Tennessee Vols morning report: Coaches, players recap Tennessee Tech
It may have only been over an FCS team, but Tennessee Vols football fans should savor being able to enjoy a blowout win. There’s no telling how many of these will come throughout the year, especially with SEC play about to begin, so appreciate them.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with more coverage of UT’s 56-0 football victory over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles from this past weekend. We’ve got interviews with coaches and players to touch on.
Beyond football, though, there are plenty of other sports generating news. There are recaps in volleyball, soccer, cross country and men’s and women’s tennis. Meanwhile, we have previews in men’s and women’s golf to touch on. So there’s plenty to cover to kick off this week, starting with more football news.
Josh Heupel recaps Tennessee Tech win – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
On the heels of the Tennessee Vols football team’s second win of the season to move to 2-1, head coach Josh Heupel spoke with the media after the game. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“Thought the team did a lot of things that we were asking them the previous week. I thought they still played with great effort and energy, particularly defensively, special teams. Thought we played cleaner. Way fewer penalties.”"
Players discuss Tennessee Tech win – Austin Price, VolQuest
In addition to Josh Heupel, Tennessee football had four players speak with the media after the game: Velus Jones Jr., Jaylen McCollough, Hendon Hooker and Solon Page III. Hooker talked about what he showed the coaches with his play at quarterback. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“I feel like I had a pretty good showing. I have some things I can clean up. I need to be a lot cleaner in my intermediate game and taking care of the ball.”"
Page talked about what he was thinking on the interception that he ran back for a touchdown. Here’s how he described it.
"“Once the ball came out of the quarterback’s hands and I saw it up in the air, I thought I had to go get it. Once I had it in my hands, it was just muscle memory at that point. I went down there and made the touchdown.”"
McCollough talked about the defense finally coming around and making big plays. This is what he said on the matter.
"“All week, Coach (Tim) Banks and Coach (Willie) Martinez were persistent on wanting us to get turnovers and make plays on the ball. That was our main focus coming into the game today, and we executed by playing hard and fast and it showed.”"
Jones discussed his 45-yard touchdown reception in the first half that came on a 4th and 3 play. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“It was a quick in. I figured the way the linebackers were playing that there was going to be a big window for me. I made a move, got open, grabbed the ball, broke a tackle and was off to the races.”"
Cross country programs finish top 10 at North Alabama Showcase – UTSports
Last Friday, the Tennessee Vols men’s cross country program finished No. 8 at the North Alabama Showcase, and the Lady Vols program finished No. 10. It was the second race of the season.
"The Vols were led by Fuji Anday who placed 21st out of 169 runners, finishing the 8K race in 25:01.70.…Avery Jackson led the Lady Vols Friday morning with a 46th-place finish in 18:14.74."
Volleyball wins two of three at Stacey Clark Classic – Ken Lay, VolsWire
After beating the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastadons and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Friday at the Stacey Clark Classic in West Lafayette, Ind., the No. 22 ranked Tennessee Lady Vols fell to the No. 9 ranked Purdue Boilermakers Saturday. All three matches happened in three sets.
"Morgahn Fingall totaled 14 kills for Tennessee (8-2), which is now 1-2 against top-10 teams this season. The Lady Vols notched a five-set victory over Baylor and dropped a five-setter to Pittsburgh earlier this season."
Soccer falls in SEC opener – Ken Lay, VolsWire
For the first time all season, the Tennessee Lady Vols surrendered a goal…and lost. Brian Pensky’s No. 13 ranked program fell on the road to the Arkansas Razorbacks 3-1 Friday in their SEC opener, falling to 7-1 on the year.
"The Lady Vols scored its lone goal of the match in the 59th minute. Claire Rain scored and Mackenzie George was credited with the assist."
Men’s tennis wraps up Champaign Future – UT Daily Beacon
Sunday marked the end of the week-long Champaign Future tennis event in Illinois. The Tennessee Vols men’s tennis team completed play Friday.
"Next on the docket for Tennessee is the ITA Regionals, scheduled for Sept. 23-27. The Vols will serve as hosts during the Regionals."
Women’s tennis wraps up Debbie Southern Classic – UT Daily Beacon
The Tennessee Lady Vols had a strong showing in the Debbie Southern Classic over the weekend in South Carolina. Their next event is scheduled for this weekend in Raleigh, N.C. at the College Ranked Spotlight +1.
"The biggest moment of the weekend came when Tennessee’s Tenika McGriffin knocked out No. 5 Georgia Drummy from Duke. Drummy took the first set 5-7 before McGriffin came from behind and won the second and third sets 7-6 (3), 6-3.McGriffin finished the weekend 2-1 in singles play."
Men’s golf set for Scenic City Intercollegiate – UTSports
Monday marks the first event of the year for the Tennessee Vols men’s golf program. UT travel to Ooltewah, Tenn. to take part in the Scenic City Intercollegiate, hosted by the Chattanooga Mocs.
"The two-day, three-round tournament begins with two rounds on Monday and the third and final round on Tuesday. The tournament is set to be contested at The Honors Course, ranked as the No. 1 course in the state of Tennessee and the No. 28 course in the country by Golf Digest."
Women’s golf set for Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship – UTSports
A week after their first tournament of the year, the Tennessee Lady Vols golf program returns home to host the Mercedes-Benz Championship. The event will take place Monday and Tuesday.
"The event had been held each year from 1997-2019, before the tournament’s absence from the schedule in 2020, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.The 2021 field consists of 17 teams and five individuals, including Tennessee sophomore Kayla Holden."