* Not so special: Tennessee special teams coordinator Steve Caldwell said the Vols improved in kick returns against Auburn on Saturday night and were close to breaking a long return.

Caldwell said he was not satisfied with punt returns even though the Vols were limited on opportunities due to short Auburn punts.

"We still have to do better job up front ... we're not giving our guy a chance to get started," Caldwell said.

Caldwell said UT's punt return average is hampered by Jonathan Hefney's distaste for calling a fair catch. Caldwell said he prefers his returners not call a fair catch to keep alive a big play opportunity, because calling a fair catch goes against return average. Still, Caldwell said the resulting short returns don't help the Vols' return average, either.

As for the punt, Dustin Colquitt had one blocked against Auburn. Caldwell said the Tigers overloaded a gap in a new protection.

Caldwell said he is using starters on the punt team but is limited in other special team phases because of injuries.

"We're hurting with being so short on linebacker-type people," Caldwell said. "They've always been great on special teams ... it's the same thing with our cornerbacks."

Caldwell said UT will be forced to play young players in order to protect what little depth the Vols have remaining at linebacker and cornerback.

* Times change: UT center Jason Respert said one of the reasons he picked the Vols instead of Georgia out of high school was he preferred UT coach Phillip Fulmer over then-Georgia coach Jim Donnan. Respert said current coach Mark Richt might have made a difference in that decision.

Respert said, unlike Auburn, Georgia's defensive front is straightforward.

"It definitely makes it easier for us if they disguise less," Respert said. "Any offense will tell you that."

Respert said Auburn's success will likely lead future teams to disguise more when facing the Vols. Respert said a fast cadence and strong running game could limit the effectiveness of a disguise defense.

* Roshaun rap: UT cornerback Roshaun Fellows said UT's secondary is better in zone coverage as opposed to man-to-man. Fellows said Georgia's wide receivers are not the best wide receivers that the Vols have faced this season.

"I think they're very good receivers," Fellows said. "I think they're very good and very speedy. But I don't think they're the best we've faced."

Fellows said he believes that Florida's receivers are more challenging than Georgia's. Fellows said technique was the biggest reason the Vols have given up big plays in the passing game.

"Technique has a lot to do with confidence," Fellows said. "You have to build confidence first to get your technique right. I think it's a confidence thing right now in the secondary. If we play like we practice, I think we'll be all right in the game."

UT head coach Phillip Fulmer said Fellows made significant improvement during the Auburn game.

* Former Vol Update: Dallas Cowboy tight end Jason Witten was in attendance for the UT-Auburn game. Before the game, Witten said he was happy to be in a "tight-end friendly" offense.

Witten said his No. 1 priority is improving as a blocker.

Witten's brother, Shawn, is a UT graduate assistant. The Cowboys were off last weekend. They'll face the New York Giants this Sunday.

* Streaks: The Vols have not been at their best when ESPN GameDay is in town. In the past three games hosting the show, Florida, Miami, and Auburn have beaten UT by a combined score of 90-26.

Over the past four home losses, UT has been beaten by a combined score of 131-40. UT lost to Georgia last year 41-14.

* Injuries: Junior Parys Haralson underwent further tests on his injured knee Monday afternoon. Haralson, walking without a limp, said of his injured knee, "Slow motion is better than no motion."

Fulmer said junior Justin Reed (knee) and sophomore offensive tackle Arron Sears (foot) did not practice Monday and are questionable for the Georgia game.

Sophomore Antwan Stewart looked agile working on individual drills as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in spring practice. Stewart has already red-shirted and, if healthy, could play late this season.

hookerd@knews.com