Tennessee Vols morning report: Polls, Cedric Tillman surgery
They didn’t play over the weekend, but the Tennessee Vols football team generated plenty of news dating back to Thursday, and more came around Sunday. As they get set to prepare for the LSU Tigers, these stories are still relevant.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with the news that hit Thursday night surrounding more details of Cedric Tillman’s injury. We also have coverage of the rankings that came out on Sunday, and yes, UT is relevant in those.
Beyond football, a baseball interview and recaps in soccer, swimming and diving and cross country also all made news. We’ll close with ongoing coverage of a men’s tennis event, but let’s start with the football news.
Cedric Tillman had ankle surgery – Chris Low, ESPN
After suffering an injury against the Akron Zips, Tennessee Vols football wide receiver Cedric Tillman had “tightrope” ankle surgery. Tillman missed UT’s win over the Florida Gators. His return could be as soon as this week, but it’s still unclear.
"The tightrope surgery is the same procedure quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had twice while at Alabama. It uses a high strength suture (surgical thread) instead of traditional metal screws. Technically known as the Knotless Syndesmosis TightRope Implant System, the procedure is designed to accelerate recovery for high ankle sprains, particularly in athletes, and can decrease the chances of long-term damage that can occur with high ankle sprains."
AP Poll keeps Vols in same spot – AP Poll
With no game last week, Tennessee football remained at No. 8 in the AP Poll. They are only behind the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs as far as SEC teams.
"The official page for the AP Top 25 college football poll, a tradition since 1936. Keep up to date and view the latest ranking updates each week."
Coaches Poll moves Vols up one spot – USA TODAY
One week after reaching their highest AP ranking since 2006, Tennessee football has matched that with its highest Coaches Poll ranking since 2006. The Vols moved up to No. 8 without playing.
"The USA TODAY Sports AFCA football coaches poll is conducted weekly throughout the regular season using a panel of 64 head coaches at Football Bowl Subdivision schools. The panel is chosen by random draw, conference by conference plus independents, from a pool of coaches who have indicated to the American Football Coaches Association their willingness to participate."
Tony Vitello talks fall baseball practice – Ben McKee, GoVols247
Fall practice is set to begin for the Tennessee Vols baseball team. Tony Vitello discussed that on Friday. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“I think the transition in the weight room will grab your attention the most aggressively. I think that group adjusted about as well as you possibly can. It’s going to be difficult.”"
Soccer defeats Ole Miss – Ken Lay, VolsWire
Jaida Thomas scored her 10th goal of the season in the 79th minute, and the Tennessee Lady Vols soccer team beat the No. 13 ranked Ole Miss Rebels 1-0 Friday night. It was the first win against a ranked team for UT, which improved to 7-3-1 and 3-1 in the SEC.
"Tennessee outshot the Rebels, 18-9. Eight of Tennessee’s scoring chances landed on goal. Ole Miss finished the match with three shots on goal."
Swimming and diving wins opener – UTSports
On Saturday, the Tennessee Vols men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs defeated the UNC Wilmington Seahawks on the road to open the season. Their next matchup is in two weeks at home against the N.C. State Wolfpack.
"The Vols dominated the meet, posting the top time/score in every event on the day to get the 216-78 win. The Lady Vols also looked impressive in their first meet of the season, defeating the Seahawks 190-105."
Cross Country wraps up Notre Dame Invite – UTSports
Two top 10 finishes by Yaseen Abdalla and Dylan Jacobs helped the Tennessee Vols men’s cross country program finish second place at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invite Friday. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the event.
"UT scored 104 points and finished ahead of four ranked opponents – No. 22 Montana State (144), No. 24 Butler (180), No. 25 Alabama (126) and No. 27 Michigan (217). The Vols also beat South Region foes Florida State (267) who placed 11th overall in the field."
Women’s cross country wraps up Live in Lou Classic – UTSports
With a 20th place finish from Andie-Marie Jones, the Tennessee Lady Vols cross country team finished in sixth place at the Live in Lou Classic in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday. UT was one point out of fifth place.
"Tennessee will enter an extended training period as it prepares for the 2022 SEC Cross Country Championships. The championships will be hosted by Ole Miss and are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 28 in Oxford, Mississippi."
Men’s tennis continues ITA All-American Championships – WeAreCollegeTennis.com
Six Tennessee Vols men’s tennis players are taking part in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American Championships this week. Three took part in pre-qualifying events Saturday, two more will take part on Monday, and Emile Hudd will take part in the Singles Draw Wednesday.
"The ITA Men’s All-American Championships will take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma; October 1-9, 2022. The event will be held at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Tulsa and Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma."