Dwelling on the Florida game isn't the best way to begin a week of football practice, but the one-point loss to the Gators still looms over Tennessee.

"We're in disbelief, in shock a little bit," UT junior defensive end Xavier Mitchell said. "We're going to do our best to put it behind us and concentrate on the future."

The future begins 4 p.m. Saturday as the No. 19 Vols play host to Marshall. (TV: Pay-per-view)

The Thundering Herd is 1-2 and has the 75th-rated offense in the country.

That's not exactly an attention getter for the Vols. But Mitchell said he and his teammates must forget about the Gators.

"We have to," he said. "It's one loss, a loss we didn't want to have. But we have a chance to finish this thing undefeated from here on out."

Mitchell was one of UT's top performers last week. He made eight tackles, two for a loss, including a sack. The performance didn't satisfy Mitchell, who said he's intent on playing faster.

"I could do a whole lot better," he said. "It's easy getting congratulations but when I see something, I see something totally different."

Mitchell's continued improvement could be key for the Vols throughout the season. UT replaced three key starters from last season: defensive ends Jason Hall and Parys Haralson and All-American defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona.

Coaches expressed concern over the ends' progression during fall camp. Now, it seems like they might have turned a corner.

"It's been a long haul with trying to get everybody ready to play on that front four with the loss of Jason Hall, Parys and Jesse," Mitchell said. "We have come a long way from fall practice."

The position is even thinner since senior defensive tackle Justin Harrell had season-ending surgery to a torn left bicep.

Harrell played Saturday against the Gators with a protective sleeve over his left arm.

"He'll be well on his way to recovery," Fulmer said. "It's a several months deal, but he should be fine."

Harrell's absence creates a void inside, which will be filled by senior Turk McBride, who was playing end and tackle.

"We've got to have the other guys come along because we need the depth," Mitchell said. "Maybe we'll have a couple of guys at the defensive tackle spot come along and Turk can slide back out and we can continue to rotate a lot."

Second-Team Secondary: Fulmer said cornerback Antwan Stewart did a fine job at cornerback Saturday against Florida. Stewart moved there in place of Inky Johnson, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against Air Force.

Fulmer wasn't quite so pleased with some of UT's other defensive backs, especially the backups.

"Some of the others played like the second-teamers they were going into the game," Fulmer said. "We'll have to play much better Saturday."

Scouting Report: For the fourth consecutive week, the Vols will face a team that incorporates some form of the option into its offense.

"Their quarterback runs the option well," Fulmer said, referring to Bernard Morris. "They have good receivers and running backs.

"Defensively, they put on a lot of pressure. It's what we keep seeing. They are determined to stop the run. That seems to be the rage. If we execute, we have a chance to be successful."

Injury Report: Senior David Ligon was wearing a walking boot on his left leg. He did not practice Monday.

Sophomore lineman Ramon Foster,who missed Saturday's game because of an ankle sprain, practiced Monday. Sophomore tailback Arian Foster saw limited practice because of a sore ankle.

Sophomore receiver Austin Rogers worked out, but was limited because of a sore shoulder he suffered during the Florida game. Sophomore linebacker Ellix Wilson also is hampered with a shoulder injury from Saturday.

Practice Report: Redshirt freshman center Josh McNeil was taking snaps with the first team. Senior Michael Frogg has started every game this season after besting McNeil during a preseason battle in fall camp.

Wilhoit Honored: Kicker James Wilhoit was selected the team's CAREacter Star Athlete of the Week for his work off the field.