Encouragement in secondary

When you think of Alabama football, an offense with "bells and whistles" isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

That, however, is exactly what the Crimson Tide (5-2, 3-1 SEC) will throw against No. 20 Tennessee (4-2, 2-1) and its young secondary on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

"They're spreading it out and throwing the ball a little more,'' reported UT defensive coordinator John Chavis.

"They've got a multitude of formations, motions, shifts. They've got all the bells and whistles to go along with an offense that's loaded with talent.''

The Vols' secondary may be loaded with talent as well, but comes with a disclaimer: Tennessee is starting two true freshmen.

Eric Berry has been on the field since the opening snap of the season and has settled in at strong safety. Brent Vinson, who began the year as a receiver, has started the past two games, SEC wins over Georgia and Mississippi State, at cornerback.

"We have never started two true freshmen in the secondary,'' said Chavis. "You try to nurse your way through starting one.''

The Vols have a history of nursing their way through one. DeRon Jenkins, Terry Fair, Jason Parker, Rashad Baker and Jonathan Hefney started as true freshmen.

With a first-year starter at the other corner in Marsalous Johnson and senior Hefney getting off to a slow start, the Vols have been vulnerable to say the least.

They rank last in the SEC in pass-efficiency defense. Only one league team has fewer than UT's five interceptions. Only Alabama has allowed more than the 10 touchdown passes completed against Tennessee.

There are encouraging signs. The Vols are allowing fewer of the big plays that plagued them through the September.

"We're seeing fewer mistakes,'' said Chavis.

Vinson is getting his hands on a few balls. Hefney has played closer to form the past two games and the staff thinks Berry is a future star in the making.

The inexperience, however, limits what schemes and strategies the defensive staff can use. The arsenal is growing, but slowly.

"We've gone round and round,'' said UT coach Phillip Fulmer, "trying to make sure we're doing the right things to not put them in terrible positions they're not ready for.''

Are they ready for Alabama? Tune in Saturday's 12:30 p.m. kickoff (TV: WVLT) to find out.

The past two weeks the Vols faced a sophomore quarterback in Georgia's Matthew Stafford and a true freshman in Mississippi State's Wesley Carroll.

Alabama's John Parker Wilson, a junior, will be starting his 21st consecutive game.

Coach Nick Saban brought in Major Applewhite as his offensive coordinator and he's keeping Wilson busy. Wilson has attempted at least 40 passes in three of his past five games, with a career-high 53 in a loss to Florida State.

The Vols are familiar with his favorite receiver. DJ Hall made the big catch in the 2005 game to set up Alabama's game-winning field goal.

Hall has 164 career catches and 11 100-yard receiving games. His 2,497 career receiving yards are one of six school records he holds.

Matt Caddell, the last-second hero of a 41-38 win over Arkansas, has emerged as the No. 2 target with 23 catches.

Keith Brown, a senior and popular target with 78 catches in 2005-06, has been laying low with only nine receptions.

"They're a complete offense,'' said Chavis.

Tennessee's defensive objective Saturday is to not only prevent big plays by the offense but to make a few.

"When you start getting sacks, that's the best way to stop drives,'' Chavis said.

"And breaking up passes is one thing, but we've got to convert it to interceptions and get those turnovers.''

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.