Tennessee has been forced--yet again --to tryout a new offensive line due to injuries.

When the Vols play at LSU on Saturday they will almost certainly start their third different offensive line in their first three games.

Junior Arron Sears has moved from left tackle to right guard to fill in for senior Cody Douglas, who is doubtful for LSU because of a sore right knee and ankle.

Sophomore Eric Young appears to be on the verge of his first starting assignment. He has practiced at left tackle this week.

Coaches have raved about his recent improvement. He played in three games last season.

UT's coaches hope senior center Richie Gandy returns from a sore knee today. As for now, junior David Ligon and freshman Anthony Parker are playing center.

Parker played one series against Florida last Saturday when Gandy was sidelined. Ligon has yet to play this season after suffering a high ankle sprain during preseason practice.

If this newest lineup holds true Saturday, senior left tackle Albert Toeaina will be the only offensive lineman to start the same position in UT's first three games.

Junior left guard Rob Smith started the season opener at center against Alabama-Birmingham. He seemed confident that the new group could build the chemistry necessary to succeed in UT's zone-blocking scheme.

"As long as you get a full week of practice, I think you're fine for game time," Smith said. "If someone just comes in the middle of the game and you haven't zone blocked with them, the steps might be a little rough. As long as you have a full week of practice, you're fine."

Smith said he is comfortable with the revamped left side of the line, where UT made most of its rushing yards against Florida. Smith said he and Young have built a strong chemistry through the years.

"We're pretty much on the same page," Smith said.

All eyes will be on Gandy today. His return would bring stability and much needed depth to the offensive front.

Gandy has been extremely limited in practice since suffering a kneecap injury during preseason. Gandy had just recovered from an offseason ACL injury before the kneecap injury.

Gandy said he suffered an aggravation of his knee during the Florida game. He said he is waiting for the swelling and soreness to subside.

"I hope so," Gandy said when asked if he would play against LSU. "We have to get the swelling out. If we can get that done then, yeah, I'll be back.

"The ACL hadn't bothered me at all. This kneecap's giving me more trouble than anything. If I can tolerate it, I'm going to play through it."

Gandy said it was extremely important to get back by Wednesday to be prepared to play the Tigers.

"To get some looks at the trouble things that they might give us is pretty big," he said.

UT's offensive line appeared to be on the verge of a dominating performance against the Gators before special teams miscues forced the Vols to abandon the running game in hopes of overcoming a nine-point deficit.

"It's hard to show that (dominance) when you're playing from behind," Smith said. "I'd like to get in a game where we could grind it out on people. I'd like to get the opportunity to show that."

Simply Sickening: UT coach Steve Caldwell said he has plenty of faith in sophomore punt returner Jonathan Hefney and freshman punter Britton Colquitt despite their miscues against the Gators. Caldwell oversees UT's special teams.

Hefney muffed a punt. Colquitt called an ill-advised fake punt, then shanked the subsequent punt.

Caldwell said special teams mistakes made for a queasy feeling in the coaches' box.

"It drives you crazy," he said. "I came as close to puking in the press box as I ever have. It's gets disgusting."

Caldwell said UT's mistakes were easily correctable and the Vols began working on kick return Monday, a day earlier than typical.

UT has averaged 14.3 yards per return in kick returns this season. That ranks 11th in the SEC and 110th in the nation.

Riggs' Take: Senior tailback Gerald Riggs Jr. took exception to Florida head coach Urban Meyer's postgame assertion that the Gators were tougher than the Vols.

"You won the game so you get to say whatever you want to," Riggs said. "I honestly thought we were just better.

"I thought we were a lot better, a lot more physical. I really think that we beat them up pretty good in the run game."

Riggs and his offensive teammates had better be that good. The toughness challenge continues versus LSU.

"They're pretty good, one of the best I've seen in a long time," Riggs said. "They can go two deep at just about every position on that front seven. We've got to be ready. We've got to have our hard hats on.

T-Mac Back: Senior defensive end Jason Hall said junior Tony McDaniel will be a valuable addition to UT's defensive tackle depth. McDaniel will return to the field Saturday after a two game suspension for punching a UT student.

"Yesterday, he was so amped up at practice," Hall said. "He was ready to get back out there."

Recovering: Freshman quarterback Jonathan Crompton is recovering well from surgery to his throwing shoulder in August. The News Sentinel has learned that Crompton has a full range of motion and is experiencing no pain.

Crompton is scheduled to begin throwing in December and should be 100 percent for spring practice.