irons has gone from third on the depth chart to first in the SEC in rushing yardage.

While Irons is proving Holtz wrong, Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges is proving last year was no fluke. Despite the loss of three outstanding offensive players, the Tigers lead the SEC in scoring. First-year starting quarterback Brandon Cox, like Jason Campbell before him, has been effective in Borges' offense.

Mississippi State 16, Kentucky 10: Tip to both defenses: Keep your eyes on the ground; you will probably find the football.

The Bulldogs and Wildcats are tied for the SEC lead with 12 fumbles lost, but the momentum is with the Wildcats. They've lost seven fumbles in the last two games.

Condolences to the two Kentucky fans who thought their team might play in a bowl this season. This loss officially makes them ineligible.

LSU 52, North Texas 10: The Tigers might as well have two open dates leading up to their game with unbeaten Alabama on Nov. 12.

First, the Tigers get North Texas, which already has lost by 52 points to Tulsa and by 47 to Kansas State. Next week, the Tigers will play Division I-AA Appalachian State.

Alabama 37, Utah State 7: After scoring only 19 points in winning its last two games, the Tide should be concerned about its offense, which has labored without injured wide receiver Tyrone Prothro.

But there's nothing wrong with an offense that Utah State can't help. The Aggies have given up 98 points the last two games.

Top 25: USC 52, Washington State 24; Texas 52, Oklahoma State 14; Florida State 30, Maryland 10; Miami 27, North Carolina 10; UCLA 41, Stanford 30; Penn State 38, Purdue 24; Ohio State 31, Minnesota 20; Wisconsin 40, Illinois 17; TCU 30, San Diego State 20; Fresno State 40, Hawaii 20; Baylor 30, Texas Tech 27; Michigan 34, Northwestern 27.

Record: 125-37 (.772) overall and 82-79 (.503) against the spread.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.