Tennessee Vols morning report: 2023 football schedule revealed
It’s the last day of summer, and the Tennessee Vols’ matchup with the Florida Gators is inching closer, only increasing the excitement in Big Orange Country. However, news that hit the presses Tuesday actually deals with the future of the football program.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with the release of UT’s schedule next year, which came out Tuesday night. However, there is still news to cover for this week, as we’ve got interviews with assistant coaches and players surrounding Saturday’s matchup and an update regarding a suspension for one player.
Beyond football, an update to a basketball event, a recap of a women’s golf outing and a preview of a volleyball outing all made news, so there is plenty to get to Wednesday. Let’s start, though, with the future of the football program.
SEC releases 2023 schedule – SECSports
We already knew who the Tennessee Vols football team would play in 2023, but the dates of their league games have been released. The Southeastern Conference revealed the full slate Tuesday.
"The 2023 season begins with one game on August 26 when Vanderbilt hosts Hawaii before the remaining SEC schools begin action September 2.The season will culminate with the SEC Championship Game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 2. It will be the 32nd edition of the game and the 30th in the city of Atlanta."
Brian Jean-Mary, Jerry Mack talk Florida – Wes Rucker, GoVols247
Ahead of Tennessee football’s Saturday matchup with Florida, running backs coach Jerry Mack and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary spoke with the media Tuesday. Jean-Mary noted that Juwan Mitchell being back gives UT three starters at the two linebacker spots with Aaron Beasley and Jeremy Banks. Here’s a bit of what he said on that front.
"“For us to be successful, all three of those guys are going to have to play like starters. We don’t look at it any different when either guy is on the field.”"
Mack said Jabari Small, who left the game against the Akron Zips early due to injury, was full-go at Tuesday’s practice but that Princeton Fant also got reps at running back. Here’s a bit of what he said about balancing their workload.
"“We have been through this battle before, as far as rotating guys, making sure we do a great job of prepping guys throughout the week. A big part of that is how we go about prepping them as far as in the meetings and on the practice field. We have to be smart.”"
Tyler Baron, Trevon Flowers talk Florida – Brent Hubbs, VolQuest
In addition to the two assistant coaches, Tennessee Vols football defensive end Tyler Baron and safety Trevon Flowers also discussed the Gators. Baron talked about the defensive line’s ability to bring pressure. This is what he said on that front.
"“I think that we are doing a good job up front, as well as everybody in the front seven. Just creating edges and getting in the backfield. We’re just going to continue to be us and continue to do what we do, and nothing more really.”"
Flowers talked about the secondary’s improvement in disguising coverages this year. This is how he described it.
"“That’s what we’ve worked on all season. If you watch the film, that gives the rush a couple more seconds to get there.”"
Jimmy Calloway suspended for first half against Florida – WBIR
After being ejected for throwing multiple punches at a defender in the second half against the Akron Zips, Tennessee football wide receiver has been suspended for the first half of this Saturday’s matchup against Florida. The SEC upheld the suspension, which UT levied out.
"This season Calloway hasn’t seen much playing time and has two receptions for 20 yards.The Vols will face Florida on Saturday, Sept. 24, starting at 3:30 p.m."
Basketball to host event in downtown Knoxville – Ken Lay, VolsWire
On Thursday, Oct. 13, the Tennessee Vols men’s and women’s basketball teams will host an event on Market Square in downtown Knoxville. The event will be called Market Square Madness and allow fan interaction with the teams as they are introduced.
"The event will also feature face painting stations and on-court competitions. Former Tennessee quarterback Sterling Henton will serve as disc jockey for the event."
Women’s golf wraps up Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship – UTSports
With a final score of six-over par, the Tennessee Lady Vols golf team finished the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship at the Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn., tied for sixth place with the Virginia Tech Hokies and Michigan Wolverines. UT sophomore Bailey Davis finished tied for second individually, shooting 10-under par.
"In Monday’s second round, Davis broke the all-time tournament record for lowest single-round score, carding a bogey-free 63 (-8) to tie the program record for lowest individual round. The White Plains, Maryland, native carried her momentum into Tuesday’s round, shooting 2-under on the last nine holes to post a 70 (-1). Her tied-for-second finish marked Davis’ second top-10 finish of her young Tennessee career."
Volleyball set for SEC opener – Caleb Jarreau, UT Daily Beacon
On a three-game losing streak, the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team begins SEC play Wednesday night. At 6-6 on the year, UT will host the Missouri Tigers, who come in at 7-3.
"First serve between Tennessee and Missouri is set for 7 p.m. EST in Thompson-Boling Arena Wednesday. The game can be watched on ESPN2."