FB PREVIEW: #15/15 Vols Open SEC Play with Marquee Matchup vs. #6/3 Georgia

September 12, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 15/15 Tennessee opens Southeastern Conference play with the marquee matchup of Week 3 when it hosts No. 6/3 Georgia for a top-15 battle at Neyland Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

Neyland Stadium will be sold out for the 22^nd consecutive game and Saturday’s contest will be the annual Checker Neyland present by Pilot game. Find your color by visiting the CheckerNeyland.com and inputting your seat number.

NEYLAND STADIUM, PRESERVED BY PILOT

Neyland Stadium has been home of the Vols for more than 100 years and that legacy will live on thanks to a transformative partnership with Tennessee Athletics and Knoxville-based Pilot, the largest network of travel centers in North America. In August 2024, Tennessee and Pilot announced the partnership that preserves the iconic venue’s name and enhances the stadium experience for future generations. Under the terms of the agreement, which is slated for up to 20 years and could extend further, the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field will remain unchanged.

Neyland Stadium. Home of the Vols. Proudly preserved by Pilot.

BROADCAST INFO

TV Info
Chris Fowler (PxP), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) will have the call for Saturday’s nationally televised showdown on ABC. Coverage is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. with kickoff slated for 3:45 p.m. ET.

Radio Info
UT fans can listen to Tennessee’s official radio broadcast via the Vol Network (Local: WIVK-FM 107.7/WNML-FM 99.1) on 70 stations across the state of Tennessee and the southeast, SiriusXM (Ch. 84) and the SiriusXM app (Ch. 84). A live audio stream of the broadcast will also be available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.

New Voice of the Vols Mike Keith will be joined in the booth by VFL Ramon Foster (analyst) while Brent Hubbs will handle sideline duties for the Vol Network radio broadcast.

The Big Orange Countdown pregame show, hosted by Hubbs, begins two and a half hours prior to kickoff at 1 p.m. VFL Jayson Swain also returns as part of the official gameday radio team this season and will be a part of the network’s pregame, halftime and postgame programming.

Tennessee’s official Spanish radio broadcast is available locally on WNML-AM 990 with Carlos Lopez (play-by-play) and J.P. Vasquez (analyst) on the call. That version is also available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics app.

Volunteer Gameday, a live, one-hour television preview show, will originate love from Neyland Stadium beginning at 1:30 p.m. The show will be hosted by Keith, VFL Heath Shuler and WVLT-Knoxville’s Brittany Tarwater. Volunteer Gameday will be available on Knoxville flagship TV station WVLT and across the state on the new Tennessee Valley Sports Network (TVSN).

Westwood One national radio will also be on hand to broadcast Saturday’s game and can be listened to HERE.

GAMEDAY INFO / TIMELINE

For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee’s 2025 gameday policies, please visit the Tennessee Football Gameday Information page on UTSports.com.

The gameday timeline as well as other important information is listed below.

ESPN College GameDay Pit Opens – 6:30 a.m.
ESPN College GameDay Live – 9 a.m.-Noon (Ayres Hall)
Will Call Opens at Gate 21 – 11:30 a.m.
Truly’s Tailgate Opens – 11:30 a.m.
Vol Village Opens – 12 p.m.
Vol Walk – 1:25 p.m.
Gates Open – 1:30 p.m.
Pride of the Southland Band March – 2 p.m. (Map of Band March Route)
Pride of the Southland Band Pregame Performance Begins – 3:31 p.m.
National Anthem – 3:33 p.m.
Flyover – 3:35 p.m. (Two E/18 Growlers from Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Wash.)
Vols Run Through the T – 3:42 p.m.
Kickoff – 3:45 p.m.

NEYLAND STADIUM FAN ENHANCEMENTS, UPDATES & INITIATIVES FOR 2025

Fans will notice a number of new features and amenities that have been completed for the 2025 season. Most notably, major updates have been completed in the South End Zone. Entry into Gate 9 has doubled in size while the southwest plaza has expanded to ease congestion. A new elevator has been added to the southeast corner of Neyland Stadium, allowing patrons to access all three levels on the south end of the stadium.

Fans will also notice new restrooms, a new UT Medical first aid station and a significantly wider concourse to help ease navigation around the south end of the stadium. A Vintage Volunteer trailer has been behind section M on the new south concourse of Neyland Stadium. The shop will offer vintage gear and unique items.

Beginning this fall, Neyland Stadium is now a cashless venue. Fans should be prepared as they approach concession stands, Vol Shop or any retail locations inside the stadium. All Tennessee venues will be cashless during the 2025-26 athletic year.

For more information on all updates and new initiatives in place at Neyland Stadium this season, click HERE.

TICKETS AND PARKING

Tickets for Saturday’s game are officially sold out. Tickets and parking passes to all Tennessee Athletics events, including football, are now digital and can be accessed through a mobile device to improve security and reduce the risk of ticket fraud as well as make the process more convenient for fans.

Fans will gain admission into Neyland Stadium via a unique QR code which will be scanned directly from a mobile device. For quick and easy entry into Tennessee Athletics venues, fans are encouraged to download the Tennessee Athletics app from the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Android). Your mobile device is the ticket on gameday. All valid digital tickets will display a moving barcode or a hold near reader (tap-and-go) icon. PLEASE NOTE: SCREENSHOTS OF TICKETS WILL NOT SCAN AT THE GATE AND WILL NOT ALLOW ENTRY!

Printed PDF tickets will no longer be issued or accepted for entry at any Tennessee Athletics venue. The only authorized sources for tickets to Tennessee Athletics events are the Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office, AllVols.com, the venue box office where the athletic event is taking place and Ticketmaster.

A complete step-by-step guide on how to best access and use your digital tickets and parking passes, including diagrams and FAQ is available here.

TENNESSEE ATHLETICS APP

Fans are encouraged to download the new and improved Tennessee Athletics App, which houses the GBO Zone, allowing fans to play trivia, take part in stadium light shows and much more.

Search Tennessee Athletics in the Apple or Google Play Store or use this LINK to download.

GAMEDAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

ESPN College GameDay: For the 12^th time total and first since 2022, ESPN College GameDay will be in Knoxville to preview Saturday’s slate of games.

College football’s most celebrated pregame show once again originates from the lawn at Ayres Hall from 9 a.m. to noon ET Saturday. This is College GameDay’s fifth time coinciding with a Tennessee-Georgia matchup and the second time with the two sides facing off in Knoxville with 1995 being the other.

