KNOXVILLE -- Any offensive lineman would smile at the numbers: 332 yards rushing.
And sophomore tackle Dallas Thomas is certainly an offensive lineman.
"That's a lovely day at the office, man," Thomas said. "I was really happy for us to come out and produce like that. Everybody thought we had a bunch of freshmen on the O-line. We came together as a unit. We're all in, and we went real hard."
Cody Pope liked the sound of that, too.
"Sounds great," he said. "Those numbers sound great, but at the same time I know that we lost some yards out there."
Still, for an offensive line that began the day with three career starts - all belonging to senior Jarrod Shaw - it was a great way to start the season.
The Vols were able to run at will. They sprung tailbacks Tauren Poole and David Oku for explosive plays. Receiver Denarius Moore took one 58 yards on the ground. Even true freshman Raijon Neal broke a 40 yarder.
UT's first five linemen played the bulk of the game, including a couple series in front of second-team quarterback Tyler Bray.
The offensive line's performance Saturday was just an extension of the work they put in during the offseason.
"That did a lot," Thomas said. "It goes back to the summertime and getting together and hanging out, and then just grinding when you're really tired. Who are you going to depend on? My guy on my right, I know I've got. Just keep on grinding and grinding."
Dooley reacts to first game
UT coach Derek Dooley said the best part of his Tennessee debut was the Vol Walk.
"I mean, that thing was unbelievable," he said. "You can describe it all you want, but there's not a better example of how great these fans are than when we got off that bus.
"What we've been through the last couple of years and to see that support, it was unbelievable. Overwhelming."
Freshman play
The Vols played 12 true freshman on Saturday: Ja'Wuan James, Brent Brewer, John Probst, Channing Fugate, Zach Fulton, Justin Hunter, Da'Rick Rogers, Corey Miller, Neal, James Stone, Jacques Smith and Bray.
Injury Notes
Gerald Jones (hand) and Jarrod Shaw (ankle) were the only two injuries of note Saturday.
Dooley didn't have specifics after the game, but it's something to keep an eye on heading into Oregon week.
"We'll see," Dooley said. "We can't afford any injuries, but it's part of football."
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)