Tennessee Vols morning report: Guarantano and Phillips players of the week

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the first half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the first half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Two Tennessee Vols being players of the week and Jeremy Pruitt’s Monday presser lead our Volunteers news for Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018.

The world is loving the Tennessee Vols after their huge win over the Auburn Tigers on Saturday. It’s pretty clear that nationwide fans and analysts want this program to be back, and they showed it with the respect they gave UT. It’s reflected in our morning report.

As we get set to bring you today’s updates on Rocky Top, league-wide respect for certain players leads our morning report. We also have a recap of things Jeremy Pruitt said on Monday along with the time set for a new game.

Meanwhile, there are other sports to cover. National recognition in men’s basketball is also a story, and there is a bit of tennis news. So we cover a lot of ground here in the middle of October. Let’s start with all the football news that still has fans on high.

Guarantano, Phillips named SEC players of the week – SECSports

Tennessee Vols sophomore quarterback Jarrett Guarantano and senior defensive end Kyle Phillips were named SEC players of the week after leading their team to victory over the Auburn Tigers this past Saturday. Guarantano shared offensive player of the week with Jordan Ta’amu of the Ole Miss Rebels, and Phillips was the defensive lineman of the week.

"Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jarrett Guarantano led Tennessee to its first win at Auburn in 20 years with a career day that included 328 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-32 attempts.—Senior defensive end Kyle Phillips totaled a career-high and a team-best nine tackles to go along with a half-sack and a forced fumble in the 30-24 upset victory for the Vols at No. 21 Auburn."

Jeremy Pruitt speaks after Monday practice – Grant Ramey, GoVols247

Tennessee Vols football head coach Jeremy Pruitt addressed the media for his weekly presser on Monday to recap the Auburn Tigers win and look ahead to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Pruitt noted a few key points, including that Tyson Helton will stay on the sideline, named Jordan Allen, Deandre Johnson and Austin Smith as guys who could fill in for Jonathan Kongbo, called Jauan Jennings one of his favorite guys, and touted Alabama’s offense. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“It was good to get a win this week on the road. I think our kids are excited. I know our fan base was, but it’s like we told our players, we’ve got 24 hours to celebrate and enjoy it. Then it’s time to move on to Alabama.”"

Kickoff time vs. South Carolina released – Jennifer Prohov, WBIR

Tennessee football will face the South Carolina Gamecocks at night. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on SEC Network at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.

"South Carolina is currently ranked right above the Vols in the SEC East with two conference wins to Tennessee’s one following last week’s win over Auburn. It was Tennessee’s first SEC win since 2016, and its first over an SEC West team since 2010."

Jordan Bone on 2019 Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch ListHoophall Awards

Tennessee Vols men’s basketball guard Jordan Bone was named to the 2019 Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List. Named for College of Holy Cross and Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy, the award goes to the nation’s best point guard in college ball. Bone was among 20 players to be on the list.

"A Basketball Hall of Famer since 1971, Mr. Cousy wanted to continue both his legacy and ensure that the best point guards in the collegiate game are appropriately recognized. Since 2004, the Cousy Award has both recognized some of the games’ best players and students."

Tennis co-captain captures ITA Ohio Valley Regional Crown – UTSports

Tennessee men’s tennis senior Timo Stodder won the ITA Ohio Valley Regional singles Title Monday by capping off a 7-0 stretch in the 128-player field. The victory makes him the second UT player to capture this crown, as Hunter Reese won it in 2013.

"Stodder also competed in the regional doubles final Monday morning alongside Preston Touliatos. The second-seeded senior duo fell to ninth-seed Inno/Ilic (Belmont) 6-4, 6-4."