Tennessee's poor special teams performances aren't just limited to Saturday showings.

They are matinee regularity every afternoon in practice.

"A lot of times some people don't want to put effort into it because its just special teams," punter Britton Colquitt said. "Whenever we put effort into it and really think about it and concentrate on it, I think we are a really good practice team."

UT's special teams have been worse than any others in recent memory. The Vols have given up two punt returns for a touchdown, fumbled several return opportunities and rarely provided a spark to a 3-5 team in dire need of one.

The Vols rank 102nd in the nation in punt return, 105th in net punting and 91st in kickoff return.

"People think that special teams period (means) 'Need a little break? Take a breather," said Colquitt, whose 40.12 yards per punt ranks 65th in the nation. "I think people are starting to realize how important it is in a game, so we're going to start taking it a little more seriously out there."

Colquitt said some recent changes have helped UT's practice efficiency on special teams. Colquitt said the Vols have had more first-team versus first-team drills to simulate game conditions.

"The old guys get out there and everything goes a lot smoother," he said. "The young guys ... the little mistakes are being made. That's just lack of experience."

When asked about practice habits, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer quickly remembered Colquitt's most flagrant mistake, when the former Bearden High School star audibled independently to a fake punt against Florida.

The pass fell incomplete and Florida took over deep in UT territory.

"Early, for our young punter to be even a little bit confused against Florida, people have got to listen a little bit damn better to tell you the truth," Fulmer said. "There shouldn't be some of that stuff going on because we've coached it hard and we've certainly spent quite a bit of time on it."

The inconsistency is befuddling. assistant coach Steve Caldwell, who oversees special teams, said UT played its best game of the season against South Carolina.

Then, the Vols were back to their bumbling ways Saturday as they fumbled a kick return and allowed two lengthy punt returns, one for a touchdown.

After the game, Fulmer said Colquitt should have angled his punts more towards the sideline.

"I think it's pretty equal as far as sharing the responsibility," Colquitt said. "But when you have enough hang time for the guys to be down there right when he catches it, he should probably get tackled."

Colquitt's second-quarter punt that was returned for a touchdown seemed plenty high enough. The Vols, however, missed what would have been an immediate tackle.

Fulmer said a couple of illegal blocks by Notre Dame that weren't called by the officials also affected the play.

Colquitt said he didn't mind being challenged publicly. He said the criticism will only make him better.

"That's fine with me," Colquitt said. "He knows I can take challenges like that from him and that's why he does it"

"It helps me because I take it more seriously and I feel like it's more my responsibility. I don't mind seeing my name in the paper for something like that.

"I'll take that responsibility. I think it will make me a better punter."

Colquitt said he's seen or heard of all this before. And he doesn't seem fazed by his slow start.

His father, uncle and brother punted at Tennessee. Britton Colquitt said his older brother, Dustin Colquitt, also was the type to benefit from some public prodding.

"He needed somebody to push him and I do, too, so I think it helps," Britton Colquitt said. "He (Fulmer) knows that.

"He's a pretty smart guy."