TENNESSEE (3-5) vs. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (5-3)
7:30 p.m. ‘ Neyland Stadium in Knoxville
SEC Network & 106.5 FM
THE MATCHUP
The Golden Eagles of Conference USA are not intimidated by Southeastern Conference opposition. Last year, they won 44-35 at Kentucky, and this season they lost 24-17 to the Wildcats. Southern Mississippi plays two quarterbacks, but its best offensive weapon is running back Ito Smith. The senior has run for 817 yards and seven touchdowns this season while also catching 27 passes for 325 yards and two scores. This is the first meeting between Tennessee and Southern Miss since 2007. The Golden Eagles led 13-10 after the first quarter of that contest, but the Vols eventually won 39-19 behind the play of running back Arian Foster and quarterback Erik Ainge. The Vols bring an 11-game nonconference game winning streak into this game, but they are on a four-game losing skid this season under embattled head coach Butch Jones. This break from SEC competition brings a must-win situation in Tennessee’s quest for a bowl game.