Vols Look to Rebound Against Arkansas State

I know what you're thinking. 

"You've got to be kidding me; this game is in the bag for UT."

As Lee Corso says, "Not so fast my friend."

I know Tennessee has lost to two of the top 10 teams in the country in Cal and Florida.

I know the Vols are 1-2 for the first time since 1994 (Peyton Manning's freshman season).

I know Phil Fulmer is undefeated against the Sun Belt conference, of which Arkansas State is a member.

And yes, I even know "Arkansas State" doesn't exactly strike fear into fans' hearts when they read it on the schedule. 

In fact, the game against ASU is a blessing after the Vols' big loss in Gainesville. 

But the numbers aren't entirely encouraging.

The Tennessee defense is giving up 41 points and 459 yards a game. Their turnover differential is -0.33, and the coverage teams aren't exactly performing up to par (see my "Vols Drop SEC Opener to Gators").  

Offensively, UT is performing fairly well. Erik Ainge is completing just over 65 percent of his passes, while averaging 265 yards and two touchdowns per game. 

The O-Line has protected Ainge well thus far, allowing only two sacks (tied for sixth-fewest in the country). 

The running game, unfortunately, hasn't been anywhere near as successful.

You know times are tough when the athletic department has to brag about LaMarcus Coker's record-setting game as a kickoff returner against Florida. 

The sophomore had six returns for 206 yards, the most ever accumulated by a Vol.

Excuse me, may I explain why this is so?

Six returns will always mean big yardage, especially with the ball now being kicked from the 30 yard line rather than the 35. 

That change alone contributed to Coker's record day—not to mention that giving up 59 points is a sure way to get your returner involved in the game.

Don't get me wrong—I'm happy for Coker.  It's just a little pathetic that this new record is spotlighted in the Vols' pregame notes. 

Take your positives where you can, I guess. 

In any event, Vols fans are feeling a touch of the nerves heading into the weekend. Remember, Arkansas State (1-1) is the same team that gave Texas fits in Week One. In fact, the Big 12 admitted that the officiating crew working the game blew a call on an onside kick that could have given the underdogs a chance to win.

How do the players feel? 

When asked about Tennessee's recent struggles, RB Arian Foster had this to say:

"You have good nights and bad nights. Our defense had a bad night out there. Sometimes our offense has bad nights...and they [the defense] help us out...there's no finger pointing. This is a team effort. We've all got a 'T' on our helmet."

Saturday, against the Indians, look for all of those players with a "T" on their helmet to pick up their games. 

Ainge's consistency has carried the Vols so far, and that won't change this weekend. 

It wouldn't surprise me to see the defense give up a big play or two, but overall I expect them to play well.  

My only worry: that Tennessee will be looking forward to their bye week.  

The Vols do need the rest, as they've been physically whipped two out of the last three games. This isn't a big concern for me, though...so look for the Vols to be ready. 

Prediction: UT 41 - ASU 17. 

Tennessee's offense will score points—that's a given. 

Look for Ainge to get all of his WRs involved. I expect senior TE Chris Brown to be a factor as well. Brown (6'3", 250) can cause matchup problems for the Indians, especially against freshman linebacker Javon McKinnon (6'0", 205).  

McKinnon will routinely line up on the weak side, away from the tight end.  However, if ASU's linebackers don't switch when Brown goes in motion, look for McKinnon to be attacked often. 

Then again, Tennessee could always just line up in their double-TE formation, thus allowing Ainge to pick the matchup he prefers. 

That's the perk of offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe's new no-huddle offense—mismatches with ASU's smaller and slower defense will be the key to the Vols' success.  

Don't be surprised to hear The Pride of the Southland Marching Band playing "Rocky Top" all night.

Coker, meanwhile, shouldn't get many opportunities to break his new KR yardage record, as the defense is expected to force ASU to punt more often than not. 

Instead, maybe Coker could try for UT's season KR yardage record. I'm sure that's what all Vol fans were secretly hoping for coming into 2007.  

If the defense can't slow down the Indian's offense, which starts a freshman QB, two sophomore RBs, and a freshman FB, the Vols could truly be in for a long season.

The kickoff in Knoxville is scheduled for 7:07 pm EST, and will be televised by VideoSeat Pay-Per View.  

Coker photo: (athlonsports.com)