[Tuck4Bama]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Linebacker Jerod Mayo was depressed. Coach Phillip Fulmer's stomach ached. Linebacker Ryan Karl was just plain angry.
They couldn't shake Tennessee's 22 missed tackles in its 45-31 loss to California on Saturday.

"On Sunday, you get that sick feeling in your stomach and you're mad," Fulmer said Tuesday. "You just can't get it out of your system."
The loss, the first to open a season since the Volunteers fell 25-23 at UCLA in 1994, was enough to drop Tennessee from No. 15 to No. 24 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. California moved up two spots to No. 10.

Coaches came to practice this week with a laundry list of things they want fixed before facing Southern Mississippi in Saturday's home opener, including tackling, kickoff coverage, pass defense and keeping the opposing offense off the field.

"We have enough talent. We have enough speed. We're veteran enough," quarterback Erik Ainge said. "It doesn't get any more important than executing."

Special teams players botched four tackles trying to stop DeSean Jackson, who bolted 77 yards for his sixth career punt return for a touchdown. Fulmer kept the special teams squad late after practice on Monday to work on covering kickoff and punt returns.

The defense also struggled to contain Justin Forsett, who rushed for 156 yards and a score.

"We didn't allow big plays by air, but I don't like getting run on," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "I'm not into making excuses. We didn't play well."

Missed Tackles Upset Tennessee Coaches :: Loss to Cal moves Vols from No. 15 to No. 24 in AP Top 25 poll

[KENVOL]

Tenn. has NEVER been a good tackling team. I don't think they teach that.