Tennessee Vols morning report: Coordinators, players talk Akron
Preparations continue for the Tennessee Vols football team’s matchup with the Akron Zips this weekend. It could be considered a trap game since it follows a huge win over the Pittsburgh Panthers and is right before their SEC opener against the Florida Gators.
However, UT has to find away to avoid that. Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with more interviews with coaches and players about this week’s matchup. Two assistants and a variety of players spoke with the media Tuesday.
Funny enough, news was heavier in volleyball Tuesday, as a player earned an award for the weekend and UT had a matchup that night. We’ll cover both, and we’ll close with a recap of the first women’s golf event of the season. As always, though, we start with Tennessee Vols football.
Offensive and defensive coordinators, players talk Akron – Ben McKee, GoVols247
Alex Golesh and Tim Banks both spoke Tuesday about the Tennessee Vols football team’s matchup with the Akron Zips. Jalin Hyatt, Javontez Spraggins and Solon Page III also spoke. Golesh talked about the slow start at Pitt and issues in the third quarter. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“When we get a drive going and pick up the first first-down, we are generally in a good spot. Those two (first quarter) drives, along with a handful in the third quarter, were all execution, in terms of just not executing.”"
Banks talked about the defense bailing out the offense so many times at Pitt last Saturday, noting he didn’t pay attention to that fact. This is what he said on the matter.
"“We have one of the best, most prolific offenses in the country, we know that. We obviously have a lot of pride in what we do on defense as well. We don’t get into how many points they scored or didn’t score or things of that nature. We know any time we get a chance to have a positive impact on the game, that’s what we’re trying to do. We were obviously fortunate enough to have a positive impact this Saturday.”"
Hyatt talked about the standard for the offense and the mindset going forward. Here is a bit of what he said about that.
"“We want to be the best offense in the country, and it starts every day in practice. It starts every time we prepare for anybody we’re playing that week.”"
Spraggins talked about refocusing after such a big win to get ready for Akron this week. This is how he described it.
"“The game comes and goes. We played how we played, and it is time to fix it and not make the same mistakes that we made previously.”"
Page talked a little bit about what Akron will bring to the table when UT faces them Saturday. Here’s what he said.
"“They have a really good quarterback. They have a really good offense. They have guys on scholarship too. Like I said, stay consistent. We do not overlook anybody, so we are going to go out there with the same work ethic.”"
Volleyball right side attacker named National Player of the Week – AVCA.org
Due to her performances in the Rocky Top Classic, where the Tennessee Lady Vols won all three matches this past weekend, Senior Morgahn Fingall was named National Division I Player of the Week by the American Volleyball Coaches Association Tuesday. It’s her first National Player of the Week honor.
"Fingall had a stellar weekend, hitting .488 percent with 47 kills and just five errors over nine sets. The senior led Tennessee to three sweeps in the Rocky Top Classic, averaging 5.22 kills/set and 6.61 points/set."
Western Kentucky defeats Volleyball Lady Vols – Ken Lay, VolsWire.com
The Tennessee Lady Vols’ weekend success at the Rocky Top Classic didn’t last. UT lost at home Tuesday night to the No. 21 ranked Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
"The Hilltoppers (10-1) swept Tennessee, 25, 13, 25-21, 25-23, before an announced crowd of 723. Morgahn Fingall led the Lady Vols (6-4) with 13 kills, three blocks and one assist."
Women’s golf wraps up Cougar Classic – UTSports
Shooting one over par for the whole event, the Tennessee Lady Vols finished seventh at the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C., to open the season Tuesday. UT shot three-over in the third and final round of the event.
"After notching two under-par rounds on Monday, Vanessa Gilly shot -1 on the front nine to card a 73. The junior finished tied for 21st (-2), recording her fourth-best collegiate finish."