Tennessee Vols morning report: Josh Heupel’s final Georgia presser
We are a day away from the SEC East Game of the Century, and excitement surrounding the Tennessee Vols football team can’t be higher. November football has arrived. Historically, that’s UT’s best month, and history is now ready to be made.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with continuing coverage of that upcoming matchup. We’ve got one more press conference related to the game to cover, and then we’ve got updates on the uniforms they will wear for the matchup.
Beyond football, men’s basketball and baseball press conferences also took place Thursday, which we will cover. Then we’ve got a cross country event to preview Friday. With basketball season almost set to start, things really are in full swing. Let’s dive in with the football news.
Josh Heupel talks Georgia one more time – Matt Ray, SI.com
Ahead of the Tennessee Vols football team’s final matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Josh Heupel met with the media for the last time this week on Thursday. Here’s a bit of what he said about the lead-up to the game.
"“The week has been really good. “Guys have been focused [and] urgent in the way that they have entered the building, their meetings, out on the practice field, too. So, I like what we have done up until now. The lead-up to kickoff will be important as we finish our preparation.”"
Uniforms revealed for Georgia – Grant Ramey, VolQuest
When Tennessee football kicks off at Georgia Saturday, the Vols will debut a new uniform combination. It’ll be their sixth combination of the year and their third in as many road games.
"Tennessee will be back in orange pants for its road game Saturday at Georgia. The Vols on Thursday announced their uniform combination, pairing the orange pants with the traditional white jersey and white helmet."
Rick Barnes talks opener – GoVols247
Four days ahead of the Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team’s opener against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, Rick Barnes met with the media Thursday. Barnes discussed their exhibition win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs and noted that Josiah-Jordan James, who missed that game, should be back for the opener. Here’s a bit of what else he said about the Gonzaga game.
"“Obviously we shot the ball well. I thought we moved the ball well. Passing was good. But, honestly, Mark (Few) and I talked yesterday about where we were this time of year. You can never, I think, read too much into what happens.”"
Tony Vitello talks baseball – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
Amidst ongoing exhibitions, Tennessee Vols baseball head coach Tony Vitello talked about the program Thursday. Here’s a bit of what he said about the program’s culture.
"“Just because you’re in the SEC, or just because you have a Power T on your chest, that doesn’t mean you’re a superstar. Last year’s team accomplished those things that people are celebrating.”"
Cross Country set for Hokie Invitational – UTSports
A week after competing in SEC Championships, the Tennessee Vols men’s and women’s cross country teams are back on the road Friday. UT heads to Blacskburg, Va., to take part in the Hokie Invitational, hosted by the Virginia Tech Hokies.
"The men’s squad is ranked 20th in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll entering the weekend. The Vols also sit second in the South Region.The women’s team ranks seventh in the regional standings, moving up two spots following the SEC Championships."