ON THE SIDELINE : Tennessee Eyeing Sugar Bowl

Tennessee Coach Johnny Majors says his team is aiming for a berth in the Sugar Bowl, and he has not discussed with his players the possibility of playing in the controversy-ridden Fiesta Bowl at Tempe, Ariz.

The 14th-ranked Volunteers play No. 15 Mississippi on Saturday, and a loss would probably end Tennessee’s hopes for a Southeastern Conference championship and a trip to New Orleans.

Controversy has surrounded the Fiesta Bowl because of some teams’ reluctance to play in a state that rejected a holiday in memory of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Majors said he has not talked about that with his players.

“It is our desire to try our best to play our way into the Sugar Bowl,” he said. “. . . That’s all I’ve talked to the players about.

“Otherwise I will not have anything else to add about any other arrangements, and will not address that issue personally unless things change Saturday.”