Monte Kiffin recalls facing Steve Spurrier in NFL

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin won't be surprised by anything he sees when the Volunteers play host to No. 21 South Carolina on Saturday.

He and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier have met before — Kiffin as defensive coordinator of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Spurrier as coach of the Washington Redskins.

"I think it was preseason, and I remember that he came out in a no-huddle," Kiffin said Thursday. "What are you going no-huddle for in the preseason? Geez, Steve.

"You know what a good guy he is though. Honest to God, he told our equipment manager before warmup to tell Monte he was going no-huddle. He's a good guy, but I hope he loses."

The Redskins beat the Buccaneers 40-10 in a 2002 preseason game under Spurrier but lost to them 35-13 in a 2003 regular season game.

"Won the one that didn't count," Spurrier recalled.

The way Tennessee's defense is playing, Spurrier will be feeling some heat this time too. The Vols (3-4, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) allowed no offensive touchdowns and only one red zone visit in games against Georgia and No. 2 Alabama.

"The guys have been playing hard, and if you play hard it gives you a chance," Kiffin said.

The other big concern is South Carolina freshman receiver Alshon Jeffrey and his 24 catches for 443 yards and five touchdowns for the Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2).

"When are we going to play somebody that doesn't have a good receiver?" Kiffin asked. "This guy's just a rookie and he's playing like a rookie in the NFL."

Coach Lane Kiffin said the Vols' Thursday practice was merely OK after strong efforts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lane Kiffin said the Vols were mostly healthy and that he would decide at game time whether to play any players who sat out of practice this week.