McNeil goes nose-to-nose against 3-4 defense

For Josh McNeil, one fewer defensive lineman means a few more headaches.

When No. 20 Tennessee faces Alabama on Saturday, the Vols sophomore center will face a team that bases its defense out of a three-man front for just the second time his career.

And instead of having a defensive tackle lined up on one of his shoulders, McNeil will have one lined up directly in front of him.

"It's the biggest difference a center can see," McNeil said. "In basic four-down defenses, you might have a guy shaded on your shoulder or something. But in a 3-4 defense, there's always a guy head up, right in front of you.

"It gets difficult because you have to snap the ball and then block. You're already at a disadvantage because the guy's already on you, when he's coming off the ball."

McNeil admits he struggled early against Alabama's 3-4 defense in last season's game.

Despite preparing for it during practice, it took McNeil a while to get used to it during the game.

"I'm not going to lie, that presented a challenge to me last year," he said. "That wasn't my best game. That's something I really wasn't used to seeing. I've seen it a lot more since then, and I feel like I'll handle it a lot better this year."

Old School Ainge: One of the big highlights from last year's Alabama game is just a blur to the player who made it.

Quarterback Erik Ainge saved a touchdown - and quite likely the game - by pushing Simeon Castille out of bounds at the Vols' 8-yard line after the Alabama cornerback picked off a pass.

"I blacked out," Ainge joked. "I don't remember that."

UT coach Phillip Fulmer did, however, calling the play one of the best of Ainge's season.

Uh, thanks coach.

"That's kind of funny to hear the best play of the year is an interception," Ainge said. "But at the same time, I was fortunate enough to get him out of bounds.

"I watched it a couple times and, looking at my form it was like, 'Oh, that's nasty.' A bunch of guys were making fun of me. They weren't saying, 'Nice tackle.' They were saying, 'Oooh, look at him run.' "

Injury Report: For the second consecutive week, Andre Mathis was left off the dress roster.

Mathis, a reserve defensive end who plays primarily on special teams, injured his shoulder against Florida and returned to practice before the Georgia game.

Several other Vols suffered minor injuries last week - starting wide receiver Austin Rogers (stitches in lip), tailback LaMarcus Coker (minor concussion), starting left guard Anthony Parker (knee), starting wide receiver Lucas Taylor (toe), tailback Lennon Creer (sore knee) - but none are expected to miss playing time this week.

McKenzie Special: Junior college transfer Nevin McKenzie has made his presence felt on special teams.

Through seven games, the linebacker has eight tackles, more than any other UT player.

"Nevin's done a really great job," Fulmer said. "We're actually trying to get him more snaps on defense at linebacker."

McKenzie moved from safety to linebacker following UT's third game of the season. The move paid off, Fulmer said.

"He's a really good tackler and a really good athlete," he said. "I asked him if he wanted to be a fast linebacker or a slow safety. He chose the fast linebacker.

"It was a good decision, because he's probably got a future at that position."

Streaky: Neither team has recorded a shutout since 1980, when Alabama won 27-0 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has not had a 100-yard rusher against the Crimson Tide since Travis Stephens accomplished the feat in 2001.

Quick Start: In the last two games, Ainge has completed all seven of his passes on opening drives against Georgia and Mississippi State.

On those drives, he's thrown for 61 yards and a touchdown.

In UT's last three opening drives, Ainge has only one incompletion.