Close, but no cigar

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Tennessee's bid to win their first Southeastern Conference title since 1998 opened and closed in the blink of an eye on Saturday afternoon in the Georgia Dome.

Josh Briscoe's 6-yard touchdown reception from Erik Ainge eased the Volunteers out in front of Western Division representative LSU 14-13 late in the third quarter.

On third-and-five backed up at their own 14-yard line, UT looked for a play to put the Tigers away. Ainge tossed another touchdown pass that proved to be the difference-maker. One problem. LSU cornerback Jonathan Zenon jumped the route, snagged the dart and had only open turf ahead to give his team the biggest play of the night and a 21-14 win.

The victory sends the Tigers to the Sugar Bowl, where they could very well face WAC champion Hawaii.

The Vols look ticketed to either the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin or to the Chik-fil-A Bowl versus Virginia, Boston College or Clemson.