Tennessee's 59-7 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette was about all the Vols could have asked for.

And that certainly includes the Vols' reshuffled offensive line.

In their first game without left tackle Eric Young, the Vols' offensive line didn't give up a sack and paved the way for No. 22 UT's 276 yards rushing and 7 yards-per-carry average.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Sunday that sophomore Chris Scott "did fine" in his first start at left tackle since moving from right guard. Scott had played some at left tackle last season and in spring practice.

But Saturday's start was an easier way to reacquaint himself with the ins and outs of guarding quarterback Erik Ainge's blind side than it would be when Arkansas comes to Neyland Stadium for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff (TV: WVLT).

"It has to help," Fulmer said. "He played there a year ago a lot. Just getting him back used to it should be a plus. He did OK, but we'll play a lot better players than we played Saturday."

Saturday's win wasn't just a bonus for Scott.

Sophomore Cody Sullins got work backing up Josh McNeil at center. Senior Michael Frogg injured his back Friday and did not dress out against the Ragin' Cajuns.

Ramone Johnson also got some extended playing time at tackle.

Getting Johnson a lot of snaps was a point of emphasis entering the game.

"It was great," offensive line coach Greg Adkins said. "The whole plan today was to get Ramone some quality work, and to make sure that Chris Scott is tightened down on the left side.

"I think (Johnson) gave up a pressure. He was a little confused on a pass protection early. When things settled down, it looked like the better he played."

All that playing time - and the film study that comes with it - will pay off down the stretch, said Adkins.

"I think we gained some confidence," Adkins said. "You study it and grow from it. Where were our problems and how do we fix them, those sort of things. That's what we'll do. We have a three-game stretch, and Arkansas is next."

Running Razorbacks: Arkansas' 541 yards rushing Saturday against South Carolina took Fulmer by surprise, especially given that the Gamecocks' defense held UT to just 101 the week before.

"That's unbelievable," Fulmer said. "(South Carolina) didn't look like the same defensive football team that played against us.

"I think that goes back to (Arkansas) doing all the misdirection stuff, something you don't see every day. It's hard to simulate it in practice."

Arkansas' 541 yards is the highest single-game total for an SEC team in conference play.

That total ranks sixth all-time in single-game rushing by an SEC team.

The most recent of those marks was set by Auburn in 1985, against Southwestern Louisiana.

Hardesty Healthy: Montario Hardesty said his right ankle felt fine after rushing for 45 yards on nine carries.

Hardesty also said he's put his disappointment with not seeing the field three weeks ago at Alabama behind him.

"Just as far as not wanting to talk to reporters after the Alabama game was over, I should have handled that better," Hardesty said. "That situation is behind us. I just want to come out and play football."

Injury Update: Reserve defensive tackle Chase Nelson is expected to miss 10 weeks after undergoing surgery Sunday after dislocating his wrist.

The sophomore played in his fourth game Saturday and had three tackles this season.

Receiver Austin Rogers suffered a bruised shoulder and will be limited at practice early this week.

Fulmer said he expects Rogers will be ready Saturday.

Bolden Back: Defensive tackle Demonte' Bolden returned from suspension and practiced with the first-team defense during Sunday night's practice inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.

Bolden did not dress for Saturday's game and practiced with the scout team after his suspension was announced Wednesday.

Top Flight: Arkansas ranks atop the SEC in seven statistical categories: total offense (473 yards per game), turnovers caused (22), interceptions (15, tied with Alabama and Vanderbilt), pass efficiency defense, rushing offense (315.8 yards per game), scoring offense (41.1 points per game) and tackles for loss (7 per game).

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.