NCAA Football Preview (Tennessee-Auburn)
Posted: Tues September 29, 1998 at 6:29 p.m. EDT
Tennessee (3-0) at Auburn (1-2) 2 pm EDT
AUBURN, Alabama (Ticker) -- Auburn and Tennessee, rivals
that traditionally met in the season opener until division play
began in the Southeastern Conference in 1992, meet in a rematch
of last season's conference championship game.
Tenneessee held on for a 30-29 victory over Auburn to win the
SEC championship last season and earn a spot in the Orange Bowl.
But that was the first meeting between the schools since 1991.
The Tigers (1-2, 0-1 SEC West) have a 22-19-3 edge in the
all-time series. More importantly, they own a 5-1-1 mark at home
against Tennessee (3-0, 1-0 East). The Volunteers have not won
at Jordan-Hare Stadium since a 42-0 triumph in 1980. Before
then, this game was usually played in Birmingham or Knoxville,
with 1974 the only exception.
Auburn beat Tennessee four straight times following the shutout
loss and the teams tied in 1990 before Tennessee claimed a 30-21
decision at Neyland Stadium in '91. The Tigers have not beaten
Tennessee since 1988.
The Volunteers have turned to Tee Martin, Peyton Manning's
replacement, for their success this season. The versatile
Martin, coming off a 14-of-19 effort for 234 yards in last
weekend's win over Houston, will try to lead Tennessee to its
11th straight victory over the SEC West. They have scored 30 or
more points in nine of the 10 wins during the streak, which
started after a 17-13 loss to Alabama in 1994.
Jamal Lewis has led the Vols in rushing each game this season,
topping 100 yards twice and getting held to 82 in a 20-17
overtime victory over Florida two weekends ago.
Auburn had its problems in its 19-0 loss to Virginia in its
season opener, but the defense came back in the road opener for
a 17-0 shutout of Mississippi.
Home game was last weekend's 31-19 loss to Louisiana
State, leaving Auburn staring at three straight home losses for
the first time since falling to Southern Mississippi,
Mississippi State and Florida in 1991. The Tigers have lost
four of their last five games on the Plains.
Auburn's rushing problems have continued this season, as the
Tigers, who are 1-2 for the first time since 1984, are 111th out
of 112 teams in Division I-A with less than 49 yards per game on
the ground. The meager rushing total leaves Auburn 104th in
total offense.
© 1998 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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