Tennessee Vols morning report: 2020 SEC Media Days details announced
Details surrounding the Tennessee Vols football program at 2020 SEC Media Days leads our Volunteers news for Friday, Feb. 21, 2020.
Happy Friday. The Tennessee Vols are getting set for a news-filled weekend, as the men’s basketball program begins a deep stretch run while the women’s basketball program has to somehow play catch-up.
Our morning update on Rocky Top, though, leads with football. Details about the summer event that always kicks off the preseason were revealed on Thursday, and we’re going to focus on what was said in that.
Beyond that and basketball, we’re loaded with baseball and softball previews, continuing coverage of a swimming and diving event, and previews for track and field and men’s and women’s tennis. So let’s get started with the football news.
SEC Media Days 2020 details returns to Atlanta – AJC
For the second time in three years, SEC Media Days 2020 will be in Atlanta this summer. The Tennessee Vols football team will take the stage Wednesday, July 15 with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Arkansas Razorbacks and Alabama Crimson Tide.
"The event will be held July 13-16 at the College Football Hall of Fame and Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center. Atlanta also hosted the event in 2018. The event will be televised by the SEC Network and ESPN."
Rick Barnes previews Auburn – Cory Sanning, SI
Ahead of the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball matchup at the No. 13 Auburn Tigers, Rick Barnes spoke with the media on Thursday. Here’s a bit of what he said about Auburn.
"“They are different than they were a year ago, where they are not making normally as many threes as they made. They are relying more on an inside game and midrange game. They are capable like any team of having big shooting nights. They are more of an inside-out team than they were a year ago. They are a tough team to defend.”"
Kellie Harper recaps Lady Vols loss – Maria M. Cornelius, GoVols247
In their fifth straight game against a quality, the Tennessee Lady Vols came out on the short end of the stick for a fifth time, losing at the No. 22/25 Arkansas Razorbacks 83-75 to fall to 17-9 and 7-6 in the SEC on the year. Here’s a bit of what Kellie Harper said after the game.
"“I didn’t think we were tough enough in the first half. Play through adversity. You’ve got to play through it. We were frustrated and got a little soft.”"
Baseball begins Round Rock Classic – RoundRockClassic.net
Amidst a 4-0 star, the Tennessee Vols baseball program will take part in this weekend’s Round Rock Classic in Round Rock, Texas with three other teams. UT will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders Friday, the Houston Cougars Saturday and the Stanford Cardinal Sunday. Here is what President Ryan Holloway said about the event.
"“The Round Rock Classic strives to bring four of the nation’s top NCAA Division I teams to compete over 3 days in a round robin format. As a sister event of the Frisco College Baseball Classic located in Frisco, Texas it is our goal to coincide with the Frisco Classic’s mission of being the #BestOutsideOfOmaha.”"
Softball begins USF Invitational – GoUSFBulls
Ranked No. 12 with a 6-2 start, the Tennessee Lady Vols softball program will play its first of five games in the USF Invitational in Tampa, Fla. on Friday. They will compete with the FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on Friday, UCF again on Saturday with the USF Bulls, and then the USF Bulls a second time on Sunday.
"Tennessee traveled to Mexico last weekend, going 3-1 in its trip. Its losses this season have come against Texas and Arizona, both of whom have spent time ranked this season."
UT sets records swimming and diving SEC Championships – SECSports
On the third day of the SEC Swimming and Diving Championships, Tennessee’s Erika Brown won her third title by breaking 100 butterfly American Record. UT was first on the women’s side in the league and fifth on the men’s side. Competition resumes Friday and will last through Saturday.
"To begin the evening session, Tess Cieplucha of Tennessee became the first Lady Vol to win the women’s 400 IM at the SEC meet with her best time of 4:01.88.…Erika Brown of Tennessee won the women’s 100 fly for the third consecutive year, posting an SEC meet record time of 49.38. Brown is now the all-time third fastest performer in the event."
Track and Field begins Virginia Tech Invitational – HokieSports
Tennessee Track and Field will have multiple players sent to Blacksburg, Va. to compete in the Virginia Tech Challenge this weekend. They are one of 16 programs competing in the event.
"The two-day meet will begin at 5 p.m. ET on Friday and will commence again Saturday, with field events beginning at 11 a.m. Admission will be free for all fans and parking is available in the lots surrounding Rector Field House."
Men’s tennis to host Georgia Tech – Nathan Lick, Daily Beacon
After a week off, the No. 10 ranked Tennessee Vols men’s tennis program is back in action Friday. At 10-1, they will host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 4 p.m. ET.
"Tennessee is riding momentum, headed into its final bout before SEC play begins next weekend. The Vols have worked their way into a good position, but still have plenty of work to do to finish the season the way they want."
Women’s tennis hosts doubleheader – UTSports
Coming off hosing a doubleheader in which they won both games last Friday, the No. 26/19 Tennessee Lady Vols tennis program is set to do it again. At 7-1, they will host the Cincinnati Bearcats and Chattanooga Mocs.
"Friday morning marks the first meeting between the Bearcats and the Lady Vols on the tennis court. Against UTC, the Lady Vols hold a 9-3 advantage all-time. The Lady Vols are a perfect 5-0 in the last five meetings, blanking the Mocs four times."