AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn punt returners didn’t accumulate any yards in the Tigers’ 14-12 win Saturday.

Chad Cunningham didn’t give them a chance.

Tennessee’s sophomore punter booted five of 10 punts inside the 20-yard line. His final kick in the fourth quarter pinned the Tigers at their own 5.

“I knew I had to play good,” Cunningham said. “It’s the SEC, and when it’s close it comes down to field position. Our coverage team played great, and we had to be in it.”

Cunningham opened the second half with back-to-back kicks downed inside the 5 in the third quarter.

“All it takes is one play, especially when it’s close,” he said. “We knew we had to keep them backed up and let our defense try to make a play.”

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer toyed with the idea of replacing Cunningham after a lackluster performance against Florida last week. In that game, Cunningham’s punt to return specialist Brandon James sailed dangerously toward midfield. James took advantage by returning it for the touchdown.

But Cunningham may have redeemed himself Saturday.

“Their punter kept us in the hole all night,” Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. “We had no field position. We found somehow, some way to get the ball out enough to give our defense enough (room) to breathe.”

Tennessee’s Gerald Jones returned a punt 40 yards in the fourth quarter, giving the Vols possession at Auburn’s 38. But Tennessee’s offense sputtered for its first of four three-and-outs in the final period. Jones had 68 total yards on five returns.

Auburn absences

Auburn sophomore linebacker Josh Bynes started in place of junior Tray Blackmon, who was still suffering from a wrist injury. Bynes led the team with 11 tackles.

Tigers running back Ben Tate started in place of senior Brad Lester (sprained neck) and rushed for 70 yards on 19 carries.

G-Gun — M-Gun?

Jones’ first carry out of the “G-Gun” package featuring him at quarterback went for 23 yards. He totaled 25 yards on four carries.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Mario Fannin took four direct snaps for Auburn, accumulating 18 yards. It was the first time Auburn used the package.

“That’ll give us some plays down the line,” Tuberville said. “We’re just looking for ways to move the ball down field and keep defenses off balance.”

Closing notes

Junior college transfer Gerald Williams recorded two tackles, his first as a Volunteer. ... UT linebacker Ellix Wilson led the Vols with 10 tackles. He left the game in the fourth quarter due to an injury. ... Auburn fans were encouraged to wear blue to counter the presence of orange-clad Tennessee fans. ... Tennessee receiver Austin Rogers’ 14-yard reception in the second quarter was his first catch since the UT’s season opener against UCLA on Sept. 1. ... Former UT quarterback Peyton Manning, now an NFL star with the Indianapolis Colts, was on the Tennessee sideline. ... Attendance was 87,451.