A monster M*A*S*H?

Mercifully.

"We do see the light at the end of the tunnel,'' UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Everyone will be back by summer, and certainly by two-a-days.''

For now, Tennessee more closely resembles a M*A*S*H unit.

Today's game, which begins at 3 p.m. at Neyland Stadium, will be a scrimmage between the offense and the defense.

Some projected starters will be in action, including quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Rick Clausen, who are fighting it out for the No. 1 spot while Brent Schaeffer will not play. He was arrested this week and suspended from the team.

The offense, however, could have problems moving the ball with all of its projected line starters missing except right tackle Albert Toeaina.

Fulmer said fans will see plenty of young talent on the field.

"There's a bunch of guys that closed the gap and definitely put themselves in position to play next year,'' Fulmer said. "Eric Young, Ell Ash ... Jerod Mayo, Inky Johnson.''

The Vols' top three receivers will be in green no-tackle jerseys, but there are other skill position players worth watching.

Running back Ja'Kouri Williams and freshman receiver Josh Briscoe will display their skills, as will emerging H-back Chris Brown.

Defensively, stars such as Parys Haralson, Jesse Mahelona and Omar Gaither will get their fill of about 20 plays before giving way to the playmakers of tomorrow.

Linebacker Marvin Mitchell and safety Antwan Stewart look to re-establish themselves after missing last season with injuries.

A special scoring system will be in place, with points awarded for first downs, turnovers and kick and punt coverage and returns.

It could benefit the offense more than the defense.

The last time UT played a scrimmage under this format, sans the extra scoring, the defense scored a 7-6 victory, returning an interception for a touchdown and kicking an extra point while the offense managed just two field goals.