Vols' task: Holding those Tigers

On Nov. 29 of last year, Tennessee and Auburn were both shutting down for the season. At 5-7, no bowl bids were forthcoming.
Tennessee at least sent Phillip Fulmer out with a win over Kentucky. Auburn’s finale was a 36-0 drubbing from Alabama, setting the stage for Tommy Tuberville’s resignation a couple of days later.
Fulmer and Tuberville both became unwanted because their respective offenses were a mess. The Vols and Tigers averaged a matching 17.3 points a game.
When they met at Jordan-Hare Stadium last year, it was a tandem exercise in futility or a punting showcase, depending on how you look at it.
In the decisive fourth quarter nobody could make a first down. Auburn won, 14-12, because it finally did, with 2:04 to play, and was able to run out the clock.
Well, Tigers, you’ve come along way, baby.
Tennessee’s offensive progress in 2009 under Lane Kiffin is measurable, but comes in fits and starts.
Auburn, under Gene Chizik, has been shot out of a cannon. Might the Tigers score 17.3 points in the first quarter Saturday at Neyland Stadium?
Auburn is spewing 45.3 points and 526 yards a game, ranking third nationally in both. The SEC Rocks!