Vol Village Presented by Toyota: Vol Village presented by Toyota, serves as the ideal spot to view the Vol Walk and the Pride of Southland Band march. Admission is free to all fans with or without a game ticket. Located across from Circle Park, Vol Village features live music, food trucks and beverage stations, interactive displays and fun activities for all ages.

Vol Village will highlight a new artist or band each home game with a pregame concert series, providing Vol fans with the ultimate pregame atmosphere. This week’s featured artist is the country duo Ferryn & Brinkley. Vol Village opens at noon for Saturday’s game.

Truly’s Tailgate: Located outside Gate 9, fans are encouraged to visit the new and improved Truly’s area for food, drinks and more! Truly’s Tailgate has expanded with Texas Roadhouse and a number of other new food and beverage options for fans to enjoy before and during the game.

Fans may enter Truly’s prior to gates opening without having a ticket scanned. When gates open, fans will need to scan their ticket to enter Truly’s.

For any game starting later than noon ET, Truly’s will open four hours prior to kickoff. For a noon kickoff, the tailgate will open at 9 a.m. Truly’s will stay open throughout the game, giving fans in the south concourse a variety of food, drinks and additional restroom options. Truly’s will close at the end of the third quarter.

For complete gameday information, visit UTsports.com/gameday.

NEED TO KNOW

The Neyland Effect
Neyland Stadium has been a true difference maker and is once again one of the most intimidating environments in all of college football. The Vols have been one of the nation’s best at home under head coach Josh Heupel with a 26-4 record at Neyland Stadium during his tenure. UT is 21-1 on Rocky Top since 2022 and has won nine straight at home entering Saturday’s showdown with the Dawgs. Last Saturday’s victory over ETSU was the 500^th on-field victory in the history of Shields-Watkins Field (1921-pres.).

Joey Football Off to Hot Start
Despite arriving after spring ball and having a very condensed timeframe to learn the offense, Joey Aguilar has looked like a multi-year vet in Heupel’s system through two weeks this season. Tennessee’s new QB1 has completed 39 of 59 pass attempts for 535 yards and five touchdowns and has not thrown an interception. Aguilar has spread the ball around to a plethora of weapons as all five of his passing touchdowns have gone to different players.

The California native will be making his 27^th career FBS start on Saturday after a record-setting two-year stint at Appalachian State. Aguilar enters the contest as the FBS career leader in total offense per game (288.2) and passing yards per game (270.2).

PB “U”
Tennessee’s defense has made things difficult for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers so far this season, leading the SEC and ranking tied for second nationally with 14 pass breakups. The Vols recorded an SEC-best 10 pass breakups in Week 1 against Syracuse, which were their most in a game since recording 10 at Georgia on Oct. 9, 2004.

In the absence of preseason All-American corner Jermod McCoy, Colorado transfer Colton Hood has made an immediate impact, ranking tied for second in the FBS and leading the SEC in pass breakups with five.

Fast Starts the Norm in Knoxville
The Big Orange have outscored opponents 584-202 in the first quarter under Heupel: 190-51 in 2021, 141-72 in 2022, 110-46 in 2023, 102-54 in 2024 and 41-0 in 2025. The Vols have scored at least one touchdown in the first quarter in 42 of 54 games under Heupel. In 90 games as a head coach, Heupel’s squads have outscored opponents 1,031-437 in the first quarter (584-202 at UT, 447-214 at UCF).

Since 2018, no active Power 4 head coach scores more points per first quarter in a career than Heupel (11.46). From 2021-present under Heupel, the Vols are first in the nation in first-quarter scoring at 10.81 points per game. Heupel’s teams have scored at least one touchdown in the first quarter in 75 of the 90 games he has coached.

SERIES HISTORY

Georgia leads, 29-23-2
This year marks the 34^th consecutive season that Tennessee and Georgia will have faced off on the gridiron dating back to 1992. This Saturday will be the earliest meeting on the calendar (Sept. 13) between the two teams in 30 years since UT won 30-27 in Knoxville on Sept. 9, 1995. The last four games between the two programs have been played in November.

This is the 19th contest between the Vols and Bulldogs where both teams are ranked in the AP Poll with the Vols holding a slight 10-8 advantage in those previous games. It’s the fourth straight year that both teams are ranked at the time of the meeting as UT will be looking to snap an eight-game skid to the Bulldogs.

ABOUT GEORGIA

Georgia enters Saturday’s ranked showdown at 2-0 following home wins over Marshall (45-7) and Austin Peay (28-6). The Bulldogs are led by head coach Kirby Smart, who is in his 10^th season in charge and owns a 107-19 career record.

After waiting his turn, redshirt junior Gunner Stockton has assumed the role of starting quarterback for UGA and will provide a stiff challenge for Tennessee’s defense as a passer and a runner. Stockton comes into Saturday having completed 40-of-58 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns while also having rushed for 86 yards and two scores. The Bulldogs boast a deep and talented group of pass catchers for Stockton to throw to, led by wideouts Colbie Young (9 rec., 106 yds) and Zachariah Branch (6 rec., 112 yds, 1 TD). Veteran tight ends Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie also pose a threat in the passing game.

Nate Frazier leads the running back group for Georgia with 25 attempts for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Dwight Phillips Jr. has added 115 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries while Chauncey Bowers has also found the end zone twice this season.

The Dawgs once again feature one of the country’s top defensive units, having allowed an SEC-low 6.5 points per game while holding opponents to just 201.5 total yards per game. Junior linebacker Raylen Wilson leads the unit with 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack to go along with four quarterback pressures. Sophomore safety KJ Bolden leads the secondary with 10 tackles and a pass breakup.

Fox News

Charlie Kirk’s Suspected Killer in Custody

September 12, 2025

Utah (story courtesy of Fox News) – Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson named, mugshots released

Utah Gov. Cox says ‘we got him’

Tyler Robinson, the suspect arrested in Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday that authorities have captured the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

“We got him,” Cox said. “On the evening of September 11, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”

“Investigators interviewed a family member of Robinson who stated that Robinson had become more political in recent years,” Cox continued. “The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to September 10, and in that conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU. They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had.” Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Utah Valley University.

Posted by Greg NormanShare

1 hour(s) ago

President Donald Trump announced Friday on “FOX & Friends” that an arrest was made in the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin. “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody” Trump said.

WHAT TO KNOW

Charlie Kirk, a conservative media personality, was shot at Utah Valley University while speaking at an event on campus on Wednesday. Kirk died at a local hospital, Utah officials said.
Police have arrested a suspect in Kirk’s assassination, identified by sources as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident.
Officials have recovered a “high-powered” bolt action rifle in the wake of the shooting.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that advocated for conservative politics, and hosted one of the top-rated podcasts and nationally syndicated Salem radio program, “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
Multiple photos were released of a person of interest seen wearing jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with an American flag graphic, a hat and black sunglasses.

