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Tennessee Vols morning report: Josh Heupel kicks off Akron week

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee fans cheer during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football
Tennessee fans cheer during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football /
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All the excitement of the Tennessee Vols football team’s huge road win over the Pittsburgh Panthers is in the rearview mirror now, and Rocky Top has to move forward with its next opponent. For the second time in three weeks, that means facing a MAC foe.

Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with Monday’s press conferences previewing the start of Tennessee football’s preparation for the Akron Zips on Saturday. There are four interviews to mention. We also have updates on awards and the TV schedule for a week from Saturday.

Beyond football, though, other sports made some news, as women’s golf has an ongoing event, and volleyball is set for another event. We’ll break down what both of those are as well, but as always, let’s start with the football news.

Josh Heupel, players recap Pitt, talk Akron – Ben McKee, GoVols247

On the heels of the Tennessee Vols football team’s 34-27 overtime win at Pitt last Saturday, Josh Heupel took the podium Monday to recap the game and preview Akron, who UT will face this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Defensive back Wesley Walker, kicker Chase McGrath and linebacker Aaron Beasley also spoke. Here’s a bit of what Heupel said.

"“Again, excited about the way our kids competed this Saturday and proud of our ability to find a way to win a game that was against a good opponent. Obviously, we did not play our best in some areas, but we found a way to come out on the right side of it.”"

Two Vols earn weekly SEC honors – SECSports

Quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive end Byron Young were both recognized by the Southeastern Conference Monday. Hooker earned SEC Offensive :layer of the Week, and Young earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week.

"Hooker accounted for 352 yards of total offense and two touchdowns to lead No. 24 Tennessee to a 34-27 non-conference overtime win at No. 17 Pitt on Saturday.…Young, a preseason first-team All-SEC selection, notched four tackles, a game-high two tackles for loss, a sack and a game-high three QB hurries to help lead No. 24 Tennessee to a 34-27 non-conference overtime win at No. 17 Pitt."

Hendon Hooker on Davey O’Brien Great 8 – UTSports

In addition to being recognized by the SEC, Hendon Hooker was also named to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 weekly list Monday. The list honors the eight best quarterbacks each week.

"Hooker, who earned recognition on the Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List, garnered Great 8 acclaim for the second time in his career after doing so last season on Oct. 11, 2021, after a tremendous performance against South Carolina in a 45-20 victory.The Tennessee signal caller found a rhythm late in the first quarter and throughout the second period, propelling the Vols to 24 points going into the half."

Florida kickoff time announced – SECSports

The time and TV station for the Tennessee Vols football team’s Sept. 24 matchup with the Florida Gators have been announced. They will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

"The Saturday SEC Network triple-header on September 24 will feature Bowling Green at Mississippi State in the first game of the day, Tulsa at Ole Miss in the afternoon window and Vanderbilt at Alabama in primetime."

SEC recognizes two volleyball Lady Vols – SECSports

Just like the Tennessee Vols football team, the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team had two players recognized by the Southeastern Conference Monday. Morgahn Fingall was named SEC Player of the Week and SEC Offensive Player of the Week, and Natalie Hayward earned SEC Setter of the Week.

"Tennessee’s Morgahn Fingall, a senior right side from Fairfax, Va., averaged 6.61 points and 5.22 kills per set and posted a .488 hitting percentage to help lead the Lady Volunteers to three sweeps in the Rocky Top Classic.…Tennessee’s Natalie Hayward, a senior from Bothell, Wash., led UT’s offense to register a .371 team hitting percentage over the three wins at the Rocky Top Classic."

Volleyball set for Western Kentucky – UTSports

Coming off a sweep of the Rocky Top Classic, the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team finishes off its four-game home stand with a top 25 matchup Tuesday night. UT will host the No. 21 ranked Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

"The first serve is slated for 6 p.m. ET at Thompson-Boling Arena. For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee’s clear-bag policy will be in effect again this season."

Women’s golf continues Cougar Classic – UTSports

After the first day of their first tournament of the season, the Tennessee Lady Vols golf team was tied for sixth place at the Cougar Classic, taking place in Charleston, S.C. at the Yeamans Hall Club. Play resumes Tuesday for the final two rounds, which will be another 36 holes.

"Junior Vanessa Gilly led the Lady Vols through the opening holes, carding eight birdies and two under-par rounds.…As a team, the Lady Vols carded a 36-hole score of 566 (-2) during Monday’s opening rounds."

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