Stephens is not getting ahead of himself

It's an old adage that quarterbacks improve most from their first game to their second.

For Tennessee sophomore Nick Stephens, the same is true for the competition when the Vols travel to No. 10 Georgia on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.).

Saturday will also mark Stephens' first playing time against an SEC opponent and his first action away from Neyland Stadium. But Stephens, who enters this week as the unquestioned starter after taking over for Jonathan Crompton last week, isn't worried about all that.

"That's seven days ahead," Stephens said. "I've got to take care of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday first and get ready for Saturday. That's the only way we're going to be prepared enough for Saturday. When the time comes, then I'll worry about that."

While Tennessee (2-3, 0-2 SEC) still struggled on offense, Stephens at least assuaged some concerns about the Vols' quarterback play.

Making his first career start in a 13-9 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday, Stephens was 10-for-17 for 156 yards and a touchdown.

It wasn't overwhelming, but it was a step in the right direction, UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.

"Nick did a good job getting the ball out quick," Fulmer said. "He did a good job for the most part - obviously a lot of room for improvement - of managing the offense. There's still points we left on the field. I think we took a step in the right direction."

Stephens said he felt comfortable and confident on the field Saturday, both with himself and his teammates.

"I know where (receiver Josh) Briscoe and Gerald (Jones) are going to be," Stephens said. "They expect me to put the ball where it should be. When we take care of each other on the field, we're going to make plays and move the ball."

And despite the fact that Tennessee had an underwhelming 225 yards of total offense, running backs coach Stan Drayton said Stephens' play gave UT a boost on offense.

"We've been looking for a spark somewhere," Drayton said. "Nick provided a spark in a few areas on Saturday."

RB Rotation: Drayton said UT's 50 offensive plays made playing three tailbacks difficult against Northern Illinois.

"It's almost impossible," Drayton said. "We have three dynamic runners in the backfield. (Fifty) reps, you tell me. If you got the solution, I'm all ears."

Sophomore Lennon Creer did not get a carry against the Huskies after getting four carries for 19 yards and playing significant time against Auburn.

Junior Montario Hardesty had seven carries against NIU, while Arian Foster had 18 for 75 yards. Still, Drayton said his backs understand the rotation.

"If all of a sudden we get people in that group going against the grain or expressing some negative energy because of it, it could ruin this football team," Drayton said. "It's that fragile.

"These guys know I've never once, from the day I stepped on this campus, have I ever lied to them. They know that I have their best interests in mind. As long as we've got that understanding, we'll be able to fight through anything."

Crompton OK: Despite losing the starting job, Fulmer said Crompton has handled himself well.

"I think he's had a good attitude about it," Fulmer said. "I wouldn't expect anything less. If he had a poor attitude, it would not benefit him whatsoever. He's a good young man. He's worked hard for this program. Who knows, his opportunity may come around again at some point, and that's what he's got to continue to prepare for."

Texas Two Step: Despite growing up in the Dallas area, Stephens said he's never met Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford.

Stephens played high school football at Flower Mound, about 20 minutes away from Stafford at Highland Park High School and both began college in 2006.

"I did go and watch him in a playoff game, I think," said Stephens. "I was pretty impressed. He's doing a pretty good job right now at Georgia, so we'll see what happens."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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