Based on the University of Tennessee’s advertisement in the sports section of the News Sentinel, it obviously needs help in promoting its football home schedule.

You might have seen the ad with the headline “Single game tix on sale now!”. Below the headline are the dates and opponents for four University of Tennessee home football games.

Does that make you want to buy tickets? Or does it make you want to check the national college football schedule for those dates to see what better fare might be available on television?

I think I know your answer.

By lumping the four games together, UT is screaming “leftovers.” So you’re apt to opt for a Saturday afternoon and evening in front of your television, where the parking is free and the seats are considerably larger.

You might decide differently if UT made those four games more appealing.

I don’t normally get involved in advertising. But since UT provides me with food on game day, I’ll make an exception in this case.

First suggestion: Advertise each game separately. Sure, you will spend more on advertising, but you get what you pay for.

Second suggestion: Come up with an angle to make each opponent more compelling. Here are my suggestions, which I’m sure a trained professional can improve on. But this will at least get the creative process going.

Southern Miss — Headline: “Take A Stand Against Crime.

Ad copy: “One thing you will never hear from a University of Southern Mississippi recruiter: ‘Take no prisoners.’ In the last three years, USM coach Jeff Bower has signed three convicted felons, including one player who served three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.

“Don’t let criminals make you scared to leave your home. Show you’re not afraid by coming to Neyland Stadium on Sept. 8.

Arkansas State — Headline: Arkansas State Shows Vols No Respect.”

Ad copy: “The Arkansas State media guide contains only one reference to the Vols, and there’s not a single picture of UT All-SEC candidates Erik Ainge and Jerod Mayo.

Louisiana-Lafayette — Headline: “Vols Seek Payback Against LSU-Lafayette (Actually, this school has nothing to do with LSU, but this is about advertising, not accuracy).”

Ad copy: “UT hopes to avenge last year’s loss as well as the defeat in the 2001 SEC championship game. Will you be there to cheer them on, or are you afraid of the big, bad Tigers?”

Vanderbilt — Headline: “Commodores Return To Their Second Home.”

Ad copy: “Can the Vols take back their house or will Vanderbilt’s dominance continue?

“A lot of UT fans can’t remember the last time UT beat Vanderbilt in Neyland Stadium. For the record, it was way back in 2003.

“Since then, the Commodores have been unbeatable in Neyland Stadium.

“Will their domination ever end?”

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.