It was another fun weekend for the Tennessee Vols football program. UT scored a second straight blowout victory to improve to 4-2 on the year, and morale continues to increase when discussing what Josh Heupel is building.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with continuing coverage of Saturday’s win over the South Carolina Gamecocks. We have multiple press conferences to get to plus details on how a legend in Big Orange Country was honored.
Beyond football, we have recaps in softball, soccer, volleyball and men’s and women’s tennis to get to, and we also have ongoing coverage of a men’s golf event. Simply put, there was plenty happening at UT over the weekend, but the football success led the way, so we’ll start there.
Josh Heupel discusses win over South Carolina – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
Another strong first quarter propelled the Tennessee Vols football team to a win Saturday. UT beat South Carolina 45-20 to improve to 4-2 and 2-1 in the SEC. Head coach Josh Heupel discussed the win after the game. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“We were good enough to win today. At the end of the day, that’s really all I’m thinking about. That’s what our players should be thinking about, too. When you’re on the football field you’re either good enough or you’re not at the end of the day. It’s a hard game. It’s tough.”"
Players react to South Carolina win – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest
A blowout win over South Carolina involved lots of standout performers. Tennessee football quarterback Hendon Hooker, wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., cornerback Brandon Turnage and safety Jaylen McCollough all spoke after the game. Hooker talked about earning the trust of the coaching staff with his play. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“It’s a blessing. I mean, my teammates really help me out in the long run. The guys around me really elevate my game to another level. So, with the ball in my hands, and those guys around me, the whole offense is feeling confident.”"
Jones talked about his recent success as UT’s most productive receiver ever since moving to the slot. This was his explanation.
"“It’s all about preparation, practice, staying keyed in, watching the film after practice, and just buying in honestly. That’s what the team has been doing so far, we’re just going to keep striving.”"
McCollough talked about his interception in the end zone, which happened off a trick play. Here’s his description of how it played out.
"“I saw him toss the ball to a lineman and something in my head just said that isn’t right. I just got back, and the ball fell in my hands.”"
Turnage talked about getting the opportunity to start at nickel in place of the injured Theo Jackson. This is what he said about it.
"“Coach every day, every week talks about everybody being ready, everybody being prepared. My name was called, and I went out there and do what I have to do.”"
Al Wilson honored in multiple ways – Jake Nichols, SI.com
As a recent selection for the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, former Tennessee football linebacker Al Wilson was honored by UT Saturday as the Vols blew out South Carolina. Wilson led the Vol Walk, spoke to the team and was recognized by the Pride of the Southland Band with an on-field halftime performance.
"Wilson was inducted into the Hall in January, and he is featured on the back ot the JumboTron at Neyland Stadium.He was stellar for Tennessee, helping the Vols to two SEC titles and the 1998 national title while maintains a reputation as a force on UT’s defense."
Softball wins third fall outing – UT Daily Beacon
Fall softball continued this past weekend, as the Tennessee Lady Vols defeated Lee University 23-6 in eight innings Friday night. UT has won all three of its fall outings.
"The Vols came out swinging in the first inning, scoring 4 runs including a two-run home run from graduate student Ivy Davis. Davis would go on to record another home run in the third inning."
Soccer defeats South Carolina – SECSports
In the 70th minute, the No. 12 ranked Tennessee Lady Vols soccer team scored a goal to break a scoreless tie and walk out with 1-0 win at the South Carolina Gamecocks. It was the fifth straight SEC victory for UT.
"Tennessee improved to 12-1-0 on the season and 5-1 in SEC play. USC falls to 9-4-0 on the year and 4-2 in conference games.Freshman Taylor Huff put in the game winner for Tennessee, while junior Lindsay Romig made four saves on the day to secure UT’s ninth shutout of the season."
Volleyball sweeps South Carolina – Ken Lay, VolsWire.com
This entire weekend was made up of Tennessee Vols sports programs beating South Carolina. In addition to football and soccer, the No. 22 ranked Lady Vols volleyball program beat the Gamecocks on the road 3-1 Friday and 3-0 Saturday.
"It was the 11th match sweep for the Lady Vols (14-3, 6-1 SEC) and it helped UT win the two-match series against the Gamecocks (11-5, 3-3 SEC)."
Tennis programs wrap up ITA All-Americans – WeAreCollegeTennis.com
The Tennessee Vols men’s tennis program finished up the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American Championships Saturday, two days after the women completed theirs. Esther Adeshina and Daria Kuczer played the final match for the women, losing in the consolation doubles round. Emile Hudd and Shunsuke Mitsui fell in the doubles semifinals on the men’s side.
"Fans can follow along with the men’s tournament on the Tulsa website. Live scoring will be provided by Tennis Ticker for the women’s tournament and will be available prior to the start of play."
Men’s golf continues SEC Match Play Championship – UTSports
On Sunday, the Tennessee Vols men’s golf team began the SEC Match Play Championship. UT is the No. 3 seed in the event, which takes place in Birmingham, Ala. and will last through Tuesday.
"The Vols are coming off of their season-opener at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational, where they finished tied for fourth as a team in the nationally-televised tournament. Spencer Cross (T-4th) and Tyler Johnson (8th) both finished inside the top 10 individually."
Men’s tennis wraps up Bulldog Invitational – GeorgiaDogs.com
While the ITA All-American Championships took place over the weekend, the Tennessee Vols men’s tennis program had a scheduled outing in Athens, Ga. to take part in the Bulldog Invitational, hosted by the Georgia Bulldogs. UT had a doubles win and two singles wins on the final day Sunday.