Tennessee's football players have taken their fans on a roller-coaster ride this season.

There's been a season-opening win against a top-10 team, a close call against an undermanned opponent and a heartbreaking loss to an SEC East rival.

The Vols have kept the turnstile open during practice this week. This time, UT's coaches are taking a ride.

"We're still working on being a consistent football team," coach Phillip Fulmer said after Wednesday's practice. "Yesterday, we had one of the best practices of the year.

"We were challenged. They responded accordingly and I liked that."

Fulmer didn't like what he saw one day later.

"It wasn't nearly as sharp as it needs to be," said Fulmer, who was visibly frustrated. "We're a team that definitely needs to move in the right direction and I expect us to do that."

It's easy to point to last week's disappointing loss to Florida as a reason why UT's players didn't have the necessary focus. Fulmer said that's not the case.

"It is behind us," said Fulmer, who declined to specify who drew his ire during the closed practice. "That's water that's over the dam."

This isn't the first time the Vols have struggled on the practice field after a strong performance just days before. A similar scenario unfolded during preseason practice shortly after the Vols turned in their best scrimmage of the year.

"Sometimes when you're young in spots," Fulmer said, "they don't know how to handle a compliment."

Fishing For Snaps: Fulmer didn't specify how much Walter Fisher would play Saturday, if at all.

"Walter's rusty as can be," Fulmer said. "Physically, he's ready to go. I think his spirit is really good."

The junior defensive end is preparing to see his first action as a Vol since signing with UT in 2004. Academics forced him to junior college. Then, a shoulder injury sidelined him midway through spring practice this year.

After undergoing offseason surgery, Fisher was released last week and said he feels like he is 95-percent recovered.

"I feel stronger in a way," the former Hillsboro High School star said. "But it's (the injury) still in the back of my mind a little bit."

Fisher said he is back on the field two weeks earlier than expected.

"Right now," he said. "I think my strength is a knack for the ball, just going straight to the ball, making plays and getting off blocks."

Said Fulmer, "He tries hard and he's going to be a good player. He's just rusty right now. We hope he gets to play some."

Off-Field Focus: Erik Ainge said UT's focus has been extremely good off the practice field this week.

"We've got film sheets that are filling up more than ever," the sophomore quarterback said, referring to UT's sign-in forms for studying game tape.

One of the things that Ainge has seen on tape are his tendencies. Against Florida, they were on display late in the game as he tried to force two passes to junior receiver Robert Meachem.

"You've got to know when the other team is thinking, 'In this situation, he's going to Meach.' " Ainge said. "After those last two plays in the Florida game, teams that watch the film are going to say, 'OK, any clutch situation, Ainge is going to look for Number 3."

No. 3 (Meachem) isn't a bad target. He is the fourth-leading receiver in the country with 114.67 receiving yards per game. Still, Ainge knows he can't lock in on any receiver.

"If you didn't know that, it could hurt you," Ainge said. "I know that. It's been pointed out to me. I've seen it on film."

"We need to keep taking what the defense is giving us, not necessarily trying to get it to one guy."

When UT hosts Marshall on Saturday, Meachem will certainly be a priority for the Thundering Herd.

"You don't let the other teams' best jump shooter just stand open and shoot 3's all day," Ainge said. "You've got to try to take something away."

The question for Marshall is, how do you take away UT's leading receiver? Surely there will be wrinkles, whether it's double coverage, press coverage or deep safety help.

"We'll be ready for it," Ainge said.

Scouting Report: UT's running game could benefit from facing a new defensive style this week. Tailback Montario Hardesty said Marshall's base alignment is a 4-2, as opposed to a 4-3. That means one fewer linebacker in the tackle box.

That could help open some running lanes for an offense desperate to revitalize its ground game.

If UT is able to run the ball this week, scheme might not be the only reason. Determination could also be a factor.

"The running backs and O-line, we all met together," Hardesty said. "We talked about being a better team running. We've got to have balance. That's definitely a chip on our shoulder."

UT's minus-11 yards rushing against Florida would have to be a blow to any team's confidence. Hardesty seems to believe some issues are from within.

"We might have made that front look a little better than it was," the sophomore said of Florida.

Deceiving Numbers: Stats plus wins don't always equal confidence. Ainge will attest to that.

UT's quarterback said he garnered more personal confidence in a loss against the Gators as opposed to the season opening win against California.

"It's a different type of confidence," Ainge said. "California was more of an 'OK, we're back. We can do this. We can go beat anybody.' "

Ainge said the Florida game proved to him that he could handle adversity. Ainge was 11-of-18 for 291 yards, four touchdowns and one interception against Cal. He was 17-of-32 for 183 yards and two interceptions against the Gators.

Injury Report: Sophomore receiver/punt returner Austin Rogers returned to practice on a limited basis. Sophomore tailback Arian Foster did not practice.

Surgery For Mayo: Sophomore offensive lineman Cameron Mayo had surgery Tuesday on his left knee. Head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh said through a press release that Mayo was released from the hospital later in the day and should begin rehabilitation immediately.

Mayo redshirted the 2004 season and did not play in 2005 because of injuries. He is expected to be ready for spring drills, the release said.

Captains: Game captains for Saturday are defensive tackle Turk McBride, offensive tackle Arron Sears, wide receiver Bret Smith, tailback David Yancey and defensive back Ben Greene.