Tennessee Vols morning report: Josh Heupel, players look ahead to Florida

Florida week is fully underway. It’s always a tight but exciting time for the Tennessee Vols football team as they get set to face the Gators, but it’s a bit more exciting this time around compared to recent years because they actually enter the game with some momentum at 3-0.

Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with more coverage previewing that matchup. There were press conferences with four different people Monday, a coach and three players, to recap Akron and talk about the excitement this week surrounding Florida.

Football isn’t the only Tennessee Vols story making news, though. We’ve got an individual award in women’s soccer to bring you, and a women’s golf event is underway, so there is plenty to touch on this Tuesday. Let’s start with those football press conferences, though.

Josh Heupel, three players talk Florida – Ben McKee, GoVols247

Coming off their 63-6 win over the Akron Zips this past weekend, the Tennessee Vols football team began preparations for the Gators Monday. Josh Heupel spoke with the media first, and then Hendon Hooker, Jerome Carvin and Jacob Warren followed. Heupel talked about the psychological issues facing Florida. Here’s bit of what he said.

"“Each week is different, each day is different, each season is. For us, we’re however many months into our program, right here right now, and our kids are extremely confident, as they should be.”"

Hooker talked about how the Vols would be able to approach the game and their emotional maturity for it. This is how he described it.

"“All the outside noise doesn’t really matter to us. We are going to come in, we are going to gameplan how we do in a normal week and we’re going to come in and work hard.”"

Warren talked about what the Florida game means to him personally, particularly as somebody who grew up in Knoxville. Here’s what he said about that.

"“You come for these big rivalries and these big story matchups between teams. I think it means a lot this year, too, because both programs have really good teams.”"

Carvin talked about the focus for their SEC opener and how crucial it is amidst the hype. This is his explanation for all of that.

"“It’s Tennessee versus Florida. It’s why you come here to play. It’s going to be exciting. Everyone is going to be pumped and ready to play and we have got to be mentally focused and locked in this week for this preparation.”"

Lady Vol goalkeeper recognized by SEC – SECSports

Thanks to her nine saves against the Florida Gators, Tennessee Lady Vols soccer senior goalkeeper Lindsey Romig was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Romig’s play was crucial in UT beating Florida 2-1 in its SEC opener last Friday.

"The Gators outshot the Lady Vols 14-12 and put 10 shots on frame, five of which were in the final 25 minutes of the match. Romig commanded the defense throughout the game, denying six shots taken from inside the 18-yard box."

Women’s golf wraps up first day of Mercedes-Benz Collegiate – UTSports

The Tennessee Lady Vols golf team finished Monday in seventh place after shooting three-over par at the Mercedes Benz Collegiate. Play resumes Tuesday, with the event set to conclude that day as well.

"Tennessee sophomore Bailey Davis put on a show Monday at Cherokee Country Club, tying the program record for lowest 18-hole score during the second round of the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate after carding an impressive 63.The White Plains, Maryland, native started the day strong, shooting even par on the first 18 holes and -1 on the back nine. During the second round, Davis notched five birdies to shoot -5 on the front nine and maintained her momentum with three more birdies to record a 3-under on the last nine holes."