Tennessee Vols morning report: SEC reveals 2022-23 men’s basketball TV schedule
Happy first day of fall! Summer ended with the Tennessee Vols football team undefeated for the first time since 2016. We’re not counting 2020 since the season didn’t start until Sept. 26 that year. Anyway, with a new season in full swing, this team continues to prepare for the Florida Gators Saturday.
Our morning update on Rock Top leads with more stories leading up to that game. Multiple interviews by Josh Heupel, which he does weekly, along with one of his assistants doing an interview Wednesday all generated coverage. A uniform update also makes news.
Beyond football, though, a main story is men’s basketball, as more TV scheduling news is out. We also have a recap in volleyball and a preview in soccer to bring you, so there is more than enough to get to. Let’s start with the football press conferences.
Josh Heupel speaks at SEC teleconference – SECSports
Ahead of the Tennessee Vols football team’s matchup with Florida, Josh Heupel spoke Wednesday at the Southeastern Conference weekly teleconference. Here’s what he said about the preparation for this week amidst all the hype.
"“There’s a little bit more media that our players probably had to do on Monday or Tuesday, a couple of things for me, but really the beginning of the week is kind of status quo. I think that routine is important. I think it’s important that your team feels our coaching staff are prepared in going through that same type of routine, and that’s been a big part of the improvement inside of our program from when we first kicked off at the beginning of last season.”"
Kelsey Pope, Josh Heupel speak on Vol Calls – UTSports
In addition to the SEC teleconference, Josh Heupel spoke Wednesday night on his weekly “Vol Calls” session. Tennessee football wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope also spoke. Heupel once again touched on how big of a game Florida is.
"“Man, it’s why you come here. This is one our fan base and our players point to all offseason. It’s going to be a fun one.”"
Pope is dealing with an injury to Cedric Tillman, who as we reported Wednesday, sources say is questionable for Saturday. That’s not confirmed, but it does mean Jalin Hyatt, Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton have to step up. Hyatt and McCoy have already been breakout players. Here is what Pope said about them.
"“Both of those guys have picked up their habits off the field. That’s what’s led to their success on the field. Study habits, they’re in the building learning all day, trying to get better, and on the field, they’re leading by example in practice first.”"
Uniform combination announced for Florida – Matt Ray, SI.com
The last time the Tennessee Vols football team did Checker Neyland against Florida, they wore the Smokey Greys. However, despite bringing back Checker Neyland for this game and the knowledge that the Smokey Greys will be worn at some point this year, they won’t be wearing the Smokey Greys Saturday. Their uniform combination was announced on Twitter.
"The Vols will sport the orange on white “classic” uniforms with white helmets for their upcoming contest against the Gators in hopes to go 4-0."
Men’s basketball 2022-23 SEC TV schedule revealed – SECSports
On Wednesday, the television schedule for every Southeastern Conference men’s basketball game was revealed. Every game will be on SEC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or CBS. UT plays one game on CBS and another 10 on either ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU.
"Conference play tips off December 29 and runs through March 5. Each SEC team plays the other 13 teams at least once during league play. They will then play their three permanent opponents a second time with the remaining two games changing every year."
Volleyball sweeps Missouri – UTSports
Coming in on a three-game losing streak, the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team was able to right the ship in its SEC opener. UT defeated the Missouri Tigers to improve to 7-6 on the season. Mizzou fell to 7-4.
"Sophomore attacker Erykah Lovett hit a career-high .667 in Tennessee’s sweep (25-14, 25-21, 25-20) of Missouri Wednesday night inside Thompson-Boling Arena.Lovett took 21 swings in the match, scoring 15 kills and committing just one error in attack. The Newnan, Georgia, native tied Ole Miss’ Anna Blair for the highest hit percentage by an SEC player this season with a minimum of 20 attempts."
Soccer set for SEC home opener – UTSports
After beating the Florida Gators 2-1 last Friday in their SEC opener, the Tennessee Lady Vols soccer team now has its first SEC home game. At 5-2-1 and on a five-game winning streak, UT will host the No. 6 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide Thursday evening. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.
"The Crimson Tide (8-1-1, 1-0 SEC) is coming off a 2-0 win over then-No. 5 South Carolina at home on Thursday.UT owns a 13-8-1 advantage in the all-time series against UA and is 6-3-1 when playing at home. The teams last met in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 19, 2020, when UT lost 3-1."