Welcome to Memphis football weekend.

It excites some Tennessee fans while boring some others who might feel it’s just putting off the Georgia game another week.

In-state rival?

UT coach Phillip Fulmer agrees with as much.

"Sure,’’ Fulmer said. "But we have many rivals, Vanderbilt’s in-state, and Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia ? they’re all border-state rivals.’’

No doubt, the Vols’ wear a bull’s eye several times a year, and it takes a toll. Particularly when the team lacks depth, as it does this year.

So, you’re wondering, can the Tigers pull the upset?

Of course, you already know the answer.

You already know that The Great Peyton Manning lost by a 21-17 count to a Memphis team. Controversial kick return by the Tigers, aside, a loss is a loss.

You saw Memphis jump out to a 13-0 lead last year before the Vols’ rallied for a 20-16 win in the fourth quarter.

You probably remember the 2000 tilt in Liberty Bowl stadium, when Casey Clausen struggled in a chilly rain before completing 3-of-4 passes on the final drive to put Alex Walls in position to hit a 38-yard field goal in the closing moments of a 19-17 win.

Then there was Tee Martin in 1999, and those orange pants the Vols wore that day, the last time we’ve seen them. Martin finished his career undefeated in Neyland Stadium as the starting QB (13-0), but that would not have been the case if not for a miraculous 53-yard bomb to unheralded receiver Bobby Graham in the fourth quarter that set up the winning TD in a 17-16 victory.

Martin admitted after the game, he just threw it up and relied on Graham to make the play — just the second catch of his career.

Martin, like Clausen, was a hero in the win, going 4-for-4 passing for 77 yards on the drive.

So will Erik Ainge be a hero Saturday? Does he have it in him to direct that kind of drive against Memphis after faltering in the final moments against Florida?

Safe to say, Fulmer would prefer it doesn’t come down to that.

It’s worth noting that Tommy West is serving as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator this week, and coming off an open date he’s had two weeks to prepare for his alma matter.

West, incidentally, was the Tigers’ defensive coordinator in that 2000 tussle.

Most Tennessee fans probably aren’t quaking in their shoes at the thought of an upset, but you can bet it’s at least in the back of their minds.

KEY PLAYERS: QB Erik Ainge, tailback LaMarcus Coker, linebacker Ryan Karl; QB Martin Hankins, running back Joseph Doss.

KEY STAT: Red Zone scoring efficiency. UT tops in the SEC in Red Zone offense, scoring on 10 of 11 trips (eight TDs, two field goals) but last in Red Zone defense, allowing opposing scores on all nine trips (seven TDs, two field goals) inside the Vols’ 20.

OVER UNDER: Ainge 2 TD passes, Coker 100 yards rushing, Hardesty 1 TD; Memphis 240 yards passing.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Tricky Tommy West. He’ll pull out all the stops in this one.

Griff’s Picks

Florida (minus 13) over Alabama

Georgia (minus 17) over Ole Miss

Kentucky (minus 6½) over Central Michigan

LSU (minus 32) over Mississippi State

UT (minus 13) over Memphis

Temple (plus-34) over Vanderbilt

Season Record: 20-15 vs. spread; 30-6 straight-up

Now for your questions

Q: How much of the poor blocking can be laid at the feet of the fullbacks, tailbacks and H-backs? These guys appear to be missing their reads on running plays and passing plays — especially during a zone rush.

There was a stated intent to go with more of an H-back concept with our fullbacks and tight ends. Are these guys struggling with the implementation?

Catfish

RLLipscomb@bwsc.net

GRIFF: I think the fullbacks have faltered all year, which is unfortunate because Cory Anderson has NFL athleticism and David Holbert was one of the most highly regarded players in his signing class.

Anderson was a project who turned out well, moving from linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle to tight end and fullback.

Anderson, however, has not done as well when the ball is not in his hands.

Holbert? Well, he is certainly not the No. 2 fullback in the nation, as he was rated out of high school.

I think H-back Chris Brown is doing quite well.

Q: I know you guys are the experts, but come on! Tennessee played a good game (against Florida) until the middle of the third quarter, when UT went into its "run and punt offense". Who called those plays, Florida??? (Flashbacks of 2005!)

UT went into the "run and punt offense" for Cal and allowed them to get a respectable score. Again with Air Force and they came back and almost beat us.

Finally success with Florida, the "run and punt offense" did beat us.

Ainge is playing well, but the coaches play calling is not. Play to your strength, and if that is the passing game then pass. I am afraid we need new blood at the head of the coaching staff; we need someone like a Jim Tressel.

corthell@iwon.com

GRIFF: So the Ohio State coach is the flavor of the month, huh? Seems like there was a time when Jeff Tedford of Cal was the coach everyone wanted. And remember Rick Nuheisal? I am not even sure I am spelling his name right! But there was a time everyone wanted him.

I would agree the UT coaches are not perfect, but I think they are doing decent considering the lack of depth and the key injuries that have once again cropped up. UT coaches are also proven, even if they do not win every game every year. It is easy to second guess after the game, and many times warranted.

That does not mean the Vols do not have good coaches, though.

Nobody Asked Me, But ?.

I find it interesting that Pat Summitt disagreed with the seat color choice of Mike Hamilton, and UT plans to make the move anyway.

Summitt is rarely on the losing side of an argument in Knoxville.

This shows the power athletic director Mike Hamilton has gained and the progressive pace the university is beginning to move at under his leadership.

I think Summitt will eventually embrace this change — she has already accepted it, the lady is a professional — and be glad Hamilton and his research team came up with this plan. It should pay dividends down the road.

Black jerseys at alternate sites would also make a difference for the men’s basketball team and help the Vols in the pocketbook, and one day we might see that yet.

After all, the Lady Vols sport light blue in their uniforms, and that color is neither orange nor white.