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The scoreboard said it was an emphatic 31-13 win against a ranked opponent, the best win of coach Lane Kiffin's first year.

After watching film, Kiffin didn't feel quite as good about the Volunteers' apparent domination of South Carolina.

"I was very disappointed in the offense on the film," he said. "There were a lot of missed assignments and we left a lot of yards out there. Their defense did a good job, but it was about us.

"Our defense put us in position to score with the four turnovers, but we've got a long ways to go offensively. We could have lost that game by too many mistakes."

So Kiffin is putting the pressure on the offense to carry more of the load, beginning with Saturday night's non-conference game against struggling Memphis. At 2-6, the Tigers should be an ideal Homecoming opponent for Tennessee.

On paper, the offense should be able to have a good night against an opponent that is giving up yardage and points as though they're going out of style. Last week's 38-19 home loss to East Carolina was pretty much par for the course for Memphis in 2009.

But Kiffin doesn't want to see a letdown, not with a visit to Ole Miss coming up next week.

"We've already talked about it with the team," he said. "Go back to basics. Practice well, practice physical, practice hard and do things right. Carry it over and get better every day. Don't worry about who we're playing, where they're ranked and where the game is."

--FS Janzen Jackson was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week after collecting a game-high seven tackles and forcing a fumble in the win over South Carolina. Jackson also broke up two passes and was in on a special teams tackle.

--QB Jonathan Crompton became the 14th passer in Volunteer history to throw for more than 3,000 career yards with Saturday night's 142 yards against South Carolina. Crompton has 3,004 yards with four regular-season games, and probably a bowl game, remaining.

--No Tennessee fullback had caught a touchdown pass in 59 games prior to the South Carolina game. Two did on Saturday night -- Austin Johnson and Kevin Cooper -- in the first half as the Vols raced to a 21-0 lead.

SERIES HISTORY: Tennessee leads Memphis 20-1 (last meeting, 2006, 41-7 Tennessee).

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Although coach Lane Kiffin wasn't happy with the offense against South Carolina, it did play a turnover-free game on a rainy night -- and that was the difference, since the Gamecocks had four. QB Jonathan Crompton wasn't spectacular but avoided killing mistakes, which he has done for the last month. RB Montario Hardesty got back in the groove with 121 yards and two scores against South Carolina.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Vols allowed 300 passing yards against the Gamecocks but only one touchdown. More importantly, they forced four turnovers that led to 24 points, deciding the game. The defense is 15th nationally against the pass and 13th in total yardage per game, so it'd be a surprise if Memphis did a whole lot against Monte Kiffin's bunch.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'd like to say he's going to be a great player, but he already is." -- Coach Lane Kiffin, on FS Janzen Jackson, who was named SEC Freshman of the Week for his play against South Carolina.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Memphis at Tennessee, Nov. 7 -- This would be a marquee matchup in the winter as the two schools boast nationally-ranked basketball programs. As for football, the Volunteers are building back toward being a national power while the Tigers are flat-lining in coach Tommy West's ninth year. An upset of Tennessee would grab some attention, though.

KEYS TO THE GAME: It's really about what the Vols do in this one. As long as they limit mistakes and play a reasonably decent game, Memphis isn't going to beat them. Look for UT to establish TBs Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown early and often, then mix in occasional throws from QB Jonathan Crompton. The Vols would love a blowout so that they could get some other players some needed action.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

TB David Oku -- If Tennessee can put this one away early enough, Oku could see some extended action for the first time since September. He's fallen to third on the depth chart behind Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown, although the coaching staff is still high on his future.

DT Dan Williams -- The senior from Memphis would like to play well in his last game against his hometown school. Williams has enjoyed a good season and probably has a chance to make some money at this sport next year.

LB Rico McCoy -- The senior linebacker has notched 10 or more tackles in the last five games, easily playing the best football of his career. Will he play long enough to stretch the streak to six against a weak opponent?

ROSTER REPORT:

--LB Savion Frazier (knee) wasn't as seriously injured as it appeared against South Carolina. He left the game at the third quarter's conclusion, but coach Lane Kiffin said it's possible Frazier could play this week.

--PK Daniel Lincoln (quadriceps) didn't play last week against South Carolina and was replaced by Chad Cunningham, who had a field goal blocked and hit a 39-yarder late in the game. Lincoln might be able to kick this week against Memphis.

--RE Chris Walker (back) had to miss the South Carolina game and was replaced by freshman Willie Bohannon. Walker is listed atop the depth chart this week.

Previous Report: 11/01/2009