Phillip Fulmer wanted to make sure fans knew how grateful he was.

Tennessee's head coach sent a letter to season-ticket holders, thanking those in attendance for their support as UT beat California 35-18 last Saturday.

"It was incredible," Fulmer wrote, "the energy in that stadium as they supported and encouraged the Vols to victory. I believe it was the loudest I've ever heard Neyland Stadium."

Several UT players also commended the crowd during post-game interviews.

"Saturday night while standing in the tunnel ready to lead the Vols onto the field of victory versus Cal, I was absolutely awe struck by all that we have," Fulmer wrote, "... It is great to know that the Volunteer Nation and all our great traditions are behind us!

"I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate all you do to continue those traditions and especially for your loyal and enthusiastic support!"

UT plays host to Air Force 7 p.m. Saturday.

Up Front: Offensive line coach Greg Adkins said he was pleased with UT's centers, senior Michael Frogg and redshirt freshman Josh McNeil, in the season opener against Cal. Adkins said he expected Frogg to remain the starter.

"Neither one of them did anything great," Adkins said. "Neither one of them did extremely bad, either."

Adkins said he also was pleased with right guard Anthony Parker and right tackle Eric Young.

"The great thing about Eric was that he played really fast," Adkins said. "He didn't seem to be a guy that was doing a lot of thinking out there."

Left guard David Ligon said UT's coaches were tough on the Vols when they graded the Cal game. The message was obvious.

"We can play a lot better," the senior said, "that's for sure."

UT didn't give up a sack or a negative running play against the Golden Bears.

Offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said UT's offensive line needs to improve on first-down running plays and third down and short conversions.

Cal played eight defenders close to the line of scrimmage for most of the game on Saturday. After a big night passing, that could change.

"They're going to have to switch it up," sophomore tailback Arian Foster said, referring to Air Force. "We can run and pass the ball. We showed that."

Scouting Report: Air Force's option attack isn't the only group that could be challenging on Saturday.

"Air Force presents more problems from a schematic standpoint," Cutcliffe said, comparing Air Force's defense to Cal. "They'll cause us some problems."

Air Force's defense, according to Cutcliffe, is very multiple, zone-blitzing group that often utilizes safeties to pressure the quarterback.

Comeback Cory?: Cutcliffe said senior fullback Cory Anderson has responded well to preseason criticism from Fulmer.

"He needs to be a guy that's a weapon for us," Cutcliffe said of the 259-pounder. "Not many people have a guy that's that big and that athletic."

Cutcliffe said Anderson had some good blocks against Cal and has practiced well recently.

"It's a great story," Cutcliffe said of the former Austin-East High School star, who is on course to graduate. "He just needs to put the touch to the great story. He's capable of doing that."

Tailback Trio: Foster said he's adjusting to UT's tailback-by-committee system. The Vols seem intent on playing at least three tailbacks: Foster, sophomore Montario Hardesty and redshirt freshman LaMarcus Coker.

"When the ball's going to be spread around," Foster said, "you have to produce early in order for them to feel good about your game."

The group approach is far different than when Foster exploded onto the scene last year. He rushed for at least 100 yards in UT's five final games due, in part, to the fact that UT was thin at tailback.

"It's a little bit of a challenge," Foster said. "It makes it tougher because it takes me awhile to feel a defense out."

Foster carried the ball 17 times for 69 yards against Cal.

Underclassmen Update: Cutcliffe didn't have any rave reviews about guard Jacques McClendon or wide receiver Quintin Hancock, but he was pleased to get the two freshmen in the Cal game.

"It's good to see them get their feet wet," Cutcliffe said. "That's about what we got done with them. They got a taste and a taste is good. I think they're going to grow quickly."

Bam Blocks: Wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor said UT's wideouts had nine "knockdown" blocks against Cal.

"We need to pick that up even more," Taylor said.

Taylor said senior receiver Bret Smith, who has been sidelined this week with a head injury, suffered a concussion while laying a block against Cal.

New Look: Foster said he's not worried about hosting the second opponent of the season in its first game.

"I feel like, if we play our game," Foster said, "we can compete with anybody."

More Vols: UT senior wide receiver Stanley Asumnu said he was so sick he didn't attend the Cal game. The former basketball player said he has recovered from the stomach illness that plagued him last week ... Air Force defensive coordinator Richard Bell was defensive coordinator at Georgia 1989-93, which means he worked against both Fulmer and Cutcliffe as offensive coordinators.

Awarded: UT was named the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of Week by Football Writers Association of America for its 35-18 win over Cal.

Florida, Montana State and Northwestern also were nominated.

Nelson on the move: Freshman defensive lineman Chase Nelson has been moved to defensive tackle, UT coach Phillip Fulmer said in his Tuesday press conference.

"Chase has got some natural quickness," Fulmer said of the 6-foot-4, 251-pound true freshman from Tulsa, Okla. "He comes from an outstanding program. He's a little bit undersized to be in there, but he's aggressive. That's what I want. I want somebody that's going to get in there and mix it up."

Fulmer said he's still looking for redshirt freshman Dan Williams and sophomore Demonte' Bolden to become more consistent contributors at tackle, as well as J.T. Mapu, behind starters Matt McGlothlin and Justin Harrell.