Tennessee Vols morning report: Josh Heupel previews Florida
Welcome to what is officially the last day of summer. Fall sports are already in full swing, and the Tennessee Vols are about to begin SEC play, so football season really is hitting its peak. This is the most exciting time of the year.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with coverage of what used to be the most exciting week of the year for UT. We’ve got multiple interviews previewing Saturday’s matchup with the Florida Gators to bring you.
That’s not the only football news. An update on next Saturday’s game time is also in the works, as is coverage of a women’s golf event. We also have news surrounding a scheduled men’s golf event that didn’t happen, so there’s plenty to touch on, starting with football press conferences.
Josh Heupel talks Florida week – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
On Monday, Tennessee Vols football head coach Josh Heupel held his weekly media session to preview the week ahead as UT prepares for the Florida Gators. Heupel wasn’t clear on injury updates, particularly with Joe Milton III. Here’s a bit of what he said about Florida.
"“I think they’re well-coached in all three phases of the game. They make you beat them. Obviously their ability to run the football on offense is a huge part. Top five in the country in rush offense. Defensively, I thought they were physical, tied in all three levels together throughout the course of the day. The defensive line was very disruptive. Special teams, they do a really good job as well.”"
Players talk Florida week – Austin Price, VolQuest.com
In addition to Heupel, Tennessee football had three players speak ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Florida too: JaVonta Payton, Alontae Taylor and Jerome Carvin. Payton talked about scoring his first touchdown at UT against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“This is actually my second touchdown in the SEC, so it was all just amazing. With it actually being here at home for my first one, it was just a great experience.”"
Taylor talked about the defense coming away with four interceptions against TTU last week, including one by him. This is what he said.
"“You can kind of see those interceptions happening in practice come to play in games. So coming off of a game where we had four interceptions is something we’ll take into this week of practice, but also something we look forward to taking more, if possible, come Florida.”"
Carvin discussed the play of the offensive line heading into Florida week. Here is some of what he said on that front.
"“There are definitely some things we need to work on, some things we need to fix leading up to this game against Florida. Overall, we played pretty well but overall, just need to (have) strain and effort more as well as work on technique.”"
Missouri time set – SECSports
On Oct. 2, Tennessee football will take on the Missouri Tigers at Noon ET. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
"The Saturday SEC Network triple-header on October 2 will feature Tennessee at Missouri in the first game of the day, Troy at South Carolina in the afternoon window and either Florida at Kentucky or Mississippi State at Texas A&M in primetime.The SEC on CBS game will feature Ole Miss at Alabama, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 CT / 3:30 ET."
Women’s golf finishes first day of Mercedes Benz Championship – UTSports
Two rounds of play on the first day of the Mercedez-Benz Collegiate Championship saw the Tennessee Lady Vols, who are hosting the event at the Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn., tied for first place. They will wrap up the tournament on Tuesday.
"Senior Mikayla Bardwell and sophomore Vanessa Gilly are in a tie for seventh place entering round three.Tennessee is tied with BYU at +3 following 36 holes of play Monday."
Men’s golf event canceled – Chattanoogan.com
Inclement weather forced the Scenic City Collegiate, hosted by the Chattanooga Mocs in Ooltewah, Tenn., to be canceled. The Tennessee Vols men’s golf team will next take part in the Blessings Collegiate Invitational, hosted by the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Ark. on Oct. 4-6.
"Overnight rains delayed the initial start time two hours. A further delay was warranted with another cell coming into the area moving back the decision to Noon."