By JIM STEELE
pressbox1.com

The Tennessee Vols needed a better effort in Game 2 of the season and got it, to the guarded joy of head coach Phillip Fulmer.

Tennessee, in the wake of a shoddy defensive effort at California, tightened things up and defeated a decent Southern Mississippi team 39-19 in Knoxville last Saturday. As the game went on, the Vols appeared to get stronger and better, especially on the defensive side.

In the season opener at Berkeley, Calif., the Vols missed 22 tackles on defense, many more untold tackles on special teams and the host California Bears claimed a 45-31 win.

"We gave up too many yards in the first half," said Fulmer. "Most of those yards came on plays we could do something about and most of them were assignment issues we can correct."

Tennessee limited Southern Miss to 90 yards rushing, most of that coming in the first half. Meanwhile Tennessee's running game was much better, too. Arian Foster had 23 carries for 125 yards and two TDs. True freshman Lennon Creer had six carries for 53 yards. LeMarcus Coker returned to the lineup, to the delight of Fulmer.

"We're making progress in the running game and we were much improved in the second half," said Fulmer. "Foster finds ways to get to other places and I'm glad to have Coker back; he's a fast guy who can change the pace. Lennon Creer showed flashes."

Fulmer also said he hopes to have Monterio Hardesty back soon.

Southern Miss managed some big plays, but the coach was pleased that they weren't devastating.

"We held them to three field goals after giving up big plays and held them to 97 yards in the second half," Fulmer said. "We wore on them a little bit from a physical standpoint."

Fulmer continues to be pleased with Tennessee's air game.

"We've protected reasonably well for both ballgames," Fulmer said. "We've thrown it and caught it pretty good, but we need to continue to move the pocket and we need other receivers involved."

The Vols may have found a kicker. Daniel Lincoln drilled a 44-yard field goal and was better on kickoffs.

"I'm really proud of him," said Fulmer. "Daniel has been really hard working I-can-do-anything kind of guy and I give him a lot of credit for what he's done."

Kickoff coverage was a concern for Tennessee in the opener, but it was better against the Golden Eagles.

"The coverage was better, the average return was better because the kicks were better, other than that first short one," said Fulmer. "And we even got a take-away on coverage."

Now comes the challenge of Florida.

"We have to tackle well. We didn't tackle well at Cal and we lost," said Fulmer. "We have to tackle well against those guys."

The titanic struggle between the Gators and Vols will air on CBS 2:30 CDT.