Happy first day of Fall! It comes just as the Tennessee Vols get set to start SEC play this weekend at the Florida Gators, and while there aren’t a lot of expectations surrounding the game, the excitement is always there for UT.
Our morning update on Rocky Top is loaded with more coverage of that upcoming matchup. We’ve got an interview with one of the football assistants to cover along with more players who spoke with the media on Wednesday.
More football news is on the horizon as well, as the 2022 schedule is out, which we’ll cover. But there is another sport to break down, as we have a recap of a women’s golf event to bring you. Let’s dive in first with the football news for this week.
Rodney Garner talks defensive line – Patrick Brown, GoVols247
On Wednesday, Tennessee Vols football defensive line coach Rodney Garner talked about the progression of the defensive line ahead of the program’s matchup with the Florida Gators. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“I think we’ve got the guys, they’re playing hard. They’re playing for one another. We’re playing vertically, for the most part. We’re trying to create knockbacks.”"
Three UT players speak ahead of Florida – Austin Price, VolQuest.com
Junior edge rusher Byron Young, senior defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely and freshman wide receiver Walker Merrill all spoke with the media Wednesday ahead of Tennessee football’s matchup with Florida. Young talked about getting set to play his first SEC game. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“This is why I came to Tennessee, to compete. I feel like it’s going to be a pretty good atmosphere so I’m ready for it, honestly.”"
Blakely talked about what the defense can do up front to handle Florida’s offense. Here’s what he said on that front.
"“Watching them up front, they have a strong o-line, so as a unit we need to play vertical, contain the quarterback, the running back (and) keep the running to a minimum. Just play hard and play vertical”"
Merrill spoke about what has allowed him to contribute early. This is his explanation for his play so far this year.
"“I like to understand the offense, get extra work in with drawing on the board. I just don’t like messing up, so I’ve really got to know what’s going on.”"
Football schedule for 2022 released – SECSports
The Southeastern Conference released the slate for every team in 2022 Wednesday night. Next year, the Tennessee Vols football team will open the season against the Ball State Cardinals.
"The season begins with one game on August 27 when Vanderbilt visits Hawaii before the remaining SEC schools begin action September 3.The 2022 season will culminate with the SEC Championship Game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 3. It will be the 31st edition of the game and the 29th in the city of Atlanta."
Women’s golf wraps up Mercedes-Benz Championship – UTSports
Despite entering the day tied for first, the Tennessee Lady Vols golf program finished sixth at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, which they hosted in Knoxville, Tenn. at the Cherokee Country Club. UT’s overall team score was 14-over.
"Tennessee shot 11-over in round three, but battled throughout the day, as three Lady Vols logged even-par back nines.Junior Nicole Whiston shot +1 (72) in the final round, finishing the tournament tied for 20th at 4-over, 217. Vanessa Gilly, a sophomore, shot +3 (74) Tuesday and finished the event in a tie for 16th place at 3-over, after 54 holes."