Mayo sees big need for payback Saturday

Former offensive coordinator Randy Sanders stepped down shortly after the loss when told there would be changes made to his staff. Peyton Manning's ultimate honor, having his No. 16 jersey retired, was spoiled by his old Florida nemesis, Steve Spurrier, from his new helm at South Carolina.

To beat it all, Spurrier's team scored 16 points (yes, 16) to beat the Vols on Peyton's night.

"That one really hurt," UT linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "Especially against a guy like Steve Spurrier, you know how that is. We'll get them this year."

Predictions aside, Mayo seems poised to "get" whomever UT plays. The sophomore's sprained left ankle continues to improve after a week of rehabilitation, thanks to UT's bye week before the Alabama game.

The recovery showed up against the Tide. Mayo led the Vols with 12 tackles, two for a loss and a sack on the final play of UT's 16-13 victory. On Monday, he was named SEC defensive player of the week.

"I definitely felt better," Mayo said. "I could push off. It's something I'm going to have to deal with the rest of the season; that's what they're telling me and I'm willing to do that."

Mayo suffered his ankle injury during preseason camp. Since then, he estimates he has been at 80 percent of his best.

"I just had to pull up the rear end," Mayo said when asked how his play compared to fellow linebackers Marvin Mitchell and Ryan Karl. "I kind of felt like I was letting the team down. Those guys made the slack up for me."

Ready and Willing: Tailback Arian Foster doesn't seem content with UT's pass-first reputation.

"We've had a lot of success in the passing game so that's what we tend to lean on throughout the game," the sophomore said. "But I feel if we stay consistent with the run, we'll be able to wear a defense down eventually."

UT rushed 21 times for 57 yards against the Tide.

"Throughout the Alabama game, a couple of us wanted to run," Foster said. "It was obvious we wanted to run the ball. You just have to put your faith in the coaching staff."

UT's offensive line has been criticized for not being a better run-blocking unit this season. Foster said that's no longer an issue.

"Our line definitely has been moving the pile," he said. "I just believe that we have few opportunities to be successful in the run game. But I believe that once coach (David) Cutcliffe gives us that opportunity, we'll be successful."

Despite a prolific passing attack, UT's opponents still seem intent on stopping the run with extra defenders in the tackle box.

"It is kind of surprising, actually," Foster said, "but if they want to do that, let them do it."

Target Darby: Mayo said UT's defense keyed on Alabama tailback Kenneth Darby on Saturday in order to stop the Tide's rushing attack. It worked.

Darby rushed for 26 yards on 14 carries. As a team, Alabama ran for 53 yards on 30 carries for a 1.8-yard average. The Vols only gave up 211 yards of total offense.

"We made a pretty big statement to the nation that we can play defense here at Tennessee," Mayo said.

UT has allowed 22 points in its last six quarters --against Alabama last week and in the second half against Georgia on Oct 21. That's only the beginning, said Mayo.

"We're going to be a real, real good defense next year, I promise you," he said. "We're good this year but when these guys get a little bit more experience under their belt, we're going to be excellent next year."

Scouting Report: The key to South Carolina's offensive attack is mobile quarterback Syvelle Newton.

"You've always got to watch out for the double threat," Mayo said of the senior scrambler. "He can run and he can pass. We're probably going to see some option."

Mayo said UT's defense is better prepared to stop the option after struggling to do so against Air Force and Marshall this season.

"That Air Force game really woke us up to the option game and the running quarterback," Mayo said. "I feel like we'll be prepared this Saturday."

Foster Back: Foster said he's still fighting to return to preseason form after being sidelined for three games this season with a sprained ankle.

"I felt a little bit of rust still," Foster said. "But as I started getting more reps, I felt more comfortable."

Foster said he feels most rusty in the open field. He'll need to be at his best soon, as he fills in for former starter LaMarcus Coker, who was sidelined with a left knee injury suffered against Alabama.

Foster, who has plenty of experience with injuries, said he plans to talk to Coker after the redshirt freshman tailback has had time to grieve.

"You (can) get real negative ... but you just have to stay positive and stay focused on your goal," Foster said.

Far-Reaching Fight: Despite growing up in California, Foster said he was aware of the UT-Florida rivalry in the 1990s, when Spurrier was roaming the Gators' sideline.

"I always knew Spurrier and (UT coach Phillip) Fulmer had a little thing going on," Foster said with a smile. "I'm blessed to be a part of that tradition and help our team get a win."

Foster would like to forget his impact on last year's game against Spurrier's Gamecocks. His fumble close to the goal line severely hampered UT's chances of winning.

"It was especially low for me because I felt like I had a lot to do with the loss with the fumble into the end zone," Foster said. "I took it upon myself to correct my mistakes."

Foster said he has since focused on securing the ball, which has been an issue since he was young.

"I feel like I've corrected it as much as I can," Foster said, "but there's always room to improve."

Tickets: Tickets for UT's 2006 home finale against Kentucky on Nov. 25 can be purchased at utsports.com or by calling (865) 656-1200 or (800) 334-VOLS in Tennessee.

Roll Call: Senior receivers Jayson Swain and Stanley Asumnu, and sophomore offensive guard Anthony Parker did not practice Monday.