Being a Tennessee offensive lineman this week isn't likely to land you a date with the homecoming queen.

The loss to Florida last Saturday wasn't exactly the unit's finest hour. Minus-11 rushing yards leapt off the stat sheet as if they were flashing neon.

Thus, the popular question at Tuesday's media day was what the heck can be done to improve the performance up front.

That's assuming anything can be done prior to national signing day in February.

"We have no problem taking the blame for a loss,'' said guard David Ligon. "We had a big part to do with it.

"We have no problem with not getting any credit when we win. ... We're going to take the challenge and we're going to get better.''

The powers that be believe Ligon will be proved correct, that the line will, in fact, get better.

Serious introspection seems to be in order, not hitting the panic button.

Because if you hit the panic button, what's Plan B?

There isn't one.

Wholesale personnel changes don't make sense, not after three games with all sorts of possibilities still on the table.

"We're critiquing and correcting the ones who played,'' said offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe. "Well, what does that say about the ones who aren't playing?

"... If they were better, they'd be in the game.''

That's not to say the five most talented linemen started and played virtually all the way against Florida.

The five who played against Florida were the five best prepared to play against Florida on Sept. 16.

"There are some young guys who are pretty darn exciting,'' said coach Phillip Fulmer.

"It's a matter of time and learning.''

Fulmer's young-and-exciting list includes:

Center Josh McNeil, a redshirt freshman.

"He's going to be a great player,'' said Fulmer. "Not a good player, a great player.''

Vladimir Richard, a redshirt freshman, and Jacques McClendon, a true freshman.

Fulmer: "They're better prospects than the guys we're playing right now.''

Chris Scott, a redshirt freshman who has fought most of his battles on the scales so far.

"He lost 50 pounds (from last year),'' said Fulmer. "If he gets his strength level up, he'll be a great player. He's just young.''

So what about those who aren't just young?

Senior Arron Sears is All-SEC caliber. Ligon, a senior, ranks No. 2 in terms of experience.

Junior tackle Eric Young is a first-year starter, as is sophomore guard Anthony Parker. Michael Frogg, a junior walk-on, won the center job in fall camp.

Sears and Young came to UT in the class of 2003, as did second-team tackle Steven Jones, who has yet to letter. All three were considered good prospects. So far, only Sears has vindicated the hype.

The class of 2002, those who would be battle-hardened fifth-year seniors, is off the books.

Cody Douglas played four years and graduated. Rob Smith left early for the NFL. But the two Parade All-Americans in the class, Heath Benedict and Brandon Jeffries, never played a lick for the Vols.

As for the class of 2004, Parker and Ramon Foster have a chance to develop into serviceable SEC linemen. Ell Ash is gone.

The highest-ranked prospect in that class, however, has yet to play. Center Cameron Mayo has been beset by injuries and faces more knee surgery yet.

The 2005 signing class included McNeil and Scott, both who whom were ranked by rivals.com either first or second in the nation at their positions.

Shoulder surgery scrapped McNeil's first year. He's still in catch-up mode.

Scott was so overweight when he reported he too is playing catch-up.

All of the above conspired to put Tennessee where it is. There is an upside, but you can't stick it in the microwave.

That said, it's time to turn up the heat a little.

McNeil, McClendon, Richard and Scott need to step it up in practice and Fulmer admits he needs to give them more of a chance on Saturdays.

The "old pucker factor" made him reluctant to play them against Florida.

But with Marshall and Memphis on tap before the SEC grind begins in earnest, it's time to pull the trigger.