It's not Ohio State-Texas or Notre Dame-Southern Cal, but for a non-conference match-up, Tennessee-Cal has a lot to offer. In order of significance, here's my who-has-the-most-to-gain list for next Saturday's game.

1. Cal: Never mind that the Vols were 5-6 last season. If the Golden Bears can overcome southern heat and humidity and win at Neyland Stadium, they're a viable candidate for the BCS and maybe even the national title.

Their next three toughest games will be at home, which would give them a favorable shot at being 10-0 when they take on Southern Cal in Los Angeles on Nov. 18.

If they lose, they'll be hearing "overrated" all the way back to Berkeley.

2. Tennessee: With a victory over a top-10 team on national TV, the Vols send the message: "2005 was a fluke."

3. Pac-10: A league clamoring for more respect could win converts if Cal upsets the Vols. But if Cal falters, Pac-10 detractors will ask, "What did you expect?"

4. David Cutcliffe: He already has a great reputation as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. That will only be enhanced if his offense outshines a Jeff Tedford offense.

5. Marshawn Lynch: Neyland Stadium is a tough place to launch a Heisman Trophy campaign. But if Cal's tailback has a big day against a rushing defense that usually ranks among the best in the country, he will become a leading contender behind frontrunner Brady Quinn of Notre Dame.

6. Erik Ainge: A promising freshman season followed by a disappointing sophomore year has left a question mark behind UT's starting quarterback. Imagine what a big game against Cal would do for his confidence -- and his teammates' confidence.

7. Cal's QB: Whether it's Nate Longshore or Joe Ayoob, an impressive opener would have Cal fans thinking he's the next great Tedford quarterback.

8. Tedford: He's on the short list of offensive gurus. But he will look even smarter if his team is successful mixing its familiar West Coast offense with the spread option introduced by Mike Dunbar, who Tedford hired from Northwestern.

9. UT's Offensive Line: The revamped line's pass protection has been shaky at times in preseason, but it also has shown more mobility on running plays. If these guys can hold their own against Cal's seasoned front seven, they're more than ready for the SEC.

10. Arian Foster -- UT's sophomore tailback has looked even quicker in limited preseason work than he did last season when he rushed for at least 100 yards in the last five games. Lynch is the big-name back going into the game, but Foster could be a big name afterwards.

11. John Chavis -- He has long been recognized as one of the SEC's top defensive coordinators, but he will get more national recognition if his defense outperforms Tedford's offense.

12. Cal's Secondary: After a preseason injury to starting cornerback Tim Mixon, the Golden Bears will have only one returning starter (preseason All-American Daymeion Hughes) from last year's secondary. If those defensive backs play well in their first start, it bodes well for conference play in the pass-crazy Pac-10.

13. UT's Wide Receivers: After a disappointing 2005 season, Cal's inexperienced secondary gives them a chance to change their image. Beating Hughes deep would be a bonus.

14. Jonathan Wade: The UT senior said he's ready to become a "shutdown corner." He can prove it by shutting down Cal's speedy DeSean Jackson, who had 38 catches and seven touchdowns last year as a freshman.

15. Tom Schneider: A good showing against UT on the heels of a superb preseason would indicate Cal's placekicker has put last year's 9-for-16 field-goal kicking behind him.

16. Jonathan Crompton: If Ainge struggles and the Vols fall behind, UT might turn to their promising redshirt freshman quarterback. If he plays well in relief, he could win the starting job.