Tyler Robinson identified by sources as suspect arrested in Charlie Kirk assassination

Images that were released by investigators of a person of interest in the Charlie Kirk assassination.

Police have arrested a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus earlier this week – identified by sources as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident.

Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was sitting under a tent around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, debating with students on hot-button current affairs issues, when a single shot rang out. Video from the scene shows him struck in the neck before he slumped out of his chair.

He had been invited to speak at Utah Valley University by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student group he founded.

“I think with a high-degree of certainty, we have him,” President Donald Trump revealed on “FOX & Friends” Friday morning. He added that, “essentially, someone who knew him turned him in.”

Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.

Posted by Fox NewsShare

5 min(s) ago

‘We have made historic progress for Charlie,’ FBI director says

FBI Director Kash Patel said Friday following the arrest of the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination that, “In 33 hours, we have made historic progress for Charlie.”

“I want to express my deep gratitude to President Trump, the vice president, and the entire White House who have been so incredibly supportive with both resources and just personally to the FBI as a team,” Patel added. “They had our backs the entire way. And I just want to express my gratitude for giving us the resources we need to operate in this space to bring this sort of justice at this sort of speed.”

“A case like this cannot be solved, cannot be brought without partnering with your state and local authorities,” Patel also said.

Patel noted that more than 11,000 leads were called in to the FBI, as of Friday morning.

Posted by Greg NormanShare

18 min(s) ago

State, federal officials to provide update after Trump announces arrest

Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” when he was shot in the neck and killed. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, FBI Director Kash Patel and other state and federal officials will soon hold a news conference after President Donald Trump announced an arrest in the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin.

Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Earlier on “FOX & Friends,” Trump said that he thinks with “a high degree of certainty” that authorities have a suspect in custody.

Posted by Greg NormanShare

1 hour(s) ago

‘I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith,’ Kirk said months before assassination

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk prays as he attends Freedom Night In America at Dream City Church on October 5, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post/Getty Images)

A resurfaced interview clip has become a poignant reminder of Charlie Kirk’s words and the legacy he leaves behind.

During a June 29 appearance on “The Iced Coffee Hour,” Kirk was asked by host Jack Selby how he wants to be remembered if “everything completely goes away.”

“I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith,” Kirk said in the widely circulated clip. “That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith,” he added.

Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, was unapologetic defender of conservative values and the Christian faith.

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox New Digital’s Bonny Chu.

Posted by Amanda MaciasShare

1 hour(s) ago

Trump says Charlie Kirk is ‘bigger now because of what happened’

A photo of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed, sits at a vigil in his memory, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (AP/Lindsey Wasson)

President Donald Trump said on “FOX & Friends” Friday that conservative activist Charlie Kirk “in many ways, he’s bigger now because of what happened.”

“You know, we have so many bad people, so many bad philosophies, ideologies, politics. His was basically just good,” Trump said.

“He talked about family, talked about getting married, go get married. You know, sounds old fashioned when you think about it. But he’s right. He was just, he was just on. And it’s a shame that that voice has been stopped,” Trump added.

The president also said he “didn’t watch” videos circulating on social media of Kirk’s shooting.

“I didn’t want to remember Charlie that way,” Trump said.

Posted by Greg NormanShare

1 hour(s) ago

Trump on Charlie Kirk’s assassin: ‘I hope he gets the death penalty’

President Donald Trump said Friday on “Fox & Friends” that he hopes Charlie Kirk’s assassin gets the death penalty.

“I hope he’s going to be found guilty, I would imagine. And I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said. “What he did, Charlie Kirk was the finest person, he didn’t deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.”

Trump made the remarks after announcing an arrest was made in the manhunt for Kirk’s assassin.

The president said, “essentially somebody that was very close” to the suspect turned him in.

“Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘hmm, that’s him.’ And essentially went to the father, went to a U.S. marshal who was fantastic, by the way, and the person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a U.S. Marshal who was fantastic and the father convinced the son, this is it,” Trump said.

Posted by Greg NormanShare

Breaking News2 hour(s) ago

Arrest made in manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin, Trump says

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, prior to the assassination. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

FIRST ON FOX: Police have arrested a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus earlier this week, according to President Donald Trump.

“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody,” Trump announced Friday on “Fox & Friends.”

“Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job,” Trump added.

Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was sitting under a tent around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, debating with students on hot-button current affairs issues, when a single shot rang out.

Video from the scene shows him struck in the neck before he slumped out of his chair. He had been invited to speak at Utah Valley University by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student group he founded.

Posted by Fox NewsShare

2 hour(s) ago

What we know about the gun used to kill Charlie Kirk

An FBI agent looks near Utah Valley University where evidence was collected as authorities investigate the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

The gun recovered by authorities in the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a bolt-action rifle — a common hunting weapon valued for its reliability but limited to a single shot before reloading.

Unlike a semiautomatic, the shooter must manually operate the bolt handle to cycle the weapon: lifting and pulling it back moves the spent cartridge, while pushing it forward chambers a new round from the magazine. Lowering the bolt locks the round and seals the chamber, making the rifle ready to fire again — a simple, durable design that has kept it popular among hunters and target shooters.

“This process limits the rate of fire, you can only take one shot at a time,” explained retired Marine Lt. Col. Hal Kempfer in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Kempfer noted that with a bolt-action rifle, the spent cartridge often remains in the chamber rather than being ejected, meaning shooters don’t leave behind shell casings or “brass” that investigators can use for forensics.

“That’s just one of those things where you, if you’ve thought it through, you know that you can’t leave any forensic evidence for investigators to work with,” he said.

Posted by Amanda Macias

KPD

Dad Charged in Infant Son’s Death

September 12, 2025

Adrien Dokes, 18, has been charged with first degree murder in perpetuation of aggravated child abuse after Knoxville Police Department officers responded to an unresponsive infant on Thursday night.

At around 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, KPD officers were dispatched to a report that a three-month-old boy was unresponsive at an apartment at 322 Forestal Drive. The child had sustained multiple severe injuries and passed away at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital at just after midnight.

Further investigation revealed that the child was in the care of Dokes, the child’s father, when he sustained the injuries that led to his death.

Dokes, who was detained by responding officers and later questioned by KPD Homicide Unit and Special Crimes detectives, was taken into custody and charged with first degree murder in perpetuating of child abuse.

