Fresh out of the training room, Tennessee's offensive line hopes to reach its full potential.

"I think we're in pretty good shape," offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens said of the Vols' health status.

It's actually better than pretty good. The Vols' offensive linemen are most likely the healthiest they've been all season.

The Vols expect senior center Richie Gandy to be available Saturday when UT hosts Ole Miss. Gandy has started only one game this season due to a preseason knee injury.

There was some concern earlier this week that guard Rob Smith, who mostly played center against LSU, could be slowed with a sore knee. Smith said that's not a concern.

"I'm good," he said. "The soreness is all gone. I'm ready for practice."

Gandy's status should allow Smith to return to left guard. The junior played the majority of snaps at center against LSU.

Senior guard Cody Douglas also is expected to be close to full speed after playing for much of the LSU game with a sore knee and ankle.

The addition of Douglas will allow UT to start their preseason first-team line for the first time this season.

UT survived the first three games by starting three different offensive line combinations and playing eight different linemen.

Douglas said he would not have been able to play against the Tigers had the game not been moved from Saturday to Monday because of weather.

Douglas said he played one of the best games in his UT career after not practicing last week.

"The more my ankle got better, I felt like I could play," he said. "My knee is just one of those things where I have to suck it up."

There was plenty of shuffling up front to overcome injuries and assure that the Vols were fresh late in the game.

Senior right tackle Albert Toeaina was the only player who played every snap against LSU. UT played two centers and junior Arron Sears played three line positions.

UT played well against the Tigers. LSU's senior All-SEC defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Claude Wroten only combined for two solo tackles and made no plays behind the line of scrimmage.

"I thought they played pretty well," Stephens said.

The injuries have forced UT to improve its depth. Sophomore Eric Young started at left tackle in place of Sears, who played guard in place of Smith.

"I was kind of nervous on the first series but it was typical football after that," Young said. "I did better than I thought I did actually."

UT will practice today then have a walkthrough on Friday.

Cool Customers: UT was thought by many to be at a disadvantage in the Baton Rouge heat. The heat index was more than 100 degrees. Not so, said Gerald Riggs Jr.

"The one thing that surprised me was the fact that it seemed like they were gassed," the senior tailback said. "Conditioning is what it came down to.

"I don't even think we had anybody cramp up. We were able to basically take over because I think we were in a little better shape."

Senior Star: C.J. Fayton said he put extra emphasis on improving during the offseason for his final year at UT.

"I really worked hard this summer," the senior wide receiver said. "I really tried to take my game to the next level."

The approach worked. Fayton has overcome offseason knee surgery to become UT's leading receiver. He has 14 catches for 161 yards and UT's longest reception of the season, 53 yards.

Fayton said his experience gives him an advantage.

"When I see coverages, I know exactly what to do and when to do it and how to adjust my route," he said. "I think Rick (Clausen) feels secure in me, knowing that I'll be in the right place at the right time."

Missed Opportunity: Cory Anderson said he lamented a dropped pass in the fourth quarter against LSU. Anderson was wide open with a clear path to the end zone.

"That probably could have ended the game," the junior fullback said. "I just have to make some plays when I get the chance."

Flip Flop: Clausen's father, Jim Clausen, must have been happy that his son climbed back into the starting role. Jim Clausen told the USA Today that his youngest son, Jimmy Clausen, was considering Tennessee, LSU, Notre Dame, South Carolina, USC and Michigan in that order.

Jim Clausen didn't mention UT last week when asked who his third son was considering by The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C.

Jimmy Clausen is one of the top junior quarterbacks in the nation.