Erik Ainge '05 - Meet Erik Ainge '06

Erik Ainge continued to erase the demons of 2005 with another impressive performance against Air Force. In the win against Air Force, Ainge looked nothing like the Erik Ainge of 2005. He was confident, poised in the pocket, and made great decisions all night. The once exception was an interception late in the game that led to an Air Force Score.

Ainge was 11 of 18, for 291 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception against Cal. Ainge proved that performance was not a fluke after he threw 24 of 29 for 333 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception against Air Force. At one point in the game, Ainge completed 15 straight passes. The NCAA record of 23 straight completions is held by former Volunteer QB Tee Martin. Coach Philip Filmer said:

"Erik was outstanding," Fulmer said. "He was throwing the football well, and he was very sharp. The line protected well and the route-running was good. ... He managed the game extremely well."

Offensive Coordinator David Cutcliffe has obviously had a huge impact on Ainge. The Vol QB has a totally new mindset and looks nothing like the Erik Ainge that many Vol Fans remember from the 2005 LSU game. If Ainge has a big game against Florida, it will be like 2005 never existed in the minds of Vol Fans.