Tennessee wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor knows a little something about LSU’s defense.

"I made a joke in a meeting that their front’s so big, their picture’s heavy," Taylor said.

The same could be said for the consequences surrounding today’s game.

A win by eight-ranked Tennessee (7-1, 3-1 SEC) against No. 13 LSU (6-2, 2-2 SEC) today in Neyland Stadium (3:30 p.m., TV: WVLT) means the Vols’ hopes for a berth in the SEC championship game stay.

So, too, would a possible BCS berth.

"This is why you come to Tennessee, to have a chance to play in these kind of games," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.

This particular game presents plenty of challenges.

First, there’s that LSU defense, which is No. 1 in the nation in yards allowed per game (211.6) and second in points allowed per game (8.2).

Led by safety LeRon Landry, LSU brings a physical group to Knoxville.

UT receiver Jayson Swain sees that on film.

"It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that LSU’s physical," he said. "We’ve got to match that. That’s what SEC football is all about. They’ve got a great defense and we’ve got to go out there and execute.

"They hit hard, whatever. Everybody hits hard. We’ve got to execute."

Defensive end Tyson Jackson leads the Tigers with 6.5 sacks. All told, the Tigers have an SEC-best 26 sacks.

The Vols have allowed just six all season, tied with Arkansas for the league lead.

That LSU front will be the toughest test for a Tennessee offense that scores 32 points a game and passes for an average of 288 yards through eight games.

And that’s been without any injury worries at quarterback.

Quarterback Erik Ainge, the SEC leader in yards per game and total offense, has been slowed all week with a sprained right ankle suffered late in last week’s 31-24 victory over South Carolina.

Ainge has gotten better each day, finally practicing with the first team offense Thursday, but his status likely won’t be known until just before kickoff.

Even if Ainge can play, redshirt freshman backup Jonathan Crompton will likely see some action.

Crompton has thrown four passes all season.

"Obviously Jonathan (is limited) a little bit with the experience level against the No. 1 defense in the country, that’s not exactly how you want to start your career," Fulmer said.

The start could have a lot to do with today’s finish, too.

LSU has outscored its opponents 101-7 in the first quarter this season, and the only touchdown belonged to Florida.

In the first half, LSU has outscored teams 170-23. Only twice have the Tigers scored fewer than 17 points in the opening 30 minutes — and both times they lost.

Since losing a late lead against Florida, the Vols have owned the final 15 minutes, outscoring their foes by 85-20 in their last five games.

Ainge says the Vols will need plenty of points today.

"That’s crucial," he said. "LSU’s offense is really, really good and explosive. Any snap that could be the big play. We know we’re going to have to score points, and I know our defense will rise to the occasion and take the challenge like they do."

It will be challenging.

LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell leads the SEC in passing efficiency, one spot ahead of Ainge.

Receivers Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis have a lot to do with that.

So does a solid rushing game, led by Jacob Hester, Justin Vincent and Alley Broussard, that ranks third in the SEC with 168.1 yards a game.

And there’s the extra motivation of UT’s second-half comeback victory in Tiger Stadium last year.

For Taylor, that’s where it all comes back to LSU’s defensive front — and that heavy picture.

"We got our work cut out up front. It’s going to be won in the trenches, guys," he said. "Our offensive line and their defensive line. That’s where the game’s going to be won or lost."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.