WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & SportsVols trying OL Alex Bullard out at center

Vols trying OL Alex Bullard at center
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee offensive lineman Alex Bullard, who has started each game this season at guard, is preparing to play at center for the Volunteers.

Coach Derek Dooley says he's trying to find "the right pieces" on the offensive line and acknowledged James Stone, who has started each game this season at center, has struggled with shotgun snaps.

Bullard is expected to start at center when Tennessee (3-3, 0-3 Southeastern Conference) visits No. 2 Alabama (7-0, 3-0) on Saturday. With Bullard in the middle, Stone will start at guard, where he made three starts last season before coaches decided to convert him to a center.

Bullard, a sophomore from Franklin, has very limited experience at center but said Tuesday he felt good about the work he's done snapping the ball during practice.

Vols finally run well against tough SEC defense
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tauren Poole and the Tennessee offensive line were determined to prevent another Southeastern Conference team from getting the better of the Volunteers' running game. Poole lowered his shoulders and "just ran" against an LSU defense that's ranked among the top in the nation.

The payoff was the best individual running performance against the Tigers all season.

It's going to take an even stronger effort on Saturday, when the Vols (3-3, 0-3) travel to No. 2 Alabama (7-0, 3-0). The stingy Crimson Tide defense is giving up a mere 38.1 yards on the ground per game.

The Vols had lost a combined 29 yards rushing against Florida and Georgia but picked up 111 yards against the Tigers, who entered the game allowing an average 69.2 yards per game on the ground.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.