Tennessee lost out on the SEC championship game last week against LSU.

Saturday's 31-14 loss at Arkansas sent even the slimmest chance for a BCS game out the window.

The Vols' postseason destination likely dropped a notch or two, as well.

So what's left to play for when Tennessee faces Vanderbilt in a 12:30 kickoff (TV: WVLT) Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium?

More than revenge for last year's loss to the Commodores, says UT linebacker Jerod Mayo.

"We're going to play hard these next two games, go to a bowl game and win that game and set the foundation for next year," Mayo said. "I feel like if we have a three-game winning streak going into the offseason, it gives us a lot of confidence."

The next two opponents help.

Tennessee, even with last year's 28-24 loss to Vandy, has won 22 of 23 games in that series.

Kentucky, which comes to Neyland Stadium for the season finale Nov. 25 hasn't beaten the Tennessee since 1984.

The Wildcats (6-4, 4-3 SEC) became bowl eligible with a win over the Commodores (4-7, 1-5) on Saturday.

Even with a win against Tennessee, Vanderbilt would not have the six wins necessary for a postseason berth.

That doesn't mean the Vols are taking their instate rivals lightly.

"We're not taking these next two games for granted at all," Mayo said. "We know we have to go out and play tough against Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Vanderbilt beat Georgia; Kentucky did, too, I think. There's no off weeks in the SEC, I promise you."

All UT coach Phillip Fulmer is focusing on this week is Vandy.

"They'll get all of our attention," he said. "We just need to make sure we're focusing on Vanderbilt."

Grading Crompton: Fulmer said Sunday he was pleased with redshirt freshman quarterback Jonathan Crompton's performance in his first career start.

"He's a good young prospect," Fulmer said. "I'm really pleased after watching the tape with the way that he played."

Crompton completed 16 of his 34 pass attempts for 174 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Fulmer's biggest disappointment with Crompton's play was on third down, when the Vols converted just four of 13 tries.

"Our third-down percentage wasn't nearly what it needs to be," Fulmer said. "That's not all his fault, but some of it was.

"He played solid, he took care of the football; he saw the field really well. He did make a couple throws that a younger player might have made and would have been intercepted. He got himself out of trouble a couple of times. He competed, just overall."

Ainge Still Questionable: Junior quarterback Erik Ainge (ankle) could be back this week.

Ainge did very little in practice last week, but Fulmer said he hopes with the extra rest Ainge would be able to practice more this week.

"We'll just have to see," Fulmer said. "I'm hopeful he'll be able to practice this week and be able to go."

Injury Update: Add receiver Robert Meachem's name to the list of banged-up Vols.

The junior injured an ankle on Tennessee's onside kick late in the game, but Fulmer isn't too worried about the SEC's leading receiver.

"I think he'll be fine," Fulmer said. "He's got a little sprained ankle, but not anything that's terrible."

Middle linebacker Marvin Mitchell (shoulder) did not finish Saturday's game and will be limited again this week in practice.

Starting defensive end Antonio Reynolds sprained his neck against the Razorbacks. His status for Saturday's game is uncertain.

Running Woes: Arkansas' 259 rushing yards didn't help UT's standings in rushing defense.

The Vols fell from 62nd nationally to 82nd, giving up an average of 148.7 yards per game.

UT is ranked eighth in rushing defense in the SEC.

It isn't any better when the Vols are the ones running the ball, either.

UT's rushing offense, averaging 106.2 yards a game, ranks 91st in the country and 10th in the SEC.

Tennessee's passing offense still ranks first in the SEC and 11th nationally, and Meachem ranks third in the country with an averaged of 105.4 yards per game.