It's been said it's hard to beat the same team twice in one season.

But you can throw that out the window where SEC championship game history is concerned.

Four of the past SEC title games have been rematches, and the team that won the first time won the second in three of four instances. The lone exception was 2001, when LSU avenged an earlier season loss to Tennessee with a win in the Georgia Dome.

As for the streak of Tennessee winning three consecutive games as double-digit underdogs -- on the road no less -- what do you think the odds would be of a team winning four in a row as double-digit underdogs?

Astronomical.

Looking at statistics, the teams' injury status, and recent results, there's not much to suggest optimism for Tennessee fans.

That's why you've heard Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer drop such buzz words as "heart,'' and "resiliency" throughout the week. That's why Fulmer wasn't upset to hear linebacker Kevin Burnett defend his words, that the Vols are a better team.

Fulmer knows the best thing his team has going for it at this point is hope.

For all the streaks, trends and psychological word plays, the game will be decided on the field.

Vols On Defense: Where does offensive coordinator Randy Sanders start when preparing for the nation's No. 1 scoring defense?

"Turnovers,'' Sanders said. "We can't afford to turn the ball over.''

No doubt, UT handed the Tigers the first meeting with six turnovers.

As for what's next, that all depends on how Auburn chooses to play the Vols.

"I'm sure they'll put some pressure on Rick (Clausen) to see how he handles it,'' Sanders said. "We'll need to stay away from bad plays and long down-and-distance when that happens.''

But that doesn't necessarily mean the Vols will play conservative.

Sanders said UT will work to keep the Tigers off-balance while trying to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.

Projected Stats: Clausen 18-of-35, 220 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int; UT run game 28 carries, 114 yards.

Vols On Defense: It's not about Auburn's scheme, it's about its talent.

First, UT has to match up with Ronnie Brown, who at 6-foot-1, 234 pounds, can run over or run around defenders. He can also catch passes, as evidenced by his 28 receptions for 258 yards.

Brown's flexibility to line up in the backfield or at receiver limits defense's substitution packages. That sits fine with UT, as the Vols have some of the fastest linebackers in the nation. They'll need to do a better job with coverage in this game, however.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis knows he'll need the Vols' front four to get some pressure without the benefit of blitzing.

"It all starts up front,'' Chavis said. "If we don't get it done there, we'll get whipped.''

The Vols front four did a decent job last time, and with their quickness match up well against Auburn's zone blocking scheme.

Projected Stats: Jason Campbell 15-of-27, 265 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int; Carnell Williams and Brown combined: 36 carries, 136 yards, 1 TD.

Players to Watch: UT free safety Jason Allen is looking to redeem himself after getting run over by Brown at the goal line in the last meeting; Auburn's Campbell faces his biggest pressure situation yet.

On the Spot: UT linebacker Kevin Burnett has called attention to himself, and now looks to back up his words.

Prediction: Auburn 27, Tennessee 17.