The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation. The victim will undergo an autopsy at the Regional Forensic Center to further evaluate the cause of death and full extent of his injuries.

Courtesy / UT AThletics

The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN College GameDay Live From Tennessee For SEC Opener

September 12, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The epicenter of college football descends on Rocky Top this weekend when No. 15 Tennessee opens its SEC slate against No. 6/3 Georgia on Saturday in Neyland Stadium.

ESPN College GameDay makes its 12th trip to Knoxville and will originate live from the lawn of Ayres Hall. The pit for fans opens at 6:30 a.m. ET. The show airs live from 9 a.m. to noon on ESPN, ESPNU and Disney+ and will feature “Saturday Selections” from legendary LVFL Candace Parker, who serves as the celebrity guest picker. Head coach Josh Heupel will make a live appearance on the show at approximately 9:20 a.m. Saturday.

ESPN College Football’s digital show Countdown To GameDay airs from 8:20 to 9 a.m. on the ESPN College Football YouTube page and will feature guests.

Rece Davis is at the helm of the show for his 11th season, joined at the desk by GameDay analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Nick Saban. College football insider Pete Thamel, ‘Stanford Steve’ Coughlin and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims round out the GameDay cast.

Back for its third season, the fan-favorite Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest will offer an exclusive contest during the live show. Fans who arrive early will have a chance to be chosen from the pit onsite with the opportunity to attempt a 33-yard field goal. McAfee has given out more than $2 million of his own money in prizes and charity donations across his time on the show. Full details, including official rules, can be found here.

Following GameDay, Herbstreit will join Chris Fowler and Holly Rowe as part of ESPN’s lead game team to call the top 15 conference clash on ABC for the 3:30 p.m. kick inside a Checker Neyland Stadium.

The weekend kicks off with a Friday afternoon of programming on campus. The Pat McAfee Show will originate from inside Neyland Stadium from noon to 2 p.m. Friday It is closed to the public but can be watched live on ESPN. The last hour of the show from 2 to 3 p.m. airs on The Pat McAfee Show YouTube channel. Heupel will make a live appearance at approximately 1:45 p.m.

ESPN College Football Live records on the set from Ayres Hall at 4 p.m. and airs at 5 p.m. Friday on ESPN2.

ESPN Radio’s College Football Campus Tour will also be on location in Knoxville, airing from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday from Calhoun’s On The River.

Neyland Stadium is sold out for a 22nd straight game with Checker Neyland presented by Pilot taking center stage. Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white, depending on their seat location. To find out if your seat section is orange or white, go to CheckerNeyland.com and enter your section/row/seat number as it appears on your digital ticket.

Saturday will serve as the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute for VFL legend John Henderson. Henderson, a two-time first-team All-American and 2000 Outland Trophy winner, will be officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 9 in Las Vegas. He will be recognized at halftime.

Things to Know Ahead of UT vs GA Football Game

September 12, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The Checker Neyland tradition returns to the University of Tennessee campus on Saturday, Sept. 13, as the Volunteers face off against the University of Georgia for the SEC opener.

Kickoff in Neyland Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m., with gates to open at 1:30 p.m.

Checker Neyland:

Tennessee Athletics designated this weekend’s matchup as the annual Checker Neyland game. Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white and can visit CheckerNeyland.com and enter their section, row and seat number as it appears on their ticket to see their assigned color to help create the iconic UT checkerboard pattern in the stands of Neyland Stadium.

Game Day Activities:

Volunteer Gameday live show from Truly’s Tailgate (Gate 9) at 1:30 p.m.
Volunteer Village open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Humanities Plaza
The Vol Walk starting at 1:25 p.m. in Circle Park
Pride of the Southland Band’s march to Neyland at 2 p.m.
Weather permitting, a pregame flyover featuring two F-18s

For more information about routes and start times, visit UT’s digital interactive map.

Parking/Traffic:

Previous Coverage: KAT to offer Tennessee game day shuttles to UT campus

Starting at 5 a.m., Peyton Manning Pass and Phillip Fulmer Way from Cumberland Avenue to Lake Loudoun Boulevard will be closed to all traffic.
Parking lots will open at 7 a.m. Shuttles for season ticket parking permit holders will begin running three hours before kickoff, at 12:30 p.m.
Public parking ranging from $3 to $60 will be available in downtown Knoxville garages and lots. Metered spots will cost $40.
Knoxville Area Transit will offer three game day shuttles originating from the Civic Coliseum, Market Square/Krutch Park and the Old City. The shuttles will begin three hours before kickoff and cost $10 per round trip.
Shuttles from the UT Institute of Agriculture campus and off campus locations will drop off on Volunteer Boulevard at the Stokely Garage.
Free accessible parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis on the UT Institute of Agriculture campus. A valid accessible parking placard or license plate is required.
Fans with a parking permit for Lot 9 or Middle Drive can turn onto Phillip Fulmer Way from Cumberland Avenue. Cars will not be able to enter Lot 9 from Peyton Manning Pass. Parking for the G10 Garage is accessible only from Neyland Drive. Fans with a parking permit for Lot 30 can enter as usual from Volunteer Boulevard via Peyton Manning Pass. After the game, vehicles can exit from Lots 9 and 30 via Peyton Manning Pass.

Detailed parking and traffic information is available on the Tennessee football parking map or on UT’s website.

Gate/Ticket Information:

Gates will open for all fans at 1:30 p.m.
Students will enter the stadium at the southeast corner at Gate 4.
Gates 5, 6, 7 and 8 are not operational this season.
Gate 21 is the designated ADA support entry point with elevators located at Gates 15, 21 and 26.
Game tickets and parking passes will be digital only and must be accessed on a mobile device – screenshots will not be accepted for entry into parking lots or the game.
Those who need assistance with their digital tickets can visit the ticket office locations at Gates 21 and 23.

Bag Policy/Safety Measures:

Fans are allowed to bring one clear, resealable plastic bag into the stadium. They will also be allowed a small clutch purse 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller. No other bags will be allowed inside the stadium.
Fans can bring one unopened factory-sealed clear water bottle and one empty clear water bottle per person.
Smoking is prohibited at UT.
No outside alcohol is allowed in the stadium
Neyland Stadium is now a cashless venue.
Medical bags can be checked at all gates.

More information on the bag and safety policies can be found on UT’s website.

Fans are encouraged to visit the UT Sports website for the latest game day information.

