UT notebook: October 27

"We're going back to the basics," Ainge said. "We're not going to try to put a whole lot of new stuff in. We're just going back to execute what we've got down. I think this week, we'll be ready."

Ainge downplayed the injuries on the offensive line, saying UT's depth has allowed the Vols to continue to play at a high level in the trenches.

* Causing Fumbles: South Carolina tailback Demetris Summers has fumbled four times this season.

"One of the first goals as a defense is to get the ball out and get the ball on the ground," UT senior linebacker Kevin Burnett said. "It may bring out a tendency for us to strip more.

"The first thing you want to do is ensure the tackle. After one or two people have the tackle ensured, then the third person can come in and try to get the ball out."

* Man In The Middle: Burnett has taken a liking to first-year defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona.

"He brings added energy and an attitude to the defensive line," Burnett said of the junior college transfer. "If he gets a great push then he draws a double team. By him drawing a double team, then somebody's gong to come free.

Then, when you start bringing a lot of pressure, it tears up an offensive line's blocking scheme."

* Potential Fulfilled: After overcoming significant and nagging injuries, Burnett is living up to his recruiting hype. In seven games, Burnett has 63 tackles, five off the lead held by Jason Allen. That's fourth in the SEC with 8.9 stops per game.

The California native had 90 tackles while playing 13 games last season. That's good for 6.9 tackles per game.

"You're seeing a guy who's out there having fun," said Burnett in third person. "(You're seeing) a guy who doesn't have anything to worry about, who is finally healthy, and knows what he's doing. And he has confidence in the guys around him."

* Gandy Recruiting: Junior offensive lineman Richie Gandy said he felt drawn to UT after his official visit during his senior year in high school. That didn't make leaving Darlington, S.C., any easier.

"Even though I was a South Carolina fan all my life, I knew I wanted to play for a program like Tennessee," Gandy said. "It's tough to get out of state. When I committed, I got a lot of negative feedback from my hometown. They were telling me that I needed to stay in state and not be a traitor. I had to follow my heart."

Gandy is UT's main backup at all five offensive line positions.

* Inside Out: UT's defense practiced inside because of soggy conditions on its practice field. UT's offense practiced outside.

* Injuries: UT coach Phillip Fulmer said junior Cody Douglas participated throughout practice with his sore foot. Douglas sprained his foot and missed two games. He is expected to play Saturday.

* Man Movers: Fulmer said Rob Smith and Arron Sears are UT's best run-blocking offensive linemen. Fulmer said Douglas is close behind.