Vols can tidy up big BCS mess with win over LSU

ATLANTA -- The Bowl Championship Series will be the subject of fierce debate this year, no matter who winds up in the Rose Bowl against top-ranked Miami.

Certainly, though, No. 2 Tennessee presents the most appealing option to nervous BCS officials.

"I'm sure a lot of people in the BCS are praying we don't win," LSU coach Nick Saban said Friday. "That would make things a little uncomfortable for them. Who would they pick? Who's the next team going to be?"

The Vols' path is clear: Beat No. 21 LSU in the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday night and earn a spot in the Rose Bowl against the Hurricanes.

That wouldn't totally eliminate the controversy, but things really get messy if LSU (8-3) beats the Vols (10-1).

Nebraska, ranked No. 5 in The Associated Press poll but third in the BCS standings, would likely head to the Rose Bowl despite losing 62-36 to Colorado in its last game.

The Buffaloes, fourth in both the AP poll and the BCS, still have hope of sliding in despite two early losses. After all, they routed Nebraska and won the Big 12 championship.

Of course, those scenarios are predicated on a Tennessee loss in the SEC title game.

"We appreciate the support we have in Colorado," Saban said. "I've been hearing a lot of good things from Nebraska fans. There's at least two teams pulling for us."

Tennessee's run for the national championship actually began a year ago. The Vols lost their first three SEC games -- including a 38-31 overtime defeat at LSU -- but earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl by winning their last six regular-season games.

"There's been a carryover to this year, I really believe that," coach Phillip Fulmer said. "I think that gave this team some roots, some character."

Tennessee showed its character a week ago, beating Florida at The Swamp as an 18-point underdog to win the Eastern Division. Fulmer scoffs at the notion that his team might be vulnerable to a letdown.

"The last couple of days I've been asked how our team can get back up after a very emotional win against Florida," Fulmer said. "The answer is: How can you not be excited, not be emotionally charged and ready to play your hardest and your best football game in the championship game? I expect our team will do that."

Fulmer doesn't want his team thinking about the run for the roses just yet.

"I totally and completely understand that you have to climb that mountain one step at a time," he said. "Our next step, our total focus, is on this game, is to play our very best game and have no regrets."