Senator Marsha Blackburn Calls for Termination of a Secret Service Agent

September 11, 2025

Blackburn Calls for Immediate Termination of Secret Service Agent Following His Reprehensible Social Media Post Suggesting Charlie Kirk Deserved Assassination

‘I implore you to ensure that this employee never steps foot in the Secret Service headquarters ever again.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to United States Secret Service Director Sean Curran calling for the immediate termination of a U.S. Secret Service agent after a report exposed his reprehensible social media post about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This Secret Service agent stated that “if you are Mourning [sic] this guy . . [sic] delete me.” This agent went on to say that “you can’t circumvent karma, [sic] she doesnt [sic] leave.”

The Secret Service Must Immediately Terminate the Employee Who Suggested Charlie Kirk Deserved to Be Assassinated

“As our nation continues to mourn the horrific and heartbreaking death of Charlie Kirk, an iconic figure in American politics, I write regarding deeply disturbing reporting that has surfaced this evening indicating that one of your employees applauded this atrocity. This Secret Service agent stated in a social media post that ‘if you are Mourning [sic] this guy . . [sic] delete me. He spewed hate and racism on his show.’ The vitriol did not stop there. This agent went on to say that ‘you can’t circumvent karma, [sic] she doesnt [sic] leave.’ Put simply, your employee celebrated and attempted to justify a political assassination. This conduct is inexcusable, and I urge you in the strongest possible terms to immediately terminate his employment.”

The Secret Service Has Been an Agency Full of Political Actors and Is in Desperate Need of Reform

“As you well know, over the last year, the United States Secret Service has been an agency full of political actors and one in desperate need of reform. Under the failed leadership of Director Kimberly Cheatle, a massive operational failure within the Secret Service nearly led to President Trump’s assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania. Just two months later, there was a second attempt on President Trump’s life. Even more concerning, it took two assassination attempts before the Secret Service finally elevated President Trump’s security detail to that of a sitting president. Those blatant failures will forever be a stain on the Secret Service, and this incident today makes clear that—one year later—bad actors must be rooted out of your agency. President Trump—and all Secret Service protectees—deserve nothing less. You noted in a statement earlier this year that you recognize ‘the importance of accountability’ at the Secret Service. I implore you to abide by that statement and ensure that this employee never steps foot in Secret Service headquarters ever again.”

The full letter is below:

Super Bowl Rematch, 26 Vols in NFL & Game Picks Highlight Week 2 in Vince’s View

September 11, 2025

Here are my Week 2 NFL Game Predictions, both straight-up and against the spread and my results from last week and the season.

You’ll also find an array of fantastic notes down below for Week 2 and the 2025 season courtesy of NFL Communications press releases.

Vince’s Picks Results

Week 1 & Season 11-5 straight-up & 8-8 spread

There are 26 VFLs on 53-player rosters in the NFL. There are 6 more on practice squads. See how each did in Week 1 here. Look for a VFL in the NFL, ex-Vol and local player update blog soon on this feed and website, 991TheSportsAnimal.com.

Winners are in bold. Pick against the spread selection is listed to the side.

Week 2

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025

8:20pm

Washington at Green Bay (-3.5) – Green Bay -3.5

Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025

1pm

Jacksonville at Cincinnati (-3.5) – Cincinnati -3.5

NY Giants at Dallas (-5.5) – Dallas -5.5

Chicago at Detroit (-6) – Detroit -6

LA Rams (-5.5) at Tennessee – LA Rams -5.5

New England at Miami (-1.5) – New England +1.5

San Francisco (-3) at New Orleans – San Francisco -3

Buffalo (-6.5) at NY Jets – Buffalo -6.5

Seattle at Pittsburgh (-3) – Seattle +3

Cleveland at Baltimore (-11.5) – Cleveland +11.5

4:05/4:25pm

Denver (-1.5) at Indianapolis – Denver -1.5

Carolina at Arizona (-6.5) – Arizona -6.5

Philadelphia (-1.5) at Kansas City – Philadelphia -1.5

8:20pm

Atlanta at Minnesota (-3.5) – Minnesota -3.5

Monday, Sept. 15, 2025

7pm

Tampa Bay at Houston (-2.5) – Tampa Bay +2.5

10pm

LA Chargers (-3.5) at Las Vegas – LA Chargers -3.5

NEW YORK — September 9, 2025 — Close games, dramatic comebacks and memorable performances highlighted an exciting Kickoff Weekend. Four teams – Buffalo, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Tampa Bay – recorded game-winning scores in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, with the Bills becoming the first team in NFL history to overcome a 15-point deficit in the final four minutes to win in regulation.

For Week 2 capsules, click here.

Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 2:

All-Time Aaron: Making his Pittsburgh debut in Week 1, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 28th career game with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, tied with Tom Brady for the most in NFL history. Rodgers has 507 career regular-season touchdown passes and against Seattle (1 p.m. ET, FOX), can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most regular-season touchdown passes all-time. Additionally, Rodgers has 63,196 career regular-season passing yards and can surpass Philip Rivers (63,440 passing yards) for the sixth-most regular-season passing yards in NFL history.
Super Bowl LIX Rematch: The Kansas City Chiefs host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX) in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. To end the 2024 season, the Eagles defeated the Chiefs, 40-22, as quarterback Jalen Hurts totaled 293 yards (221 passing, 72 rushing) and three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) to earn Super Bowl MVP honors.
- Hurts rushed for two touchdowns in the Eagles’ Week 1 victory over Dallas, his 16th career regular-season game with multiple rushing touchdowns, the most among quarterbacks in NFL history.
- Kansas City was one of two teams, along with Buffalo, to go undefeated at home last season. Since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018, Kansas City has the most home wins (45) and the highest home winning percentage (.776) in the NFL.
- Mahomes enters Week 2 with 292 career touchdown passes, including the playoffs, and can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (293 touchdown passes) for the most touchdown passes by a player in his first nine seasons, including the postseason, in NFL history.
- Chiefs-Eagles will mark the 11th rematch of a Super Bowl in the following season all-time and the fourth to occur within the first two weeks of that season. The Super Bowl winning team has won seven of the 10 previous rematches.

