Kevin Simon came into this off week with some obvious concerns.

"We made some mistakes offensively and defensively in that UAB game," Tennessee's senior linebacker said of UT's 17-10 victory last Saturday.

"It has kind of given us a sense of urgency that everyone knows they need to get better."

Get better because it sure doesn't get any easier.

Defensively, the No. 6-ranked Vols face one of their biggest challenges of the season Sept. 17 at Florida.

First, it's the Gators and The Swamp. That's enough to get most UT hearts pumping.

Added to the mix this time around is first-year Florida coach Urban Meyer and his spread offense imported from a successful stint at Utah.

"It's a little different," Simon said. "It takes a little getting used to and a little patience.

"You can't just play 100 miles an hour."

It's assignment defense.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer likened it to preparing for old-school veer and wishbone teams.

"You've got somebody for the dive, somebody for the quarterback, somebody for the pitch," Fulmer said. "You throw in screens and reverses and it gets challenging - and deep balls, and play action - there's a lot to it."

A lot to prepare for and a lot riding on the outcome in the early drive for a shot at an SEC championship game.

Florida opened with a 32-14 victory last week against Wyoming as quarterback Chris Leak completed 26 of 34 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns.

Receiver Chad Jackson had 10 catches for 138 yards and three TDs. The Gators' running game picked up 176 yards, but lost 85 in sacks and miscues for a net of 91 total rushing yards.

UT defensive end Xavier Mitchell, for one, isn't a big fan of Florida's new-look offense.

"I hate the option personally," he said. "But it's sound football. You just have to do what you're supposed to do.

"If anyone messes up it could lead to a big break for their offense, but if you understand what they're doing, pay attention and do the things you've done in practice you shouldn't have a problem."

Williams Going Home: Freshman defensive lineman Gerald Williams still hasn't made it through the NCAA Clearinghouse and is likely heading home to Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

"(Today) is really the last possible day," Fulmer said Thursday. "If we get something new that would be great, but it looks like he's probably going to have to go home."

Williams wasn't at practice and hasn't practiced with the team since the allowed two weeks of participation in preseason camp.

"The Clearinghouse issue hasn't been cleared up," Fulmer said. "It might be cleared up in two days, four days or six months, but hopefully we can make some progress.

"If it's a couple of days obviously we'd get him right back, but if it's too long he would have to wait and come in January. It's tough on him. He looks like he's going to be a good player and he's a fabulous young man. It's just a shame."

Injury Update: Defensive tackle Turk McBride didn't practice Thursday and had a cast on his right hand.

"He's OK," Fulmer said. "It's just a sprain he got (Wednesday)."

Freshman safety Demetrice Morley also has been limping slightly after suffering a sprained ankle in the UAB game. He has been practicing and both players are expected to be ready for Florida week.

Freshman running back Lamarcus Coker didn't participate and senior guard Rob Smith was again on the sideline resting up for the Gators.