After being one of Tennessee's most-maligned units in 2005, the wide receivers are more than ready for 2006.

And Jayson Swain's not just hungry. He's starving.

The UT senior was second on the team behind junior Robert Meachem with 27 catches for 380 yards in 2005.

That's 27 catches and no touchdowns.

"I'm pretty hungry," Swain said. "It's about time. But as long as we win the game, that's the main focus. I'm just trying to make plays and if plays carry me into the end zone, I'll be happy."

So will the Vols.

UT's receivers caught just 11 touchdown passes a year ago, and no receiver had more scores than Chris Hannon and Bret Smith with three apiece.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said that the receivers are perhaps the Vols' most-improved group.

"From where they came from at the end of last season to where they are right now, I think bodes well for them," Fulmer said. "There's still work to be done."

For Swain, that work means getting into the end zone.

He hasn't had a chance to celebrate with UT's customary leaping high-five since his two-touchdown performance against Vanderbilt in 2004.

That's 14 games without a touchdown.

And that's more than long enough.

"Unfortunately, I didn't make into the end zone last year," Swain said. "That'll change this year."

No Scrambler: Jerod Mayo is just fine with California's decision to start Nate Longshore, a prototypical pocket passer against Tennessee on Saturday.

"I love going after the pocket passer because he can't move," the sophomore said when asked which type of quarterback he prefers to play against.

Cal also had the option to start Joe Ayoob, a scrambling passer. Cal coach Joe Tedford said both could play.

"A mobile quarterback adds a whole new dimension to the game," Mayo said. "You have to watch for him scrambling. It makes us change up our game plan but it's not that big of a difference."

Mayo plays at weakside for UT, which means he typically has more freedom to rush the passer, whoever it might be.

"I'd rather blitz all day," Mayo said. "It's not even close. A linebacker's dream is coming off the edge."

Mayo may get his wish Saturday and beyond. UT's defensive strength is considered its secondary, which returns every starter.

"We can run a lot more man-to-man with those corners out there," Mayo said. "We can run a lot more blitzes and not worry about giving up any passes."

Tackling Depth: Fulmer reiterated the importance of developing depth at defensive tackle.

Justin Harrell and Matt McGlothlin will start and J.T. Mapu will play some, but reserves Demonte' Bolden and Dan Williams will not see much action, if any, Saturday.

"I'm not sure that we can," Fulmer said when asked if he could count on Bolden and Williams against Cal. "A few plays maybe, about one or two of them. Right now, our intent would be to rotate those three."

Turk McBride, who will start at defensive end, is available to take some snaps at tackle. Fulmer said the Vols will be able to rotate five players at end.

Fulmer said he expects the 6-foot-6, 290-pound Bolden to be able to contribute later this season.

"He's obviously got physical ability," he said. "It's again a maturing process he's got to go through. And I think will be a good player. It's just how soon is big for us."

I Spy: Trooper Taylor said he'll be keeping a close eye on Cal cornerback Randy Bundy, who is replacing Tim Mixon.

Mixon suffered a season-ending knee injury during fall camp.

"You definitely do that," UT's wide receivers coach said. "You want to know who you're going up against."

The advantage might not be as great considering Bundy is a senior.

"They've played so many guys," Taylor said. "I think that's going to help them.

"I think they're really athletic. They do a good job of making those guys play within their scheme. They don't give up big touchdowns.

"They don't jump in and put their noses where it's not supposed to be. They're a pretty disciplined group."

Video Junkie: Junior quarterback Erik Ainge said he has watched plenty of tape on the Golden Bears.

"We have a sign in sheet for how much film we watch each week and I've about filled it up because it's so important to me and so important to these guys," Ainge said.