Vols are not hurt by physical practices

A collective sigh could almost be heard from Haslam Field on Thursday.

Following a week of practice with more contact than before, Tennessee's football team avoided the major pitfall of such a change - injuries.

"I'm really happy with the way they responded and we didn't get anybody particularly nicked up," head coach Phillip Fulmer said following the Vols' final full practice of the week.

Moreover, offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said UT's offensive line should benefit from the increased contact, especially in the running game.

"I feel like we've practiced it better and I feel like we've had a more real look at it," Clawson said.

Only 1 net rushing yard against Georgia last week was the impetus behind the move. Playing a physical team such as Mississippi State is another.

How much could UT's struggling offense benefit from a fast start against the Bulldogs on Saturday in Neyland Stadium?

"Do I need to answer that?" Clawson said with a smile. "I think you know how great that would be."

Injury Report: Senior defensive tackle Walter Fisher is listed as doubtful with a toe injury he suffered against Georgia. However, Fisher was listed on UT's official dress roster on Thursday.

"I think Walter has a chance (to play Saturday) from talking to him," Fulmer said.

That remains to be seen. Fisher didn't practice all week.

That could be a trouble spot this week against a Mississippi State team that is determined to run the football, often between the tackles.

Fisher has been one of UT's top three defensive tackles throughout this season, sharing time with Demonte' Bolden and Dan Williams.

"The ones that are out there are the ones that are important," Fulmer said when asked of Fisher's importance this week. "If he can play some and help us, that's fine. If he can't, then somebody else needs to step up and play."

Fulmer said junior Andre Mathis will be UT's third defensive tackle if Fisher can't play.

"Andre's made some strides," Fulmer said. "Andre tries really, really hard every day. That's never been an issue."

Mathis' rise signals a change in UT's tackle rotation. Sophomore Victor Thomas was the first off the bench last week when Fisher was hurt.

"He hasn't practiced particularly great all the time consistently," Fulmer said.

Moore, Denarius: Following a 60-yard reception against Georgia, Clawson said sophomore receiver Denarius Moore deserves more playing time.

"We've got to get him in there more," Clawson said.

Moore is known as a speedster, although Clawson has seen much more.

"The neat thing is he'll go out and hit people and block people (in the running game)," Clawson said.

Clawson said he's also noticed that safeties have taken note of Moore's deep-play ability.

"There's a little bit of fear," Clawson said of opposing defensive backs.

On Schedule: Running backs coach Stan Drayton wants to make sure his group stays on schedule.

On first down, the goal is a gain of at least 5 yards. On second down, he expects a gain of at least half the remaining yardage.

And on third down, Drayton wants what every coach wants - a first down.

"To give you a number, it has to be within the schedule of what we're trying to do offensively," Drayton said of in-game goals for his running backs. "Obviously at the end of the year, I would love to have individuals over 6 yards per carry. That's a goal we'll set individually, but if we're winning ball games and staying on schedule, regardless of what that yards per average is, we're in good shape."

No Big Ones: Tennessee has yet to allow an opposing running back to rush for more than 20 yards on a single play.

In fact, UT's defense, which ranks fourth in the SEC against the run, has allowed only one rushing play of more than 20 yards, and that was a 23-yard run by UAB quarterback Joe Webb in the Vols' 35-3 victory on Sept. 13.

"A lot of it's maturity," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "We played with a bunch of young guys last year. For a fact, we didn't tackle as well. We're tackling good right now. Not great, but we're tackling good. They understand the leverage part, they understand the scheme and we've got some good players."

Praise For Frazier: Tennessee's next star at linebacker just might be sophomore Savion Frazier.

"I think really when you start looking at the guys that haven't played very much for us at linebacker, he's the one that's really up and coming," Chavis said. "I think he has a chance to have a really bright future."

Frazier has seen limited action, but he has eight tackles, three of which came on special teams. Chavis said the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Frazier's biggest strides have come in his understanding of UT's scheme.

"Physically, he's been there," Chavis said. "Now mentally, I think he's ready. I feel very, very comfortable with him being the game. I think Savion will have a really bright future here."

Drew Edwards contributed to this report.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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