KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Volunteers said they still have plenty of incentive even though their preseason hopes of contending for a Southeastern Conference title are long gone.
The Vols (3-5) can assure themselves of their first winning season since 2009 by beating each of their final four regular-season opponents. After losing four straight games in October, the Vols are counting on Saturday's meeting with Troy (4-4) to start a season-ending surge that will allow them to earn the bowl bid that eluded them a year ago.
Troy also must readjust its preseason goals following a 34-27 loss at Florida Atlantic last week that virtually ended its Sun Belt title hopes. The Trojans still believe they could reach a bowl game with a strong November.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
