UT Notebook: October 21

• No Pity: Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said UT's offensive players haven't lost confidence in freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer despite the lack of offensive production when he's in the game as compared to freshman Erik Ainge.

"We're trying to let that happen," Fulmer said when asked if it was important for Schaeffer to have success soon. "He can't press. The more you press, the tougher time you have.

"Brent has to force himself to stay focused and stay into what we're doing and not have a pity party for himself. That's as simple as it is.

"Erik has had more opportunities and taken advantage of them. Therefore, he has pulled away. Personalities and egos right now are not my concern. My concern is a championship."

• Injuries: Junior offensive guard Cody Douglas (foot) and junior defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona (knee) appear close to being healthy enough to play against Alabama on Saturday. Both were moving around without a limp.

Fulmer said he isn't sure if either would play. He said both are questionable.

"I can't tell you," Fulmer said. "Both of them feel like they can play. But that's what a college football player is supposed to say."

Douglas and Mahelona practiced Thursday for the first time this week.

"We've got to be prepared to play without them," Fulmer said. "If we get them out there that's a plus."

Junior tight end Justin Reed (knee) should be available. Fulmer cited his players' toughness in overcoming injuries as a team strength.

• Punt Return: Fulmer said senior Derrick Tinsley will handle punt returns in place of freshman Jonathan Hefney against Alabama. Hefney muffed a punt last week.

"I put Jon in a tough spot as a freshman doing all he was doing and returning punts," Fulmer said. "I really knew better. Fortunately, it didn't cost us a football game.

"I'm still trying to work like heck to get Schaeffer in there (returning punts). He's a natural at it. A lot of things come natural for him."

Schaeffer has stayed after practice this week to work on punt returns.

• Listen Up: Fulmer said he believes his team understands the importance of the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry despite its youth. Fulmer and staff have held various meetings to remind players of the historical significance.

"To me it's the best game in southern football," Fulmer said. "Heroes have been born out of this game."

• Family Affair: Against Ole Miss, Dustin Colquitt moved up to No. 1 in UT history for total punts (206) and yardage (8,870). Dustin's father, Craig (204), is second. His uncle, Jimmy (201), is third.

Jimmy (8,816) is second in yardage and Craig (8,662) is third. Jimmy is No. 1 in average with 43.86 compared to Dustin's 43.06.

• Tight Ends: UT assistant Greg Adkins stayed after practice to work on pass routes with several tight ends including Reed and freshmen Brad Cottam and Chris Brown.

• Fly Over: Four Air Force F-15s are scheduled to fly over Neyland Stadium at the end of the national anthem for Saturday's game. The fighter jets and crew are based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.