In the end Walker, Martin played well

If there's a bright spot in Tennessee's 14-12 loss to Auburn on Saturday, it came at defensive end.

Sophomores Chris Walker and Ben Martin recorded sacks against the Tigers and finished with two tackles each.

"The defensive ends were pretty much a bright spot for our defensive team," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Those two young guys showed some speed and quickness that we've been looking for. They've both got to get more consistent in some of the fundamental things, but they showed signs of being good."

While those two sacks were the first recorded by a Tennessee defensive end this season, Martin and Walker weren't the only ends who impressed Fulmer.

Junior college transfer Gerald Williams also played well against the Tigers, his first significant playing time since being moved to end from middle linebacker.

"I was really pleased with what Gerald got done, other than the penalty than he got," Fulmer said. "Gerald's making strides, and I think he's going to be a real good player."

Williams finished with two tackles, the first of his career.

Senior Robert Ayers finished with four total tackles against Auburn, including one for a loss. Ayers is second to all UT ends in total tackles (10) this season behind Wes Brown.

Lincoln OK With Layoff: Despite going 26 days between field goal attempts, kicker Daniel Lincoln made both tries against Auburn on Saturday.

"I finally got an opportunity this week to do my job, and I got us close," said Lincoln, who is 3-for-6 on the season with a long of 48 yards. "I did my job. That's all I can do."

Fulmer said he was confident Lincoln would produce against the Tigers, despite missing three attempts at UCLA on Sept. 1, including a 34-yarder that would extended overtime.

"Daniel's kicked very well in practice," Fulmer said. "I asked him to do something at UCLA that was a little bit out of the ordinary because I have great confidence in him. Daniel's a great competitor. I get to see him every day, so I was very confident that he would make both those kicks. I wish he'd have had a chance at one more."

Fulmer to Miss Tuesday: Fulmer will miss Tuesday's weekly news conference and perhaps practice later in the day to attend the funeral of a family friend, Skip Carr, in St. Petersburg, Fla.

"I can count on one hand the times that I've missed practice in 30 years for anything," Fulmer said Sunday night. "I'm certain my friend would understand if I didn't go. But I need to be there for my wife and for my children."

Fulmer, who will be back in Knoxville on Tuesday night for staff meetings, described Carr as a "great friend and a great mentor," and said his family was especially close with Carr.

Carr, 64, died Friday of a heart attack.

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

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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