KNOXVILLE—The Vols returned to the practice field Tuesday after being physically dominated in a 31-3 loss to Missouri over the weekend. In his Monday press conference, Butch Jones pledged that practice would be much more physical this week and he kept his promise. Here are a few notes from Tuesday’s practice plus some of the best Butch Jones quotes I’ve heard in some time.

Notes

*Though Nathan Peterman didn’t travel to Missouri, he participated in practice today and looks to be a “full go” as Jones said yesterday. His thumb was wrapped during practice but it didn’t noticeably affect how he threw the football. He primarily worked behind Dobbs and Ferguson and if practice is any indication, the QB depth chart is as follows: 1. Dobbs. 2. Ferguson. 3. Peterman*

*Riley Ferguson has been battling a lower leg injury but his health appears to be improving. He has been practicing with a wrap on his lower right leg the past few weeks, but that wrap was absent today. In contrast to prior weeks, Ferguson practiced without any noticeable limp.*

*During walkthrough periods, the Vols worked out of several two-back sets. Look for them to potentially utilize Neal and Lane together in the backfield with increasing frequency.*

*Though Jones said yesterday that Lane’s role would increase this week, Neal worked primarily with the first team.*

*Jason Croom, Marquez North, and Pig Howard worked with the first team at receiver. Josh Smith, who has started four games this season, worked with the second team.*

*Michael F. Williams, a redshirt freshman defensive back, worked with the scout team and simulated Auburn QB Nick Marshall. A first-year starter for the Tigers, Marshall is an adept runner and former defensive back. Marshall has gained over 500 yards on the ground this year.*

*The Vols spent considerable practice time in the “Tennessee Tough” drill where Jones pits one Vol against another in a test of their physicality.*

Jones Quotes

“Everybody wants to win until they’re hit in the mouth.”—Jones to the whole team during “Tennessee Tough” drills

“Come on Fulton, you’re the biggest soft guy I’ve ever seen.” —Jones to Vol senior guard Zach Fulton during drills

“We’ve got a new nickname for the offensive line. Everyone wanted to crown them as the best, we’re club 90 because that’s how many rushing yards we had last week. Welcome to the club.”

“Give me Sanders (a true freshman offensive lineman from Cleveland, TN) and that soft guy from Knoxville (CAK graduate and true freshman Brett Kendrick). Cleveland soft, Knoxville soft. Tennessee’s finest.”—Jones as he called for the two to face-off in a “Tennessee Tough” matchup

“Come on Marlin, come on Marlin. We’re working on a trade with Bethune Cookman…Marlin is allergic to the weight room. He had a bigger neck in high school.”—Jones implying Lane belongs at an FCS school

“Football rewards those in great condition.”

“Come on scout team, earn the right to run through the T.”