UT notebook: October 28

"I think he’ll be able to play," Fulmer said. "He just didn’t feel well. Concussions will do that to you."

The Vols worked senior Chuck Prugh at guard and tackle Thursday to add depth to the injury-riddled unit. The Vols also played tight end Victor McClure at right tackle. McClure played offensive line before moving to tight end during his sophomore year.

Fulmer said offensive guard Cody Douglas’s sprained foot is improving.

"I feel better about Cody," Fulmer said. "I think he could play if he had to. I don’t know if he could play at 100-percent."

Douglas is listed as questionable on UT’s injury report. Douglas said early this week he is 100-percent certain he would play Saturday. Douglas spent much of Thursday’s practice working at second-team right guard.

If neither Douglas nor Munoz play, the Vols first-team offensive line will likely be Arron Sears at left tackle, Rob Smith at left guard, Jason Respert at center, Richie Gandy at right guard and Albert Toeaina at right tackle.

Traveling: Freshman tailback Arian Foster has impressed coaches during his first week with UT’s offense. Foster was moved from the scout team earlier this week to add depth to a banged-up running back corp.

"He’s been excited," running back coach Trooper Taylor said. "He’s asking every day, ‘Am I on the travel squad?’

"He’s really has responded well. He’s spent extra time in between class watching tape. He’s asking the right questions. He’s hoping to get his butt in that game."

For the record, Foster is on UT’s 70-man travel roster.

Back on track: Fulmer said tight end Chris Brown will play after being suspended against Alabama for allegedly shoplifting last week. Fulmer said Brown will be subjected to further disciplinary action within team parameters including not starting versus South Carolina.

On the mend: Kevin Simon said his rehabilitation is going remarkably well. Simon, who underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament four weeks ago, is moving around without a limp. Simon, wearing a brace, said the pain has been minimal.

"For the first week after you get cut, there’s some pain," Simon said. "After you get over that hump, it has been smooth sailing. It almost feels like things are going too good."

Simon said he expects to be running by spring but doubts he’ll participate in full-contact spring practice. Simon said he has kept his mind on football by watching NFL game tapes. Simon spends two hours a day rehabilitating his knee in hopes of returning to UT’s ever-improving defense next season.

"They’re really playing better," Simon said of UT’s defense. "It’s really exciting to me because they’re all back next year. We should be able to compete to win a championship."

Simon injured his knee in the second quarter of UT’s 30-28 win over Florida.

On track: Freshman quarterback Erik Ainge is on pace to break three UT freshman passing records.

Ainge has played in seven games as compared to Peyton Manning’s 11 in 1994. Ainge has 1,194 passing yards to Casey Clausen’s 1,431 in 2000. Ainge has thrown 13 touchdown passes. Clausen holds the record with 15.

Hometown pride: Three times in SEC games this year, UT’s leading tackler has been a native of the state in which the opposing school was located.

Jason Allen from Muscle Shoals, Ala., was the leader against Auburn (14) and Alabama (15). Parys Haralson from Flora, Miss., led the charge against Ole Miss with 10.

The table is set for Vol defenders Tony McDaniel from Columbia, S.C., and Jonathan Hefney from Rock Hill, S.C.

Two Streaks: Tennessee has completed two different three-game winning streaks this season, both in far different fashion. The Vols beat UNLV, Florida, and Louisiana Tech by an average score of 38-21. After the Auburn loss, the Vols beat Georgia, Ole Miss, and Alabama by an average score of 19-14.