Auburn wins again

KNOXVILLE — Solid defense. Sloppy offense. Southeastern Conference loss.

Rinse. Repeat. Re-aggravate.

Tennessee's 26-22 loss to Auburn on Saturday night unfolded like so many others have the past two seasons, albeit with the slightest bit more offensive punch.

The Tigers (5-0, 2-0) continued their fast start under first-year coach Gene Chizik, while new boss Lane Kiffin's Volunteers (2-3, 0-2) continued to show why a second consecutive season without a bowl game is a distinct possibility.

Auburn kicked two early field goals -- the second coming after UT senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton mishandled a snap in his own territory -- extended its lead to 13-0 when senior tailback Ben Tate darted 9 yards up the middle for a touchdown with 8:07 left in the second quarter.

The Vols briefly showed life late in the first half. Crompton threw accurately, the receivers caught the ball, and a 71-yard, 1:02 touchdown drive ensued. Senior tailback Montario Hardesty plowed 1 yard over right guard to get UT within 13-6 with 0:28 left in the half, but the score stayed there when Auburn blocked the extra-point attempt.

Auburn bumped its lead up to 23-6 early in the fourth quarter before the Vols cut it to 23-13 on a brilliant 31-yard, catch-and-run from Hardesty. Daniel Lincoln's 26-yard field goal cut the deficit to 23-16 with 4:19 left, but Tigers freshman Onterio McCalebb returned the ensuing kickoff 52 yards to the UT 39, and Auburn iced the biggest win of Chizik's young tenure with a field goal.

A 32-yard TD pass from Crompton to Denarius Moore on the game's final play provided the final score.