Super Bowl	SB Result	Rematch Date (Week)	Rematch Result
SB LIX	PHI 40, KC 22	Sept. 14, 2025 (Week 2)	KC at PHI
SB LVIII	KC 25, SF 22 (OT)	Oct. 20, 2024 (Week 7)	KC 28 at SF 18
SB LVII	KC 38, PHI 35	Nov. 20, 2023 (Week 11)	PHI 21 at KC 17
SB LI	NE 34, ATL 28 (OT)	Oct. 22, 2017 (Week 7)	ATL 7 at NE 23
SB 50	DEN 24, CAR 10	Sept. 8, 2016 (Week 1)	CAR 20 at DEN 21
SB XLVIII	SEA 43, DEN 8	Sept. 21, 2014 (Week 3)	DEN 20 at SEA 26 (OT)
SB XXXI	GB 35, NE 21	Oct. 27, 1997 (Week 9)	GB 28 at NE 10
SB XXVII	DAL 52, BUF 17	Sept. 12, 1993 (Week 2)	BUF 13 at DAL 10
SB XIII	PIT 35, DAL 31	Oct. 28, 1979 (Week 9)	DAL 3 at PIT 14
SB XI	OAK 32, MIN 14	Dec. 11, 1977 (Week 13)	MIN 13 at OAK 35
SB IV	KC 23, MIN 7	Sept. 20, 1970 (Week 1)	KC 10 at MIN 27

Close games: The average margin of victory in Week 1 was 7.56 points, the third-lowest margin of victory in Week 1 since 1970, trailing only 1979 (6.79 points) and 1983 (7.00 points). On Kickoff Weekend, 12 games were decided by one score (eight points), tied with 2013 for the most such games in Week 1 all-time.
Importance of Week 1 Results: Since 1990, history has shown that teams that are victorious in their season openers are more than twice as likely to advance to the playoffs as teams that lose their opener. During that span, 54.2 percent of teams (294 of 542) to win their opener have advanced to the playoffs, including both of last year’s Super Bowl participants – the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. However, an 0-1 start is not impossible to overcome, as 25 percent of teams (136 of 541) since 1990 that lost a season opener advance to the playoffs, including five teams in 2024 – the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders
Special Teams: In Week 1, 75.6 percent of kickoffs were returned (118 of 156), up from 33.1 percent in Week 1 in 2024 (57 of 172). Last week, there were 3,074 kickoff return yards, the most in a Week 1 all-time and the most in any week in 15 years (3,233 kickoff return yards in Week 15, 2010).
1-0 matchups: Four matchups this week showcase two teams that each earned wins to open the season.
- Washington (1-0) at Green Bay (1-0) on Thursday (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Set to meet for the first time since the 2022 season, both Washington and Green Bay earned home victories in Week 1 after qualifying for the postseason last year. The Commanders can begin 2-0 for the third time in the past 15 seasons (2011 and 2023) while the Packers look to begin 2-0 for the first time since 2020.
  - Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, in 11 career road starts (including the postseason), has 20 touchdowns (15 passing, five rushing) and a 104.6 passer rating, including at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in six of those road starts.
  - Green Bay defensive lineman Micah Parsons registered a sack in his Packers debut in Week 1. In eight career games against Washington, he has 10.5 sacks – including at least a half sack in seven of eight contests. Last season with Dallas, Parsons had two sacks in Week 12 and 2.5 sacks in Week 18 against the Commanders.
- Jacksonville (1-0) at Cincinnati (1-0) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Both Jacksonville and Cincinnati look to begin 2-0 for the first time since 2018.
  - Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne ranked second in the NFL with 156 scrimmage yards (143 rushing, 13 receiving) in Week 1, his third-career game with at least 150 scrimmage yards.
  - Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow passed for 2,338 yards (292.3 per game) and 23 touchdowns with a 116.9 rating in 8 home starts last season, including at least three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 110-or-higher in each of his final four home starts. In NFL history, only two players have had at least three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 110-or-higher in five consecutive home starts: Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (six consecutive games in 2014) and Aaron Rodgers (five in 2011).
- Denver (1-0) at Indianapolis (1-0) on Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Denver looks to begin 2-0 for the first time since 2021 while Indianapolis can start 2-0 for the first time since 2009. Last season in Week 15, the Broncos defeated the Colts, 31-13, in Denver.
  - After leading the NFL with 63 sacks last season, the Broncos defense recorded a league-high six sacks and allowed a league-low 133 total yards of offense in Week 1. It has been 26 seasons since a team recorded at least six sacks in each of its first two games of a season (Carolina and Seattle in 1998).
  - The Colts defeated Miami, 33-8, in Week 1, marking their first season-opening win since 2013. They scored on all seven of their offensive possessions, becoming the first team in at least 47 years (1978 season) to score on every offensive possession of a game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) at Las Vegas (1-0) on Monday (10 p.m. ET, ESPN): The Los Angeles Chargers look to begin 2-0 in consecutive seasons for the third time since 1970 (2001-02, 1979-81) while Las Vegas can start 2-0 for the first time since 2021. The Chargers won both matchups against the Raiders last season (Weeks 1 and 18).
  - Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 318 yards and three touchdowns with a 131.7 rating in the team’s Week 1 win over Kansas City in Brazil, the only quarterback with at least 300 passing yards and three touchdown passes on Kickoff Weekend
  - Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers recorded five receptions for 103 yards in the Raiders’ 20-13 victory over New England last week, his third career 100-yard game. Bowers has 1,297 receiving yards in 18 career games, the second-most by a tight end in his first 20 career games in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (1,411 receiving yards).

###

QUARTERBACK TRENDS

Quarterback efficiency was a trend across the NFL on Kickoff Weekend, as there were 16 interceptions thrown in Week 1, the fewest in a season-opening week since the 1970 merger.

If 24 or fewer interceptions are thrown in Week 2, it would mark the lowest total through two weeks since 1970, surpassing the 2008 season (41 interceptions).

The seasons with the fewest interceptions thrown through the first two weeks of the season since 1970:

SEASON	INTERCEPTIONS
2008	41
2020	45
2017	45

2025	16*
*in Week 1

Also in Week 1, dual threat quarterbacks made their mark. There were 13 rushing touchdowns by quarterbacks on Kickoff Weekend, the second-most in a single week all-time, trailing only Week 15 of the 2020 season (14 rushing touchdowns).

With four rushing touchdowns by quarterbacks in Week 2, it would mark the most through two weeks of a season in NFL history, surpassing the 2021 and 2020 seasons (16 rushing touchdowns).

The seasons with the most rushing touchdowns by quarterbacks through the first two weeks of the season in NFL history:

SEASON	RUSHING TDs
2021	16
2020	16
2023	14

2025	13*
*in Week 1

Four quarterbacks – Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, the New York Jets’ Justin Fields and Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones – recorded two rushing touchdowns in Week 1, the most in a single week in NFL history.

If either player repeats their performance in Week 2, they will join Cam Newton (2020) as the only quarterbacks all-time to record multiple rushing touchdowns in each of their team’s first two games of a season.

Hurts (16 games) and Allen (13) are already first and second on the all-time list for games with at least two rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks.

