Talk about a pep talk.

The Tennessee football team is going way up the military ladder for some inspiration today.

Gen. Burwell "B.B." Bell, a four-star general who commands American forces in Korea, is on campus and will address the team at some point during its afternoon walkthrough.

Bell is an Oak Ridge native, a 1969 graduate of UT-Chattanooga and a longtime Vols' fan.

He recently sent Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer a letter of thanks for some comments Fulmer made prior to UT's season opener against Cal.

Asked about the pressure of opening against the then ninth-ranked Golden Bears, Fulmer said, "Pressure is a young father struggling to feed his children or soldiers facing bombs in Iraq."

Bell thanked Fulmer for recognizing the U.S. military forces and sparked the meeting today.

"With great supporters like you and many others from the Volunteer State," Bell wrote in his letter to Fulmer, "our youngsters can and will do whatever the nation asks of them.

"I greatly appreciate your support for our troops and your commitment to the defense of our nation."

Bell also will give a speech at 2 p.m. today at the University Center Auditorium.

His talk, "Korea and the United States: Prosperity or Parting Ways?" is being sponsored by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy.

Better On Thursday: After a good day of practice Tuesday and a bad one Wednesday, Fulmer had a more upbeat take on the Thursday workout.

"I'll tell you what, we had one heck of a good practice," Fulmer said. "I was really pleased with what we got done.

"After watching (Wednesday's) film, it was just a few things that upset me more than anything. It was probably better than what I thought coming off the practice field."

Don't Expect Foster: Sophomore tailback Arian Foster is expected to miss his second consecutive game because of an ankle injury.

"I think he would be available in case of emergencies, but hopefully we don't have any emergencies," Fulmer said. "Right now, the focal point on him is to get as well as he possibly can."

The Vols rushed for minus-11 yards in a 21-20 loss to Florida last week.

Coach Harrell: Injured senior Justin Harrell was at practice with his arm in a sling and ready with advice for his fellow defensive tackles.

"We have to call Justin coach Harrell now," Fulmer said. "He has been out helping and in the meetings. He's one of the leaders and captains of this football team, going back to spring practice and representing us at Birmingham (during SEC Media days).

"I wouldn't expect anything less from a guy like him. He's one of those guys you want to stay around as long as you can keep him around."

Harrell had season-ending surgery on his ruptured left biceps on Monday.

Fullbacks Need To Get Physical: Fulmer didn't exactly slam the production he has seen from his fullbacks this season, but he didn't give them glowing praise either.

"Our fullbacks are basically glorified guards, except in the passing game," Fulmer said. "Our tight ends and fullbacks, as we look at it, are very interchangeable. So if you count Chris Brown, Brad Cottam, (David) Holbert and (Cory) Anderson together, it has been OK.

"Have they been killers? No. Not as good as maybe someone like Mario Brunson, but Mario Brunson couldn't catch a cold either. These guys are a little multifaceted, but maybe not as physical as you'd like."

'D' Needs Big Stops: Senior defensive back Antwan Stewart wants to see Tennessee's defense come through with some clutch stops when it matters most -- the fourth quarter.

"I think we just have to start making plays when we're supposed to make them," he said. "We make them in the beginning of the game but when the time comes and it's crunch time, we don't seem to have that same ability.

"We just need to find a way to do what we can and get off the field."

UT has been outscored 35-10 in the fourth quarter this season.

Coker On Returns: With Austin Rogers riding a stationary bike in the early portions of practice, backup tailback LaMarcus Coker filled his spot along with Lucas Taylor on kickoff returns.

Jonathan Hefney handled punt return duties after Rogers suffered a shoulder injury against Florida.

Tidbits: Backup tailback Ja'Kouri Williams (ankle) is back on the dress roster for the first time since UT's season opener against Cal.

There's also a strong contingent of local players getting to dress against Marshall: Dylan Dickey (Farragut), Geoff Courtney (Farragut), Nick Reveiz (Farragut), Logan Love (Alcoa), Ryan Hill (Kingston), Anthony McAlister (Austin-East), Brett Barnes (Farragut) and Phillip Tritapoe (Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett).

Drew Tardy, a 5-10, 190-pound senior transfer from Marshall and Huntington, W.Va., also is on the dress list.

Tickets Available: After students came through and claimed all of their allotted tickets in UT's first three games, it didn't happen this week.

As a result, a few extra $40 tickets for the Marshall game went on sale Thursday at the UT ticket office in Thompson-Boling Arena.

Fans can also order by phone at 865-656-1200 or 1-800-332-VOLS.