NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Tennessee coaches are concerned about the academic eligibility of a few players for the Outback Bowl, including two starters on defense.

A university official said linebacker Rico McCoy and defensive tackle Demonte Bolden are among those who could be ruled out for the game after the school releases fall semester grades Friday afternoon.

The person did not want to be identified because the academic report had not been released.

Coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday during practice that he was concerned about the eligibility of ``three or four guys, and maybe a couple more than that.''

McCoy, a sophomore, has started all 13 games this season and is second on the team with 106 tackles.

Bolden started each of the 12 games he played in this season, but was suspended against Louisiana-Lafayette for an unspecified violation of team rules.

No. 16 Tennessee (9-4) faces No. 18 Wisconsin (9-3) on Jan. 1 in Tampa, Fla.