If you have compiled a blame list for Tennessee's 2-4 record in football, I assume it includes "OFFENSE" in large letters. UT is ranked 104th nationally in total offense, 93rd in passing and 89th in rushing - statistical evidence that balance isn't always beautiful.

But this is no time for beating up UT's offense. You have had half a season to do that.

It's time to accept the fact that UT might need two or three games to produce as much yardage as Peyton Manning once delivered on his best days. Then, you can move on to the second half of the season, which is far more inviting than the first half.

For supporting evidence, I present the competition. Aside from the Oct. 18 game against second-ranked Alabama, the second half of UT's season will consist of one offensively challenged team after another.

For example, Saturday's opponent is Mississippi State, which ranks 103rd in total offense. And it's not the least productive of the bunch. Wyoming is 116th, and Vanderbilt is 117th. Kentucky is only slightly better at 96th.

In the midst of this crowd, South Carolina qualifies as an offensive juggernaut with its 74th national ranking. Unbeaten Alabama is 52nd.

But the Vols don't have to beat Alabama to have a winning season. They just have to beat everybody else.

Everybody else doesn't look much different from UT. Not only have they struggled offensively, most of them have quarterback issues.

UT began the season with Jonathan Crompton at quarterback before switching to Nick Stephens.

Mississippi State started out with Wesley Carroll, then opted for Tyson Lee.

South Carolina opened the season with Tommy Beecher. He was replaced by Chris Smelley, who gave way to Stephen Garcia last Saturday against Kentucky.

Wyoming replaced quarterback Dax Crum with Karsten Sween two games ago.

After starting Chris Nickson the first six games, Vanderbilt will switch to backup McKenzie Adams for Saturday's game against Georgia.

Kentucky has stuck with first-year starter Mike Hartline, who has thrown only five touchdown passes in six games. If freshman Randall Cobb weren't so valuable at wide receiver, he might see more playing time at quarterback.

Compared to its competition in the second half of the season, UT is in good shape at quarterback. In fact, it could have an advantage at the position for the majority of the last six games.

In two starts, Stephens has thrown for three touchdowns. Moreover, he hasn't lost a fumble or thrown an interception.

If UT can protect the football and play good defense, it can win seven games. Never mind how the defense so often looked overmatched against Georgia. UT will face that caliber of offense only once, against Alabama.

In the other five games, it won't have to stop the nation's best offenses. It will just have to play good defense against bad offenses.

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