Talk of vying for a national championship doesn't make him bristle.

Noticeable this season, at least to a few longtime observers, is a perceived extra bounce in the step of Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer.

He seems to be more relaxed. In his post-practice reports, he appears more confident.

You get the feeling Fulmer is loving life and more positive about his No. 3-ranked team's chances than he has been in years.

"Who says that?" Fulmer asked with a grin on his face.

Um, basically everyone around UT practice these days.

"I am pleased," he said. "I've got an experienced group of guys. They really play hard and when you're going to be really good on defense, and I think we are, it makes you feel good.

"I coached defense for three years and I know if you're good there, you've got a chance to have a winning team."

On Saturday, minutes after naming sophomore Erik Ainge starting quarterback, Fulmer mentioned the drive to earning a possible Rose Bowl berth.

He didn't say SEC championship. He said Rose Bowl. He's thinking national championship.

Nothing that has happened in fall camp has changed Fulmer's perceptions.

If anything, he's more upbeat going into Saturday's season opener against UAB. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m. at Neyland Stadium.

"We got through without a lot of injuries," he said. "We've got two quarterbacks, and we've got some young talented guys.

"So I'm real happy."

Then comes the back-to-reality statement.

It's not like Fulmer's skipping around Haslam Field smelling daisies. There's work to be done.

Road games at Florida, LSU, Alabama and Notre Dame are looming.

"I also know the challenges we have," Fulmer said. "In most years, with our road schedule, most normal people would say, 'man, if you win two of those four, you'd really be doing good.'

"That's not acceptable, but that's a tall order for any football team. But we'll see what we can do with it. We've been a good road team."

On Saturday, the Vols get a chance to see what kind of road team the Blazers from UAB will bring to Knoxville.

UAB went 7-5 a year ago and returns 16 starters to a team expected to contend for a Conference USA title.

The Blazers are anxious to prove they aren't intimidated by Tennessee.

"I'm always up for a challenge, just like most athletes," UAB defensive end Larry McSwain said. "Nothing gets you more pumped up than a challenge.

"We're not going to go in there scared, with our tails between our legs. They have 85 scholarships just like we do, and the players put their pants on just like we do. It all comes down to how well you play."

It's game week. It's time to find out if big dreams equal big results.

The beginning is here. The end is four months down a long, winding road.

Maybe then, sometime in January, Fulmer can step back and smell the roses.

Mark Burgess covers Tennessee football and may be reached at 865-342-6277.