Today On Rocky Top: Vols Prepare For Game Changer

Sep 28, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; South Alabama Jaguars safety Terrell Brigham (18) forces Tennessee Volunteers running back Rajion Neal (20) out of bounds during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

From the Montgomery Post

"After not throwing in practice until Thursday of last week, Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall is doing more in practice and getting his normal share of the reps this week.“We’ve been careful with him, but he’s done a whole lot more than he did last week and has practiced well,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. “He’s been doing everything.”"

From Nooga.com

"Tennessee’s basketball team wanted to test its guards in its first exhibition game against Florida Southern last Saturday. In the Vols’ second and final exhibition on Thursday night, their big men will have their turn to be tested.“Southern Indiana has traditional big guys, guys who are big and physical around the rim,” Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin said. “(The game) will help our big guys, because they’ll have to be physical and have to defend.”Southern Indiana will start four players 6-foot-7 or taller, including 6-8, 249-pound Aaron Nelson and 6-8, 225-pound Taylor Wischmeier at the four and five spots. Both are seniors and both were double-figure scorers a year ago for the Division II power that finished 23-8 and advanced to the D-II Midwest Regional semifinals."

From the Murfreesboro Post

"The MTSU Lady Raiders and the Tennessee Lady Vols will tip off the 2013-14 season Friday night at the Murphy Center.Each team is coming off impressive showings during their exhibition games, but the stakes will be much higher on Friday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Murphy Center, and it will be televised on MyTV 30.“I think it is biggest game across the country to start the season on Friday night,” MTSU coach Rick Insell said. “What a special way to start out the game of women’s basketball, especially with the Final Four in Nashville this year.”Added MTSU senior forward Ebony Rowe: “We are really excited, it’s a big game for us. It is always a good matchup between us and UT. It’s kind of a rivalry now, and we have been working really hard this offseason. So, we are excited to get the season started.”"

From the Times Free Press

"Josh Dobbs was Tennessee’s starting quarterback last week at 10th-ranked Missouri.The freshman didn’t truly step into his new role, though, until Tuesday evening.That’s when Dobbs made his media debut and answered questions about everything from his performance in the Volunteers’ 31-3 loss and his leadership skills to his class schedule and why he’s majoring in aeronautical engineering.“It’s been fun being the quarterback,” Tennessee’s new starter said after practice with roughly 25 media members surrounding him.“All eyes are always on you, so you have to make sure you’re being smart and doing the right thing all the time.”"