Tennessee's two-quarterback system has returned.

UT offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge likely will play against Alabama. Although, Sanders said he didn't know when or how much Ainge might play.

Sanders made the comments during the Knoxville Quarterback Club luncheon on Monday.

Senior Rick Clausen started the Vols' past two games. Ainge and Clausen split time during UT's first three contests.

"I think I can bring a little spark," Ainge said while visiting patients at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. "Maybe a big play here, a big play there and try to get the ball in the end zone."

UT has struggled mightily to get the ball in the end zone this season. The Vols have scored 11 offensive touchdowns in 2005 and rank 96th in the nation in scoring offense.

Ainge said opposing defenses often dare UT to beat them deep.

"Teams are staying on top of everything, giving us the 5-yard pass," Ainge said. "We can move the ball between the 20's great. Then you get inside the 20-yard line and they start tightening it up and taking away those short ones.

"We need to be able to hit the ones behind the defense. Rick can definitely do that. I think that's one of the things that I'm better at so that's something I can bring to this team."

Ainge started two games -- Florida and LSU -- for the Vols this season. Ainge completed 26 of 62 passes (41.9 percent) for 258 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Ainge's last pass was thrown from the back of UT's end zone against LSU. The underhanded throw was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

Ainge was 7-of-19 against the Tigers and fumbled the ball away on UT's first drive.

Clausen came off the bench to rally the Vols from a 21-0 halftime deficit. UT won the game 30-27 and named Clausen the unchallenged starter.

Since the switch, Ainge has been looking for the confidence that deserted him during the quarterback competition.

"You know it's there but you just haven't gone out and proved it yet," he said. "Rick got the last two games. He started. We won one (and) lost one.

"I think that's the key is being able to get out there, not look over your shoulder and just go play."

Coaches and players have said they've noticed a different Ainge during practice. Wide receiver Chris Hannon said Ainge is more laid back.

"I think that's a good thing," Hannon said. "He's just sitting back and learning a lot of things. When he gets in, he might be brand new. He might just be throwing bombs all day. I hope so."

"We have a lot of confidence in him. We see him in practice every day. He's throwing the ball on target and he's a great quarterback."

"If we have to mix it up to win games, then that's what we have to do."

Ainge quickly dispelled any rumors that he might transfer.

"My future here is bright," he said. "People want something to talk about. By no means am I looking to transfer.

"I love Tennessee. I knew I'd be called on this year and years after that," he said. "There are two things you can do when things aren't going you're way. You can pout and demand, "play me or I'm out of here," which is 100 percent not me at all.

"(Or) you can take it as I need to get better so I can go out and play."

Ainge said he was antsy to get into the Georgia game on Saturday as the Vols' offense struggled. UT lost 27-14. Sanders and UT head coach Phillip Fulmer said they considered replacing Clausen with Ainge.

"It's tough for me," Ainge said. "I've never had to stand and watch no matter what sport it was.

"I've learned a lot watching Rick and how he's successful. If I can add what I can add to the game, I think I can help this team."

One would think the strong-armed Ainge could help UT make some much-needed big plays downfield. Ainge, however, has only averaged 9.92 yards per completion this season. Clausen has averaged 11.75.

Ainge was one of dozens of UT football players to visit four area hospitals. The time, for Ainge, was especially poignant.

Ainge said he may miss some practice time this week. He is considering a trip home to Oregon to be with his family after his great grandmother passed away last week.

Standing in a hospital amidst others' ailing loved ones, Ainge didn't seem bothered by something as simple as a lack of playing time.

"There's a lot of things more important in life than football," he said. "There are tough times in everyone's life.

"We can lighten the spirits and make them not think about what is wrong with them for five minutes. It puts everything in perspective."

Ailing Allen: Now that senior defensive back Jason Allen is out of the hospital, proper observation is key to his recovery, a source told the News Sentinel.

Allen's progress must be frequently monitored to ensure that the injured hip joint is receiving proper circulation, the source said.

Allen injured his hip against Georgia on Saturday trying to tackle Bulldog tight end Leonard Pope.

Allen's medical tests have given all parties reason to feel optimistic given the nature of his injury, the source said. There was no fracture to the socket, which would have been much more severe, only a dislocation.

Allen is out for the season but is seeking some of the top hip specialists in the nation to expedite his recovery before NFL teams begin evaluations for April's draft.

Allen's injury is similar to the hip injury suffered by former UT safety Deon Grant, who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.