UT knows what to expect from Tide defense

Tennessee knows what to expect out of a Nick Saban led-defense.

"For the most part," Vols receiver coach Trooper Taylor said Tuesday, "it's an aggressive, up-field, attacking defense. They're going to bring blitzes from everywhere."

That sure sounds familiar. Except for some differences in the secondary, Taylor said Alabama's defense reminds him of the same defense he sees everyday in practice, led by coordinator John Chavis.

"Aggressive," offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said when asked to describe the Tide's defensive approach, "really tight corner coverage. Really a good awareness of down and distance and just how to play the game.

"Their safety play and their corner play is just really outstanding."

That's no surprise. Saban is renowned for teaching great technique to his defensive backs. That's a must considering how much the first-year Crimson Tide coach depends on man-to-man coverage.

"I think they take on his attitude," said Taylor, who added that Alabama has the most athletic secondary UT has seen this season. "They're aggressive. They don't mind matching them up one-on-one."

The Saban way hasn't guaranteed defensive success just yet in Tuscaloosa. Alabama's defense ranks seventh and ninth in the SEC in points allowed and total defense, respectively.

Scouting Report: Don't be fooled by Alabama's offensive ranking - sixth in the SEC.

"You watch them each week," UT defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said, "they've improved little by little. I think they're coming into they're own."

Caldwell said 'Bama relies on multiple formations to keep opposing defenses off balance.

"We've got to be smart," Caldwell said.

Smart or not, opportunities abound for Caldwell's defensive ends. Only four teams in the SEC have allowed more sacks than Alabama (13) this season.

Still, Caldwell said when Alabama goes to its shotgun set in obvious passing downs, pressure can be tough to come by.

"It's hard to get there," Caldwell said. "We've got to put pressure on him so he can't just stand there."

Star Power: Taylor isn't ready for his players to become stars.

Too late.

"I liked it better when they were flying under the radar," Taylor said with a chuckle. "Now they're getting a little bit of attention."

That was certain to happen after Lucas Taylor set career highs with 11 receptions for 186 yards last week against Mississippi State.

The junior caught more passes than any Vol since Kelley Washington, who reeled in 11 against LSU in 2001. Taylor also accumulated more receiving yards last week than any UT receiver since Washington rang up 197 against Rutgers in 2002.

Trooper Taylor said that means double teams could be on the horizon, which is fine with him.

"Usually when you do that," coach Taylor said, "it opens up something else."

One Vol certainly hasn't lived up to the star billing lately. Sophomore Austin Rogers had two drops against Mississippi State, one in the end zone.

Taylor said the touchdown-costing gaff happened because Rogers was trying to make sure he got his feet in bounds.

"You're not going to ever have a game where you're not going to have any drops," Taylor said.

Taylor said Rogers, who's had several drops this season, was the first to review the tape and identify his mistake.

"He's just got to focus on the last six inches of the catch," Taylor said. "He's got to make that play or I have to get somebody else out there that will."

Man in the Middle: The Vols hope to get a good look at Andre Mathis this week in practice at defensive tackle. The sophomore was moved inside this season but suffered a shoulder injury that has sidelined him ever since.

Defensive tackle coach Dan Brooks said Mathis could soon be in the mix to compete with sophomore Chase Nelson for the fifth and final spot in UT's defensive tackle rotation.

That could be quite a challenge for Mathis, who is 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds.

"We've had some tackles, great players, that weren't real tall," Brooks said.

This is the third position Mathis has played. He began his career at middle linebacker, then moved to defensive end before moving to tackle.

Manly Matchup: Alabama has recorded nine sacks in its last two games. The Vols have allowed only two sacks this season.

Captains: Fulmer named Ainge, junior defensive tackle Demonte' Bolden, senior tight end Chris Brown, junior linebacker Jerod Mayo, senior defensive end Xavier Mitchell and walk-on receiver Casey Woods as captains for the Alabama game.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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