From WBIR
"Everyone who watched the Vols game on Sunday night knows the team looked more energized and ready to play than they seemed in a while.A lot of that has to do with great coaching and preparation, of course, but a new pre-game ritual might have contributed to the hype.The Pride of the Southland Band and the football team worked together to create a new tradition called the Circle of Life.New band director Dr. Donald Ryder hinted at the new collaboration to 10News last week:“There is a surprise I can’t talk about that we are actually doing with the team that’s going to create a new tradition,” said Dr. Ryder. “Coach Jones wants to bring a new el of excitement and the Pride is part of that as well.”"
From the Times Free Press
"His debut out of the way, Derek Barnett now might as well be a veteran.The Tennessee freshman defensive end believes it’s time he plays like one, at least.After becoming Sunday the first true freshman to start a season opener on the defensive line for the Volunteers in the history of the program, Barnett already was thinking ahead to the next step in his development.“I feel good I got that first game out of the way,” the Nashville resident said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’m not going to be as nervous as I was. Now I feel like I need to play even better than I did Sunday.“I played all right, but I need to step it up a notch now.”Tennessee’s new-look defensive line was surprisingly effective in hemming in Chuckie Keeton, Utah State’s dual-threat quarterback, and limiting the Aggies’ ground game. Tennessee allowed Keeton to run for only 12 yards, and Utah State managed just 100 rushing yards. Most of that came on JoJo Naton’s 38-yard run in the fourth quarter with the Vols up 31-0.Read more at the Times Free Press"
From Rocky Top Talk
"Week one is in the books, and as you know, the Tennessee Volunteers opened with a big win, 38-7 over the Utah State Aggies, despite being favored by less than a touchdown. So what looked good, and what looked bad? It’s time for our weekly trending report, where we compare this week’s performance with UT’s recent levels. This being week one, there’s a lot of volatility. Fortunately for Vols fans, most of it is in the trending up direction.Read more at Rocky Top Talk"