Adams: Auburn, UT at a loss in SEC with next one

AUBURN, Ala. - You knew this Saturday would be challenging for Tennessee and Auburn as soon as you saw the 2008 SEC schedule. But now, the challenge is magnified.

Forget the mathematical possibilities. You can't lose two SEC games in September and expect a place on the Georgia Dome marquee in December.

"They've got their backs to the wall, and so do we," said Auburn defensive end Antonio Coleman in summing up the predicament of UT and Auburn prior to Saturday afternoon's game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Their shared dilemma stems from last Saturday's losses. UT lost to SEC East rival Florida in the afternoon; Auburn lost to SEC West rival LSU in the evening.

Sure, you can win the SEC with two losses. You can even win the national championship with two losses, as LSU proved last season.

But with two conference losses this early, your trip to Atlanta is more apt to be sponsored by Chick-fil-A than the SEC.

So this week is as much about selling as coaching. And UT coach Phillip Fulmer obviously has a tougher sell than Auburn's Tommy Tuberville.

Fulmer has to convince his Vols they aren't as bad as their 1-2 record, which includes a dreadful showing in a 30-6 loss to Florida last week.

That game was decided in the first quarter. Auburn's game seesawed back and forth for four quarters before falling LSU's way in the final seconds.

"We just lost to the team that won the national championship," Tuberville said at Tuesday's press conference. "(People are wondering), 'Who's going to beat them?' "

"But this a funny league. People will step up each week and play better than you thought. I tell all our players, 'Keep sawing wood.'

"I can't foresee anybody in our conference winning every game. There are too many good football teams in this league."

Those are encouraging words if you're playing catch-up after one SEC loss. They're not so encouraging if you lose two conference games before October.

Moreover, if UT loses Saturday, it will temporarily lose a huge chunk of its fan base. At 1-3, it probably could move its next game to Commonwealth Stadium and accommodate the crowd for the Northern Illinois game. Otherwise, it might consider putting a black curtain over the upper deck at Neyland Stadium.

Auburn fans aren't exactly feeling warm and fuzzy themselves. Some are concerned about the large Crimson elephant lurking nearby. Never mind that Auburn has beaten Alabama six consecutive times. The Tide is 4-0 and in the top 10. That's nightmarish stuff to some Auburn fans.

Other Auburn fans haven't forgiven Tuberville for installing a pass-oriented spread offense. Others are fuming over the decision to play quarterback Chris Todd over Kodi Burns.

Of course, Auburn's discord is a regular love fest compared to what's going on at UT. By the end of the first quarter Saturday, three fans had e-mailed me recommendations for a new UT football coach, and one of those coaches was losing to Boise State.

You don't have to be an SEC coach to understand the impact of losing. Players understand it just as well.

"Anytime you lose, that next game becomes the biggest game of the year," Auburn senior offensive tackle Jason Bosley said.

"You can either go in the tank or come out swinging."

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

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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