With both a passing and rushing touchdown at the New York Jets on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Allen will tie Cam Newton (45 games) for the most games with a passing and rushing touchdown in NFL history.

COLTS, BRONCOS LOOK TO FOLLOW BIG WEEK 1 PERFORMANCES

Last week in their Week 1 victory, the Indianapolis Colts became the first team in at least 47 years (1978 season) to score on every offensive possession of a game.

If the Colts score on each of their first three offensive possessions on Sunday against Denver (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS), they will become the first team in NFL history to score on each of the first 10 offensive possessions of a season.

The teams to score on the most consecutive offensive possessions to begin a season in NFL history:

TEAM	OFF. POSSESSIONS
2024 New Orleans Saints	9
2012 Atlanta Falcons	8
2025 Indianapolis Colts	7*
2019 Kansas City Chiefs	7
2000 Atlanta Falcons	7
*active streak

The Denver Broncos led the NFL with six sacks in Week 1, after leading the league with 63 sacks during the 2024 season.

With six sacks on Sunday against Indianapolis, they will become the sixth team all-time to record at least six sacks in each of their first two games of a season, joining the 1998 Carolina Panthers, 1998 Seattle Seahawks, 1982 Houston Oilers, 1976 Chicago Bears and 1967 Oakland Raiders.

RODGERS & STAFFORD MOVING UP ALL-TIME PASSING TD LIST

Last week in his Pittsburgh debut, quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 28th career game with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, tied with Tom Brady for the most in NFL history.

Rodgers enters Week 2 with 507 career touchdown passes and with two touchdown passes against Buffalo on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), will surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most in NFL history.

The players with the most touchdown passes in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAMS	TD PASSES
Tom Brady	New England, Tampa Bay	649
Drew Brees	San Diego, New Orleans	571
Peyton Manning ^HOF	Indianapolis, Denver	539
Brett Favre ^HOF	Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Minnesota	508
*Aaron Rodgers*	Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Pittsburgh	507

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford recorded 245 passing yards and a touchdown pass in the Rams’ Week 1 victory and now has 378 career touchdown passes.

With three touchdown passes at Tennessee on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Stafford will tie Matt Ryan (381 touchdown passes) for ninth place on the all-time list.

JAYDEN & JACOBS ON TNF

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels followed up his 2024 AP Rookie of the Year campaign with 301 total yards (233 passing, 68 rushing) in Washington’s Week 1 victory. In his first 18 career games. Daniels has 3,801 passing yards and 959 rushing yards.

With 199 passing yards and 41 rushing yards at Green Bay on Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), Daniels will become the first player in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his first 20 career games.

Daniels can also become the fastest quarterback ever (19 games) to reach 1,000 career rushing yards.

Since Week 11 of last season, Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs has recorded a rushing touchdown in 10 consecutive games, including the playoffs.

With a rushing touchdown on Thursday night, Jacobs will become the fourth player since 2000 with a rushing touchdown in 11 consecutive games, including the playoffs, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson (12 straight in 2004), Jonathan Taylor (11 in 2021) and Priest Holmes (11 in 2002).

The players with a rushing touchdown in the most consecutive games, including postseason, since 2000:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON	GAMES
LaDainian Tomlinson ^HOF	San Diego Chargers	2004	12
Jonathan Taylor	Indianapolis	2021	11
Priest Holmes	Kansas City	2002	11
Josh Jacobs	Green Bay	2024-25	10*
*active streak

LAMAR JACKSON, DERRICK HENRY & RUSHING RAVENS

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson totaled 279 yards (209 passing, 70 rushing) and two touchdown passes with a 144.4 passer rating in Week 1. It marked his ninth consecutive game with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-high, including the playoffs, going back to Week 12 of the 2024 season.

This Sunday against Cleveland (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Jackson can become the seventh quarterback in NFL history to record at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-higher in 10 consecutive games, including the postseason, joining Tom Brady (12 games from 2014-15 and 10 games in 2007), Drew Brees (10 games in 2011), Patrick Mahomes (11 games in 2018 and 10 games from 2021-22), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (13 games in 2004), Philip Rivers (13 games from 2017-18) and Aaron Rodgers (14 games from 2010-11).

Running back Derrick Henry led the NFL with 169 rushing yards and added two rushing touchdowns in Week 1. It marked his 13th career game with at least 150 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown for the most in NFL history.

With at least two rushing touchdowns on Sunday, Henry will surpass Adrian Peterson (28 games) for the third-most such games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson (38 games) and Emmitt Smith (36) have more.

The players with the most games with at least two rushing touchdowns in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM(S)	GAMES
LaDainian Tomlinson ^HOF	San Diego, N.Y. Jets	38
Emmitt Smith ^HOF	Dallas, Arizona	36
Derrick Henry	Tennessee, Baltimore	28
Adrian Peterson	Minnesota, Arizona, Washington, Detroit	28
Jim Brown ^HOF	Cleveland	27

With 150 rushing yards on Sunday, Henry will tie Adrian Peterson (19 games) for the fourth-most such games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (25 games), Jim Brown (22) and Walter Payton (20) have more.

The players with the most games with at least 150 rushing yards in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM(S)	GAMES
Barry Sanders ^HOF	Detroit	25
Jim Brown ^HOF	Cleveland	22
Walter Payton ^HOF	Chicago	20
Adrian Peterson	Minnesota, Arizona	19
Eric Dickerson ^HOF	L.A. Rams, Indianapolis	18
Derrick Henry	Tennessee, Baltimore	18
Emmitt Smith ^HOF	Dallas, Arizona	18

Henry can also become the fourth player ever to record at least 150 rushing yards in each of his team’s first two games of a season, joining Alan Ameche (with the Baltimore Colts in 1955) and Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (with Cleveland in 1963) and O.J. Simpson (with Buffalo in 1975).

Since Week 12 of the 2024 season, including the playoffs, Baltimore has recorded at least 150 rushing yards in nine consecutive games. If they reach the mark again on Sunday, they will become the third team in the Super Bowl era to record at least 150 rushing yards in 10 consecutive games, including the postseason, joining the 1972-73 Dolphins (15 games) and 1975 Steelers (11 games).

REMARKABLE ROOKIES

Rookies accounted for 76 receptions across the NFL in Week 1, the second-highest total among rookies in Week 1 all-time, trailing only the 2023 season (87 receptions).

With at least 58 receptions by rookies in Week 2, the 2025 rookie class will have among the top-three most catches through the first two weeks of a season all-time.

