Tennessee Vols morning report: Heupel, players recap BGSU win

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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And just like that, football season is upon us. The Tennessee Vols kicked off the Josh Heupel era with a 38-6 win Thursday over the Bowling Green Falcons. Although it was an ugly victory, there were plenty of fun highlights.

Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with continuing coverage of that win. We’ll update what Josh Heupel and multiple players said after the win, and part of Heupel’s comments includes an update on one player’s absence.

Beyond football, though, there are multiple other events going on right now. We’ve got a soccer match to recap along with volleyball and cross country previews, so let’s go ahead and dive into our Friday news to kick off the weekend.

Josh Heupel speaks after Bowling Green win – Grant Ramey, GoVols247

On the heels of the Tennessee Vols football team’s season-opening win over BGSU, head coach Josh Heupel met with the media Thursday. Heupel provided an updated on edge rusher Byron Young, who missed the game due to an eligibility issue from playing two games in prep school. He said they’re working with the NCAA and expect him back. Here’s what he said about the game.

"“Excited about the win. We have a ton of ways that we can and are going to need to improve out of this football game.”"

Joe Milton III, Theo Jackson recap Bowling Green win – Austin Price, VolQuest

In his first start with Tennessee football at quarterback, Joe Milton III struggled at times, but he accounted for three touchdowns on the night. Theo Jackson, meanwhile, led the defense in tackles with 11. Both spoke after the game. Milton talked about how he ran the ball and managed pressure in the pocket. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“I feel like I ran it better than I did before. I felt more confident in my run but there is always something to learn from it. I just have to keep moving the ball.”"

Jackson, meanwhile, talked about how the defense played as a unit. He was the starting nickel on the night. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“We did well especially in the run game, holding them to 30 yards rushing. Passing game, we need to tighten up.”"

Soccer remains unbeaten, tops USF – UTSports

The No. 22 ranked Tennessee Lady Vols rose up to their toughest challenge yet on Thursday. They beat the South Florida Bulls, who were 3-1 and ranked No. 23 by Top Drawer Soccer, 2-0, improving to 5-0 on the season. UT is still yet to surrender a goal this year.

"Redshirt-junior Brooke Wilson and senior Mackenzie George were the goal scorers for UT (5-0-0), while junior Lindsey Romig recorded the shutout in goal. Romig had three saves on the day to stretch UT’s streak of shutouts to five."

Volleyball set for Baylor – UTSports

On the heels of sweeping the Tennessee Classic, the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team will host the No. 9 ranked Baylor Bears Friday. Following Baylor, UT will host the No. 7 ranked Pittsburgh Panthers Sunday.

"First serve Friday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee’s clear-bag policy will be in effect again this season."

Cross Country set for Tennessee Dual – UTSports

Friday marks the start of the Tennessee Vols men’s and women’s cross country programs’ seasons. They both will take part in the Tennessee Dual.

"The meet is slated for an 8:30 a.m. ET start at the Cherokee Farms Cross Country Course.The Tennessee Dual will see the Vols and Lady Vols go head-to-head with Louisville as both teams race into the new season."