Florida has Tennessee right where it wants it.

At least, the oddsmakers believe that's the betting community's perception.

The Gators opened as 3A 1/2point favorites over the Vols this weekend, and by Monday afternoon the spread had risen to as much as 5A 1/2 at some Las Vegas betting parlors.

"So we're the underdogs, huh?'' UT senior captain Parys Haralson chortled.

"We'll just have to see how it plays out,'' fellow UT defensive end Jason Hall chimed in. "People got to call 'em like they see 'em.''

The Vols might need to get used to the underdog role: Barring a decisive win over Florida, chances are UT will be the underdog against LSU, too. The Tigers have a week off to prepare for the Vols, and it's possible UT's travel plans will be affected by booked-up hotel rooms in Baton Rouge.

As it stands, Tennessee has four games remaining against top 10 opponents (Georgia and Notre Dame are the other two), and three of those four games are on the road.

"It certainly helps when you've got players who have gone to Georgia and won, Florida and won, Miami and won,'' Vols' coach Phillip Fulmer said. "We've got guys on this team who have been a part of those games and we'll find out a lot about this team this week and next.''

Injury Update: Senior linebacker Jason Mitchell (knee) remains limited and is questionable for Saturday's game at Florida. Redshirt freshman Jerod Mayo is getting work in Mitchell's place and would start if Mitchell can't go.

UT offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens said Richie Gandy appeared to be fine in Monday's practice, but Rob Smith and Anthony Parker will continue to get work at center. David Ligon returned to practice Monday but was limited.

Redshirt freshman Ramon Foster, who started at left guard against UAB, has been moved to the No. 2 spot at right guard behind senior Cody Douglas.

Freshman running back LaMarcus Coker (back) returned to practice on Monday.

Cornerback Jonathan Wade continued to look good in practice, but sophomore Roshaun Fellows has held on to the starting job for now, secondary coach Larry Slade said.

Fading Rating: The Matthews Grid Rating, once a part of the BCS system, could give UT a computer chip on the shoulder.

According to Dr. Herman Matthews, the Vols are No. 13 in the country. Matthews' computer has USC No. 1, followed by No. 2 Texas, No. 3 Florida, No. 4 LSU and No. 5 Georgia. Notre Dame is No. 10.

"This is one of those things that can happen when basing a rating solely on one or two games,'' Matthews said. "I think the Vols will probably be better than this after playing some of the real meat in their schedule. A win over the next two opponents would undoubtedly make a major change in the rankings.

"Give the ratings another week or two and we will see much clearer the lay of the land ... the road ahead really looks rocky to me.''

No Hype: ESPN GameDay has announced it's no longer going to the UT-Florida game as originally planned. Instead, Lee Corso & Company will go to the Boston College-Florida State game.