Ankle better, Chism returns to practice

"It’s kind of stiff, but it’s getting better,’’ said Chism, who took part in all team drills after missing Tuesday’s practice. "I’m glad I only had to sit out one day.

Chism will replace center Major Wingate, who was dismissed from the team in the offseason.

"There’s a lot going on out there, a lot to learn,’’ Chism said. "I didn’t want to miss any time.’’

UT coach Bruce Pearl said he was happy to get Chism back so soon.

It’s a real good sign the ankle was a tweak and not a major sprain,’’ Pearl said. "Today (Wednesday) we did some teaching, film study and review. We’ll come back (today) and go hard, back off Friday and be ready to scrimmage on Saturday.’’

NCAA Odds: Odds are 76-1 that Tennessee wins the national championship, according to PinnacleSports.com.

Florida is the favorite at 5-1 according to the website. Alabama is 45-1, LSU is 46-1, Kentucky is 50-1, Arkansas is 52-1 and South Carolina is 150-1.

Other UT opponents’ odds for winning the national title: Ohio State 11-1, Texas 50-1, Memphis 56-1, Oklahoma State 73-1.

Pearl, who said he considers Florida, LSU and Alabama as Final Four threats, said he’s not surprised Kentucky and Arkansas were picked ahead of the Vols.

"Kentucky will be much improved, and Arkansas’ talent is easily in the top six in the league,’’ Pearl said. "If they placed Arkansas fifth ahead of us, it’s because of their returning talent and frontline size.’’

Vanderbilt Commitment: Vanderbilt received a commitment from A.J. Ogilvy of Australia.

The 6-foot-11, 250-pounder plays for the Australian Institute of Sports in Canberra.