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Tennessee Vols morning report: Pruitt after Kentucky, basketball in top 5

By Caleb Calhoun

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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Tennessee Vols head coach Jeremy Pruitt speaking after Kentucky and men’s basketball in the top five lead our Volunteers news for Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018.

It’s a great time to be a Tennessee Vols fan, that’s for sure. Fans are seeing light now for the football program under Jeremy Pruitt, men’s basketball is at an all-time high, and numerous other sports are gaining recognition.

All of that takes center stage in our morning report on Rocky Top for today. Now, with it being over a year since UT fired Butch Jones, the athletic department is clearly in a significantly better place. Pruitt’s press conference and men’s basketball rankings lead our morning report.

But we also have a preview of a game and national recognition for multiple players in different sports to bring you. So, as typical in November, we have a huge collection of stories to bring you. Let’s get started with the football news.

Jeremy Pruitt speaks after Kentucky win – Wes Rucker, GoVols247

Tennessee Vols football head coach Jeremy Pruitt addressed the media Monday after his team’s huge win over the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday. He noted that Bryce Thompson is healthy and talked about their need to improve everywhere. Here’s a snippet of what he said.

"“We need to improve this week, eliminate mistakes from Saturday and eliminate negative plays offensively. We need to create explosive plays and hopefully find something in the run game. Defensively, we need to find some way to affect the quarterback. We have to able to stop the run against these guys and get off the field and hopefully we can create something positive on special teams.”"

Men’s basketball in top 5 – WBIR

The Tennessee Vols men’s basketball program made their way into the Top 5 of the AP Poll Monday. Tennessee came right in at No. 5 behind the Duke Blue Devils, Kansas Jayhawks, Gonzaga Bulldogs and Virginia Cavaliers. They also had a first place vote and jumped the Kentucky Wildcats, who lost last week to Duke.

"Tennessee men’s basketball opened its 2018-19 campaign last week, going 2-0 with home wins over Lenoir-Rhyne (86-41) and Louisiana (87-65).They were ranked at No. 6 in the preseason poll and now they’ve bumped up one spot to No. 5."

Tennessee basketball hosts Georgia Tech – UTSports

The Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team will play host to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in its first game as a Top 5 team since 2008. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. E.T.

"ESPN2 will carry the broadcast on Tuesday night, which can also be streamed online through WatchESPN. Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action. Tickets are still available online at AllVols.com."

Darrell Taylor named SEC defensive player of the Week – SEC Sports

Tennessee Vols football outside linebacker Darrell Taylor has been named SEC defensive player of the week. Taylor was recognized for his efforts in UT’s 24-7 win over the Kentucky Wildcats, where he logged four sacks and forced and recovered a fumble.

"Taylor’s four sacks are tied for the most by any player in the FBS in 2018. He is only the third Vol ever to have four sacks in a game. It marked the second three-sack game for Taylor this season."

Two Lady Vols on Naismith Citizen Watch List – NaismithTrophy.com

Tennessee women’s basketball sophomores Rennia Davis and Evina Westbrook are among 50 players on the Women’s Citizen Naismith Trophy Watch List. The award only had six sophomores overall, and they were two of them.

"“The Citizen Naismith Trophy celebrates the accomplishments of student-athletes who demonstrate through their play the inner drive and passion that mirrors that of our company’s founding members,” said Eric Horowitz, managing director U.S. and travel retail, Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc. “We are looking forward to watching these 50 talented women play this season as they compete for the Women’s Player of the Year honor.”"

Tess Grubbs named SEC offensive player of the week – SECSports

Tennessee volleyball junior Tessa Grubbs was named SEC offensive player of the week for the second time in three weeks. She helped lead the Lady Vols to their seventh straight win.

"Tennessee’ Tessa Grubbs averaged 7.33 points and 7.33 kills per set. In Sunday’s win at Mississippi State, she recorded 22 kills and a .571 hitting percentage."

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