Adams: Vols can't quit or run away

Tennessee has to stop the run to stay in the game against Florida this afternoon.

But don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not referring to the runs of Tim Tebow or Percy Harvin.

I’m referring to the runs that have characterized this series. And Florida has made every one of them.

In 1994, Florida scored 31 unanswered points in the first half. Its 31-0 halftime lead was the same as the final score.

In 1995, UT was sailing along with a 30-14 lead when Florida reeled off 48 consecutive points.

A year later, the Gators scored the first 35 points. And they did it in about 20 minutes.

The Gators even had a run under coach Ron Zook. In 2002, after a scoreless first quarter, they outscored UT 24-0 in the second quarter.

Florida waited until the third quarter to begin its charge last season. After the Vols cut Florida’s lead to 28-20, the Gators scored the next 31 points.

Florida 24, UT 20: Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes said he thought the Vols quit during the course of last year’s rout. UT fans should hope he’s right.

Imagine if the Vols had played as hard as they could for 60 minutes and still lost by 39 points.

Last year’s Florida loss should serve as a great motivator for the Vols. So should their opening-season loss to UCLA.

In one afternoon, they have a chance to prove both games were an aberration.

LSU 5, Auburn 4: First-year Auburn defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads says he’s not worried about his team’s offense.

Of course, he isn’t worried. Auburn’s offense is making him look like the smart coordinator in town.

Auburn’s defense is good. It’s not good enough to score three safeties.

Georgia 27, Arizona State 24: How tough is the Bulldogs’ schedule?

They play at South Carolina, then travel across country to take on the Sun Devils, and play ninth-ranked Alabama a week later. And that’s not even the tough part of their schedule.

After that, the Bulldogs still will have LSU on the road, UT in Athens, Florida in Jacksonville, and Auburn on the road – all in a six-week stretch without an open date.

Alabama 27, Arkansas 13: Hurricane Ike actually worked to the Razorbacks’ advantage last week. When the Arkansas-Texas game was postponed, it gave the Hogs an extra week to prepare for the Tide.

Unfortunately for Arkansas, natural disasters can take you only so far.

Ole Miss 27, Vanderbilt 24: The Commodores have won three consecutive games. You know what that means.

They’re due to lose an agonizingly close game in the final minute.

Georgia Tech 9, Mississippi State 4: If Bill Walsh were alive, he would file a suit against Mississippi State for what it’s done to his West Coast offense.

Mississippi State’s defense is good. It’s not good enough to score five safeties.

South Carolina 37, Wofford 10: If you are bored by the increased passing proficiency in college football, you might consider spending the evening at Williams-Brice Stadium. The run-oriented Terriers have thrown only 17 passes this season, and the Gamecocks have thrown seven interceptions to the tune of the “Spurrier Quarterback Shuffle.”

Top 25: Missouri 52, Buffalo 20; Texas 45, Rice 20; Texas Tech 48, Massachusetts 13; South Florida 41, Florida International 7; Ohio State 38, Troy 17; BYU 42, Wyoming 17; East Carolina 24, N.C. State 20; Penn State 37, Temple 13; Oregon 34, Boise State 27; Florida State 23, Wake Forest 20; Kansas 45, Sam Houston State 13; Utah 34, Air Force 23; Clemson 48, South Carolina State 10; Fresno State 31, Toledo 17.

Record: 60-10 (.857) overall; 23-30 (.434) against the spread.

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