A matter of control for Vols against Oregon, a good offense is a great defense

"No matter who you're playing against, you have to have some sense of ball security and control the clock and manage the game and the tempo of the game in a way that you feel is necessary," UT junior quarterback Matt Simms said. "Obviously that's going to be tough because (Oregon) has a fast-paced offense. There's going to be a lot of pressure on our offense to control the ball and to make sure we run some clock off for the defense." Controlling the ball and the clock may be the key to breaking Oregon's offensive rhythm when the Vols (1-0) host the No. 7 Ducks (1-0) on Saturday (TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m.). In Oregon's three losses last year, the Ducks averaged almost 30 less plays than their opponents. Boise State and Ohio State each ran 89 plays and held the ball for more than 40 minutes. The Ducks ran 44 plays and scored eight points against the Broncos, while Ohio State held Oregon to 53 plays and 17 points. Stanford ran only one more play than Oregon, but held the ball for close to 38 minutes. But UT offensive coordinator Jim Chaney isn't worried about what Oregon's offense is doing.

"I'm not sure if it's any more important this game than it is any game," Chaney said. "We like to run the football and play-action pass and win the game that way. For us, it's an important thing. I don't concern myself so much with the other side."