Tennessee Vols morning report: Football rankings, Jason Witten
The Tennessee Vols’ AP and Coaches Poll rankings, Jason Witten’s record, and Casey Clausen comments lead the Volunteers news for Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.
It’s officially Florida week for the Tennessee Vols. With their 2-0 record heading into their biggest game of the year, Rocky Top is counting down the days for this huge showdown.
But that’s five days away, and we have other updates to bring you. Before we begin, though, let’s remember all those who suffered from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks 16 years ago on this anniversary. We also want to say all those still suffering from this hurricane season are in our thoughts.
As we get set to bring you the news on Vol Nation, today’s updates are mostly a recap of the weekend. It includes Tennessee’s ranking, news surrounding a couple of former Vols, and other sports that drew some interest over the weekend.
Let’s start, though, with the most notable effect Tennessee football’s second win of the season over the Indiana State Sycamores had on them.
Vols ranked No. 23 in AP, Coaches Polls – Blake Toppmeyer, Knoxville News Sentinel
The Tennessee Vols moved up two spots in the AP Poll to No. 23 and fell two spots in the Coaches Poll to the same ranking, No. 23, following their 42-7 victory over Indiana St. this past weekend. The Florida Gators remain in the Top 25 of both polls as well, setting up for another epic clash between the two schools Saturday.
"Tennessee is ranked between Washington State and Utah in the coaches poll and slotted between South Florida and Florida in the AP poll."
Jason Witten becomes Cowboys all-time leading WR – Todd Archer, ESPN
As the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants 19-3 on Sunday night, former Tennessee Vols tight end Jason Witten made history of his own. Witten surpassed Michael Irvin as the all-time leading receiver in yards for the elite franchise.
"In 2012, Witten, 35, broke Irvin’s record for most receptions. He finished Sunday’s game with seven catches with 59 yards — giving him 1,096 receptions and 11,947 yards on his career."
Casey Clausen talks about Florida – Mike Griffith, SEC Country
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Casey Clausen remains the only quarterback to lead Rocky Top to victory over the Florida Gators in The Swamp since 1971. And he did it twice, in 2001 and 2003. The quarterback talked about the program and its chances on Saturday.
"Now in his fourth season as the coach at Calabasas High School in Southern California — where brother and fellow former UT QB Rick Clausen serves as offensive coordinator — Casey Clausen believes there’s no reason the 2017 Vols can’t get a win in Gainesville."
Tennessee Vols soccer defeats Virginia Tech – Cory Sanning, The Daily Beacon
Tennessee moved to 8-0 on the year with a very quality win over the Virginia Tech Hokies, who are 6-1-1. The win closes out their non-conference schedule, as they open up SEC play next on Sunday, Sept. 17 against the Kentucky Wildcats.
"Following a 14-day road trip, the Vols returned to Knoxville and delivered another victory in front of a capacity crowd at Regal Soccer Stadium, besting Virginia Tech 3-1."
Tennessee Vols golf ties for fifth at tournament – UTSports
The Tennessee men’s golf team tied for fifth at the Carpet Capital Collegiate over the weekend after shooting 2-under par.
"UT tallied a final-round 290 on The Farm Golf Club course to log its third top-five tournament finish in the past two seasons. The placing and score marked the Vols’ finest outcomes at the event since a runner-up showing (856) six seasons ago."