it, that hung with us so long. California had stressed "redemption" in this game, and ultimately came out the victors. The Vols were led by TE/H-back Chris Brown, who had two touchdown receptions and Lucas Taylor who had 7 catches for 102 yards. Southern Miss Pregame line: Tennessee by 10.5 After trailing early on, Tennessee took a 17–16 second quarter lead against Southern Mississippi and never looked back. The lead was Tennessee's first of the season, having never taken the lead against California. The Vols were led on offense by receivers Austin Rogers (7 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD) and Lucas Taylor (5 catches 118 yards). Erik Ainge was 23-of-36 for 276 yards and 2 TD's. Kicker Daniel Lincoln made three field goals (38, 36, and 47 yards). Tennessee hosted Southern Miss for its 2007 home opener. Southern Miss, a Conference USA foe, faced off against the Vols for the first time since a 19–16 loss in 2000. Tennessee now has a 49–12 record vs non-conference opponents under Fulmer. The Vols are 12–0 since 1998 vs current members of CUSA and 5–0 vs Southern Miss. In all-time home-openers, the Big Orange have compiled an 88–18–5 (.791) record. The Vols’ last home-opening loss was a 31–0 setback against Florida on September 17, 1994. The game marks the first starts for Freshman Eric Berry at safety, and Sophomore Dan Williams at tackle. Florida Pregame line: Florida by 8 On the 1st possession of the game in the steamy Swamp, the Tennessee Volunteers went three and out. On the ensuing punt, Brandon James took the return 83 yards for Gator touchdown. Things never did get much better for the visiting team, as Florida rolled to an impressive 59–20 victory in the SEC opener for both teams. There was, however, a brief period when it seemed that the contest would be much closer. The Gators ran out to a 28–6 lead by late in the 2nd quarter on two Tim Tebow touchdown passes and a Tebow touchdown run, along with the opening punt return. But then Tennessee QB Erik Ainge got his team's offense moving, throwing a touchdown pass just before halftime to cut the lead to 28–13 at intermission. The Gators mounted a long drive to start the second half, but freshman Volunteer cornerback Eric Berry picked off a Tim Tebow pass (his first interception thrown in 2007) and returned it 93 yards