[Tuck4Bama]

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee began preparations for Cal last week. But with game week officially here, there was an extra pep in the players' steps on Monday.

"I am ready for it, and I think the players are darn sure ready for it," Coach Phillip Fulmer said. "You get 23 practices and hitting each other and going through all that, and grading film and everything. I think everybody is ready to play a football game. I like the way this team has responded to what we've asked them to do."

The staff has been pleased with the efforts of those who will play the majority of Saturday's game at Cal, but there is plenty of work to be done.

"We're not totally there yet, by any stretch of the imagination, with everybody that can help us," Fulmer said. "But there's enough guys on both sides of the ball, I think two-deep, who are fighters and tough guys and competitors."

Set in stone: It began as one of the Vols' biggest questions marks of fall camp, but now the right side of the offensive line appears set. Sophomore Chris Scott has locked down the guard spot, and junior Ramon Foster is set at tackle.

Start of game week gives Vols energy - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 08/28/07 - Tennessean.com