Tennessee has been one of the bigger disappointments in the country this season. The program finally started looking toward a rebuild when it dismissed volatile former coach Butch Jones following a blowout loss at Missouri last week. Look for the Volunteers to show some pride in what looms as a logical, short-term improvement in their performance following the switch. Interim coach Brady Hoke is a defensive mind who should have his team prepared to limit LSU's offense and keep this one respectable.

Goodbye, Butch Jones. Hello, Brady Hoke. The new interim coach for the Volunteers needs a huge upset against LSU and a win next week against Vanderbilt just to get a bowl invite. Tennessee got swamped at Missouri last week, but back in Knoxville the Vols will be playing for pride against the Tigers, who knocked off the Razorbacks Saturday. Although Tennessee is just 2-7 against the spread this season, my simulations indicate a tight matchup, with Tennessee keeping it close. So take the points.