FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - As the Arkansas Razorbacks began their stretch drive for a possible SEC West championship, their defense is "hanging on," according to defensive coordinator Reggie Herring.

But he means that as a compliment, not an excuse.

"This is not a team of superstars," Herring said "They're a scrappy, scrappy nasty bunch.

"There are not many five-star recruits in there. But there are kids with great character and guts."

Maybe that's why they bounced back after giving up 50 points in the season opener to Southern Cal. Maybe that's why they've overcome a series of injuries.

"If you would have told me we would be 8-1 with (the injuries), I would have said you were half insane," Herring said.

Arkansas lost free safety Michael Grant to a season-ending knee injury last week. Defensive tackle Marcus Harrison is out for Saturday night's game against Tennessee with a "concussion or something," according to Herring. And star linebacker Sam Olajubutu has been limited in practice this week and wears a brace to help fortify stretched knee ligaments.

"I think we're playing well as a team," Herring said. "We're overcoming a lot of things as far as injuries go. We're not an attractive bunch, but we're competing and winning games."

The Razorbacks rank fourth in the SEC in scoring defense, allowing 15.8 points per game. And they're only giving up 11.5 points per game since the loss to Southern Cal.

But they're eighth in the SEC in pass defense. That's an attractive number for the Vols, who lead the SEC in passing.

"They possess some excellent wide receivers," Herring said. "They've got two very talented quarterbacks. They're a very powerful offense.

"We'll just try to find a way to slow them down somehow."

Cornerback Chris Houston will play a big role in that. Herring calls him his "MVP."

Houston earned the compliment by playing tough defense against outstanding receivers like Dwayne Jarrett of Southern Cal, Sidney Rice of South Carolina and Courtney Taylor of Auburn.

Houston's next challenge will be UT's Robert Meachem, who leads the SEC in receiving yards per game.

Herring is confident Houston can hold his own. He's more concerned about the lack of depth in the secondary following the loss of Grant.

Junior Kevin Woods of Memphis is scheduled to start in Grant's place. True-freshman Jerell Norton also could be a factor against the Vols.

"(Norton) really looks good," Herring said. "He has as much skill as anybody. He just doesn't have the experience.

"We're in dire need of depth back there. There aren't many moves to make."

But whatever shortcomings arise, Herring insists the Razorbacks will do their best to overcome them.

"We're battle tough and tested," he said. "And we're not going to flinch."

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