Published: October 02, 2009 09:03 am      

ROCKY TOP BEAT: Vols open SEC schedule against Auburn

The win last week against Ohio didn’t have that exhilaration associated with most wins. Sure, the Vols won the game 34-23 and evened their season’s record at 2-2, but the mood was dampened with the season ending injury to Nick Reveiz and the inability to distance themselves from Ohio throughout the game.

The Vols now have to find an answer at middle linebacker and a way to slow down an undefeated Auburn team Saturday night. Both could be daunting tasks for Head Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff.

Injuries and Dennis Rogan being suspended for the game helped the Bobcats to move the ball through the air last week. To the Vols' credit, they were able to limit the Ohio offense to one touchdown and shut down the running game which went a long way to ensuring a victory.

The Vols' offense continues to evolve this season, trying to find their identity. This week would be a great time for the wide receivers and the quarterback to make some positive game changing plays.

Jonathan Crompton and Marsalis Teague just missed connecting on a sure long touchdown pass last week; however, the Vols go into the game Saturday still looking for that big play receiver.

Meanwhile, Bryce Brown and Monterio Hardesty continue to be the best options on offense.

The Vols should have Wes Brown and Chris Walker back on the defensive line Saturday, hopefully for the entire game. Walker, fresh off scoring a touchdown last week, should be a handful for Auburn to deal with this week.

Chances are that Coach Monte Kiffin has had a few restless nights this week as he prepares his defense to defend an Auburn team averaging 45 points and over 500 yards of total offense a game.

Auburn’s Head Coach Gene Chizik and Lane Kiffin have some history against each other. As assistant coaches, they squared off in the 2005 National Championship game won by Texas when USC failed to score on a fourth and one at the goal line. (I imagine the UCLA game brought back some bad memories for the head Vol coach.)

Auburn is soaring high coming into Knoxville with a perfect 4-0 record. The Tigers are on the road for the first time this season where their no huddle offense will not only deal with a Monte Kiffin coached defense, but a loud Neyland Stadium crowd. With injuries and inexperience on defense, the Vols will need the 12th man to step up with a lot of noise.

While the football Vols try to get healthy, the depth chart of Bruce Pearl’s men’s basketball squad suffered yet another blow this week.

Emmanuel Negedu, the sophomore forward from Nigeria, collapsed following a workout at the indoor football field and had to be resuscitated by UT trainers. He is resting comfortably at UT Medical Center but his basketball future with the Vols is now in the hands of the doctors looking for what caused this cardiac event.

The quick response by the UT trainers probably prevented this from having a tragic ending. Our prayers are with Emmanuel for a full recovery and his ability to continue playing the game he loves.

Looks like Jim Butler’s jubilation after a victory over Rice could be short lived. Ole Miss visits the boys in Black this weekend, fresh off a loss to South Carolina. It could be a long night in Nashville for Commodore fans.

This week’s game is on ESPN Saturday at 6:45 CDT, which will allow the nation to enjoy the atmosphere of Neyland Stadium with "Rocky Top" filling the night air. It’s time for Tennessee to grab those Tigers by the tail and start October with that initial SEC victory. Go Vols!!!

(Frank Gale is a Chronicle correspondent and his column appears regularly)