Missouri's recent football success that includes a 12-win season in 2007 is mostly due to Gary Pinkel's usually explosive brand of football. But, this year, its transition season into the SEC, the Tigers have been able to find success on the defensive side of the ball.

The Tigers rank number 22 in the nation in total defense, giving up just an average of 327 yards per game, and the Tennessee offense has taken notice of their defensive play.

"They've got a great defensive line and they're going to try and get after us. We've got a great offensive line so it's going to be a good battle," Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray said.

Missouri is led be defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who leads the Tigers in tackles, 63, and sacks, four, and is second on the team with tackles for loss with nine. Offensive lineman Antonio 'Tiny' Richardson said the Mizzou front four, led by Richardson, is an SEC-caliber defensive unit.

"They have an SEC front. Number 34 (Sheldon) Richardson has a motor. I think he was a top 30 recruit when he came out in 2010. He has a motor. We have to really prepare for him," Richardson said. "Their ends are really quick up the field and really athletic. It's not anything we haven't seen this year. They look like an SEC team."

Even though it's the Tigers' first year in the conference, head coach Derek Dooley said Richardson looks like he belongs in the SEC.

"He's a big-time defensive lineman. Big time. He can play anywhere. He'd be starting anywhere," Dooley said.

Several Tennessee players and Dooley believed that South Carolina's defensive front was a good comparison to what Missouri tries to do on defense.

"They're one of those 4-3 teams with penetrating defensive linemen who are coming at you. They play real sound behind them. Very similar, philosophically on defense to what South Carolina does," Dooley said.

Wide receiver Zach Rogers added, that like the Gamecocks, Missouri has its one defensive lineman who can change the game at any time.

"He's a big-time defensive lineman. Big time. He can play anywhere. He'd be starting anywhere," Dooley said.

"Their d-line is pretty good. Clowney was kind of their game-wrecker and they have a game-wrecker, number 34 on the d-line. He's done a great job all season so we've got to execute and get in front of him," Rogers offered.

TINY MANAGING

Left tackle Tiny Richardson admits he doesn't feel the best. He knee swollen is sore and at times painful. But the ultra-talented sophomore said it's just part of being an offensive lineman and that he will be ready to go come Saturday.

"It's good. I'm going to get it drained this week so that I can get the pressure off of it. I have a little fluid up in there," Richardson said. "I have been practicing. I have set out a few team periods this week, but other than that I have been practicing."

The injury occurred against Alabama and it's something they plan to take care of at the end of the year. Richardson is just trying to get to that point with a lot of rehab and some planned rest during the week.

"They think it might be a little meniscus deal where they have to go in there and scope it. Hopefully it doesn't get any worse and I can make it till the end of the season."

Richardson who has earned enormous respect this year for the way he has played particularly against the SEC's top pass rushers said that it's in guarding Tyler Bray that the injury bothers him or limits him the most.

"In my pass protection I get kind of lax with my left leg. My left leg is my post leg. That's where my power comes from. I felt like last week, I lost a little power in there. But the thing is that we were going against defensive ends that weren't as powerful so it gave me a week to recover a little bit. I should be fine this week," Richardson said.

PRACTICE HABITS BRING RESULTS

Tennessee's offense has had little trouble scoring on opponents this year, but recently a few player's practice habits have been better and it's shown on the field.

"Everyone's more focused, (Cordarrelle Patterson) especially. Last week he had his best practices of the year so far," quarterback Tyler Bray said.

His best week of practice paid off against Troy with a career high nine catches and 219 yards. Running back Marlin Lane's practice has also improved and he also finished the Troy game with a career high 132 rushing yards.

"I think for two weeks, these last two games, we've seen a Marlin Lane who's the same at practice every day and then he goes out and we know what we're getting in the game," Dooley said. "And that was something we didn't really get coming into the year and earlier in the year. I'm proud of Marlin and he's really stepped up and he's performing the way he's capable of."

Bray added the Vols' offense has been dialed in as a team recently and they feel like they've learned to win games.

"Our whole team, our whole offense has been focused," Bray said. "We've finally learned how to practice and how to get the wins and we've got to practice and it shows on Saturday."

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