Tall order for Vols' secret service

LSU won't be cutting Ainge any slack Saturday at Neyland Stadium just because he's playing on a sprained ankle. If anything, the Tigers will increase their sack attack.

"Everybody knows that ankle injury makes it a little harder to move,'' said Tennessee center Josh McNeil. "So it'll be of utmost importance to keep the guys off him so he can stand back there and have some time and let him and the receivers have a good day.''

Nobody in the SEC has been more voracious in sacking the quarterback than LSU. In fact, only four teams in the country have more sacks in eight games than LSU's 26.

Conversely, nobody in the SEC has made its quarterback harder to get to than Tennessee.

The Vols and Arkansas each have allowed an SEC-low six sacks. Considering UT has attempted 251 passes to only 170 by Arkansas, give the Homeland Security award to the Vols.

The Tigers, who lead the nation in several defensive categories, have recorded at least three sacks in six of their eight games.

One defensive end, Tyson Jackson, has six sacks. The other, Chase Pittman, has 4.5.

Fourteen different Tigers have been in on sacks, including linebackers and defensive backs.

"You better be physically and fundamentally ready to play this defense,'' said UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.

"They do a great job of pressure as well as doing a great job with their four-man rush.''

Likewise, Tennessee's pass protectors have been doing a great job.

The Vols have not allowed a sack in four of eight games and only one each in two others. Alabama whiffed; so did Cal, with its touted front seven.

Florida and Marshall are the only foes to record two sacks.

"We played Florida so early,'' said guard David Ligon, "I don't think our cohesiveness was all together.

"It's going to be a big challenge (Saturday) because I think they (LSU) are better overall.''

Cutcliffe credits UT's line, tight ends and running backs for responding to an emphasis that began in the spring -- and to John Chavis' defense for bringing the heat on the practice field.

Protection starts up front, where Eric Young, Anthony Parker and redshirt freshman McNeil are first-year starters under first-year offensive line coach Greg Adkins.

"Coach Adkins does a great job,'' said McNeil. "We know who we're supposed to block and that's a big thing in pass blocking.''

Cutcliffe also gives kudos to Ainge.

"It's the quarterback knowing where to go and getting the ball out,'' Cutcliffe said. "We're not holding the ball.''

The lack of a consistent running game places undue emphasis on production in the passing game. And that makes sacks even more of a no-no.

UT evaluates each opponent's strengths and makes adjustments in protection accordingly.

In LSU's case, it's a difficult adjustment because the Tigers are so solid across the board.

"The important thing,'' said coach Phillip Fulmer, "is not so much third down as first down.

"Trying to keep the down-and-distance somewhat normal becomes a significant management issue.''

One thing for sure, this will be Tennessee's biggest protection issue.

"You watch (LSU) on film,'' said Ligon, "they move fast, they're aggressive, they play low.''

And Ainge, like any quarterback, plays much better when he's standing upright.