Wade gets by with hands-on approach

South Carolina's fans thought as much Saturday when they booed and threw debris on the field after Wade wasn't called for pass interference following a pass play in the fourth quarter.

"When I heard the boos, I started laughing," said Wade, who was named SEC defensive player of the week Monday. "Then I started looking and I didn't see one (a flag). It happened. I didn't try to do it."

Wade's effort against Sidney Rice, who only had three receptions for 52 yards, was key in UT's 31-24 win over South Carolina on Saturday. Wade also had an interception, two passes defended (one of which led to an interception and touchdown by UT linebacker Marvin Mitchell), four tackles and one tackle for a loss on fourth down to stop a Gamecock drive.

Still, the no-call against Rice brought out the biggest smile from UT's senior cornerback.

Wade said the play was reminiscent of his memorable no-call against Florida receiver Dallas Baker in 2004. Both players threw punches, but only Baker was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. That penalty helped set up a game-winning field goal for the Vols.

"I've been getting away with a lot of things," Wade said with a sly smile. "They'll probably try to put me in jail after this season."

Wade isn't feeling guilty. As a cornerback, he's seen his fair share of penalty flags, some of which he could take issue.

"I got a flag called on me earlier in the game when I didn't even touch a receiver," the Shreveport, La., native said. "I got pushed."

Wade leads the SEC with 13 passes defended in eight games. His 1.63 passes defended per game ties for third in Division I-A.

Tough Call: Junior quarterback Erik Ainge confirmed Monday that he was injured on a called quarterback draw as it appeared.

"They just brought a little bit different blitz and we had a little harder time picking it up," Ainge said. "It was a good idea. They just beat us in a couple of spots.

"I shouldn't have tried to fight it. It wouldn't have been as bad if I didn't try to fight it."

The play came on second-and-goal from South Carolina's 5-yard line as UT was leading 24-17 midway through the fourth quarter. Ainge rolled his ankle after he bounced outside to avoid the rush.

Ainge said had the game gone to overtime, he would have been available to play. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton played in UT's final series. Ainge admitted he was a bit concerned when the injury occurred.

"I've never hurt an ankle," he said. "I've never really done anything to my ankle before besides maybe a little tweak playing basketball or something like that. It was a little different for me.

"I've played with foot problems that were worse than this before, so I'm not worried."

Ainge said seeing the tape reminded him how bad the injury could have been. At one point, his foot looked to be completely backwards as it was rolled underneath him.

"It could have been worse," Ainge said. "Could have been a lot worse. I just thank God for that. I've obviously got someone watching me while I'm playing."

Scouting Report: It was hard to tell if Wade was describing LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell or Paul Bunyan on Monday.

"Isn't he about 6-(foot-)10 and 350 (pounds)," Wade said. "Physically, I don't think it gets any better."

Russell actually goes 6-6 and 260 pounds, but his arm could be the biggest concern for UT's defense. Wade said they'll be no guessing going against one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the nation. Discipline is the key.

"He looks like an animal," Wade said. "He can throw the ball 80 yards. ... With an arm like that, a split second will make the difference between an interception and him catching it, you missing it and him going for six."

The knock on Russell is that he has made mistakes during key moments.

"Anybody can get rattled," Wade said. "I'm pretty sure, at one point, that Joe Montana got rattled. It will take us getting back there to rattle him. Simple as that."

Top Tigers: LSU has the top-ranked defense in the NCAA, averaging 211.63 yards allowed per game. That's almost a dozen yards per game better than the second-best team. Rutgers is allowing an average of 223.43.

"You don't get to be the No. 1 defense in the country by accident," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.

The Tigers are second in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 8.25 points per game.

"They look every bit as fast and physical as anyone we've played, on film," Ainge said.

'T' Times: CBS Sports has elected to use one of its limited six-day selection clauses for the Nov. 11 games. That means the network won't have to decide which game they'll carry until Sunday. The following four games are being considered for the 3:30 time slot: Tennessee at Arkansas, Georgia at Auburn, South Carolina at Florida and Alabama at LSU.

ESPN has the second and third selection for a 7:45 p.m. timeslot and a 7 p.m. timeslot on ESPN2. Lincoln Financial has the fourth option for its 12:30 p.m. timeslot.

Key games this weekend include LSU at Tennessee, Arkansas at South Carolina, Georgia at Kentucky and Florida at Vanderbilt.

Bowling: ESPN's Ivan Maisel predicts that UT will take on Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Fellow ESPN writer Mark Schlabach believes UT will play Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

UT also could be a strong candidate for the Orange Bowl in Miami if it wins the remainder of its games.

Practice Report: Fulmer said he shortened practice by 20 minutes Monday in order to focus on meetings and special teams. The adjustment is typical late in a season, especially when injuries are a concern.