McCoy will be 'loving' challenge from Alabama offense

Chris Walker and Rico McCoy on Alabama

Just who would welcome playing the No. 1 team in the nation that analysts universally describe as tough and physical? Tennessee linebacker Rico McCoy, that's who.

"I'd much rather play this type of offense," McCoy said during Tuesday's weekly press conference leading up to Saturday's Alabama game. "At least the ball game is a little bit more in our hands. I'm loving it. I'm looking forward to it."

McCoy pointed out that Georgia wanted to run the ball too, yet the Bulldogs left Neyland Stadium on Oct. 10 with just 89 rushing yards and lost 45-19.

The test Saturday, however, will be much tougher. Georgia's offense ranks 103rd in rushing in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Alabama ranks ninth. The Vols are 31st best against the run in the FBS.

Statistics, however, aren't at the forefront of McCoy's mind. He's thinking about playing a traditional running attack and not a spread option offense that forces him to think first and react later.

"We'll have a lot to do with the outcome of this ball game," McCoy said of UT's front seven. "I'm excited. This is more man-on-man football. It's going to come down to who flinches first really. There's no trickery. That's what I like about it.

"I'm up for that challenge. My team is too."

Stormy Forecast: Defensive end Chris Walker said UT's defenders must be aware which Alabama tailback is in the game. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson have 905 and 359 rushing yards, respectively.

"It's just like lightning and thunder," Walker said. "Ingram is a guy that's going to hit the hole and run downhill. Richardson is one of the guys that can actually leave you."

Ingram ran for 246 yards against South Carolina last week. Stopping the Tide's rushing attack is key.

"It's very important because that's what they really lean on," Walker said. "That's what they want to do first and foremost so if we can stop the run that will put them in a situation to do something that they don't really do that much, and that's pass the football."

Walker said Alabama's rushing attack is similar to Auburn. The Vols allowed 224 rushing yards in a loss on Oct. 3.

McCoy said the Tide's rushing attack is similar to UT's, especially when it comes to cut blocking.

"I get to see that in practice everyday," the senior said. "I went through spring ball dealing with that and all fall camp. I think we should be pretty prepared for them."

McCoy agreed with Walker's assessment on Alabama's tailbacks, but seemed less sure about the Tide's offensive line.

"They have a pretty good offensive line. I'm more impressed with the backs though," McCoy said.

Size Matters: McCoy was taken aback when asked if UT's size was a disadvantage. The Vols rely on smaller, quicker defenders.

"I hadn't heard that," McCoy said to a reporter when asked of the perceived mismatch. "You just made me mad a little bit ... But that's cool if people want to say that. They can come in and underestimate someone. That's cool.

"I like playing big guys. It's harder for them to get low. You're starting off too tall. We'll see in the game if they're too big for us."

Back to Walker: Walker said the week off did wonders for his ailing back.

"It felt great at practice yesterday so hopefully it will stay good until Saturday," he said. "It feels a lot better."

Walker said his back would likely be a nuisance for the rest of the season, according to UT's medical staff. Surgery has been discussed but Walker said that doesn't seem likely.

Walker said the back pain ranges from sharp pangs to tightness and soreness. He said he felt much better against Georgia than he did playing Auburn the week before.

Getting Greg: Walker said opposing defenses' success rushing Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has UT's attention.

"That kind of lightens our eyes up in our meeting room," Walker said. "We're kind of really hard pressed for sacks right now. We're itching for some sacks so hopefully they'll come this week."

'Bama has given up eight sacks in seven games this season. Three have occurred in the last two games.

Injury Report: Vladimir Richard was listed as the starter at left guard in UT's depth chart released on Tuesday. The senior has been battling an Achilles tendon and knee injury for weeks. Richard said the knee has been the more serious of the two ailments.

UT coach Lane Kiffin said he is still uncertain of Richard's status for Saturday. Richard practiced Tuesday

Receiver Quintin Hancock did not practice and was wearing a boot on his left foot.

Travel Tips: Kiffin said he is unsure if UT will take linebacker Nick Reveiz as part of the travel squad to take Alabama. The NCAA limits how many scholarship players can be taken on the road. Reveiz, an emotional leader, is out for the remainder of the season with torn knee ligaments.

Kiffin said the Vols will not hold a walkthrough in Bryant Denney Stadium on Friday in order to limit distractions.

Kiffin Cut: Kiffin said quarterback Jonathan Crompton would have received a first-round draft grade if NFL scouts only watched the Georgia game.