The seasons with the most receptions by rookies through the first two weeks of the season in NFL history:

SEASON	RECEPTIONS
2023	191
2017	139
2020	133

2025	76*
*in Week 1

Cleveland tight end Harold Fannin and Indianapolis tight end Tyler Warren each totaled seven receptions in Week 1, joining Keith McKeller (nine receptions with Buffalo on Oct. 18, 1987) and Monty Stickles (eight with San Francisco on Sept. 25, 1960) as the only tight ends in league history with at least seven receptions in their NFL debut.

With similar performances on Sunday in Week 2, both Fannin (at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET, CBS) and Warren (vs. Denver, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) can have among the most receptions ever by a tight end in his first two career games.

The tight ends with the most receptions in their first two career games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON	RECEPTIONS
Brock Bowers	Las Vegas	2024	15
Keith Jackson	Philadelphia	1988	12
Monty Stickles	San Francisco	1960	11
Sam LaPorta	Detroit	2023	10
John Carlson	Seattle	2008	10
Oscar Roan	Cleveland	1975	10

Harold Fannin	Cleveland	2025	7*
Tyler Warren	Indianapolis	2025	7*
*in first game

Tampa Bay wide receiver Emeka Egbuka recorded two touchdown receptions on Kickoff Weekend, including the game-winning touchdown with 59 seconds remaining. He became the second player since the 1970 merger to record a game-winning touchdown reception in the final minute of regulation or overtime in his first career game, joining Ernest Wilford (with Jacksonville on Sept. 12, 2004).

On Monday Night Football at Houston (7 p.m. ET, ABC), Egbuka can become the first player in NFL history with two touchdown receptions in each of his first two career games.

Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward is slated to make his first career home start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (1 p.m. ET, CBS).

He can become the seventh No. 1 overall pick quarterback all-time to win his first career home start, joining David Carr (2002 with Houston), Andrew Luck (2012 with Indianapolis), Baker Mayfield (2018 with Cleveland), Jim Plunkett (1971 with New England), Michael Vick (2001 with Atlanta) and Caleb Williams (2024 with Chicago)

JUSTIN JEFFERSON

Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson enters Week 2 with 499 career receptions.

With his first reception against Atlanta on Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), Jefferson – who will be 26 years and 90 days old – will tie Larry Fitzgerald as the youngest player in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions.

The youngest players to reach 500 career receptions in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	AGE
Justin Jefferson^	Minnesota	26 years, 90 days*
Larry Fitzgerald	Arizona	26 years, 90 days
CeeDee Lamb	Dallas	26 years, 149 days^#
^has 499 career receptions; ^#reached the mark in Week 1
*age as of this Sunday

PUKA NACUA

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua tied for the lead in the NFL with 10 receptions last week and ranked second with 130 receiving yards. Entering Week 2, Nacua has 194 receptions and 2,606 receiving yards in 29 career games.

With six receptions at Tennessee on Sunday (4 p.m. ET, CBS), Nacua will become the second player in NFL history with 200 receptions in his first 30 games, joining Odell Beckham Jr. (206 receptions).

With 131 receiving yards, Nacua will tie Justin Jefferson (2,735 receiving yards) for the second-most receiving yards by a player in his first 30 career games in NFL history, trailing only Odell Beckham Jr. (3,035 receiving yards).

The players with the most receiving yards in their first 30 career games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	REC. YARDS
Odell Beckham Jr.	N.Y. Giants	3,035
Justin Jefferson	Minnesota	2,735
Lance Alworth ^HOF	San Diego	2,666
Bill Groman ^HOF	Houston Oilers	2,648
*Puka Nacua*	L.A. Rams	2,606*
*in 29 games

ETSU

Two ETSU Employees Placed on Leave, Kirk Comments

September 11, 2025

KNOXVILLE, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT) – East Tennessee State University has confirmed that two of its employees have been placed on administrative leave after making posts on social media regarding the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.

An ETSU spokesperson says Dr. Andrew Herrmann and Dr. Russell Brown were both placed on administrative leave, pending further review, after the university received multiple complaints about posts that were made by them online.

According to ETSU’s website, Dr. Herrmann is an associate professor and an associate chair in the Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling and Dr. Brown is a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

I can confirm that ETSU has received numerous complaints about online posts made by Dr. Andrew Herrmann and Dr. Russell Brown following the assassination of Mr. Charlie Kirk. I can also confirm both individuals are faculty members at ETSU and that both employees have been put on administrative leave, pending further review. Because this is a personnel issue, we cannot offer further comment at this time.

East Tennessee State University Spokesperson

TWRA

TWRA says Streak Continues in a Labor Day Holiday Stat

September 11, 2025

NASHVILLE, TN (WOKI / TWRA) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is happy to report, that for the fourth consecutive year, there were no boating-related fatalities over the Labor Day holiday period from Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

There were three injuries, and five property damage incidents reported statewide. Three boating under the influence arrest were made, all related to crash investigations.

For the year, there have been 18 statewide boating-related fatalities. The total is two more than the same time last year and two less than through the same period in 2023.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

SPD

Two Charged in Crash that Closed I-40 for Over Six Hours in Sevierville, Police Say

September 11, 2025

Sevierville, TN (WOKI) Two people are facing charges after allegedly causing a crash that closed down Interstate 40 in Sevierville for over six hours Wednesday night.

Officials with the Sevierville Police Department say the crash happened around 8:00 p.m. on I-40 East near mile marker 409.

According to a preliminary investigation, a Toyota Camry crashed into a semi-truck, sending it and another semi-truck into the median. The Camry then crashed into a third semi-truck and got partially stuck underneath it.

Police say one of the semis that crashed into the median fell over on its side, trapping the 58-year-old driver inside. Emergency crews extricated the driver, who was then transported to an area hospital. His injuries are currently unknown.

No other injuries were reported.

SPD says the driver of the Toyota, 20-year-old Jonathan Negrete-Toledo, of Dandridge, was charged with underage driving while impaired and violation of implied consent. The passenger, 20-year-old Victor Campos, of White Pine, was charged with underage alcohol consumption.

The crash is currently under investigation.

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Utah (story courtesy of Fox News) – Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson named, mugshots released

Utah Gov. Cox says ‘we got him’

WHAT TO KNOW

Tyler Robinson identified by sources as suspect arrested in Charlie Kirk assassination

‘We have made historic progress for Charlie,’ FBI director says

State, federal officials to provide update after Trump announces arrest

‘I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith,’ Kirk said months before assassination

Trump says Charlie Kirk is ‘bigger now because of what happened’

Trump on Charlie Kirk’s assassin: ‘I hope he gets the death penalty’

Arrest made in manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin, Trump says

What we know about the gun used to kill Charlie Kirk

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